Emmanuel-God with us

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Doing my study this morning I thought about the people in the Old Testament. They didn't have the presence of God with them,but the presence of God was the Ark of the Covenant. I thought how many times have I taken forgranted God's presence? Shamefully, too many times. I have the Holy Spirit inside of me and he goes where I go. They didn't have that in the O.T. Sometimes I think it may have made some of them more faithful or grateful. They had to sacrifice animals for remission of their sins,as where we have Jesus who was sacrificed for our sins. Do we truly know how blessed we are?

Ponder on that, if you will. God bless!

At the Well- The Words We Speak

I said I was taking a break,I have been,but I will continue to input on At the Well on Monday's.

I am grateful for the ladies I've met through blogging and through At the Well. Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beat's had a powerful post on the words we speak. Wow, God really convicted me about somethings. He is so great and it's wonderful to have the Holy Spirit living inside of me to convict me of my sinful nature.

Here are some questions Laurie Ann posted. I'm going to answer them honestly,then give another spin on the words we speak.

1. Do the words you speak reflect your reverence for Christ?
2. Would you consider your speech to be self-controlled and pure?
3. Do you find gossip and slander hard or easy to avoid?

1. Wow, what Laurie Ann said was a home run hit to me. I have said so many time I'll pray for you and get so busy,then forget to do so. I have caught myself saying My Lord a lot too. I have been trying to get better about praying on the spot for those I tell I will do so. I'm trying to think of other words I can say that are funny,yet not anywhere near taking the Lord's name in vain.

2. As far as profanity goes, I don't cuss at all. I have recently stopped myself saying crap and I'm trying to stop saying dang. It's such a common word here in the deep south and it's hard to break saying it.

3. Now, that I live away from family and friends I don't know if it's harder or easier. I only talk to my Mother on the phone and sometimes she'll start telling me about so and so,I'll have to change the subject,though I don't all the time. I used to find it easy to avoid.


Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beat's said some great things! I wasn't expecting that spin on the subject. I am so glad that's such diversity among the ladies there! Go check out her blog post on it!

Now, here's what comes to my mind when I think about the words we speak. Life or death. Blessing or cursing. We can do not only damage to people we do not like with our tongue,but to people we love a lot. I know everyone has heard the saying, 'You are what you eat.' Well, I believe in the saying, 'You are what you say.' This verse was talked about much at the church I attended before I got married. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 I have it hid in my heart and I believe what it says. If you constantly speak death(negative) over things,people, and situations they will be what you say they are. If you speak life(positive) over things,people,and situations they will do the same. Let's say for example, you are having a hard time with a relationship in your life and you constantly are saying, "It's never going to change. It will always be so hard or dry or bad." Well, it will continue to be so. Remember the saying, 'Can't never could"? Well, it's true. If you keep speaking how bad your kids are and how horrible they are. Bank on it, they'll keep being that way. You have to speak life and blessing over your family and your situations! You cannot keep speaking death and cursing! If you do, it definately will not get better. You know someone who has cancer,don't speak death over them. Pray Your will be done,Father. Our tongue is powerful! If we don't bridle it with God's Word and the Holy Spirit, it can do major damage! I know some that don't take this verse as literal as my husband and I do,but we take it literal. Our tongue should bring praise and honor to God! It should encourage and comfort others! There is a time for rebuke and correction,but that is still done in love.


"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12:37

This is another verse that was talked about a lot at the church I attended before I married. You cannot take back something you have said. No matter what you do,the words are still there in the mind(s) of the one(s) you said them too. You can re-do much in life,but what comes out of your mouth is forever etched into eternity. You will either be found just or be found condemned for the words you speak. We are called to be kind to one another. Words can uplift or trample someone. "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Proverbs 15:23



But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I Peter 1:15-16

Lastly, we are called to be holy in all manner of conversation. Like Laurie Ann pointed out,it's not just about cussing. You can use substitutes that are just as bad. Crap,dang,heck,and others are just substitutes. Oh my gosh,oh my goodness,those are substitutes also. I was in a bad habit of saying OMGosh all the time years ago,thankfully with God's help I have stopped. Not only is it about the words we say and what those words are,but what we are talking about. I believe this verse is also talking about what we talk about. Gossip,slander,lying,filth,etc. It's so easy to get caught up in the first two: gossip and slander. Wow. It is so easy,but we have to keep the scripture hid in our heart,as David said, so that we may not sin against God. So if you have some problems with the words you speak,ask God for help. He is gracious and forgiving! He is all powerful! Don't forget to go over to A Magnolia's Heart Beat's and be blessed by her post!


Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Proverbs 4:24

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 8:13

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Proverbs 12:13

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Proverbs 18:4

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 18:8

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Proverbs 18:20-21

taking a break

I'm taking a leave of absence from the internet for a little bit. Not sure how long. I need to not spend so much time on here. I try to do it when my son is asleep,but I'm going to not do so. It's hard being cramped up at home all day and not going out with Daniel much. So the only thing to do to keep in contact with the real world is get on here. Since we aren't near our families and haven't made many new friends here. Just be praying for us. I hope God continues to bless all of ya'll!

A Wife's Biblical Submission- Being Faithful

I am doing a study on submission over @ A Wife's Biblical Submission. It's really been a blessing to me and the others, as well. If you haven't went over there yet,do so, it will bless you and help you as you seek to be a Godly,submissive,loving wife.

I wanted to share something I did while I was doing a study by Elizabeth George called A Woman's Walk With God: Growing In the Fruit of the Spirit. It was really amazing! In one chapter she talked about struggles to be faithful daily. I think this can be applied to Proverbs 31:14 "She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar." Sunny did an excellent job talking about how to prepare meals and just be like merchant ships in our home for our families. We are to be faithful in our service to God and part of that service is taking care of our families how God would like us too.

Elizabeth pointed out some areas where you can struggle with being faithful. It really blessed me and help me see where I was being unfaithful to the Lord ( I had no baby at this time) and my husband. I'll list the ones that she listed and then I want to share the 3 I picked and how to combat being unfaithful.

Tiredness- says 'I can't do it.'
Laziness- says 'I don't want to do it.'
Hopelessness- says 'It don't matter if I do it.'
Procrastination- says 'I'll do it later.'
Rationalization- says 'Someone else will do it.'
Apathy- says 'I don't care if I do it.'
Rebellion- says 'I won't do it.'

She talked about her struggles with them and how she deals with them. The only way to deal with any of those is the Word of God. His Word says in Paslm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." That's something we should ask daily, I know I have too. We have to die to the flesh daily and the above things are born out of our sin nature.

Now, here are the 3 I struggle with the most.

Laziness- This is a mental struggle. It says, "I don't want to do it." It whines I don't want to clean the house... I don't want to cook..... I don't want to get involved in ministry... I don't want to do my Bible study."

Those are all my struggles. Laziness is referred to as slothful in the Bible and it is mentioned 17 times in the Old and New Testaments. I mean, wouldn't it be so much better if I could just snap my fingers and the house be clean,dinner be cooked,and my son be put to sleep? Some days I am very lazy. Other days I'm not. Most of you know being a wife and mother is very demanding. It's not bad,but you are needed 24/7. I'm having to get used to it and allow God to just help me to relax and be faithful in this area. Being a housewife is honoring God and serving Him as He has commanded me. In saying that, I mean keeping my house tidy (maybe not spotless),taking care of my husband (by cooking for him,helping him get ready for work,etc.),and taking care of my baby. That doesn't take the place of doing my Bible study and praying everyday,it is just another way of serving the Lord.

Here are some scripture that helps me:

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18

"He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."
Proverbs 18:9


Procrastination- It says, "I'll prepare for class later.... I'll prepare to cook later.... I'll finish or start that chapter later.... I'll wash and dry clothes later.... I'll bath my baby later... I'll do my Bible reading later."

This would have to be my number one struggle! I have always struggled with this. Once I get on a roll with doing things on time or when they just need to be done, I'll slip up one day with procrastinating and that cycle will go on a few days. I would love more me time,but that's selfish. Procrastination will never get the job done and is a vicious habit to form.

Here is a scripture that helps me:

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Ecclesiastes 9:10


Tiredness-This a physical struggle,unlike laziness,which is a mental struggle. It says, "I can't get up... I can't do it.... I can't make it to church.... I can't run errands... I can't study... I'm too tired to clean up or cook... I'm too tired to pray."

I really didn't know what tired meant until I got pregnant and had a baby. Before being pregnant I would stay up late with my husband and be too tired in the morning to do the things I needed to do. Staying in that warm,cozy bed with Mike was just much more appealing. Aren't we are like this sometimes? Most days I'm beat after taking care of Daniel,plus the house and getting to bed at midnight. So I'm too tired to get up in the mornings,but I just have to remember to ask God for strength and to help me to feel rested that day.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13

Our call as children of God is to be diliegent in our work for Him,living for Him,and praising Him. Our call as wives and mothers is to be diligent in taking care of our husbands,children,and our home. It can get overbearing,so I encourage you to pick some scripture out to combat each area you may have a weakness in. I pray this will encourage and help some sister.

Don't forget to check out the study at A Women's Biblical Submission.

At the Well- Purity

I enjoyed everything that Tracy wrote on purity. She had some great wisdom that she shared. Go check it out,if you haven't already @ Thirsty For Him.

I know this is a touchy subject and I am not trying to condemn. This is just how I view it and how I believe God wants us to live. I didn't have much time to look up the meanings of purity,but being pure isn't hard to figure out. It's being the example Jesus was here on earth. It not only has to do with what we watch,read,or listen too. It has to do with our attitude,dress,conversation,and actions.

I am very big on what I watch,read,and listen too. I believe Jesus made enough references about what goes in will come out in the Bible,that it is something we should take seriously. Years ago when I was a young teen I really didn't think about what I put into my mind through music or t.v. I listened to country music and watched fearful movies. As I got to be an older teen I started listening to alternative,pop,rock,and rap music. I tried to stop listening to it once,but it wasn't out of a true heart so it didn't last. When I was about 20 or 21 God really put it heavy on my heart to let all of my life glorify Him and to let go of the junk in my life. Thankfully, that time I was true about it. I stopped listening to anything but Christian music and even that is filtered. I also stopped watching any shows that have cursing,sex (of any type),witchcraft,to be honest anything filthy. Filthy isn't defined by my standards,but by the Word of God. So, needless to say, we don't watch much t.v. at all. It's really not that bad though. We even filter some of the "Christian" stuff out there. I filled my mind with enough junk that I had to filter out in years before. I only want my mind filled with God's Word now. I think it's very important to teach this to our kids. Like Sunny said if you teach them to love God's Word.

Our Spirit is weak by nature beacause of our sinful flesh. You feed your Spirit the Word of God in order to grow stronger in that area. Whichever you feed the most,will grow more. By abstaining from things of the world, we can put in God's Word and be pure before Him. If your love for God grows everyday and your intimacy with Him becomes deeper, you'll not do it out of legalism,but rather out of pure love and want too for and from God. Be blessed! Check out the Tracy's thoughts on this at Thirsty for Him.

Here are some verses to dwell on.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101:3

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Matthew 15:18-19

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. I Peter 1:15-16

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Remembering 9/11

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.


America,why don't we begin to bless God?

PASTOR BIKE HAS BEEN FREED!!!

This is late,but I still wanted to post.

Praise the Lord God Almighty who is worthy to save! And this HE did again :)
Here is the latest news regarding Pastor Bike and we want to thank all of you for signing our petition!!

We just received word from Pastor "Bike" that he has been released from Chinese custody. Pastor Bike was in good spirits and extended thanks to all those who prayed and were willing to sign the petition for his release. He believed this petition drive was part of the reason the officials released him along with his wife and co-worker.

We will still deliver a printed copy of all the signatures collected to the Chinese embassy next week, along with a THANK YOU LETTER to express appreciation for the release of our Christian brothers and sister. Continue to add your voice, and encourage your friends, so that we can let the Chinese government know how many Christians care about persecution in China.

We will have a full update next week.

Praise God for answered prayer!
--The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association

all about me: pics included

I thought I would write an entry with some info about myself. Most of you know me very well and others don't know me so well. Since I don't use this blog to post about day-to-day life ( I have a bloop diary) I thought this would be a good way to let ya'll know about myself. A blog I just started reading did something like this with 25 facts about herself. So I'm semi-copying her. I want ya'll to leave some facts about yourself in comments as well!


-I live in the Southern state of Alabama.
-My husband is a Highway Patrolman-aka-State Trooper.
-I have a little boy,Daniel Paul, who was born on January 26,2008.
-I used a Certified Nurse Midwife and Doula during my labor and delievery.
-I have 2 wonderful parents,Tony and Bhrenda.
-My Daddy builds gorgeous houses and my Mama works at Wal-Mart.
-I am the middle child,with an older brother,Anthoney(33), and younger sister,Haley(22 1/2),they're both married.
-Anthoney has 2 girls and Haley has 1 boy.
-Both of my Grandfather's and one Grandmother have passed away,whom I miss dearly!
-I graduated from a small Bible college,Southeastern Baptist College,in Mississippi with an Associates of Art-Business.
-Mike and I were married December 4,2006 in our apartment by a friend that's a minister(not many pictures and there's a crazy story behind it).
-I have a BIL,Jamie,(he's a Trooper too) and 2 SIL's,Robyn and Heather,my husband's siblings.
-Mike has 2 nieces,his brother's girls.
-I also have a BIL and SIL,my siblings spouses.
-My youngest SIL and I have the same first name and my MIL and I have the same middle name.ha!
-I received Jesus as my Savior when I was 10 and was renewed when I was 20 (read my testimony for more).
-I went to Honduras on a a week mission trip in 2003,where I come to love the country!
-I've only been on a plane once,but want to fly again.
-I am immune to chicken pox! ha!
-We attend a big Southern Baptist Church in a small town in Alabama.
-We are originally from a small town in Mississippi.
-My husband used to be a Sheriff's Deputy in Mississippi.
-I was on the drama team at Riverside Full Gospel(where I went to church before marrying) called the Joshua Generation.
-I originally wanted to be a lawyer(who doesn't want to be like Matlock?) or a photographer.
-I am at stay at home wife and mother and stayed at home prior to Daniel.
-I am passionate about pro-life issues!
-I am passionate about keeping marriage as God intended it!
-I am passionate about the persecuted church and missions!

-I love to spend time with my husband and son!
-I love being a wife and mother!
-I love to read and write!
-I love to ride 4-wheelers!
-I love spending time in worship with the Lord,either quietly or interceeding for others!
-I love going to our church to worship with others believers!
-I love playing board games and card games. (my poor husand)!
-I love watching sports! Especially college football! GO Warealge!
-I love the outdoors and the country so much,which I miss LOTS!
-I love to take pictures,if you cannot tell.
-I love to talk a lot!
-I love walking on the beach at dusk!
-I love Mexican and Italian foods!
-I love to listen to music and to sing!
-I would love to travel someday,especially to Europe.
-I love to read God's word and soak up what He's showing me!
-I love to listen to or read anything by Beth Moore,Elizabeth George,Elisabeth Elliot,Corrie ten Boom,Eric or Leslie Ludy,and John Hagee!
-I love history and anything about WWII.
-I love going shopping for myself and others!
-I love the winter season!
-I love Thanksgiving and Christmas especially!
-I enjoy talking walks and going fishing.
-I enjoy keeping my house clean.
-I enjoy to bake and cook.
-I enjoy making jewelry,a hobby I took up about 2 years ago.

-I believe in co-sleeping.
-I believe in breastfeeding my babies(or give 'em goat's milk ha! story behind that too).
-I believe in the Biblical roles for men,women,and children.
-I believe the Bible in it's entirety.
-I believe life begins at conception and against abortion,at any time for any reason.
-I believe marriage is between one man and one woman.
-I believe Jesus is the Son of God,born of a virgin,who lived a sinless life on earth,was crucified,and raised on the thrid day.
-I believe in repenting of our sinful nature,by asking Jesus to cleanse us with his blood, and then asking Jesus to be Lord of our life.
-I believe Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven and those who aren't redeemed by his blood will perish as God says.


That's a lot! There's more to me and you'll have to just keep reading my blog! I added pictures too. Don't forget to leave me some facts about yourself in your comment!! God Bless!









Our apartment!

My family at my sister's wedding,minus my husband.

The Mobile skyline!

God's beauty! My parent's land in MS.

God's promises are true!

My Daniel Paul,sitting up!

Mama and Daniel before church.
Daniel Paul on Mama's birthday,how sweet! Abort this?

Daniel Paul at the hospital,2 days old.

Daniel cracking up!

Taking a nap,I love it!

Daniel's infamous smile!

Going to work with Daddy!

Mike and I going fishing at my parents.

There's that smile again!

My first Mother's Day!

Daddy and Daniel playing.

Mike and I in Daphne,AL with his family(before we got married).

The day after we got engaged,at a friend's celebrating.

My graduation at SBC on May 11,2006.

Mike proposed June 2,2006 and of course I said YES!!!
Landon,my sister's boy.

Mike and I at home playing with our new camera.

Mike and I at Mim's Park July '08.

Anthoney (brother) and Amanda

Wesley and Haley(sister)

This is my Jamie's (BIL) girls Brooklynn & Maycie.

Tabitha(fixing to turn 6),my brother's oldest girl.

Marley(just turned 5),my brother's youngest girl.

testify to love

I was thinking last night and today about God's blessings and love during my pregnancy. Many of you know how difficult it was for us financially throughout the whole pregnancy. I wanted to just testify of God's love and blessings upon us.

We got married December 4,2006 and really with not a lot of money. We only had a bed and entertainment systmem with 2 t.v.'s. We had some kitchen appliances,enough to cook and eat with. So we started out very meager and still are that way. About a month before I found out I was pregnant we got on our feet financially. My husband is a State Trooper here in Alabamba and well they don't get paid what they deserve (in my opinion). We really wanted to get on our feet and start sowing into the ministries God put on our heart. When I took the pregnancy test and had missed my period, I was in a panic mode. How were we going to afford to pay the bills? How was I going to get past all the pain in pregnancy? A flood of thoughts emotions hit me all at once. Some background info: Mike had insurance,but it was taking a little more time with the State to get me on it. We missed the date they had set for me to get on it and I had to wait 8 or 9 months. Well, you see I got pregnant way before those 8 or 9 months. So I was asking God 'What are You doing? Don't You know I'm not on insurance? Mike doesn't make a lot?' Isn't that just like His children,doubting His power and soveriegnty? After my first visit they wanted us to see if we would qualify for medicaid,but we sort of figured we didn't. We finally got around to going to the office for medicaid and she told us we were $200 over the limit. $200. She told us if his paycheck changed at all for us to come back and we could get on medicaid. We left and I was so angry. I was angry at the people who cheat the system(not all,but I do know some personally that do) and I was angry at God. I thought how could God do this? He knows we aren't going to be able to make it. We were paying $479 a month in rent,which was our biggest bill. We were also paying the last few payments on our used truck.

I was a ball of emotions,but I kept things together somehow. I think it was around late July that our landlord came to my husband with a proposition. She had no idea we were struggling financially. She wanted him to be the courtesy officer at the complex where we live. She said in exchange we would get free rent. My husband was literally blew away. He came back upstairs to tell me the news. I was shocked,but I was still mad at God. God knew all along that He would provide a way for Daniel to get here,He just wanted us to trust Him. So instead of paying $479 each month,we could pay the mandatory payment of $500 each doctor's visit. I was very happy about it,but I still just couldn't get over the fact there were people on medicaid that didn't deserve it. One God day rebuked me about it. He told me that I shouldn't think the world would honor me just because I am a good person and that I should not put my faith in the world,but in Him for everything. I realized what I was doing and I repented to God and in front of my family. From that point on I knew God would supply our every need just like He said in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " He also gave me this verse in Matthew 10:30-32 30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

There were many times that Mike worked overtime and the check was "late" in our eyes,but God sent it right on time. There's an old song that talks about He's 4 days late,yet He's right on time. Some of things that God did for us many would not even think possible if I shared it. Because at times I thought no way,this can't be. He truly took care of us. He provided for us beyond belief. We got the clinic paid off by the 7th month, which they required and we even got the hospital paid off. Since we weren't on insurance or medicaid they gave us a "cut". By the time I delieverd Daniel we needed to pay $2,500 or we would owe $4,000 instead and if it ended up a C-section then we would owe another $1,000 within a month. With God's help we got the $2,500 paid. We paid the last $1,500 like 2 weeks or so before I had Daniel. God literally gave us the money. For Christmas we received $300 dollars from a family we are very close too and that helped pay the hospital off. God time and time again just paid off our debts and proved Himself true. At one point, I felt sorry for those who did not know the goodness,faithfulness,grace,and mercy of my God and my Savior.

That wasn't the end of it either. Once we had Daniel we definately were struggling. We did not expect a C-section,but I ended up with one. So we had to pay $1,000 dollars a month from January 26th. We did not know how we would do this. Our bank account was overdrawn already from the previous paycheck,so half of the check that hit at the 1st of February would not be ours. Mike's parents did not have the money to give us and my parents had already gave us $500 once Daniel got here. It was rough. We weren't worried though,we just knew God would pay for it,we just didn't know how. My parents had $1,000 that they could spare us and offered it to us. At first, Mike almost let his pride get in the way,but thanks to God he accpeted it. They said not to worry about paying them back,which was very generous (my parents are awesome to say the least!).

The hospital was horrible about keeping up with payments and bills,so we kept a record of what we paid and such. By the time we went to pay off the C-section, we had oh about $8,000 dollars in bills they sent. We were going to talk to them and see if they had not kept up with our payments because some of them we knew we had paid. So we go into the billing office and Mike is at the counter talking to the lady. It took longer than I thought it would to just give them a $1,000 and then be able to go talk to the head lady. Daniel was asleep,thankfully,but I was wanting him to hurry before he woke up. He walked back into one of the rooms and I thought finally! He came out a few minutes after leaving and proceeded to tell me what happened. He said the lady at the desk said that we did not owe anything to them. He asked her how because we had a unexpected C-section. She said I'm not sure,but it shows your balance at zero. He asked to talk to Kathy(head lady) about this. He showed her all the bills we got and she said they are all paid off. He told her that he wanted to see it for himself,so she showed him the computer and our account information. Sure enough we owed them nothing at all. Zelp,zilch,zero. She even wrote on the bills what they were for and it was paid in full. I almost fell to the ground. I could not believe what I was hearing. And people say miracles don't happen today? Ask my husband and he'll tell you otherwise. We left and immediately called our parents and friends to praise God! God literally paid the way for Daniel Paul to be here with us.

What is even more awesome is that God knew ahead of time that my parents would need that $1,000 a month after they gave it to us. How wonderful is our God? How awesome is He? He is so majestic! He is the Holy One of Israel! He is my Redeemer and my Refuge! Praise You Lord! Praise You in the highest! Looking back God was doing so much we just could not see at the time. We were not walking by faith at first,but by sight. And it says the just shall live by faith. "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17 He is still blessing us continually. I hope this will encourage someone to look to Jesus,the author and finisher of our faith!

I want to write later about the labor and birth of Daniel Paul,which was amazing as well!

active hurricane season

Well, most of you know Gustav hit and did a good bit of damage. I live in Alabama and have been through some hurricanes,the worst was Katrina (I lived in Mississippi then). So be praying for those who have been hit by Gustav and received much damage. I know people in Lousiana and Mississippi got a good bit of damage. Thankfully, we did not get any,but just some flooding. Also remember the ones who may get hit by Hanna. I feel for them. During Katrina we had no power for 7 days and we lost everything in the fridge. I was living with my parents at that time. God can tell make the seas obey Him,this I am sure of. Sometimes He does allow things like this,we live in a fallen world. So just be in prayer for everyone down this way.