Thankful Thursday-Looking Back

I have missed thankful Thursday the past few weeks. Iris @ Grace Alone encourages us to look back over our year. She cites this verse from Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Check out her post on this Thankful Thursday.

I already did a looking back post earlier this week,just on miracles we experienced throughout the year of 2008. I'll just talk some more about our year anyway.

We started the year out being new parents and new is just what we were. Wow. I never knew a baby was so much work really. I thought they were just all fun a games. I seriously did not think things would change so much for myself. Thought I'd still get to sleep when I wanted,eat when I wanted,shower when I wanted,the list goes on. I don't know why I was so naive about it,I just really didn't think it changed that much. I saw my brother's wife carry on with life as it was before she had their oldest daughter and it was the same with their youngest. I was wrong. Everything in life should help us be more selfless and a child does that. It's just up to us whether we let them. I guess it's up to the parents,Mother especially, on how much they sacrifice. I'd sacrifice the world for Daniel. He is such a confident,happy,smart lil' boy. It's so wonderful to know our nurturing has helped him become that. I learned A LOT this past year as far as being selfless goes and I'm still learning BTW. Wow. I woke up many times during the wee early mornings to nurse Daniel when he wanted it and so did Mike. Sometimes 4 times a night for an hour he would nurse. I went days without a shower. And food,what's that?! I changed his diaper however many times he wanted it,though it was costing us a fortune. At the slightest damp diaper he would scream,he definitely didn't stay in them long. I did all this sacrificing for this precious,little, baby boy. I wouldn't change a thing and would probably do more sacrificing if I did it all over again. And Mike. My hero. He was there right by my side. He helped me get positioned to nurse and everything. I couldn't have done it without him. He is such a wonderful,loving man. We've learned so much from Daniel Paul this year. He loves us so much! It's amazing! He lights up when we talk to him,play with him,and hug him. It's amazing how much he loves us. I don't deserve it sometimes,but he freely gives it. Thank You, Lord for Daniel Paul.

And why didn't anyone tell me that marriage would change too? Wow. It was just weird, how things changed. Thank God it wasn't for the worst,although it could have been and that's with any marriage. I know my dear husband felt so isolated and so useless at times when Daniel wanted nothing but me. I know he wondered where his romantic,sexy wife went? haha I also wondered that too. Wow, I was just so vulnerable right after I had Daniel. I've never been that vulnerable. I would get upset over the smallest things,cry over things I never did before,and did not feel like a good looking woman at all. It wasn't too fun, to tell ya the truth. I did not want to be touched hardly in any sexual way,only held and hugged. It was so strange. No one told me I would feel this way either. No wonder so many couples have issues after they have children. Marriage does change,but it doesn't have to be for the bad! You just have to stay connected to Jesus and each other. You have to talk daily and sometimes not about the baby,just about your day and his day. It was just so stressed around the house. I am not low key by any means and it made it bad on Mike,though I thought I was doing what I was supposed too. Keeping the house up,trying to make Mike happy,and taking care of Daniel,which I wasn't so confident about yet. We finally had a melt down. He let me know it was no fun around the house,not the best way to say it,but that's the only way he knew how to say it. I cried and told him he hurt my feelings and that I felt all alone or that he didn't want to be at the house with us. We talked about things,feelings,and decided that we would not worry about the house so much and just spend quality time with each other and Daniel. Thank You,Lord for honesty. My husband can't help,but be brutally honest. It hurts sometimes,but it's better than not saying anything,which I tend to do. Thankfully, since then we have learned how to cope with marriage better while having a baby. We love each other more now,I know. It's so great knowing he is the Father of my son and know he feels the same about me. I just can't imagine life with any other man. He is so awesome! I once again feel good looking and want to be loved on. It's really weird how all the emotions and hormones are so out of wack. Poor husbands.

Families have been wonderful this year too. Without them we would not be as good off as we are today. My family bought our glider for us,gave us $500 after Daniel got here,and my Mother stayed with us for almost a week. I miss those days! They are so special! Mike's family has come down to Mobile and just took me places with them to get out of the house. His oldest sister,Robyn,has loaned us money and watched Daniel a couple times for us. It's been great seeing my parents holding Daniel or playing with him. Wow, it's just amazing! Friends have been a life saver too. We've went over to one friends house a lot! He let our crying lil' baby come over and just cooked for us or ordered food. My Daddy got saved and has turned his life around. He's since been attending church with my Mama and witnessing to everyone. Mike's Mother and sisters have started coming to church with us and really love it! My brother and his wife are expecting a third child too! A boy to carry on my Daddy's name! We miss our families dearly.

We have also seen God move strongly among the people in our church family. It's just amazing! We long to get more involved,as Daniel gets older. We love our Pastor and our Worship Leader. It's so great seeing God's people hungry for Him and responding when He shows up. We know God wants us there. We've hit some rough spots,but we'll get over them.

It's just been a year of learning,miracles,and going deeper. Deeper. Wow. That's something I've just not been able to do much of. Or maybe I have,but don't think I have. Sometimes we're really hard on ourselves,or I am. Some days I feel so unworthy of God's grace and love. I can't seem to get on track with a morning or night Bible study/reading. I pray throughout the day,but still I am learning to do that more. I'm used to sitting down and having a time to pray. I just have not been able to do that consistently this year. When Daniel was younger, I was so drained by the end of the day and it didn't stop when the sun went down. As he got older, I still didn't get a regular time for reading the Bible. It was read this day,didn't read 3 days,read this day,and so forth. It's been really hard for me. I just want a regular "schedule" time. I know that is probably unrealistic with him shy of a year old,not sure. But I have a whole new year starting tomorrow. I want to be more in God's Word. I have learned and really grasped it's about how we live our day to day life,even when no one is watching, or if it's only a baby. I can't wait to teach Daniel all about the Bible,Jesus,and how to live for the Lord. I'm so eager for that! I have figured out with it'll be more by example than by words. I know that I have to have something to give before giving each day. I really covet your prayers in that area. I need to be able to have 5,10,20 minutes in the morning to just read and be still before God. On the mornings, I plan to do that Daniel wakes up before me. He isn't so keen to just sitting there, he wants me playing with him. The other mornings, I'm just so tired from the night/day before or I'm just lazy. It'll just be really neat to tell Daniel okay it's time to talk to God before we start our day. Now, that part of Motherhood, I do long for.

I've also been learning that I do not have to be the perfect Mother. I cannot stop his cries all the time. I cannot deprive myself of certain needful things. I need to eat daily. I need to have a quiet time. I need to be a happy Mother for Daniel. I can't do it all myself. It's okay to ask for Mike's help. He'll gladly help me. Sometimes I just feel I should be able to do it all on my own,how prideful,but true! Daniel wants a loving Mother,not a perfect Mother. I can't be the perfect wife either. Mike wants a loving wife,not a perfect wife. Thankfully, he doesn't expect perfection out of me. I have to rely on Christ and his strength for my strength and my joy. Oh how often do I forget these "small" truths. I need Thee, oh I need Thee.

That has been more of our year. Maybe more than you wanted to know about,but that's what my blog is for, to help others or encourage. Many of you have encouraged me so much! I pray your year was also full of something you can be happy about.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9

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

For those who struggled more than I did, here's a song that I cling too:

Worth It All- Rita Springer

I don't understand your ways
Oh but I will give you my song
Give you all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it you are pulling me closer
And pulling me into your ways

Now around every corner
Up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of your face
Is all that I'm needing
I will say to you

Its gonna be worth it,
Its gonna be worth it all,
I believe this.
Its gonna be worth it,
Its gonna be worth it all,
I believe this.

ending 2008

I've been doing some reflecting this morning on our year. It's been a trying year,but also one full of miracles. This time last year we were waiting the arrival of our little Daniel Paul. Once he came life changed,but for the good. Sometimes I long to go back to those first few weeks of Daniel's life. It was so special. Somethings I regret and others I don't. I guess that's all part of parenting,right?

Our first miracle was that we survived financially. The year 2007 was so hard for us financially. If we hadn't been children of God and received His blessings,we would have a lot of issues right now. I honestly felt like Job,ok sort of dramatic,but at times I did. Something always kept happening to us that seemed to set us back. To begin with, I really never desired to be a Mother as much as I did a wife. I heard so many horror stories about pregnancy and birth,that I had just decided that wasn't for me. So when I came up pregnant, boy did that catch me off guard. I was depressed the first month and in a daze. Sometimes I wasn't sure where the food would come from or the gas money or the money for the doctor visits. It was only God's provision that kept us a float. We stayed over with the bank though,every check almost. It was very hard on Mike,he felt like he had failed me. Wow, it was just tough. We clung to God and His Word though,along with encouragement from my wonderful group of ladies from Bloop and family. We realized that God would provide our every need according to his riches by Christ Jesus. It was hard,but we learned to trust God more and more. We finally made it to 2008,but still struggled a little to begin with. We had family to help us out and we are forever grateful.

Our second miracle was little Daniel Paul. We waited so long to see him,hold him,and kiss him. We knew he would be a very special baby. I had already had a dream about him and God gave me a verse for Daniel, I Timothy 4:12. It was so wonderful seeing him and holding him. I wasn't so scared anymore. I had asked God for peace and guidance. I survived his birth and those Mother instincts kicked right in. He has been a blessing to us. I am honored to have him as our son. He's got a lot of spunk,but I like it. It's been so neat watching him grow into the toddler (he's been taking steps for a week now) he is becoming to be. Motherhood is wonderful and challenging at the same time. I have to remember something our niece Brooke said once: God knows you can handle it or He wouldn't allow it. How many times do I forget that? Being a Mother is very challenging for me. To women it comes very natural I believe and for others you have to work at it some,I'm one of the latter. God sure is trying to rid me of my selfishness that's for sure. When I asked to be molded about 4 years ago,I didn't think it would entail some of the things I've experienced,but I've come through them by God's grace.

Another miracle is my Daddy. When my nephew,Landon,was several months old, his parents had him dedicated at their church. My Daddy showed up,which surprised us all. He'd not been to church since 1975,when my brother was born. My Mother has went all these years without him. He started coming regularly when my youngest niece,Marley, asked him what he was wearing to church one night. She went and picked out a shirt for him and told him it would be pretty for him to wear. He pretended to go to the woods to hunt,but showed up at church. That was the start of his journey. It was a shock to us all,but something we had been praying about. He had been building our Pastor's house and Bro. Don had invited him to come. He has been going every since. He said he got saved and he's really changed a lot. It's a miracle too. It's the talk of that small town,for sure. People cannot believe he's stopped cussing and is going to church. He's witnessing to the men he works with,his friends,and strangers. It's really awesome to see him that way! He's just a blue collar,hard working,country boy who can barely read,but do unbelievable math in his head. I respect him so much and really look up to him. If not for him I would not be who I am today. Mike even reminds me a lot of him too,they always say girls want someone like their Daddy.

God has done a lot for us this year. He's still testing us,which is fine,it just hurts sometimes. Okay,most of the time. I wonder sometimes why some seem to have it harder than others,but we've all got things that are hard,but they're all different. God just wants to mold us to the image of Christ. If we resist it,then it'll make it harder on us,but if we work with Him it isn't as bad. It definitely still hurts. One illustration I heard was how rocks smooth each other out. One that came to me a couple weeks ago was dealing with ironing. Clothes naturally have wrinkles in them while they are in the closet,some more than others. You use the hot iron to work them out. We're the clothes and God is the iron. He works those wrinkles out by experiences,trials,and struggles. Over all our year has been wonderful. We almost have a one year old in the house. It's really unreal sometimes. Where did the time go? Another thing I'm grateful for is the money/gift cards we received for Christmas. The great thing is we don't have to use them to make ends meet,we can actually buy other things. Thank You Lord.

Pretty much our year consisted of raising Daniel. Next year should be even funner! He's so fun,smart,and energetic. He'll be walking by his birthday I bet! It's crazy! I hope and pray your year has been great as well.

Something I believe we should keep in our hearts

As I turned on the news today I saw more fighting and wars in the Middle East. This verse came to mind and I wanted to share it.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Psalm 122:6

Let us remember to pray for the peace of Israel.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all and a happy new year!!! I pray all have a wonderful day! Don't forget about to remeber the real reason,Jesus and his birth. I am blessed to have you all as friends!

Mary, what were you thinking?

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:26-35

I wonder what was going through Mary's head when the angel told her she would conceive of the Holy Spirit. Especially her not being formally married. It said she asked the angel how could it be since she had not known a man,but I wonder what else went through her mind? She was going to be looked at as shameful and sinful. How ironic? The girl who would bring the Lord Jesus into this world looked at as shameful and sinful. The very thing that would save people from their sins,would be looked at as disgraceful. Wow. I wonder if abortion was around during that time,would Mary have aborted Jesus? Can you imagine that? Where has our society gone? What is our society thinking? I can't imagine her having to tell Joseph that she was pregnant. I've always wondered what she was thinking and how she was feeling. I am reading the birth of Jesus part by part this week and just letting things really sink in. I'll post on it through Wednesday. I am so thankful and grateful for the birth of Christ. A tiny baby would bring my redemption. Mind blowing.

God Bless!

Anniversary Date

I've been MIA for almost a week. I've just been taking a break and doing other things. I haven't even read any blogs since last Sunday. Things have been great around here with us. We've been just enjoying the Christmas season. It's been rather warm,until today, this past week. I pray everyone else has been great as well.

Thursday was our anniversary date. I hate doing things past the actual date,but we had to wait until Robyn was out for break to keep him. It was so much fun going out with my husband! Daniel did amazing too! Robyn and him do so well together. I had nothing to worry about. We got out the door about 1 and went to eat first. We decided on O Charley's instead of Ruby Tuesday. We both forgot how nice it is to go on a date. It was so relaxing. We also forgot how nice it is to eat without interruptions. Wow, I'm not sure we've done that in a long time. It was like in the 70's which wasn't what we thought it would be,so we didn't do anything outside. We thought about Blakely State Park,where we went while we were engaged,but it was too hot to walk and climb haha We just played it by ear. That's how we used to do it while we dated. We didn't make plans most of the time during the week. He was in academy and when he got home on Friday nights, we just did whatever Saturday. It was nice not to have to rush and be on such a schedule too. Mike was very relieved! We went to one of the malls and just strolled hand in hand. I miss that too! I found a Nativity set at Kirkland's on sale,so we bought it. We've been wanting one,but just never found the right one. All the figurines are dressed in white with verses on them. I love it! It wasn't too packed,so we just took our time and looked in different stores. He wanted me to show him somethings I may want for Christmas,so we went in Bath & Body Works. What girl doesn't love that store,right? Before we left I had to get some soft pretzel sticks from Auntie Anne's. I just love those things! I was pretty stuffed from lunch,so I took most of them home. I wanted to pick up our Christmas cards,so we went to one of the Christian bookstores. I found the perfect ones! I love to send out cards,whether they are holiday ones or not. We wanted to get Robyn a little something extra for Christmas because she has helped us out so much financially. So I found something she could put on her desk that was so pretty. It was a bronze cross on a green base and the words faith in blocks beside the cross. It has Hebrews 11:1 on the base. It was so cute! We bought Facing the Giants too since it was only $5. We headed on home after that stop. We had such a great time! We talked and just enjoyed each other. I love my husband so much and it is hard to believe we've been married 2 years already. While we were dating we just couldn't wait to get married. It seemed like it would take forever for him to finish school and us find a home. Time really does go so fast in life. I realize that I do need to not be as stressed and just relax. Oh Daniel did so good! He didn't even cry she said. She took him in his room while we left and she said he didn't even notice we were gone. I know that he trusts us and knows we would never leave him. Everyone told me if I held him all the time when he was an infant that he would be attached and be spoiled. ha! My answer is: If you push them away while they're young, they'll push you away when they're older. They played,danced to music (his favorite is Toby Mac) and he took a nap. He was happy to see us,but he had fun. I'm so glad we have someone that we can feel confident in leaving him with for our anniversary. That is the one time that I do want to go out alone with Mike. I'm not big on leaving him for every little thing and neither is Mike. He's our child and we love being with him too. Of course as he gets older and really does understand what we are doing we may go out more often. I just think it's very important to not leave them a lot when they are young and don't really comprehend what you are doing. So it was a great date and I anticipate the next one. My birthday is coming up in February and he already has something planned. I'm shocked ha! He's not a planner and tends to forget things. I can't wait to see what is up his sleeve!

We also went to visit my parents on Friday. It was a lot of fun! I took lots of pictures and I will upload them this week to my picture blog,Beauty of the Lord. Ya'll don't forget to check that out. Yesterday we spent the afternoon shopping with his Mother and 2 sisters. We had a good time! The mall was SO busy though and I did not like that. We will be busy this coming week,so forgive me if I don't get to your blog or to participate in the things I usually do. Tuesday I'll be making cookies and candy for the FYM Christmas party that night;Wednesday I'll be fixing 2 pies for Thursday. I am going to do a Vanilla Creme Pie,instead of chocolate,along with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie. So I hope they turn out good! Wow, reading back over this part just is insane. I waited to so long to be a wife,mother,and have a family to share with my family. God is just so amazing. He is so merciful,loving,and trustworthy. If not for Him, I would not have the desires of my heart. Thank You,Father!

I pray and hope all of you have a blessed Christmas Eve and Day. Remember the real reason for the season,Jesus' birth. It is also a wonderful time to enjoy family,friends,and church family. I am so blessed I have met all of you through blogger and I pray I get to know you better this coming year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

what's been happening around here

It has been so cold this past week and I just love it! None of us have been sick this past week and we're all better,thank You Lord. I hope every one's week and weekend has been good. Ours has been very good despite some bumps in the road. I just can't believe it's almost Christmas Day! I love the cold weather! It was very cold early in the week and our hometown in Mississippi even got a little snow. So did the North part of Mississippi in Jackson,Laurel,and Hattiesburg I know. That is just crazy! The deep south never gets much snow,well not in Mississippi,Alabama,or Louisiana-they also got snow! Mike was working all week except Friday. He was doing a detail with the FAP team. He really enjoyed. They strictly look for drugs on the highways,but can still write tickets like a regular road Trooper. We've been praying about if that is a change we need to make. After working with them this week, he feels that it is and so do I. It's more family oriented and laid back in a way as far as time. I know that doesn't make sense,but you'd just have to hear it in person when I explained it. So when another position comes open he's going to put in for it. We'll both be relieved. There was a spot open back in May of this year,but we just didn't feel it was time to go that way yet. It was hard saying no because we were just really battling somethings. We do feel release now and God willing he'll get on when it's His timing. My husband is a very patient man when it comes to making decisions. Sometimes I get annoyed because I think he isn't moving fast enough,but most of the time he is led by the Spirit and is right about not jumping the gun. We balance each other out so much,it's really neat!


We got our truck back Monday and the heater works wonderfully! It put us over a little with our account,but it was needed. My Mother and sister came to visit me this week too. It was nice. I miss living so close to them. My sister and I used to be inseparable. Oh the memories we have! We had a good time. We went to a shoe store,Big Lots,and to get a donut at Krispy Kreme. It was short,but fun. While he was working and Daniel was napping I started wrapping Christmas presents. I absolutely love doing this! Oh I love Christmas time so much! It's just something about the air,don't ya agree? The warmth,family coming together,and celebrating Jesus' birth! This is my most favorite time of the year!! I even wrapped while Daniel was awake and he just played,of course I was on the bar wrapping or else he would have ripped the paper to pieces. I put on some Christmas music,baked cookies,and wrapped presents. Daniel had fun watching me dance and sing. He loves music,so he was having a blast! I love singing the Christmas songs,not just the "fun" ones,but the serious ones. I mean, if it were not for Jesus' birth where would we be? He could not have lived a perfect,sinless life. He could have not been crucified on the cross. He could have not been raised to life again. So we would be in essence hopeless and hell bound. I praise God for his birth. I know that it isn't written in stone that Jesus was born on December 25 and there isn't a way to know the exact day,but it is the day Christians have put aside to celebrate it. So me and my family will do so! I cannot wait to teach Daniel all about Jesus and what the real meaning of Christmas is. It is not about getting,but giving. I just can't wait!

Friday Mike had off so I washed some laundry and then we took a little trip. We attempted to go across the bay again. We made it this time without Daniel being sick! We went to Bass Pro Shop. Oh that place is amazing! Daniel loved all the animals and the aquarium. There were some major fish in that tank! We had a good time. This coming week is our date day! Oh I am so excited!! Our plans have not been set in stone yet. We may go to Belengrath Gardens, the Magee Farm,or make a trip to Hattiesburg,MS. It's about 2 1/2 hours away,but we love it there. When we were dating, we went there a lot,since my college isn't far from there. We'll see. I'll be sure to let ya know how it went. Onto other things. I only have a few more gifts to get next week and all the shopping will be done. I've got everything that I've bought wrapped and under the tree. I also found some recipes for Christmas Day at the families. I found a Pecan Pie and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Pie. Oh yum! I cannot wait to make them. I have a Sugar cookie,Peanut Butter cookie,and Oatmeal cooking recipe too. I want to decorate the Sugar cookies and use my cookie cutters. I want Christmas to also be a fun time for Daniel and we will make it fun for sure! Yesterday I went shopping with my MIL and SIL's. We had a blast and always do! I didn't buy anything,but they were doing some shopping. They found Daniel a rocking horse. He loves those things and it's the only big thing he'll be getting. Nana bought him a couple of shirts and a pair of cute shoes too,but for now. Oh and I found a new love! Pretzel sticks! Oh I hate pretzels,but these cinnamon pretzel sticks were too die for! Robyn bought some and let me have one,I was hooked after that. I also found out I love stir fry! I cooked it last week and fell in love. Although Mike doesn't like it that much,I do and I'll cook it for myself. It's easy and simple. Daniel liked the vegetables in it. Well, this was just some rambling. I must go fix supper and play with Daniel. Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Thankful Thursday- Praising Him

Good afternoon! I love Thankful Thursdays! Iris shares her personal praises to God this week. Visit her blog Grace Alone. I didn't get mine posted early. Yesterday was a busy day and last night I just relaxed.

• I praise You Lord because you are constant and never changing. You're the only thing that I can truly depend on everyday. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
• Lord, I praise You for your provision. You have provided all the things I need,even if it's not in the timing I think it should be. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
• I praise You for my husband you have blessed me with. He is just what I needed as a husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. I Corinthians 7:3
• I praise You Lord for the son You have given me. I love him so very much and can see a glimpse of Your love for me. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3
• Lord, I praise You for the beauty You have created for me. Nature is such a display of God's Almighty wisdom and hand. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3:19-20
• Lord, I praise You for the storms You have brought me through. Through deaths,heartache,and pain You have not let me be burned. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2
• I praise You for Your name. It is holy and righteous. Beautiful and a refuge for me to run to. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
• I praise You for Your faithfulness. When I am not so faithful, You are always faithful to me. Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Psalm 36:5
• I praise You for my home and all the things I tend to overlook sometimes. I don't have to worry where I'll sleep or what I'll eat. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

There's so much more to praise His name for. The list could go on and on. Have a blessed Thursday! Visit Iris @ Grace Alone.

time to get real and raw

I rarely write about what I struggle with. I blame it on not wanting to look ungrateful to others or because they may want what I have,but don't have it. I am very grateful for things in my life,but sometimes my life is hard,harder than what I think it should. And that goes back to my small mind-ness. Anyways. I'm just thinking tonight and felt like writing. It's so hard to be raw and open,but when I see some of you do it, it helps me.

My husband's job can be so stressful at times. It keeps him tired and with the new 8 hour days cutting into the used-to-be 3 or 4 off days. I've mentioned before that he is a Highway Patrolman,State Trooper, or State Police(some states call them). A lot of people really don't know what their jobs are like. They have one of the highest divorce rates and no I'm not even contemplating divorce,just stating the fact. Each department is run differently. When he first moved over here the scheduling wasn't so bad. After a year almost they switched them from 10 hour to 8 hour days. The hour part is good,but also with good comes the bad. He used to have 3 or 4 days off,but now it's 1 or 2 days off. Without Daniel it wasn't as bad,but now it's bad. Some days I'm just so sick of his job and others I'm not. God uses him at his job though. I know God has us in this field for a purpose,but it's still hard sometimes. I just long for the day when we are doing something more productive,or what I think is more productive. And the *I* word can get ya in lots of trouble,so that's why I have to remind myself that God is working and has our future mapped out how HE wants it. I am assured of that because of what Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Law Enforcement families truly do go through a lot and sacrifice a lot. It's too sad most are looked at as jerks. They're human like everyone else. They can be rude or jerky at times,but it's like with Christians,they're not all that way. It's a very dangerous job too,very. Mike loves it though. I am very proud of his job and how he conducts himself,but it can just be tiring. Much like I've heard many say full time ministry can be.

We still struggle with money. I'm not sure what we're doing wrong. It's not too much of an issue because we both were not rich by any means growing up. Of course there are times that I wish I could do more,but it's not something I am stressed over. I know it does bother Mike though. I know he doesn't provide for me like he wishes he could. I have no complaints though. We have a home,food,clothes,and we get to spend on somethings we want. This has become our life verse, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

This I know most of you can relate too and for those who cannot, this is why I do not like to talk about it. I don't want to sound ungrateful at all. It is really tough being a Mother. Wow. I never knew it would be this tough. Then again I talk to some Moms and it's a breeze for them. Daniel is a high needs child. It's not a disorder or anything like that. Dr. Sears explains it like this: They need more attention from parents,more guidance in play,more of everything,but sleep that is. Wow, when I read that sentence I was relieved that there are other babies like Daniel Paul. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong. When I was around my nieces at Daniel's age, they were nothing like this and that's all I had to compare too. He's a live wire. I'm constantly on the go. He doesn't like to be still for half a second. ha! My Mother said I was the exact same way. Of course he hasn't always been that way,but once he hit about 7 months wow. Life really changed. I love him so much! I am not complaining,just admitting that I struggle. Sometimes I just don't know how to handle him or how to just wind him down. Thankfully, he's started to go to bed at a decent hour,wakes up throughout the night,but that's normal. Some days it's all I can do to eat,shower,and brush my teeth. Though I know I am doing a lot of things that my SIL didn't do and even my sister isn't doing that is looked at more sacrificial on my part. I'll do anything for that child though. I guess all first time Moms just feel overwhelmed and not really confident all the time,or maybe just all Moms do?

Then it's the big one. I'm scared out of my wits to have another baby. Can I handle the pain again? Can I handle another child? I'm going to attempt a VBAC. I say attempt because that's all I can do. I can't control birth,I tried that with Daniel and well it didn't work too well. God knows what will happen and that's all I can put my trust in. But I'm such a wimp and all. It was only God I made it through 42 hours of labor! I quoted scripture over and over. Particularly, 2 because well that's all my mouth could get out ha! Those contractions were pretty intense. I'm just scared. I guess all women are. I talk to some who are not scared at all and are so confident. The lady who was my Doula has 7 kids and she's open to more always. I love watching big families,but I stress too quickly. I flip out too fast. We are by no means stopping anything God wants. I'm not on birth control (the medication) and well we get intimate when we want too pretty much. I try to chart my fertility because I would like to know when I'm fertile and ovulate,but we don't not get intimate because I may be fertile. Sorry TMI! I'm just scared. I don't want another C-section,it's safer for me not to have another one. I'm reading a great book about VBAC deliveries and it is helping,but I am still scared.

So there ya go. Some stuff I am thinking about right now or pretty lately. I know God knows this all and He has it all in His hands. Thankfully, throughout my pregnancy God taught me to really trust Him with all things. It was so hard,but I learned a little bit and am still learning. So just keep me and us in your prayers. God Bless!

Awards- Returning the Love

My friend Alicia @ Confessions of a Snowflake awarded me with this award last week. I thought it was cute and sweet! I truly do love Christmas time.



Here are the rules for this award. You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award. The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas. You must link back to the person who gave you the award. You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space! Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 45; it's up to you. But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going!Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment on their blog.

So, five things I love about Christmas:

1. I love to think of Jesus' birth. I mean,how amazing! He was born as a child by the Holy Spirit and to a virgin. Wow! If it weren't for his birth,there could have been no resurrection.
2. I love winter time and Christmas just happens to be in the middle of it! I love getting all snuggled up and going out!
3. I love to give to others! I love doing it all year long,but this is a special time for me to give.
4. I love getting with family and celebrating Jesus' birth and singing beloved Christmas songs or hymns.
5. I love lights and trees! I just do,I can't help it! I love going to look at lights!
   
   Here are those I gave the award to:

Jennifer @ Through The Storms Of Life
Patti @ Fill Me With Beauty
Erika @ Magnificent



She also gave me this award today. That was ultra sweet, Alicia. Thank you! I am enjoying getting to know you better!


This award represents this: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find, and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

Now I am supposed to honor 8 other blogging friends:

1. Cynthia @ The Hippie Housewife

2. Melody @ Transitions of an Overachiever

3. Heather @ Living By Faith

4. Patti @ Fill Me With Beauty

5. Sheila @ Meditations and Confessions of a Homemaker

6. Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand

7. Nicole @ The Single Domestic Adopts

8. LauraLee @ LauraLee's Lifesong

9. Jennifer @ Through The Storms Of Life

Hope you all have a great week!!

At the Well-The Submissive Heart of the Titus 2 Wife; Living the Life; Teaching the Life

Our host this week is Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beats. She is such a wonderful,loving,and smart woman of God. Be blessed by her post and check her out.


As Titus 2 Women, we are called to teach live our lives reverently and teach what is good. The result of that teaching is that the younger ladies will be subject to their husbands. Life in the this day and age doesn't make all God's commands easy to follow. Let's dispel some myths and see if we are living a life that honors God and teaches other women to subject to their husbands At the Well this week.



These are the questions she poses to us this Monday:

1. Would others view you as being subject to your husband?


2. Does the phrase "being subject to your husband" bring to mind positive or negative thoughts?


3. Do you find being subject to your husband an easy command to obey or a hard one to follow?


4. How can you teach other women to be subject to their husbands?

Would others view you as being subject to your husband? I hope they would. I often make comments to family and friends on how Mike is my head and he gets the final say so in our decisions. I also always tell people that I trust Mike to hear from our Father about decisions,life,and things in general,that's one of the reasons I married him. But actually going through with my words is more effective than saying them. I would pray they see my actions and would be able to say I submit and obey my husband. Some ladies have complimented me on submitting to Mike,even when I don't really agree with him.

Does the phrase "being subject to your husband" bring to mind positive or negative thoughts? Truly, positive thoughts. I've never thought negatively of that,even before I was even engaged to Mike. I saw my Mother be subject to my Father and it seemed second nature in many ways. I also obeyed my father and your relationship with your father will affect the one with your husband. I believe it will also affect your relationship with the Lord. If you trust your earthly Father it may be easier to trust your husband and the Lord.

Do you find being subject to your husband an easy command to obey or a hard one to follow? I think we all can answer easy if we aren't in disagreement with our husband or don't mind doing what he asks. But for me it seems hard when I really don't think we should do this or that; or when I see nothing wrong with my view of something. For example: I was watching this new reality show on the Gospel Music Channel. It was based around the Revolve music tour and it's members. Mike watched it a couple of times with me,but after that he asked me not to watch it anymore. He said it was nothing more than a Christian soap opera. I was not happy about it at first. I thought it's not a soap opera. It hasn't got the worldly things in it. It's just taping of their life on the road as speakers at the concerts. I watched one more episode anyways and then I stopped even though I wasn't happy about it. Some would say it was silly of me to even stop because I have a free will. Yes, I do have one. Everyone does. I felt the need to not do it if he asked me not too. I too at first thought, I'm crazy for not still watching it and he's crazy for asking me not too. I guess I take it very serious,even about little things. For the most part,it's easy though. I'm just learning not to have the last word about somethings,it's hard,but I must not have the last word.

How can you teach other woman to be subject to their husbands? I think I can show them by example mostly. It's easy to say you will do this or that,but actually doing it makes the difference. This I am learning too. When they talk about not agreeing with something said or a decision made by their husband, I can encourage them to trust him. I can share with them the Word of God,that no one can dispute against. I'm learning too and it's so nice to know women who have the same desire. So thank you to all who do!

Don't forget to check out Laurie Ann's blog @ A Magnolia's Heart Beats.

Prisoner Alert

Update on Wang WeiliangPraise God!

On Nov.25, 2008, Pastor Wang Weiliang was released from prison on "medical" parole. He is now receiving care in a local hospital in Zhejiang Province, according to China Aid Association. VOM rejoices with the Weiliang family and thanks you for writing him letters of encouragement.Pastor Weiliang was strengthened by the prayers and help of believers like you. We encourage you to continue writing letters to believers who remain in prison. Forward this e-mail to those you know with a heart for God's people and encourage them to also write and pray. Get involved! Pray and write today.

More...

On December 22, 2006, Pastor Wang Weiliang and seven other church leaders were sentenced from one year to three and one-half years in prison by the People‘s Court of Xiaoshan District, China. Four are in prison, four received suspended sentences. In prison, the men are forced to make clothing and shoes for export and prohibited from praying openly or reading the Bible. These leaders were arrested after thousands of PSB officers bulldozed their church building on July 29, 2006. Christians in China face numerous challenges, but the church is strengthened in the midst of persecution by believers like you. VOM is actively expanding help to underground Bible schools preparing leaders to spread the gospel in China. We invite you to write a letter of encouragement to Pastor Weiliang. The letters make a difference, often resulting in shorter prison terms. Please send a letter of encouragement and let Pastor Weiliang know you are praying for him and other believers in China. Also write to the Chinese government requesting Pastor Weiliang be released. Let your friends know about suffering Christians in China and encourage them to pray and write to Pastor Weiliang.Get involved! Pray and write to Pastor Weiliang today.

Be sure not to forget out persecuted brothers and sisters during the holidays. How sad it is for them to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas alone, in a prison cell. I cannot even imagine this. All for Christ's sake too. Wow. How spoilt am I? Writing the prisoners letters really encourages them and even has helped some be released early. If you can't write to them,at least pray for them. They need our prayers. Wouldn't you want the prayers of others if you were suffering as they are? Consider blogging twice a month for the persecution blog also,it's something at least.

You can write him here at this site PrisonerAlert.com.

Thankful Thursday-Love and Healing

I look forward to this day each week. I begin thinking ahead of time what I am thankful for. Thank you Iris for starting this. You can visit her blog Grace Alone for more. That blog is truly a blessing.



I've got 2 special things I'm thankful for this Thursday.

1. For my husband,Mike. We said 'I Do' 2 years ago on this cold December day. It was one of the best days of my life. I really can't believe that I am married,something I dreamed of being since I was a teenage girl. I looked so hard for my prince,instead of letting God bring him to me. I finally did just that and at the age of 22 I begin dating Mike. We were friends for 4 years prior to us dating. Our first date was October 7,2005,the week after my sister got married. He was so nervous and so was I. I couldn't figure out why I was nervous much less 'strick-9' (his nick name haha). I had no idea that fate had begun for us that night. Within 7 months we were engaged. I remember the day I knew he was my future husband. It was October 22nd, at Jennifer's wedding(friend of mine). I was a bridesmaid for her wedding that day. They played God Blessed the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts(?) and it hit me. I loved Mike and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Yes, it was quick,but I knew it. He knew about 3 1/2 years ago there was something special about me,but obstacles came in the way. So we never dated until then,almost 4 years later. On June 2, 2006 he proposed to me at Macaroni Grill in Mobile,AL before we went inside with a group of our friends. Wow, we were so happy!! I knew he was proposing,but I was still nervous. In November we finally set a date, December 4th. We opted to not have the traditional wedding. No wedding gown,no reception,no one but us. I didn't want to plan anything. All I wanted to do was say I do. We had been through enough stress and I saw weddings as stress. Our families were okay with it. They blessed our marriage which was important. A close friend of ours who is an ordained Pastor married us with his wife as a witness. We had a beautiful cake and she took pictures. We had it rough financially,but it didn't damper our honeymoon bliss. It's been wonderful ever since. Have there been arguments? Why yes. Have there been hurt feelings? Of course. Have there been hard times? Yes. One thing I can say, is there hasn't been much strife between the two of us. We have had a lot thrown our way to be so young and newly married,but we knew if the devil ever got strife between us,we'd end up like so many other couples. I am SO thankful for my husband. He provides for me physically and spiritually. He allows me to stay home and did before we even had Daniel. He makes me laugh with his humor and makes me cry with his sweetness. He says he isn't romantic,but I beg to differ. Who defines romantic anyway? He surprised me last night by taking me to my favorite restaurant,Olive Garden. He's done so much for me,that all I can do is shower him with love and God's grace. God really did know what He was doing all those years He wouldn't let me marry someone else. All I needed to do was trust Him and His ways. He has been so faithful to us. When we didn't know where money would come from,God supplied it. When we weren't sure how to raise a baby,God has showed us. We are a team. God is the captain,Mike is the co-captain,and I'm the player. He is my head and I respect him. He loves me like Christ loves the church. I am a blessed woman.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Ephesians 5:25-31

2. I am thankful that God healed Daniel. He was sick and God took care of him. We so often take fore granted healing. Healing doesn't have to be some one's arm growing back or even being healed of cancer. When you ask God to heal you of a cold and He does it,well that's something to praise Him for too. I used to look for the big things,but nothing is big or small to God. Some don't believe in healing. I'm not sure what they would call it, I guess getting better. My father's back was healed back in June. He's always had back problems,but God healed it. He has no more trouble with it. All it took was him asking God to heal him and He did it instantly. So whatever faith or denomination you are, you get healed. Whether you want to use that term or not,that's your choice. But don't forget to give God the glory for it.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

I pray you have a wonderful Thursday and don't forget to check out Iris @ Grace Alone.

Deck the halls!

Our pretty Christmas tree. I can't get it to not be blurry,but I want it to look lit up.

My Crispy Peanut Butter Balls or candy

Yummy!!! They taste so good!

Oh it's already been a hectic week and it's only Wednesday. I got to participate in At the Well,thankfully. I actually wrote it up Sunday night and published it that morning early. If I hadn't done that,then I would not have participated. Boy, that day was just not a good day. Daniel woke up early and was acting fine until he went back to sleep around 10:30. While he and Mike slept, I went out for groceries. I picked up Mike another gift too! When I arrived back home, Daniel was up looking for me. He's so sweet! He doesn't like it too much when I'm not home. We got ready and went to drop our truck off at Mr. Rick's so he could repair the heater. Daniel slept all the way there. Once we left Mr. Rick's shop, we decided to go over to Baldwin County to the city of Daphne. Baldwin Co. is our neighboring county to the east and Daphne is about 45 minutes from our place. We had made it to I-10 and were entering the tunnel, when Daniel just starting throwing up his milk(he drinks pasteurized goat's milk). I started flipping out! He then did it again and started screaming. I was almost screamed too! Mike just kept telling me to calm down. We made it out of the tunnel and were on the bay way (long stretch of bridge going into Daphne). He was screaming so loud,I know it scared him. It was all over his clothes and all in the car seat. Thankfully, it wasn't on the car seats,we were borrowing my Mom's car (used to be my car,left it when I got married). We finally made it to a Wal-Mart. Daniel was done screaming by then and just looking at me as if he were thinking, "thanks Mom." I felt so bad! I went in the store to get clothes and cleaning supplies. Mike got him undressed and wiped him off with wipes while I was in there. He wasn't as dirty as his clothes or car seat. He was fine after that and ready to play. Mike got the car seat cleaned out and we finally made our way back home. He must have contracted a virus from someone,but we didn't know it. He slept all the way home. Once we got home, I bathed him and let him play in the tub for a little bit. He seemed a lot better,but still wanted to just lay on my shoulder. He's actually more affectionate when he's sick. He never lays his head on my shoulder. I only gave him water or diluted juice. Yesterday morning he woke up and was a lot better. We give glory to the Lord for taking care of him. We very much believe in healings of the body. By that afternoon, he was back to normal. ha! He was into everything,laughing,and eating food. I didn't give him anymore milk though, I stayed with juice and Pedialyte,until this morning. He is 100 % better,minus the cough he still has. Our Silver biotic will be in soon and that will do the trick! So that was our day,Monday. Ugh! It was rough and scary.

Yesterday we rearranged the living room and finally got it just right! We then put up our tree and decorated it last night. It is so pretty! Daniel had fun watching us and playing with the tissue paper that ornaments were wrapped in. I'll post a couple of pics,but the rest will be at my blog this week. I also made Crispy Peanut Butter Balls earlier and they are pretty good! They're not really balls haha Sort of looks like the Turtle candy. Oh well,they taste good! My Chocolate Creme Pie is in the fridge cooling. I didn't use your recipe this time,Erika. I was limited on ingredients and didn't have as much time. I made pudding,mixed cool whip,and chocolate chips in there and put it in the fridge. I'll take it out in a bit and put the rest of the cool whip on top and sprinkle the chocolate chips on it. Yum! Mike loves these pies,I'm not a big fan of them. I'm doing it for tomorrow,our anniversary. I also made him a card on the computer,he loves hand made cards better than store bought. I'm going to cook him supper,just not sure what yet. May do some home made gravy and do hamburger steaks,his favorite.

I cannot believe that tomorrow will mark 2 years that we said I do. Oh wow! I love Mike so much! He means the world to me. I can't imagine being married to any other man in the world. It's hard to believe I married "strick-9" sometimes though. I was so oblivious to him in that way,until God opened my eyes. Thank You,Lord. I'm so thankful for my husband and so undeserving at times. He is my hero in many ways. I am so happy we have a child together too,I wouldn't want any other man to father my son. Okay, enough of the mushy stuff! hehe..

I must not forget that my brother and his wife found out they are having a little boy!!!! YAY! Finally someone to carry on the Fryfogle name. They have 2 girls who are very excited! At this rate, my parents will have lots of grand kids hehe.. Well, I'll be here for Thankful Thursday tomorrow.

Here is the Cripsy Peanut Butter Ball recipe:

• amounts may vary peanut butter - I used 4 spoon fulls


• 1 and 1/2 cup chocolate chips


• 1 cup crispy rice cereal


• 1/2 cup marshmallows - I used more than half,maybe 1 1/3

What you need:
mixing bowl, measuring cup, microwavable bowl or cups, spoon, cookie sheet, extra mixing bowl.

Directions:

1. Put peanut butter and rice crispy cereal into mixing bowl and stilt together (but make sure you don't crush the rice crispies.)


2. Melt marsh mellows in microave for about 20 seconds (if not melted, repeat.)


3. Dump marshmellows into your peanut butter and crispies and mix.


4. Melt chocolate chips in microwave for about 45 seconds.


5. Mix but do not put in bowl with other mixture.


6. Spoon out small amounts of peanut mixture and dip them in the melted chocolate until they are covered with the chocolate.


7. Place on cookie sheet and when all mixture is gone, put cookie sheet in freezer for about 15 minutes.

Have a wonderful week!