update of some sort

I missed writing At the Well today. I wasn't feeling well this morning. So keep me in your prayers. I'm going on 6 weeks this week. I go to the CNM on Thursday at 9. My SIL,Heather, will be staying with us Wednesday night so she can keep Daniel that next morning. That place has a lot of sick people,all pregnant too. I just don't want to bring Daniel there unless I have too.

I've been so tired. I remember these days when I was pregnant with Daniel. So draining. It's like no matter how much you sleep it's not enough. I know so many of you can relate to that. There has been some negative responses to our next baby,not from family,but others who know us. Most of them are: Are they crazy? Their boy is only a year old. Some days I do think I'm crazy. I'm chasing around Daniel trying to keep him from breaking things with another on the way. I have to stop a lot of the time and say Lord, I know that YOU know what You are doing. I hope that doesn't sound bad. I'm not naturally good with babies or young children. I have to have God's strength,love,patience,grace,and forgiveness everyday. God knows what we need,when we need it. I trust Him to bless us when He sees fit. And He has saw fit to bless us with another child. It is just really sad how our culture looks at children. They're a burden,instead of a blessing. They're another mouth to feed,instead of another mouth to teach God's Word too. We are just choosing to be different from this culture. We are choosing to be a peculiar people in everything we do. The sad thing is,most of the comments are coming from Christian people. I know it won't be easy,raising Daniel is not easy. But do those people think that it's easy for God to raise them or me, for that matter? I hope not. I know it's hard for God to raise me. I'm naturally very stubborn,head strong,and determined. Having a child has really made me look at God a lot different.

I really can't believe we're having another baby. Wow. Our family is growing! It's really neat! I'm married to my best friend,the love of my life. Our baby will be here before Thanksgiving and Christmas! Daniel will be glad when the baby can play with him. I'm not sure what he is going to think about it to begin with,though. He doesn't like for other children to cry ha! He will start crying. I can't believe he'll be almost 2 when the baby is here. My oh my! God is just so good to me. I would have never guessed I would be married with 2 babies by this time. I'll be 26 on Friday. Wow, that is even more crazy. I met my husband when I was 20,not knowing then he would be my husband. Now we share 2 babies together. It's funny how God works. I'm so thankful for my husband. I love him so much! He's so happy about the baby. He too is confident God knows when we need children and that He will take care of us. He's such an awesome man! He's my strong tower here on earth. I look up to him so much. hehe... I still write him letters. When he was in patrol school I kept a notebook with me and every single night for 6 months(not counting weekends when I saw him) I wrote him a letter. He's still got them. Every week I wrote him a letter and sent it in the mail scented with my perfume on it(well when they begin letting them receive mail). He's still got all them too. I always gave him cards too. He gave me a few,but isn't good with words he claims. I will treasure those days. We had no clue what God had in store for us. We still have no clue what His future plans are. We plan very loosely because in the past we planned too much and well God decided to change things. We pretty much go with His flow.

Oh last night, I went to Winter Jam with Robyn and Heather. Daniel went with us. It was so awesome! I'm still young at heart! Newsong was so anointed! Oh my! When they sang Arise My Love,I literally thought the arena was going to burst. Brandon Heath was good too. I love his song "Give Me Your Eyes". Oh and of course we were mainly there for Toby Mac. OH WOW! He rocked that place! Daniel was dancing and bopping his cute little head. He loves the music! If he hears Toby Mac's voice come on the t.v. or radio he stops and then starts dancing. I thought it may be too loud,but I saw a baby that was maybe 6 months old there!! I would not dare take one that young,but that's me. It was packed. We did not get there as early as needed,so we stood the whole time. It worked out best though. I called Mike on the phone and let him hear Toby haha I called my sister too,she used to love Toby Mac. It wasn't bad for $10 dollars. I'm not big on Hawk Nelson and I didn't know the 2 girls singing. I love Newsong though! They're an old time favorite! It started at 6 and ended around 9:30. Phillips,Craig,& Dean are coming to Pace,FL next week. We love them too!!! Mike is going to try to take off,so we can go. It's not far from Mobile and I'd hate to miss them. We maybe going to Jentezen Franklin's church in August with the MIL and SIL's,it depends. They went last year and loved it. I like him pretty good. My favorite is John Hagee. He shoots straight and does not miss.

An update on my Daddy too. He went back to the Psoratic Arthritis dr. today and he diagnosed him with it. He said he would give him some medicine,but not Embrel. I read about it and I strongly discouraged Mama from it. I am going to check up on this medicine too. God does not give you medicines to rid of one thing,only to cause something else. I just do not believe that. I'm not fond of medicines much anyways. You should find the root of the problem and treat it,not alleviate it. I'm going to help them find some natural herbs to use. I know God will heal him. He has healed his back and his knees. So prayer warriors stand in prayer. The devil is not going to get my Daddy in Jesus name!

I hate going to bed with my hubby. He's stil got 45 minutes to go. I'm going to go read some and wait for him. Just keep me and my family in your prayers. I hate feeling sick,not being able to tend to my men.

Some food for thought

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. - Nahum 1:7

A have a calender from David Wilkerson's ministry and each day it has a verse to look up. The above verse was yesterday's scripture. How fitting. I do believe we face much trouble ahead and the Lord is my strong hold.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. -I John 5:14-15

This was today's verse. It was encouraging. What do we know is according to God's will? If it's holy,pure,and righteous. Many times I have to stop myself in my prayers and say, Lord, I want this,but let Your will be done in the situation. Oh boy, I didn't use to pray that. It's so reassuring to know that what we ask of the Lord, He will do if it's according to His will. Isn't it good to know you don't have to know the future? I would mess things up everyday if I were the one making the calls and not depending on the Lord.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Proverbs 6:16-23

I put in bold the part that talks about shedding innocent blood. That doesn't just mean abortion either,but it doesn't mean the death penalty either. I haven't ever been able to explain to people why I do believe in the death penalty. Well, I can now. The Bible says nothing about shedding guilty blood. I do want to highlight abortion though. This nation has killed so many babies in the womb. I was so happy when President Bush passed the ban on partial birth abortion. I will be so saddened if President Obama ( I still shudder when I say that,sorry I do) passed the Freedom of Choice Act(FOCA) that would overturn anything pro-life. I pray he doesn't,not only for the innocent babies,but for his own good. Oh the horror.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Colossians 3:18-25

If everyone would abide by this,our country would be a better place. Sadly, everyone doesn't,even Christians.

Our trip was great!! I'll write about it later. I'm going to start our supper.

The story of Christianah

I just read a very disturbing story. I have heard about it on the radio,but reading it was worse. A Christian teacher named, Christianah Oluwasein worked at a government run school in the Northern part of Nigeria,Africa. Before giving a final exam to her class of girls, she took up book bags so there could be no cheating. This upset one girl to the point of tears,then rage. She was upset because the teacher had "desecrated" the Quran that was inside of her bag, by touching the bag. The whole class became outraged. They started shouting "Allahu Akbar" meaning God is great. Another teacher got Christianah out of the classroom and took her to the Principal's office. Soon Radical Muslims nearby heard the outrage and came to see what was going on. They were told what Christianah had "done". So they dragged Christianah out of the school,clubbed her to death,and set her body on fire. She left behind a husband,Femi,and 2 children,a son and daughter. I was saddened and angered by this. Her husband spoke with VOM and told them it was very hard,but he still had his children.

This just shook me. She wasn't witnessing to anyone. She wasn't trying to win anyone over to Christ. She simply was being a teacher and for that she was murdered. Wow. I am holding my tongue.

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

When I read the stories of the persecuted Christians, I think of this verse. Wow. I know most of them know it by heart. They live by it. Lord, forgive me when I complain of my problems. He cares about my problems too,I know,but I do not have it as bad as some do. I think Americans should really realize that sometimes. I mean, we aren't having to die for our faith,that is yet.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: - I Peter 4:12

I think of this verse too. I cannot imagine going through what some of these people go through. Your house being burned,you or your family being beaten or even killed,simply because you are a Christian. Wow. I cannot empathize with them,but I can sympathize.

If you would like to know more about persecuted Christians go to Voice of Martyrs and to write a letter to the imprisoned go to Prisoner Alert.

Blessings!

feeling defeated

I'm feeling defeated right now. I'm not sure why. All last year, I let little things defeat me. The smallest thing gets me irritated or defeated. I just don't know why. I have tried and asked the Lord to help me stay calm and cool. I don't want to feel defeated or live defeated. I have all the riches through Christ Jesus and I want to live victorious. *sighs* I just need your prayers.

As I was reading my daily verse it was one that I definitely needed. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32 Thank You,Lord I needed that. I tend to get angry easy. If something doesn't work at first time I get angry. I've always been this way,but my fuse is shorter for some reason now. I'm adding this to my wall with verses taped on it. It's all a part of dying to self. Geeze, who likes to do that? No one really. But like I read in another post we have too.

I have the Charles Stanley Life Principles Bible and love it! Mike got it for me on Mother's Day last year. Here is something that caught my eye in some of the commentary of it. His purpose in allowing a delay to meet your need is to strengthen your faith and reliance on Him, and consequently to wean you of your self-sufficiency.- Charles Stanley. God doesn't delay because He likes to see us in pain,but because He wants us to trust Him more. He wants our faith strong in Him. Ah, Father. Why am I so small minded? We learned through the pregnancy God wants us to just trust Him,with whatever comes our way. It's so hard sometimes,but it's so worth it. Something else I am learning or actually practicing is: God wants to intervene daily and show His mighty power to us. Even if it's small things that don't work out for us. He wants us to ask for His help. He wants things to work for us,not against us. Before I got married or really had Daniel things went smoothly. I mean, when I lived my parents I had no one to think about,but myself. Once I got married I added another person to that,but he could do things for himself. Now, I've got Daniel and well I do everything for him,just about. So now I am learning that when things don't go as planned,God wants me to call on Him. It doesn't have to be some life-threatening ordeal. It can be as simple as I am very tired and worn out,please help Daniel to ease off to sleep. And He does it. In a way, I thought I had a lot figured out,but I didn't ha! How prideful of me! God is teaching me for sure now. I'm willing to let Him because I need Him every day,every minute,every second.

Being a Mother is so rewarding. I love Daniel Paul so much! Goodness, I really can't imagine life without him. I cannot believe he is almost a year old. He is so playful and fun! He's not really affectionate. I thought he would be,since he loved to be held when he was a small infant. It's rare that he lays his head on your shoulder or cuddles up to you in bed. When he does, I treasure the moments! This morning he started crying,so I pulled him to me and he went right back to sleep. It was so sweet! He even snores some hehe.. He likes to play peek a boo now all the time. It's so cute! He is walking too! He started taking steps a few days before Christmas and now he's hardly ever crawling. Wow,times flies! I just can't believe it! He is so smart too! I'll repeat a word to him and point to the object. He stores it away because a few days later I'll say truck and he'll point to it or go get it. hehe.. I love it! He knows what ball,truck,tree,drink,dada,mama,blocks,and duck are so far. He is pretty destructive when playing haha I'll stack the blocks and he'll knock them down. I try to show him how to take them down one at a time,but he insists on knocking them over. He loves music too. It's so awesome! Sometimes he'll try to sing along with music on t.v. Mike calls him our lil' worship leader. When he wakes up from a nap, I go in the room and he reaches out for me. He'll rest his head on my shoulder for a few minutes,then pop up smiling. He's got the best smile in the world! He loves his Daddy. Mike and him rough house and play. He likes to sit on Daddy's shoulders. He's a Mama's boy at heart though. He loves other kids too! He gets SO excited around babies or older kids. Now that he can walk, he'll be following them around. He loves to eat bread,like I did when I was younger. He'll eat somethings when we eat and some baby food still. He just loves bread and chicken. Do I want more? Yes. When? Whenever God sees fit. I never imagined a baby would love me like Daniel does. A baby's love can melt a heart of stone.

Here are some verses from my reading today:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:11-12

yet,another death

Mike's Granny passed yesterday afternoon. It was his Daddy's Mom. So remember the family. We'll be going down on Tuesday for the funeral. This new year has been really rocky and just blah so far in some aspects. Uncle Raymond's funeral went well. Just about all of the nieces and nephews were there,all his siblings were. It was nice seeing my family. His children are doing okay,it's just hard. Amy and the boys are still in MO. We sent the boys some warm jackets,since she left with sort of a scattered brain. They should get them at the first of the week and it's a good thing since the weather is extremely cold. We've been enjoying off days since Friday. He's got 2 left. Our nieces b-day is Tuesday and my brother's is Wednesday. It sorta of stinks being so far away during holidays,birthdays,and times of loss. I know God knows best though. I'll be back sometime this week. Love you all!

passing through

Uncle Raymond passed away this morning. Be praying for the family. Christy is holding up best. Stanley and Kathy are more upset. He went peacefully they said. Mike,Daniel,and I went back up there last night for a good bit. Daniel had them all laughing and was cutting up. It was good for them I think. Daniel and I made it there this morning right after he passed. The funeral will probably be Friday and Mike will take off. It's good to see all my family again,just wish it wasn't under these circumstances. Gosh, I miss them. I miss our huge family gatherings. Maybe this will spark something and we'll do one soon. There are like 35 grandkids and I don't even know how many great grandkids. It's a huge family! Just keep us all in your prayers. Thank you so much!

a little catching up

This was us last Christmas.

Here we are this Christmas. How awesome is that!

Well, 2009 has surely started with a bang. Some good and some bad ones. I'm just still sick and in shock over my friend and her husband. She isn't talking to anyone right now. She sent an email out letting us know she appreciates the kind words and wisdom,but right now she just wants to be left alone. She said she is just trying to comfort her boys and praying that he will come back with a changed heart. So keep praying for them. Their names are Amy and Matthew,the boys are Trevor and Samuel. Amy and the boys went to see her brother for a few days in MO,it'll do her some good to get away. Thank you very much.

Another prayer request is my extended family. My Dad's youngest brother is in ICU right now. He's got several things wrong and his son told us they are just trying to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes. It's the first of the siblings to pass. So pray for the Fryfogle family and Uncle Raymond's family specifically. He's got 1 son and 2 daughters,3 grand babies. He's not married,but divorced. He said that he asked Jesus into his heart last year,I pray he has. We went by there this morning,but didn't go in to see my Uncle. With him having staff as one of the problems, we figured it best not to go in. Everyone was doing okay. Stanley,his son, is really taking it hard. Christy and Kathy are doing better than I thought they would be. Continue to pray for them. This year has definitely started out just blah.

Onto more happy things. Things at our home have been wonderful. Christmas was wonderful at our home. We had a great time the Tuesday before with our friends. My candy I made was a hit and Daniel had fun with all the kids,minus one boy. He kept bullying all the babies and children. Christmas Eve we exchanged one gift and watched The Nativity Story. We let Daniel open a gift our neighbor got him and he went crazy haha It was so cute! Christmas morning we got up around 8 and let Daniel sleep in. We prayed and read the account of Jesus' birth in Luke. We exchanged gifts after that. Mike loved his gifts and I loved mine. He got me some nice things. I got a pair of new tennis shoes I've been needing too! We had a good time before we got Daniel up. I got the video camera and we went to wake him up. It was so fun! He sit up in the bed and just looked at us,like why are you doing this? hehe.. He really wasn't sure what to do about the presents. He would tear some and just sit there,I think he was still sleepy. He did like his puzzle and rubber ducky. We made it to my parents on time and alive ha! It was not even close to being cold outside,which was a bummer. We had a great time there! Daniel got some neat things. I got some jewelry and a huge collage picture frame. Mike got a tool box and some clothes. My Mother was so happy about the family portrait we gave her and so was Daddy. It was framed and everything! We had some great food and I got some pics. You can see them here @ Beauty of the Lord. Our last stop was Mike's parents. They were waiting on Karen to bring Maycie over. They all had been waiting all day on Maycie. She finally arrived and we did the gift exchange there. Daniel got a really neat Leap Frog Alphabet Pal. It will come in so handy in the next few years. He loves it! Mrs. Glenda LOVED the family portrait as well. I was so happy! All the women loved their make up too. Mike got some more cologne and some p.j. pants. I got some more p.j. pants and a Mossy Oak t-shirt,which I love,it's PINK! Daniel had fun there too,but was ready to go home. The Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie turned out great!! I didn't have time for homemade Peanut Butter Cookies,so the ones you bake is what I did. The cookies and candy,everyone loved. It was a wonderful Christmas. It's hard to believe next year Daniel will almost be 2 by Christmas!! Our New Year wasn't eventful. Mike was working and I was at home. Daniel and me just played and had fun. This is very late,but it's done at least.

Thinking about 2009 is exciting and scary at the same time. I wrote down some goals and aspirations for the year. I've been doing that since 2005. Just things that pertain to the physical or spiritual part of life, that I want to work on. This year will be really neat with Daniel turning 1 and really learning more. It'll be a neat time for us as parents and as a couple,we'll be married 3 years by December. It'll be trying at times I know,it's a part of life. I mean it has already been trying. But if we hold fast to the faith we have in Jesus Christ, we can make it. We can make it through whatever God wants us too or whatever the enemy may throw at us. I'm confident in Jesus and the Word of God. I want to grow much more in the Lord. I have really been grasping living it day by day,even when no one is watching. It is a daily choice to live for Christ,in ALL I do. I choose what to watch,how to talk,what to listen too,how to dress,how I think, and so on. I want this year to be a year of more growth and more dying to my selfish flesh. My verse this year is Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." It is not about me. This life is not about me,no matter how hard my flesh tells me it is. It is about Christ and being like him in all I do. It is about being a servant and about others. I may try and share my goals later this week. I pray you all want to be more like Christ too. It does matter how we live our day to day life,it matters so much. I love you all!! Until next time!

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.

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.