Giving Thanks…

Thursday, May 15th

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“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” Psalms 30:6-12

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I’m Thankful For:

–Mom, Mother’s Day, and the privilege of being a mother myself

–Field trips like the one yesterday at the wildlife center and the gorgeous weather we also enjoyed yesterday

–Friends that the kids and I can go visit and the friends the kids and I met at the park the other day. I’m especially thankful for friends that I can be myself with and feel accepted.

–The health that I have and being able to get around as well as I do and being able to do things with the kids, etc. (I may not be in absolute perfect health, but I am very thankful for the health that I do have.)

–HOPE and opportunities (We have some exciting new educational options to consider adding to our homeschooling experience for next year. I am praying hard to make the right choices!)

–My Lord Jesus…the joy He’s given me, all He’s brought me through, all He’s doing now, and all He’s going to do for my family and I… I thank Him and praise Him for this awesome life He has given me! To God Be The Glory!!

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**For more Thankful Thursday posts and participants, please visit Iris @ Sting My Heart.

Where Is That?…

…it was just here…I know it was! It’s like it grew legs and ran away. No, it sprouted wings and flew away! Do you know the feeling? Well, I guess this post will show just how disorganized and scattered I can be at times, but for some reason, I can’t resist! Besides, I’m sure some of you out there can relate, and those who can’t…try not to gloat too much!

So…my Thursday 13 for this week is:

Edition #11

13 Items I Frequently Lose (and spend a lot of time looking for!):

1. Tape (No matter how many tape dispensers I keep on hand, I can never seem to find tape when I need it! Can anyone relate?!)

2. Scissors (I finally found one central place to put the several pairs of scissors, and I’ve pretty much learned to put them back. However, in the middle of using a pair, I still tend to lose them a lot…you know, the whole sprouting wings thing and disappearing act!)

3. Ruler (I think we now have at least 6-8 rulers in the house, yet no one can seem to readily locate a ruler when they need one!)

4. Brush, comb, hair barrettes, hair ties, spray conditioner, and spray detangler (Can’t imagine why I have so many bad hair days?!)

5. Socks (S-h-h, don’t tell anyone, but my socks don’t always match exactly!)

6. Umbrella (I’ve quit carrying one; I only do rain-jackets with hoods now.)

7. Wipes (With small kids around, I just cannot tell you how inconvenient it is to not have a wipe handy when ya need one!)

8. Tissues (Results in situation much like #7 alluded to above!)

9. Gloves (Who needs ‘em anyway…I think I’ve just about given these up too! Luckily, I live in the south!)

10. Sunglasses (I have improved with finding these since I’ve gotten two or three pairs at the dollar store, and I keep a pair in my vehicle.)

11. Pen (O.k., I don’t know how many 10 packs of pens I have purchased at the dollar store. I could have a hundred pens around here and not be able to find one when I need it most…like to take down an important message! What I usually will find instead is an unsharpened pencil or a broken crayon! )

12. Keys (I’ve started putting my house key and vehicle key in my pockets–one in each pocket of my jeans. This works out pretty good until I leave them in my pockets at night and spend the next morning going through pocket after pocket!)

13. Cell Phone (This is another item that must grow legs and run off some where. It just never seems to stay where I leave it…it’s very unruly!)

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–One item I can usually find is my Bible, and that’s a good thing…’cause it’s my “road map!”

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**Update: P.S. O.k., I just have to mention this…Mom, when you read this post, I know what you’ll be thinking! >>“That ‘girl’ is just like her father!”>>

What, can I say…we have to manage with the cards we are dealt, right?! Hee, hee, hee!

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**Other TT editions include:

–Edition #1: Thirteen Reasons For Homeschooling

–Edition #2: Thirteen Reasons I Love My Dog

–Edition #3: Thirteen Jobs I’ve Had

–Edition #4: Thirteen Things That Make Me Smile

–Edition #5: Thirteen Tidbits About The Author

–Edition #6: Thirteen of My Favorite Songs & Artists

-Edition #7: 13 Names for God

-Edition #8: 13 Heroes

-Edition #9: 13 Weight Busters

-Edition#10: Thirteen Scriptures

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Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

He’s Just Waiting…

…for us to call out to Him. Whenever I’m frustrated, lonely, weary, or confused, all I have to do is call out to Jesus. When I’m trying to make a decision; looking for direction, and I truly call out to my Lord, He is always there. When I feel as if I’ve got to make a change, but I’m not sure which path to take (which option/choice is the right one), I can call out to Him in my desperation…and He will answer. When I’m finally ready to let go of my limited thinking, my fears, my negative outlook, my reasoning, and my way, and I’m at a point at which I’m actually ready to stop “talking” and start “listening,” He slowly starts to reveal the way to me.

I start to see bit by bit the course to take, and I’m able to stay on the path as long as I keep my eyes on Him and trust Him to take care of all the details that I cannot control. I’ve been seeking God’s guidance for quite some time now about an issue, and more recently I’ve finally surrendered it fully to Him, trusting in Him for the outcome. There’s a song I’ve heard several times the last couple of weeks that has really “spoken” to me and encouraged me. This song reminds me of the following scriptures:

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. –Luke 11:9-10

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. –John 15:7

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This song says that God is waiting and ready for us to call out to Him. He will be there, He will give us the love we seek, and He will take care of us, if we but trust in Him. This is “Call My Name,” by Third Day…

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Call My Name

By: Third Day

It’s been so long since
You felt like you were loved
So what went wrong
But do you know
There’s a place where you belong
Here in My Arms

Chorus:
When you feel like you’re alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I’ll be there
You just call My name and I’ll be there

The pain inside
Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I’ll give you all
That your heart could ever want
And so much more

Chorus:
When you feel like you’re alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I’ll be there
You just call My name and I’ll be there

You just call My name
You just call My name
Call My name say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
Call My name say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive

You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name

The love I have for you is so alive
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name

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**You may listen to this song, by visiting here.

Mother’s Day: A Little Of This…

…And A Little Of That.

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My daughter Sarah wrote this poem for me (and shared it with me this morning):

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

I am pretty,

and so are you!

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

God loves me,

and God loves you too!

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At church this morning, Wanda (the Youth Director) had all the youth to stand in front of the congregation, while she shared some things they had written about their moms. Wanda and other youth helpers had previously gotten the kids to fill in some sentences to describe their mothers. Many of the responses were quite humorous! As soon as Wanda had gone down the line of children and had reached my two, I have to admit I was a little nervous, especially as she approached little Kerry!

The following are their responses (they’re not too bad, but they are kind of cute!): (The underlined, blue words are their responses).

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My Special Mother

My mother is the most wonderful Mom in the world!

She is as pretty as:

leaves.

She weighs: 30 pounds.

And she is 10 feet tall.

I think Mom looks funny when she:

laughs.

My mom is so smart! She even knows:

how to cook.

I like it when my mom:

reads me a story.

I wouldn’t trade my mom for:

anything.

Love,

Sarah

2008

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My Special Mother

My mother is the most wonderful Mom in the world!

She is as pretty as:

a rose.

She weighs: 16 pounds.

And she is 6 feet tall.

I think Mom looks funny when she:

married my Daddy with short hair.

My mom is so smart! She even knows:

how to drive (and get tickets!).

I like it when my mom:

sits with me.

I wouldn’t trade my mom for:

toys.

Love,

Kerry

2008

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This morning at church, Kristen sang “Handful of Weeds” for Mother’s Day. I love this song by Sheri Easter; especially the line that says, “…She deserves an armful of roses, but she’s satisfied with a handful of weeds.” I can’t help but think about all the times one of my kids has happily handed me a bouquet of freshly picked dandelions! Oh, what a blessing!!–That precious smile on each child’s face and the knowledge that each wanted to give me something beautiful!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mom

Well, you know what this Sunday is, don’t you?

Yeah, I know, I guess you do. If you’ve been in any kind of store, turned on the T.V., or been on the Internet, you must know that Mother’s Day is almost here!

However, I hope it won’t be just another “special” day to rush frantically to the store at the last minute, quickly grab up the first “sappy” card you see, and then head for the flowers section! Try to take at least a few moments to reflect on who your mom really is, what she means to you, and what she’s done for you. Take some time to think back on those good, sweet memories. Most of all, thank God for your mother…

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You see this picture of my mom? Isn’t she beautiful? I think this picture was taken some time before she got married. It’s my favorite picture of Mom. She’s always had a classiness and properness about her (that I couldn’t replicate if I tried!) She has beautiful eyes and skin and a lovely smile. I’ve never really thought I looked much like my mom (not that I’m unattractive; just different). However, it’s so fascinating to me when I see her in my daughter, Sarah!

Mom is often a quiet person outside of the immediate family. However, she has “come out” a lot; helping my dad with his business. Mom is very kind and generous to her clients, and she shows true concern, compassion, and empathy for each person; making them feel special.

Mom has never wanted to be in the “lime-light,” but she enjoys helping “behind the scenes.” She always seems to be at her best and happiest when she is helping someone else reach their goals. Mom has supported me in many different quests and aspirations, and she has been there through the many ups and downs. It’s always seemed that Mom has wanted to protect me from life’s disappointments though she knew she couldn’t. Mom took good care of my brother and I and the house when we were growing up. She did most all the household chores and thankless jobs that we so often took for granted (I realize this and understand it much better, now that I’m a mother!)

I remember the countless hours my mother would sit with me as I stumbled through learning how to read. I recall her helping me through the long process of learning my multiplication tables and helping me study for spelling tests. She was always there to make sure I did my homework and took care of my studies. I also recall many a morning that Mom cooked a big breakfast for us. After eating, Mom would read to us from the Bible, while we were all sitting around the kitchen table.

One of the most important things Mom taught me concerns honesty. Mom has always had the highest regard for truthfulness, and she abhors dishonesty. Whenever I was little and tried to lie to her (as most kids will do at some point), Mom would promptly put an end to it. Mom never let me get away with lying, because she always knew! She also made a habit of telling me that if I lied to her about something I had done that I would get in sooooo much more trouble. Mom stuck to her word on that!

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Mom, thank you for all you have done for me!

Happy Mother’s Day! I love you!

Thankful Thursday (May 8th)

Thursday, May 8th

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“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” –Psalms 79:13

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I give thanks to God for:

–The miracle He has performed for my father-in-law, Kerry this week! Praise the Lord–God is good! I’m thankful that Kerry is doing well after his two procedures.

–Encouraging messages from Christian friends–Two sweet cards I’ve received this past week and a thoughtful, uplifting email.

–My kids and all the wonderful, fun things we get to do. I’m thankful that we have several educational, fun places that we can go to that are close by!

–The WONDERFUL gift of MUSIC! Even though I don’t sing nearly as much as I used to, I still thoroughly enjoy listening to different music. I continue to draw much comfort, peace, and joy from HIS Radio (on-line station)!

–His help, strength, and encouragement. I’m thankful that even when I do have “down times,” that they don’t last forever, and that I still have a peace “within the midst of the storm!”

–His love, His forgiveness, His grace, His mercy, and His redemption! I also thank God for all His many, many blessings! “Ain’t God Good?!”

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**For more Thankful Thursday posts and participants, please visit Iris @ Sting My Heart.

13 Scriptures

Edition #10

13 of my favorite Bible verses, chapters, passages of scripture, etc.–

**Note: I believe in the entire Bible–as being the complete Word of God, and that all of it should be read and studied. I believe that the Bible should not be added to, nor taken away from. I also believe that no certain scripture is necessarily more important than another. The following is just a list of some of the verses that I am most familiar with, that come readily to mind, and that have “spoken” to me during trying times, etc.

1. John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2. Jeremiah 29:11-13: 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. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

3. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

4. Psalms 23, 37, 40, 42, 103, 119

5. Isaiah 40, 53, 55

6. Matthew 5:3-10

7. John 14

8. Romans 6:23, Romans 8

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

10. 1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

11. 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

12. Matthew 6:25-34

13. Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…

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**Other Thursday 13 posts of mine include:

–Edition #1: Thirteen Reasons For Homeschooling

–Edition #2: Thirteen Reasons I Love My Dog

–Edition #3: Thirteen Jobs I’ve Had

–Edition #4: Thirteen Things That Make Me Smile

–Edition #5: Thirteen Tidbits About The Author

–Edition #6: Thirteen of My Favorite Songs & Artists

-Edition #7: 13 Names for God

-Edition #8: 13 Heroes

-Edition #9: 13 Weight Busters

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Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

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Sarah’s First Plastic Card…

…her first library card, that is. What did you think I meant? What kind of fool do ya think I am?!

Yeah, the library card is quite enough for now! People are constantly saying to me, “Just think about what it will be like when Sarah goes to get her Driver’s License.” Instead, I think to myself, “Why would I want to think about that just yet?! Let me deal with the issues at hand first, please! If I think too far ahead, I might start to hyperventilate! (O.k., well not really, exactly, but it won’t help me handle the “now” any better!)”

As far as any other plastic goes, I’ll like it just fine if my kids never own a single credit card!

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Anyway, yeah, Sarah was THRILLED!! I know…it’s so cute and sweet how the smallest, most trivial things that we take for granted mean so very much to a 6 yr. old, huh?! Sarah felt so much older and more important!

She actually could have gotten one a couple of years ago–I just never thought about it. However, today it finally occurred to me, when we were checking out books at our town library. I had been busy making summer plans, while the kids were on the computers and picking out their books. I had forgotten to put a limit on how many books the kids could check out, and I didn’t notice until we headed to the circulation desk. Each kid came staggering to the desk; struggling with huge piles of books. I can only get 20 books on my card, and it only took a quick glance to determine that my children had greatly exceeded the limit.

Thinking about how much Sarah LOVES to read and how quickly she “devours” the books from the library, I thought, “Perhaps I should see about getting Sarah her own card!” (Also, little Kerry is still in the initial learning phase of reading, and I need to have him working on it more.) The librarian informed me that if a student was at least Kindergarten-age that he/she could get their own card. Of course, I guess I used to know that and had just forgotten.

So, Sarah obtained her new card and was quite pleased. Kerry, however, was a little miffed and envious. I told him that he could get his own card next year. He still didn’t like it, but he was happy with his huge stack of books, (as long as I helped him carry them)!

Puppies and Preciousness

Yep, puppies and preciousness…they just go together! I don’t know about you, but I need my “dose of cuteness” today! These puppies can’t help but be cute! Check ‘em out:

Sing, Walk, Dance, and Pray…

…those silly old blues away!

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Tuesday evening, the kids and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and then to the nearby community park. We’ve been sticking close to home the last couple of days, and we haven’t seen much of Scott. He’s been at the hospital with his dad and mom most of the time. [ We thank the Lord that his dad did well after the 2 procedures, and the doctor was able to open up the blocked arteries. (For more info., see the prayer page, here.) I'm glad that Scott has been able to be there for his parents.]

I was feeling even better after our walk. It’s very important for me to get regular exercise, not only for my physical health, but also for my mental outlook! [ Some issues had been weighing on my heart and mind the last few days. Monday, I had to go off one of my medications (which always has a huge effect on me--I'll have to explain more about that in another post). We've all been concerned about Kerry, Scott's dad. Then, as I mentioned earlier, Scott hasn't been here much lately, and the kids and I miss him horribly when he's not here.]

Anyway, the kids and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk and play-time at the park. We stayed at the park for about an hour–of course, the kids would have stayed longer, but I wanted to return before dark! When we got back, I enjoyed some Christian tunes, as I worked on a couple of household chores. I listened to a song I hadn’t heard in a while that really brought me some cheer and joy. It’s just a light-hearted, fun song…

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Big House (My Father’s House)

By: Audio Adrenaline

I don’t know where you lay your head
Or where you call your home
I don’t know where you eat your meals
Or where you talk on the phone
I don’t know if you got a cook
A butler or a maid
I don’t know if you got a yard
With a hammock in the shade

I don’t know if you got some shelter
Say a place to hide
I don’t know if you live with friends
In whom you can confide
I don’t know if you got a family
Say a mom or dad
I don’t know if you feel love at all
But I bet you wish you had

Pre-chorus
Come and go with me
To my Father’s house
Come and go with me
To my Father’s house

Chorus
It’s a big big house
With lots and lots a room
A big big table
With lots and lots of food
A big big yard
Where we can play football
A big big house
Its my Father’s house

Ibidibidee bop bop bow whew! yeah!

All I know is a big ole house
With rooms for everyone
All I know is lots a land
Where we can play and run
All I know is you need love
And I’ve got a family
All I know is you’re all alone
So why not come with me?

Repeat pre-chorus

Repeat chorus

Repeat pre-chorus

Repeat chorus

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**You may listen to this song here.