More Comments From Kerry’s Corner…

–The other day, Kerry fell into the corner of the piano stool and got a nasty bruise on his forehead. Later that same day, the kids were having chocolate pudding after lunch. Kerry says, “I hope this chocolate pudding goes straight to my head–I mean my forehead–so it will feel better!”

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–One day this week, we had some forest friends to visit our backyard. There were several deer on the other side of our fence, and one had even jumped the fence. The kids and I were enjoying observing the deer, when Kerry exclaims, “Oh, I wish I could pet it and ride it! O-h-h, (he chuckles), hee, hee, It’s so awesome! O-o-h, It’s staring at me!”

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–One morning, Kerry had started on his schoolwork early, before Sarah had gotten up. Kerry says, “I’m going to do my work, and no one is going to take it away from me! I know Sarah wants my work because she says it’s easier, but I’m not sharing this!

Heavenward Helium

Sarah got a free balloon at the grocery store today. On her own, she attached a note to it and released it up into the sky. Before Sarah let the balloon go, I sneaked a peek at her note, and this is what it said:

Dear Jesus,

I love you. You are very, very, very, very, very, very sweet to me. Thank you for dying on the cross for us.

Love,

Sarah

After Sarah completed her note and attached it, she ran outside to the backyard. “Mommy, Kerry, come quick!!” she called, “Ooh, I just can’t wait for Jesus to get this!” As the balloon rose higher, Sarah exclaimed, “Wow, look at it go–there it goes–straight to Heaven!!”

I Know The Destination

…Well, in this post, I could write about some of the struggles and troubles weighing on my heart, but “N-a-a-h!!” Who wants to read that stuff, right?! …And who wants to focus on it either?!

O.k., I’ll be honest. I was going to write about some of that “stuff,” but then I read this email from my cousin, Tiffany. She sent me a devotional by Max Lucado, entitled “The Journey.” I agree with Mr. Lucado, when he states, “I can endure the journey, because I know the destiny…” When we reach our final destination, the trials we once faced will quickly be forgotten!!

Glory Hallelujah–Praise Be To God!!

You may read “The Journey” here. Also, you may visit Max Lucado’s website over here.

The Morning Will Come…

…and the mourning will end.

“…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” –Psalm 30:5

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:21-23

About 28 years ago, when I was just a kid, my dad and I used to sing this song at church:

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The Sun’s Coming Up

(artist–Dixie Melody Boys)

Once again, I faced Satan this morning
And I battled him all the day long
But in my weakness, God sends reinforcements
And at sundown, I’ll sing Victory’s song

And the sun’s comin’ up, in the morning
Every tear will be gone from my eye
This old clay’s gonna give way to Glory
And like an eagle, I’ll take to the sky

In a world, filled with doubts and confusion
It’s so hard when you don’t understand
Oh, but I stand on a solid foundation
And I hold to God’s unchanging hand

And the sun’s comin’ up, in the morning
Every tear will be gone from my eye
This old clay’s gonna give way to Glory
And like an eagle, I’ll take to the sky

And the sun’s comin’ up, in the morning

By and By

This morning a familiar song is playing in my head, and it’s one that I’m surprised I haven’t posted before (I thought I had). Anyway, just after all these posts on thankfulness and the Thanksgiving holidays, one might wonder why I would be posting this particular song. Well, reflecting on this song certainly doesn’t mean that I’m not thankful, nor does it mean that this year or even this last month has been “smooth sailing.” I know I’ve often been vague about our struggles, but I think I’ll be sharing more about them, little by little and “by and by…”

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We’ll Understand It Better By and By

(Words and Music by: Charles A. Tindley)

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways that God could lead us to that blessèd promised land;
But He guides us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed for a thoughtless word or deed;
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

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“Later you will understand.” —John 13:7

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**This page adapted from Cyberhymnal. You may listen to this song here.

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**Note: If you listen to the song, you’ll notice this is not a depressing song of defeat, but instead an uplifting song of victory!

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Speaking of Climbing…

…trees and enjoying nature, Scott, his dad, the kids and I took a trek through the woods behind “Grand-Daddy’s” house the other day.  We made our way through brush, tree limbs, vines, and thorn bushes. None of us climbed any huge trees, but the kids enjoyed crossing little creeks by balancing their way across huge logs and fallen trees. They also enjoyed examining rocks, finding deer tracks, and just exploring. Kerry, their Grand-Daddy, let me take a few photos with his camera, while he led the way on our little nature adventure.

The following are a few pics from our outdoor fun:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Count Too…

…Yep, I’m still referring to counting those blessings! The kids and I went for a walk on this beautiful day, here in the Carolinas. As we walked, I asked the kids to each give me a thankful list…

Sarah says:

I am thankful for:

–Fall
–Mommy and Daddy
–Jesus
–bunnies
–“deers”
–“gooses”
–food
–Thanksgiving
–Grandparents

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Kerry says:

I am thankful for:

–God
–my Spiderman shoes
–my family
–trees
–grass
–couches
–candy
—EVERYTHING!!

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We walked by a pond and Kerry exclaims, “Hey Mr. Gooses, hey Mrs. Gooses!!” When we finished our walk, the kids wanted to literally climb a tree… So, believe or not, guess where Mommy was after a little while? Yeah, I can’t believe it either! But you know what, you can’t help but see things from a new perspective when you’re up a tree! It’s good to do something a little different every once in a while…You know, something that really brings “the kid” out in you (without getting yourself into trouble).

Yep, I enjoyed the view from up there, but I’m still most thankful for the view from the ground!

We’re Still Counting…

…Counting our blessings–that is. We will never run out of things to count! I’m thankful for my Savior, my family, my husband, my kids, and this beautiful day–just to name a few…

And hey, by the way, I’m thankful for you–those who blog, who read my blog… I have enjoyed reading so many encouraging, inspiring messages from people like you–in comments you leave, emails you send, and blogs you post. God Bless you all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

**Feel free to leave a comment about what you’re thankful for!

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**P.S. You may also read some of my other posts on “counting blessings” (below):

Count Your Blessings

I’ll Get The Ball Rolling

By The Way

Why Not Count Our Blessings

What I Didn’t Tell Ya

The Joy of Thankfulness

Thankfulness Begins With…

Speaking of Thanks…

Speaking of Thanks…

Have I mentioned that Thanksgiving is not the only special day to our family this week? You see, this Friday is a day of remembrance and thanks for an event that took place eleven years ago. On November 23rd, 1996, the prayer of a 15 year old boy was answered (after 10 yrs.), when Scott and I said “I do.” I dedicate this post to my husband Scott, whom I will love and cherish until the day I die. Scott is a wonderful husband and father, and I thank the Lord for him. Scott is a man of character, conviction, and most importantly, a man of God. His faith, strength, courage, and sense of humor help me to press on each day.

I like the fact that our wedding anniversary is right at Thanksgiving. That way, we can never forget to give thanks for each other!

God Bless you, Honey. I love you very much!

Thankfulness Begins With…

…the acceptance of a Savior’s love… How can we not be thankful, when we think of Jesus and what He has done for us?! Last night, a very loved and cherished hymn kept coming to my mind and filling my heart with such gratitude. In my college days, I used to attend church with my best friend Pooja, and every time we would have Communion, we would sing this hymn. When I think of His love, I can’t help but think of the following song:

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When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

(Words-Isaac Watts; Music-Lowell Mason)

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

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“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints, in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” —Colossians 1:12-14

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**Note: You may learn more about this song here.