Hey Ladies!

Just wanted to drop in and say Hello! Its a busy week for me (sigh). Work is really busy this week and we have VBS. Jeremy & I have been working on VBS for a while now and Jeremy wrote all the lessons. Our theme is "Adventures in Bethlehem" . Tonight we finished up our props and some last minute decorating! I am praying its a huge success and many little lives are changed! We have had such great help and its going to be a great week!

Thank you all so much for your comments on my blog. All the little words of encouragement and advice from you "mommies" is special. You all sound like such wonderful parents and I just know you are! Your kids adore you and God smiles upon you for your love, devotion and sacrifices you make. I was just thinking about the impact that we make on our babies. WOW! I have such deep thoughts going on in this head of mine. So many times we talk about being pregnant and all the joys that come with it --- its really hit me! Hit me hard! We have a huge and I mean huge responsibility coming our way... I just want to make every single moment count AND I so desire for my little one to know Jesus.Thank you Lord for placing it on our hearts now to read your word , pray and talk to our baby about you! Even now I know we can impact this little one you have blessed us with!

Okay, so I am emotional.. this comes with it too right?!?!?! So they say... good thing or I wouldn't be 'normal' right now. Ha Ha ! You guys all have a great week. I am exhausted and am going to get some rest! Thanks for being such great buddies!

WHEW.....

It might be over! I tell you - I have had some crazy few weeks. I haven't been able to do much of anything and that includes resting. Week before last my cousin passed away along with her unborn child. The funeral was last Thursday and then while at the church working on some painting for Vacation Bible School props we got the call that my 99 year old great mema passed away. Because of the holiday we had a time getting the funeral arranged and getting our family here on time. They ended up not getting flights until Tuesday and didn't get to do the funeral until Wednesday. Everyone is home and resting! Please remember my mema when you pray. She was the who did everything for my great mema and so she will miss her greatly. I hope to get a picture of her posted soon - I am so proud of her and the legacy she left behind. She was a Godly woman and she loved the Lord with all her heart!

We had our first sonogram on Monday. We were so excited. This little one gave us a time. HE or SHE was all over the place. We laughed AND cried! Dr. Bell was doing the sonogram and the baby wouldn't stay in one place so he kept trying to get pictures. In one picture the baby does a flip flop and we have it ! We cracked up. He or she was moving his/her arms and legs all around. I really had no idea we would get so much detail at less than 12 weeks. We did and it was just amazing. There is nothing like the first time we saw this baby. I can't even put it into words how I felt. God is so good! Another picture we have is a little round face AND he or she sucking his or her thumb. I think this comes from mommy because I did as a child! :) We are in love with this little one! My due date has been moved up to Jan. 19th!

I go back to the dr on the 17th of this month to check my sugar once again. I have been keeping a log and they look really good but he changed a few things about me monitoring them and wants some different readings. He really staying on top of things. I am pleased with that. We want to do a 3D ultra sound - some say its really neat and others have told me they didn't really like it as well. If you have had one or even both let me know what you think. We are trying to make a decision. We will find out in August what it is! It can't come too soon!

Thank you all for your emails, comments you have left for me and your prayers! I appreciate you. I hope to be back to the blogging world more now as things slow down.

It has been a loooong week..

Sorry I haven't been blogging and reading others as I always do. We had the funeral for my cousin Andrea and her unborn child on Thursday. The family seems to be doing as well as possible. Her daughter Brianna is 11 and and her son John Michael is 5 to remember them espeically when you pray! I can not imagine loosing my mother. The thought is overwhelming! I just keep reminding myself that God knows exactly what he is doing even when some times we might not understand.

My great grandmother went home to be with the Lord lastnight at 9:05 p.m. This is something that wasn't easy to take but I know where she is and how long she has waited to go! She was blessed with 99 precious years to live her life and did she ever leave a legacy behind. She will be missed greatly. I am not sure at this point when her funeral will be because it is the weekend and a holiday weekend at that. We have family to fly in and flights are 12 hrs behind schedule because of the holiday on Tuesday.

We have a doctors appointment on Monday to hear this little ones heart beat. Jeremy & I are so excited! I will update once everything slows down a bit for us. I appreciate all the prayers and the emails and posts of encouragement. I know I have said it before but I will say it again - prayer changes everything! It makes it a little easier in situations like these this week when you have people praying. Thank you!

Happy 4th of July and God bless you and your family!

Please pray for me ....

I just wanted to log on for a few minutes and post instead of sending out so many different emails. I hope that if you read my blog that you will say a prayer for me. I have had a horrible day! My cousin who is 34 and she was pg (in her fourth month) died today. They think it was her heart but have sent to find out for sure. I also found out my great grandmother is very bad and they have called hospice in. I am a worrier - I worry alot! It is something I fight daily and am trying to gain victory over! I don't deal well with stress NOT being pg so being pg makes it worse. I really do not believe I will be able to handle a funeral and that makes me feel even worse! My mom says I have a baby to think about and if I can't it is okay.... please pray for me and please pray for our family. My cousin leaves behind two children and Terry her husband not only lost his wife but his unborn baby. I KNOW God knows - I know there is a purpose but may I see it.

Nine weeks

It is hard to believe I am nine weeks pg today! The past four weeks have flown by so fast. Everyone keeps telling my to enjoy every moment because it will be gone before I know it. This is exactly how I feel since finding out. It seems like yesterday but indeed it has been a month! I had Jeremy take my first picture today - I hope it turns out well.

I've been pretty busy planning our VBS at the church and it is all coming together. Basically we have props to paint and decorating to do the week of and it is all coming together. I am excited about it - Jeremy has put alot of hard work into the theme and lessons for this year. I know God will bless!

Have a question for you all - Amanda, you may be able to help me out - I was told getting my nails done and getting my hair foild while being pg was fine. I made my appointment for the 30th to have my hair done and then today I was told by a friend that I needed to wait til after my first trimester was over to foil my hair. I don't use bleach on my hair, no blonde but she said its the chemicals ? If anyone knows anything about this please let me know. My nurse told me foiling my hair was fine. This girl just can't stand her nails and hair not being done. I however will wait if its not good for our baby. :)

Work is going well and my boss it the greatest. I have become really close to one of my co-workers and she has turned out to be one of the greatest friends I have ever had. Honestly, I know me going to work there was God and I believe one reason was her friendship. I have needed a friend like her in my life for a very long time. Just one more thing to praise God about! I praise him for many things but I have to admit, when I pray and I see something before your eyes come to pass ---- it increases my faith so much!

Again, thank you all for emailing and posting on my blog. I have learned alot from all you moms out there!

This & That

Hey everyone! Hope this post finds you all doing well. Jeremy and I are doing great - baby is wonderful! I will be nine weeks pregnant on Tuesday. It is hard to believe that as of tomorrow we have known for 4 weeks! Time is flying and I just can't believe it. I just praise the Lord for all the wonderful things - my sugar is better than it has ever been. I am so thankful. It is my prayer that I won't have to take one insulin shot while carrying our baby.

I haven't been sick really much all - til this week! I haven't gotten sick if you know what I mean but I have been super quEEeezzZZY ! At first it was just from time to time and drinking something would cause it to pass. Now its alot of the day and I have questioned if it was here to stay a while. My mom was the type of person who when pregnant she couldn't raise her head out of bed in the mornings without crackers. Oooohhhhh I hope that won't be me. However, I have already told the Lord I prayed for this, it is a desire deep in my heart and I will not complain --- regardless! Don't laugh but something else different this week....... I can cry at the drop of a hat! Watching a movie, a commercial, something someone says to me, you name it! Is that normal ??? I'm still tired but not as much.

Jeremy was in Ohio this week for revival. They had a great crowd and had 11 saved. 11 more precious souls the devil doesn't have! I miss him when he is gone without me but I tell you to me there is just nothing like someone accepting Jesus! My heart is overflowing tonight.

I've not been doing well the past week keeping up with the online bible study but I hope to catch up and be able to keep up better. We have VBS coming up in July and I have been coordinating all of it and so I have been extra busy on top of ministry and working. Thank you all so much for your emails and comments on my blog. I love talking to moms because with this being my first pregnancy I have lots of questions and you all have so much wisdom and insight. I know we are all different and what is true for some may not be the exact for others but just knowing someone has been where I am helps me to know things that don't seem 'normal' after 30 years really are 'normal' being pg ! :) Like my nurse said "Christy, if its opposite of what it was - regardless of what it is, its normal being pg". Believe it or not, for the most part, it has been the case with me. :)

Just one question for all of you - when you were pg did ya have a hard time not buying things ? ? ? ? ? ? I can't shop without getting something every single time. I did it today for the 1st time and I am in denial. Ha Ha!

I'm going to catch up on my reads and I hope you guys have a great weekend. Happy Fathers Day to all the daddies! My husband has been reading Psalms to our baby every night and its a special time. I think he is going to be make an incredible daddy!

---- A new look

I love my blog! Kristina did such a great job. Thank you Kristina! I think it is adorable.....

Today hubby is flying out for Ohio for a week. I am going to miss him SO much! He has this one and one other trip between now and the end of August which calls for him to be gone an extended period of time and everything else is close enough to home he won't be gone as much between now and the end of summer. Anyone who knows me knows I go cRaAaZy when it is a loooong trip! I am praying for this revival, they always have an outstanding one and last year more than 20 people were saved. That is what it is all about.

My friend Paula and I are going over to the baby fair today. I am excited. I have been to a bridal fair but never to something like this. They say there are several vendors and lots to see. I couldn't help myself, I had to buy a few sleepers and a few other goodies! They are adorable. My excuse was thay they were on sale so I couldn't help but get them --- really I just had to!

Hope you guys are having a great weekend! The weather here is already really HOT! I'll be staying indoors! :)

I've been tagged with a few meme's so I will get those done soon!

Home....

We are finally home and I am so glad! I had a great time with Jeremy in AL but I am glad to be sleeping in my own bed. Honestly, before being pregnant it never bothered me in the least but now there isn't anything more comfortable than my own!

We had really good services and the preaching was out of this world! I heard a message this week that I will never forget.... it was titled "When the birds sing". So many times we are beaten down by the cares and troubles of this world - one thing after another goes wrong and the devil tries to keep our joy but we just need to hear the birds sing one more time! There is nothing like the sweetness of the song - and nothing compares to the stiring of the song in your heart! It came from the Song of Solomon chapter 2 verses 8-14. If you have a chance to read it do and let it bless your heart! I don't know if you like Southern Gospel but I was able to hear the Greene's (my favorite because of how they really worship) and the Whisnants (they sing Nail it to the Cross/New Day Dawing). They all did a great job in following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing like being with a crowd of people who love the Lord, who will worship with all they have and not be afraid to! Being with our good friends --- made me think it was just a little bit of what heaven will be like!

I am doing good and feeling pretty well. This week I have to admit it, I have loved not working but its a must! My boss is wonderful, my friend Machele is such a joy to work with and I am blessed. The Lord has been so good to us with insurance and all the added! God knew exactly what he was doing and he was just on time! It humbles me in amazement. I still stant in Ahhhhh at him for our baby. Those of you who have prayed and really cried unto the Lord for something and he answered you know exacly what I am talking about! The best part of it is he keeps showing me that HIS timing in my life is SO perfect! I have been feeling a tad bit sick at my stomach from time to time but I just thank him for it! I've told Jeremy I want to go my whole pregnancy and have joy down in my heart - never a complaint because I have waited for this!

I've been catching up on my reads and am glad to know everyone is doing well. Gwen, you have been on my heart and I am praying for you! Veronica, I know you have been experiencing alot with the Lord and I hope you find your relationship with him just gets sweeter. Kristina, thanks for always been a constant encouragement to me. You are always such a positive and I need that! Amanda, your honesty will always set you free! There is always a fourth man walking in the fire! Becky, enjoy your summer! You deserve it! I love you guys! I've not meant to leave anyone out these things were just on my mind!

PS... my sugar is still running great! :)

Hey everyone...

Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I know some of you have left comments and emailed me and I hope I have responded to everyone. I have been super exhausted! I do not have a stressful job at all priase the Lord but I am adjusting to not being a night owl since being pregnant. I never dreamed I could sleep so much! I am not one to need alot of sleep. I could go to bed at midnight and get up at 6:45 and be good to go. Not anymore! I have been coming home either at lunch OR right after work and vegging out. Normally atleast two nights a week besides Wednesdays we are doing something with either family or friends when Jeremy is home. This is a huge adjustment for me but I know I need to rest.

HUGE PRAISE ITEM! I must confess.... I am diabetic and I haven't taken too good care of myself. Infact, my sugars weren't running well at all. Since learning of the baby I have been doing great. I have been taking such good care of myself AND eating as I should. I am off my diabetic medication and in one week my sugars are down and running better being PG than when they did not PG and on medication. Praise God! I have lost 6 lbs. I am not sick. I am just eating so healthy and watching everything I do. Some say not to loose, some say its ok. I am just doing what I need to do to eat right and its is all falling into place. I tell you, when God does something he does it RIGHT. EXACTLY right! I never want to fail to praise him.

My husband has been a huge help to me. I wish I could tell you everything that has taken place and how this little miracle has already change our life so. I'd be here writing forever. I would like to encourage you if you and your family do not have prayer time together --- try it. It is the most precious time ever. We have always prayed together but to hear him pray over our child is amazing. I can't put into words how my heart feels. I am so full of joy..... I hope you are all having a blessed week. I've been reading Galatians and enjoying it. I actually finished it lastnight. I hope you all have gotten a blessing out of it and I look forward to what God will lead Amanda to do next!

Again thanks for all your love, prayers, emails and phone calls... we are all doing great!

Where is my lilypie?

My pregnancy counter is missing..... wonder whats up with this?

Hope you all are having a good week. I have been extra tired so I haven't been posting much. I will post tonight and try and get caught up.. Thank you everyone for your emails and comments. Baby and I are good! Daddy is good too. I wish I could express my deepest joy but I do not think it will go into words. Jeremy has been praying for and over the baby every morning and night. Talking to him or her as well and it is the most precious thing! I will have to share more later! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tomorrows First Visit....

Well tomorrow is my first visit at the Doctor and we are excited to go! Jeremy & I have our list of questions to ask of course and I hope he will give us lots of information. I called my mom lastnight to tell her some of the things on our minds and to see if she had any other things we might have forgotten.... she mentioned a few things then I had her ask dad (so he isn't left out of course). He proceeded to tell me he came up with a boys name! I won't even mention it because one its out of the question and two he was being silly! Next I had her ask my brother Nathan.. he said "Ask if its a boy".... I am cracking up by this time. My other brother Aaron was sleeping (he is catching up after years of college) so I didn't get his thoughts! <> I will let you all know how things go tomorrow. They moved my appointment from 9:00 am to 11:00 am so since it isn't an earlier appointment I may be there a while. I love first appointments because I usually can get in and out! Thank you all for your love, your prayers, your phone calls and emails. You all are wonderful friends! Amanda, I am taking the advice ... NO WORRIES! I am remembering that til January! I love you all!

Wow...

I have so many things going through my mind... I tell you, I don't know if it is part of being pregnant and all women have these things running around up there OR if its me because I am still in such shock! I am exhausted but can't sleep because of the excitement, the questions, the thoughts of being a mom, so many little things. It hit me lastnight --- I am going to have this baby! Like physically have it.

Already I have so many happy thoughts and feelings! I can't imagine as this little baby grows and I bond with him/her or them of what I will feel. It is incredible. I have dreamed of this for years. I go to the doctor on Friday
because I am diabetic and he did switch my bp medicine since I was on a small does anyways. He said he'd rather me be on something safe and not take anything at all and have to later and it be hard to control. I know I have a few things against me because of my health but I am not believing any of the devils lies. I know what God can do and he has done exactly what he said he would. In the last two years Jeremy and I have sold out to him and we learned about being in his perfect will not his permissive. Since doing so he has brought us so far and down the journey exactly as he planned. It couldn't be more perfect. Honestly, I can say I learned what I needed to, I have grown and he keeps answering our prayers!

Jeremy is SUPER excited! His face ----- priceless! He has began already praying over the baby and for our lives together as a family. We plan to begin reading the bible soon!


Pray for us. I will keep you all posted. I love you guys, you are such wonderful friends. Several of you have prayed for me and YES Amanda, your prayers were answered.

We are ECSTATIC....

I haven't had a lot of time to sit and write everyone personal emails or send ecards thanking so many of you for your love and prayers and................. I would like to tell you ALL that we are expecting our first baby! We found out today with two home tests and I go to my family doctor on Thursday. This is just a general check up so I will call tomorrow to make an appointment with my ob/gyn. I love you all and I really appreciate all your prayers. Alot of you who read my blog are friends I have just made and I know you have been praying for me. Others are friends who have been in my life for a long time and you know how we have prayed. God answers everything --- right on time. We'll keep you all posted....

-so blessed

I don't have anything really exciting to post.... nothing extra special to tell .... I just feel so blessed! Can I just share my heart with you.... I hope that will be okay.. this may turn out to be a different kind of post... who knows. I have been in the best mood the past few days. Not that I have too many bad days but from time to time I just don't feel like smiling! I think we all have days like that. I, on the other hand am a pretty happy person all the way around! Tonight as I came up for a few minutes to read a few of my favorite blogs I thought to myself "I haven't posted since my Happy Mothers Day post to everyone" so I wanted to post something before logging off. I didn't really have anything in particular in my mind until I thought "I am so blessed".

So many times we go through life with confusion, heartache, business all around us. We tend to focus on all the not so good things going on and we tend to loose sight of what is really important. I've said it a thousand times and I will say it again..... When I start to think of all the blessings in my life.......... THAT is when I become the blessed. It amazes me at the goodness of God. Every day we have, every breath we take, it is all a gift! I was telling my best friend Heather today at lunch.. I am tired of all the frowns on people's face, all the drama some people tend to have constantly going on... I wish people would just look around and see life is full of happiness, full of laughter, full of beauty! Just being a child of the King is enough for me! Do not get me wrong, I have bad days from time to time but if I have to pick laughing over crying I will laugh every time. I believe some times it all comes down to attitude.

I hope that I as a Christian can be a light to those who need a closer walk with God. I hope that we live a life before others that makes them want just a portion of what is on the inside of us. I feel so blessed today! So many times we live defeated lives and God meant for us to live victorious. Sure, we talk about heaven and how sweet it will be. I know I can't imagine what it will be like but God didn't save us to live unhappy down here. He didn't save us to loose every battle we fight. He promised us strength when we are weary, encouragement when we are sad, food when we are hungry -- we just have to get to Him!

I am blessed today! So blessed! I know that you are too. If only I can remember each morning that it doesn't matter what happens during the day, what I have face or what challenges arise... I know He is with me!

Thank you heavenly father for all of the blessings in my life. Thank you for the fellowship that I have with you and for constantly showing me that you will continue to mold me and make me what you'd have me to be. May my life always be a light for others to see you in me! Thank you for me husband, my soul mate, thank you that you prepared him just for me. For my family, my church family, my friends.... countless blessings ... for salvation! I love you!

Happy Mothers Day....

I wanted to say Happy Mothers Day to all of you and especially to my beautiful mother, Lynne. Like most of you, I think I have the best mother in the world. I am so greatful to have spent time with my her today. I am very blessed to not only have a mother, but to have a Godly Mother - a heritage that has been passed down from one generation to the next. In my heart I feel anyone can be a mother but it takes someone who is devoted to Him with all of her heart, sould and mind ... someone who strives daily - to be a Godly mother.

In Proverbs 31 God speaks of such a mother! I believe in this chapter it isn't only speaking of a Godly mother but a Godly women... a Godly wife. Proverbs 31 says: (V10) "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." (V11) "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." (V12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (V13) "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. "(V14)She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. "(V15) "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." (V16) "She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. "(V17) "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."(V18) "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night." (V19) "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."(V20) "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." (V21) "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet." (V22) "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. "(V23) "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."(V24) "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. "(V25) "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." (V26) "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."(V27) "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."(V28) "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." (V30) "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

I thank God for all of the Godly women and Godly mothers I am honored to be friends with! I want to especially praise the Lord for Veronica, someone who has such a huge heart and seeks to serve the Lord with all she has. You have such an honest heart! To Amanda, I believe your running just as hard and fast as you can to get to Him! You can't get enough and it blesses my soul! You have the greatest testimony and your not afraid to share it! I love your boldness! Kristina, I hope that some day I can have just half the joy you express of being a mommy! Your so devoted to your husband and son. Stephanie, WOW! If you continue to open yourself up to let God use you I know you are going to be able to help women know what it really is to be a Godly wife and mother! Don't be afriad of saying everything "Just right"... when its from Him it is all that matters! You are ALL beautiful women and I have such JOY calling you friends. Thank you for being a friend to me and for being the example of a Proverbs 31 women/mother.

Happy Mothers Day to all you ..Becky, Faith, Gwen, Michelle, Sarah, Vivian and othes who may be reading my blog... I am praying for you and for your families!

"Adventures in Bethlehem"

I hope everyone is doing well! Sorry I haven't written in a day or so. I have been super busy. I wanted to ask you all to pray for Jeremy & I.... we are starting to plan VBS at the church and we really put alot into this! It takes months of planning and preparing. So far this year we have our theme and story line. It is going to be called "Adventures in Bethlehem" . We will have our stories together and a lesson plan next week. Last year was a huge success and alot of kids who do not attend church on a regular basis were there. Please pray we will minister to those who are in need and be a light in our neighborhood. If any of you have any ideas at all let me know - We plan the crafts, music, lesson, props and everything! You might have a thought we haven't come up with and God may bless us to use it! Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday! We have had lots of rain --- we needed it! If you remember, pray for Jeremy.. he is in revival this week in MO.

I.....

I... thought this was really cute so I thought I'd share...

I ...

I want...to be a mommy some day....
I wish...my brother wouldn't have gotten a divorce....
I hate...getting up early (before 8:30) in the mornings!
I am... SO in love with my husband!
I miss...Jeremy ALOT when he is away preaching....
I hear...me fan blowing....
I wonder ......... ALL the things heaven will be.. I can't imagine...:0)
I regret...worrying so much... it doesn't change a thing!
I am not...Anal about my house being clean regardless of who says so!
I dance...Oh heavens... gotta be honest? Some times to be silly... I've never been one to dance!
I sing...in my car! Jeremy and I do this ALOT when we are driving on a trip!
I cry.. I cry no matter what when someone walks an isle to be saved and accepts Jesus in his/her heart!
I am not always... in a good mood. I do have a bad day from time to time. I am human!.
I would .. love to have my grandparents here today...
I make...sure I say "I love you" when I get off the phone EVERY single time to my precious husband!
I write...because it's fun and I enjoy my blogging friends.. Jeremy says I write b/c he is going to publish my entries that I write about spiritual things one day....
I confuse... my numbers some times... instead of 125 I may say 152...
I should...learn to say no more often and not over extend myself...
I start....remembering how blessed I am and that is when I really get a blessing...
I finish...almost everything I start and like doing my best!

Now, see if you can share your thoughts with me... I tag YOU!

Night life...

Alot of you have been asking how my trip was to OKC. We had a great time. I was there training for work and Jeremy was able to go with me because he was in town! While I was in training he visited some friends he went to college with. He really enjoyed himself! We are going back in August for him to do a revival for a friend there just outside the city. It will be great to be with friends but also I am going to meet some of you in person for the first time. I am really excited!

While we were in the city we had dinner with friends in bricktown. It is really a neat place and I loved the city after the sun went down. We walked down the canal and took a ride on the gondala.... it is more like a small boat than the ones you see in places like Italy and Greece. It was really pretty and very romantic! Our friends took some pictures of Jeremy & I together so I will post one once they email them to me! I have one so far..... I'll post this one....

I don't know, call me crazy -- I have seen the beach so many times and I am ready for beautiful sites of the city life! I really can not wait to see NYC! I am dying to see the Statue of Liberty and I want to visit Chicago. God has blessed us with being able to travel all over and make new friends, see the beautiful places he created as well as many people who come to know HIM! That is really what it is all about! If I never got to take another trip or become friends with a complete stranger - I am blessed!

Tonight we went to dinner with my family (and some friends)! This has become a tradition every week.... I adore my family. They become more precious to me the older I get and I have learned alot of times family is all you have in this world outside of your relationship with the Lord. We had a scare this week with my little brother (I am not going to go into detail) but we all pulled together and prayed! The Lord answered and I praise Him for that! He graduates from college next weekend and I am super proud of him. He has worked hard and now he can teach and coach (football) just as he has always wanted to do! We hit Wal-Mart after dinner and then on to a late movie... I had a great time just relaxing! I am going to take Amanda's advice from last week and have a relaxing weekend. Something I do not do often. I am really bad about extending myself in a million different directions and I have learned there are times I have to say no!

I forgot to tell you guys that lastnight we went on visitation and we were able to bless them with christian coloring books and colors for the kids as well as a flyer about our church, track and a bible. It was precious to see Noah (a 6 year old from church) so excited about inviting others to be in service with us. I have already told them, the people we invited may never show up but God will bless our efforts. He will send them! I am so excited about what God is doing - not only in my life but in the lives of reach of you. I am thankful he saw fit for us to cross paths. AND just think, one day we will be able to walk the streets of gold together and there will be no need for blogging - we will have all eternity to fellowship.

Good night my friends and God bless you this weekend. Thank you Father for all of your blessings this week and for the prayers that have been answered in all of our lives. It is just another testimony that you are on the throne and still doing miracles. Give me rest this weekend and thank you for quality time with my husband , family and friends. I am so unworthy of all your goodness and your mercy. Please forgive me where I have failed you and mold me to be who you'd have me be. May they see Jesus in me. Amen...

National day of Prayer...

Today is National Day of Prayer... I usually participate in this in some special way simply because it is made a special day. Today many will receive a blessing & I hope that we as christians will spend more time in prayer - not just on this day but every day of our lives! God longs for us to want to communicate with Him! I want to be so close to Him that He can hear my heartbeat! I know alot of times it takes a day like today that is set aside, a special holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas and some times even a crisis for people to call out to God in prayer. Today I pray God hears those who do not know him say "Jesus forgive me of my sins, come into my heart and be my savior - I long to worship YOU." I pray that others will receive from God what they need whether it be a family member healed of cancer or alcoholism. A child come to know the Lord whether it be an an early age or one they have been praying for, for a very long time. I pray marriages will be restored, friendships mended. Hurts forgiven and peace found! I pray for the leaders of our nation, of our churches and the men of our homes to lead us in Godly paths. Thank you Heavely Father for all you have blessed me with- if I begin to name them all I would fall short. I are so unworthy to call upon your name. Thank you for saving my soul and setting me free. That is my prayer for today! I am praying for you too my friend.

Once again reading Veronica's blog this really stood out to me. I have been doing alot of praying about my firendships and those who I am friends with. You know the bible speaks to us of those we should and shouldn't call our friends. As I get older I learn that quality is always better than quantity.... even in my friendships! Our friends influence our lives whether its in a good way or bad way! I wanted to share with you this...

Seven Signs of an UNDESIRABLE Friend

1. An undesirable friend is immoral and has no regard for others. "I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person" (1 Corinthians 5:11)

2. An undesirable friend is changeable andunstable. "Do not associate with those given to change; for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin those two can bring?" (Proverbs 24:21-22)

3. An undesirable friend is frequently angry. " Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do no go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul" (Proverbs 22:24-25)

4. An undesirable friend gives ungodly counsel. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful" (Psalm 1:1)

5. An undesirable friend is a lawless unbeliever. "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteous has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

6. An undesirable friend is a fool. " He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20)

7. An undesirable friend is irreverent toward God adn His laws. "I am a companion of all who fear you, and of those who keep Your precepts"(Psalm 119:63)

Do you have a friend with such characteristics?
Do you ask for new friends or do you pray that the old ones are transformed?

God has been dealing with me alot lately about my friendships. While we need friends that we enjoy hanging out with and having a good time -we also need ones that we can pray with, study Gods word with, and those that lift us up. I have been praying for God to use me to be a good friend but also to surround me with those who encourage me to chase after Him, those who pray with me and pray for me.... in every thing we do we have to glorify HIM! Even in our friendships! I encourage you to strive with me to be the kind of friend God would have us be!

Ten Simple Pleasures...

I am off to OKC for my last bit of training for my new job. I am loving it AND I feel so blessed. I have absolutely been blessed not only with work but the friendships I have made. I am thrilled! I was catching up on my reads and all before heading off to the hotel and I thought I'd do the tag from Stephanie....

Ten Simple Pleasures...

* reading my bible...

* I love going to the park and feeding the ducks with my husband... we have done this since we started dating.. in the fall or early spring is my favorite time.

* hearing Jeremy or my dad preach

* I love it when I get a card or something in the mail unexpected -- I hate bills ! :0)

* A phone call that says " I have been praying for you"

* ANY time with my family

* planting flowers with Jeremy

* scrapbooking

* getting my nails done

* praying with my husband

Now I am tagging you.... Veronica, Michelle, Amanda, Kelly, Kristina

Have a great evening!

A Desireable Friend...

I read this from my friend Veronica's blog and I absolutely loved it. God has been dealing with me for a very long time on the love of being a friend... a friend He would have me be. I am so thankful he has put Godly women in my life and influenced me with some of the most fabulous women ever! I love you all and you each have your own special place in my heart... you all bring something different into my world of friendship! Thank you

Seven Good Signs of a Desirable Friend

1. A desirable friend tells you the truth in love. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an ememy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6)

2. A desirable frind gives you sound advice. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel" (Proverbs 27:9)

3. A desirable friend refines you. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17)

4. A desirable friend helps you grow in wisdom. "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20)

5. A desirable friend stays close to you. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24)

6. A desirable friend loves you and stands by you. " A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17)

7. A desirable friend is a help in time of trouble. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Do you have any friends that have any or all these qualities?

Thank you Jesus for my friends! I'm blessed!

... family

I am so excited... I am off for a trip with my family for the weekend.

About twice a year all the women in our family get together and take a trip. Last time it was to Branson and some of the girls weren't able to go so we are going again this weekend. I absolutely can not wait!

My cousin, Angela is having a baby and is due in June. Please pray that we don't have too much fun so the little guy won't try and come early.

Also, my mom never misses church on Sunday (which I don't either no matter where we are we go to church) because she does both Sunday School and Childrens Church but this weekend --- it is her weeend! She is going to get away all weekend long and pamper herself & have a great time!

I won't be blogging again unless it is late Sunday night so you girls have a great weekend!

Kristina, I will be praying for your father in law and Veronica your mom!

Amanda, your on my list as well as Gwen!

I pray blessings for you all this weekend!!

Do I ever feel horrible... I have reread some of my blog entries and one day I am up on the mountain and the next in the lowest valley. Man, I could make myself depressed by reading some of my entries lately! For all of my blogging friends I am so sorry - I am thankful you are still with me. I've had so much change going on lately both physical and spiritual. I think today I finally got it..... change is good. It is not always a bad thing...

I think of it like this, if I were to have gotten saved and never changed I'd never grown so I'd not be where I am today. God has been using change to get me out of my comfort zone and weeding some things. He has been calling me out of some things and away from some things.... please pray that I accept change and am obedient in all things. Even when it concerns people in my life.

I know now why the battles that have gone on this week! I wrote about that battles we face and how we are never alone! I had it heavily on my heart and couldn't get it out in writing for some time. I finally wrote my blog entry and released it. Then Tuesday and Wednesday were horrible days because of different battles going on. I know now exactly why.... today the Lord confirmed we will be starting a visitation at church once every other week and also a young converts class. This is something a friend and I have been talking about for a while now.. even felt led to do but never took action. I have prayed about these things and a friend has the same burden on her heart. My dad is the pastor and I just got off the phone with him, he confimed they are both a go! He and others are excited about a fire that seems to be stiring in some of us! I knew if it was totally God he'd confirm it. These are the reasons the devil was fighting so hard this week to cause division. He didn't want the unity and the zeal to win souls! I've always had a heart for teen girls. When Jeremy pastored I had my class of girls and I adored them. I know God has called me to reach out and I pray if He can use me in some small way to begin this class I wanna be used. It isn't for teens so it will be different! More change priase the Lord! I do not want to be a teacher, I just want to lead them to His word because His word has all the instruction. Too many times Sunday School becomes a certain format and a 'routine' - I pray this will be a study and we can just dive into His word!


It will begin on next Sunday morning and our first study will be Matthew. I know the Lord will bless as well all study His word together. Our visitation will begin May 4th and we are welcoming all who would like to join us.
Please pray for us because I know some of you know what is it like to knock doors. You win some you turn some away. I am not afraid to share Jesus but do know some are shy. I pray God will speak to some of those who may be because I believe those are some times the ones who run from that calling. We all have a work to do and I just want to do all I can. Our church is an older congragation and we as younger christians need to be about the Fathers business because if not what will we leave the generation behind us ?

Thank you Lord for confirming your will and also for giving me peace that change in my personal life is good. Thank you for your blessing and most of all your love and friendship. Father, there is no friend like you! I want to thank you even for the seasons in my life when some things come and then some things go. Help me to accept that even when it concerns people I love. Once again, thank you for my husband. He was sent to me straight from heaven and is the most precious person you've ever give to me. I do not say this prideful but humble that you gave him to me to share my life with. Jesus, I love and adore you!

Tuesdays Treasure...

I know today is "Tuesdays Treasure" but I am not going to write about it tonight. I just found out my great grandmother is in the hospital and she has CHF. She was 99 years old on Saturday. Also, I know now why God gave me the blog post he did lastnight and why I was able to write about it! I've had one of those days... I don't want to give the devil victory but the Lord for preparing the encouragement before the battle...

Today I have found myself in a battle. A battle mostly between what my flesh wants to do (which is speak out)and what I know my spirit is saying (just pray and give it to God). I was told something today that upset me very much - infact is hurts. You know, that ugly word called 'talk' that woman can easily get caught up in. I am not going to go into it for there is no reason. I have prayed and ask the Lord to show me what to do and you know, sometimes we are to do nothing. I am just going to praise Him that even when a battle is raging He is my protector, He is my true friend, He can defend me. If you know anything about me, silence is sometimes hard but I am going to have the victory!

Thank you Lord that you love me and you have made me who I am and I do not want to be anyone else. You have always shown me to be proud of who I am in you. Help me to let this anger go and move past how I feel. I know you gave me the word you did lastnight to share because you knew what I'd be told today... you knew before just like you knew what they had said about Paul. Thank you once again for my husband who is always an encouragement to me and warms my heart! For my friend Amanda who goes to prayer and stands on my behalf. Lord I stand in the gap for her tonight and pray against any medical condition she may have. Heal her body and bless her family with a new baby. Lord, you have a plan for her life and she is willing to do what you have called her to do. Thank you for her obedience and willingness to serve others. I praise you that there are still people who are real and who will not waver in this world in which we live in today. Thank you for your blessings and thank you for the trial for it is in them that I grow closer to you... I love you! Amen!

My friend, You are never alone!

Well, I read John 1 lastnight and tonight I am reading chapter 2. I think this bible study is going to challenge me! I do not have any problem praying and talking with the Lord, but I always need to be in His word more and studying more that I do!

I have something I have been wanting to share and it has been heavily on my heart. I heard a message that my dad preached this weekend and WOW... all I can say is WOW. It was very encouraging to me. I knew I couldn't keep it to myself and I've thought a lot about how to share it with each of you.

I have gotten several emails from friends and I have even gotten phone calls lately about how a battle is raging and it seems your all alone. Some of you feel like you do not even have friends you can trust and call upon in times of trouble! I have been there my friend. Whether it be within yourself and your own heart - a spiritual battle, a battle within your church - division and strife, with a family member - maybe a husband or wife , a child or loved one who is depressed, a friend who has let you down, a situation at work that has left you miserable --- regardless we all face battles... what we have to remember is we are never alone! We aren't the only one who faces what we go through and when we feel we have no one to turn to to encourage us, inspire us and befriend us - we really do have someone! That someone is Jesus!

You see, In Exodus 17 Moses thought he was alone! He thought the people would stone him, but he cried unto the Lord and the Lord heard and answered! All the men had forsaken Paul as he stood for the gospel - they had talked about him through out the city and ruined his reputation, but the Lord was behind the scene encouraging his soul! I John 4:4 says "... greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." When Abraham stood to offer Isaac as a sacrifice he didn't stand alone - Peter was chained in the prison and he wasn't alone. Down the road was a prayer meeting going on! Joshua was sold into slavery and God knew exactly where he was! In Exodus 3:12 God said "... certainly I will be with thee...." Job had not one but three friends forsake him and yet he wasn't alone. Romans 8:31 says " What shall we then say to these things ? If God be for us, who can be against us."

My friends you can finish the race.... we are never alone! We don't have to face our battles alone! We all have a desire to have someone to count on, to encourage us, to help us climb the mountain or walk through the valley, but He did give us someone! There are times we feel persecuted, forsaken and defeated but the Lord stands for us! 2 Timothy 1:12 says " For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which is I have committed unto him against that day."

I just want to encourage you! You do have someone you can count on, someone you can trust completely. We can run the race and fight the battle... God is always with us, leading us on! The victory can be ours! Romans 8:37 says "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." If you need a friend, someone to pray for you please let me know. I am always here for you!

I've been tagged...

Girls, I have been tagged by several of you and so I have finally had a little bit of time to sit down and pass this along. Sorry its a little late. My husband just came by to grab some clothes for yet another night away.. he will be back tomorrow afternoon and I am excited! Pray for me, I am adjusting to change in schedules!

Here are my six weird things about me ....

* I LOVE ketchup on my macaroni and cheese

* I am anal about my house being clean.... yes, I know... strange way to put it but I can not stand a messy house. I am not a pack rat and it bugs me for me not to deep clean every single week! This is a huge adjustment for me since working this past month! Pray for me really, it drives me nuts.... My husband is wonderful to have been helping me but its been two weeks since a deep cleaning... I am going cRAzY!

* I can not for any reason get dressed first -- I have to shower, do my make up, hair and then dress.. I can't get out of this routine.. no way!

* Whenever staying in a hotel I have to check out the sheets after turning on the light to make sure nothing is crawing around..... it is a must!

* I get my nails done and my finger nails and toen ails have to match! I can not have one color on one and not the other - even in the winter when I never have on sandles or flip flops!

* When we park our cars in the driveway they must be straight.... I can't stand for people who part all different ways and for those who park in your yard .... oooooh no.... (hopefully none of you do ha ha)

Okay so I was honest.... I now wanna here some weird things from Amanda, Michelle , and Laura

Hey there everyone! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather we are having! For those of you who don't live really close I hope you are having sunny skies as well! Today was a little warm but not too bad (YET)! I hope this finds you all doing well....

I wanted to send this email and let you know I have some exciting news. No ladies, I am not pg hee hee! I will be sure to let you all know when I am, but I wanted to invite you all to join my friend Amanda and I as we begin a bible study together! I have given a link to her site for you to check out and learn more about it. She has information already out there to tell you about what she has been led to do but I know would answer any questions you might have!

I know some of you who read my blog also visit hers as well. Some of you I know adore her as much as I do. Amanda has become a dear friend to me over the past several months and more importantly she is an awesome encouragement, inspiration, and prayer warrior. There have been times that I had something going on in my life or had a situation arise that I needed someone to talk to --- someone to simply just pray and she was there for me. I have also found some times when people do not know alot about the situation (details) or maybe the parties involved it is a sure way to get honest advice so that it is simply that and less of an opinion. Amanda loves the Lord and seeks with her whole heart to serve Him. I know that you'd enjoy this opportunity for her to minister to you but for each of us to minister to one another.

I do believe this is a calling on her life. I feel that we each have something the Lord would have us to do and it is important that when we feel Him tugging on our heart or asking us to do something that we do it. Some might say it is simply a blog or how in depth can you be when it is online? God will use any tool to speak to someone! Please join us as I know you will be blessed. Take this opportunity to meet a new friend, dive deep into the word of God and challenge yourself as you learn more about our precious Savior and the promises and truths He left to us!

God bless you all,
Christy

Another Miracle~

Isn't this picture priceless ? Even more priceless - the hand of God! While in SC we got word that our dear friends would be having Gabrielle Faith.... Little did we know that she would be born rather fast and with a heart beat of only 1 - Yes, 1... God took over and praise the Lord she is beautiful and doing just wonderful. Heather is now doing fine as well but continues to recover. Please pray continue to for her. I thank you all for your prayers. This is Jo-Elle Grace admiring her new little sister... you can see the smiles on the faces of both daddy and sister!

God is so awesome --- the blessing he pours on us all daily... I know some of you who read my blog do not know our friends but I had to share with you the goodness of our Lord. For those of you who do I thought I'd share the update! When Tim sent these pictures to us today and I just gave God a little more praise for taking care of us all and his miracles are never ending.. thank you heavenly Father!

This is her.... Gabrielle Faith....

Showers of blessings...

Today in SC God has blessed us with showers of blessings.... We weren't able to go to the beach yesterday so we had planned to go today. I guess the Lord didn't want us to visit because it is raining here. I was disappointed but I found out that we are returning here next year for a week long trip! I am already looking forward to it! It is very beautiful here!

Jeremy preached another great message lastnight... "Anointing Jesus". Many times we hear of the anointing that Jesus gives to us. We ask so many things of Him and even expect! This message was very different... something I haven't heard before! We must anoint Jesus.... we must praise, worship, read and study Gods word... serve where we need to serve, do what He has called us to do... live as he has called us to live.... Anoint HIM! It is time that we stop asking what He can do for us but what we can do for Him. Others know when we have been with the Father. It not only shows in our talk, our walk , our testimony, but we smell like Jesus when we have met with the Father.

Another point the stood out to me and I will never forget is this - no one but you knows the price of the oil.... No one but you knows where you have been, what you have felt, your hurt and pain, your sorrows, what you went through to get to your Heavenly Father! And none of that matters to you once you reach His feet.

I tell ya, we met with the Savior of the world lastnight! He showed up in the house! Thank you Jesus! My prayer is that I will wake up daily to anoint HIM! I want people to know I have met with Him, I walk with Him, I talk with Him, I want to smell like Him!

I hope at the end of this week or the first part of next week to share with you my experience over Easter.... The Lord began to do a work in my life the week before Easter and it has forever changed me! I am praying now for liberty and the words I need to share it with you... please pray for me. I hope this testimony will minister to someone in need.

Thank you friends for praying for me, Amanda, you bless my heart! Veronica, thank you for covering me in prayer. I am so humbled. May I be the friend to the both you that God would have me to be. Thank you Jesus for friends!

Hey Everyone...

Greetings to you all from beautiful South Carolina... we had a wonderful trip down and both we enjoyed our flights. Jeremy and I both love to fly. My grandfather was a pilot and the airport manager here for several years. If he were here now we'd have an awesome time. Mom tells me the stories of how they'd fly every Sunday afternoon.... oh how I miss him! The stories never get old!

I have just sat down to post this to you and lost my previous post. I guess I need to hurry this time! :0)

We had wonderful services yesterday. God is so good to us all! Jeremy followed the leadership of the Lord and preached a message yesterday on Hell. I know, I know, some of you are in shock! A message on Hell on Easter Sunday morning. Remember, some people only attend church two times a year -- Easter and Christmas. Jeremy told me what he was preaching and I was a little concerned I will admit but when he began to share with me what the Lord had to say I began to rejoice. His main point was that Jesus carried our sins to the cross, bled and died so that we might be saved... he arose on the 3rd day so we could miss hell and make heaven our home! I can't begin to tell you how we rejoiced - several came to rededicate while others came for the first time. There was one young lady they had been working with for two months and she finally nailed it down~ I tell you, there is nothing more precious than seeing someone kneel down at an old fashioned altar and accepted Jesus Christ. All of heaven rejoices!

Tomorrow we will be driving about 2.5 hrs to visit Myrtle Beach and I am so excited. Jeremy and I have been to the beach several times but never to this part of the country. I won't be soaking up any sun in my bathing suit, but I will enjoy the beauty of Gods creation and the gentle breeze! We hear it is fabulous so I hope to have some pictures to share with you when we return on Thursday.

Please pray for my friend Heather. She goes in tomorrow night to be induced to have the baby. I was a little disappointed when she called this morning... I was really looking forward to being there but when she called she said if she waits it would be another week. Pray for her! I know things will go just fine! She and Tim are great friends and Jo-Elle is going to be such a great big sis!

I trust you all had a great Easter and a wonderful time with your family. I missed being away from mine but I know we are doing the Lords will! I thank you all for your emails and posts! I enjoy my blog and my blogging buddies SO much! I love you all!

Take care and I will try and post again tomorrow evening~

~Easter blessings to you all

There were several things I wanted to share with you about my week but I was unable to do so becuase of time this week. I hope to be able to do soe next week. I had an awesome experience I can't wait to share with all of you -- I will post next week all about the blessings of my week!

I just wanted to wish you all a very blessed Easter weekend. I am so proud to be going with my husband to SC for the weekend. He will begin a campmeeting on Sunday morning and it will end on Wednesday night. I hear SC is beautiful and I can't wait to see it for myself! I hope to have access to a computer while I am gone - if not I will catch up on Thursday when I return. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. The bible teaches that because he arose from the grave he became the first fruits offering of the resurrection. This means that because he conquered death, hell and the grave, we too have victory! I hope that as we all dress up, color eggs, attend the church services we will remember that this day is really about what Jesus did for us. My prayer is that those who will be attending services for maybe the first time this year or since Christmas many hearts will be pricked and hearts changed forever through salvation! God bless you all my friend.

Sorry....

I know - I have been really bad at blogging here lately. I have had so much on my plate and its no excuse! There are times I have so much to write about and time - others it is like I am clueless as to what to say and time runs out on me these days. I promise to do better. I know some of you are faithful to visit me daily while others haven't as often and I know why - :0) I haven't been doing much blogging.... I will post tomorrow... promise! I hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday and I will visit you all tomorrow. Veronica, thank you SO much for your beautiful prayer but most importantly because it was from the depths of your heart. I know that when you pray those prayers are bottled up and God will answer them in HIS timing... thank you for praying for me. That is special when someone cares enough to go to God in prayer for you.... I appreciate you so much. Amanda, thank you for being such an inspiration to me... in the midst of your business for being my friend and taking time to send those emails that remind me of where my answers are! You're such a blessing! Ladies, I thank you all for being my friend! Stephanie, haven't heard from you or Faith much lately..I am praying for you... Kristina, your great... I hope some day I am half the mommy you are! :0) Thanks a million for all your hard work to make my blog fabulous!

Do you believe in Easter ?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a youngmother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?" Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and whenshe took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?" Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just toldme that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said he would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse. Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital.She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you." Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested." Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family. "Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and quietly walked out of the room. Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith wouldsay, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your specialday." Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me." Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart? "Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life. "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed andinvited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday." Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!" Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter. When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand,she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may bealso." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."


Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!" Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

Three things Thursday...

Hey everyone.. I got this idea from Gwen... I thought it was really neat... I've been so busy with everything lately I feel like I am not able to write in my blog the way that I would really like to... its just an adjusting period for me and I hope that it will pass!

The Three Things Thursday this week I'd like to share..... The Three R's.....

The first one is Restoration..... Machele is my favorite buddy at work! I have known Machele for a very long time. Infact, we went to church together for many years... while both of us drifted and weren't where we needed to be with the Lord we were never really 'friends'... of course, we went to church together, school together and there was even a period I liked her little brother, but we weren't ever close. As she puts it, I was the so called christian snob who wanted nothing to do with her rebellion... however, I was not even where I needed to be... I just thought I had it all figured out! If the truth be known I was much worse off because I knew I was playing games and played them well -- she was simply living her life and was never pretending! To be honest, in the past year we have just sat down and began to build a friendship and let me tell you, God has one again blessed me with a precious friend! You see, God changed me heart and I am growing closer to him daily... I have learned to be real and love how I truely need to love.... this past year, she has gotten her life nailed down and is serving God with her whole heart and soul .. the best part.......... we are in church together at my dads and we are friends! It is simply a bonus I get to work with her --- now is Jesus is the center of our friendship. I don't have to live with the guilt of not befriending her anymore... Thank you Lord for restoring and for her friendship.... Help me to encourage her in her walk with the you as she has already been so encouraging to me this past week with the things I have faced. Help me to pray for her and for what your will is for her life! Bless her according to your will with the desires of her heart... Bless her Lord as she tries to serve you! Thank you Lord for restoration and allowing us now to be friends. In Jesus Name, Amen! God is a God of Restoration...

By the way, Machele is a different Michelle than my friend "Life with a Teenage daughter".... didn't want to confuse anyone!

The second one is Rotation... please don't anyone laugh at this one...:0) It is all they have been talking about all day long. Infact, at a few minutes after 11:00 today Machele started to listen to the radio and the warnings on the net. Just shortly after noticing what was going on we ran for Alma... we were headed to the Pool'e cellar! Not long after we were there it was fine -- we went back to work and finished our day... however, my dear husband is stuck in Dallas airport and has been all afternoon. The good thing ... God can turn anything around! It appears he will be heading home on his flight in just a few minutes... he will be here in an hour and I am patienly waiting being able to go and pick him up (yeah right) .. I can't wait! I just want to Thank the Lord for always being in control. No matter if its a mess we have got ourselves in, we may be having a bad day, our bills could be later, the dr says its cancer, the weather is ugly and the cells are rotating... God can turn it all around.... no matter what storm may be passing thru our lives --- Gods in control!

The third one is Relaxation.... whew....... I can't wait for this weekend. My husband and I are going to just enjoy each other. As you already know he has been in GA since saturday and I have to admit, I was a little uptight. This was my first week ----- alone! I have to say this... I don't know if I did too well. I was ok til bedtime so I didn't stay alone! It is going to take some getting used to from time to time when he has to be gone without me. I was surprised and releaved to find this week though that one of my friends Brandi, she hates being alone too. Don't get me wrong, I do not mind being alone and doing my own thing ... but at night when the sun goes down and its time for bed I can't really fully 'relax' without him there. Is that crazy ? Is anyone else that way ? Lets just put it this way, I hope God calls me home before he calls Jeremy OR we go in the rapture because I have had a time adjusting! It will not be impossible but gotta get used to it ! :0) I am ready to kick back and enjoy the weekend!

My friends... thursdays treasure~

I just want to give God praise for all he has done for me!
One of the things in my life I treasure most are my friendships. I have some of the greatest friends God has ever blessed someone with.... and he chose me! Thank you Lord for putting some of the most fabulous women in my life....

God has blessed me with friends I can share my laugh with, cry with, and love whichever it may be... friends I can talk to or be silent... friends I can shop with, scrapbook with, or have a great conversation sitting at dinner..... friends I can be who I am, who believe in me and have faith in who I shall some day become... friends I have shared my deepest secrets or great fears.... friends I can trust, rely on and friends who comfort.....most imporantly, those who share Jesus with me... we pray together, learn together and grow together....

YOU are my sister in Chist, my friend...

Whether we indeed are very close or far apart, you are in my heart - Whether I have known you for a minute or a million years.... I love you!

For those of you I have met blogging... you've each enriched my life and I am so thankful to have met you...

A little something about me...

Ok.. I haven't had any time at all today to write my "Tuesdays Treasure" so I spent some time tonight in a few minutes I had reading all my frieneds blogs.... I found this on Michelle's and thought I'd do it as well...

Tell me two things no one knows about you.......I have to smile some days I do not feel like it....

I threw away all my music that is not Christian......trashed them all.... hundred of things....

Tell me one thing you wish you could change....... I wish I would have really given Jesus my whole heart before 1997.... I was raised in christian home and I played games for many years.. I tried to ride my parents coat tail but Thank you Lord for saving me, I finally surrendered to your perfect will, I love you!

Tell me one thing you wish for....a healthy and beautiful baby girl OR boy...

Tuesdays Treasure...

Hey everyone - I haven't had a spare minute all day long. My entry "Tuesdays Treasure" is going to be later again. I may just skip this week. Thank you for the posts and emails regarding my situation. Please pray for me... this doesn't involve me directly but then again it does.. it is hard to explain. I just need to hear from the Lord and I believe after Amanda's blog today I have! I am so stop, wait and listen.. thank you all for praying!

In need of advice from the ladies...

Ladies, I have a huge burden on my heart. I do not know even know where to begin and because so many people read my blog I have to be very careful of what I say... I can not go into alot of detail but I am just sick! My stomach is upset, I have a million little questions running around in my mind, I am disappointed, afraid and have no idea what to think. I have prayed and have no answer... Jeremy has prayed about it, we have prayed about it together and still......... no answer!

I have a friend who called me to tell me something that another friend did.... she wasn't gossiping.. it was out of love and pure concern that she called.. .. she asked me my opinion and for once........... I was speachless.......... Yes me, speachless... I know the greatest thing I can do is pray ........ I know if God doesn't direct me I shouldn't say a word .... RIGHT? If you ask God to show you something particular about someone and he doesn't ......... then what ? I really need some advice....... if I think fleshly I could be so wrong... spiritually I have no answer to her question... I've asked God.. isn't that all I can do ?

I know this doesn't make much sense.. I just can't write alot about it... if God leads you, email me...

---- Help.. need advice!

Remember....

Tomorrow is "Treasured Tuesday"... I just happened to remember when reading Faith's blog entry today. This is something I too really enjoy! I hope that you will join us if you haven't already. I love sharing my heart with friends, especially about things that mean so much to me. Also, it doesn't have to be something materialistic!Infact, the things I treasure closest to my heart aren't..... they are the ones I love! Amanda (Far More Than Rubies) said something I really liked in a previous post --- people come and go but our families are forever! I can't wait to hear about your "Treasure"....

The Heart...

"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..." "You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted. The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, to see how much damage has been done...." "But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy. The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next." "But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You will find Him in my heart." The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I will find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well." "You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."


The surgeon left.The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged Pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: Painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis: " here he paused, "death within one year." He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You have put him here; you have put him in this pain; and you have cursed him to an early death. Why?" The Lord answered and said, "The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock or long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted, as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He will be dead in months. Why?" The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has Done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."The surgeon wept. The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?" "Yes," said the surgeon. "What did you find?" asked the boy."I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

"Tuesdays Treasure".... a little late...

I know, I was supposed to do this on Tuesday but as I have said in my previous post - its been such a busy week for me! Blogging is something important to me but some times life just doesn't allow it on a daily basis...

Today Mariah is my "Tuesdays Treasure".... She is a true treasure! Mariah is my best friend, Heather's daughter. Heather and I have been friends for a very long time. We grew up in the same small town and went to school together. The other day we were talking and we calculated... it has been 20 years! Hard to believe.

Mariah's name is actually Mariah Lea and she is named after ME! Yes, I say that with honor because it is an honor to be not only a part of her life, but for her to have a name after me. This is something that I will always treasure! I won't go into alot of detail because I could actually write a book. I think it would mainly be about Heather and I. How our friendship came about, how we have laughed, cried, learned, and have been blessed all of these years! Believe me, it will be a future blog for Tuesday Treasure!

I was there the day Mariah was born and in the room with several family and friends. I will never forget the look on Rich's face. He was so proud! It was on February 19th to be exact! She was beautiful from the very begining of her life, just as she is today. Those baby blues ..... she still has them! She looks so much like her mommy yet she is so athletic and loves sports.... just like her daddy! Mariah loves soccer! It's her favorite sport and she is so good at it! Mariah enjoys basketball, riding her bike, playing school, being with her friends, singing and has even takens some piano lessons! Mariah is kind, eager to learn, compassionate, makes friends easily and has a huge heart! Mariah is also a big sister to Madison. I will have to write about Madison another time... she is a character! This is a picture of the two of them!

While all of those things are wonderful there is still one thing that stands out! One thing that makes my heart smile...... her love for Jesus and her love for others! Mariah loves Jesus with all her heart. Even at such a young age she undertands her salvation and what it means to not only say you are a Christian, but to live a Christian life. This is something I wish all children could experience at such a young age. She loves going to church, learning about Jesus, and singing praises to Him.

Here is a little story to tell you..........Heather and Rich had gotten a puppy once and Mariah was in love him. They hadn't had him very lnog and one day he had gotten out of the back yard. Mariah was heart broken.... she wanted to pray that he'd come back. She has such great faith that she and her mommy prayed he'd come back. Her daddy , Rich went looking for him, they put it on the radio and sure enough .......... the puppy was found! Mariah believed and she had hope! If only we as adults had that childlike faith to believe God would answer our prayers..... even if they weren't how we wanted them answered. I believe some times he does, knowing what we need and what is best for us. We just don't like it when it isn't our will!

Mariah, I love you and I am so proud you are a part of my life! Jeremy & I pray for you and will always be your friend. We hope that as you live and grow that your journey will be sweet. We hope that you will always put Jesus first and live for him --- you already have a wonderful start. Always know we are here for you, cheering you on, lifting you up to the Lord. You will forever hold a very special place in my heart. I pray that some day God will bless Jeremy & I with a daughter and she will be so many of the things that you are. I love you, Mariah Lea....

Please pray for Michelle...

I know it is Friday and some of you won't even blog much over the weekend but for those of you who will I'd like to ask you to pray for my friend Michelle and her daughter Shelby. As some of you know, she has started a blog and has shared some of the events that have taken place in her life lately. She hasn't been blogging very long but most of her entries talk about her life -- with her teenage daughter. I do not have children as this time but my heart breaks for her! I know she is going thru alot of different emotions right now and I don't know what else I can do but pray. I know that is the best thing!

Michelle called me this morning to learn more of some of the struggles Shelby is facing. I won't go into any detail because it isn't my place but I am asking you, please agree with me and pray with me. Since my phone call this morning my stomach has been in knots and I am very concerned. I know this is a trial, I know the enemy is only out to destroy. Amanda talked about it in her blog entry yesterday... the devils tactics... I am sick of them. I am tired of the enemy trying to destroy us! I have no idea what Michelle is going thru but she is my friend and I am going to be here for her. We've been friends for 21 years and we have been thru alot together.... I've never seen her having to go thru something that has caused such pain... I am praying for the Lord to intervene and I am believing he will. She is seeking him, I know she is.. I am praying for wisdom and guidance.

Thank you for your prayers! Michelle is a good mom and I am proud of her! If you're a mom then you know what is like when one of your children are hurting - thank you for helping me pray. Jesus, you know the situation and only you know the answer - give Michelle wisdom to know what to do and what to say.... Lord, I give this to you completely.. help me to be a friend, to love, support, encourage and always in prayerfulness. Amen!

Thank you friends for your prayers!

~My friend, Michelle

Michelle & her husband, Eric

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share my friend, Michelle with you... Michelle just started blogging and she created her first blog entry tonight! This is something out of her comfort zone so please, if you have a chance stop by and say Hello to her. I know she will be glad that you did...
You can visit her at: http://michelles-mayhem.blogspot.com/

Michelle and I have been friends ... well... since the fifth grade! We both grew up in the same town and went to school together from our middle school years on! She and I share a special friendship that is like no other! We are a lot alike , yet a lot different! One thing is true - we have been thru a lot together! In the span of our friendship we have had our ups and downs. At times it was a bad thing, but today we will both tell you it is actually a blessing! I won't go into detail about all of that, but I would like to share with you that we both grew in the Lord and have become Godly women today. I thank God that he allowed us to reunite and now we are better friends than we could have ever imagined!

I said all of that to say this... While I was thinking of posting this, I had just read a comment that was left on another blog... one about the past.. if you could be who you were or change things was some sort of what it was speaking of... it really got me to thinking... You see, I believe we all have times in our lives that we have to grow. Some times growing pains hurt... you may not always like decisions you made, regret things you said or did, wish you could have another chance, but you see... its all part of our journey! It makes us who we are. God allows us to broken (and even allows broken friendships)... he continues to mold us into what HE wants us to be! We each have a story to tell and because of what we have lived and where we have come from we can each reach someone!

Thank you Lord for molding me, for never giving up on who I am today and who one day I will be! Thank you for my family and for my friends... thank you for Michelle... I love her and I pray you will bless her as she seeks your will in her life. Most importantly I pray that you will give her wisdom as she raises her daughter! I thank you that you saw fit to bless us once again with the blessing of a friendship that will last forever! I know God that in you I can always find the inspiration to be the friend you have called me to be! Friendship is a calling Lord and I believe that! Help me to love those who feel unloved, encourage those who are discouraged and most of all .. always point them to you!