Living My Legacy

“Teach us to number our days…that we may gain a heart of wisdom. “Psalm 90:12

Every day I’m living the legacy that I will one day leave behind. I’m determined with God’s help to live every moment with intention because what I do today matters! Every “phase” I live becomes part of my story. The decisions I make today will determine the legacy I leave behind. We all are living our legacy everyday. What we do today will be what we will be remembered for when we’re gone.

I want to give all I can while I’m here. Now I have accepted the fact that not everyone will like me and I may not please everyone. But I've also come to realize that it's the ones who truly love me that count the most. I need, less drama.. more laughter... more peace to help live out my legacy.

What is the most important legacy I want to leave my children?
I have thought about this a lot. I believe the most important legacy I could leave my children is prayer, faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. But how often am I modeling my faith and relationship for them to see? Growing up I had two of the best examples ....

Having a godly mom and dad is one of God's biggest and priceless gifts!

I saw my parents pray and we prayed together. I was always covered in prayer.  I know how blessed I am to have my parents praying for me still and I don’t for a moment take that for granted. They pray for me, with me and my husband and with their grandchildren. The legacy they are leaving is priceless.  My husband and I want to leave that kind of legacy for our children. I will be honest and say that the prayer thing hasn’t always been easy for me. Often times, I find myself too busy to just be still, pray and listen to the Lord. But in February of 2011, I found prayer to be my very best friend. I saw what the power of prayer can do. It is something that has been engraved in our lives.... there is nothing too big for God.

I’m determined to be intentional in living my legacy everyday... because what I do today will be what I will be remembered for when I'm gone...    What legacy are you leaving?

I want to leave a legacy how will they remember me?

Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? 

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name

Unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy

Our Summer Highlights.. so far!

 My Summer Garden

Vacation Bible School

James Turns 10!!

 

July 4th

 

Sisters come to visit...

 My Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Katie with her Auntie Trish

 Girls Day Out!

Painting With a Twist ~ had a blast!

 Next on the list........

OUR FAMILY VACATION AT THE BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Godly Legacy...

Tomorrow is  Father's Day so I am gonna brag a little about my daddy. My daddy has been more than I ever could ask for. My sisters and I were extremely blessed to grow up in a Christian home. My dad took us to church, read the Bible to us and prayed with us. I remember my parents being very active in church. I always loved riding the church bus every Sunday morning with my dad, loved when he would "dress up" with all the other veterans at church on veterans day and loved when he preached. One of my favorite memories was our family devotional time in the evening. We would all gather in a circle on the floor and my dad would read the Bible to us and then he would pray. Man, could my dad pray! Some nights it would be simple and short and then there were those nights when I would fall asleep - haha!  My most treasured memory is sitting in the living room with my parents, kneeling down by the couch and asking Jesus into my heart. 

My sisters and I have grown up with a love for the Lord thanks to our parents. We all have a secure spot in heaven because of my daddy's determination to raise us girls for God! I am thankful for the time he spent with me. Time is perhaps the most important gift a child will ever receive. Yes, tangible gifts can be great, but when looking back, it is the time spent with my dad that I remember most... going to church, going to the air shows, playing baseball in the back yard, teaching me how to ride my bike, playing UNO, bike riding to the beach, sitting down as a family watching The Walton's and Little House on the Prairie. I am thankful that the Lord has allowed him to live close to us now. I am thankful for the example he is to my kids. I am thankful that he is investing in their lives and is leaving an imprint on each of their hearts that will stay forever.  

My dad is my hero. As a Vietnam Veteran he has given my country and my family alot to be thankful for. I am thankful for my dad who instilled in me the godly values that will stay with me my entire life. I am thankful he has always been there for me. I am blessed that he has loved me with an unconditional love. Most of all, I am thankful that my daddy is a man of integrity with a heart that follows after God...
What a legacy!

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely..."  Proverbs 10:9 

-"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Stress vs Faith

After a frustrating month or two preparing for our Vacation Bible School this summer, I am so totally convinced that the devil does not want it to be a success. I mean he has been at work. As I prepared for our teachers meeting yesterday everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I was so discouraged and upset. I just wanted to get through my meeting, go home and cry. I actually even thought of just quitting. I am thankful that in these moments of total confusion and utter frustration the Lord always sends me a message that He is right there. That message came in my devotion this morning as I was still upset about it all:

Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me. When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for Me. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us. Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on Me produces abundant living in My kingdom. Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

                                                                               

I am thankful for the friends God has put in my life who always seem to be there with a word of encouragement. I am thankful for God's love and truth. In every heartache and hardship I have been through, He has been there with me and has always brought me through it.  So, thank you Lord for the stress and letting it become a doorway to deep dependence on YOU!

Tea Anyone?

Yesterday, I surprised my Katiebug to a Tea Party. This is our favorite place to go together. We both love their Timeless Tea and most of all love the time together. I love to sit there and just let her talk. I think she gets that from her daddy! She looked at me yesterday and asked me if we will still come here when she is married -  Priceless moment! I have been so incredibly busy planning Vacation Bible School that a tea party is just what I needed. I so cherished our time together yesterday. hmm, I feel another Tea Party in my future.... very soon!

Soccer, Soccer and More Soccer

This past weekend James and Michaelah played in their first tournament of the Spring.. The weather?? Well, it felt more like Winter than Spring! Just thankful it didn't rain. We had a great weekend. Michaelah has two more tournaments: First weekend in May we will be in Chattanooga and the second weekend we will be celebrating Mother's Day in Kentucky! Our Katiebug also plays but I am unable to be in two places at one time so I am hoping to get some pictures of her playing this past weekend from my parents. So more pictures to come!  ~Enjoy ~

  Michaelah wants a header so bad... She'll get one before the season ends!

Big James!

Constant Cravings?

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, 
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” 

Psalm 90:14

If I go to the grocery store while I’m hungry, my cart will usually contain extra food items I wouldn’t normally purchase. It seems like everything down every aisle looks good. My craving is usually not satisfied until I get at least one little bite of something. Well, this is also kind of like my spiritual walk. I wake up and get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of the morning that I forget to spend time with Him. It literally makes for a bad start to what could be a beautiful day. I can ask for God’s help all day long but I will not be fully satisfied until I am in His presence. We were designed in the image of God, for God. To know Him… Continually… Daily…and without ceasing.

In my devotion today I read this:

BEING SPIRITUALLY THIN IS SO NOT IN!

Look around! Spiritually hungry people are everywhere. Just turn on your television, pick up a magazine, or go to an online chat-room. People are desperately trying to fill their hunger hole…trying to find happiness and satisfaction in things, status, and people.

Now, if you dare, look even closer to home. Look at your PTA meetings, boardrooms, Little League fields, and malls. And, if you’re really brave, look in the mirror. Each one of us sees a hungry woman staring us in the face.

It is really important to turn to the Bread of Life at the first inkling of hunger pains. Go to Him with your needs and give Him your burdens. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He wants to meet you at the point of your need.God gave you an open invitation to come to Him:

“Come, all who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!”
(Isaiah 55:1a)

Each time we connect with God throughout the day, our souls are nourished. Sometimes we just need a small spiritual meal. Sometimes our needs are greater. In those moments, we are invited by our compassionate God to sit down to a great big dinner.  How are you handling your constant cravings?

Goodbye Facebook

Some of you might be my friend on facebook and have come searching for me wondering where I have gone. If that is you, I’m glad you found me. Facebook has been a great way to stay in touch with some of my very special friends and family. I love getting on facebook and seeing what my sisters are up to, seeing pictures of all my nephews and nieces...love being able to write to my best friend in Florida, love corresponding with my high school friend who is now a missionary...encouraging a wonderful friend and military wife in Colorado,  love that I am in contact with cousins I haven’t spoken to in  years... and as most of you know I love to debate politics. What I love the most are all the ENCOURAGING posts, status updates, Bible verses and quotes some share. However, I am not a fan of using facebook as a tool to hurt, judge, accuse or make assumptions. There are some posts, quotes that are just so obvious. So this past weekend I realized the best thing for me right now, as hard as it may be, is to take a break from facebook for these three reasons: 

Distraction - it's just not a wise use of my time. 
Drama - 80% of the people on Facebook are pretty normal people, but the other 20% really wear me out! 
Dissension - People airing their personal disputes or opinions of someone else on facebook just isn't the right place.

I decided this on my own accord because I know this is going to be the best for me right now... best for my spiritual walk, for my health and sanity! It will allow me to spend more time with God and my family. I will continue to blog about my family, continue to be that very, very busy soccer and homeschooling mom and continue to be a supportive and wonderful wife to my husband. Oh, and be politically active - find me on twitter! Most of you have my email so feel free to keep in touch. 

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

So Many Easter Blessings

Easter Sunday... As always, the kiddos couldn't wait to get dressed in their Easter outfits. We then took some pictures and headed to church. We had a fun time in our Sunday School class. We had the kids tell the Easter story to us this year. My favorite part of the morning was worship with our church family.  I am not sure about everyone else but when  I worship on Easter morning it is an experience like none other!

We then headed home and made some side dishes then headed over to my parents for a yummy lunch. Kids enjoyed hunting for eggs, especially the ones filled with money. We went outside to enjoy the beautiful day before heading in for some dessert and a few games of UNO then sang Happy Birthday to my sister Tricia in Colorado. Later that evening the kids enjoyed coloring eggs and then I cleaned up their mess :)

I am so thankful for my family and for another year of Easter memories...

ALIVE! ALIVE!

Look what Mercy's overcome

Death has lost and Love has won

ALIVE! ALIVE!

Hallelujah Risen Lord

The only One I fall before

I am His because He is Alive!

Emmanuel, the promised King the baby who made angels sing
Son of Man who walked with us, healing, breathing in our dust
The author of all history, the answer to all mysteries
The Lamb of God who rolled away, the stone in front of every grave.

ALIVE!

Empty Tomb Cookies

Of all the Easter craft ideas we enjoy, this is one of my favorites to do with my kiddos.

 

Empty Tomb Cookies

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon
to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest
into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,
and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the
sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to
know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins
have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Peace

My computer crashed a few weeks back so I am now using another computer upstairs and it is super slow... I have been tempted to just throw it out the window but then I thought: how would my son do his school?  Anyway, hope to have a new one soon so I can blog a little more.  I did want to share something from my devotion this week. It was a total blessing to me and hope it blesses you too!

"Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. I am the Living One who sees you and longs to participate in your life. I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence. Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: through pain and trouble. At such times you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.

Thank Me for the gift of My Peace, a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth. When I appeared to My disciples after the resurrection, it was Peace that I communicated first of all. I knew this was their deepest need: to calm their fears and clear their minds. I also speak Peace to you, for I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to Me! Tune out other voices, so that you can hear Me more clearly. I designed you to dwell in Peace all day, every day. Draw near to Me; receive My Peace."

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
—Psalm 34:8

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
John 20:19

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Wedding Bliss

This December Jim and I will celebrate 15 years of wedding bliss. I have been so blessed to be married to a wonderful man of God. For the past month our pastor has been going through a marriage series "To Have and To Hold." It has been such a blessing. This past Sunday, March 18, 2012  Jim and I renewed our wedding vows. What an awesome time it was. There were couples all over the church standing up with their loved one. What a blessing it was to share this day with so many of our friends and family. My heart was full of Joy. Like any other married couple, we have had to battle the storms in life. But you know, when life throws bad things at us and lays traps to try to tear apart our relationship we continually stand firm in God. Our love is so strong that we can take life's hits and dance through them together and that is exactly what we have done. We are actually thankful for them because each one has brought us not only closer to each other but  has deepened our walk with the Lord. I thank the Lord for Jim...I am incredibly blessed. I pray we will have many, many more years of happiness and laughter!

March 18, 2012

Spring is Near

I hope you have had a wonderful week. Ours has been great! I have so enjoyed this beautiful weather we are having. I have enjoyed school with the kiddos, sitting outside talking with my mom, watching the kids play in the creek,soccer practice and sewing! I've enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and spots of Spring...it's just around the corner! It's about that time.... Garden time.... and Soccer!

Under His Wings...

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.  Psalm 63:7–8

This morning I was so blessed in my devotion time. I read Psalm 63. Just like David, we will have troublesome times, but we can be sure that God will be there for us. The God that has been our help in the past will continue to be our help today and tomorrow.  Troubles and heartache will come but with it comes the hand of God to uphold us and help us. I read this quote in my devotion today:

Our faith is not based on promise alone, it is also based upon our past experiences.  So, it is reasonable to expect help from God.  God’s help is also personal.  David said, “Thou hast been MY HELP.”  Thank God we are not alone; God is our help!

How awesome to know that God knows what we are going through and he is bringing us through it for a purpose.All the darts Satan throws our way, God will always be there and that should bring us great joy and much rejoicing. I love the verse above. When our hearts are broken He hides us under the shadow of His wings and there is nothing in this life that can penetrate that Heavenly covering.  Under His wings, we are helped, comforted, secure and rested.  There are times you have to just let go and let God... give it ALL to God and allow Him to do the mending... He is always there to hear our every prayer, so I'm clinging to that promise of a lifetime! 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds...

 

God's Awesome Power

"You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." 

Nehemiah 9:6

I can't believe Spring is right around the corner! We have had a great school year. I think our favorite subject has been Science. This year in Science we chose Apologia's Exploring Creation with Astronomy. A book that does not contradict God's Word on creation! This book begins with a lesson on the nature of astronomy, and then it covers the major structures of our solar system. Starting with the sun and working towards Pluto, we are learning all the details about all nine planets (or is it eight? - we will soon have to decide) in the solar system. It has been AWESOME to study the solar system and learn about the stars and galaxies that make up God’s incredible universe. I have always been intrigued by the stars and planets. This month we received a treat... we are able to see the planets Venus and Jupiter. Mars is now displaying its greatest brilliance in our sky.  It has been exciting and a great learning experience for the kids. I was so excited to learn about the app google sky! It allows us to view celestial objects, including stars, constellations, galaxies, planets and the Earth's moon - AWESOME!!

early March

Venus and Jupiter tonight!

The Google Sky App - I love it!

  

Dr. Seusstastic Week!

 

MONDAY:

This week we will be celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday! With the much anticipated Lorax movie coming Friday, there's even more reason to celebrate. I have been anticipating this week for a while. So where else did I go to get some great ideas… Pinterest!  Oh, the ideas I have found.

We will begin by reading some the classic Dr. Seuss books that we have collected over the years. 

Horton Hears a Who Craft

 Here are some of the ideas I plan on doing with the kiddos this week:

The kiddos are going to have so much fun making these

since their favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham.

Check out these yummy snacks to go along with the book The Cat in the Hat

 

Cotton Candy Cupcakes ~ I'm sure these will be our favorite!

Lorax Unit Study on Friday! 

 

For online fun:  

http://www.seussville.com/ 

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/seuss.php

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lorax.php 

THURSDAY:

Just a little bit of what we have done:

Green Eggs and Ham

Working on their Cat in the Hat paper

 

Mmm... the best part!

 

 Looking forward to our Lorax Unit Study Tomorrow!