Tis the season...

Cole and the girls hope you have a great weekend shopping!

Are we not just the cutest? Now, this is what Grammy's get to do, brag, brag, brag!!

A Time to Reflect...

Join us today over at the 160 Acrewoods, you're in for a real blessing!

Thanks Living

Of all the holidays we celebrate in our nation, I would have to say that Thanksgiving is probably my favorite. Sure, I love the food, and all those scrumptious desserts, in fact, I can feel the calories adding up even as I type this update. However, what I enjoy most is the special time I get to spend with our family, and of course capturing all those "Kodak" moments!

Above all, Thanksgiving is really a day to remember all the wonderful things God has done for us throughout the year. In the book of Psalms we are given a special promise that comes to those who offer up thanksgiving to God. Many times it is difficult to feel thankful when we are going through difficult times, but it opens the way for God's blessings to flow into our lives.

Psalm 50:23 "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (NIV)

For me personally, when I keep an attitude of thanksgiving, it truly changes things around and my load seems so much lighter.

I love the first line of this quote, "Thanksgiving begins with Thanks Living". Oh, to have a grateful heart each and every day. It is not hard when we stop and think about the many things we have to give thanks for, and to know how awesome and great our God truly is.

In closing today, I'd like to reflect on the greatness and goodness of God by sharing some wonderful scriptures that I read in a recent devotional.


As we consider WHO JESUS IS...let us offer up to God Thanksgiving and Praise!

"He is All-Present." Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalms 139:7-8 )

"He is All powerful." I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 ) "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27 ) "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37 )

"He is All-Knowing." O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." (NIV) Psalm 139:1"Lord, you know every one's heart." (NIV) Acts 1:24

"He is Stable and Unchanging.". . .the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (NIV) Psalm 33:11

"He is Eternal." I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8 )

"He is Incomprehensible." Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?" (NIV) Isa 40:12"To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?" (NIV) Isa 40:18

"He is Merciful." But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4 NIV)

"He is Compassionate." Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV)

"He is Good." Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV) 1 Chronicles 16:34


Oh Lord, how can we ever thank you enough for all that you have done for us? Your faithfulness and great love endures forever. Thank you for watching over us, for your mercy, great compassion, and your love that sustains us daily. Father, I lift all those who will have that empty seat at their Thanksgiving table this year. Comfort them and remind them of your promise that one day we will be together again. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Please join us over at Chocolate and Coffee today as others give thanks to you.

Let's Play Tag

My wonderful friend Tiffany tagged me the other day. I've been really busy, like most of you I'm sure, but thought I'd go with it.

So...here's the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.

2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).

3) Write 6 random things about yourself.

4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.

5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

6 Random things about me:

1. I'm really bad about being tagged and passing on awards. I am blessed when I'm chosen so, thank you Tiffanie, this one is just for you!

2). I love reading medical journals/blogs and talking to doctors. Since I was a young girl I have always been interested in learning about medical science. The human body and how it works is just so amazing to me. (I have so much to learn!)

3). I'm a realist. I enjoy reading non-fiction books, and watching movies that are based on true stories. Some of my all time favorites are Chariots of Fire, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, and a A Beautiful Mind. (Yes, I know movies that cause many tears...)

4). I prefer desserts any day over the main course. I love a cup of hot tea and a good book, M & M's in my popcorn is one of my favorite treats.

5). One thing I learned from my mother was there is more joy in giving then receiving. I love finding out what someone needs and then doing what ever I can to help meet that need. (Oh what joy!)

6). Finally, I have a fantasy that one day we will have a big Blog Convention and I will get to meet all of you!

Now, I'm tagging these sweet ladies:

Maxine

Tracy

Leslie

Kim

Michelle

Ang

Some Friday Funnies

Well, it's Friday and I sure enjoy taking time to read some really funny stuff that is posted each week.

I pray you have a great weekend. I know things start getting crazy around this time of the year, don't forget to take time to give thanks, and laugh! I recently found this quote by Billy Graham on humor;

"A keen sense of humor helps us overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected and outlast the unbearable".

Read the following tongue-twisters:

This is this cat

This is is cat

This is how cat

This is to cat

This is keep cat

This is a cat

This is fool cat

This is busy cat

This is for cat

This is forty cat

This is seconds cat

Now read the THIRD word, in each line, from the start!

Join us today over at Homesteader's Heart.

Join Me Today!

Oh, let the redeemed say so!! Please join me today over at the Internet Cafe, I'd like to share with you what God reminded me of recently! See you over there.

For more Word-Filled-Wednesday posts go to Amy's at 160 Acre Woods.

Falling in love with Jesus...again!

This past weekend I attended a Women’s
Retreat in the beautiful historic town of St. Francisville, LA. This town was a popular landing spot for Mississippi River Steamboats. There are three 19th-century churches still in use, and an oak-shaded public park complete with historic a bandstand/gazebo for concerts and festivals.

The theme of the retreat was “Fall in love with Jesus all over again”, and truly God was there waiting to met each one of us.

I attended the retreat with one of my closest friends, Cyndy. We were looking forward to just getting away, and expecting great things from the Lord.

He did not disappoint.

In our first session we went over the book of Habakkuk, and the remainder of our time was spent studying Psalm 23. We were so blessed and encouraged as Sister Anna Donahue expounded each verse and we discovered so many wonderful gems of truth. She is a gifted teacher who has a heart for God!

We not only got to bask in the presence of God, but there was also some very funny moments and lots of laughter. After leaving the chapel the first night it was very dark outside, and we took a wrong turn in our car that landed us on the golf cart path that surrounded the resort. I have not laughed so hard in years! You don’t even want to know how embarrassed we were trying to turn around. Praise God, we made it out safely, and there was no evidence of our escapade for the golfers to discover the next morning!

Another highlight for me was getting to spend time with a very dear friend of mine, Pastor Parris Bailey, who hosted the retreat. I’ve been knowing Parris for over 30 years, and although we don’t get to see each other very often, it was just like we were together only yesterday!

Although we are close in age, Parris has always been my Titus 2 mentor. I’ve never met a more godly and passionate woman after God’s heart. What a blessing it was for me to learn from her example and sit under her anointed teaching for many years as a young Christian. I’ve always admired, loved, and learned so much from Parris. We’ve been through a lot together; our friendship is something I’ll always treasure.

I love you Parris!

The Perks of Senior Citizenship

Well, it's that time again for Friday Funnies! I've really enjoyed this new meme. With all that is going on in the world, a little laughter seems to help lighten the load.

Today's subject is the perks of getting older. It's scary when you can truly identify.



Someone had to remind me, so I'm reminding you too. Don't laugh.....it is all true...



01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03. No one expects you to run--anywhere.

04. People call at 9 pm and ask, did I wake you?

05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07. Things you buy now won't wear out.

08. You can eat supper at 4 pm.

09. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

10. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

11. Your eyes won't get much worse.

12. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

13. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

14. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

15. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

16. You can't remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

Please join us over at Homesteaders Heart for more laughter!!

A special day to celebrate!

Today is a very important day for one of my best friends. Yes, Tonya, who you can find over at Safe In His Arms, is celebrating her birthday!

Oh, what a great day it is for me to give thanks for this extra special friend that God has blessed me with.



The Lord has given me many wonderful friends, but there are a few that come into your life that are the ones “born for adversity”.

These are the friends that God brings to you when you need someone to lean upon during times of great difficulty, and can celebrate with in times of awesome victory.

A friend that truly understands the depth of your fears, and accepts you just the way you are. A friend that is willing to reach out a hand to you even when they are in need of a helping hand themselves.


I'm so grateful for the love Tonya has shown to me and my family over the years. Even in her darkest hours, she still managed to be concerned for me and continued to show God’s love “at all times”.


She is truly my Proverbs 17:17 friend.



Happy Birthday Tonya, I love you!!

Please join us today for other WFW pictures at The 16o Acre Woods.

Honoring our Veterans

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


White House News




On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Now think about this...

“Finally, brothers (sisters!),

Whatever is true,

Whatever is noble,

Whatever is right,

Whatever is pure,

Whatever is lovely,

Whatever is admirable,

If anything is excellent,

Or praiseworthy

…think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

On this Thankful Thursday I’m so grateful for the many opportunities we have each day to give praise and thanks to our God for His awesome provision, protection, and powerful love shown in our lives. We really have no reason to ever feel discouraged, afraid, or unsure. Even though there are times when we have to stop and remind ourselves…the truth is He is always near!

I’m giving thanks today that we live in a nation where our voices can be heard, and we have the freedom to choose how we live, worship and train up our children. Those who have gone on before us have paid a heavy price for this great freedom we now enjoy. May we never take it granted.

Even though this year’s presidential election was the longest and most intense I have ever experienced, I’m grateful it is finally over. Now we, as the Church, can get busy praying and interceding for our country and those who have been charged to lead our nation for the next four years.

Finally, I’m thankful that no matter who is in the White House, or presiding over the Supreme Court, or in the halls of Congress, ultimately, it is God who is keeping watch over his people.

Truly, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High!” Ps. 92:1

Please join other grateful hearts today over at Grace Alone and be encouraged.

Please Go Out and Vote!!!!

~Please remember to mute my music player!~

Walking In Grace

“I believe marriage holds both the greatest potential for hurt, yet the greatest opportunity for grace to be shown.”

Today our theme for Marriage Monday is grace. Oh, of all the many virtues we can emulate in our marriage, this one is right at the top for me. I don't think it is possible for a marriage to flourish without the gift of grace being appropriated on a daily basis.

So what is grace and how does it look in a marriage?

The word grace is used several different ways in both the old and new testament. Some of the definitions denote gracefulness or beauty, but most generally it means favor or good will.

One thing we know for sure is that grace was given to us all as a free gift from God.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Some of the ways we can exercise grace in our marriage would be:

Forgiveness. Gosh, we get this opportunity each and every day! It's so easy to be offended, misunderstood, hurt, and the list goes on. Each time we purpose to forgive we offer the same gift to our spouse that was given to us by God. I'm so glad we are forgiven and our sins have been cast into a sea of forgetfulness. Is it not right that we are willing to do the same thing for the person we love most in this world? OK, I work on this one daily, and have by no means come close to arriving.

Accepting Differences. Another way we can demonstrate grace is by accepting each other's differences. Ouch... I know it would seem wonderful if you and your spouse enjoyed everything exactly the same. If you had the same passions, hobbies, taste in food, etc. I'm truly blessed my husband is so patient as he attempts to be involved in many of the things I enjoy. In the same way, I realize I have to learn to be patient and show interest in the things he enjoys as well. OK, Rick you can faint after reading this statement! Ladies, let me make a confession to you right now. I am the only female in the house of 6 guys. I am so tired of SPORTS, but I’m trying to learn. Is there anything else in life?

Make Room for Mistakes. There are so many ways we can exercise grace, and it would take way too much time to try and cover them all, so for now I'll conclude with this one. Allow each other the opportunity to make a mistake! Now, who likes to be told, "I told you so". I know as a woman its second nature to be a teacher. We do this daily with our children and it so easy to carry this over to our spouses. Many times our expectations can be way too high. As we walk in grace, our mates should feel they have the room to fail without feeling condemned. They are not perfect and neither are we. If we lovingly let them know we are standing right along side of them, even when they fail, they will become more vulnerable and open. Now, isn't that really our deepest desire? And we can only gain that by giving the gift of grace.

I want more then ever to have a grace-filled marriage where there is love, beauty, and God's unmerited favor operating on a daily basis. This concept is much easier to write about than it is to put into practice. May God give us grace to live this out each day.

“Lord, remind me daily of your unfailing grace in my life as I offer it to my husband. Give me your heart that is so full of unconditional love. A heart that is slow to anger, quick to forgive, merciful in judgment, and filled with your compassion. May my life be an example of your grace each day.”

Please join Robyn today at Overflowing Grace as she hosts our Marriage Monday.