Monday, March 15, 2010

Project 365-My Week in Pictures

 

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Still learning so much about my new camera.  Sometimes it can be so confusing and frustrating.  But then there are “those” moments frozen in time that makes my heart  a skip a beat!  Thanks for joining me on this adventure.

 

Monday

Thought I would catch up on some ironing today.  Called a friend and by the time I got off the phone, it was all done!

 

 

Tuesday

Oh, don’t you just love the those first signs of Spring?  Finally…

 

 

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I was so excited to get my new camera bag in the mail today.  Isn’t it cute?  It’s so light, and now everyone won’t know a future photographer is walking around!

 

 Thurs

Had my tripod set up by our bedroom window.  I was so excited to catch this pretty dove perched on our bird feeder.

 

Friday

My granddaughter, Grace, did not have school today.  So I took her to the mall, and we were so surprised to see the Easter Bunny there.  The lady was so kind to let me take this picture with my own camera.  Saved me 20.00 too!

 

Tennis

My sons came over to the house today and decided to play a game of tennis after lunch.   They are so competitive, you would have thought it was the US Open Championship!  And they played like pros…

 

Sun

Took my grandson, Cole, to the playground in our subdivision after church.  Of course it was a perfect day for a photo shoot.  Now is this not pure joy?

 

Please join us over at The Mom Creative  for more Project 365 Projects.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Finding Cures Saving Lives

 

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There are so many wonderful charities I could talk about today.   I've been touched by many of them, like the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, or the Special Olympics. 

But the one that has directly impacted my life and the life of my son is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.   I recently read that it was considered the Nations’ most trusted charity and I can attest to that fact first hand.

 

 (please remember to mute my music player first!)

At the age of 16 my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  It was in the month of April, and I still remember getting that phone call from the doctor like it was yesterday. That was a day that our world fell apart changed the course of our lives. 

I grew up like most of you seeing those TV specials with Marlo Thomas about St. Jude.  Many times I would just change the channel, because it was too difficult to watch what those children were going through.  Never would I have dreamed that I would walk through those front doors with my own child.

My son is now in remission. A survivor of a brain tumor that could of took his life.  We are so very grateful, beyond words.

I remember one of the very first papers we signed at St. Jude was a contract that stated we would never receive a bill. Any costs that were above what our insurance would cover would be paid in full. Can you imagine?  In the midst of all that was going on in our lives, they wanted to assure us that we would not have to worry about finances while our son was in treatment.  Not to mention they paid for all of our transportation to and from Memphis, and provided housing and all our meals at no cost. Truly remarkable.

This May St. Jude will fly son and I up for his last 6 month check up. If all has remained stable, we will transfer to their After Complement of Therapy Clinic for the next 5 years. In hopes of being a St. Jude Alumni one day.  This will be a major milestone in Jordan's life.    We are so grateful for St. Jude for all they have done for us and thousands of other families over the years!

And thanks to all of you that have given each time you visit Chili’s, McDonald’s, Target and countless other places that support St. Jude.

 

 

Please join us today at Kelly’s Korner for more favorite charities.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

God’s Economics for Tough Times

 

 

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Unless you lived through the Great Depression you’ve never experienced times like the present: bank failures, bailouts, housing foreclosures, unemployment, health costs, etc.

You can see fear on people’s faces and sense it in their words. So, where do we turn? To politicians, economists, or our own resources?

No human agency is capable of providing answers.

So: know your source!

The Bible predicted the shaking of human kingdoms and material entities: “[So] that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Heb 12:27). But while bureaucracies, businesses and banks have been shaken to their very core, our King and His kingdom remain rock solid.

The Bible says that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2Co 9:8 NIV).

Notice the “alls” in this promise. What more could you ask for? Your family, health, spiritual, material, present and future security is guaranteed under the “policies and resources” clause of God’s unshakable kingdom! Man’s economy is not your source.

It’s merely one conduit the King may, or may not use in providing what you need as a citizen of His kingdom. Relax, knowing God, your unfailing source, “will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians  4:19 NIV).   (By Rick Godwin)

 

wfw-2008 Please join us over at our gifted and most gracious hostess today, Lori at All You Have To Give for more WFW!!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Project 365- My Week In Pictures

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Another week has just flown by.  I’m loving this project more all the time.  Hope you enjoy this quick glimpse into our lives.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

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Apple pie anyone?  Yes…it was as good as it looked.  Some ice-cream on top was the finishing touch.

 

Tuesday

The day we have been waiting for!  It’s been 2 years since my son left to teach in Taiwan.  From there he visited 38 countries and crossed 4 continents.  His older brother (top right) couldn’t believe his passport…every page was filled out.  Tears of joy, relief, my son is finally HOME!!

 

Wed-5

My cat loves to jump up into the chair when you sit to eat.  My grand-daughter was having fun playing with him.

 

Thursday-5

What a week it was.  My son came home and I made a drastic change in my hair color.  Something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’m loving the “new look”.

 

Friday5 

My grand-daughter Grace came to spend the weekend.  She was coming down with a cold and not feeling very well when she woke up.

 

 

Saturday-5

Today is Justin’s (my second son) 29th birthday!  He came out to visit and spent time with his daughter Grace.  He’s in a band and getting ready to go on tour.  Happy Birthday Justin!

 

Sunday5  Grace was playing with with this funny headband I bought for her the other day.  I asked her to pose for me.  “No problem Grammy!”

 

Please join us over at The Mom Creative for more Project 365!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Leaving a Legacy

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Have you ever wondered what kind of legacy you will leave behind?

I don't know about you, but my greatest desire is to live a life that brings glory and honor to Jesus. I want to leave behind a legacy to my children and grandchildren that will show them my values, principles, and beliefs.

This is one of the very reason’s I started my blog!

One of my favorite songs by Nicole Nordeman is called Legacy. She wrote:

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

We all have the chance of building a legacy that will bring glory to God, and we build it one decision at a time. You can begin today!

Live your life for an audience of One!

Lord I pray that through the testimony of my life, the lives of my children and grandchildren will be one that causes them to know and love you more.  That they will serve you all the days of their lives.  Thank you Jesus for all the opportunities you give me daily to point them to you.

 

Join us today over at Penny Raine for more WFW posts!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Project 365- My Week In Pictures

 

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Went out to eat with some of my wonderful neighbors.   What a blessing it is to live just a few doors away from some of the sweetest ladies ever!  Little did I know what God had in store when he moved us here.

 

 

Tuesday4

My son Jordan is off on Tuesday, so although it’s a day he doesn’t work, he puts in some overtime with mom.  Shopping is hard work.  Now to convince my husband!

 

 

Wednesday4

Took a walk in our neighborhood on this beautiful afternoon.  I was so excited to catch this amazing sunset.

 

Thursday4

Finally getting close to finishing up my scrapbook project I started…well, that’s not so important.  I’m just going to finish it, right?

 

Friday4

Hmmm, hard to believe I still had some chocolates left from Valentine’s Day!

 

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My husband and I attended The President’s Council Black Tie Dinner for his company.  What a fun night with my knight in shinning armor.  Boy he sure looked good in his tux.  He just gets better and better with age.

 

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Bought a tripod today.  My precious Jordan was a willing subject to test my skills.  His smile makes me happy.

 

Please join us over at The Mom Creative for more projects!!

Two are better then one

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Welcome to the March edition of Marriage Monday. Today, our group topic is "Prayer in Marriage." Please join over at Chrysalis to share in this interesting topic!  Thanks E-Mom for being such a gracious and fun hostess today!

"Man was created for the purpose of knowing and loving God. Because we alone are made in His image, we have the privilege of prayer. No other part of creation has that ability...not the tallest tree, the greatest mountain, or the clearest glacier can speak His name. When you express adoration to God, you are living out the evidence that you are different from everything else in the universe that He has made. (by Billie Hanks)

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After a long difficult day, my husband and I got ready for bed.   As we were lying in bed, I gently reached over, took his hand and asked him to pray. I needed to hear him ask God for wisdom for a situation we were facing.  No matter what we have faced or will  in our future, this is still one of the most effective and sacred thing we can do as couple. 

There are so many reasons I could list on why prayer is one of greatest keys to a marriage that brings glory and honor to the Lord.

For the sake of time, I will share just a few benefits of prayer together that we have found to be true in our marriage.

 

♥ When we pray together we acknowledge that we totally depend on God rather then each other. 

♥ Prayer is vital in building trust.  As we pray, we become vulnerable, and accountable to one another.

♥ There is a special intimacy only experienced when we join our hearts and hands together before the Lord in prayer.

♥ Prayer enriches and strengthens our marriage partnership.

♥ There is no greater comfort or assurance then to hear the voice of my spouse praying for me.

For some of you this may not come so easy.  I would recommend making time, even if it is a little awkward or uncomfortable at first to pray with and for each other.  In time, you will be able to express your prayers more freely.  It does not have to be long, just heartfelt words that show you care and are committing your spouse and you to the Lord. You can begin today; just take it one-step at a time!  If your husband is not willing, then ask him if you can pray for him aloud. This is something I believe your husband will enjoy. 

Prayer is so powerful.

One of my favorite scriptures that come to mind when I think of the unity found in prayer  is Ecc. 4:9-12.  (I’ve always loved the symbol used for our Marriage Monday button!)

Two are better than one,
       because they have a good return for their work:

  If one falls down,
       his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls
       and has no one to help him up!

  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
       But how can one keep warm alone?

  Though one may be overpowered,
       two can defend themselves.
       A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!