Silence...they say it's golden. I think I agree. I have been at the beach for a couple of days now and when I sit on the balcony and look out over the beautiful beach and ocean I am amazed. It is so silent. But somehow in my soul it stirs up praise. I really wish I had my praise leader Pastor Larry here this morning leading praise by the pool. I think the natural beauty of this place coupled with the ability to spend uninterrupted time with my family (no jobs to run do or yard that needs mowed) has caused me to feel so very blessed. For me a natural part of feeling blessed is needing to praise God for it. You see nothing good or righteous in my life comes from me. I am a sinner by nature and pretty good at turning things that are supposed to be good in my life into negatives. So when something is as good, peaceful, and positive as this week it means that it's from him. So Praise God from who all blessings flow!

Pity, Pride, Pits, Traps, and Mud Holes

Ever been in a mud hole? Ever got out of a mud hole and felt that icky sticky stuff dry to your skin? It's pretty miserable isn't it? Well when you find yourself wallowing in a spiritual mud hole it feels about the same. I am a little upset with myself. We know the tricks and snares of the enemy but we fall into them time and again. I know that when I am praying for something for other people I should always look at myself first to see if I am lacking in the item of prayer. But still I find myself up to my neck in some sort of pity, pride, or sin and look around like how did I get here?! Well I have learned to recognize it pretty rapidly. At least I don't wallow in it for days at a time like I once did. However I wish I could just miss those pits, traps, and mud holes all together. I guess if I went long enough without winding up with a face full of mud then I would forget to be thankful for Grace. So I will continue to try to live out Philippians 3:13 and 14 and "forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead" I must "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I'll be the first to tell you that left to my own demise things would get bleak but I have a loving Father that I can pray to as Daniel did:

Daniel 9:17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

I know that he will pay attention and act, praise God for HIS righteousness!!! He's got enough for us both!

Until next time...

Back to School

Well the school year is officially underway and as I often do at this time of year I want to spend a little time looking back. I can not believe how big Sarah and Colton are, it seems like just a few days ago when Sarah's preschool teacher came to the house to visit her and she cried because she didn't want to sit next to them for a picture.

Yesterday was the first half day of school they did great. (I know this picture is grainy but my camera is out of order so my cell had to do.) This morning I walked her into her first full day as a 4th grader and she hugged me went and put her stuff up and sat down. Where are the tears and the 1 more hugs? Colton walked into 2nd grade and did the same thing. I remember thinking I would be so glad when they were older and didn't cry for me. Now I am not so sure. I guess it did something for my ego to know that I was such an awesome mom they couldn't imagine being away from me for even a few hours. I guess that reality sets in even at 7 and 9.

So today was our first real day, they had school all day and I had to come to work for awhile. Things are going to be crazy for us for awhile. Mitchell is going back to school full time for work I am going to school full time and working full time and the kids are both in school. Thank God my Step-Mom is quiting her job soon. I don't know what I would do if she didn't "fill in" for me for the next few months. It's so good for the kids to have a routine for after school and I am glad I don't have to pay half my pay check for after school care. God's timing is impeccable. He has made a way for me to do what I need to do and still provided a loving, Christian environment for my kids to thrive in. (they aren't moving in or anything...despite their Mamaw Lene and Papaw Jack's best tries :) they are just going there after school and until one of us finally get home at the end of the day so they will be doing homework and stuff there.) Again I am so thankful for all of my family! My Aunt and my mom will be filing in when Lene is busy and of course Mitchell's Mom is a great back up too. We are truly blessed with family. I hope everyone else is having a great first week of school also! Until next time....