An Encouraging Word

"If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He says even in catastrophic times He is not only with you but longing to pour out through you.

God’s Word that you have been storing away in the quiet times with Him can be revealed through your brokenness. He sees your pain, and His heart breaks with your every hurt. You are dearly loved. Hold on to His promise that your brokenness is not wasted but releases His Spirit to do works of perseverance, power, character and hope."

-This is from the Proverbs 31 devotionals.

Thanks, Sis for sending this my way.

I want to believe it with all my heart.

High Tea

This past weekend the girlies and I had a day together. So often I think, unfortunately, about what I can get done when I have time, instead of investing in their lives. So, before time escaped I promised them a "high tea" with their American Girl doll friends.

I busied myself getting ready, while they got dressed and fixed their "friend's" hair and clothes.

(Just a note: if you are ever wanting to put on a tea and don't want to spend tons of money, Ross' Stores have great little tea snacks.)

We had a grand time. As we were talking I asked my girls if there friend knew Jesus. I thought this is a good safe way to discuss how to share our faith. And the conversation that followed was very insightful. I wonder if role playing always brings out thoughts and feelings that may not be discussed otherwise.

"Marie" said, 'Yes, Kit knows Jesus and has been wanting to lead a Bible Study with her friends, but has been scared to.'

So my thoughts go to the afternoons that our two little neighbor girls come over. They are from unsaved homes and there has been a couple of times I have had to address issues that are not appropriate for my girls. I think dear little Kit's thoughts have been inside of my "Marie". I intend to address this.

Next, "Inger" tells me, 'Samantha is ready to sleep without the night light on.' Can you guess where my little sweetie is struggling? She wants to be that big girl, but we are not quite there yet.

I think this will come soon. For if Samantha is ready, maybe she is too.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Another birthday has passed here on earth while you are celebrating eternal life. To be honest, Mom, I'm a little jealous. I sure do miss you and wish I had another birthday to hug and kiss you. Last night I dreamed about you. I can still see you as if you were just over yesterday. I see every beautiful line in your face and hear your voice. There are times I still think you ARE here and this is all a dream. But I know it is not.

If you can see me and hear my heart, please pray for your oldest Puebla grandson. He is hurting. Remember, the verse you gave me before you went "home"? Well, I made it into a pillow to give to "Hoss" when he was home at Christmas.

Did you know that while he was gone last year at the Ranch he told me the Lord gave his that same verse as his life verse. Now, I don't believe that was a coincidence! God is working. I will not give up on him either.

The One who you are with right now is the One who holds my precious oldest in His hands.

I miss you mom. I love you. I will see you one day.

Give My Savior a hug and tell him how much I love Him, too.

Two Best Friends

Yesterday was a full day in the life of my littlest one. She is learning to read and it has been an enjoyable process for both of us. As we were studying our two phonics rules, she informed me of a third, that I knew nothing about.

"If there is no vowel in a word, the word is silly."

I love this age.

After school "Inger" decided to play with her best friend. She set up her station on our deck and for 1 hour talked and played with "Cochise". She showed him all her bugs she had found and loved on him. He even was blessed with a blanket in case he was chilly.

Book Review - Reggie

Two days. That's how long it took me to finish the most recent book that I am reviewing for Booksneeze.

Reggie Dabbs has done an amazing job in recounting his life through his new book, Reggie. Easy to read, yet inspiring and funny, Reggie is a book that any age person can relate to. The transformation that occurred in his life is remarkable. He is a great picture of how God can use a life that begins in the darkest places and renew it to bring Him glory. As I began reading, it was obvious that Reggie wrote this memoir to touch especially the hurting of our world. As a believer, I was concerned that he was not incorporating the "whys" of his life being changed. But the way he eased into this subject was insightful. By the end of the book, you know exactly where he stands as a child of God and how important Christ is to him.

He has a way of relating to children of all ages. He uses imagery and tactics that get to the heart of the issues. There are so many hurting children out in our world who need to hear the good news of Christ and what He can offer.

Being an adoptive mother, I was touched by this story of abandonment and adoption. I can only pray that the stories of my 4 children will be of a similar ending.

As people read this book, I hope not only are they brought to the truth of facing what their lives are, but to their knees knowing they need the Savior that Reggie Dabbs knows.

As part of the blogging network, I received a free copy of Reggie to review.

My "Anything that Breathes" Lover

Blessings

My Heart Weeps

How can I get you to see, "Hoss"?

How can I take the pain?

How can I show you the truth?

Now, I bend my knee and say, "I can't".

I know Jesus is the only One to do these things for you.

As we talked to you on Saturday (our first phone call since you left one month ago), my eyes filled. I can hear the hurt and I hear the anger. So for now and always, we pray:

Lord God, Sovereign One of the universe and of my precious son,

We want Your will, but so often ours comes into play. We want restoration in our home soon, but we know you will use this separation in our lives and his. May our pain be healed by complete surrender to you. You are good, Jesus. You love us. You are our Jehovah Jireh. You are our compassionate Creator. Take our son's hard heart and soften it; mold it; strip it of himself and give him a passion for you. You alone can do this, Great God.

Mother's Day 2011

It was a great Mother's Day yesterday. Breakfast in bed....you must note that "Cochise" also joined in the festivities. I love my little family.

Motherhood...

is truly a gift. And as I have aged, I have come to realize it doesn't just apply to blood relation or even adoption. I know a few older women who I have come to love as a mother prototype.

With all this said, I miss my mom. Time has healed some, but the longing to pick up the phone and talk to her is just as strong. She was a rock for our family. She gave of herself and loved her children and grandchildren to the fullest.

So, today on Mother's Day I remember her.

I also remember him.

And miss him, too.

Therefore my thoughts go heavenward, knowing that my Jesus holds all things in His hands. My precious Mom is with Jesus and my treasure may think he is far away from his Maker, but I am confident my Sovereign Lord is working...even in the pain and hurt and wrong choices.

I am honored to be a Mother. This was my heart's desire from the time I was a little girl. I didn't know how this would come to pass, but Oh, I am thankful for the gifts that have been entrusted to me.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

His Comfort

Genesis 24:67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

I was struck reading this yesterday...and a little ashamed,too.

Do we wives really understand our beloveds?

I can tend to get so into myself and needs that I forget he even has feelings.

So many times he is so strong that I don't see the need to comfort him.

Yet, when those times of need come, I am and should be his first source of human comfort.

As we have gone this journey of the prodigal, my lover has hurt deep. Really deep.

This takes selflessness to come out of my pain and ask God to help me be his healer.

I am blessed with a man who cherishes and loves me. I am blessed to be his beloved.

Help me, Lord, to love him and hold him close, especially those times he needs physical comfort.

G.O.S.P.E.L.

YOU MUST WATCH THIS!

I Want To Believe!

One of the greatest human love stories in the Bible is the story of Isaac and Rebekah.

I have been reading the book of Genesis this month and just finished up this great story. Abraham wanted a wife for Isaac but only wanted one from his family line; not the heathens who lived around him. Great decision!

Abraham sent his servant to the land from which he had come to find his family. The servant arrived at a well and sought the Lord of his master, Abraham.

"Then he prayed, “LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

He was a wise servant. But did he really believe God to do this? Do I really believe God to work in ways in my life and family?

The next thing he knows, a woman has arrived at the well. And, would you believe the answer to his prayer came, just as he asked!

"Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful."

As I read this verse, I thought to myself, "Duh? Didn't he get it. This was the exact answer he was looking for." It happened almost as if he didn't believe it could be just so.

Then, my thoughts turned inward.

"Do I pray, believing God to answer? Do I just mouth the words in obedience or do I really believe He can and WILL do what I ask?

Now, I know some of you may say, "But we must ask according to his will." I whole-heartedly agree. But so many times that can be a cop-out for true belief. So I say as the Father of the demon-possessed child did,

"I believe; help my unbelief!"

Our Newest Teenager

I hate that word. Teenager....

He is a young man.

"Little Joe" turned 13 today. He is a joy and it is a privilege to be his Momma.

L-Light Hearted; bringing joy to all around him

I- Incredible; in MANY ways

T-Trustworthy; He always follows through on what he says

T-Totally cool; This is a word he would be proud for me to use.

L-Loving; I have enjoyed hearing from his heart in our journal we correspond with.

E-Easy; to be around

J-Jolly; he is always making me laugh

O-Observant; he's the one with the photographic memory

E-Eager to help; does any task to his fullest ability

We love you, "Little Joe".

Happy 13th birthday.