Monday, August 31, 2009

Review: Life Application Bible Studies John

I have gone through a Bible study of the book of John using the Life Application Bible Studies series from Tyndale publishers. The book is divided into two parts. Part one is the complete text of John (New LIving Translation) along with study notes from the Life Application Bible. Part two is thirteen lessons.


What I liked about this study was that it included the full text of John in the book. Also, I liked the questions presented in the lessons. These made you think about what you’d just read and apply it to your life.


One thing I did not like was the print size. When I first received this book I noticed the small print. This would be something that would deter me from purchasing a book.

I would recommend this for anyone looking for a compact Bible study. I think it would be great for someone on the go. Since it has the text in the book and space for answering questions, you wouldn’t need to carry anything extra along with it to be able to study.

Marriage Monday: Girl Talk

1st Monday Every Month at Chrysalis
Want this button?


It's time for Marriage Monday, which is a monthly meme hosted by e-Mom at Chrysalis. To avoid vacation conflicts, we’re meeting the week before Labor Day (which is today!). Our topic is "Girl Talk: Mothers & Daughters Talk About Love."
When I saw the topic for today, a story came to my mind about my Mom. Before I started dating my husband, on weekends we would play cards in the dorm lobby with a big group of friends. One weekend in February my parents and cousin were visiting, and they joined us for our card games. My Mom had a little calendar that she wrote in each day. It had a question/memory for her to fill in each day. On that particular day she wrote that she had a special feeling about J and the sweet way he treated me. This has always been special to me because it was just one of those things my Mom just knew, and she was right. We went on a walk together around campus the next time and a couple weeks later he asked me on a date. :)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #35

Here is the new verse for this coming week. It is Proverbs 19:17--

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done."

Please pray with me about the following requests and also let me know if I can pray for YOU.

~ Orion and family. He was dismissed from the hospital but had to be readmitted the next day because he wasn't able to swallow. Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 8 for a feeding tube in his stomach (as I understand it). Pray for his parents as they are there with him mostly 24/7 and for his sister, brother and other family members as they are going through this hard time.

~ Elizabeth. Recently had another brain surgery and will begin radiation soon.

~ Kate and Clayton, both of these children also have brain tumors.

Adding a couple more:
~ family who lost a baby recently, you can read that prayer request here.

~ Rachel and her family. This is Kristi's daughter. Go leave them some encouragement and also she has a button you can put on your blog.

Hope the end of August and beginning of September go well for you this week!

Friday, August 28, 2009

2009 Book #36: How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph



I was excited to get to read How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph from David C Cook publishers by Linda Massey Weddle.

Each chapter in part one focuses on a different age group from birth through high school. Ideas are given based on a “master life thread” for each age period. For example, the topic of the preschool age is respect. These chapters share ideas of things to do as a family to teach that concept. It also explains characteristics of the children in that age group. This is particularly beneficial information for to help parents relate to their children on an appropriate level for their interests and understanding. Part two of the book discusses ways for the church to partner with parents through each age group. This is an excellent resource for both your home and church library.

I loved the ideas presented and they way in which they were shared. As parents we cannot rely on a couple of classes done a couple times a week to teach our children Gods word. We must actively participate in training up our children to know the Lord. This is a very practical book that helps in the goal of raising children who know, serve, and love God.
~~~~~~~~~
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Read and Share Toddler Bible by Gwen Ellis

I'd like to recommend The Read and Share Toddler Bible by Gwen Ellis and illustrated by Steve Smallman. With 40 Bible stories from both the Old and New Testament and a bonus 60 minute DVD as well, this is a nice Bible for youngsters ages 4 and under. This full color Bible is a nice size for little ones to hold and carry around.

I enjoyed reading this book and watching the DVD with my son. One thing I particularly liked was a note to parents at the end of each story that gave an idea of something to do with your toddler related to the story. This would be nice for family reading time and would also make a nice gift for a child.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Rescue

Today our theme for Thankful Thursday is rescue. Join us over at Grace Alone today!

When I think of the word rescue, many things come to mind....a life preserver being thrown to someone who is in the water or a fairy tale princess being saved just in time by her wonderful prince. I also think of the time my Dad came to my rescue one night as we'd taken a walk down the road from our house. I was going downhill on my bike, took my feet off the pedals, and have the scar on my knee to remember that crash with the pavement! After it happened I remember thinking I didn't know my Dad could move so fast. He was up the hill from me when it happened, and he quickly came to my rescue and carried me home (I think he carried me, that seems like a long way to be carried!)

Jesus has rescued us from the pit of darkness and despair. We don't have to live in the pit since He came to the rescue! I'm so thankful for that!

This week I'm also thankful for...

~ my sweet husband who is so loving and shows such compassion. I've not felt totally well this week and he's been so concerned about it.

~ my wonderful kindergarten boy! He's having a good week for his first week of school. I'm so thankful! I'd prayed it would be a smooth transition. Thank You God for hearing our prayers!

~ God's timing. I love it that I get unexpected mail on the day I need it!

~ God's awesomeness. We talked with Caleb Wednesday night about God creating everything from nothing. It is great to think about His awesomeness.

~ fun we've had together playing the Wii.

Hope you are having a good week!
~~~~~~~~~~
"Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.

3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress." Psalm 71:2, 3

2009 Book #35: How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler is the story of Deena Livingston. She moves from her life in Atlanta to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina which was left to her by her grandfather. The cabin comes with one stipulation: Deena must teach cooking classes to some local middle school students. While her original plan was to start a new life away from the painful memories of a broken engagement and have her own cake decorating business, she must adjust to teaching troubled kids. After her first day she feels sure the kids will never like her and she’ll never be able to teach them anything.

This is a touching story. I could relate to the characters and felt Deena’s pain. This is the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed her writing style and it was enjoyable to get to know the characters.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

As long as it is called Today: Christian home keepers (August)


Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another as Christians. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers. Today our focus is on Christian home keepers.

Here is the link to last week's question.

Today's question: What do you prepare for breakfast at your house?

My answer: Caleb doesn't like to eat the minute he gets up, his Mommy is the same way! But if I don't eat I feel sick later in the day so I do eat, just not first thing. We eat cereal, toast, pudding, fruit, and "tricky dogs" (as Caleb calls them, they are pancake wrapped sausages).
Have a good day.

Monday, August 24, 2009

To my kindergartener, Caleb...

I remember in July 2004 when I couldn't imagine what it'd be like to not feel you move around in my belly and how much I'd miss that.

I remember when you were days old when I couldn't imagine how we'd ever figure out your cries or know what you needed.

I remember when I couldn't imagine any other morning than our routine of an early morning feeding and then a nap on the couch together.

I remember when I couldn't imagine not getting up in the night for Daddy to change you and then give you to me so you could eat.

I remember when I couldn't imagine being able to go out of the house for extended periods of time with you.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what you'd look like with teeth and thinking how I'd miss those cute little gums.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like to see you move from crawling to walking.

I remember when I couldn't imagine how it would be to move you from the rear facing car seat to facing forward.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what life would be like when I no longer was breastfeeding you and how much I'd miss that.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to wear diapers anymore.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to try to say words instead of just cries and baby noises.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to be scared of the doctor.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to not sleep in your baby bed anymore.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you started drinking cow's milk and eating baby food.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to eat table food instead of baby food.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you took just one nap a day.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to not come to me in Daddy's arms to give me a kiss all bundled up in a towel after your bath.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to want to wear your little faded black cowboy pants with a long sleeved shirt every. single. day.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to no longer drink so much milk that we had to buy multiple gallons every week.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you didn't cry when we took you to Sunday School.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to be able to dress yourself.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you no longer needed to take a shoe off to sit on the potty!

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you no longer rode in the basket at the store and were big enough to walk beside me instead.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to do your own seat belt instead of me clicking you in your seat.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to tie your own shoes.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to go to HEB without you and feeling your little hand in mind.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what I will feel like the first time I go to the food pantry without you.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to have a schedule every day and not be able to stay in our pajamas all day long, just because.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to not be able to go to Gramma's house when Daddy goes on long trips.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what kind of routine I'll have without you in my day singing your sweet songs, coming to the rescue when I make a mess, giving your wonderful hugs and "Mommy I love you," and playing your creative games.

God gave us to you five years ago as a little newborn baby. We knew then that this day would come, even though back then it seemed oh so far away. You have brought so much joy to our lives. We are so proud of the boy you are. Today you begin a new chapter in your book of life as you go to school for the first time. I know I'll miss you like crazy. But at the same time my heart is filled with thankfulness....thankfulness that I have a beautiful boy....thankfulness for our loving relationship....thankfulness for the way you have such care and concern for those around you....thankfulness that I was able to stay home with you these past five years..... thankfulness for your good health....thankfulness that you have grown the way God made you to grow.....thankfulness in knowing that God is going to be with you as you go to school just like He will be with me as I will have a new routine. And although today and maybe this week I really can't imagine how different our life will be with our new schedule, I know that through every stage we've passed so far, the next stage has held new wonder, new excitement, new specialness. I'm excited to see all the things you are going to learn. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do your best and let your light shine.
Love,
Mommy

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Happy birthday Peepaw!

Today my Peepaw would have been 80 years old. He was always very special to me and our entire family. It is still hard to think that he isn't here with us anymore.

I think the things I miss most right now are his surprise calls, his hugs, and getting to see him with Caleb. I know how much Caleb would love him, and I know how much Peepaw would laugh at Caleb's cute things.

One thing we did together was to go get ice cream after school. He'd pick up me and my cousin, and we'd find some ice cream! I told Caleb we'd have to eat ice cream in Peepaw's honor sometime today.

I'm so thankful for him and the role he played in my life.

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #34

Here is the new memory verse for this week.

Proverbs 18:5--"It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice."

Do you have any prayer requests this week? Here are some requests I'd like to share:

~ those heading to school, especially my sweet little boy! (And Mommy while he is at school! I have plans and know I'll adjust to our new schedule/routine. I have a special post about that tomorrow.)

~ our friends and their little boy Orion. We've been able to visit with them over the past few days as they've been in the hospital with him. He's had a couple days of radiation and they are hoping they'll get to go home on Monday or Tuesday. Then they will travel back and forth daily for radiation treatments.

~ our sister-in-law who is expecting their first child. She is getting close to her due date.

Have a great week as we are close to finishing the month of August!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Friends

Today Iris picked friends for the Thankful Thursday theme. Join us in being thankful today!

Friends are special people. We have different kinds of friends who go with us through different stages in life. I have my friends from my school days as well as college. Some I keep in better contact with than others. Some I know I could count on if I needed something; I know which ones would be there for me. Facebook has been a fun way to find old friends and make some new ones as well. I find it interesting to see which of my friends are friends with each other. Previously I made some good friends through a message board and those ladies are still special to me. Before that I never had "met" any friends online but it showed me how friendships can be formed online and you can feel a closeness with them. Now I've found some wonderful friendships through blogging, which has been a blessing to me.

Today I'm thankful for....

~ my husband. We were friends first before we started dating and I'm thankful he is my best friend.

~ my sweet boy who is a friendly little guy. I like to see him in different settings with different aged children and how he tries to relate to them....talking big to older kids and being helpful to younger children. I pray he makes many good friends as he begins school and he is a friend to others.-

~ my Mom is a dear friend to me and I'm thankful for our relationship.

~ life friends. I have a special friend I've known since elementary, probably 3rd grade. It is a blessing now that she lives close enough that we can go eat together often like we did when we were in college.

~ college friends. College was a special time in my life and I'm thankful to still keep in touch with my friends, for their prayers and encouragement, even though we are separated by miles.

Have a wonderful day! Be happy!
~~~~~~~~~~
"You are my friends if you do what I command." John 15:14

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

God cares!

There was a long to do list I’d made in preparation for our son’s fifth birthday. Besides getting things ready for the party at the park, we were also having lunch for our family back at our house. On Sunday before the party I was talking to my husband about all the things we needed to do in the coming days. I told him I hadn't even planned on calling the carpet cleaner. In previous years before his birthday party I’d schedule an appointment for our living room carpet to be cleaned as it always had several spots. I realized I hadn't even thought about doing that this year and told my husband I was okay with that. With the other stuff that needed to be done during the week, I wasn't going to worry about trying to do that too.

Monday morning the phone rang, and it was our neighbor.


To read the rest of this please visit Laced With Grace where I did this guest post.


Tuesday, August 18, 2009

As long as it is called Today: Christian parents (August)


Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another as Christians. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers. Today our focus is on Christian parents.
Here is the link to last week's question.
Today's question: What special back-to-school traditions do you have with your children or did you have yourself as a child?

My answer: I always loved to go shopping for school supplies. I still do actually! I was excited to go with Caleb to pick out his supplies. I also loved choosing what I would wear the first day. I still remember some of my first day choices!

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for visiting today! I'll be back to visiting more blogs next week.

Monday, August 17, 2009

2009 Book #34: BE Hopeful by Warren W. Wiersbe

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe has written the “BE” series of study guides and a new revision is available from David C Cook publishers. I finished BE Hopeful, which is a study of the book of I Peter. The author breaks down the book of I Peter into sections that he discusses in depth. This study guide has 12 chapters. Each chapter is followed by a list of study questions. It is easy to see the relevance of I Peter to us today, and this is a valuable study to do because of the encouragement one can receive because of the hope we have, even in suffering.

This was a very enjoyable study for me, and I feel like I really learned a lot from reading it. I appreciated the questions at the end of the chapters to remind me what I’d read. I’d be interested to read others in the “BE” series.

I will close with one verse that particularly stuck out to me as I was reading.

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." I Peter 1:18, 19

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #33

I thought the verse for last week was a really good one. It was another one related to the importance of guarding our tongues and watching what we say. This week's verse is Proverbs 17:27--

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."

Do you have any prayer requests this week that you would like to share?

This week please remember the following requests:

~ Lorraine (Marsha's friend)

~ College students heading to college. I've heard some moms talking about going with children to get settled at college.

~ Teachers back at school. Let's remember the teachers who are getting ready for a new year.

~ I read on another blog a request for a family who just lost their newborn daughter, Reese. The mother is Katie.

Hope you have a good week! I plan posts this week for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Hope

Thank you to Iris at Grace Alone for hosting Thankful Thursday today. We have the theme of hope this week.

I found some quotes I like on hope.....

When the world says, "Give up,"Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."~Author Unknown

Hope is patience with the lamp lit. ~Tertullian

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all. ~Emily Dickinson

And here are some Bible verses that mention hope.....
"No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse." Psalm 25:3

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20

"But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope." Galatians 5:5

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." I Peter 1:3

This week on the radio I heard the DJ's talking about how we as Christians have hope. People right now are looking for answers, they're looking for hope. We need to give them hope by how we live and act in the little things of daily life. I'm thankful for that hope and can't imagine life without it.

This week I'm thankful for....

~ the love and companionship of my husband.

~ celebrating our sweet boy's 5th birthday this week on Wednesday. We had a fun time Saturday at his party and Wednesday together as a family.

~ learning from God's Word.

~ being able to finish my continuing ed. class online before the due date.

~ time with family.

Have a wonderful Thursday of thankfulness! Thank you for visiting.
~~~~~
"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." Hebrews 6:17--19

When you were four...

When you were four, you had a firefighter birthday party.


When you were four, you wanted to buy rice, beans, or mac n cheese for the food pantry every time we went to the grocery store.


When you were four, you loved eating at C's and met Mr. C himself one day.

When you were four, you had fun seeing the sights at the State Fair and riding the Ferris wheel.

When you were four, you went to the Walk again with our family in memory of Peepaw.


When you were four, you were a fire fighter for halloween.

When you were four, you loved to eat broccoli and veggies (that Gramma makes, Mommy's don't taste the same I'm told).


When you were four, you made a gingerbread house at the library before Christmas.

When you were four, you liked to play the "marker board game" with Mommy.

When you were four, you helped Ms. Cynthia at the post office every time we went to buy stamps or mail packages.

When you were four, you loved story time at the library.

When you were four, your favorite songs were "Onward Christian Soldiers," "Shine" (Newsboys), and "Big House" (Audio Adrenaline).

When you were four, you had fun on our trip to Abilene in February at the zoo, ACU, children's museum, bowling, and bumper cars at Gatti's.

When you were four, you were a ray of sunshine to our family as we said good-bye to Mammaw.

When you were four, you went to Louisiana for fun with Daddy while Mommy and Gramma went to a conference and you also made "Fire Bear John" there.

When you were four, you played t-ball on the orange team called the Mad Dawgs.

When you were four, you learned to tie your shoes.

When you were four, you liked to bake cookies with "real dough" with Mommy.

When you were four, you liked to take pictures of yourself and us with our camera.

When you were four, you loved working on projects in the garage with Daddy.

When you were four, you fed dolphins at Sea World and loved riding the water rides over and over.

When you were four, you liked to go fishing and ride the "tractor" with Gramma.

When you were four, you liked to ask for packets of grape jelly at Cracker Barrel to eat with a spoon.

When you were four, you told us you think your new baby cousin will be a boy (even though the doctors say it's a girl).

When you were four, you went with Daddy to the Home Depot Kid's Workshops every month.

When you were four you did not like to go to Corona's!

When you were four, you liked to dress up like a "real live buckaroo."

When you were four, you played fire fighter or "Bob" most every day.

When you were four, you built a workbench with Daddy and then put it in your room.

When you were four, you went on a trip with our church group for the second time and painted curbs.

When you were four, you liked to order a "honey oat foot long" from Subway to share with Daddy.

When you were four, you were in the stick horse rodeo and won 3rd place in the bronco bustin.

When you were four, you loved to go work at the food pantry on Wednesday mornings.

When you were four, you had fun going to VBS and learning the potato chip song.

When you were four, you took good care of Daddy when he had his tonsils out.


When you were four, your favorite shows were "Clifford," "Word World," "Bob the Builder," and "The Berenstain Bears."

When you were four, you fed the ducks and rode in a paddle boat with Grandad.

When you were four, you loved to get green (lime) snowcones and were disappointed when the snowcone stand was closed when we'd go try to get one.

When you were four, you wanted a pair of overalls.

When you were four, you could read many words.

When you were four, you said the sweetest, most heartfelt prayers.


When you were four your favorite books were "Clifford," "The Berenstain Bears," "Curious George," "The Boxcar Children," and books by Richard Scarry.

When you were four, you learned how to play the Wii.


When you were four, you showed compassion and kindness to others with your loving, giving nature.

When you were four, we were so thankful to have such a precious child. You are a gift from God. I'm blessed to be your Mommy.

Now that you are five, we'll be turning a new page to start a new chapter in your life as you begin school. I am so proud of you and the wonderful boy you are!

Happy 5th birthday, Caleb! Mommy loves you!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

As long as it is called Today: Christian spouses (August)


Welcome to "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another as Christians. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

You can find last week's post here. Read the other answers or leave your own encouragement there if you have not done so yet.

Today's question: Share a special memory of your wedding day. This can be something funny, sweet, or a wedding mishap.
My answer: Our wedding was just perfect and exactly how I had dreamed and hoped it would be. One thing that is funny to me and we still laugh about is how we felt rushed at the reception and didn't get to eat and enjoy much of our cakes. My aunt made both our cakes and chocolate covered strawberries and it felt like as soon as we finished greeting everyone as they came through the cake lines and were going to sit down to eat it was time to go change to leave for our honeymoon. I loved everything about our wedding and I'm so thankful to have those sweet memories of our special day!
I look forward to reading your answers. Also be sure to check back tomorrow for a special post.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #32

Here is a new verse for this week. I really liked this one.
It is Proverbs 17:14--


"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."

Isn't that wise advice!

This week's prayer requests include:

~ Clayton, Kate, and Anderson....all three are children I've mentioned before battling brain tumors.


~ Orion. This is the 4 year old son of one of my college friends. Last week they found out he has a brain tumor. It is infused in his brain stem so they cannot do surgery. The doctor's have not given this family much hope that there is anything they can do for their son.


~ teachers preparing for a new school year.


~ our leaders and President. They need our prayers desperately.

Have a wonderful week!

Special Note: I was going to do a separate post about this but I'll just put it here. I have a few specific posts I'll do over the next two weeks but I'm not going to be visiting/commenting much. Just wanted to let you know I'm on a semi-break and will see you all again in a couple weeks. I have a couple special posts coming up though I will post that I hope you'll read! Thanks!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Joy

Welcome to another week of Thankful Thursday! This month Iris at Grace Alone will be our hostess. I hope you will join us in giving thanks! Iris has chosen joy for today's theme.

Jesus is our joy giver and joy is one of the fruit (Galatians 5:22, 23) that Christians should have in their lives. This joy comes from having Christ in our lives. It isn't something we can pretend or turn on and off.

There are many things that bring joy to my heart. One such thing was on December 2, 2002 when I found out I was pregnant for the first time. My husband and I both were excited beyond words. Just a few weeks later though we lost our first child due to a miscarriage. Today, August 6, 2009, I remember with joy in my heart those few weeks. This day is special because it was my first due date. Our first baby would be turning six. I now imagine that baby (who I felt in my heart was a girl because of a dream I had before I lost her) in Heaven...safe, free, happy, and healthy. Caleb told me he thinks God and Jesus will have a birthday party for his sister. I like to think so too. I know I was forever changed due to those nearly 11 weeks of pregnancy. God had a purpose for us to go through that time of sadness and loss. I have no doubt His timing and plan for us has been perfect, even through the pain we know He was with us.

Today I am also thankful for...

~ my wonderful loving husband. He is just such a blessing to me everyday and I thank God for him.

~ the joy our four year old son (I can say he's four for just a few more days!) brings to everyone he meets with his smile, laughter, and cute stories.

~ the things I have been able to accomplish this week. I've had a long to do list but it has been manageable and I'm so thankful I'm getting things crossed off the list. It's been a joy to prepare for our son's birthday party.

~ getting a Wii. It's been fun to play the games with my boys!

~ answers to prayer.

Have a wonderful day. I'm glad you chose to stop by Raindrops & Rainbows today. God bless you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:4

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

As long as it is called Today: Christian women/men (August)

It's time again for "As long as it is called Today" as we encourage one another as Christians. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

You can find last week's post here.

Today's question: Please share how you study God's Word. How much time do you spend in the Word each day?

My answer: I've done various types of studies. I really enjoy book studies over a particular topic or book of the Bible. Right now I'm doing one on I Peter that is so interesting. I'm taking it slowly and have found some amazing truths. One time I did word studies and that was interesting. I do my study time/prayer time when Caleb is napping. I don't know yet how this will change when he's in school.

I look forward to reading your answers. Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Blog Hop: Encouragement

I posted the entire Psalm on August 1 here on my blog. This is a particularly encouraging Psalm to me right now. I know the Lord is my Helper, Maker, and Protector. I'm so thankful He is watching over me all the time.

Psalm 121:1, 2--"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

You can read the entire Psalm here.

I hope you are encouraged today!

MckLinky Blog Hop

Marriage Monday: Open Topic

1st Monday Every Month at Chrysalis
Want this button?

Today, you’re invited to join us for the Marriage Monday meme. Usually, we write on a specific aspect of married life (like joy or friendship), but today our topic is wide open. Please consider posting your thoughts on whatever facet of marriage is on your heart. You can publish a short piece of prose or a poem, a video, a song, a joke etc.
~~~~
I'm so thankful for my husband. It brings my heart gladness to know he is there for me, really there for me to offer support. When I'm sad he seems to know when to say something or say nothing. He seems to always know when I need to talk about something or when I need to laugh. When I am running out of steam, he always seems to know to do a little something extra to help me, whether that is pick up the living room, surprise me with a clean bathroom, or rub my feet. I'm thankful for the special blessing God gave me in my husband.
Hope you'll join us for Marriage Monday on the first Monday of each month!
~~~~~~~~~~
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #31

This week's verse is Proverbs 16:32, which says:

"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city."

Please let me know if there is any way I can pray for you this week also. Here are some requests I'd like to share:

~ Lesly has started another round of treatments.

~ Continued strength for my husband. He has been tired the past week in the evenings so pray he will continue to regain his strength.

~ There was good news this past week for Robin's Mom so that is a praise.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

2009 Book #33: Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild

I finished a study called Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild and am counting it in my book list for the year. I found out about this study through The LPM Blog. It was chosen as the summer Bible study so I decided to participate.

In this study the participant is guided through God's Word to find ways to get rid of the negative stuff floating around in her thought closet. Then she learns how to fill that thought closet with truth instead.

It was a blessing to read this book and do this study of God's Word for a "thought closet makeover." I highly recommend this book to women. I believe too often we listen to the lies that we've listened to for so long and we don't know how to hear truth instead. In the future I may be sharing some thoughts from the book as well.
~~~~~~
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

August is here!

I have shared previously that August is often a hard month for me, filled with mixed emotions. I would appreciate your prayers this month. Add to the other things listed our boy will be starting school this month. I'll be sharing more feelings on that in the future as it is a time full of many emotions for me as well.

Last night I was reminded of a song and a verse that fits so I'll share it today. I've posted the song before here when I was doing "Friday Favorites." It is "I Will Lift My Eyes" by Bebo Norman.




Psalm 121:
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

This is my prayer. I will look to the Lord, He is my Helper and Comfort in the coming days.