Reminders....

Have you ever had God do something amazing in your life (of course, we all have) but after a few months or even years, you forget? When I was 14 I had an injury that caused me to be paralyzed for 7 months. The doctors had actually told my parents that I may never walk again. Well, as you know, I walk today and God truly performed a miracle in my life. Yes, maybe once a year I remember this story (on the day it happened) but not always. It is so easy to forget the miracles and even everyday blessings that God gives us in our lives until something happens and it reminds you all over again...
Last night and today I have had some of the worst pain and similar feelings in my right leg that I had 22 years ago. I believe as God has really been working in me to trust Him more, that maybe He allowed this to help remind me of His blessings and miracles and that He truly works for our good. (Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.)
In our support-raising to go to GFA, it has been a dry time the last few months but God has really been working on my heart to trust Him more and know that He is in control and will raise our support in His perfect timing. And to also realize that He is a God that still performs miracles today!!!!!

CraNkY pAnTS!!

Yep, that has been me - I have been snippy with Dave, the kids, the dog - ugghhh. I think part of it is that I have been really tired. Working nights is no piece of cake, I don't sleep well during the day anymore and then I am back to work so I could potentially be up for 48hrs with only 3-4 hrs of sleep. No, I am not trying to complain - just being real! I am blessed to have a job and help provide for my family but I do get frustrated at times in regards to this. The good thing is that I work 3-12 hours nights one week and 2-12 hour nights the next so on my 2 day week, I feel great :). I guess it's a good thing that my 2 day week is coming up or someone in my family may just buy me these :P

Happy New Year!!!

Wow - truly, where does the time go? I still can hardly believe it is 2011 and I can't wait to see the exciting things that God has planned for us this year!!
I have never been one to make resolutions for the new year but I have decided to make one this year and that is to be healthy. Being healthy encompasses so much I think. It most certainly includes diet and exercise but it is so much more than just that. I want to be healthier in the foods we eat. I have started making more and more homemade things and not just store bought and you know what - it is so much yummier :). I have made homemade granola, homemade granola bars, kale chips, sweet potato fries and chips, and even homemade laundry detergent. It is not hard and when I serve it to my family, I feel so much better. I want to be a better caretaker of the body God gave me. I don't believe it was his intention for us to be unhealthy and overweight. After all, when we are healthier, we are able to do so much more for Him!
But again it's not just my outer body but the inside as well. This year has been a true growth time for me in my quiet time and Bible reading. I have truly stuck to a daily reading of God's word and will be excited when I can say soon that I have read every book of the Bible!! But I want more, I yearn for more...
for more of God, to be more like Him, to be the woman He has always wanted me to be! I struggle in my prayer time with God - yes, I pray almost everyday but I know God desires more - more of me. More of a desire to talk to Him and have Him speak to me in those quiet moments.
So for 2011, yes I am making a resolution but not one I don't intend to keep - one that I pray will continue to be a reality from now on. So if you see me looking like this
Encourage me to look like this...
And especially this :)

Snow!!!

Yes, we had snow here in South Carolina!! No, it was not on Christmas, but it was the day after - haha :) It did not lay very much but it was certainly fun to watch!

Joy to the World!!

Christmas truly is a joyful time. For if not for the baby born in a manger so long ago, there would be no reason to celebrate. It is our prayer that you each took time this Christmas to praise and give glory to the One who was born and then gave His life for us on the cross!!
This Christmas was a special one for us simply for the fact that I was able to have off for both Christmas Eve and Christmas (and only had to work 2 days that week - woohoo!!). I cannot begin to tell you the last time that happened. God is so good! We woke up early Christmas morning and had a yummy breakfast complete with Dave's famous french toast :). After breakfast, we were able to skype with Dave's mom and she joined us for the reading of the Christmas story (Luke 2) and then for the opening of gifts. It is wonderful that even though she could not be here, she was still able to be a part of it all!! The kids received so many nice things and we are so grateful for the blessings God gives to us each year and truly each day of our lives!!

See Dave's mom "skyping" with us on the computer :)

I also made a yummy dinner that was wonderful except for the new homemade cranberry sauce recipe - woo, can you say sour??? We spent the day playing new games, watching movies, and just enjoying each other!! We pray you all had a truly wonderful Christmas focusing on the reason for the season!!

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve was a great day - we just hung out as a family this year and it was wonderful. We played games, watched movies, and then got ready for the Christmas Eve service. Yes, Dave wore a suit - shocking, I know and he looked mighty fine too :) Unfortunately as quick as the suit was on, it was off all the more faster - too fast in fact for me to take a picture. Oh well, got a couple of me and the kids though :)

We went out to eat after the service and then came home and the kids were allowed to open one gift - PJ's for Christmas :)

Now, we were all ready for the next day :)

White Christmas...

Well, it's only frost on the grass and cars but I'll take it :)