Posted in Family Time
It has been a very long time since I have made an entry. Life has changed so much since the last one and I felt I needed to update you ladies on our lives.
The children are all doing very well at school. I am working full time and about to start a second job. One major thing that has changed is I am presently going through a pretty tough divorce. I hate to inform yall of this but, I felt the need to. It has been a long time coming and there were situations that just could not be worked through, So once again I find myself a single/working mom. I know that God has his hand on me because he has made the transition so smooth for me and the children. I refuse to speak ill of my soon to be ex husband. He is still a man of God and I know what the bible says of doing something like that. So I will just say we have too many differences when it comes to parenting styles, our main faith, mainly the discipline of our children, and what it means biblically for a man to be head of home and a wifes role too.
I love my job as a weight loss consultant. Hopefully within the next few weeks I will have a job that the hours and pay will work better with my children's school schedule.
My oldest has made tremendous improvements since the separation as well as my daughter. We all see a christian therapist to help us through this time. I am no longer teaching the women of the church due to the fact I felt it was not proper with our family situation so I stepped down from the ministry. However, I do continue to seek God in all my decisions and have found a new Home church that my children and I absolutely love. It is much larger than my former church but the Spirit of God is just as present and I love the way the pastor preaches/teaches.
I am going through a process of relearning the Word of God. I feel that much of my personal beliefs have been out of a fear (not the proper fea) of God and it takes time to learn the real meaning behind each scripture that I read. I am also planning on joining a study group at the church I now attend.
So there it is, the update.
I hope and pray everyone has a blessed Holiday season and a very Merry CHRISTmas. Just remember...."the reason for the season, is only Christ Jesus".
Love and miss you all. Oh and please do put me on any and all prayer list, my children too. This will be a very different Christmas for us. Pray that my finances be blessed also. Thanks.
Be blessed.
Aug. 11, 2008
Leaving the homeschool journey...for now
Posted in Homeschool
Hi everyone. I know it has been a while since my last entry. Much has happened here in our household and changes to my homeschooling journey have been made and are now in effect. I know I planned on continuing through High School but sometimes life has a way of making your decisions for you, complicated situations make what you thought was the best for you children turn out to be not the best at certain times.
So I have decided, after much prayer and counseling, to place my children back in the public school system for now. I could go into a detailed reason of why, but instead I will say it is what I feel is best for our family at this time.
On a positive note. the children tested at higher levels than I could have imagined they would have. My 11 tr old son who should (by the ps system) be hitting the 6th grade tested at the end of 12th grade for Language Arts, the end of 8th grade for Math and reading. I decided, with the help of the couselour and principle, to place him in 6th with the children his age but he was placed in the Honors Math and Honors English. If at the end of the first 9 weeks he is bored we may place him up in the next grade.
My daughter 10, who i thought was a little behind, actually tested at a grade higher than she should be and almost 2 yrs ahead in Reading. Her spelling was right on target! So God is good and I know that He will protect them while they are there. I can have peace in knowing that the schools they attend have many, many Christian teachers and even the Principle is a believer. The schools still allow you to carry a bible. they have the "In God We Trust" plaques throughout the offices and hallways. So I know they are safe for now.
Was this a hard decision? Yes, a very hard one. However, sometimes what we want, is not what is in His plan at the same time it is in ours. I do believe that in the last few years, they have had a chance to be rooted and grounded in God's Word at that will make a major difference in their daily walk with him when they are surrounded by others with a different faith. I feel that their characters have grown into that of godly children and they are firm in their faith in the Lord.
I wont be blogging as often, as the pastor has asked me to really step up in the Ladies Ministry he has placed me in as the leader. I will be focusing more time there. And of course, as we all know helping the children with their homework and just focusing on our family issues and my duties as a mother and a wife, can take a good amount of time.
I will not be leaving HSB completely. I plan to still do the Thankful Thursday and journal as I have in the past.
I solute all of you who have stuck with the homeschooling even in the midst of dark trials in your life. Be blessed and have a great week. Be back on Thursday!
Stacy
Jul. 31, 2008
Thankful Thursday- Relationships
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(To see more Thankful Thursdays click on the graphic above)
What a blessing it is to participate this week in the Thankful Thursday meme. I have missed being online but have had so much going on here at home that finding the time to blog has been almost impossible. Thank God that the week is almost over and He has been with me the whole time. He is such an awesome God. Iris's focus this weeks really hits home with me for so many reasons. I will blog about that another time, I must get to my TT for now :o)
- First of all I thank God for the relationship I have with him. I have the comfort of knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me, desires to spend time with me, forgives me, encourages me, helps me up when I fall, send others in my path to keep me on the stright and narrow, and much more. I thank the Lord for sending his only Son so that I could have a one on one personal relationship with him.
- I thank God for a good relationship with my pastor. I did not grow up with the luxury of having a father that loved me the way he should have, with a "fatherly" love. I believe that God has placed me in the church I am in with the pastor that I have because he knew I needed that in my life. I am a 34 yr old woman that sometimes needs a daddy to talk to, to lean on, to cry to, and so on. My pastor is this to me. This week has been one of those weeks I needed a daddy and he has been there for me in all those ways. Oh, God thank you for Pastor Orean. Thank you for the love he has for his people. Thank you for placing him in my life, for all the times past, but especially this week.
- I thank God for the relationships I have with each of my children. Though at this time, one is away and Lord, I have put that in your hands and praise God you are bringing him home tomorrow, I thank you for teach of my precious children. Thank you for the connection we have that no one and no thing can take away. You have given me my children and Lord, I know they are all safe in your hands. As long as I follow your lead, I'll not lead them in the wrong direction.
- Thank you Lord for my husband. At this moment things may not look good but I know God you are a miracle worker. Thank you for placing us together and Lord thank you for mending the things that are broken at this time. Thank you Lord that my husband is a man that serves you.
- Thank you Lord for the friendships you have given me in the last few months. Thank you for my neighbors who now attend church with us. Thank you for sending them our way, even in the midst of our storm, to help them out of theirs and lead them to the Peace speaker...You Lord.
- Thank you for my SIL and BIL who came to visit us and attend church with us tonight. Thank you Lord, that I can talk to them and they are not biased, but honest, God fearing, God loving people who speak Your Word into our lives. Thank you especially for my SIL who let me know that no matter what, she is there for me. Lord, that means so much.
- Thank you Lord for my mother. A rock in my life. Thank you for the teaching she has instilled into me to always rely on you. Thank you for moving her to MS so that I could be close to her always. Thank you for the love she has for my husband and my children, and yes especially for the love and confidence she has in me when I don't.
- Thank you Lord for the Ladies on here that continue to be a support to me. Encouraging even when they don't know that they are. You Lord send me searching the blogs and lead to the ones that you would have me read. Thank you that these Ladies continue to shed light, your light, to all who read their blogs.
- Thank you Lord for my son, my 11 yr old. Who is not afraid to show his relationship with you out in the open. I thank You God for the personal relationship he has found with you. Lord I pray that you continue to do might works in and through him. He is yours Lord.
- Thank you for the relationship I have with my ex MIL. She is such a blessing to me and my children. Thank you for the love you have placed in her heart for me and the ties between her and I. Lord, I know she is battling right now, bless her, even now I pray.
The Lord has shown up a lot in my life this week. Shown me that every relationship He has ordained will stand. Satan will come and try to kill, still, and destroy but God is in control and nothing can stand in the way of His plan for me, for us.
What are you thankful for this week? Share and be blessed. Click on the graphic at the top of this post to read more Thankful Thursdays.
Stacy
Jul. 24, 2008
PRAYE REQUEST NEEDED FOR LITTLE GIRLS LIFE****URGENT**UPDATE PLS READ
Posted in Prayers/ Encouragement
I received this in an email from a friend this morning. Please, Please pray for this little girl and her family.
"Would you please send this out to all of our prayer warriors and ask them to pray without ceasing. A friendʼs 9 yr old little girl was riding a golf cart when the front wheel fell off. Evidently, it rolled on her. When her daddy found her, she had no pulse and was not breathing. She was not even stable enough to be air lifted from ******** Hospital to Childrenʼs in New Orleans. Childrenʼs sent a bus equipped with an ICU team. This a.m. about 5:30 her temp shot to 106 and her heart rate to 160. They managed to get it down to 103 and heart rate to 130. She is packed in ice and is on life support. At one point she was trying to breathe on her own. This child has been given a 10 -20% chance. PLEASE, PLEASE pray for this child and her family. I know God has his plan and we donʼt always understand it, but please pray for this family. Her name is Laken Lumpkin. She is the daughter of Alan and Melissa Lumpkin.
Hugs to all,
Kim"
Thanks for your much needed prayer,
Stacy
UPDATE:
UPDATE:
I received another email from my friend regarding this little girl.
"They took the little girl off life support last night. She died. They did this because they said she had no brain waves."
Please continue to pray for the family at this very sad time in their lives. And remember to grab your kids and love them up today.
Thank you for the much needed prayers.
Jul. 23, 2008
Rambling....
Posted in Family Time
I can't believe a week has almost gone by and I haven't blogged. It's been a bit busy here and the house has been pretty full too. I have tried to cut my pc time down some so I can really study my book this time around. I know, yall are probably tired of hearing about it so I'll stop there. 
Well, my 11yr old son is spending the week in Alabama with his cousin. Our niece is spending the week here with us. My daughter has made a new friend that recently moved into the neighborhood. She is only 7yrs old but loves to spend time here at our house. My dd10 seems to get along fine with any little girls that are between the ages of 6-12.
The girls have been attending our churches VBS this week. Actually it is a Cowboy/Cowgirl Bible camp. Something a little different then the others they have attended. They are loving it.  All of them are enjoying the horseback riding and learning to lasso with the ropes. Yes, they are girly girls and enjoy all the outdoorsy stuff too! Today the teaching was on Jesus giving His life for us! At dinner time I had each of them tell me what they had learned from the message. They said John 3:16 and John 3:5. My dd's new friend that lives across the street from us is attending with my dd. Her mother asked if we had a church bus, we don't right now. I told her she could ride with us each Sunday morning and the little girl seemed so excited. I am so glad that our church is growing. Soon we will need a church bus.
So what else is new? I have another teen living with us. Long story, so I'll try to make it short. We have known him and his family for about 12 years now. My oldest and him have been friends since kindergarten. He called last week, about Wednesday, and asked if he could move in with us. He has a great family. They are believers so he knows the truth. He is 17 yrs old and the parents are in their late 60's and 70's. He's a great kid and just wants to move and the parents are comfortable with him being here instead of on his own. It is just a trial run right now and we are all taking it one day at a time. So please keep us in prayer that we make godly decisions with him and always for his good. Teens......Even though I have one I still am so new to this phase of parenting. Much prayer is needed for guidance dealing with them the way they will understand we are for them and not against them.
It has been a pretty busy week so far and it is only Wednesday!! I know God has good plans ahead for us. I have to head out now and pick the boys up from the youth service they attend on Wednesday evenings. Have a blessed evening.
Stacy
Jul. 15, 2008
New Ladies Meeting -Photo included
Posted in Prayers/ Encouragement
Names: Top Row from left to right: Sister Donna, Sister Nikki (also my SIL), Sis Kim (Pastors wife), Sister Cori, Sister Stacey (My hubby's niece), Sister Melissa, Sister Jackie, Sister Melinda, Sister Sharon.
Bottom Row, Left to Right: Sister Angie, Sister Rhonda ( one of my new friends and my oldest sons BFF's mom), Sister Helen (an absolute angel), Sister Geri (my mother).
The Ladies meeting yesterday was much better than expected. The Lord has blessed above and beyond that which I could have ever imagined.
The meeting was due to start at 1:00 p.m. I arrived about 12:15 with my neighbor, whom I had invited on Saturday, and 2out of my four children. I opened the door and was just blown away by the way Sis. Helen had prepared everything. It was so beautifully arranged and decorated.
This little lady  had prepared the tables for the ladies. At the table in the place of each seat sat a very precious, decorated gift bag. Inside the gift bag, a small ceramic birdhouse. Now you all know I love almost anything to do with birds and yes, I did get me one of those gift bags....after the first and second and third person opened them, I decided there was enough for me to have one too  . Really, she had extras and told me I could have one too! How could I pass it up???
She had the meal, the decorations, the games....the whole thing with the exception of my speaking, arranged and ready to go! I was absolutely blown away. I believe that this is the beginning of a whole new year for us ladies and thank God for the help, the partnership he has placed between her and I. She teaches us how to organize, have fun, and much more. Have I ever mentioned that this (organization) is one of my biggest challenges? I am terrible at it! God knows our needs and provides even in these areas! He's such an awesome God!
We had a great turn out for this meeting, seeing as it has been months since the last one. There were 15 ladies and a large number of children. Even a few teens in there! I know next months will be even better.
The Lord really blessed, the fellowship was just awesome and the food was delicious. Jambalaya and loads of desserts, did I mention we are in Southeast MS??? Sis Helen opened up with a game to name 12 women of the old testament and 12 of the new. Each person had a paper similar to that of a bingo card and the ladies all did a great job. Once everyone had finished filling in the squares with the names they could come up with, she gave out prizes for 1st, 2nd ,and 3rd place. If I remember correctly there were a few ties and of course, Sister Helen was prepared for that and had extra prizes prepared  .
Once she finished with her part, she then opened the floor for me to speak. Now, I must admit I was extremely nervous because it has been a while since I got up in front of the ladies and taught. My belly was flip flopping and those butterflies were going crazy in there.However, thanks be to God, He already had my teaching laid out for me. He is an on time God!
I introduced the book (Joyce Meyer-Conflict Free Living), gave them out (BTW- I have to order 10 more!!!) And just shared from a chapter in the book that had really touched my heart. From there, the Lord took over and to be perfectly honest I don't know much of what I said. I would love to be able to share but, I had no script as time here at home had not allowed for me to get my notes together (this time). I just tried to let the Lord lead and before I knew it, almost an hour had passed by. I guess I really enjoy talking  . Oh and yea, those butterflies must have flew away because they weren't bothering me anymore.
If any of you have bought this book, I shared from chapter four titled "The Pastor Must not like Me". The focus mainly being on how to keep strife and conflict out of the church. Every church that I know of has had a battle that is similar. So, I thought it would be a great way to start. Now what we are doing is reading one chapter a month, then coming together to discuss the summary and reflections at the end of each chapter.
I still can not say enough about how grateful I am to God for allowing me to be a part of such a great group of ladies. It is such a blessing to know that you are walking into a room full of women that are hungry for the Word of God and eager to learn together, how to apply His Word into their everyday lives. I thank the Lord for allowing me to do what He has called me to do, for not giving up on me and for sending help my way. Ladies, I may have been down for a bit, but I am climbing back up and it sure feels good to be on the right track once again.
The photo below is with me included, another lady and I had to switch places so everyone could get into the shot.
Be blessed,
Stacy
Jul. 10, 2008
Thankful Thursday-Direction
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(To see more Thankful Thursdays click on the graphic above)
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6
Seems I was just writing my last TT post. This last week has flown by. There are many things I could focus on this week like family time, good fellowship, a clean house (clean at the moment) I am caught up laundry ( a load is always in the washer), good food, a roof over my head, friends, money, a great summer so far, a son that makes great sweet tea at 11 yr old, my dd's (10) room is clean (a miracle), the grass is cut finally and for free at that (5.2 acres), my son cutting an elderly friends yard for FREE ( I am so proud of him), the child my son used to get in trouble with has moved to another state (answered prayer) an no longer lives a stones throw from the house, I don't hurt in my body as much today as I have for the past three weeks, another friend from another state asking me questions about homeschooling her 11 yr old dd, and on this could go. I am truly blessed and living a blessed life. But my focus this week is on the Lord hearing my prayer and leading me in the ministry He has called me to. It is on Him giving me clear, unmistakeable direction in what He would have me to teach. He has answered yet another prayer. We do serve an all hearing, miracle making, need providing, peace giving, life directing God. Those are but a pinch of His attributes and awesomeness. So here is my TT post for this week.
- I am thankful that the Lord has answered my prayer (Psalms66:19-20)by sending me a good book/study guide to share with the ladies at our monthly meetings. I was so nervous about starting these back up and being unprepared and then my mother came by with two good books for me. She let me choose which one I wanted to read first and she would read the other. I chose the book by Joyce Meyer and the more I read it the more I realized this was God's way of leading me on what to teach. Thank you Lord for supplying the need.
- I am thankful that when I went to my pastor and shared with him a bit of this book he said yes to my request to use it to teach the ladies. Not only that but the church supplied the funds to buy 15 books from www.christianbook.com. I was not sure how many to order until we start up. Hopefully we will need more:-)
- I thank God for direction in my life. For a little while there I felt lost, unsure of my calling. I had backed up and away from what I thought the Lord had called me to do.I knew I had been told by many that I was called to the ministry, I was a Jonah once again and once it started going good, I dropped out. I thank God for sending confirmation by people that go to my church and those that don't know anyone at my church to let me know, this is my calling and if I don't do it I am being disobedient to the Lord. That is a scary thought. Thank God for correction for as my pastor has said many times, "Without correction there is no direction!".
- I thank God for Sister Helen. She is the churches 4-6 yr old SS teacher. She called me a few weeks ago and explained to me how that I need to be doing as God has anointed me to do. Not only that but that she would organize everything for me, she would be completely and totally committed to being my assistant, she will help with the many little ones that were between the ages of 2-11 and have something set up to keep them busy while I teach to keep the distractions down. I thought I would just "attend" her meetings and see how they go but she bluntly told me (she is in her 70's) that I was going to be teaching and she was going to be my assistant and that was that. She said, "Girl, YOU know what you are supposed to be doing, This is your anointing not mine. Now get back up and DO IT!". How could I look at her and say no when I know God has placed her in this spot for such a time as this?? I know that God has made a way where there seemed to be no way, once again!
- I am thankful for this book, not only for the meetings but because it has helped me to focus on what needs to change in me! Oftentimes I am so busy looking at my children or my husband that I don't realize how much I am focusing on their negative points. As if I don't have plenty of these too. Well, this book is teaching me how to live a conflict free life and I can not tell you how much has changed in just this short time. I know I have mentioned this book already but it is such a blessing that it was given to me and now not only will it help me and my family as a whole but many families in our church and I am sure many others around the world.
- I thank God for leading me beside the still waters. ( for restoring my soul, for leading me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.(Ps 23) It feels so good to know that you know that you know when God is leading you in the right direction. Where He leadeth I will follow.
I pray that you are having a blessed week. I pray that if you need direction in any area of your life, you will call upon the Lord and He will hear your cry. I pray that the peace and love of God surround you as never before and you hear His voice today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thanks to Iris always, for hosting Thankful Thursday. It has been, and is such a blessing to my soul. To find out more about Thankful Thursday head on over to Thankful Thursday.
Be blessed,
Stacy
Jul. 7, 2008
4th of July and then some....
Posted in Family Time
We had a nice 4th although we didn't do the fireworks this year. My little one is still not into them and actually afraid of the noises that they make! We had a cookout and some friends and family over. I ate way too much! Paying for it this morning when I stepped on that scale and weighed 3 lbs more than Friday morning . Oh well, I will eat healthy this week .
We had a house full last week with my four children, one of my oldest sons friends and then two cousins stayed from Sat-Fri. Today is quiet with only my youngest home.My oldest went to cut a friends grandmothers yard and the middle two are at grandma's house. I love my mom. She always knows when I am in need of a break.
Am I resting? No after last week and the cook out, my house needed more cleaning so that's what I have done today. The rain has put a little damper on my laundry duties (hate using the dryer~$$$$) but I got 4 loads done before 4pm so I guess I am doing good.
I think I need to join the Monday Meandering ladies. I would have done good today . Not so great though because we are having hamburger helper for dinner. Why is it that feel like a cheater when I cook that? Though it is far and few between and the kiddo's love it, my hubby isn't the biggest fan. How can I spice it up??? Not sure what the rest of this weeks menu looks like. I need to go grocery shopping and make the menu plan. I've just been making it up as we go.
I started a new book and already on chapter 10! It's by Joyce Meyer and titled, "Conflict Free Living". Boy do I ever need that. So far I highly recommend it. I actually went to my pastor and asked if I could order more for the Ladies meetings that I will start teaching again next week. We will only be having them once a month for now until my health improves and I can do more. I read him (my pastor) an small portion of one of the chapters and he said yes. The treasury of the church gave me the $$ and I ordered them Thursday or Friday. So where I had no real study text for the meetings planned yet, now I do. Thank You Jesus! The chapter I read him a bit of is titled "The Pastor must not like me." It covers the issues of strife in almost any relationship from marriage, church, parents and children, friends and so on.
I believe that we as woman of God need more instruction in these areas. So this is what we will be studying. I will try (no promises) to share our monthly meetings on here as I can.
I am so very excited that my two new friends have said that they plan on attending. Now where one is a SS teacher and very active in her church (just returned from a missions trip), the other does not attend church and has had a bad experience with a church so she shies away from them and "Religious" people. This is a very big step for her. I know the Lord is working in this friendship. She has really been a blessing to me and so I pray that these meetings be a blessing to her.
Oh news on my hubby's job. He landed a very big commercial contract (Thanks to the Lord). He will be busy for a while. They already have him another job lined and, well I should say, more jobs lined up... one right after the other. I feel so blessed. These are very large commercial jobs like schools, airports, gas stations, and such. He has the floors and the walls!!!! Praise be to God! I can not explain how much he has been blessing. I almost feel like I am boasting but I promise you, I am boasting only in the Lord for He alone brings the increase.
Well, I better get bk to work and cooking. The man of the house and the kiddo's will be arriving soon with hungry tummy's, so I must be prepared. I hope you all had a wonderful blessed holiday weekend and have a very blessed week in Christ Jesus.
Stacy
Jul. 3, 2008
Thankful Thursday- Freedom
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(For more thankful Thursdays or to join please click th graphic above)
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
I popped in to see what Iris had posted as her focus for the Thankful Thursday this week. Reading her post really reminded me of all the things that have to do with Freedom that I am truly thankful to God for. We live in a time where liberties are being taken away, but we as Americans still enjoy so many freedoms that those in other countries do not have. So now as I reflect on my freedoms, I want to thank God and our troops for laying their lives on the line for us.
- I thank God for sending His only son Jesus Christ to come and live a life here on earth, give up His life in Heaven, where everything is perfect, to die for us.
- I thank God also for those that are stationed in other countries fighting for the freedoms we enjoy each day. The troops that leave their friends and families to fight in countries for not only our freedom, but the freedom of those in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and many others.These are place that we all now, they are hated for even being there by the very ones they are fighting for. That my friends, is a sacrifice I don't know that I could do! Could you?
- I am thankful for the wives and families, mothers, daughters, fathers, sisters, and brothers who wait for the safe return of their absent loved ones that are in our military. May God truly bless you all this Independence Day weekend, and every week to follow.
- I am thankful that I have the freedom to homeschool. I am thankful for those in the states that are fighting the legal system to keep this right. I am thankful that they are taking a stand.
- I am thankful for organizations like HSLDA who fight for the homeschoolers. If you do not support them, please try to. They believe in the right to homeschool and have come to the rescue of many a homeschooling families. I feel more comfortable with that ID card because I can give each of my children one and when/if they are harrased for supposedly being truant from the PS System, they in turn can pull it out and it shuts the mouths of the accusers!
- I Thank God for the freedom to share His Word with whomever I choose. This is a freedom that many people, in many others countries do not have. They lay their lives on the line if they so much as say the name of Jesus or have even a scripture, not page, but a single scripture on them or in their home. In some countries if they convert from the national religion, the price to pay for proclaiming Christ as their Lord and savior is death. Oh I thank God that I am here, in the US, for such a time as this.
- I am thankful for friends, family and brothers and sisters in Christ that are not offended by my firm beliefs in Christ. Though I falter and fail too many times
 , they can still see Jesus in me when I get back up (by the strength He alone gives me) dust myself off. Do my best to forget those things that are behind, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Php.3:13-14)
- I am thankful for the freedom to have as many children as the Lord sees fit to give me. Again, there are countries that the families are limited, by law, on the number of children they are allowed to have. Although, we only have four and my husband has had the surgery to prevent us from having more, I know that we always have in between 4-13 children in our home at a time because God sees fit for our home to be a place of refuge for many children other than our own and if He wants us to have more we could be that 1% that even with the surgery, still conceive.
- I thank God for freedom from sin. Now Sisters, this is a big one. I lived a life full of sin (as I am sure many of us have). I was bound by addictions to drugs, alcohol, bad relationships, you name it, I've probably done it! I had an addictive personality, as the I am so thankful that He paid the ultimate price for such a wretch like me. I thank him that I am purchased by the Blood of the Lamb. I have been made whole. I am free and whom the Son set's free is free indeed!
The list could go on but I must go and get myself and the kids ready for church this evening, which by the way, I am so thankful God has placed me in and I am free to attend, because I live in the United States.
Is there something that stands out to you about Freedom this week? Would you like to join or maybe read more Thankful Thursday posts? If so please visit Iris over at Thankful Thursday ~ Freedom and start clicking away at the names listed below her post. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe this Holiday weekend. May we not forget to pray for the troops that continue daily fighting for our freedoms and for the families of those that are being impacted by that fight.
Be blessed,
Stacy
Jun. 25, 2008
Thankful Thursday-Provision
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(For more thankful Thursdays or to join please click th graphic above)
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Luke 6:38 KJV(emphasis mine)
Okay, as of right now, I can't link up to Mr. Linky but I am bursting at the seams to share so I am starting before I can link up to Iris at Sting My Heart' Thankful Thursday.
Wow. When God gives back it's always in a big way and always right on time! I am so blessed, thankful and in awe of what God has done for us. It's so hard to even find the words to express my Gratitude. All I can say to Him is "Thank you Jesus, blessed The Rock"!
Okay why am I so filled with joy?
Well, at this time we owe 3800.00 between last months mortgage, car payment and property taxes on our house . My husband work has been extremely slow, to the point he is working for someone else instead of running his own crew and making a fraction of what he normally makes. Our Electric bill went up by 200.00 (thats with me not using the dryer at all or the dishwasher since April or before) ! What else? My husband is considering taking a job that would keep him out of the home 2-3 wks a month for better pay. Meaning give up his business he has worked so hard to build. Oh yes, the strain this financial situation (ongoing for a bit now, but God always came through) has put on our marriage and the peace of our home. That's a big one.
I mean my hubby is so stressed he even mentioned that other "D" word a few times in the last month! He never does that anymore . He can not stand to be unable to provide, it brings out a different person in him.The phone got cut off and directv too ( no sprout or noggin)! So with my husband making the amount of money he is, we are, by the grace of God, getting by and eating because I finally learned how to shop at Sam's ( another blessing from the Lord) and go once a month. Boy did that make a huge difference in our grocery and house hold needs dept ! So what am I so overjoyed with???????
Well ,first of all I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I was not stressing to the max over all the bills pilling up around our heads! Every time I would start to think about it God would in one way or another divert my attention and I would focus on the house, cleaning, the kids, or what have you. You know like he was telling me, " .....think on these things." (Php 4:8). So I would, without consciously knowing it.
Okay so are you interested yet? Yesterday I go to the mailbox and there is a letter. Wow, it's not a bill. That's a miracle in itself!!!! It states that in just a matter of days we will be receiving $6400.00, then an additional $300.00 a month from now till I don't know when! Yes I said 6400.00 in the next few days plus an additional $3600.00 per year, instantaneously added to our income! This is money we did not know was due to us. Had no idea on this earth! That is enough to catch up and some to set aside!
Now why did I use this scripture at the beginning of my post? Well a few weeks ago I did some work for my mother. She paid me $100.00. As soon as I had cashed the check, I felt the Lord was telling me to give it to a family in much need. I must admit that at first looking into that bank envelope, I wanted to hold onto the money ((((embarrassed)))) . We were broke, besides that in the negative at the bank. However, I obeyed. I have been in this long enough to know when it's God tugging at my heart. So I immediately drove to where this single mother works (and she homeschools) and gave her the money. She reluctantly took it. I know thats hard being on the opposite end. I have been there so many times. I prayed that the Lord would have her take it. He did. I knew God would give it back. I had no idea it would be this big. POINT: WE CAN NEVER OUT GIVE GOD! NEVER!
He will always do as His Word says He will. I can think of so many scriptures to share but that was the one that really stuck out in my mind. He is an Awesome God! Never late, never early but always on time.
I didn't tell that part to boast. I only had the money to give because God made the way for me to make it. I give God all the Glory. He is Jehovah Jireh- My provider, my help in the time of trouble, my Rock, My healer, My deliverer. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He will never leave us nor forsake us. With man it seems impossible but with God ALL things are possible.
Our situation just 2 days ago seemed impossible. But today we are blessed and highly favored of the Lord. The head and not the tail, above and not below. blessed in the city and in the fields! Another scripture that comes to mind is , Mal 3:10" Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
The floodgates of heaven have opened up to us today. UPDATE: not 5 minutes after I posted this my husband called me and told me that he just got two large jobs and another tile/flooring company that contracts him worked called. ALL three called him for work. IT"S POURING HERE!!! THANK YOU JESUS!
Thanks for reading and be blessed.
Stacy
Prayer,
Lord, all I know to say is thank you. Thank you so much for proving to us yet again that You and You alone are our provider. Thank you Lord that even though I mess up, falter and stumble, you still are here, holding me in your arms as a Loving Father does. Taking care of me and my family. Lord I give you all the Glory,all the Honor and all the praise. Thank you. Lord, I know ppray that you do the same for the others that may be reading this today and have a need, whether it be financial, physical, emotional, whatever their need is Lord I ask that you do exceedingly and abundantly above all they can ask or even think. Lord, I know you are no respecter of persons and what you do for one, you can and will do for another. Lord meet their need even now, In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
Jun. 25, 2008
Relearning my ABC's- passed to me through an email-
Posted in Prayers/ Encouragement
I got up this morning and realized that yesterday was my one year blogoversary!!! YAY for me. I thank God for the very day I signed up with HSB. I had a yahoo 360, made one entry, have a myspace (to keep up with family and friends through their's) have I think four or five entries and had it longer than the blog here. Oh but when I opened this one, I made new friends, with same interest, a whole community helping one another do as God has led them to do. I am so blessed to have been directed (by God i believe) to HSB and now the homeschoolounge.com, lapbooklessons.com, and numerous other groups with like interest as mine. I found flikr through hsb, birding, nature, great teaching methods I knew nothing of when starting my homeschool journey with my dc. I learned how to do some html and make my blog my own, had help from another HSB blogger on that, learned more about web graphics and how to do a lot more than I knew on my pc. Oh yes and many recipes, can't forget about the yummy food and the fun ways to make them. I have gained so much here. Thank you all for sticking with me, encouraging me, praying with me, for me and my family, listening to my joys and enduring my whining at times. Thank you for being here for me the way you all have. Thank you to all those that leave encouraging comments and share your joys and tears. Thank you HSB. I look forward to more friends this year, more learning for me, better parenting skills, sharing our ups and downs of motherhood and teaching, priceless Kodak moments, and sharing our life with y'all as fellow believers and homeschoolers.
Now to what I started to post. I got this in an email this morning and thought it was so good i needed to share on here. Boy if we could use this to teach our children their ABC's.
Be blessed,
Stacy
"The Holy Alphabet... This is Beautiful"
Whoever came up with this one must have had some Divine guidance!
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of 'Camp Complaining'
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To 'thank' is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
'I am Too blessed to be stressed!' The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
PS: GOD LOVES YOU...PASS THE WORD ON TO MORE FRIENDS AND ASK THEM TO CONTINUE TELLING OTHERS THAT GOD LOVES THEM TOO. JUST THINK OF HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT COULD BE REACHED OUT TO AND BLESSED WITH THESE WORDS.
Don't look down on where you've been but look up and elevate to where God wants you to be.
Jun. 23, 2008
Through The Lens-Assignment #1 pic
Posted in Through The Lens Assignments
I have entered a new photography workshop. This is the photo I decided to turn in for my first assignment. My best shot so far. Hallie at http://fromtherubberroom.com/ is helping us learn more about taking pictures with our digital camera's by hosting a workshop called "Through the Lens: Digital Photography 101". I thought this would be good for me as the kids are on their summer break. I love taking pictures and could definitely learn more bout getting the good shots and all those fancy functions my camera has. If you would like to learn more about this workshop or join just head over to Hallie's blog and click on the link in the left side bar titled "Through The Lens".
Be blessed,
Stacy
Jun. 19, 2008
Thankful Thursday- Blessed Friendships
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(for more Thankful Thursday post clik the graphic above)
I have had a great week so far. Even getting my post in earlier than normal. So much to be thankful for but I want to focus on a visit I had earlier in the week with the mother of one of my oldest son's best friends.
On Monday my mother and I took my oldest son and two of his friends along with my youngest to a free skate park in La. Did I ever mention that my son is a big skater. He lives to skate and play the guitar. Anyway they had a great time even with the heat. I got good video of them doing some real skateboarding and it was nice to see all the tricks my boy can do. I never realized how much energy he exerts on that board. No wonder he stays so skinny. Maybe I should take that up. LOL
Well I have gotten really close to one of his friends mothers. The Lord has truley blessed me with some ladies that have boys a lot like mine and even one with two boys that are the same age as two of mine. So they have experiences similar to mine. I do not have that at my church. One of these ladies was brought up in church and the other, well come to find out we have so many similarities it's mind boggling.
I have been praying that my son would make friends that have a Christian home. Friends that would have the same types of rules and such, also most definitely the same beliefs. I have shared (I think) the struggles I have had with him and between him and my husband. He has raised him 13 out of 15 yrs but there is still a lot of stuff there we are trying to work on.
Well he has. Praise be to God! Oh and not mention both boys are from homeschooling Christian families!
I have gotten really close to friend #1's mother. We talk on the phone at least once a day almost since we met. It's only been a short time so far. Friend #1 and #2 are both here at my home a lot and my son has spent a lot of time at friend #1's house. He even went to Florida with them a few weeks back.
Friend #2 has been over here a lot more than my son has been to his house. He spent the Sunday before last with them and visited their church with them. I have to brag for just a moment...may I? Well I got a call after my son was there for two days from this mother telling me how great my son was, how firm in his faith he is and how respectful he is!!! Thank You Jesus!
The mother is a Sunday School teacher and the father is the SS Super and the youth Sunday School Teacher. Now I know these friendships have been formed by God but I didn't realize how much God's hand was really in it.
I hadn't really visited with Friend #2's mom that much and had very few phone conversations with her. So I didn't know a whole lot about them. Just saw how good there son was, met them both and that's about it. Asked friend #1's mom what she thought too because all three are peas in a pod and almost inseparable since the summer started.
These two boys have been friends for over a year. They met at the church my son attends on Wed nights youth services. Much larger youth group than our home church and really reaching out to the teens. Anyway she (mother of friend #2) comes to pick him up Monday after the skate park. She gets out the car and says to me (looking a little uncomfy at the time), " I wanted to ask you and Friend #1'a mom if maybe we could all get together and have a little prayer session for our children and our husbands, their jobs to prosper and the boys for direction and such?" . I was so happy. I really can not even explain the feeling I got inside when she asked me this. Blessed, happy, hopeful that's three words that come to mind. But really those can't even describe the feeling I had inside.
Then she came inside. this is unusual. The norm is for her to drive through the circle drive, pick him up and go. We begin to share with each other our lives and what God has brought the two of us through. I could feel the Holy Spirit all around us as she shared her testimony.It was just amazing.
I knew at that moment that God had a BIG hand in the friendship the boys had formed. I would have never dreamed that I would meet and make two friends that I could relate to here in real life. Not to say anything about the online friendships but sometimes we ladies need another ladies that has gone through, is going through or maybe been through the same things with their children. Then on top of that PRAYER PARTNERS!!!!
So today I am thankful for Blessed Friendships. The ones that you know God planned before we were formed, for our children and for ourselves. I thank God that He sees the needs of a mother and hears the cries and prayers and He answers.
I thank God that I now have more prayer partners than before. Ones that I know will be praying for my son the way they would want someone to pray for theirs. Friends that like my son, friends that can talk to my son in a loving and caring way and I know that they mean every word they say. Friends that want their children and teach their children morals and purity and godliness. Friends that are not perfect but perfect for me!
Ladies this is a very BIG thing for me. I have been waiting years to have friends with sons my sons age, that love the Lord ans can understand him and I. So these are prayers answered that have been prayed many, many years now. He is an on time God!
Oh let me not forget to thank Iris for hosting Thankful Thursday. I pray the Lord bless her as she is such a blessing to many out here in Blogland. If you haven't heard of Thankful Thursday or maybe want to find out how you can be a part of this, click on the graphic at the top of this post, join us in Giving Thanks.
Be blessed,
Stacy
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for all the many blessings you have sent this last week. Thank you for new prayer partners, friendships that I know will last and you hand in our lives so apparent that their is no denying that you love us so much you will make a way where there seems to be no way. Lord allow me to be as much a blessing to them and even more so than they are to me. Lord I pray in Jesus Name that you use me, lead and guide my mouth to speak of your goodness, to encourage them in their struggles and whether in word or deed let your light shine through me.
In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Jun. 14, 2008
Finished our Ladybug Beetle Lapbook- Check it out:-)
Posted in Lapbooks
 
We had a lot of fun with this one. There are so many different beetles we may do another lapbook this month, not sure yet. This is our first "Mom" created lapbook , meaning I did not buy it and have all the instruction or use many resources from online! Why didn't I just call it the Ladybug Lapbook? Well every time my 3 yr old "Z" sees one of these little bugs he calls it a "Ladybug Beetle". So I decided that would be a great title for our lapbook. I love to hear him say it so each time I read it, I am reminded of that little voice and the way only he can say it:)
It has been really nice to spend the time with him each day reading the books and looking at all the insects, learning of them from each book we rented from the library. He has shown so much more interest in learning since we started these last two. Of course right now the older children are on their month break so he is getting some major "mom and me" time in:-). I am loving it too.
He just loves the bugs. The dangerous insect and spider book is still his favorite. He is captivated by the Emperor Scorpion and shows this to me each day and night at least 3-4 times.
I did use some of the resources from the previous post. Most information he (ok, we) were able to get out of the books from the library. Anyway, enjoy the pics. Please leave comments to let me know you have been by to ck it out:) Also, to see more of these lapbooks you can click on the button on the left column of my blog "Lapbook Lessons". If you are a lapbooker, new, or experienced this is a great site. Enjoy and have a blessed Fathers Day weekend.
Be blessed,
Stacy
Correction: looking back through the lapbooks this is actually the second "mom" created lapbook. Sorry for the mistake.
Jun. 13, 2008
Thankful Thursday-Children
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(For more Thankful Thursdays please click the graphic above)
Psalms 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Today I am thankful for my children. No matter what I face in life I know I can go through because He has through them given me the strength to go on!
- I thank God that on those days I feel (carnal me) like throwing the towel in and giving up, one of my children will remind me of God's love for me.
- I am thankful for the smiles on their faces I am blessed to see each day.
- I am thankful for their needs and relying on me, for this keeps me going and relying on HIM.
- I am thankful for the little "love notes" they will make me and leave in a very noticeable spot so there is no way for me to miss it.
- I am thankful for their desire to learn.
- I am thankful for their obedience.
- I am thankful for their personalities, each with their own.
- I am thankful that 2 so far are musically talented. Learning on their own without us having to pay for lessons. My oldest has recently picked up the drums as well as the guitar:)
- I am thankful for the freedom to teach them the Word of God.
- I am thankful that when I feel like falling back, I look at them and am reminded that I am to be their example and if I stray I am teaching them to stray , but if I STAY I am teaching the to stay, persistence, determination, and unwavering faith in God. For I remind them it is by the Grace of God that I am who I am today. He is my strength and my staying power.
- I am thankful for the much needed one on one time this month with my toddler. So often he receives less attention while I am trying to keep the other children in their schoolwork. So this Summer break has been great so far.
There is so much more I can list and thank my heavenly father for but it is Friday already and I must get this posted. For more info on Thankful Thursday please click the graphic above. What are you thankful for this week? Share the goodness of God in your life with others, and be encouraged as you read about His goodness in the lives of others. Be blessed,
Stacy
Jun. 2, 2008
Books for June's Little Laplinks on Bug
Posted in Lapbooks
I decided while taking a break from school this month I would work more with my toddler. So this June Lapbook meme for Little laplinks is Bugs. We will be doing this and try to have it finished in the next few weeks. Well I asked my ds(3) what bug he wanted to read about, his reply " Beetles". I was a bit surprised not knowing he was interested in this particular insect so, I decided to start looking for resources on beetles.
Today I made a stop at the library (finally) and we have our books for this month's subject checked out.
 As soon as I got them to the car my dd (10) started reading the one on Ladybugs . I thought she would want to do her lapbook on butterflies but she may decide to do a variety of bugs:) However this turns out, so far the interest level is high on this one for these two bug lovers.
My toddler "Z" is very attached to the book "Dangerous Insects and Spiders" by:Chris McNab. So we are off to start our reading tonight with this one. We will see how far we get before he gets sleepy.
He is so funny. He looks through the pages and says "Mom, what kind of bug is this one? Look at it." I tell him what the name is and he says. " I like it, I want it. At wal-mart." I say, at wal mart? They have them at Wal_Mart?" He replies "Yes, and I want one, get me one from there ok." LOL !! I thought that was pretty funny. Wal-Mart has everything now days or at least it seems we get everything from there so to him, they must have these things too! Well have a blessed night.
Stacy
May. 29, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Posted in Thankful Thursday
(to read more Thankfuls click on the graphic above)
This week has gone by so fast I almost forgot what day it was. Well before Thursday is gone, I will start my list.
- I thank God for learning how to relax. I am a very high strung person, a lot of the time, so this is new to me.
- I thank God for keeping my 15 yr ol ds safe while he was away in Fl with his friend and his family and returning him home safe and sound.
- I thank God that he kept his hand on our nephew during and emergency surgery. He had to have his appendix removed and is recovering well.
- I thank God for helping our other nephew make it through the kidney dialysis three times a week. I am praying for a new kidney for him and soon. My husband is going through the testing process to see if he is a match.
- I thank God for a month off of school. Well, structured, scheduled, all subjects school that is
 .
- I am thankful for friends who listen when I need to vent. Thanks Sister Donna!
- I thank God that my mom is just a phone call away and always knows how to help me feel better...Java Mocha Chiller from Sonic.ooh I thank God for these.
- I thank God for the new roses and flowers my mother bought me to add to my flower and rose bed/gardens. Like I said she knows how to get me through a rough spot! Shop. LOL No, seriously, these outside activities are so therapeutic for me and the children. I think she's recognized a bit of a difference in me since I am spending more time outside working in the yard.
- I thank God for my pool. When we can't go to the beach, we can just go out back and go swimming in the pool. It's not inground but we LOVE it! I know the Lord made a way for us to be able to get it last summer and I look forward to using it as much as we can this summer:)
- I thank God that my toddler enjoyed doing his Flower Lapbook with me. Seems like he is getting more and more interested in "school".
- I thank God that our niece was here with us for a few days (Friday-Wed) and was able to enjoy herself and spend time with my dd.
- I thank God I have made it through another week!
Well these are random, I know, yet I still am thankful for each listed. What are you thankful for this week? If you would like to read more TT post please click on the graphic above.
Be blessed,
Stacy
May. 28, 2008
When I say I am a Christian (sent to me via email)
Posted in Prayers/ Encouragement
I received this in my email this morning and thought it was worth sharing. I definitely feel the same way, how bout you?
Christians
by
Maya Angelou
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Be blessed,
Stacy
May. 27, 2008
May Little Laplinks Meme:Flower lapbook resources
Posted in Lapbooks
Flower lapbook resources
http://www.abcteach.com/free/d/daisysmiling_line.jpg
http://www.dltk-teach.com/minibooks/colors/index.htm
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/spring/mflower.html
http://www.kidzone.ws/prek_wrksht/pre-print/pre-print-flower.htm
http://www.abcteach.com/free/f/flower_sort_bw_set.pdf
http://www.kidzone.ws/geography/usa/mississippi/magnolia2.htm
http://www.earlylearningactivities.com/PDF/tulipdaysoftheweekc.pdf
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/spring/msunflower.html
http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/lapbooks/printables/plants_bible_verse.htm
http://www.nickjr.com/playtime/shows/dora/games/dora_garden.jhtml?= online game
http://www.crayola.com/gamesFun/games/console.cfm?game=flower_garden&ok=true online game
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/games/flash.php?contentId=11619933
online water the garden game.
My little one loves the computer games. I think it makes him feel like a big kid. Tonight we started our flower lapbook. I plan on using some of these links, I am sure I will not use all of them not all. I am still searching for more.
My little one loves to cut and paste, paint, and work with modeling clay. He likes matching games so we may make one up for this with different flowers. He’s not much into coloring for some reason. He literally runs away from the coloring. So I won’t push him on that right now. Dad helped tonight with any coloring. He likes it when daddy colors with him, of course he wants daddy to do the coloring.
I did see a few books that I will be headed to the local library to check out if they are available. Here is the list so far:
From Seed to Sunflower (Lifecycles) by Gerald Legg
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan
(one book that we already have is Elmo's Garden)
If these are not available I am sure there are more to choose from and I will leave the library satisfied!
I searched my bookshelves in hopes of finding some books...well none were there about flowers. Guess I need to add some to our home library.
This goes real well with what we have been doing around here for fun. We have been planting flowers. My little ones helped me on mother’s day with our newest flower bed (my mothers day gift from the children and my hubby). So needless to say I was excited and ready to jump in on this one with him.
I hope to finish this by the end of the month. We will be working hard on it next week. I can’t really overload him, he seems to get bored a little easy so a few activities a day and at the end of the week I think we will have a nice little lapbook to show.
Actually as of today we have completed the lapbook and now need to read a few more stories. He has enjoyed this lapbook so much.
Be blessed:)
May. 22, 2008
Thankful Thursday-feeling blessed
Posted in Thankful Thursday
( to read more Thankful Thursdays click on the graphic)
It has been too long since I participated in this meme. I am so glad to be able tonight to get a post in.
Tonight there are so many things for me to be thankful for.
- I am thankful that the Lord has not given up on me.
- I thank God for forgiveness.
- I thank God for second chances..third chances and so on.
- I thank God for time with my little ones, every single day.
- I thank God that a break from school is just around the corner.
- I thank God that He designed me as a mother with the desire to be with and not away from my children.
- I thank God for the blessed mothers day I had this year.
- I thank God for allowing me to see how very blessed I am. That He has kept us through many a trial and tribulation and has never failed us and never will.
- I thank God for my son making it to the end of the school year in PS (although he only went for 2 mo) without too many problems, and none that with God's help I could not handle. Today was his last day...Yay I can sleep in now.LOL
- I thank God for peace in that situation. It did not come overnight but it did come as He promises.
- I thank God for work for my husband. That each time I start to worry or fret a job comes in. Why do I worry? He is an on time God each and every time!
- I thank God that I am content in staying home as those gas prices are tending to keep me here:) So thankful I am a homebody.
- I thank God for my new friend and her sons. It has been a blessing for me and my children. My DD has a friend at homeschool with her daily, my 11 yr old has not been so blessed. So I am thankful for the new friend the Lord has sent him.
- I am thankful that the Lord laid it upon a friends heart to bless my children ( and us for sure) with the rest of the $$ for church camp this year. My DD got out and raised half of the fee for each of them and God (through my dear friend and her husband) supplied the rest. Total surprise to me when she informed me that they would be doing this. It's only three days and will be their first time going.
- I thank God that my youngest son has been to the dentist for surgery twice in the last month and all has gone well. Thank you Lord for keeping him safe.
- I thank God for his creation all around me and that He is teaching me to take time to smell the flowers, to walk barefoot in the sand, to get outside more, to appreciate the songs of all the birds in my yard every morning, the sound of the ocean when we make our weekly visit to the beach, the laughing gulls begging for scraps, the sound of rain as it hits our metal roof, the purr of our cats as we pet them, the snore of my youngest as he sleeps beside me in the morning, the sound of him saying "mama" when he wakes me up in the morning.
- I thank God for the sound of my daughter singing "Standing in the need of prayer", or "Praise you in the storm". She loves to sing.
- I thank God for the help of my 11 yr old with my youngest and that he has such a heart for the Lord. His prayer time that he takes with the Lord without being asked or told to.
- I thank God that my 15 yr old still kisses me goodnight each and every night and they all want to pray before going to bed!
- I thank God for a husband that loves the Lord and keeps Him #1 in his life ...No matter what! I know where he leads us is where the Lord is leading him.
As you can see, I am truly blessed. There's so much more that I could list but I will stop there for now. I must go grade the papers that I thank God he has blessed the children to complete . Have a great evening and remember...Be blessed.
Stacy
PS. Please remember to keep the family of Steven Curtis Chapman in your prayers.
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