Posted in Thankful Thursday

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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

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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"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

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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"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

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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"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

    

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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       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.

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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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

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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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

Posted in Thankful Thursday

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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.

Posted in Thankful Thursday

TRUST

There are many things that I could thank Him for tonight, but I believe that what I am most thankful for this evening is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Perfect Peace. Many times my mind tried to wonder this week in areas that it should not. Worry and fret tried to move in, doubt and fear also but because this scripture kept coming into my mind (His word says that He would bring them to mind)they could not stay.
I was reminded over and over by His word to trust him. Oh how I love to give it all to him and lay it down at his feet knowing that He is able to handle anything. Why? His Word says that "with God, all things are possible".
No matter the situations that arise or how impossible things may look to our natural eyes, if we trust in the unseen hand, we can be sure He will work it out. His word says that with man it is impossible but with God ALL things are possible. He can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think. He knows what we have need of before we ever ask it. Look it up, it's in His Word. Now why can I feel so good just because it is in His Word? I trust Him, I trust His Word to be complete, 100% truth. No errors. There are no errors on God's part. Oh there have been plenty on mine but I really believe I can not go wrong if I just trust him.
Iris talked about trust. Without trusting in Him, we can not have this peace. The scripture says "because he trusteth in thee." I am reminded once again of an old Hymn, (words are written by Lou­i­sa M. R. Stead) :

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end."

Tonight  I am thankful that when I put my trust in Him, when I keep my mind stayed (meditating on His Word, Reading His Word, Praying, Thanking, Remembering what He has already done for me, remembering the cross, remembering that I am saved by grace,communicating with Him daily) on Him, He gives me "life and rest and joy and (perfect) peace)."

Yes, I have been guilty of not trusting in Him and His word and believe me, there is no peace in that. I am a work in progress and not nearly where I should be in this area of my life. So I hope you do not think I am boasting, I can not. If I boast I only boast in the Lord (as Paul said), and what He (not me) has done, is doing, and will do for me, you and  for all who trust in Him. What I am saying is that on this Thankful Thursday I am thankful that He reminds and helps me to trust in Him.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank you for helping me in this area of my life. I thank you for the situations that have caused me to completely have to trust in you. There were no other choices and I thank you for that. I thank You for the peace that I know only came from you this week.

Lord help me to remember that fret and worry do nothing but bring me and those around me down. Actually when I worry and fret it shows my lack of trust in you. Forgive me Lord for the times that I have not trusted in you and let these other things get in the way. I know Lord there is absolutely nothing bigger than you.  Your word says that you do not give me a spirit of fear but of love and power and of a sound mind. I thank you Lord tonight for a sound mind~in You~.

Thanks so much for stopping by.Please remember to leave a comment letting me know you visited. I pray the Lord bless you today. If you would like to read more from thankful hearts this week click on the Thankful Thursday graphic at the very top of this post.

Be blessed,

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

Romans 8:35-39 (King James Version)

 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yesterday we started class as we usually do with the Keys for Kids devotional. I like to listen to Uncle Charlie tell the story with the children.  I sat and listened  (best I could) and found myself in thought of all God has brought me and my family through. I thought about how no matter what we go through in life, what is thrown our way, what wrong decisions we may make ( I have made so many), none of these things cause the Lord to stop loving us. It doesn't matter if we have millions in the bank or no bank account at all He loves us just the same. Whether we are in the lowest valley or on the peak of the highest mountain, his love is unchanging towards us. If we are preaching His word to the nations or right here in our home He loves us the same. Whether we are on cloud nine spiritually or walking in the driest desert, His love is there with us no matter where we are in life. Through the storms, through the rain, the fire, the winds, the battles, the triumphs, the defeat, through all of it His love remains the same. Nothing, absolutely nothing, shall separate us from His love. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me (Rom 5:8).  To me that is amazing.
Today I thank God for his unchanging, unending love, unmovable, and unconditional love. Without this I surely would not be who I am today. I could not mother my children if it were not for the love that Christ has for me. I could not love my husband without the Love of God in my life. I could not be a friend (worth having) had I never felt this love first from my heavenly father. I could not trust had he not shown me how through His love. His love has forever changed my life.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank You for your love towards me. I thank you that nothing can separate me from your love. I thank you for loving me in the good times and the bad. Lord, I thank you for loving me enough to correct me when I need it and to lead and guide me in the paths that you would have me to go. May I live a life that is pleasing in your eyes. Please forgive me Lord for the times I have taken your love for granted and let you down. Help me Lord to share your love with others in a way that will lead them straight to you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

If you would like to read from more thankful hearts this week head on over to the Sting my Heart website by clicking on the graphic at the top of this post. You will be blessed and glad you did. 
Have a great weekend in Christ Jesus.
Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

 

• I am thankful  for the Lord keeping me throughout these last few months. Well always but especially in the last few months. There have been some trying times here in this house and the Lord has kept me through them. There have been times of temptation to return to things of my old nature but I thank the Lord that His Spirit that dwells within me would not let me fall into those temptations. He always makes a way  of escape.
  
• I am thankful that I can put my trust in Him, the Lord- and He will not let me down.
• I thank God that He holds my tomorrow in His hands.
•  I thank God for the strength to take things just one day at a time.
  
• I thank God that I am an overcomer through Jesus Christ.
• I thank God that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
• I am very thankful for a good husband that loves the Lord and keeps Him first in his life.
• I am thankful for my MIL.  I thank God that today the Lord used her on our behalf. She came over today, with a mini van full of goodies for us to eat. Groceries that the kiddos love (just in time, I was set to do the shopping tomorrow and on a much tighter budget than normal). Sat with us and had coffee. Enjoyed time with my littlest one. It isn't often that we actually get to visit with her and today was a blessing. Thank You Lord for my MIL.
  
• I am thankful for my sweet friend Sister "D". She loves me, encourages me (in the Lord) and somehow knows when I need a diet Pepsi and brings it when she picks Kaybug up. I homeschool her daughter along with mine. Her ds and my ds are like sisters. Best Friends. I thank God for that also.
• I thank God for sending my ds a friend that loves the Lord, desires to know Him more and is a good influence on her.
• I thank God that once again he kept my son safe. You see I have one that is really daring. That would be the one that just had 3 staples removed from the back of his head after an accident that happened on a trailer he was told to stay off of . He loves to do tricks on the trampoline, flips, climbs tree's to the tops. Just anything daring. He at times will overestimate himself. He flipped off the trampoline trying to jump over his sister yesterday afternoon. Well the land did not go as planned and he hit the ground harder than he planned and not in the way he had planned. He screamed for me, I was inside my hubby went to the rescue. We thought his arm was broke, Praise the Lord it was only sprang. My husband took him to the E.R. and they put a sling on him and sent him home. Thank you Lord for keeping his bones from breaking.
• I thank God for Iris and the Thankful Thursday bunch!

What are you thankful for this week? Click on the graphic above and join in on this weeks Thankful Thursday. Be blessed,

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

(to view more Thankful Thursdays click on the graphic above)

I know I haven't been on here in a few weeks. There's been much going on here in our home.  Too much to blog on and not enough time lately. I have missed being able to get on here but at the same time I have enjoyed the "family time" this last week.
Anyway I am on today because I do want to share a few of the things I am thankful to my Lord for.

• I am thankful for the wonderful visit last week with my older brother and his beautiful family. Our children did so good together and we had such a good time going on nature walks and to the beach, crabbing, laughing, remembering the old days when we were the kids, and just all sorts of stuff. He spent Easter with us and that just made my weekend. It was such a blessing to visit with him (and his family) and it was right on time. 
• I am thankful that we have peace in the death of a dear loved one for we know where they will spend eternity. My husbands grandmother passed away this past Monday. I thank God that only a little over a month ago my husband was blessed enough to be able to baptize her. She was 90 yrs old. Please keep his family in your prayers.
• I am thankful for my oldest brother. He called and gave us the news that he finally got signed with a recording label. He has been in the music business for many years and has recently crossed over (or back to) Christian music. PRAISE GOD! I thank God for the talents He has blessed our family with.
• I am thankful to have so many brothers. Today is one of my younger brothers B-day. Happy Birthday Jeff (in case you actually read my blog LOL)
• I thank God for strength. I thank God He is my Rock. When there is nowhere else to turn to I can always go to Him. He accepts me just as I am.  He knows me inside and out, the good, the bad and the ugly and loves me anyway. I thank God that He is patient with me and although I falter and fail him, He never gives up on me.
• I thank God for blogger friends who take the time to read  and comment and leave encouraging words not only to me but to all the others out there that need it. Sometimes it's the simple hello that makes a day seem brighter to that one who needs a little sunshine in the midst of a rainy day. Ya'll are such a blessing.
• I thank God for my children. Each one with their own personality. I thank God for the differences in each one of them, for their strengths and weaknesses. I thank God for the way each of them learn differently. How one loves to sing, one loves to play music, one loves science and that little one...well he likes it all.

So there it is. I know there is more but I am pressed for time...again. I must get myself and the children ready for tonights service. Please remember to keep my husband and his family in prayer. The funeral for his grandmother will be held tomorrow evening at our church. Oh yea, Iris...Thank You for hosting Thankful Thursday. You are a blessing to the blogging community and I am sure to many others as well.
Be blessed,
Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

After all my complaining, whining and rambling this week  it is now time ( not that every day isn't a day to be thankful) to thank God for the things he has done, is doing in my life, for his providing, and for his love.

• I am thankful that my Lord has patience with me. He never gives up on me and when I feel like giving up he strengthens me and encourages me through His Word, His Spirit,  blogger friends, great books, wonderful music, my family, and church.
  
• I thank God that when I do get *down* , He won't allow me to stay down. He lifts me up. He maketh my feet like hinds feet and setteth me upon high places. Ps 18:33
• I thank God that when I am weak, He is Strong.
• I thank God that my oldest son seems to be calming down a bit ( one day at a time). Less complaining this week. He has been really sweet to me on many occasions , being helpful without being asked and such. I thank God He made a way for me to have the funds to switch his curriculum to the one he has asked for.
• I thank God for the youth program that my oldest in now in. For the men and women of our church ( my pastor, the ranch owner, my friend-the LSW) for getting togehter and helping me with my son. I know it is my duty but I thank God for those He sends to help us out.
• I thank God that He brings me through every storm of life. That He provides for me shelter, comfort and peace,  while I am in the storm. He let's me know that I am never alone. He is always with me.
  
• I thank God that no weapon formed against this family shall prosper. No matter what the situation looks like, God can and will handle it as long as we allow Him to. He makes the way where there seems to be no way because He is the WayMaker.
  
• I thank God for keeping His hand on my middle son even though he was being disobedient this past Sunday when he got hurt on that old trailer. I am thankful that the cut on his head was not life threatening and that  he only needed three staples.
  
• I thank God that in those situations like this past Sunday, we can use the Word of God to teach life lessons to our children. The Word comes out that we have told them and they can see just how true the Bible really is. They can actually tell us a scripture that will relate to the incident if asked. That let's me know we must be doing something right. As long as the Word is first and everything else follows...I believe we will make it.

So, what are you thankful for this week? If you want to read more from Thankful hearts click on the graphic above and you will find a long list to choose from. Hey, you might even want to add your name to the list if you haven't already. Do you have anything that you might want to Thank God for? Stop now and even if you don't join in on the Thankful Thursday list, take a moment and Thank Him. He ( Jesus our Lord) deserves it.
Be blessed,
Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

Matthew: 15:32

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

 Just as he fed the multitude then, He continues to do so today in many many miraculous ways. Thank the Lord that He still has that same kind of compassion as He when He fed that multitude that day. When we go to Him, He never sends us away hungry. Thank you Lord for the food that only You can feed my hungry soul.

Compassion: the dictionary describes it as : sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it

• I thank God, as Iris said, for teaching me to be compassionate towards others. To not only feel the feeling but allowing that feeling to move me into helping when and where I can. Do I always move when I feel the compassion? Maybe not in the physical for there are those times when I can not  but no matter what I can always pray. Praying is an action, it is moving in the spiritual realm what can not be moved in the physical. How many of us know that "Prayer changes things"?
• I thank God that my daughters teeth are fixed and look great. The dentist did a great job I am sure His hands were guided by the Lord .
• I thank God that my littlest one is finished with all his antibiotics and up and running as usual. Energized like that little pink bunny , he just keeps going and going and... His breathing is great we are down to only 2 breathing treatments per day. Thank You Jesus.
• I thank God that my little class here is doing great. I am learning new things with them each and every day and my children are learning to share what they do have with others.
• I thank God that my new highschooler "D" is doing great with the SOS curriculum. He is unsattisfied with anything below a "B" so is working hard to make the grade! He is also learning the Word of God each and every day through this curriculum. I think that's just awesome. There's been such a change in him just since the start of January. He has been to church with us more than ever before and I believe that God is really working on his heart.
• I thank God for D's nana. She makes the best chicken salad I have ever tasted. Oh and cheesecake and peanut butter balls  too.  Not only that but she has given us the oppurtunity to make a difference in D's life trusting us with her grandson. I still love her chicken salad though. I tell ya that stuff is top notch!
• I thank God that He is teaching my husband and I together that we need to flow, walk in , and not fear the calling He has placed in our lives. He will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He is the One that works in us, not us. It is Him doing the work. We are but a vessel He is using at the moment that He chooses to. So I guess what I mean is we are learning to "relax and enjoy the ride". He's the driver and I am looking forward to the journey He has in mind for this family.

To read more of the Thankful Thursday's click on the graphic above and once you are there click away on the names listed. I encourage you to join and start participating if you have not already. This is a way to let the world know just how good God has been to YOU!  You know, the Word says in Revelations that we are made overcomers by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. This is a great way to get the word out, to testify of God's goodness in your life. Start being an ovecomer today, the blood has already been shed so now it's time for the word of your ( our) testimony to get out there. He has done His part, let's do ours.

Be blessed,

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

Well first off I had hoped  to get this entry in yesterday but that didn't happen. None the less I shall not give up and although I am late on this TT post (I realize it is Friday afternoon Saturday already), I must give thanks to God anyway. You know the old saying...better late than never. I hope my dc don't use that one on me for their schoolwork that is to be done today.

• I thank God for hope in Him.  That no matter what life looks like, no matter what the situation says in the natural, my hope is in Him. With that I can make it through anything, without hope I am lost.
• I thank God for my youngest son, although he was diagnosed with pneumonia at the E.R. on Thursday, he is home without a hospital stay, getting better and stronger each passing moment.  We went to visit his pediatrician this morning (she has clinic on Saturdays 9-11 AM) and the news was good. I thank God for a good report.
• I thank God that although my son is little and we were a bit worried about his growth, today (Saturday) at the Dr. visit we saw that he had gained 5 lbs in the last year. PRAISE THE LORD!
• I thank God for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. In the lives of children and adults. That He is teaching me daily to teach them that HOPE is in Him and nothing and no one else.
• I thank God for friends and family that I can call on if I do feel hopeless and they remind me at that moment that all hope is not lost, that all I need to do is look unto Jesus and know that my Hope is in Him! Friends and family that will pray with me, for me, for my children, for my family. God has truly blessed me with a great surrounding of fellow believers.  I am so blessed.

For more Thankful Thursday entries visit Sting My Heart . Have a Blessed Weekend in Christ Jesus.

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

When I read the scripture used for this Thankful Thursday post over at Lynn's blog, Spiritually Unequal Marriage , I knew this was going to be a good year.  If you have not already, head on over there to read her post. It will touch your heart.  While you are there you will see the list of many other thankful hearts being shared. Take a few moments and be encouraged as you read about God's goodness and what He has done and is doing in their lives.

• I am thankful that I have a heavenly Father that has my future planned out for me. That His plans for me are good and not evil. That His plans for me are that I prosper, not only financially but spiritually also. His plans are for me to have hope and a future~all in Him~!! Oh I am so thankful to have such a wonderful Father who cares for me the way He does.
• I am thankful for a New Beginning in  Him. That this year will be better than last. Thankful for making it through the old and into the new. Thankful that I am not stuck in my past but pressing forward in my present into my future in Christ Jesus.
• I am thankful for New beginnings in my marriage. That each year that passes is another chance for us to see how God meant for us to be together.  Another way for us to share with others "Look what the Lord has done".
• I am thankful for all the financial blessings of 2007 and that I know that God has even better for us in 2008 because His plans are for us to prosper.
• I am thankful for my wonderful children and for the love of God I see working in and through them towards others.
• I thank God for the mistakes I made last year and that I am able, because of Him, to take them and learn from them that there is always a better way to do things~ His way.
• I am thankful for New Beginnings as a mom. I know that I am not perfect and I make mistakes as a mother. I thank God for each new year I am able to look back, see what did not work, what did and go into the new year with HOPE that I will do better. I thank God for giving me another year with my children.

This thankful list could go on and on. Funny how last night I sat here and my mind was blank. I was tired from only 3 hrs sleep the night before and couldn't for the love of me gather my thoughts together and get this post out. My mind was a bit scattered to say the least. However, today I woke up with yesterday behind me and a New Day before me. A New Beginning and another chance to thank Him.

Be blessed and have a great weekend in Christ Jesus.

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

We were truely blessed this Christmas. We had a wonderful time with my mother and her fiance here. We cooked way too much food but I think we are just about through the leftovers now . I thank God first and foremost for providing the food as He always does.

We had the Ham, green bean casserole, seafood dressing, gravy, deviled eggs, potato salad, baked macaroni and cheese, cookies galore, and much more. I wanted to try and make a few pies but kina ran short on time. It woulda been a first as I have never made a homemade pie..yet.  We had all this food and just two days before no funds for groceries! God is so good. Now we have plenty and then some.

Sunday night we went to church, with no money and a gas needle on empty. My husband hadn't worked but a little in the last 3-4 weeks. Just enough to pay a bill here and there. Enough to keep us from completely drowning I suppose. Well I say that but truth be told, It is God that has kept us from sinking! As we were leaving out I asked my husband (quietly so the children could not hear) "Honey, what are we going to do? We better pray that we can make it there and back".  I knew we were going to church no matter what. We are hooked on church. Now, I was not only asking what we would do about the gas but also about Christmas and the children, food for the next week or so and such. What about Christmas dinner? We had invited my mother, her fiance, my husbands neice and her family and an older single  brother from the church to eat christmas dinner with us  and no, we did not change any plans! He responded with a tap on my hand and " It's okay baby, we are going to be fine, God always provides." A part of me wondered how in the world he could be so calm. I didn't get mad I just said, "Okay Honey, whatever." Not meaning to be unbelieving or doubtful but I must admit I was worried .

We never said a word to anyone. Maybe it's pride, I don't know. My husband does have great faith (in my opinion anyway). We don't like to go about telling of our needs and what wedon't have or what we can't pay. I don't think it glorifies the Lord for people to see His children in those kinds of situations. Nontheless, once He brings us out...watch out! I get a real big mouth. I can no longer keep quiet. "I gotta tell somebody what Jesus did for me"( that's an old christian song my daddy used to sing, I forget who its by). Before we left church that evening someone handed my husband money. It was enough to cover food and gas . God always comes through right on time. He never fails. Now if we hadn't went ahead and went to church, I wonder if that money would have made its way to us??? Anyway.

As if that was not enough...yesterday..Oh yes there is more. Yesterday a friend of ours comes by and hands me an envelope with a large amount of money in it. It blew my mind. I had to cry. As if what He had already done wasn't enough He had to go the extra mile and give even more. I paid my car note (as it was late) with it and still had some left over! I am amazed even as I write this at the abundant blessings of the Lord in our lives this Christmas season. We as a family learned so much. There has been a different feeling in our home all this week.

Posted in Thankful Thursday

• I am thankful to find rest in the Lord. Even in the midst of chaos, whether or not the noise quiets or continues, I can rest in Him.
• I thank God for peaceful sleep. Often I have a hard time sleeping. Either getting to sleep or staying asleep. Last night I slept like a baby without any help from man,  but with that rest from the Lord.
• I am thankful that I do not have to worry. That He instructs me to not worry in Matt 6:25-33. That I just need to seek Him first and rest assured....He will take care of me, of my family.
• I thank God for His unfailing love. I don't have to wonder if he still loves me. I don't have to try and be perfect. I am what I am by the grace of God. My pastor once told me that the very thing that saved me, it is that thing that will keep me. I am saved by His grace. There is nothing that I can do to make myself worthy of this gift He has given me.  I just need to allow Him to make me, mold me into what it is He would have me be. I thank God all that is required of me is to surrender to Him.
• I thank God for nice people in the supermarket. I have no idea of the lady's name but I thank God for her even still. I was grocery shopping this week and I had not made a menu for the week. Funds were a bit low so I was trying to be very frugal in my spending yet be able to cook meals that were enjoyed by the whole family. A lady asked me if I knew where a certain item was, I did so I directed her to it. She then told me what it was for. I replied that it sounded yummy . She immediately tore the ingrediants from her list, handed it to me and explained how easy it was to make. Oh, and by the way at the same time inexpensive. I cooked that recipe for our evening meal yesterday. It was very good. My hubby and a few of the dc ate seconds. I thank God for that lady, she was right on time. You know the scripture comes to mind Heb 13:2,  "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." I believe every word of the bible. That day, I wonder if God didn't send me a little angel.
• I thank Iris at Sting My Heart for having a Thankful Thursday for all of us to join in on and I thank Laurel at Laurel Wreath for hosting it for now. Be blessed ladies. You are both such a blessing to me.
• I thank God for this season. Amidst all the commercializing of the season, I thank Him that I do know the real reason for CHRISTmas season. No matter how the world around us may change, that will never change.If it were not for Jesus Christ there would not be a Christmas.  ~Thank you Jesus for all you have done and making it possible for me to one day be with you for eternity. That I can rest knowing You have prepared the way before me, I need not do anything but follow after You."

For more Thankful Thursdays go over  to Laurel Wreath . Be encouraged as you read the TT posts by all the other participants. Better yet, bless and encourage someone else by giving thanks to God for His goodness in your life. You know His Word says that we are made overcomers by by the word of our testimony and the Blood of the Lamb. If you are struggling, testify of His goodness in your life, past or present and watch Him give you rest in the midst of it all. Lift him up and I can promise you that He will lift you up, and in the process  He will give you rest.

Be blessed,

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

• I thank God for His everlasting and unconditional love.
• I thank God for a good relationship with my earthly dad.
• I thank God that friends and family and even those I don't know well trust me to pray for them even when I do not trust myself.
• I thank God that He is, and He is a rewarder to them that diligently seek Him.
• I thank the Lord that He is my shepard and I shall not want.
• I thank God that He meets my every need according to His riches in Glory through Christ Jesus.
• I thank God for answered prayers, I thank Him for the unanswered also.
• I thank God that I have the right to choose to praise Him.
• I thank God for my SIL who kept my dc today so I could get my hair done.
• I thank God for working it out to where I do not have to pay the hairdresser but instead I do print work as a trade for her  ( so much a blessing). Otherwise I would still be needing to get my hair done.
• I thank God for every oppurtunity He has given me this week to tell others of His goodness towards me.
• I thank God that our last Ladies meeting in the old church building has come and gone ( yesterday) and the next will be inside of our new Church Building.
• I thank God that my pastor allows me to be a part of the ministry team there and when I need godly council I know that I can go to him and get it.
• I thank God for helping me to see me, just as I am and understand that only He can change me, only He can help me....If I will surrender.

Help me Lord,  to surrender to your will in my life....Today. I thank you Lord, for all your goodness, for all your mercy for all the love you have shown towards me.

To read more Thankful Thursdays you can click on the graphic at the top of this post or you can go to Laurel Wreath  where is is hosting Thankful Thursday for now.

Be blessed in Christ Jesus,

Stacy

Posted in Thankful Thursday

Today I am mainly thankful for the strength God has given me to get up and go even with the obstacles in the way.

• I thank God that He is the WayMaker. No matter what comes or goes....He will make a way for me.
• I thank God that He is the PeaceSpeaker. No matter the chaos that tries to surround me when He says "Peace be still" everything, anything must obey!
• I thank God for the chance to tell others of His goodness.
• I am thankful that I am what I am by the Grace of God! I am not where I should be in my walk with Him but I thank Him that I am not where I used to be. I am pressing forward.
• I thank Him for the ability He has given me to "press on" toward that mark.
• I thank God for good health in me and my children.
• I thank God for a full tank of gas:) Freely given to me...What a blessing.
• I thank God for mercy- without His mercy I would be forever lost in sin. He had mercy on me even in my darkest sinful state and forgave me of unthinkable sins.  I thank God that He is teaching me to be merciful to others.
• I thank God for godly friends who will give godly council. When you give up (let go) of the old life, it is good to surround yourself ( allow yourself to be surrounded) with other believers so that when the valleys come, and they will, your friends are there to encourage you in the Lord . I have had many friends in times past that did not try to give Godly council. These freindships, the goldy ones, are not to be taken for granted. Thank you Lord for brothers and sisters in You!
• I thank God for vacation time. It is arriving fast upon us and I thank Him for making a way for us to go and be together as a family.
• I thank God for Thankful Thursday for it reminds me to be thankful, to remember to count my blessings, to give God thanks for all He has done, all he is doing for me and for others.

To find out more on Thankful Thursday click on the graphic at the top of this post.

Be blessed,

Stacy