..... well, funny in a ridiculous kind of way.  We're getting ready to leave in the morning for San Antonio, Texas.  Hubby has a business conference there... so we'll be there thru Sunday.  I'm not particularly looking forward to the 8-9 hour drive... but AM looking forward to seeing & visiting with my BFF from high school, Lisa.  I've not seen her since my Jeremey's funeral.  I'm anxious to see her & her hubby, as he's been diagnosed with MS in the last couple of years.   As it turns out, she works for Schlitterbahn Water Parks.  Not sure exactly what she does, but I know she doesn't sell tickets or work in the snack shack.  She's an artist... so I'm thinking it's something to do with art director/ marketing.... something along those lines.  (I'll let you know for sure when we get back).  All I know, is she's offered her office for me to cool off while we're there.

OK... so anyway, I was packing earlier... getting things together.  I was down to my bag that carries my toiletries, make-up, & such.  As it turns out, EVERY TIME we go anywhere that requires strenuous packing (lol) , I find myself cleaning out ALL my make-up & skin care products.  So today I was going thru... & I have enough make-up... LIP GLOSS... to support a small family in some very foreign land.  Keep in mind, I worked for Lancome back when Kennedy was born... & still have TONS of stuff, some still in packaging, & as I was going through it all... I actually found myself thinking 'keep'....'trash'....'oh, I need to keep this'.... 'trash'...etc.  OK... WHY would I keep ANY of it!?!?!  Sure, it's fun to look at, fun to use, fun to just HAVE... but I NEED NONE OF IT!  Let me just tell ya... not only did I throw it ALL away.... but I also threw away the bag it was in!  Why do I think I'll use some makeup I've YET to use.... but I think I'll use it on this jam-packed whirlwind of a trip we're taking?!?? Kennedy's 11 yrs. old... I quit working when she was FIVE MONTHS OLD~!!! You do the math.

You know, after my "What- the- Heck?" moment, I thought about my own life.  The life deep inside... that no one gets to know about but me.  How much am I holding on to that God just wants me to LET GO of?  How much easier could my life be if I 'cleaned out all the clutter'?  "Re-decorated", so to speak.... that's what I think I'll do... & see how much wasted space I clear out.     

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Happy Birthday Jax!!

His birthday was actually earlier this week... & his party is next weekend... I guess you could say we like to drag out our celebrations.  The kids are gone this weekend... to Pappy & Gran's lake house... but Kevin & I were talking about them last night.  Talking about how much they've grown just since he's been here.  Jax is now 10 yrs. old... but about 2 years ago, he & Kevin had gone to Super WalMart.  Jax had gotten a new cowboy hat, so naturally, he wanted to ride the horse in front of the store.  Well, Kevin just tried to wiggle out of a "looming predicament" he was certain Jax was getting himself into.  As they were approaching checkout, they ran into my brother & his wife... OMGosh, this is perfect!!  Uncle Clint's here!!  So of course, the next thing from his mouth was "Clint, ya'll watch me ride the horse!"   So Kevin reluctantly gave the money he needed... & off he went... smiling, looking back to make sure 'they' were watching.  Ok, keep in mind, these animals you ride at the front of ANY store... are for SMALL children... like, 2, 3, 4,... maybe 5 or 6 yrs. old- TOPS.  Here's Jax, 8 yrs. old... almost 9... & big for his age as it is... wanting to ride this horse.  Kevin said as soon as he climbed onto the 'saddle', the look on his face made it certain that this wasn't 'as he remembered'... well, by this time, he was "committed" to not only ride this electric beast... but to enjoy it.  You know the feeling... when you've played something up so much in your head, it's just a given that you'll ENJOY IT!   Ok, so... after a completely humiliated glance back toward Kevin, he put his money in to start his 'joy ride'.  OH. MY. GOSH... Kevin said it was as if he were moving in slowwww motion... the thing was barely moving, however, it made the loud rumbling sound that it WAS, in fact, 'running'.  To top it all off... by this time, Kevin, Clint, & Shannon weren't the only ones watching.   After what seemed like F-O-R-E-V-E-R... it was over.  The ride was over, Jax climbed down... & in his own little "Jackson fashion", managed to wave his hat & take a dramatic bow.  (Kevin says that's just proof that I gave birth to him)...   By the time they got home... he'd been mulling the reality of what had gone on at WM that night.  When he walked in the door, he was holding his hat in his hand... no smile, no happiness from earlier... just a sad "Hi Mom..." ... I said "Hi!  How was WalMart?" ... he said "Not good...I rode the horse like I wanted, but I'm not a little kid anymore."   OMGosh... THAT broke my 'mommy heart' into a million pieces.  How terrible I felt that what started out to be a fun time, actually turned out to be a harsh reality he was forced to accept.

You know... many times in our 'grown-up' lives, we may want something sooo bad... but our Father says "Not now... just trust me... this isn't what's best for you." ... BUT, we continue to ask, beg, whine... & finally, it's as if God let's us have our own way... knowing it isn't going to turn out as we think it will, but because we can't just take "No" for an answer... He chooses to let us have our way... & see for ourselves... inevitably forced to accept the harsh reality that we were WRONG!  "His ways are not our ways..." yet His way is always the BEST way~!!

No Jax, you're not a little kid anymore... you're 10 yrs. old now... & because of that, we celebrate YOU~!

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"An encouraging friend is a lifeline to steady a floundering heart, to bring sunshine to a cloudy day, and to deliver a blessing just looking for a place to land." --- Susan Duke

My sweet friend, Charity, is hosting a contest on her blog.  The contest is a celebration... a celebration marking her one-year anniversary of blogging here at HSB... & a celebration of FRIENDSHIP.  The contest will run from April 29th- May 29th.  All you have to do to enter is visit her blog... & tell her about  the person you have had as your OLDEST/LONGEST friend – tell her how long you have been friends, when and where you became friends, and why that friendship is valued by you.

On MAY 29^th – She will pick & announce the winner.... and send a FRIENDSHIP PACKAGE for you to enjoy –The package will be filled with:  a prim stitching about friendship, a book on friendship, a gift card to FRIENDLY’s and a few other surprises for you to discover when you receive the FRIENDSHIP PACKAGE~

Be sure and let all your 'bloggy friends' know about the contest.  Who knows, it may even rekindle a beautiful friendship...... 

Charity's waiting to hear from ya~

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"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms."  1 Peter 4:10

"Christians and the Christian worldview were crucial to the formation of the early sciences.... If science, technology, and medical advances are examples of God's grace to us when they are used properly, then those who brought them into being should be credited for them....."

I'll be completely honest here.  When I found out that this book review was to be written on a book about SCIENCE, of all things... I was immediately daunted.  I wasn't enthused in the least.  Science has never been my favorite, & I hate to admit that, as I'm a 'homeschool mom'.  My kids LOVE it... & we have lots of fun with it... but for me to sit down & read a book about SCIENTISTS, (on purpose)... was completely out of the question.

Well... I stand humbly corrected.  I LOVED THIS BOOK!  OMGosh... who knew!?  To me, Christianity & science never really "fit" together... until now.  

It was good from the very beginning... the introduction.  (Be sure & read the INTRODUCTION!)   This book tells the stories of the lives and works of 48 men who were diligent in "interpreting nature", while demonstrating humility & faith in worshipping nature's Creator.

Each biography is short.  Easy to read, easy to understand, and are written in terms that people of all ages can enjoy and appreciate.  I found my husband reading through it a few times (he loves science)... AND my 9 year old son was even reading it...  giving me his thoughts!  It's the perfect addition to the "homeschooler's library."  My kids will definitely read it thru the years, as it's very much a timeless read.  Very insighful... very positive look on the hows & whys of Creation.....the way the Creator meant for it to be understood.

Needless to say, I am now almost a scientist!  No, I'm kidding... but what I DO know, is this little paperback book completely reversed the way I look at science now.  I honestly recommend this book to EVERYONE!  Two enthusiastic thumbs-up!

I'd like to say "Thank you" to Kregel Publications for the opportunity to read & review this fantastic book.

If I'd not already marked in mine, I'd have a little contest here for you guys & give it away... but you can find it here  or  here.  It's absolutely worth it.  If you do decide to purchase, please let me know what YOU think about it.  or  ?

Happy Reading...  Have a great weekend!

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Once again... my blog has been put on "HOLD".  I HATE when it gets this far "past due"... Grrrrrr...  Not sure what's been going on... my excuse last week was that we were "getting back on track from Kevin's parents' visit." ... this week, not sure what my excuse could be.  I do have a book review coming up... & another 'contest'... so I'll HAVE to post.   "Forced-Posting" is better than NO POSTING, I guess.

The remodel has officially physically begun.  As I type, my head's ringing with every bang of the hammer...  ... ('precious hubby')...

Even more than I need to catch up on my blogging... I need to catch up with all my "Bloggy-Friends"... & plan to do so this week.

Have a wonderful week...

Blessings... Missy

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After a beautiful weekend... we're about to get MORE STORMS!  Goodness.  However, the weekend promises to be GORGEOUS again!

We've been busy.  Kevin's parents are coming to visit (from Nevada).  They'll be here April 13-19.  We're so excited.  Kennedy is fighting a horrible cough/cold thingy... & this morning, Jackson sounds as if he may be getting it, too.  That's our first priority, to get them well before 'Memaw & Poppa' get here. 

As I'm typing, it has started to rain...no, POUR outside.  We have to finish up school, but it'd be soooo nice to find a cozy place to nap.  I'm sure the kids would agree, as they both feel rotten today.  :(  I think Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup would hit the spot for dinner tonight.  "Chicken Thoup is Good for Your Thoul."  (as Jackson used to say as a toddler).  We still say it to this day... just like that. :)  (Real intelligent...no?)

I'm not sure if either of them will go to taekwondo (Jax) or art (Kennedy) this evening... we'll see how they feel.

Happy Tuesday!

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 (Turn your speakers on & hear the song.) 

Saved The Day

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Jackson asked this morning, "Is today the Green Holiday?"  Well.... yes Jax.... yes, I suppose it is...lol.  I'm not Irish... well, maybe a little (Humphrey)... but mostly Indian ( the native american kind).  My great grandmother's name was America & she lived most of her life in a tee-pee.   I kid you not.  Needless to say, Jackson LOVES studying about the Indians, so getting them interested in anything remotely different (the Irish) has proven to be a bit difficult.  SO... the extent of our "celebrating" today, is wearing green, doing a St. Patrick's Day Unit Study, & making pistachio (green) cupcakes with green frosting.  I did find some really neat 'fact sheets' online... very interesting.  We're enjoying reading thru those.  (Believe it or not, Jax IS interested!)  I guess it just takes the right materials, & the right 'timing'.  Anyone with kids is fully aware... TIMING IS EVERYTHING!

Hope you're all having a fun holiday!

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My friend Heidi  is having a HUGE SPRING CONTEST over on her blog.  Too good to not check it out!  I'm so excited it's almost spring! 

Heidi's contest prizes include:  A magazine subscription to TOS, quite a few books, a puzzle, Math Galaxy software on 2 CD-roms...lots of good stuff!  Go over & check it out... & be sure to leave her a message... she'd love to hear from you! :)

Have a great Tuesday!

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Happy Birthday Kennedy Alyssa!

However... as I look at her today... listen to her laugh, listen to her talk, listen to her "negotiate" with her brother...lol... & listen as she talks about what she wants to do when she grows up... & hearing what's truly in her heart as sheer compassion pours out.  Right now, in her mind, she could fix everything that's wrong in the world... every child who's sick in the hospital, every stray animal that doesn't have a home.  Even every kid she sees if she watches SUPER NANNY!  "Momma, if those kids loved Jesus & their mom, they wouldn't act like that." ... all said in sheer disgust, yet saddened by the "disrespect".  

She's growing into a beautiful young lady.  Having to go through what she has, in her short life, she demonstrates the surpassable childlike faith that we're ALL commanded to have.

"Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 18:4 (Amplified Bible)

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl.... We love you.

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The kids... today  (WHERE did 7 years go?)

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The pictures of the "Ice Cream Contest" prizes!!  Can you believe it?  I obviously didn't get close enough in the picture... but it's an ice cream scoop...a Power scoop + water well... put in warm water to help with scooping... plus 12 black & white polka dotted file folders.... & a stand-up photo display.    I guess it's kinda hard to see in the pictures, but Ginny & Crystal, you'll be looking at it in person SOON!  YAY!! 

Thanks to all who "played".  I already have a contest in mind for SPRING, & I was going to post pictures of those prizes, but hubby said "NO, NO... let it be a surprise!!"   I didn't know it mattered that much to him...lol.  Men are all about a competition, I guess.... bless 'em.

OK... be on the lookout for the SPRING CONTEST....

Enjoy this sweet Valentine evening....

Be blessed..... Missy

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"Lord, help my friend to glimpse the rainbow through the tears, to see your light shining in the darkest night, & to behold your love reflected in me.  May your love be with her wherever she goes.  Amen"

Love one another deeply, from the heart.  1 Peter 1:22

Happy Valentine's Day!

  No matter what your plans include... whether extravagant or super-simple... there's just a certain "feeling" on this day. Things seem "sweeter", happier.  I love today... not only is it a special day... but it's a beautiful day out... the sun is shining.... it's a little cool, but supposed to warm up after noon. 

I was sent an e-mail earlier, & it asked to name your favorite romantic movie... well in my case, MOVIES... I couldn't pick just one....

My All-Time Favorite Romantic Movies

1.  "An Affair To Remember"

2. "Phenomenon"

3. "Pretty Woman" 

4. "The Lake House"

That was fun.  Actually, I'd forgotten about "Phenomenon" until a friend brought it up last night... I LOVED that movie!! "Some things in life just can't be explained."  (I love that)

Leave me a comment & tell me YOUR favorite romantic movie... or movieS~

Have a great day today...

"Friendship is a sweet responsibility."

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 The winners of the "Ice Cream Contest" are...

CRYSTAL and GINNY !!!

CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS!

I'm a bit behind announcing, as Jackson's been sick all week.  He's better now... but NOW I can't find the cord to my camera to upload pictures of the prizes.  WHO loses a cord?!?  It's not lost... it's in a "oh yea, there it is" place.   I'll find it.  God knows where it is... (I just wish he'd hurry & tell me.)

But for now... these are our winners... & I promise to have pictures here soon.  Girls, I'll contact you for your shipping info, or you can e-mail it to me. (Crystal, I may have yours)

 HAPPY SATURDAY!!

LOVE-- out loud & on purpose

Blessings... Missy

"The greatest sweetener of human life, is friendship."

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"Freedom. Some take it for granted. Others consider it worth dying for. Lowry Rankin knows all too well the cost of freedom, after all, his family's red brick home is the first stop on the Underground Railroad north of the Ohio River. He's seen friends beaten for the color of their skin. He's watched simple farmers make a difference. He's even risked how own life transporting escaped slaves to the next "station". But will Lowry be able to conquer his greatest fear when he's called to speak out?"

 First of all... this book literally "takes" you back to the time the author... Stephanie Reed... so incredibly portrays to the reader.... absolutely amazing.  So many emotions are experienced while reading.  I was totally enthralled throughout the entire book.  It's very humbling to realize how much we DO take our freedom for granted these days.  Join Lowry Rankin as a young boy... then follow him into young adulthood as he's faced with serious fears & moral dilemmas concerning his place in the "family business".  For me, this story of courage & compassion will not be soon forgotten... as it's carved a place in my own heart, & will definitely be added to my kids' library for when they get a little bit older, & can understand the struggles those before us faced.

I also found it so interesting to see that the author, Stephanie Reed, has a place right here at HSB! (scroll down the page the link takes you to)-  Looking over her blog almost physically takes you back in time to where this story actually took place.  Thank you, Stephanie!

This book absolutely gets TWO thumbs up from me. (because I only have TWO...lol)  A must-read for teens & pre-teens... but adults will enjoy it as well... I know I did!

A special thanks to Kregel Publishing for allowing me to read (experience) this book... &  share my thoughts~

Blessings... Missy

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Several days ago, my friend Heidi suggested that when you want to post on your blog, but really don't have anything 'insightful' to say or pass along... find a fun quiz to share... so I found this one (& happen to LOVE ice cream)...  

Here's what we can do to make it REALLY fun....... If you take the quiz, post it on your blog, OR just come here & leave me a comment, I'll put all of the names that comment in a hat, & draw a winner! (maybe even TWO winners!)  I don't know what the prize is yet because it's almost midnight & this idea JUST NOW struck me... BUT, I think I can be trusted to give a pretty good "prize"... (I have a list of references...lol)   It'll be fun... & now I'm excited!  Ice cream AND prizes... what's better!  When I figure out the actual prize(s)... I'll post it here......We'll do the drawing on Monday, Feb. 4.... How fun!

Blessings... Have a great Tuesday!

"Open your mouth & taste,  open your eyes & see-- How good God is.  Blessed are you who run to Him."  Psalm 34:8 (The Message)

You Are Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

You are kind, popular, and generous. You tend to be successful at anything you try. A social butterfly, you are great at entertaining a crowd. You are most compatible with strawberry ice cream.

Ice Cream Quiz

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My blog seems to be suffering severe neglect for some reason.  I think it's because it's a new year... we've added a few things to our school studies... & the spring-like weather we've been getting completely throws me off.    Ok, do ANY of those sound like a good excuse?? (I didn't think so, either)

Besides changing their Writing courses up a little, we've added full-on Astronomy, & Civics (they LOVE that).  I'm SO thankful to be able to homeschool.  My kids seem to want to "learn it all"... RIGHT NOW!  The reasoning behind "it's not on your grade level yet" doesn't phase them in the least.... & for that, I'm truly grateful.  At times, it can be daunting... slightly overwhelming... but at the end of the day, I'm aware of, & at complete peace with, what those two little sponges of mine "soaked up."

Happy Tuesday~

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My sweet aunt sent this to me today in my e-mail.  There are so many lists for this, that, or whatever... mostly speculations that stem from worldly opinions.  It's good to see a 'list' that's literal... never failing... a constant source of comfort in our lives. 

 TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2008
 
 1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
 2. Prayer will still work.
 3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
 4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
 6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
 8. There will still be room at the Cross.
 9. Jesus will still love you.
 10. Jesus will still save the lost.
 
 God Bless: Happy New Year!!

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Here we are... the last day of yet another year... seems impossible.  As we look to the future, we may wonder, Could this be the year of Christ's return?  If so, we will experience for the first time what it feels like to be pure & blameless.  You will see your loved one walk without a limp.  You will witness the stroke survivor walk without his cane.  You will know family members & friends as God intended them to be all along, their best attributes shining brightly, & their worst traits gone with the wind.  No confused thoughts, no mental illness, no Alzheimer's disease.

You will see what lessons the angels & demons learned about God from observing Him at work in you or a family member as you struggled thru different trials & sufferings in your life.  You will stand amazed at how your perseverence thru pain sent repercussions rumbling thru the lives of people you never knew were watching.  You will be awestruck to see how your endurance thru hardship forced others you hardly even knew to make tough decisions about God & suffering. 

HOW AMAZING WILL THAT BE!?

No matter what our tomorrows hold... we must continue to press on... hold fast to Him who holds our future. Every tear will be wiped away.  Let this fact encourage you for the weeks & months ahead.  Commit to deepen your walk with Jesus Christ in the new year, preserving for yourself  "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you."  (1 Peter 1:4)

Wishing you genuine peace, hope, & love in 2008~

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"Like butterflies, little girls

need no excuse."

My sweet girl.  The last thing I remember, is her getting ready for her bubblebath, coming into the living area where I was, wrapped in a towel, & hearing, "Mom, how old do I have to be before I shave??"   Me: "What are you going to shave, honey?"  Her:  "I dunno!"  Me:  "Then you're not old enough."  Fast-forward a day... last night, my neice Hannah, wanted to take some pictures of her... with her new haircut (that already needs trimmed)... So they did the hairstyling thing... Hannah took some pictures... & I STILL didn't notice!  Only when she walked right up to my face... did I notice... if you'll take a good look at her eyebrows... the one on your left.... you'll see that she was only asking me about shaving as a "reference".... maybe....???  She took the "You're not old enough." as a suggestion... not a "Because-Mom-said-so" command.  OMGosh, I have to admit, I laughed so hard... I just couldn't help it.... I mean, really, WHADDYA DO at this point!?  She did NOT love us laughing at/with her.  So I had to tell her about a time when Mommy did something crazy (stupid) like that when she was young... & yes, it had to do with my eyebrows.    I explained to her how there are ways to take care of her eyebrows.... & they don't include a razor.  I didn't go into the fact that those ways DO include skin-ripping-hot-wax & a strip of cloth, & for about 10 seconds after the removal of the fabric, wax, & undesired brow, you see green and yellow spots... & can't take deep breaths.  No, I didn't go into such detail... although, she's seen me have it done a few times.  I even went as far as to tell her to never ever try to "trim" her eyelashes... NEVER.  She has the prettiest eyelashes.  My mom (her Nanny) has always said they look like fur... when you're closer, you can really tell.  My little girl.... just "trying something new"... lol.  It could've been worse, I know.  This is her first experiment (besides the hair she cut when she was much younger)... & I'm sure it won't be her last.  Bottom line:  She's growing up... & it KILLS ME!    Every day... I think to myself, "Cherish every moment..."  Try as I might,  they won't last forever...  Kennedy's eyebrow will undoubtedly grow back... but the way I "handled it", will forever last in her little mind.

 It is the sweet, simple things of life, which are the real ones after all. ----Laura Ingalls Wilder

Not sure if she's checking out her new shirt from Nanny (their shopping trip)... her lipgloss... her hair... or her eyebrows.... this was still before I knew...

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Today... was an interesting day.  Well, it definitely started off interesting.  "Katie", our kitty, had an appointment to be spayed & de-clawed this morning.  SO... Kevin took her in on his way to work.  They checked her in... told Kevin we could pick her up in the morning... he loved on her... said his 'goodbyes'... assured her we'd be back tomorrow... & was on his way... out of town, actually, to work.  He said about 30 minutes after he left, his phone rang.  It was the vet.  As it turns out... Katie... ISN'T FEMALE!!!   OMGosh... he thought that was just THE funniest thing!  He called me... laughing so hard.  In reality, we never did check to see if it was M or F.  When Kennedy found HIM in the fence on my parents' land, HE had on a pink collar... so I guess we just assumed it was a girl.  I don't know how to tell...on a cat.  Kevin does, but we never even thought about it really.  Well, NOW WE KNOW!  NEVER ASSUME!   I told the kids.... they laughed so hard.... I was laughing at THEM... they're so funny.  SO, we decided we need to keep the name close to what it is since HE knows & responds to his name so well.  Kennedy wants Kaden... Jackson wants Kasey... we've not decided.  We're just ready for him to be home.  He'll need extra TLC after being neutered AND de-clawed (ouch).

A few of my friends on the message board I'm a part of,  said the very same thing has happened to them, & that it's more common than we know.  It's still a weird feeling to me...lol.  We love him so much.... & thinking about some of his "ways"... yes, being male 'fits' him.  He sleeps on top of Cocoa's (guinea pig) cage when she's here in the living area with us... as if he's protecting her.  Very sweet. 

No matter what... He's a "gift" we've been blessed with... a MALE gift...  & we love him.

Have a great weekend... Missy

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If you've read or listened to NOTHING else on my blog... you MUST listen to this clip.  It's a 12 yr. old boy named Logan... calling in to a christian radio station.  It isn't a long conversation, but this 12 yr. old boy seems wise beyond his years..... AMAZING!  So many times, I receive things in my email, & I just automatically delete it... sometimes out of frustration from receiving the same thing over & over... sometimes because I just don't want to take the time to read it... but today, something told me to open this one... & I'm so glad I did.

  You know, as Christmas gets closer, I can't help but think of things I miss... those I've lost.  I never really ask God "Why"... but I'll admit, I sometimes wonder "What if...".  "What IF Jeremey was here for Christmas to see the kids open their gifts.... hear them read Christmas stories, & take part in all the memories we've made & will make."... "What IF he could see how big they've gotten."...  "What IF I had more time, if only a day, with him." .... I've learned that you can "What if" yourself into a frenzy... & I choose not to do that very often.  Sometimes it just happens, & it's those times I'm reminded that God had a plan then.... & He has a plan now.   A perfectly orchestrated plan... & none of my "What if"s have a part in the presentation.... & He's NEVER asked my help in editing the script.

       And so... I trust Him. 

As Logan says in the clip, "God understands..."      

SkyAngelCowboy

  God's voice thunders in wonderful ways.
      We'll never understand the great things he does. 

Job 37:5

Be blessed..... Missy

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It came today... my first book to review for Kregel Publications.  I'm so excited... no one's ever wanted my opinion on purpose... lol... ok, maybe they have, but I LOVE TO READ & almost ALWAYS have a strong opinion concerning the book I'm reading. 

  -The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin is a beacon—the first northern stop on the Underground Railroad. Across the Ohio River in Kentucky, every slave knows to look for it. They have heard that if they reach that house, they will never be captured. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the selfless sacrifices one Christian family made to help runaway slaves reach freedom.-

I'm anxious to get started... but didn't think it a good idea to start right in the middle of dinner.   Check back soon for the review....

Hey... I just noticed Heidi has a new contest on her blog sponsored by Homeschool Estore... The 12 Blogs Of Christmas... How fun!  Go over & check it out-

Happy Thursday!

Missy~

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During the darkest hours of a challenge, sometimes I feel as if it will take a miracle to bring light back into my life.  Yet I know that the dark of night is only the prelude to the beginning of a new day & the return of warmth & brightness.

I know this is true because God has created a world of order & balance.  I trust His order to provide a balance of night & day, of rest & renewal for all life on earth.  So when events in my life look hopeless, I have faith that a new dawn will come- a new day of endless possibilities.

My faith is in God.  Even when I cannot see the bigger picture- why something is happening- I trust God to guide me each step of the way.  I know He will not fail to restore order & balance in my life.

"He touched their eyes & said, 'According to your faith let it be done to you.'  And their eyes were opened." -- Matthew 9: 29-30

The warm glow of a candle is a comfort to me.  I LOVE candles!  If you stop & think about it, it's a reminder of the eternal light of God that is in everyone- everwhere in the world.

So if I'm struggling to make sense of a situation or to understand why someone said or did something that was hurtful to me- I remember that the light of God is shining in me.  His light brings me comfort & peace.  The light of God is always inside me, but it's up to me to let it shine into my thoughts & my life.

God will never fail me, for His light leads me step by step, moment by moment through every challenge, every achievement, every opportunity of life.

"You led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way in which they should go." -- Nehemiah 9:12

Sometimes right now... ok, MOST of the time in my life right now... during this "uncertainty" (or whatever it's called)... To me, the most CERTAIN thing for MY life, is to be sure that the light of God shines in & through my thoughts & my life.  We each one touch the lives of other people.  As we live our lives each day, we make choices that touch others in powerful & meaningful ways.  God gives us the freedom to make our choices & to make them lovingly & compassionately--- as His family.  We don't know every person that sees us, that's watching our actions & reactions to circumstances in our lives. 

Many times... we're the ONLY Jesus they may ever see.