Rain, one way or another!

Tues, our Governor held a prayer service on the state capital to pray for rain, because Ga is VERY dry. I have some friends in the ministry in Atlanta, and they said Perdue was being given a very hard time, which I have seen some of that on the news.

IT RAINED! From what I understand, there was no rain in the forecast, and we didn't get much yet, but God will not be mocked! He will show the people His power and His goodness! I love it!!!!!

Now, on a side note, I believe that until the people truly repent, and fall on their faces before our all Holy God, we will stay in this drought. We need the Spirit to rain down on us in a way that will far surpass the wetting of a physical rain.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Perfect Grace video!

Here is a video I uploaded of one of my absolute favorites that my wonderful husband quartet sings. Please listen and enjoy!

Lisa has another great one

This time it is the great Beth Moore!!!!

Go HERE To enter!

A great NERD girl giveaway!

Another great one from Lisa at The Preacher's Wife. HERE is the link. You can enter it, but I am praying to win, so you can also help me pray, lol.

Wonderful Giveaway!!!

The Preacher's Wife has a great giveaway! Sign up HERE!!!!

While you are there, read around a bit! Lisa has some great stuff!

They are missing out?

We recently changed churches. We love our new church, but there is a larger youth group. I guess that is a good thing, but the kids are "pressuring" my kids to go to public school. They keep telling them everything they are missing out on. Aaron, 13, and Holly, almost 12, keep mentioning school, like maybe they are interested. Now, not trying to brag, but I have great kids. They have wonderful manners, they are courteous of others, and I feel they still have an innocence about them. So, what are they missing? They are missing drugs, they are missing pressure to wear inappropriate clothing, they are missing seeing class mates pregnant, they are missing fool language at the table, etc. What they are not missing is, their manners, their ability to relate to others, their compassion, their God in their everyday life, an education that is not interrupted by class mates (well, not usually, lol), time at home, time in the Word, peer pressure, and this list can go on. I know the kids are missing out on the "typical" childhood experiences, Praise The Lord! I am so thankful that I have the opportunity and the ability to be able to do this. We could be so much more financially stable if I was working, but I would rather be broke, pinch pennies, and force my kids to miss out!

Self revelation.......

or something like that. I have been in an emotional mess for a few weeks now. I wasn't necessarily blaming it on my husband, but I felt like our battles were due to things he is going through. I have been doing a lot of praying for him, and for myself. But praying to be a more supportive wife, and that type thing. Well, the other night we were having a conversation/argument over our problems. I was listening, but not listening if that makes sense. He kept saying that there was no love there, not husband and wife love, but mutual friendship and respect (sometimes) love. I kept saying he was wrong, that I do this this and this because I love him, he said no, I do it because I want things to be smooth between us and him not be mad. I even went as far to ask him what difference it made. He said because he wanted me to do all those things out of love. I got it, but I was thinking he was not completely right.

The next morning, I was really thinking about it and it hit me. I do everything in my life to make people happy and keep them from being upset. That isn't right, I should do it because I love them. Growing up, I had a need to always please my mother, so I did what I could to keep her from being "disappointed" in me. As a grown up, my mom still controls my emotions and I am still trying to keep her from being mad. Well, Michael has a very strong personality, and I have transferred that feeling I had growing up to our marriage. I keep the house clean, the clothes washed, supper cooked, etc so he doesn't get upset it isn't done. And it shows in my attitude/actions that I am dong it for the wrong reasons.

Now for the hard part, I have to figure out how to completely change my thinking into doing it for the right reasons. I know I love Michael, he doesn't think so because he sees "duty" in everything I do. But it is so overwhelming to think about how to change so he can see that I love him. I know this is something I completely have to work out with Jesus and myself. But it is scary to think that I am destroying the possibility of a good marriage because I am stuck in a cycle of "trying to make others happy".

Right now tho, everything is good. We are both trying to pay more attention to each other, and I feel God's peace in our marriage. I know God wants us to make it, so I am trusting Him to help us through this.

Book Giveaway!

I just signed up for a great book giveaway! Here. The book, His Loving Law, Our Lasting Legacy: Living the Ten Commandments and Giving Them to Our Children, by Jani Ortlund, sounds awesome!

14 years!!!

Today is mine and my husband's 14 year annivesary! Wow, it has been quite an eventful 14 years. But I wouldn't trade it. Not even the bad times. And there are a whole more good times. We have had 4 kids, we have moved a bunch, we have grown up, together. The Lord has done a lot of work in our lives the last 14 years also. Myself, and my 3 oldest kids have recieved salvation. That is miraculous. It was my husabnd who intorduced me to the true gospel of Christ. For that alone, he is the best thing that happened to me. I can't wait to see what the next 14 years has in store. I truly believe the Lord has a mighty work for us! I thank God daily for the wonderful man he gave me.

Revival Fire Fall

We are having revival this week at church. Bro Ben has been doing a wonderful job getting us ready. We are striving for personal revival. He described revival as "Not when the top blows off, but when the bottom drops out." I didn't understand at first. I am learning quick. I am really concentrating on my prayer life, unrepented sin, and complete focus on Jesus. It was great, because our Beth Moore study last night focused on Prayer. It was such an inspiration. I am loving that too. I am also reading, and following closely I might add, a great book "Returning to Holiness" by Dr Gregory Frizzel. It is pointing out the sins that keep us from Jesus. The things you don't realize are sin is very humbling. But the feeling of repenting for all those sins and being free from them is miraculous. This week will be the great start of a new me!

As we lift up Your name

Let Your fire fall

Send Your wind and Your rain

On Your wings of love
As we lift up Your name

Let Your kingdom come

Have Your way in this place

Let Your will be done
Pour out from Heaven

Your passion and presenceBring down

Your burning desire
Revival fire fallRevival fire fall

Fall on us here

With the power of Your Spirit Father, let revival fire fall
Revival fire fall

Revival fire fall

Let the flame consume us

With hearts ablaze for JesusFather, let revival fire fall

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Don't let Satan get your goat!

The last week or so has been awful. You know why? I let it be. I was self consumed with problems, mainly my husband's but I took them as mine. In that self consuming "worry", I took my eyes off Jesus and looked on my husband. I prayed almost constantly for Michael. I worried, I cried, I felt sorry for myself because he was having problems. In a way, I committed Idolatry. I put someone else before God. But I did it is such a way that I couldn't see it. I mean, I was praying for him. I was pleading his case, 15 times a day for him to God. And, it wasn't working, I was sinking deeper in. Well, I was talking to a precious friend, and she said something it the effect of, "Don't let Satan know where you have tied your goat." Huh? Think about it, it took me a second. My husband was my goat. I was not focusing on Jesus, because I was focusing on Michael, and I allowed Satan to get my goat. I was letting him affect my whole family, because I let him get me. Now, Michael is still in a mess. But I am not. I know that God will pull Michael up out of this pit, only when God is ready. But I don't have to jump in the pit with him. I quit telling God what Michael needs in my prayers, I bet God really hated that. Now, I am praying that God can help me keep my eyes on Him, and be the wife I need to be to help Michael through this. But I am helpless to do anything else. I am sure, I will falter on this. I have been of and on, even once realization hit. But at least now, I recognize the falter, and immediately try to focus on Jesus. Isn't it amazing how we let problems get to us, even when we think "I prayed, I gave it to Jesus." If you truly give it to Jesus, than you continue to look to him to help you, not back at the problem. When you are looking at the problem, you are allowing Satan to get your goat.

There is a reason

for the way things happen. I just wish it was more clear cut. I feel like there must be some wonderful things in store for my family, because Satan is trying so hard to destroy what God is building. When I look at things this way, I can have hope. Because when I look at the facts, I feel dismal. But I have to remember, God is good. And God is in control. But it is up to us to keep him in control, because when we try to control it ourselves, we go in the other direction. I looked up some versed on stress and worry yesterday. And the repeated fact was, Give it to God. But oh my that is hard. And not because we want to fix it, because we don't know how.......but because we want to have something to stress over, lol. I was letting the worriesome things over power me, and I asked, "What do I do?" and all of a sudden, the words to a song my husbands group sings went through my head........

I must cry out to my Lord today
I must cry out, when he passes my way.
He will answer when I call
He'll meet my needs, tho great or small.
I must trust and not doubt,
I must cry out.

1st day of school..........

Today is crazy! I have a husband still battling a dentist, a cell phone, and just general stuff that I seem to have to do. Plus, we are starting school. ANd since I have delayed, I had nothing organized. So, we are organizing notebooks, taking placement tests, getting familiar with new books all while I am trying to clean the house, deal with husband stuff, and try not to go crazy! But you not what, I love it. I love feeling like a have a purpose. I love hearing my kids ask to help because they need an explanation. I even love the question, "Mom, I am through! What do I do next?". I love knowing that I am truly making a difference in their lives. That I am helping them with who they are going to become, and these kids are going to be something special! I love getting to see that, not someone who might truly appreciate them getting to see it, if she notices and then sending them home with so much homework that I can't appreciate them, ;-P. In other words, I love homeschooling! I still need to get books, but I am still teaching my children! My house is feeling right today!

I will update in a month, bet my attitude won't be so happy then! lol

This video says it all............

Prayers needed!

My husband is having a really bad time with his teeth. He has had infection for at least 4 weeks now, and after 3 rounds of antibiotics, it isn't clearing up. He has a very important sing this weekend. It is at our home church for Homecoming, and it is also the pastor and his wife's last month there. The pastor's wife is one of my dearest friends, so I want their last homecoming to be special, and I want her to hear him sing at least once. So, I want him to be able to sing. He can't if his mouth is still like it is today, and he won't if he has to have his front teeth pulled. So, please pray that God can help him. Ease the pain, take away the infection, or find a solution that doesn't involve losing his front teeth. We don't have the money to pay to have them fixed right now, but I know God can figure it out for us, so please pray that his mind and his pain can be lifted.

Thanks so much!

I feel like I need to post..............

but I don't know what. lol I have been taking this week, and trying to concentrate more on my family. I haven't done anything special, so I haven't done a good job. But I am trying to teach myself how to make a happy home. You know, one where the mom's most used comment is not "You are fixing to make me lose it." Gee, do you know how many times I say this or a version of this to my kids. It is either making them feel bad about themselves, or like their mom is extremely unstable and they should be scared of me. They have nothing to fear from me, at least most of the time. I am all bark, and very little bite. They do know this, I guess that is why that statement is made so much by me. But, it seems the more I stress over this, the more often I am thinking that I am going to lose it, or the more I am incapable of dealing with things. I have subconsciously convinced myself I am unstable. What kind of strong, self confident kids can I raise, it they are convinces I am a "loony person". So, I am going to seriously pay more attention to what comments I use while dealing with kids. Ok, my mind rambled a mile a minute while I was typing this, so just ignore it, it is literally my thoughts that are coming to me as I type, and they might only make sense to me. (Like most of my thoughts, lol)

More than we can handle

You know the saying, "The Lord never gives us more than we can handle." Someone tells you that during a hard time, and your come back is inevitably, "Wow, the Lord thinks I am very strong." That is so much bull. The Lord constantly gives us more than we can handle. I realized this today when I was feeling so overwhelmed, like I was fixing to break. He can let the problems pile up, just to see what you can handle. Because eventually we will quit handling them, and realize that "The Lord never gives us more than HE can handle!" Praise the Lord, he is so good. He wants to handle our problems for us, He is just waiting for us to ask, for us to come to the end of our flesh, and lay them at the cross. So right now, I am thanking God for my lack of ability to handle life's problems, because I once again can rejoice in God, for handling them for me.

Follow up to this mornings post....I hope!

Thanks Kellyque at Three Hearts for Home for reminding me about this clever take on a not so clever song!

Such a peaceful sound!

Yesterday, I finally had a quiet moment so I went in my room, stretched across my bed, and started my homework for my Beth Moore study of Daniel. She had me flipping through my bible looking for a verse in Isaiah. And while doing this, I thought, I love the sound of Bible pages being turned. I have a Scofield KJV, it was a present from my husband when I converted from mormonism to Christianity. I love my Bible, it is probably the best and most heart felt gift I have ever been given. I also love to flip through the pages very quickly and hear the way they rustle. I can not think of any other book with pages like most Bibles pages are. It is a distinct sound and it is a blessed sound. I remember all the time in church when Bro Ben tells us to find a certain verse, the church is filled with that distinct sound. It is the sound of knowledge being sought for and learned. I hope that everyday I can hear that sound from my own house, from myself and my family. How much more peaceful my house would be, if it was filled with that sound. And I wish that same peaceful sound in all of your homes.

I just added a new song

I just added a recording of Perfect Grace, with the wonderful Michael singing bass with them. I can't wait fro them to get a whole cd with him. I love the change I have seen in him since he has been singing for the Lord, and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things the Lord has in store for him!

This is where you put the title.......

but I can't think of one.

Yesterday was a bad day, but it got better. Or I got better, one. I prayed, and God lifted my worries and hurts off my shoulder, and because of that, my attitude improved. And because of that, someone else's attitude improved. I thank God for that, because if he hadn't helped me get over my problems, I would have stayed in a "fit" and the whole house would have been affected. But, I was nice and able to honestly be in a good mood, and the hurts were healed. And I believe some hurts can be healed that easy. If you don't dwell, and you let God take it, you can be okay. But I see how so many people can't except that. They say that you are weak or blind for not staying mad. If your husband is hateful in a fit of anger, you should divorce him immediately because he is abusive. Aren't we all abusive in our own way? Don't we all do things, when we are walking in our flesh that injure others? After thinking about it, don't we all hope the other party doesn't hold on to that anger, because we didn't really mean it? (ok, I am rambling...you can stop reading now, it's ok.) That is where giving it to God comes in. He has such strong shoulders. He can bear our burdens for us, He wants to. He can heal our wounds, He can forgive others for us, when we can't. Wouldn't this world be such a better place if we could all learn to let God take care of our hurts? Instead, we lash out, we divorce our husbands, we stop talking to friends and/or family. I hope I never forget the lesson I learned yesterday. I know it won't always be easy, but I know if I remember to let God have it, I will be a lot more peaceful in my life.

I love music!!!

I remember growing up, my dad had a fit when I listened to Madonna. He said music effect you, I said, "No, dad. It doesn't change who I am, it's just a song." But oh, now being a grown up, I see it does. When you listen to music that is constantly talking about going to Da club, or being All jacked up........it seeps in somewhere and you eventual think that behaviour is ok because you have let it in to your life. I am trying to teach my children this, wish me luck!

I start almost everyday with a song in my head. Since Michael started singing with Perfect Grace, I have been singing a lot of their songs. I love the Christian music movement that is going on right now. Where I live, we can get 2 or 3 different contemporary Christian radio stations. Unfortunately, they don't play southern gospel,:( which is my favorite listening to music right now. But I love having a song about Jesus in my head all the time. It lifts up my spirits and it is very encouraging. So, I am going to post the lyrics to one of the songs that is currently going through my head! If I get the time, I might even figure out how to put it on here. :)

MY FOOT'S ON THE ROCK
Recorded by: The McKameys on Tennessee Live
Copyright 1984 The Eddie Crook Co.

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1. I started out to win this race
To serve the Lord and to look upon His face.
But the way's been long and the way's been rough,
But there's one thing for certain, I've got my mind made up.
CHORUS:

I've got my foot on the Rock and my mind's made up.
Though I walk through the lonely valley, though I drink from the bitter cup.
When the devil comes a-knockin' showin' me an easier way,
I stand right square on my feet, I throw my head in the air,
I look him straight in the eye, I say, my foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!

2. Now Job was a man who was tempted in every way,
The devil took his family, he lay sick night and day.
His wife she came a-sayin', "Curse God, you've had enough!"
He said, "You talk like a foolish woman, I've got my mind made up."

CHORUS:

3. The devil he will tempt you and fill your way with strife,
He'll make you sick in body, even try to take your life.
Just put your trust in Jesus and say, "Lord, I've had enough."
The Lord will say, "Move on, Satan, he's got his mind made up."

CHORUS:



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Joy!!!!

I found this quote from Beth Moore in a study of hers I am doing, and I love it. I want to make a big sign and hang it on my fridge.

I choose joy. I may not feel it, but God has appropriated it and I choose it.

You know how many times I walk around miserable, feeling sorry for myself because nothing is going right in my eyes, when I could be choosing joy. I tried that earlier, just said forget all these problems, I will be joyful in spite of them.......then my 13 year old was having a stupid argument with my 4 year old. I starting getting mad, then remembered that God has appropriated me joy, and I nicely explained to Aaron, he dropped himself to Luke's level by arguing with him, and they quit. So, I have to work on this concept, but I will. And when I don't feel it, I will still choose it.

Wish me luck!

How is your prayer path?

I have heard a similar story from two different sources, and it has made an impact on my thinking. In some villages in Africa that missionaries have brought Christianity to, they pray behind their huts. So there is a defined "prayer path" leading behind their hut. So, their fellow Christians know when they aren't praying because of the overgrowth on their prayer paths.

If only we had a clear defined prayer path! But you know what, in so many ways we do. So often, I pray for the things that I feel are important and not just pray. I pray to change myself, or help others, but it is always what is going on then. I don't spend time just talking to God about long term things. And it shows. When I do take the time, I can see a difference in my attitude. But when I am quick to tell God what I need, and then rush off to my day, my life starts falling apart. (Maybe that is a little dramatic, but I am sure you understand) My prayer path is overgrowing. If people looked closely at me, they would see the briars and brambles across my prayer path. It might not be as easy as in the village in Africa, but we walk around showing how defined our paths are. I want to maintain a clear and smooth prayer path. You know, snakes live in undergrowth and in briars, why would I want to invite them in when I have such a clear way to keep them out.

My goal is to have a smooth prayer path. One without briars and snakes. I challenge all of you to keep your prayer paths clear also. Oh, the difference it will make in our lives!

Today is a new day!

I am so sorry for my pity party yesterday! But today is a new day, I will start it "afresh and anew." Is that a quote from the Bible somewhere? Anyway, part of my dear husband's problem is severe infection in his tooth/teeth. I didn't realize it was as bad as it was till last night. He is so miserable. His face is swollen and it is sending nerve pain up the side if his head and down his neck. So please pray that the Lord will lift the infection right out of him. Michael has been so stressed lately, I think this might be a way of grounding him some, but he is really scared that he will have to lose the tooth.

Now, to my dealings. I have made a list of certain rooms to clean everyday, so that the house will be thoroughly cleaned every week. Of course, the dishes and vacuuming is an everyday job. But just the extras and the deep cleaning that needs to be done regularly. So far, so good. OF course it is the first week still! lol I am wanting us to get a good fix on the cleaning routine before we start the school routine. I have never been one for routines, but with me homeschooling 4 kids this year, and trying to be more of a Proverbs 31 women, I figure it is time to be a routine follower. Anyone who actually reads this, and has any tips on routines/schedules, please let me know. *note-I do not want a schedule that rules my day, simply an idea to follow*

OK, now, off to finish the cabinets that didn't get finished yesterday! Hope everyone else has a blessed day and again, sorry for my pity party yesterday!

Nothing Prophetic............

I just need to ramble.

I am starting to slide into a misery, self-pity thing. I have got to snap my self out. I tried prayer, maybe I need to try again. There is just so much, yet so little going on around here. IT seems like every time we think things are looking up, they quickly fall. Even when we are convinced we are following God's will. And, just to clarify myself, I don't expect things to be perfect, but I was hoping that the turmoil and aggravation of my life would ease up some. I have so many personal building goals to work on, but then things start to fall apart around me, namely my husband starts slipping into one of his moods, and I put myself aside and worry about him. Then, the adversary steps in and makes me feel like no one cares about me. Which in some ways are true. For example, some days (most days) I feel my only value is the house cleaning, and kids caring for and as long as I do that, listen to Michael talk about his thoughts, I am being the perfect wife. Well, I am not a neat freak. My house is clean, but not spotless.......some days clean might even be stretching it. The part others see stays pretty clean. It is my bedroom and that type stuff that I falter on. But I get in these moods, and honestly it is only after Michael gets in a mood and expresses how "sorry" of a housekeeper I am, that I feel useless and not "loved". I know he loves me, and I know to over look these moods, but that doesn't mean I can. And when he has so much going on where his mind is running 90 to nothing, I need to be so much more supportive, and I try.......but I always fail. Do you know why? Because I am not perfect, but that is just a way of excusing inadequacies. (See, I said I was rambling) So, what else can I do, try harder to clean and always smile and be supportive? When does some one support me? When does someone get up earlier then they want and go to the store to get me coffee mate because I am out? It doesn't happen. But, I can get up 3 hours early, to go get Mt Dew so that they will be cold before he gets up. I do it gladly, because I love taking care of him........I just want some one to think about me that way, ya know, that way where they would do anything to make sure I was happy. I am mostly adjusted to the fact, it will never happen. But every once is a while, thanks to the evil one putting thoughts in my head, I get so sad and so lonely feeling when I think about "me".

Now, all that being said. I know I should never think about me first. I don't usually really, but I am trying so hard to be a better, more loving, person that I feel inadequate when I don't do it all right. So, I will go now, pray, read a little of His Word, and get over my pity party. (I hope!)

School!

We home-school! I love it. The kids mostly love it. On an occasional day, they decide they hate it, but they are kids so it doesn't bother me one bit! So, I am trying to get our books together, we are still a few short, but God has helped me get a bunch that I wouldn't have had. I have been praying that God will help me get the books. We don't' have any extra income so I was a little worried. And He has come through with a few. But this year, I am trying to really concentrate on school more. Not just the basics, but extras. I am doing Bible. We are going to do that daily. They are suppose to read it daily, but that doesn't always happen, so I am trying to find a chart or something for them to hang on the wall and mark off what they read. I am thinking that kind of visual will help. (Wonder if it will help me?) My kids are all blessed with above average intelligence. That makes my job easier, but I need to figure out how to challenge them with extras. I am wanting to to do service projects also. I am determined to make this the best school year ever. I am even thinking of making a chart with a schedule on it..................I have never stuck to a schedule in my life. But, it is time to do things the right way, not the Robyn way! Pray for me, I will need it!

AAAAAAhhhhhh! (That is me screaming!)

I swear, for me to be a grown up, I have extreme responsibility issues. Oh, I do the important things, the kids are taken care of. But I am always forgetting appointments and what not. Well, I just got bit in the bootie on that one. I had an appointment to get sealants put on my kids teeth. I evidently missed 2 appointments, so they are refusing to reschedule me. I about started crying. Partly because I had messed up, and then partly because the women was not being nice about it. (I actually did get that shaky voice) Then, I call to find out when my husband's Dr was going to be in, she only is there a couple days a week........she has changed her schedule and I missed the late day. (today) But, if I had called last week, I would know these things and we would not have missed it. I feel like I am my own worst enemy so much of the time. I cause so many of my problems through irresponsibility. I can't change those instances right now, but I am still all stressed out about it. I have got to learn to do things when they need to get done, and then this wouldn't happen.

I am always harping on the kids to do certain things, I don't do have of them myself. What kind of example am I being. Do as I say, not as I do.......that isn't the mom I want to be. So, I guess I have a lot of "learning" to do myself. But it is so overwhelming when I think of all my areas that need improvement. So, I shall sit and ponder what needs the most work, and try for an improvement. I can do it, it might be slow moving (I am a procrastinator) but I will get it changed.

Wonderful Weekend!

It was so great taking the kids to see Michael sing. The group is great, all 4 of them. They are truly annointed, esp on stage. Michael's granny was able to come to last night's show. She was so happy. She has been pretty sick, so she went down to the alter, and some of us prayed for her. That was a blessing to me as much as listening to the music. Being there and listening to the words, plus seeing my sweetie up there singing, really put me in a great frame of mind to start the week. I am determined to be kind in my kids corrections and to uplift them and encourage them to know Jesus, not just be good this week. I am going to try my hardest to not be uplifting to my husband too. This is such a change for him, and I know......whether he admits it or not.....he needs me to support him and uplift him. In all things! So, with all this on my plate, lets just say I will be praying a lot this week! Because I imagine Jesus is the only one who can do all these things, lol.

I hope you all have a great week. Remember, through the Lord, you can do everything!

So much in my head!

It is scary! I am so excited for tonight. The kids are also excited, which is great, since at least Holly is not a fan of Southern Gospel. But of course, she is going through a secular music phase, I am trying to get her out of it. It is kind of a top 40 thing, but the music is not appropriate for an 11 year old girl. Then, my 2 oldest sons are wanting to play and read all the war craft and those type games. I am also trying to get them out of it. I don't want to ban them from it, because then it is my decision. I want them, through prayer and God's word, to chose him and not chose the world. If it ever got to bad, of course I would put my foot down, but I am really trying to let it be there decision. I try to use certain scriptures and what not. The funny thing is, I use Harry Potter and the war type games as an example all the time, but it is has just recently hit me, Pokemon is just as bad. Now, if my boys had to give up there Pokemon games, they would be devastated. That being said, they need to chose God. To some Christians all the isn't a big deal, I am on the fence, in moderation I sometimes feel it is OK, because it isn't real people and such. But I also know that even in a cartoon form, they still are not doing God's will. lol Okay, I am rambling, this was just on my mind, so I figured I would try to type it out. Kind of like trouble shooting on the puter.

This weekend is going to be good!

My husband has recently joined a southern gospel quartet. Well, this weekend they have 2 performances, and both of them are close enough for me and the kids to go. We were talking last night, and he said that he was excited for this weekend, that he had felt the Lord moving in him in such a way this week. He was praying that someone could be saved and how that would make the whole thing perfect. My heart swells when I hear this. He is such a good man, and is finally letting his God given talents to share God's word. I love that man!!!!!

Anxiety........oh my!

You know, anxiety is such an evil thing. It strips us of the peace that Jesus puts in our hearts! There are so many Bible verses that tell us not to be anxious, that God will take care of us, but the human side of us will ignore that every time! Mine is not as much physical anxiety as it personal stuff. I worry about the things I do to affect others. Did my actions here hurt my children, did I ignore something important to my husband. I spend so much time worrying about how I treat others, I concentrate on that then I do just doing the things I should. I worry so much that I have made him mad, that I make him mad because of the way I act. I can usually turn the monetary things over to God pretty easily, the personal things, I keep taking back. So, that is anxiety for the day.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

If you can't say anything nice.............

don't say anything at all!

This is one of the hardest things to live by. When you say it to your kids, you are referring to name calling and "fussing" at each other. But how often do we as grown ups, not follow that. How often do we say things that tear down others without even realizing it. A very wise and dear lady told me the other day, if I can't say anything uplifting, to be quiet. Wow! That really is hard. And not just when hubby and I are arguing, which I realize we might not ever do if I followed this rule, but in general conversation. Mentioning an old friend who has cut off contact, or even a relative. Bringing up something that is long past. You don't, or I least I didn't, realize how much of my normal conversation with just my husband, was not uplifting to him. I almost feel like I am his worst enemy. He is trying so hard to get his life on track, and I keep disrupting it by my mouth. I won't even think about what I have probably done to my kids by not following this rule. So, that is yet another of my new life changing goals. I bet if, I can really stick to this, my household will change! I will try to keep you updated on how it works!

I am determined to make this a good week!

And everything is fighting against me. We are so very broke. I mean broker than I can make a joke about, lol. My birthday is tomorrow. I don't expect anything, but my hubby tends to always be in a bad mood on my birthday. I think it is because we seem to always be broke and he feels bad for not doing anything for me. But being nice would be the best present ever! Our 35 inch TV is busted. That seems to be my fault. I am still uncertain on why, but I am sure I contribute to it some how.

So, to stop the pity party...........life is good despite this. We have food, we have a roof, the kids are all healthy, and my husband is doing something wonderful. I feel guilty for feeling negative about anything.

It comes back to my favorite verse, Phil 4:13 "I shall do all things through Christ, whom strengthens me". Basically, I can't do this alone, so I am giving it to Jesus, now, if I can leave it there!

It's Saturday!

Michael has quartet practice this morning, , so we (minus Holly) are all up! It is a beautiful day today! I just gave it to God to help it stay that way. I am trying to do some self working, it isn't working real well, but I am not giving up. I know it is not my place to be the perfect housewife, and I know that no matter how much more perfect I get, there will be days when it isn't "enough". But I have got to find a happy medium between where I am now and where I need to be. I keep the visible house pretty clean. But in the cupboards and closets it is scary. Those are the types of things that start wearing on the people who live in the house. They see the clutter and disorderliness and so it disrupts the orderliness of the running of the house and the spirit of those who live here.

Now, my problem is........I am a half doer, I recognize this, and can't stand it. But, I have got to start doing better. Today, I think while Michael is at practice, I am going to do a jam up job on our closet. It is the closet, laundry room, and a walk through to Michael's Den, so I bet her would appreciate it being clean! Heck, I would appreciate it being clean.

So, that is my goal for today. Alone, I can never do it, but I am banking that Jesus is a clean "freak" so he will help! (That didn't sound right, did it?)

Life is good!! (Eternal life is better!!)

That is Luke's (4) favorite song. He walks around singing that, and "My God is an Awesome God" all the time. It makes my heart sing to hear him. No, he doesn't completely understand, but he is living in a home that mostly promotes it. I say mostly, because we are human........but God loves us despite of it. And through his love, we are all striving to live more through Him.

My husband, the light of my life , has just joined a southern gospel group, Perfect Grace. I am so very happy and thanking Jesus so much for this. I know that the evil one is going to try to tear all of this apart. But I will praise God each time he does, because that means we (Michael especially) is doing a good thing. I am thankful for the example that this will set for my children. God has truly gave me such wonderful children. There is something so special about each one of them that makes me just Praise God they are "mine" and scare me that He trusts me enough to be the guiding hand behind such wonderful people.

So that is the update I have for right now. I will keep things updated better, (maybe) But, I just want you all to know, that God is so good, All the time!!!!