Hebrews 10:35-39
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
“Lord, I don’t want to miss the great adventures, you have mapped out for me by shrinking back in fear from a whole-hearted walk of faith”
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
10 years.......WOW!!
As of December 18, 2009, I have been married to my best friend for 10 years!
TEN YEARS!! WOW!! In so many ways, it seems like just yesterday.
Then again, we have been through so much, I'm not sure I even remember what life was like NOT married to him!! And MAN, do I love him!!!
I look at our wedding photos and I realize I didn't even know what love was yet. In these ten years, we have truly learned to LOVE one another!
Cause love isn't a feeling, it's a commitment to each other. A commitment that is made day in and day out! And I am committed to Lee Wood FOREVER!!! Marriage isn't easy, but it's most certainly worth all the hard work! We will not fear! We will remember our God, who is great and awesome! And we will fight for our family and our home!!(Nehemiah 4:14)
PS. Lee, you make me smile!! :)
TEN YEARS!! WOW!! In so many ways, it seems like just yesterday.
Then again, we have been through so much, I'm not sure I even remember what life was like NOT married to him!! And MAN, do I love him!!!
I look at our wedding photos and I realize I didn't even know what love was yet. In these ten years, we have truly learned to LOVE one another!
Cause love isn't a feeling, it's a commitment to each other. A commitment that is made day in and day out! And I am committed to Lee Wood FOREVER!!! Marriage isn't easy, but it's most certainly worth all the hard work! We will not fear! We will remember our God, who is great and awesome! And we will fight for our family and our home!!(Nehemiah 4:14)
PS. Lee, you make me smile!! :)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Lord, We believe........
You are "Mighty to Save"
Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Let these prayers, these cries, these tears be a "Holy Roar" and pleasing to Your ears!!
Trees of life are blooming
Your word plants the seed
And we see it growing
Your kindness leading to repentance
We see traces of deliverance
Lord, thank You for mercy
Oh, can you hear it?
It's the song of the redeemed
The pursuit of passion for the One who set us free
Oh can you hear it?
We're crying out for more
So listen to our song
It's turning into a holy roar
A holy roar
Your word plants the seed
And we see it growing
Your kindness leading to repentance
We see traces of deliverance
Lord, thank You for mercy
Oh, can you hear it?
It's the song of the redeemed
The pursuit of passion for the One who set us free
Oh can you hear it?
We're crying out for more
So listen to our song
It's turning into a holy roar
A holy roar
Rivers of renewal
Spirit whisper a revival
And send us rushing
Lord send us rushing..
Open hearts with hopes of unity
We're servants to love in lost humanity
Lord send us reaching
Oh, can you hear it?
It's the song of the redeemed
The pursuit of passion for the One who set us free
Oh can you hear it?
We're crying out for more
So listen to our song
It's turning into a holy roar
A holy roar
And we come rejoicing and singing and crying out to You Lord
Can You hear the holy roar
As we respond to Who You are and all that You have done
Lord with our lives, with all that we are
We return to You, Oh God
You are holy God
We lay down our lives, our songs, these tears, Lord
Can You hear the holy roar? These cries, these prayers...
Can You hear the holy roar? Still hear the holy roar
Spirit whisper a revival
And send us rushing
Lord send us rushing..
Open hearts with hopes of unity
We're servants to love in lost humanity
Lord send us reaching
Oh, can you hear it?
It's the song of the redeemed
The pursuit of passion for the One who set us free
Oh can you hear it?
We're crying out for more
So listen to our song
It's turning into a holy roar
A holy roar
And we come rejoicing and singing and crying out to You Lord
Can You hear the holy roar
As we respond to Who You are and all that You have done
Lord with our lives, with all that we are
We return to You, Oh God
You are holy God
We lay down our lives, our songs, these tears, Lord
Can You hear the holy roar? These cries, these prayers...
Can You hear the holy roar? Still hear the holy roar
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankfulness
My heart is filled with a sense of overwhelming thankfulness today! I have been undeservedly blessed beyond measure by a God who Created and Sustains the entire universe!
Undeservedly blessed!! I have hope, joy, peace, and assurance of a life with the Lord in heaven! God sent His only Son to die a horrific death on a painful cross, so that we could be made right with Him. His blood is all-powerful and an everlasting atonement! Thank you, Lord Jesus!
I have been blessed with almost 10 years of marriage to a wonderful man, who loves me, his children, and more importantly the Lord!
I have two little boys who are crazy, loving, sweet, ALL boy, and a joy to my life! This year Lee and I have been blessed (a blessing indescribable) to see both of these sweet treasures come to know the Lord as their Savior!
I am so thankful that I was raised in a home where my parents loved each other and showed it!
I'm thankful for a family who loves the Lord and each other! They are not only my family, but my dearest friends! Not to mention, they are some of the funniest people I know!
There are so many more extended family members, those by blood and those added to us by marriage, that I thank the Lord for continually! What would my life be like without these precious people? I love each and every one of you!
And lastly, but certainly not least, I'm so very thankful for my church family! The Lord brought us together and I'm so thankful that He did! I love each one of you! We are truly family! :)
On this day of Thanks, I am truly thankful!
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15
Happy Thanksgiving!
Undeservedly blessed!! I have hope, joy, peace, and assurance of a life with the Lord in heaven! God sent His only Son to die a horrific death on a painful cross, so that we could be made right with Him. His blood is all-powerful and an everlasting atonement! Thank you, Lord Jesus!
I have been blessed with almost 10 years of marriage to a wonderful man, who loves me, his children, and more importantly the Lord!
I have two little boys who are crazy, loving, sweet, ALL boy, and a joy to my life! This year Lee and I have been blessed (a blessing indescribable) to see both of these sweet treasures come to know the Lord as their Savior!
I am so thankful that I was raised in a home where my parents loved each other and showed it!
I'm thankful for a family who loves the Lord and each other! They are not only my family, but my dearest friends! Not to mention, they are some of the funniest people I know!
There are so many more extended family members, those by blood and those added to us by marriage, that I thank the Lord for continually! What would my life be like without these precious people? I love each and every one of you!
And lastly, but certainly not least, I'm so very thankful for my church family! The Lord brought us together and I'm so thankful that He did! I love each one of you! We are truly family! :)
On this day of Thanks, I am truly thankful!
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thank You
Thank you, Lord! Thank you for all You are and all You have done! Thank You that You are the Rock that I can run to when my heart is overwhelmed! (Psalm 61:2) Thank you that even when I don't know how to pray, You make intercession, with groanings that can not be uttered! (Romans 8:26) Thank You, Lord that You are mighty to save! That you take great delight in us, you quiet us with Your love, and You rejoice over us with singing! (Zeph. 3:17) Thank You that You ride through the clouds to help us and in Your arms we are safe! (Deut. 33:25-27) Thank You that You know us inside and out! You know our every thought even before it is and You love us still! Thank you that You hem us in before and behind, such knowledge is to wonderful for me to comprehend! (Psalm 139) I guess what I really want to say is; Thank You, for EVERYTHING!!! I am in awe of who You are!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tired of Being Busy
I'm tired!
Tired of every single day having to be somewhere! Tired of feeling like I don't have time! No time to clean my home and do laundry, or relax with a good book, or take my kids to the park, or bake and cook for my guys, or finish all the many projects I have started. Tired of continually feeling "behind" and trying to run to catch up.
I'm tired!
I got into gear to settle into cleaning my house today! I was so excited that we were going to be home with NOTHING to do, when I suddenly remembered that we have a birthday party to attend, one that can not be missed.
I'M TIRED!!!
Why? I guess it could be said that I have done this to myself. However, so much of the busy is simply(HAHA)the season of life that we are in. So much of it isn't necessarily scheduled by me, just things that we "must" attend. None of the things that are scheduled in my life are bad things, but the stress that it is putting on my spirit is almost more than I can take right now!
I'm tired!
I'm tired of being so tired of being so busy, and then having to put on an "I love this!" face and step into that event that has me so stressed out. I want to focus on where I am and what I am doing, in the moment! I really do, but I end up just thinking about what all I need to get done and catch up on! I can put on that smile and that "I'm really loving this" face for everyone else, but my family gets the "I'm so stressed out" face as soon as we get home! That's not fair! It's not fair that I do that to the three people in this world that I love the most!!
Man, I'm tired!
I'm whining, I know I am! And I'm sorry! I just really needed to get it off my chest! Sometimes simply putting all my frustrations into words, helps so much! Then reading it back over, and putting all of that "stuff" into the strong and capable arms of my Father and then step into them myself, and rest! He can not speak to me clearly when I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He wants me to BE STILL, and KNOW HE IS GOD!!!! Now, THAT'S a WORD!! :)
*Deep breath* and.......
This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!
Lord, help me BE STILL!!
Tired of every single day having to be somewhere! Tired of feeling like I don't have time! No time to clean my home and do laundry, or relax with a good book, or take my kids to the park, or bake and cook for my guys, or finish all the many projects I have started. Tired of continually feeling "behind" and trying to run to catch up.
I'm tired!
I got into gear to settle into cleaning my house today! I was so excited that we were going to be home with NOTHING to do, when I suddenly remembered that we have a birthday party to attend, one that can not be missed.
I'M TIRED!!!
Why? I guess it could be said that I have done this to myself. However, so much of the busy is simply(HAHA)the season of life that we are in. So much of it isn't necessarily scheduled by me, just things that we "must" attend. None of the things that are scheduled in my life are bad things, but the stress that it is putting on my spirit is almost more than I can take right now!
I'm tired!
I'm tired of being so tired of being so busy, and then having to put on an "I love this!" face and step into that event that has me so stressed out. I want to focus on where I am and what I am doing, in the moment! I really do, but I end up just thinking about what all I need to get done and catch up on! I can put on that smile and that "I'm really loving this" face for everyone else, but my family gets the "I'm so stressed out" face as soon as we get home! That's not fair! It's not fair that I do that to the three people in this world that I love the most!!
Man, I'm tired!
I'm whining, I know I am! And I'm sorry! I just really needed to get it off my chest! Sometimes simply putting all my frustrations into words, helps so much! Then reading it back over, and putting all of that "stuff" into the strong and capable arms of my Father and then step into them myself, and rest! He can not speak to me clearly when I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. He wants me to BE STILL, and KNOW HE IS GOD!!!! Now, THAT'S a WORD!! :)
*Deep breath* and.......
This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!
Lord, help me BE STILL!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
He is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Revelation 4:8
“ Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
"There is no one like the God of Israel,
who rides through the skies to help you,
who rides on the clouds in his majesty.
The everlasting God is your place of safety,
and his arms will hold you up forever.
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Thank you, Lord! Thank you that regardless of what life throws at us, and how it may change, You NEVER do! Your love, grace, mercy, justice, faithfulness, kindness, compassion is forever the same!! And we can rest safe in that and in your arms! My words are not enough! My heart is filled to overflowing! Captivate us completely, Lord!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Revelation 4:8
“ Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
"There is no one like the God of Israel,
who rides through the skies to help you,
who rides on the clouds in his majesty.
The everlasting God is your place of safety,
and his arms will hold you up forever.
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Thank you, Lord! Thank you that regardless of what life throws at us, and how it may change, You NEVER do! Your love, grace, mercy, justice, faithfulness, kindness, compassion is forever the same!! And we can rest safe in that and in your arms! My words are not enough! My heart is filled to overflowing! Captivate us completely, Lord!
Monday, November 2, 2009
When I Think About The Lord
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost,
How He healed me to the uttermost!
When I think about the Lord
How he picked me up and
turned me around
How He set my feet
on solid ground
It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost,
How He healed me to the uttermost!
When I think about the Lord
How he picked me up and
turned me around
How He set my feet
on solid ground
It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Ephesians 2:4-7
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost,
How He healed me to the uttermost!
When I think about the Lord
How he picked me up and
turned me around
How He set my feet
on solid ground
It makes me want to SHOUT....
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost,
How He healed me to the uttermost!
When I think about the Lord
How he picked me up and
turned me around
How He set my feet
on solid ground
It makes me want to SHOUT....
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!
Lord, You're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Busy
This week and the next two are sure to be very busy. Just set down to sync calenders, and WOW! Busy is an understatement! That said, blogging might be pretty low on the priority list. Hopefully I can find time in there somewhere, but if not I haven't disappeared off the planet.
I do have so much to blog about and so many pictures to post!! Oh well, real life calls and it will not slow down for me! :)
I do have so much to blog about and so many pictures to post!! Oh well, real life calls and it will not slow down for me! :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Just Seems Appropriate
In the process of the Bible Study I am doing, it asked me to write down some verses to memorize and take into my heart. He knows what He is talking about when He tells us it's important to hide His words in our heart and to meditate on them day and night! :)
Oh, that we would always live with the boldness and confidence that we are overwhelmingly conquerors through Jesus Christ. That we would fully comprehend and be aware of the fact that He manifests in us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place! That we would live with a continual God~awareness.
2 Corinthians 2:14 "Thanks be to God, who always leads us to triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
Romans 8:37 "In all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
Now if that doesn't light a fire in your spirit and rejuvenate you to get up and get out into the world with boldness and confidence for and in our Great, Almighty, and Sovereign God, I don't know what will!
"The great commission says make disciples of all nations.
Have we even made them in our own nation?
Come on Christians!
Missions exist because worship doesn't.
People don't worship the God who made them.
We're ambassadors.
Let's go!" ~ Lecrae
LET'S GO! We will OVERWHELMINGLY conquer!
Lord, make us alert and aware, but never fearful! To You be all honor and glory and praise forever and ever!
Oh, that we would always live with the boldness and confidence that we are overwhelmingly conquerors through Jesus Christ. That we would fully comprehend and be aware of the fact that He manifests in us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place! That we would live with a continual God~awareness.
2 Corinthians 2:14 "Thanks be to God, who always leads us to triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
Romans 8:37 "In all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
Now if that doesn't light a fire in your spirit and rejuvenate you to get up and get out into the world with boldness and confidence for and in our Great, Almighty, and Sovereign God, I don't know what will!
"The great commission says make disciples of all nations.
Have we even made them in our own nation?
Come on Christians!
Missions exist because worship doesn't.
People don't worship the God who made them.
We're ambassadors.
Let's go!" ~ Lecrae
LET'S GO! We will OVERWHELMINGLY conquer!
Lord, make us alert and aware, but never fearful! To You be all honor and glory and praise forever and ever!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Reality Check, Inc.
I am posting the Reality Check press release regarding the reports I'm sure you have heard in the media about the incident involving Tree Of Life, Reality Check in Fort Smith. Despite being notified of discrepancies in their reporting, some media has continued to fail to report that this incident has absolutely NO affiliation with Reality Check, Inc. of Lowell We need as many people as we can praying, calling the schools (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville) and even the television stations supporting the Reality Check, Inc. program in a positive way! It is SO important! The Lord tells us in 2 Chron. 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will 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."
We are standing on confidence in Job 42:2, "No plan of Yours can be ruined!"
It's time to stand up and make some noise! :) If you will copy and paste our press release below into an email and send it out to others you know who would be very pro-active, we would appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help!
************************************************************************************
URGENT ALERT REGARDING FORMER FO SMITH COUNSELOR
This alert is in regards to the recent news reports and arrest of Tobias Lyons, former employee of Tree of Life Preventative Health Maintenance, Inc. Mr. Lyons was arrested on suspicion of ‘sexual indecency with a child’ charges, by the Fort Smith police on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Mr. Lyons was employed as a counselor for Tree of Life Preventative Health Maintenance, Inc.’s school programs in the River Valley.
Mr. Lyons has NEVER been connected to, nor worked for, the program, Reality Check, Inc. based out of Lowell, AR. There is no program connection or affiliation between Reality Check, Inc. and the program “Reality Check” supplied by Fort Smith and the river valley.
Reality Check, Inc. works very hard to build and maintain a trust with the schools, parents, and students that they partner with. Reality Check, Inc. requires stringent background checks and training for all of their instructors. They create safety precautions to ensure a responsible and secure environment for those involved in their program.
Reality Check, Inc. is a non-profit organization in Northwest Arkansas that serves Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Reality Check, Inc. teaches character skills that help guide individuals in making positive life choices. This year alone, Reality Check, Inc. has reached approximately 13,400+ students and adults. Reality Check, Inc. has a strong belief that youth armed with knowledge and skills can make positive choices for their future.
We are standing on confidence in Job 42:2, "No plan of Yours can be ruined!"
It's time to stand up and make some noise! :) If you will copy and paste our press release below into an email and send it out to others you know who would be very pro-active, we would appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help!
************************************************************************************
URGENT ALERT REGARDING FORMER FO SMITH COUNSELOR
This alert is in regards to the recent news reports and arrest of Tobias Lyons, former employee of Tree of Life Preventative Health Maintenance, Inc. Mr. Lyons was arrested on suspicion of ‘sexual indecency with a child’ charges, by the Fort Smith police on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Mr. Lyons was employed as a counselor for Tree of Life Preventative Health Maintenance, Inc.’s school programs in the River Valley.
Mr. Lyons has NEVER been connected to, nor worked for, the program, Reality Check, Inc. based out of Lowell, AR. There is no program connection or affiliation between Reality Check, Inc. and the program “Reality Check” supplied by Fort Smith and the river valley.
Reality Check, Inc. works very hard to build and maintain a trust with the schools, parents, and students that they partner with. Reality Check, Inc. requires stringent background checks and training for all of their instructors. They create safety precautions to ensure a responsible and secure environment for those involved in their program.
Reality Check, Inc. is a non-profit organization in Northwest Arkansas that serves Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Reality Check, Inc. teaches character skills that help guide individuals in making positive life choices. This year alone, Reality Check, Inc. has reached approximately 13,400+ students and adults. Reality Check, Inc. has a strong belief that youth armed with knowledge and skills can make positive choices for their future.
Friday, October 2, 2009
God's Timing
I having to remind myself constantly today of Isaiah 55:9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts"
I had an appointment today that I was sure was God arranged! I was going to go pop popcorn all day at the boys school with a woman that the circumstances around me knowing her might be called coincidence, but I know better than that! I know that the Lord has placed me in her path for a reason and I was convinced that today would be the day that I could talk to her about Him.
However.......
Wednesday, Hunter came home from Awana not feeling well and by Thursday was running a high fever. He was home all day yesterday, one sick little boy, sleeping off and on. Today he woke up still running a low grade fever. He is feeling much better, but obviously couldn't go to school today with a fever. I'm not complaining, quite the contrary! Hunter has never been this sick without having asthma flair up to the point of hospitalization. Lee and I have prayed and prayed over him that God would protect him from all the upper-respiratory junk going around, that this fever wouldn't trigger his asthma. And it hasn't!!!!! Our God is good!! So I'm not complaining, I am so very grateful!
But that said, I am disappointed that I couldn't go pop popcorn today. I was SO sure that was a God arranged appointment. But He reminds me all the time that His ways are much higher than mine and His thoughts much higher than my thoughts! I am reminded once again that God is not always "logical" to the human mind. He sees the whole picture, so we must trust Him in our day to day desicions and choices. I still know I have been placed in this woman's path for a purpose, I just need to be patient and wait on the Lord to arrange it all! And when He does, I will be ready!
I had an appointment today that I was sure was God arranged! I was going to go pop popcorn all day at the boys school with a woman that the circumstances around me knowing her might be called coincidence, but I know better than that! I know that the Lord has placed me in her path for a reason and I was convinced that today would be the day that I could talk to her about Him.
However.......
Wednesday, Hunter came home from Awana not feeling well and by Thursday was running a high fever. He was home all day yesterday, one sick little boy, sleeping off and on. Today he woke up still running a low grade fever. He is feeling much better, but obviously couldn't go to school today with a fever. I'm not complaining, quite the contrary! Hunter has never been this sick without having asthma flair up to the point of hospitalization. Lee and I have prayed and prayed over him that God would protect him from all the upper-respiratory junk going around, that this fever wouldn't trigger his asthma. And it hasn't!!!!! Our God is good!! So I'm not complaining, I am so very grateful!
But that said, I am disappointed that I couldn't go pop popcorn today. I was SO sure that was a God arranged appointment. But He reminds me all the time that His ways are much higher than mine and His thoughts much higher than my thoughts! I am reminded once again that God is not always "logical" to the human mind. He sees the whole picture, so we must trust Him in our day to day desicions and choices. I still know I have been placed in this woman's path for a purpose, I just need to be patient and wait on the Lord to arrange it all! And when He does, I will be ready!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My Cake Baking Adventure!
I found a recipe on a blog for a Rainbow Cake and I was intrigued. When I was asked to bake a cake for Cassie and Adam's birthdays, I decided to give it a try! I documented my adventure in pictures!
First, make two boxes of white cake mix, according to the directions on box. Divide batter up into six bowls, add food coloring to each. Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Bake each color separately in cake pans, greased and floured.
Let cakes cool completely!
Frosting ~ cream together 4 blocks of cream cheese, and a cup of butter. Add an entire bag of powdered sugar, slowly.
Sinful? Possibly! Incredibly DELICIOUS!? YES!!! Best frosting I have EVER had!!! I literally could have just eaten it with a spoon........but I didn't, of course! ;)
Sinful? Possibly! Incredibly DELICIOUS!? YES!!! Best frosting I have EVER had!!! I literally could have just eaten it with a spoon........but I didn't, of course! ;)
Start frosting cakes with the purple first! Frost top and lightly frost the sides. Next top with the blue cake, and do the same. Put in fridge for two hours or the freezer for one. (Don't skip this step! The cake becomes so tall that it is very important that each layer is fully set!) Repeat steps with the green, yellow, orange, and red cakes, putting cake into fridge/freezer after each layer.
After the red layer has set, use the remaining frosting and frost all over the outside of the cake. Decorate as you want! I'm not a decorator, so mine doesn't look very pretty on the outside!
The exciting part was when we cut it!
It is so pretty! And what a fun cake!
It is so pretty! And what a fun cake!
It tasted pretty good too!
I think that the Birthday people were happy with it, and that's what matters! :)
In the end, I was very pleased with how it all turned out. Was it fun? Yes! Was it extremely time consuming? Yes!! Was it worth it? Absolutely!
Three Years at Lakeside
This past Sunday we celebrated three years at Lakeside Baptist Church! A lot has happened in three years.
Around three and a half years ago, Lee surrender to the youth ministry. We were nervous and anxious about what was laying ahead for us, but very excited! We had the opportunity to take a church very close to where we were living at the time, VERY close! It just made "logical" sense. As we further pursued the logical, Lee continued to receive phone calls from a pastor of a church called Lakeside. The thing is, God's plan isn't always "logical" to us. :) After meeting with Bro. Scott Hill from Lakeside Baptist Church, we both felt peace and we knew without a doubt that Lakeside was where God wanted the Wood's to be.
Since then, Lakeside has become our family. To look back and see how God has led and is moving among His people is awe-inspiring! We love the youth ministry. Lee and I have such a passion to see young people come to know the Lord and then learn to walk with Him, and to see them get passionate about their relationship with Him! It's exciting! We have the best youth group EVER!! Even the students who have left to go to college, are still so very dear to us and are considered lifetime youth members! :) We are so blessed and humbled that the Lord would choose to use us to minister to others! To God be all honor and glory and praise!
Last Sunday, they threw us a surprise 3rd anniversary party! It was so great! Again He didn't have to bless us with such amazing friends and support systems here, but He did and we are forever grateful! We love you all! Thank you for the encouragement and love that you show our family!
(They meant to put Lee's name first, but the bakery made a mistake! OOPS!) :D
Around three and a half years ago, Lee surrender to the youth ministry. We were nervous and anxious about what was laying ahead for us, but very excited! We had the opportunity to take a church very close to where we were living at the time, VERY close! It just made "logical" sense. As we further pursued the logical, Lee continued to receive phone calls from a pastor of a church called Lakeside. The thing is, God's plan isn't always "logical" to us. :) After meeting with Bro. Scott Hill from Lakeside Baptist Church, we both felt peace and we knew without a doubt that Lakeside was where God wanted the Wood's to be.
Since then, Lakeside has become our family. To look back and see how God has led and is moving among His people is awe-inspiring! We love the youth ministry. Lee and I have such a passion to see young people come to know the Lord and then learn to walk with Him, and to see them get passionate about their relationship with Him! It's exciting! We have the best youth group EVER!! Even the students who have left to go to college, are still so very dear to us and are considered lifetime youth members! :) We are so blessed and humbled that the Lord would choose to use us to minister to others! To God be all honor and glory and praise!
Last Sunday, they threw us a surprise 3rd anniversary party! It was so great! Again He didn't have to bless us with such amazing friends and support systems here, but He did and we are forever grateful! We love you all! Thank you for the encouragement and love that you show our family!
(They meant to put Lee's name first, but the bakery made a mistake! OOPS!) :D
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Integrity
Integrity ~ Doing the right thing, when no one is watching and no one is there to tell you to, doing the right thing when everyone else around you is not, taking personal responsibility for your own actions, and recognizing and then fixing your mistakes.
Live with integrity! If we want to be Christlike, we MUST be a person of integrity!
Live with integrity! If we want to be Christlike, we MUST be a person of integrity!
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Weekend to Come
So apparently I'm on a super-blogging roll. That, or I am avoiding the pile of laundry that needs to be folded. Hmmmm....I'm going to go with a blogging roll! :)
Lee and the Heritage Cross Country team are going to Dallas this weekend to run in a race on Saturday morning! With him being gone, we (the boys and I) will be going to spend some time out at the family farm! I'm excited! We haven't been out there to stay for awhile and I always feel comforted and at home when I do!
As for the meal-making commitment I have talked about, I'll be helping prepare a meal at my parents house. Not sure what yet, but I WILL be cooking, so my commitment still stands! :) I'm also planning on making some cherry pies and an apple pie to bring back the old tradition of "Pie Time" on Saturday, if only just for this weekend. Oh how I love the farm and all the family that is on it! I'm going to miss my hubby very very much, but it's going to be a relaxing weekend at "home"!
Have an amazing weekend! Cheer on those Hogs to victory against Alabama! And GO WAR EAGLE CROSS COUNTRY!!!!
Lee and the Heritage Cross Country team are going to Dallas this weekend to run in a race on Saturday morning! With him being gone, we (the boys and I) will be going to spend some time out at the family farm! I'm excited! We haven't been out there to stay for awhile and I always feel comforted and at home when I do!
As for the meal-making commitment I have talked about, I'll be helping prepare a meal at my parents house. Not sure what yet, but I WILL be cooking, so my commitment still stands! :) I'm also planning on making some cherry pies and an apple pie to bring back the old tradition of "Pie Time" on Saturday, if only just for this weekend. Oh how I love the farm and all the family that is on it! I'm going to miss my hubby very very much, but it's going to be a relaxing weekend at "home"!
Have an amazing weekend! Cheer on those Hogs to victory against Alabama! And GO WAR EAGLE CROSS COUNTRY!!!!
Letting it Go
I read this on LPM blog and I wanted to share it!
"It's time to let it go.
That thing's gonna eat you alive.
Wasting time.
Taking too much energy.
Emphatically, deliberately, bull-headedly - put every weighty ounce of it in the ready hands of God and let Him deal with it.
AND DEAL HE WILL.
Every time you're tempted to pick it back up again, thank Him out loud that He's busy handling it and that, once the battle is won in the heavenlies, you'll see it evidenced on Earth. Prepare to become that evidence."
I just loved that! God has been speaking to me so much lately about the battle. About how we need not fear it, we just need to hold tight and be prepared, knowing that if God is for us who can be against us and that He has already won the victory!!! And for this gal, who can tend to be fearful and worry and hold tight to things wanting to "fix" it, I need that reminder daily!!
Right after I wrote my last post yesterday, I went to the first night of our Ladies Bible Study. We are doing "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" the Deeper Still study with Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. If the study is anything like the first night, it's going to be a mighty good thing!! :)
Anyway, they talked about the anointing of David and how with the anointing comes the BATTLE! WHOA!! God is awesome and evidently wanting to drive that home for me and the other women doing this study! I LOVE it when God is obvious! I LOVE it when I know it can't be anyone or anything but HIM doing it! I know the LORD is GREAT, that our God is far greater than all other gods!!(Psalm 135:5) To HIM be all honor and glory and praise!
"It's time to let it go.
That thing's gonna eat you alive.
Wasting time.
Taking too much energy.
Emphatically, deliberately, bull-headedly - put every weighty ounce of it in the ready hands of God and let Him deal with it.
AND DEAL HE WILL.
Every time you're tempted to pick it back up again, thank Him out loud that He's busy handling it and that, once the battle is won in the heavenlies, you'll see it evidenced on Earth. Prepare to become that evidence."
I just loved that! God has been speaking to me so much lately about the battle. About how we need not fear it, we just need to hold tight and be prepared, knowing that if God is for us who can be against us and that He has already won the victory!!! And for this gal, who can tend to be fearful and worry and hold tight to things wanting to "fix" it, I need that reminder daily!!
Right after I wrote my last post yesterday, I went to the first night of our Ladies Bible Study. We are doing "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" the Deeper Still study with Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. If the study is anything like the first night, it's going to be a mighty good thing!! :)
Anyway, they talked about the anointing of David and how with the anointing comes the BATTLE! WHOA!! God is awesome and evidently wanting to drive that home for me and the other women doing this study! I LOVE it when God is obvious! I LOVE it when I know it can't be anyone or anything but HIM doing it! I know the LORD is GREAT, that our God is far greater than all other gods!!(Psalm 135:5) To HIM be all honor and glory and praise!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remember
How quickly we forget. As I drove around town today, I noticed that there were flags NOT at half-mast. I had a friend say that she went into one of our local McDonald's to ask why their flag wasn't half-mast today, the response was "Why? What's today?" SHOCKING!!! Once, reminded they apologized profusely and immediately went straight out to fix it. How quickly we forget.
I remember that day, eight years ago. I was eight months pregnant with my first baby. I was up getting ready for the day and Good Morning America was on. I was in and out of the living room but something the reporter said, or maybe it was simply the tone of his voice, made me stop and watch. As I watched in horror, I saw the second plane hit. Those first moments were so confusing. I remember trying to get a hold of Lee, who worked at the Wal-Mart warehouse at the time, with no success and then finally getting a hold of my mom. I needed some one to tell me what was happening. I refused to let it sink in. I remember the moment it hit me. I fell to the ground, arms around my swollen belly, and I wept. What kind of world would my baby be born into? When those towers fell, it was like the whole country felt the physical pain and agony of grief. We shared that grief together. Church doors were opened and sanctuaries were packed. That whole day and many days to come, where a blur of confusion, panic, fear, and numbness. I remember God giving me such a calm peace, in the midst of the terror. I was burdened deeply for the victims families and prayed constantly for them. I couldn't imagine. I remember thinking life would NEVER be same again. How could it?
Then, before we knew it, a year had gone by. I remember watching the news and they replayed the moment the towers fell. Again, I bent over onto the floor weeping. This time, clinging to my 11 month old son. The pain and grief was like it had happened all over again. I remember also feeling anger that the media would put those families through that again, and I prayed for them.
How quickly we forget. How very quickly we forget.
Today may we remember again, that our freedom is NEVER free! A high price was paid so we could live with the liberties that we have. I thank God that He has so richly blessed my family! We live in the GREATEST country in the world! Lord, return us back to you! Help us to remember ~
2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, who are called by my name, will 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."
But also, may we be struck anew, that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price, to give us freedom! Freedom from the bondage of sin and death! He makes us free, if we let Him!
John 8:36
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
To know how you can have this freedom and peace, click HERE!!
I remember that day, eight years ago. I was eight months pregnant with my first baby. I was up getting ready for the day and Good Morning America was on. I was in and out of the living room but something the reporter said, or maybe it was simply the tone of his voice, made me stop and watch. As I watched in horror, I saw the second plane hit. Those first moments were so confusing. I remember trying to get a hold of Lee, who worked at the Wal-Mart warehouse at the time, with no success and then finally getting a hold of my mom. I needed some one to tell me what was happening. I refused to let it sink in. I remember the moment it hit me. I fell to the ground, arms around my swollen belly, and I wept. What kind of world would my baby be born into? When those towers fell, it was like the whole country felt the physical pain and agony of grief. We shared that grief together. Church doors were opened and sanctuaries were packed. That whole day and many days to come, where a blur of confusion, panic, fear, and numbness. I remember God giving me such a calm peace, in the midst of the terror. I was burdened deeply for the victims families and prayed constantly for them. I couldn't imagine. I remember thinking life would NEVER be same again. How could it?
Then, before we knew it, a year had gone by. I remember watching the news and they replayed the moment the towers fell. Again, I bent over onto the floor weeping. This time, clinging to my 11 month old son. The pain and grief was like it had happened all over again. I remember also feeling anger that the media would put those families through that again, and I prayed for them.
How quickly we forget. How very quickly we forget.
Today may we remember again, that our freedom is NEVER free! A high price was paid so we could live with the liberties that we have. I thank God that He has so richly blessed my family! We live in the GREATEST country in the world! Lord, return us back to you! Help us to remember ~
2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, who are called by my name, will 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."
But also, may we be struck anew, that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price, to give us freedom! Freedom from the bondage of sin and death! He makes us free, if we let Him!
John 8:36
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
To know how you can have this freedom and peace, click HERE!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Disturb Us, Lord!
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
By: Sir Francis Drake
(poem taken from LPM, pictures taken from Loren King Photography)
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
By: Sir Francis Drake
(poem taken from LPM, pictures taken from Loren King Photography)
Awe Factor of God
Our God is AWESOME!!! He is so big it blows my mind! (Psalm 8) It is a MIRACLE that a God SO big and SO mighty and SO awesome would reach down to US, lowly humans, and not only want to save us, not only send His Son to die a horrible death for us, but to LOVE and DELIGHT in us! (Zeph. 3:17) That is enough to strike me speechless!
Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Monday, September 7, 2009
God is Good, ALL the Time! I Can't Seem to Say it Enough!
As I have mentioned before, God is good.....ALL the time!! He has just been making Himself known to me in such a tangible way. He is making me brave for Him! He is giving me courage and strength to do and say things I wouldn't have done on my own! He is visibly working and moving in my own family and in our church family, and this weekend was no exception!
Our youngest son B, was "babatized" Sunday morning! He was SO excited to show physically what the Savior had done in his heart. I was awe-filled by how GREAT our God is and again at the miracle of salvation! My heart is near exploding with gratitude and love! Along with B, we had a mother, daughter, and son baptized as well. The daughter had been to our VBS and Our pastor and his wife went and visited them afterward. They all three came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Scottie, the son, is on Lee's Cross Country team and has been a force of nature for the Gospel. When God changes a person, He CHANGES them! On top of that we had a family of four come forward to make public their decision to follow Christ as well!
(If you would like to know how you can experience this joy and change, click here!)
God is SOOOO good!
The women of our church also did Cardboard Testimonies! It was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed and been a part of! God used every single one of those testimonies to minister to the hearts of the people who saw them. There was not a dry eye in the place! Every woman participating shared a part of themselves and that was very difficult for many of us! Again, He is giving us courage and strength to do and say things we wouldn't do on our own.
We will be doing it again for our 2nd Annual Women's Day Retreat on Saturday, September 12th at Lakeside Baptist Church from 9:00am-3:00pm! Please come and invite your friends! It's completely free and everyone is welcome!
To God be ALL glory, honor, and praise!
Our youngest son B, was "babatized" Sunday morning! He was SO excited to show physically what the Savior had done in his heart. I was awe-filled by how GREAT our God is and again at the miracle of salvation! My heart is near exploding with gratitude and love! Along with B, we had a mother, daughter, and son baptized as well. The daughter had been to our VBS and Our pastor and his wife went and visited them afterward. They all three came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Scottie, the son, is on Lee's Cross Country team and has been a force of nature for the Gospel. When God changes a person, He CHANGES them! On top of that we had a family of four come forward to make public their decision to follow Christ as well!
(If you would like to know how you can experience this joy and change, click here!)
God is SOOOO good!
The women of our church also did Cardboard Testimonies! It was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed and been a part of! God used every single one of those testimonies to minister to the hearts of the people who saw them. There was not a dry eye in the place! Every woman participating shared a part of themselves and that was very difficult for many of us! Again, He is giving us courage and strength to do and say things we wouldn't do on our own.
We will be doing it again for our 2nd Annual Women's Day Retreat on Saturday, September 12th at Lakeside Baptist Church from 9:00am-3:00pm! Please come and invite your friends! It's completely free and everyone is welcome!
To God be ALL glory, honor, and praise!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
This is Me!
My name is Sara and I have alopecia. Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles causing them to die and fall out. It can vary from small bald spots to total hair loss. Mine first appeared when I was ten years old. By the time I was thirteen, my hair had grown back and we saw no signs that the alopecia would flare up again. However, in September 2006, I found a quarter-sized bald spot. Alopecia had made another appearance. For months, hiding it was what consumed my life, my thoughts, and all my emotions. Over the course of those months, I eventually lost every bit of my hair, including my eyebrows and eyelashes. I sank into a deep pit of self-loathing and hatred. I felt stripped of my femininity. I felt ugly. I hated the woman I saw starring back at me in the mirror. I would go for days locked in my home, hiding from the world. Others in my life and even my own self, kept telling me, “It’s simply cosmetic. It’s only hair. At least you’re not sick. You should be thankful for that.” And I was! But I still felt horribly ugly. I was angry with my body. It wasn’t the first time I felt like it had failed me. We lost two babies prior to this; our first miscarriage (our third child), on September 5, 2004 and our second miscarriage (our fourth child) on June 3, 2005. Why? I asked that question many times. The answer ringing in my spirit was always, “To bring Him glory!” I wanted Christ to be glorified in my life, but I couldn’t imagine how this would accomplish that. After a while, I got used to living my life bald. The shame and pain was still there, but I got good at hiding it.
That was all until God decided He had had enough of my self-loathing. I was convicted. I started praying the Lord would clean me and sanctify me, so that I could fulfill the destiny that He has for me. In that process, He began to teach me what true beauty is, what it looks like, and how He sees me.
First, beauty is on the inside.
1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment….Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of the Lord.”
I was so concerned with the reflection I saw in the mirror, that I had failed to recognize and tend to the inside reflection. What was I really reflecting? Was I reflecting Christ to others through a quiet and gentle spirit, or was I so wrapped up in me that I reflected insecurity, anxiety, and pride? As I started focusing on Him and on being a reflection of Him, I found that I focused much less on the outside.
Second, the LORD of lords and King of kings thinks I am beautiful! He told me so!
Song of Solomon 4:7 "All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you."
Psalm 45:11 "The King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him."
To put a question mark where God puts a period is to doubt God Himself! He commands me to trust Him in everything! He calls me BEAUTIFUL.(period!)
Last but most certainly not least, He made me EXACTLY the way He intended me to be. He saw my days before there was one. He calls me fearfully and wonderfully made.(period!)
Psalm 139:13-16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This is who I am. This is how God made me! I’m a wife to Lee, a mom to Hunter and Braden, a mommy to two babies in heaven, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a granddaughter, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a youth pastor’s wife, a Reality Check presenter, a worshiper and follower of Jesus Christ, and daughter of the KING of Kings; who is bald! Is it the worst thing that could, or even has, happened to me? NO! Is it still difficult sometimes, as it would be for anyone? Absolutely! But because He is my Lord, I will worship Him always, in every season! I will trust Him in everything! He picked me up out of that dark pit and has given me joy and a new song!
Psalm 40:2-4
He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
How happy is the man
who has put his trust in the LORD
That was all until God decided He had had enough of my self-loathing. I was convicted. I started praying the Lord would clean me and sanctify me, so that I could fulfill the destiny that He has for me. In that process, He began to teach me what true beauty is, what it looks like, and how He sees me.
First, beauty is on the inside.
1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment….Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of the Lord.”
I was so concerned with the reflection I saw in the mirror, that I had failed to recognize and tend to the inside reflection. What was I really reflecting? Was I reflecting Christ to others through a quiet and gentle spirit, or was I so wrapped up in me that I reflected insecurity, anxiety, and pride? As I started focusing on Him and on being a reflection of Him, I found that I focused much less on the outside.
Second, the LORD of lords and King of kings thinks I am beautiful! He told me so!
Song of Solomon 4:7 "All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you."
Psalm 45:11 "The King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him."
To put a question mark where God puts a period is to doubt God Himself! He commands me to trust Him in everything! He calls me BEAUTIFUL.(period!)
Last but most certainly not least, He made me EXACTLY the way He intended me to be. He saw my days before there was one. He calls me fearfully and wonderfully made.(period!)
Psalm 139:13-16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This is who I am. This is how God made me! I’m a wife to Lee, a mom to Hunter and Braden, a mommy to two babies in heaven, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a granddaughter, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a youth pastor’s wife, a Reality Check presenter, a worshiper and follower of Jesus Christ, and daughter of the KING of Kings; who is bald! Is it the worst thing that could, or even has, happened to me? NO! Is it still difficult sometimes, as it would be for anyone? Absolutely! But because He is my Lord, I will worship Him always, in every season! I will trust Him in everything! He picked me up out of that dark pit and has given me joy and a new song!
Psalm 40:2-4
He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.
How happy is the man
who has put his trust in the LORD
Monday, August 31, 2009
Brave
Tomorrow I will blog a post that has taken all the courage I have! He makes me want to brave, so He can get the Glory!
Psalm 37
Psalm 37
Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
My Dear Sister
God has not overlooked you
He has not ignored you
He hears every petition
And intimately knows
The heart beneath it.
Give Him full access
To all your longings
Pray every single day
To become a person who delights in Him.
When it seems to disappear
Remember to check your JAW
Are you Jealous?
Are you Angry?
Are you Worried?
Roll it all on Jesus
He's strong enough to carry it
Big enough to handle it.
Trust God with all your heart
Now leave this place
And go into the world
And do some GOOD. (Taken from LPM blog)
Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
My Dear Sister
God has not overlooked you
He has not ignored you
He hears every petition
And intimately knows
The heart beneath it.
Give Him full access
To all your longings
Pray every single day
To become a person who delights in Him.
When it seems to disappear
Remember to check your JAW
Are you Jealous?
Are you Angry?
Are you Worried?
Roll it all on Jesus
He's strong enough to carry it
Big enough to handle it.
Trust God with all your heart
Now leave this place
And go into the world
And do some GOOD. (Taken from LPM blog)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
You Know Me
This weekend I went to a Beth Moore simulcast. The Lord completely captivated me all over again. As I sat there Friday night, awe of His love and the absolute miracle of God Himself reaching down to love and delight in us, washed over me afresh! The words to a song that I had heard as a teenager, came flooding into my heart and mind again like I had just heard it! Thought I would just share them with you. It's based from Psalm 139.
"You search me, You know me.
You see my every move.
There's nothing I could ever do
to hide myself from You.
You know my thoughts, my fears and hurts,
my weaknesses and pride.
You know what I am going through,
and how I feel inside.
But even though You know,
You will always love me.
Even though You know,
You'll never let me go.
I don't deserve Your love,
but you give it freely.
You will always love me,
even though You know."
And in Your Holy Name, I give You praise! Amen!
"You search me, You know me.
You see my every move.
There's nothing I could ever do
to hide myself from You.
You know my thoughts, my fears and hurts,
my weaknesses and pride.
You know what I am going through,
and how I feel inside.
But even though You know,
You will always love me.
Even though You know,
You'll never let me go.
I don't deserve Your love,
but you give it freely.
You will always love me,
even though You know."
And in Your Holy Name, I give You praise! Amen!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
God is Good....... ALL the Time!
The last few days have been a whirlwind and I haven't had much time to blog or anything else for that matter. But I have some PRAISE to share!! I am overwhelmed and at moments simply overcome with tears over our Great God and the undeserved love that He showers upon us!
On Tuesday night, my little boy Braden accepted Jesus as his Savior! Hunter, my oldest, in his goodnight prayer prayed over his little brother that he would understand his need for a Savior. After that prayer, Braden started asking some questions. I answered the best I knew how, all the while doing some heavy praying for God to grant me wisdom. After the questions Braden said he wanted to do it "RIGHT NOW, when I'm six!". I asked why and he said, "I know bubba was seven when he did it, but I can't wait that long! I have to have Jesus in my heart tonight!!" So we prayed together! What an honor and an answer to prayer! When Hunter had wanted to ask the Lord into his heart several months ago, his daddy and I put him off a little bit. We wanted to make sure he understood. Well, a few minutes later he came out of his room saying, "I just went ahead and did it without you. I was tired of waiting!" So this time, we also wanted to make sure there was understanding, but wanted to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Our God is good, ALL the time! Even when we are a little thickheaded! :)
My heart wept before the God who saves, as my son repented of his sins and asked the Lord to come in. As soon as Braden had prayed, Hunter proclaimed "It's official! Praise the Lord! Braden is finally a part of the family of God!" There was much rejoicing and jumping around in the Wood home! OUR GOD IS SO GOOD ALL THE TIME!! He gives and blesses us so much more than we could EVER deserve! Will you join with me in praise to our Great King?
Yesterday, one day after the miracle that is salvation, Braden had an accident on the playground at school. He ran head first into a low hanging tree branch, it impaled him right under the eye and he was scraped up quit a bit. I received a phone call to come and get him to take him for stitches. We rushed to the doctor and (praise God!) were told that stitches wouldn't be necessary. However, they did have to dig out tree bark and debris that was deeply embedded into the wound. It was his first traumatic injury!
He definitely has a pretty black eye and a great war wound out of the deal! The doctor said it was a miracle that it didn't get his eye. It came as close as it possibly could without doing serious damage to the eye itself. Again, our God is good all the time!
Tonight I'm going to be leading in some worship at a revival service at Open Door Baptist Church. I'm very nervous. I haven't done anything like this before, and I want to bring God honor and glory and for Him to be worshiped and loved tonight. That is my hearts prayer! Captivate us, Lord Jesus!
I really can't say it enough, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Who was and is and is to come! ALL honor and glory and power, be unto YOU!!!
Again I ask you, will you join with me in praise to the Lamb, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the God who is Good ALL the time?
On Tuesday night, my little boy Braden accepted Jesus as his Savior! Hunter, my oldest, in his goodnight prayer prayed over his little brother that he would understand his need for a Savior. After that prayer, Braden started asking some questions. I answered the best I knew how, all the while doing some heavy praying for God to grant me wisdom. After the questions Braden said he wanted to do it "RIGHT NOW, when I'm six!". I asked why and he said, "I know bubba was seven when he did it, but I can't wait that long! I have to have Jesus in my heart tonight!!" So we prayed together! What an honor and an answer to prayer! When Hunter had wanted to ask the Lord into his heart several months ago, his daddy and I put him off a little bit. We wanted to make sure he understood. Well, a few minutes later he came out of his room saying, "I just went ahead and did it without you. I was tired of waiting!" So this time, we also wanted to make sure there was understanding, but wanted to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Our God is good, ALL the time! Even when we are a little thickheaded! :)
My heart wept before the God who saves, as my son repented of his sins and asked the Lord to come in. As soon as Braden had prayed, Hunter proclaimed "It's official! Praise the Lord! Braden is finally a part of the family of God!" There was much rejoicing and jumping around in the Wood home! OUR GOD IS SO GOOD ALL THE TIME!! He gives and blesses us so much more than we could EVER deserve! Will you join with me in praise to our Great King?
Yesterday, one day after the miracle that is salvation, Braden had an accident on the playground at school. He ran head first into a low hanging tree branch, it impaled him right under the eye and he was scraped up quit a bit. I received a phone call to come and get him to take him for stitches. We rushed to the doctor and (praise God!) were told that stitches wouldn't be necessary. However, they did have to dig out tree bark and debris that was deeply embedded into the wound. It was his first traumatic injury!
He definitely has a pretty black eye and a great war wound out of the deal! The doctor said it was a miracle that it didn't get his eye. It came as close as it possibly could without doing serious damage to the eye itself. Again, our God is good all the time!
Tonight I'm going to be leading in some worship at a revival service at Open Door Baptist Church. I'm very nervous. I haven't done anything like this before, and I want to bring God honor and glory and for Him to be worshiped and loved tonight. That is my hearts prayer! Captivate us, Lord Jesus!
I really can't say it enough, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Who was and is and is to come! ALL honor and glory and power, be unto YOU!!!
Again I ask you, will you join with me in praise to the Lamb, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the God who is Good ALL the time?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Memories of Us
As I was going through some old pictures today, I couldn't help but get a little sappy looking at our engagement and wedding pictures. I have just a few I wanted to share!
Engaged! Thank you for asking me, Lee!
He STILL makes me laugh more than anyone else!!
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wood
I thought I loved him then! I had no idea! I love him so much more now, and I can't wait to love him more and more as the years go on!
I would marry him all over again in a heartbeat!!! I love you, Lee Wood!
Engaged! Thank you for asking me, Lee!
He STILL makes me laugh more than anyone else!!
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wood
I thought I loved him then! I had no idea! I love him so much more now, and I can't wait to love him more and more as the years go on!
I would marry him all over again in a heartbeat!!! I love you, Lee Wood!
The First Day of School and my Babies
Yesterday was the first day of school for both Lee and the boys! As I took my babies to their respective 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, I thought, "How did this happen so quickly!? How did they get so big so fast?" It's seems like just yesterday.........
Now.......
They are STILL my babies!
They were both excited and nervous, but did great. They have both made new friends and are loving eating lunch and playing at recess together. And to top it all off, they both get to have class with Mr. Wood (aka.Daddy) everyday this week.
I pack their lunches with a special note inside saying how much I love them and miss them and that I'm praying for them. When I picked them up from school Wednesday, I asked Hunter if he had read the note. He said, "As a matter of fact, Mom, I did! And I'll have you know that it made me cry so hard that the lunchroom ladies let me go back to my classroom to compose myself. Can you please not do that to me again?" OH DEAR!!! I told him I was so sorry and that I wouldn't do it again. However, this morning he asked if there was a note and so I wrote one and he read it BEFORE school so he was prepared for later! :) I love that tender-hearted boy!
Braden has come home both days so proud of himself that he has not gotten into trouble yet. That makes us proud too! :) I love the moment every morning when he gives me a goodbye hug and kiss and whispers, "I love you Mommy! I miss you while I'm gone!" I love that sweet boy!
We have all now had two days under the belt. I think we are officially back into the swing of school schedule. That doesn't make me miss my guys, all 3 of them, any less!
Now.......
They are STILL my babies!
They were both excited and nervous, but did great. They have both made new friends and are loving eating lunch and playing at recess together. And to top it all off, they both get to have class with Mr. Wood (aka.Daddy) everyday this week.
I pack their lunches with a special note inside saying how much I love them and miss them and that I'm praying for them. When I picked them up from school Wednesday, I asked Hunter if he had read the note. He said, "As a matter of fact, Mom, I did! And I'll have you know that it made me cry so hard that the lunchroom ladies let me go back to my classroom to compose myself. Can you please not do that to me again?" OH DEAR!!! I told him I was so sorry and that I wouldn't do it again. However, this morning he asked if there was a note and so I wrote one and he read it BEFORE school so he was prepared for later! :) I love that tender-hearted boy!
Braden has come home both days so proud of himself that he has not gotten into trouble yet. That makes us proud too! :) I love the moment every morning when he gives me a goodbye hug and kiss and whispers, "I love you Mommy! I miss you while I'm gone!" I love that sweet boy!
We have all now had two days under the belt. I think we are officially back into the swing of school schedule. That doesn't make me miss my guys, all 3 of them, any less!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Seek Him
Deuteronomy 33:12 "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders."
Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."
Friday, July 10, 2009
Our God is Awesome, Powerful, and Victorious
As I set down to write this post, I realized that I write a LOT about spiritual things. It made me pause and think, maybe I should write about something lighter. But after praying about it, I can't not write this. It has been on my heart for days. I want to brag on God today. I want to write a little bit about who He is, what He has done,and what He is going to do. This post may be a little long, here it goes....
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions and deep burdens. There has been so much to pray for and to pray about. I have spent a lot of time laying down my cares, my concerns, my desperate cries, my tears, and my prayers at my Lord's feet, only to pick them up again later to worry a little bit more about it all. Then back I go, to lay them down once again when it becomes too much. This was how my week was going, then came Wednesday....what an awesome and powerful day! Our GOD is AWESOME and HE is ALL POWERFUL. It was that night, through many tears and with knees to the earth, the Throne room of Heaven was filled with a Holy Roar as prayers from His Redeemed cried out in one voice for redemption, mercy, restoration, and unity; laying down our burdens at His feet! There is nothing more peaceful than laying it all down and not going back. Leaving it all there, fully trusting that God can and WILL handle it.
As I wept and prayed, I knew that though I was physically alone, I wasn't. Even though the only voice I heard audibly was my own, I couldn't have heard the inaudible any clearer. A great echo was sent out that night and I can't wait to see all of the life-changing miracles that will occur from it.
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
We must remember, He never said it wouldn't come without a fight. And sometimes that battle takes a toll, and it's hard, scary, and exhausting!
Ephesians 6:12-13 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
But even in through the battle, TRUST HIM and BELIEVE that our God is MIGHTY TO SAVE!!! The battle is already won! And through Him we are victorious!
Psalm 144:1-2 "Praise be to the LORD my Rock,who trains my hands for war,my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."
Psalm 145:13-14 "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
LORD Most High, Sovereign King, we are believing and trusting in Your promises!!
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions and deep burdens. There has been so much to pray for and to pray about. I have spent a lot of time laying down my cares, my concerns, my desperate cries, my tears, and my prayers at my Lord's feet, only to pick them up again later to worry a little bit more about it all. Then back I go, to lay them down once again when it becomes too much. This was how my week was going, then came Wednesday....what an awesome and powerful day! Our GOD is AWESOME and HE is ALL POWERFUL. It was that night, through many tears and with knees to the earth, the Throne room of Heaven was filled with a Holy Roar as prayers from His Redeemed cried out in one voice for redemption, mercy, restoration, and unity; laying down our burdens at His feet! There is nothing more peaceful than laying it all down and not going back. Leaving it all there, fully trusting that God can and WILL handle it.
As I wept and prayed, I knew that though I was physically alone, I wasn't. Even though the only voice I heard audibly was my own, I couldn't have heard the inaudible any clearer. A great echo was sent out that night and I can't wait to see all of the life-changing miracles that will occur from it.
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
We must remember, He never said it wouldn't come without a fight. And sometimes that battle takes a toll, and it's hard, scary, and exhausting!
Ephesians 6:12-13 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
But even in through the battle, TRUST HIM and BELIEVE that our God is MIGHTY TO SAVE!!! The battle is already won! And through Him we are victorious!
Psalm 144:1-2 "Praise be to the LORD my Rock,who trains my hands for war,my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."
Psalm 145:13-14 "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
LORD Most High, Sovereign King, we are believing and trusting in Your promises!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Desperate Cries and A Holy Roar
I'm overcome and overwhelmed tonight! I'm going to let these videos voice my heart's desperate cries, since at this time I cannot! Lord, help us!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I Love Summer!
I love summer and everything about it!
I love having my family home with me everyday!
I love the sleeping in!
I love letting the boys stay up late!
I love going to Fall's Creek with our youth and seeing the Lord move and work!
I love vacations!(We're going to the beach in two weeks!!!)
I love the smell of sunscreen! (Weird, I know!)
I love long summer nights, when the heat of the day is gone and walks are delightful!
I love afternoon pop-up thunderstorms!
I love summer Sunday and Wednesday nights when we go to Mazzio's or to get ice cream with church family!
I love watching So You Think You Can Dance and other summertime reality television with Lee!
I love snow cones!
I love grilling out, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, and homemade ice cream!
I love fresh-from-the-garden veggies, like green beans, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, corn and cucumbers!
I love fresh homemade salsa! (YUMMY!!)
I love the fourth of July and everything that goes with it!
I love going to baseball games and watching the fireworks afterward!
I love swimming!
I love going fishing with my guys!
I love going to the lake and having lake days with good friends and some crazy youth!
I love being on a boat!
I love leading VBS worship rally!
I love the freedom of going on outings like the Gentry Safari on a Wednesday morning or swimming in the lake on a Thursday afternoon!
I love painted toe nails and living in flip-flops!
I love sundresses!
I love laying out in the warm sun!(With sunscreen of course!)
I love the excitement that everyday brings!
In case you weren't sure.....I REALLY LOVE SUMMERTIME!!!
I love having my family home with me everyday!
I love the sleeping in!
I love letting the boys stay up late!
I love going to Fall's Creek with our youth and seeing the Lord move and work!
I love vacations!(We're going to the beach in two weeks!!!)
I love the smell of sunscreen! (Weird, I know!)
I love long summer nights, when the heat of the day is gone and walks are delightful!
I love afternoon pop-up thunderstorms!
I love summer Sunday and Wednesday nights when we go to Mazzio's or to get ice cream with church family!
I love watching So You Think You Can Dance and other summertime reality television with Lee!
I love snow cones!
I love grilling out, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, and homemade ice cream!
I love fresh-from-the-garden veggies, like green beans, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, corn and cucumbers!
I love fresh homemade salsa! (YUMMY!!)
I love the fourth of July and everything that goes with it!
I love going to baseball games and watching the fireworks afterward!
I love swimming!
I love going fishing with my guys!
I love going to the lake and having lake days with good friends and some crazy youth!
I love being on a boat!
I love leading VBS worship rally!
I love the freedom of going on outings like the Gentry Safari on a Wednesday morning or swimming in the lake on a Thursday afternoon!
I love painted toe nails and living in flip-flops!
I love sundresses!
I love laying out in the warm sun!(With sunscreen of course!)
I love the excitement that everyday brings!
In case you weren't sure.....I REALLY LOVE SUMMERTIME!!!
ECHO
Psalm 145
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Our God is all those things and more! We must, as verse 4 says, commend Him to the next generation and tell of his mighty acts. We have to echo His love, life, and truth to the world. If we really believe all those truths about our God, why do we not get more excited about telling others about Him? GET EXCITED, He is AWESOME and most worthy of praise, and He loves YOU!!
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Our God is all those things and more! We must, as verse 4 says, commend Him to the next generation and tell of his mighty acts. We have to echo His love, life, and truth to the world. If we really believe all those truths about our God, why do we not get more excited about telling others about Him? GET EXCITED, He is AWESOME and most worthy of praise, and He loves YOU!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Hope
Before the Lord changed my life and became my Savior, I had no peace, no hope, and no purpose. I grew up in a Christian home, but it wasn't until I was 14 years old that I understood that I was a sinner destined for a place called Hell. I believed that Jesus died on a cross for ME and MY sins and that without Jesus Christ, I could never get into Heaven. So that night at a revival service at my church, I admitted to God I was a sinner and repented of those sins, then I asked Him to come into my life and be my LORD, my SAVIOR, my Boss. At that very moment He did, and I've never been the same since. I know that my life and I are NOT perfect, but I also know I couldn't imagine going through this life without my Savior and the peace, hope, purpose, and joy He has given me. Not to mention, an eternity with Him!
If you could, would you want what God has given me? Would you want absolute forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, and purpose? If you do, you CAN! God loves you so much that he sent His Son to die for YOU and YOUR sins! He wants you to spend eternity in heaven Him with and so do I. You must understand that you are a sinner. (when you do things you know your not supposed to do, but also when you don't do things you know you should!)(Romans 3:23) Understand that the price for your sins is death and Hell, that's the bad news! The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ! (Romans 6:23) Then You have to confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness. Then believe that Jesus Christ came into this world,lived a perfect sinless life, died on a painful cross for you and your sin, and then was raised again on the third day and that He is ALIVE today. (Romans 5:8 and 10:9)
Ask Him to come into your heart and save you, surrender everything to Him! You will NEVER be sorry you did!
Please, if you have any questions either message me or email me at leesarawood@gmail.com and I will be HAPPY to help you start on this AMAZING journey into an eternity with Christ! I love you and I can't wait to hear from you!
For more stories go to: http://threeminutestory.com/
If you could, would you want what God has given me? Would you want absolute forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, and purpose? If you do, you CAN! God loves you so much that he sent His Son to die for YOU and YOUR sins! He wants you to spend eternity in heaven Him with and so do I. You must understand that you are a sinner. (when you do things you know your not supposed to do, but also when you don't do things you know you should!)(Romans 3:23) Understand that the price for your sins is death and Hell, that's the bad news! The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ! (Romans 6:23) Then You have to confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness. Then believe that Jesus Christ came into this world,lived a perfect sinless life, died on a painful cross for you and your sin, and then was raised again on the third day and that He is ALIVE today. (Romans 5:8 and 10:9)
Ask Him to come into your heart and save you, surrender everything to Him! You will NEVER be sorry you did!
Please, if you have any questions either message me or email me at leesarawood@gmail.com and I will be HAPPY to help you start on this AMAZING journey into an eternity with Christ! I love you and I can't wait to hear from you!
For more stories go to: http://threeminutestory.com/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Deuteronomy 33:12
"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him,
for He shields him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders."
for He shields him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders."
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Small Things
I am struck anew today that I really should be thanking God for the small things that He blesses me with every day! Our air conditioning broke and after a couple of weeks without it, it got fixed today! Now my home is cool and comfy! We also had a large outbreak of ants, lots and lots of ants, again. They were driving me CRAZY! Today the pest guys came out and they are now gone again! As inconsequential as these two things are, they bothered me. Now I'm aware how trivial that sounds. There are fellow believers all over the world who live every day with no A/C and with lots of bugs, and those are the very least of their worries! I know this and it shames me to think of all the little things that I complain about. Today I'm thanking the Lord for the blessings of A/C and pest control. He didn't have to bless me and my family like He does, but He did. I thank Him for everything He has done for us, from the very big to the very very small.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nehemiah 4:10-14
As I was sitting in church listening to a sermon on these verses, it struck me how much this applies to the family!
Nehemiah 4:10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
14 "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Our families are under attack!! We have an enemy! Satan HATES the family. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. A Godly family who is standing together as a mighty force for the kingdom is accomplishing much for the LORD. Not only here and now, but generations to come!!! WAKE UP.....Wake up; moms, dads, grandparents, sisters, brothers, husbands, and wives......WAKE UP and FIGHT!!!! Fight for your families and your homes. There is a battle raging against us. We must MUST recognize that fact and be armed against the Devils schemes. Arm yourselves with the Word of God. Arm yourself with support from godly people around you. Arm yourself by loving and loving on your spouse unconditionally. Arm yourself by falling on your face EVERY day, knees to the earth, praying for the Lord's protection on your home and you families homes!
LORD, forgive me for not taking this battle seriously! Knees to the earth I come to You, begging and fighting for my family! Lord, heal wounds, help our strength not give out, help us not be discouraged by "the rubble", help us be alert to the enemy, and alert to You, help us to remember Our Great and Awesome LORD who is mighty to save!!
Nehemiah 4:10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
14 "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Our families are under attack!! We have an enemy! Satan HATES the family. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. A Godly family who is standing together as a mighty force for the kingdom is accomplishing much for the LORD. Not only here and now, but generations to come!!! WAKE UP.....Wake up; moms, dads, grandparents, sisters, brothers, husbands, and wives......WAKE UP and FIGHT!!!! Fight for your families and your homes. There is a battle raging against us. We must MUST recognize that fact and be armed against the Devils schemes. Arm yourselves with the Word of God. Arm yourself with support from godly people around you. Arm yourself by loving and loving on your spouse unconditionally. Arm yourself by falling on your face EVERY day, knees to the earth, praying for the Lord's protection on your home and you families homes!
LORD, forgive me for not taking this battle seriously! Knees to the earth I come to You, begging and fighting for my family! Lord, heal wounds, help our strength not give out, help us not be discouraged by "the rubble", help us be alert to the enemy, and alert to You, help us to remember Our Great and Awesome LORD who is mighty to save!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Summer's Finally Here!!!
YAY!!!! School's officially out for summer!! I love, love, LOVE summertime! My children belong to me again and my husband is home everyday! The excitement is too much! We have so many plans for the summer, I hope we get to them all!
The infamous SkippyJon Jones Field Day was Monday! Lee was man-in-charge. He planned, organized, and headed up the day!
The prep work was incredibly stressful, but it all went off without a hitch. Lee was definitely the field day hero! All the teachers and volunteers kept saying it was one of the best field days in years, and that it was so well organized! That's saying ALOT!!! I was one proud and extremely sunburned wife when the day was over!
The last-day-of-school assembly was yesterday. Both boys received awards. Hunter got a proficient student award and Braden got the friendship award. The friendship award is voted on by the other students for kindness and being a good friend! They both were recognized as ambassadors for their classes. It was a great way to end the year. I was so proud those boys! (I'll post pics later)
Today, the first full day out of school, it's rainy. We are getting things ready for the garage sale we are having Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Not much fun, but very necessary! Can't wait to get some junk out of the house. What doesn't sell, will be either trashed or donated! My mom and both sisters are going to help out and sell some stuff too.
Well, that said, I need to get to work! Happy summer to you all!!
The infamous SkippyJon Jones Field Day was Monday! Lee was man-in-charge. He planned, organized, and headed up the day!
The prep work was incredibly stressful, but it all went off without a hitch. Lee was definitely the field day hero! All the teachers and volunteers kept saying it was one of the best field days in years, and that it was so well organized! That's saying ALOT!!! I was one proud and extremely sunburned wife when the day was over!
The last-day-of-school assembly was yesterday. Both boys received awards. Hunter got a proficient student award and Braden got the friendship award. The friendship award is voted on by the other students for kindness and being a good friend! They both were recognized as ambassadors for their classes. It was a great way to end the year. I was so proud those boys! (I'll post pics later)
Today, the first full day out of school, it's rainy. We are getting things ready for the garage sale we are having Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Not much fun, but very necessary! Can't wait to get some junk out of the house. What doesn't sell, will be either trashed or donated! My mom and both sisters are going to help out and sell some stuff too.
Well, that said, I need to get to work! Happy summer to you all!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Ballgames Ballgames and more Ballgames
This is a weekend of.....you guessed it, ballgames! We had one on Friday, and we have one this afternoon and then again on Monday. It makes life busy! Hey, I'm not complaining mind you. We were very blessed to be able to get both boys on the same machine-pitch team, and for all you multi-child/ballplayers mommas out there, you know exactly why I would call this little miracle a blessing! :) ONE practice schedule, ONE game schedule, ONE snack list, ONE end-of-the-season party to attend; I'm sorry, I'll stop now! Last year they were on different teams, one in t-ball and one in coach-pitch, and I had not known busy until that season! AGH!! So I do not overlook the blessing(however small it may seem to some).
I do like going to the ball field, particularly on a day like today, when the weather is just beautiful! I love seeing my little ballplayers all dressed up in their uniforms, and playing their little hearts out. And play they do! They are very competitive, a trait they definitely got from their father. :) Something changed in my babies, between last ball season and this one.....they developed the testosterone swagger. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It's the scratchin, spittin, seed chewin, all confidence, all male swagger! I couldn't help but laugh watching all those little guys out on the field, acting like little men! Sooo funny and sooo cute!! My boys are now addicted to watching baseball on TV. They try and replicate the baseball behavior on the machine-pitch field! Love it! But.....after every game, my little swaggerin men, STILL run to their momma for a "Good job, bubba!" and a kiss! Nothing better than that!
My Little Braves
I do like going to the ball field, particularly on a day like today, when the weather is just beautiful! I love seeing my little ballplayers all dressed up in their uniforms, and playing their little hearts out. And play they do! They are very competitive, a trait they definitely got from their father. :) Something changed in my babies, between last ball season and this one.....they developed the testosterone swagger. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It's the scratchin, spittin, seed chewin, all confidence, all male swagger! I couldn't help but laugh watching all those little guys out on the field, acting like little men! Sooo funny and sooo cute!! My boys are now addicted to watching baseball on TV. They try and replicate the baseball behavior on the machine-pitch field! Love it! But.....after every game, my little swaggerin men, STILL run to their momma for a "Good job, bubba!" and a kiss! Nothing better than that!
My Little Braves
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