Lamentations 2:19

Pour out your heart like water
before the face of the Lord.
Lift your hands toward Him
For the life of your young children.

Today as I look back on the week that is finishing.... I sit and contemplate just a few things that I read this week. I just wanted to share them with you. They may or may not fill your heart with encouragement, peace and confidence as they did mine.

Prayer- Lord, I put my child in Your hands this day. Guide, protect, and convict him/her when sin is trying to take root. Strengthen him/her in battle when satan attempts to gain a foothold in his/her heart.

Scripture-Mark 11:24..Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Prayer- Lord, You have said in Your word that You have "dealt to each a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). I pray that You would take the faith You have planted in my child(ren) and multiply it. May the truth of Your Word be firmly established in his/her heart so that faith will grow daily and navigate his/her life.

I pray you all have a blessed weekend enjoying a bountiful life the Lord has given us. Oh, I pray you do believe this is true :)

Love Kim

YIIIPPPPEEEE!!!!!

My blog is back!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
I soooo appreciate you Blogger Team!!! You are my Blog Heroes!!!!

Ask, Seek, Knock

Somedays for me are...

Ask...Yeah, sometimes I forget or don't even think about it, or why bother??? What will it change?

Seek...Man! so many other things to see.... or I feel I already know...why go looking?

Knock...well, there are so many other doors open, so much more conveinent!


Then there are the other days...

Ask...My voice is so raw and hoarse from not just asking...but from begging!

Seek...My eyes can't even stay open they are so tired from looking!

Knock... My fists are bruised and sore from not just knocking but from pounding!

Most days I get up, and pray for the Lord what is your will for my life..for my children, etc..???

Then there is today... Lord may I truly be blessed with the gift of being aware of Your Awesome Presence... May I be compelled to throw my shoes off , because I feel that I am walking on Holy ground....


I desire you Lord, to lead in and through me! I plead that you will remove my desire for asking of You anything (friends, passion, purity, obedience etc..for our children or anyone else) other than being one with You!

I want to truly reflect you today and allow you to 100% lead the way I spend my time...money...and love!

I need to need you with everything I am, have, desire.... Lord bless me please with the vision of where you are working today...that I may join you

Truly a journal about my day...yesterday

Do you ever feel like you are in a movie? Let me explain... Okay your watching a scene where they are in a huge hurry driving to get somewhere and there it is....an 18 wheeler pulling out right in front of them driving slower than a turtle..slowing them down .You know, those high stress intense moments. Or those romantic comedies where the girl is in a hurry and falls down, in front of the gorgeous guy she is in love with...

Yeah well, my mishaps aren't romantic or in filmed scenes...they are real and I'm super sure I don't look charming when I fall down!

My day yesterday...
I texted a friend to see if she felt like talking at about 7:50 am before I went to work at 8am. I never use my phone when at work unless I'm expecting an important call or something. But this day I kept checking my phone to see if she had texted me back. All day nothing. I was feeling sad and hoped she was doing okay... Then at about 6pm I got a text that said what do you mean do I feel like talking? Oh, crud! I had texted the wrong friend with the same name who lives in California... No wonder I never heard back...So I just called the one I wanted to talk to.. she is doing good!

Okay anyways... I am at work running around like a chicken w/my head cut off (I've seen this...sooo creepy!) I 'm not remembering people's drinks,I slipped and did the splits just seconds after they warn everyone loud and clear to be careful the floor is slippery, I gave decaf coffee instead of bold (HUGE difference!)

I spilled steaming pitchers of eggnog and milk while extremely hot all over me and the freshly cleaned area.(cause or district manager is coming) I'm thinking wow, I should probably go home and take a nap!

I poured out coffee into what I thought was the sink only it was where the trash can was suppose to be, but wasn't...so it splatters on me and everywhere! I was told several times that I was very nice entertainment by fellow partners and customers. :) or :( not sure which one I should be doing...)

A Dr. came in to meet me in person after my name was given several times for filling an assistant job at his practice. I looked so horrific! I'm sure I looked like I had run a marathon, my hair looked disheveld and I had milk,eggnog, and coffee stains all over me. He said I wanted to come in and meet you since I've heard so much about you. Richelle(Who I recomended) had went in earlier to inquire about the position and she told him I would be there til 1pm and described me as the crazy one. I know because he told me. Well... not sure about that one either.

Well, He is just chit chatting away about his hours the practice,etc..right there in front of one of my bosses. Sooo awkward! I won't be taking the job..it is full time. Something I do not desire. He is a nice doctor though.

Okay so then I finally get off work. whew! I get Emily and then we go shopping for a few items.It was my night to take dinner to the Woods, and needed just a few more things plus some things for our own family. Anyways I got a little nervous because I'm not sure if I am going to have enough money.

I left my debit card here on my desk, and the check book in the car Joel has. I only have 42.00. I called Joel and asked if he could bring me some money or go get my card... He said well, I have to go to the bank anyways so I'll be right there. I finish getting all my items plus chocolate chips (for cookies!) (definitely an extra)

I head to the check out thinking it will be the same time he comes in. I call him and he says I am at Chase bank, I'll be right there. ( which is in Walmart parking lot)So Emily starts the self check out...which I was sort of leary of, and told the little helper lady my delema of not knowing if I had enough money, but that my husband is on his way. No problem she says.My total was 47.1 remember I only have 42.00 I'm not worried though cause my sweet prince is on the way to save me!

I call him again to tell him we are right in front of the nail salon, thinking he is roaming aimlessly in Walmart looking for us. He says Oh.......well, I am almost to Tom Thumb...and almost out of gas... I thought you were at Tom Thumb....Oh, man.!!...he was just right here by me!!! Well, I feel very stressed that it is going to be even longer when he gets here. He was going to get gas, then come back over this way... so I say, I will just put something back.

After a few minutes of him trying to persuade me to wait I decide not to cause I see several people heading towards the check outs. Thank God I picked the check out right by the self check out helper lady. So I go tell her I need to put something back. She was sooo sweet. I chose the chocolate chips which was 5.38. bringing my total to 41.79 WOW! I had 21 cents change!

Okay then I begin meal preperations. I had decided to make stuffed pasta shells(YUMMY) They hadn't had Italian food yet so I was excited! I had the shells, most of the cheese and the sauce already. Well....so I thought! NO sauce! MAN! So I call Prince Charming yet again... Yes, he will stop and pick some up. Plus then couldn't find the cucumbers for their salad..pretty sure we left them there!

Okay, So I make everything for the Woods and our family. Now I get in the car and Joel had given me 20 bucks for gas. Yeah well...I thought I could make it to the Woods ....then on the way home stop and get gas. Joel calls to see how I am doing and I tell him I am on my way. Did you get gas he asks....No do I need it before I go there? Oh, my gosh Kim I left you money..why didn't you get gas...I say...I just want to get their food to them...can't I make it????

He is so stressed I can tell. I love him to death! We truly have reversed our roles. Once upon a time I would have been freaked out not wanting to run out of gas or break down... now I just say, oh well, If I do run out I'll just wait for you to come get me.(He's in Ft Worth) (Thank you Lord for delivering me from those worries...most of the time)

I had left the house @ like 5:50pm making my way down 377 through Keller to NRH. Yeah well, listen Keller has the most horrible traffic and not a lot of streets for the traffic to get through! It's awful! If I were you guys who live in Keller I would petition for them to add or widen the streets!

I get to Tarrant/377 and look at the gas milage thingy and I just hear the stress in my husbands voice ringing in my ears...so I crossed over double yellow lines ( I know totally illegal!) and pulled into a gas station. It is now like 6:30. Craziness! I spill it on me of course, (it goes well with coffee, eggnog, and milk) I'm in Joel's car, so I don't have wet wipes...cause they are in MY car for this very reason!


I get gas and call poor Felicia and tell her I am so sorry that it is taking me forever to get there. No problem she says. She says after you cross Rufe Snow a couple of streets down you'll turn left on Starnes. Yeah well, I never saw Rufe Snow. I did find Starnes and she had told me that I would drive down it for a bit. So imagine my surprise when out of the blue while I am on Strarnes I cross over Rufe Snow... I was suppose to cross it before I turned on Starnes!

Joel calls me and asks are you okay? Uh...yes I say. Are you out of gas he asks? no I actually stopped and got some I say. He asks.. are you lost? Well, now that I'm not real sure about...I say. I can so hear the perplexity in his voice...(it makes me giggle now) What do you mean he asks.... Well...( I tell him all about the rufe snow deal) Joel:Well what street are you on now?
me:I think Starnes. Joel: can you see the street sign? Me: no not really... oh, yeah I am.
Joel:What street are you looking for? me: Windhaven I'll find it honey, I have their number. I will call you back if I am lost.

Then all of a sudden there's a construction crew and we come to a complete stop. They have tractors and men all over the place.(the 18 wheeler in the movie) So we sit for like 10 minutes then we get to resume. I find the street, I see their address. I park in what I thought was their drive way. walk up to the door juggling all the dishes with one hand(gas on the other) only to see the house number that says 7503. Their address is 7501. So I trek through their yards and ring the door bell.

I told her about the gas and washed my hands immediately. Told her all the food needs to know...tempature...why their salad was cucumberless etc...I talked to sweet little Camille, whom mom has kept up so I can see. I wanted to hold that little angel, but felt too yucky dirty! Well, they are a beautiful family! I am blessed through their blessings!

I am actually having a wonderful week! I hope you all are as well!

I read this scripture today and was blessed. Nothing to do with my day yesterday. Just a great scripture.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Revelation 2:17

A sweet friend of mine Danielle sent this to me

Next time you're envious of someone in a magazine -- whether it be a model or celebrity -- remember this commercial.

<http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca/bblank.asp?id=6895>

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.


1Peter 3:3,4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight.

WOW! Please join me in rejoicing with my precious friends!!!

1 Chronicles 16:31

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"

Please read the following e-mail I received!!!

Date: Oct 19, 2006 12:31 AM

Subject: XO

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you are all doing well. Thank you so much for your thoughts and your many prayers over these months.

We received great news today from Danny's doctor. After days of waiting to see if he would need to do another round of chemotherapy, Dr. Marcus said he is finished! Dan will now be tested and checked regularly to be sure he has been completely cured.

We would appreciate your prayers for him during this time, for complete healing and for direction as he "moves" back into normal life. Thank you!

We all leave Thursday for L.A. for my sister Jody's Memorial Service on Friday. I miss my sister, but I find that I am mostly joyful and excited that she is more alive than ever, with The Lord! I am praising and thanking God for Heaven every day!

"and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35:10

Much Love to you All,

Annie and Family

I love that song My God Reigns...(especially when Stephen Bailey leads it at our church)

There's nowhere else that I'd rather be

Than dancing with You as You sing over me

There's nothing else that I'd rather do

Lord, than to worship You

So, rejoice, be glad, rejoice, O my soul

For the Lord, your God

He reigns forevermore

I rejoice, for my God reigns

So rejoice, be glad, your Father and your friend

Is the Lord, your God

Whose rule will never end

I rejoice, for my God reigns

My God reigns

And I dance the dance of praise

My God reigns

With a shout I will proclaim

My God reigns

And I worship without shame

My God reigns

And I will rejoice

For my God reigns

Thank you, wonderful friends!!

From the Power Of A praying Parent

Your children are YOURS and not the DEVIL"S,
and you can make a case for them before the throne of God.
YOU have the power AND the authority. SATAN DOESN'T.
Rebuke his lies by the power invested in you
through Jesus Christ your Savior,
who IS Lord over everything in your life,
including your children.

A quote from The Power of a Praying Parent

The draw of the flesh and the devil's plans are a lot stonger than we'd like to think. In a moment of weakness, such as is possible for all of us, we can end up doing something we never thought we would. Only the power of God, through prayer, can make a difference.

Thank you for praying for my dear friend Annie. Here is an update.

Date: Oct 2, 2006 1:18 PM

Hello Friends and Family,

Many of you may have already heard that my beautiful sister Jody is now in the presence of the Lord. I can only imagine how wonderful & glorious it is,being WITH the ONE who made her, her Creator. Jody passed away very peacefully on Saturday just after 4:00.

Her final hours here on earth, were filled with precious time with her family, God's Word, and constant love from her husband Scott and best friend Logan. Also, Scott spent time reading to Jody all of the inspired,worshipful lyrics to the many many songs Jody has written. What a gift!

My brothers and sister along with a few of mom's friends with gathertogether this afternoon to tell her about Jody.

Today Dan has begun another round of chemo. Hopefully his last.

Our whole family covets your prayers during this difficult time. Thank you!

OXOXOX,

Annie and Family



Date: Oct 3, 2006 1:58 AM

Thank you ALL for your prayers and kind email responses to me.

My mother Judy, now knows that Jody is with her Lord. God filled the afternoon with His great mercy, grace and peace. After my two brothers and sister privately told mom about Jody, she was then surrounded by close friends and family that gathered to comfort her.

This was God's perfect time.

We prayed, sang, and grieved together. Mom and I continued these things upto bedtime. She was so grateful to be surrounded in this way and is very peaceful.

I believe God allowed my mother to experience this loss because HE wanted to show us ALL, His very very powerful love in a time of deep grief.

"They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35:10

Much Love and thanks to you all, XOOX

Annie and Family

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can not find words adequate enough to describe the love I have for this family! Your prayers for them have been a wonderful blessing to me because of the gift it has been to them! Please continue to lift Danny up in prayers as well.

Date: Oct 8, 2006 9:16 AM
For Daniel:
He's getting very tired of all this chemo routine. He went out yesterday for a couple hours to visit the music store and it totally wiped him out. His tumor marker numbers have been in the normal range for a few weeks, but one of them was rising slightly and the doctor is talking about a 4th round of chemo which we hope isn't the case. Pray for healing too.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

HIP HIP HOORAY!! Three cheers for Whataburger! I am proud of and thankful for that business! Yesterday I worked up at Laura's school helping to make football mums. I got there at 10:30 ish and stayed till 3:15 then after feeding the fam I headed back up there about 7:40 ish. I stayed till 11pm. I was sooo thirsty and wishing I had snagged one of those water bottles before I left.

Anywhoooo...On the way home I saw Whataburger and thought I will just pull in real quick and grab a rootbeer. AWWWH refreshing... Well, it took actually a lot longer than I had anticipated, but I wasn't bothered. I was kind of in a daze so tired..

Then after I got my drink...signed over my kidney to the drive thru worker(as Joel swears I do...)I was driving on through when in their window I saw in HUGE BOLD letters these words:

ONE NATION
UNDER GOD
INDIVISIBLE

I said to Joel on the phone, I don't mind if I have to wait 2 hours in line for a rootbeer(which by the way after I ordered, I saw it was Bargs..the only rootbeer with caffeine :( awwh man! BUMMER!) it is worth it because they are boldly proud of our nation being under God!!!

Please stop in one today and support their support!!!

Have a Blessed day Blog world and celebrate His power!!!

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being,sustaining all things by His powerful word.

Hebrews 1:3

Quick Coffee Bean update...

WOW! I have almost reached my goal of 100 pounds of coffee beans sold for our troops!!! I've sold 85 1/2!!! Thank you to all who have helped me so far! Those of you who gave me money, I wrote a note on the bag of beans saying: Thank you for your sacrifice, we are praying for you! Love, (your name here) Lake Cities Church Of Christ--Trophy Club, Tx
ooohh...so, make sure you pray for them :) Plus I entered your name in the drawing for the "Aroma solo coffee machine."


This week is the last week to buy them for our troops(well, for us to send them anyway) You can certainly still buy them anytime, and send them anytime!

I also wanted to let you know, that EVERYTIME you do purchase a bag of beans you help us raise funds to build schools and hospitals for our farmers who grow beans for Starbucks!

I was just soooo blessed to find that out! I'm not sure if I told you...but Starbucks DOES NOT believe in sweat shops and stuff!!! They truly do care about the farmers and their daily lives!

So, just know that EVERYTIME you buy beans...you bless our wonderful farmers and their sweet sweet families!

I pray you guys have a blessed week living boldly for our Lord! He is sooo Awesome! I pray the enemy to be bound up...You would not fall prey to believing his lies of anything less of our Faithful Warrior! Be brave and take heart that HE is the one who stands ahead of us...VICTORIOUS!!

An excerpt from "The Power Of A Praying Parent" Calendar

The joy of the Lord is rich and deep and causes anyone who walks in it to be likewise. That's because joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances; it has to do with looking into the face of God and knowing He's all we'll ever need.



Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life:
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I pray we desire this to be true in our lives.

A quote added to, from "Turn" by Max Lucado

We see satan poised to claim victory. We feel something near despair as we watch cancer/diseases ravage bodies, marriages torn apart, drugs and disrespect dominating lives, loved ones walking aimlessly,our nation make wrong turn after wrong turn, wrong move after wrong move etc...


But in the darkest moment God whispers,


I HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU.
HE HASN'T WON YET."



The Lord will hear your crying, and He will comfort you. When He hears you, he will help you"
Isaiah 30:19 NCV


"pray without ceasing"
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

Wow! If you click onto the site below, you will help an underprivileged woman get a free mamogram! This is so cool. The cost to you will be a few moments of your time. Won't you Please take a few minutes to bless someone today.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

This will truly fill your heart. It is very bittersweet!

The following link is from my friend Annie Lapoint's brother-in-law's blog about his precious wife Jody.(Annie's sister) His blog site is: (http://streetcalledstraight.com/blog/)
Please take some time to read his entire blog! I even encourage you to print the whole thing off, staple it like a booklet and read it throughout the day, week, just make a little time here and there. I promise you will be blessed! But at least for right now read this article from one of his postings. (March 10th) Read the link of (my favorite version!)It is both heart wrenching and soothing. Very convicting! Will you add them to your prayer list please. Thank you for your time. In His is name, Kim Q.


Friday, March 10, 2006

An article that has become our creed as well!

We were immediately blessed by this article by John Piper.

However, the article was much simpler when John Piper wrote it. DGM added some great material to it, but I found the original much more accessible and inspiring. Here is the way DGM published it originally - my favorite version!

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY COFFEE FOR OUR TROOPS

1. They are unselfishly serving our country...That means for you and me.

2. So you can go to Starbucks and sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend and not have to worry about someone walking up with a backpack on and blowing you up.

3. The whole "word and deed" thing...

4. They took a poll and the troops said they wanted Starbucks coffee sent to them...It reminds them of home. You can even write a note of encouragement on the bag and bless their day!

5.The caffeine will keep them awake and alert which is a good thing when being shot at daily.

6. Because Thursday thirteen rhymes with caffeine.

7. Because $10 is not a lot when it comes to thanking young men and women who risk their lives for our country.

8.Because if Jesus did the parable of the woman at the well today, He might have asked for a Iced Venti Carmel Macchiato instead of water...Not really cause we all know it was about living water.(something to sooth your soul!) (coffee soothes your nerves)

9. A lot of people think Starbucks is anti -troops. That is not true! Please let us show you. They are doing this drive because they want to partner with the community and support the troops.

10. Believe it or not missionaries in Africa told us that they drink warm drinks there to help cool them off. Hey we've experience some heat here, so you know they are experiencing some major heat there...Let's help cool our troops!

11. The troops could share it with the locals, thus opening a whole new market for Starbucks and usually when meetings take place at Starbucks it helps to create a friendly environment Aren't we all in favor of that!?

12. For every bag of coffee you buy (whether it's for you or the troops)you get to enter your name in a drawing to win a cool Barista Aroma Solo machine! (ie: 5 bags of coffee= 5 times your name goes into the drawing hat.)

13. Because you can help me reach my goal..I committed to sell 100 bags of coffee, if I don't reach it, then I might have to buy what I didn't get sold which I'm pretty sure Joel will not be too fired up about, since then my working would become in vain... You have to go into the Trophy Club Starbucks and tell them you are buying coffee in my name, or you can send me the money and I can fill out your entry form for you. I've done this for about ten people already, or you can actually call in and pay for it over the phone using your credit card, and have them write what you want on the bag...pretty painless. The phone # is 682.831.0258

Remember I only get credit if you say my name. Thank you guys for helping the troops and me! I love you and I am super appreciative of your time, care and money!

you can comment and let me know you did it if you want to. That would be a neat way of tracking it. But definitely let me know by phone that you did so I can help them keep track of my goal being completed.

My Word Cloud by snapshirts.com

Thank you Paige and Kelly and so on and so on...This is cool!

My daughter Laura and I are taking an amazing journey, and we'd like to invite you to join us. Thousands of women and men are going to walk 60 miles over the course of three days to raise money for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

We've formed Team Quile in honor of our mom/grandmother Catherine Seale, family friend Barbara Vice and our friend Ann Moss’s sister, Brenda. All three of these beautiful vibrant women have not only survived breast cancer, but are stronger than ever before! Laura and I have a passionate desire to help others fight this battle! Remember, “others” could become you, or us, or someone we love. Together, we hope to raise the expected amount of $4,400 for the cause. Due to the high level of commitment this program demands, we will be unable to walk if all of our funds are not collected. We want to invite as many friends as we can to join Team Quile by walking with us, praying with us, cheering us on at the different stations and financially supporting us. We believe there is strength in numbers!

We hope you will join Team Quile.

My web page link is:

http://www.the3day.org/dallas06/isaiah4110

LauraÂ’s web page link is: http://www.the3day.org/dallas06/psalm27_1

Love,

Kim and Laura

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

If you would like to participate in walking please register, @ www.The3Day.org or call (800) 996-3DAY.

Please be in prayer for the Paul family as they wait for testing on their new little baby boy Tanner. I'm not exactly sure on the proper name of the diagnosis, but it most definitely involves his precious little heart! Remember...that is our Lord's dwelling place!
We love you Paul's! You are precious to us!


He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your sheild and buckler. You shall not be afraid. Psalm 91:4-5

Hi everybody! I just wanted to share this AMAZING e-mail from my friend Annie. You will be blessed as you read how active and living and powerful our LORD is. It literally brought chills to not just my body, but I really believe into my bones! I am soooo blessed to have the honor of seeing and experiencing these throughout my whole life! It never ceases to amaze me. Not from lack of believing...just always in awe of the refreshment of His powerful power!

Kim, Did you get these last 2 emails about my sister?? Jody almost died on
Wed. night. XOOXOX, Annie

Dear Friends,

Late Wednesday night My sister Mia and I drove down to LA to where my sister
Jody is in ICU. I have just returned tonight, Friday to get back to Daniel&
the rest of my family. There were complications and Jody is now on a
respirator and her body is gradually shutting down. By Thursday night we
were sure it was near the end of her life here on earth.

This morning brought us some hope & joy as she became alert and through a
"spelling game" she communicated (through her husband) all her love to her
family & friends. She said "she WANTS to be here!" She was peaceful and pain
free and even gave her Dr a thumbs up when he adjusted her ventilator. Then
her kidneys began working again, and a few other things that had taken a
turn for the worst started getting better.

The Drs and nurses were taken back by these changes!

We know things can go either way, but these wonderful events today gave us
hope after a long day and night of deep grieving. "Lord, This world could
REALLY use a great modern-day miracle! Let is be my sisters healing!"

Danny is beginning to feel badly tonight from the effects of chemotherapy
and my heart is aching for him and my sister.

It's comforting for me to be able to write this to all of you and know
people will pray for us. Thank you so much.

I love you all, In Christ,

Annie

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalms 31:24





Oh I hope you're not all sick of my emails!

But I must TELL you what God is doing As of tonight...

My sister Jody is off the respirator and breathing on her own! She is off of
the heart fluid tube and all sedation! Her vitals are stable and her kidneys
and liver are on the rebound! I just heard that she has eaten and loved it!
My sister Jody is talking up a storm and praising God for His grace and
mercy! The DrsArere telling her she will be out of ICU soon and in a regular
room!

She remembers very little of this weeks terrible events and when hearing she
was very near death she said..... "REALLY???!!"

Though they say, "Jody is not out of the woods" What can I say??

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits ‹
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed
like the eagle¹s." Psalms 103:1-5

God has heard your prayers!

OXOXOX,

Annie and Family

No, this isn't a pic from the Bible Building at ACU. This is a huge world balloon from our dinner around the world with the Home Builders!

Here are a few pic's from a FABULOUS evening! Thank you Joel and Emily for the photo shoot.It was such a blessing to eat, fellowship, share stories and pray together. May God continue to build these homes with an unshakable foundation!



P.S. if you click on my title, you will see the world globe at ACU

Thirteen things I contemplated today...

1. When John enlists in the Airforce, where will his boot camp be.

2. Where will he be stationed?

3. Will we be able to visit him often, or him us?

4. I am thankful that God has blessed my husband with a gift of rescuing.

5. How amazingly strong are the parents I saw today @ Cooks Hospital while helping with an incredible auction that Starbucks hosted for them today. They wearily love and serve their child through whatever illness, operation, accident, etc...their precious one(s) Yes, some had more than one child admitted in the hospital.

6. That was a really cool auction! The kiddos got to have 100.00 in play money to purchase real items! starbucks does a huge toy drive and then divides the goods into three separate distribution times at Cooks. ( a partner program between Cooks and Starbucks)

7. My heart was filled with joy that Laura and Emily was excited to go help!

8. Tonight driving home from Barnes and Noble, I decided to wait and go to Walmart tomorrow after work. I wanted to hurry and get home, get Emily to bed, make banana bread and get to bed early(well, before 1am anyways!) Since I have to work 4:45 am-11:15am. Anyways it just struck me that while I desired to get home and all that...at any moment, things could dramatically change. I could be killed or (maybe) worse yet, be tragically altered permantly the rest of my life. Life is just that unpredictable. And then I hoped desperately that whenever it is my time, I would leave behind an uncontainable amount of confidence of my love in my loved ones(family and friends)lives that would be based on God's love! WHEW! That was a long one!

9. I wish I could get one of those back braces to help me sit up straight!

10. I hope all our little first timers at school are having an OUTSTANDING experience!!
( Matthew F, Patrick, Matthew P, Jeb, I hope I didn't forget anyone!)

11. I am sad and happy for my friend Carolyn. She will not be moving here. infact Laurie her daughter already found a home they like in Cali and will be moving next month. :( & :)

12. I wonder if the boy that was driving sorta wreckless then cussed at me and Carla Black this morning is going through a troubling time, Like his mom maybe battling cancer or something. maybe he just doesn't feel the amazing love of God... I prayed for him, even though he shook me up and caused me to be all jittery. Plus I rebuked him, but I'm not sure he actually heard me..he already started rolling up his window...

13. When will Jesus come back? I wish everybody would accept Him as their Savior. I am ready for internal joy to be eternal!

(#14...why in the world would the spell check thingy offer fermented--promenade--ferment--or Vermont to replace permantly?)

Happy One Year Anniversary

One year ago this very night God moved us to Trophy Club. This very time a year ago I was laughing and talking with Ron, Lou, and Rhonda Cullum! Thank you for opening your home to us crazy strangers! We are blessed people!

I threatened to come over to their house tonight and sleep over for an anniversary celebration...guess what they said...COME ON! The room is already for you! I love those zany madly in love with God people!

Anyways....It is a joy to celebrate one year with all of you at Lake Cities! Thank you God for prompting our hearts to come here! We are in AWE of your blessings! It's pure craziness this journey of life we are on!

God's word truly does breathe life into us!

I just wanted to share today what was on my prayer calendar:

The best way to improve speech is to improve the heart, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). A heart filled with the Holy spirit and the truth of the Word of God will produce godly speech that brings life to the speaker as well as the listener. This is where our point of prayer should begin.


I have been feeling a little discouraged lately. While I haven't been speaking a lot of words of discouragement,(mostly because I try to live by "if you can't say something nice , don't say anything at all" my heart is still heavy, and so even unspoken words can be deadly to the soul when we (I)allow it to live in my heart.

I want to live in the joy, that we are where God has brought us, and all where we have been was where God had wanted us. The enemy wants me to be sad and dwell on the fact that my kiddos and I don't have core friendships that have been nurtured and strengthened from childhood through now. So many of my friends have such amazing friendships that have been developed from a very early time, and growing stronger everyday.

I have just been feeling like a failure to my children. My heart hurts for them as they talk about their friend's..friends. I just keep picturing that little child who's parents are the only one not at the Christmas play watching them in their special part.

This little reminder impacted me big today! I don't want my speech (or thinking) to control me to be discouraged! I want to boldly defy the enemy any victory over me!

Thirteen things I saw, heard, did, read, remembered, miss, or don't miss.

1. Being in this Texas heat again, I remember, yet DO NOT miss...Finally being able to locate my child's sippy cup....the one filled with milk, under the car seat!(that had been missing for a couple of days)

2. I Do not miss my back looking like it had been tied dyed after one of my kiddos applied sunscreen when they were younger.
(I remembered this after reading Paige's blog about her pitiful sunscreen application for Parker)

3. I Read that first born girls are the most likely to live to be a hundred.

4. I Read that more than 20 studies show that sugar has no effect on behavior(by Mark Wolraich U Of Oklahoma)

5. I saw a lot of love in action. The Pence's and the Boen's have blessed us with a lot of nice things for our home! Steve Pence made homemade sour cream chicken enchiladas and Mexican rice and Debbie drove it over to our house. Just because they love us. (not sick, no surgery..nothing)

6. I got to hang out with three precious kiddos Saturday night while their parental units went to dinner. Matthew and Ethan Fletcher and their sweet little baby cousin, Bella. It was very jolly. We fed ducks, played on the school play ground and saw 8 geese fly from one lake to another right over our heads...pretty cool!

7. Erin miller told Emily and I that it wasn't fair that Caleb and Jeb's teeth just fall out!(she is going to have extractions tomorrow in the AM)

8. My husband and I danced in the kitchen to the Archies "Sugar Sugar" while I was cooking one of our family's fav dishes. (Brie chicken and saute'd zuc.&yellow squash, with roasted garlic sauce, salad w/homemade ranch, french bread, sweet ice tea, and water)

9. I am learning so much at Starbucks! They do not allow people to work in sweat shops for them! Yea! That's one of the reasons why their coffee is a little on the expensive side. Starbucks builds them medical facilities and makes sure they have good working conditions. I am loving working at Starbucks!

10. I found out today that my friend Carolyn might not move here to the Dallas area. Her daughter and son-in-law might be moving back out to Cali. I am sad about that news. The 12th is her birthday.

11. I am praying with 3 young ladies on a regular basis! Such a blessing to my soul!

12. I miss building homes in Mexico

13. It has been so cool watching my fiery hot hubby transform our house into an Italian villa home! Which has been a dream of mine for like 7 yrs! Thanks BIG HUNK!

The Tree of Life, by Tamara Crull from Park Plaza Church, Tulsa Ok.

Have you ever sat under a tree without any particular purpose but to just sit there? Sound strange? I might suggest it becomes something you do frequently. Why? Because great things happen around trees.

Can you imagine a tree which offers life? God could. In Genesis 2:9 God created the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. What about a tree that offers a chance for success? Psalm 1:3 offers a description of such a tree:"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it's fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. What ever he does prospers."

Trees can also attract God's voice. For example, in Genesis 18:1, the Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre in the form of visitors. These visitors brought the good news of Sarah's future pregnancy. In Exodus 3:2, the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses through a burning bush soliciting his leadership. Both Abraham and Moses received messages from God near trees.

Finally, trees reflect the need for Christ and His purpose. Zaccheus, in Luke 19:4, climbed a sycamore fig tree because he needed to see Jesus. Shortly afterward, Jesus was crucified on a cross, a cross made from a tree, in order to offer us eternal salvation.

Trees offer a place of rejuvenation and rest. They allow for prosperity and posterity, opportunities for achievement and means of support. Most importantly,they offer you a chance of a new beginning through Christ. With His arms outstretched, nailed to the cross, Jesus gave His life for you.

I encourage you to find your tree and to just sit there, be silent, and know that God is there and is in control. What is He asking of you? A rededicated life? To be a fruitful Christian? A future mother? A strong leader? A support to a friend? Whatever it may be, have confidence that God has something special planned for you.

Sometimes I disgust myself!

http://mwanza.blogspot.com/

Starbucks:In the people business serving coffee. Linderman's: In the people business serving Jesus.

Will you please take time today to read my friends blog. I know we cannot physically lift their arms, but spiritually we can. Please join me in being an Aaron and Hur for the Linderman's, their team, and their hearts work in Africa. May your prayer in the name of Jesus pour over and through them a strength, peace, joy, and a continual refreshing hope as they live out Jesus in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Thank you for taking this time. They are very dear to us! Your effort will bless them, and bring glory to our Lord.

Exodus 17:12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

Dear Quile's

Yesterday Danny went into Stanford Emergency with Pain... After hours of waiting and testing he is having emergency surgery this afternoon for testicular Cancer - the removal of one testicles!!!! Please pray!!!!!!!!!!!Please send the request to anyone who you think will pray with us! Thanks!!

God takes us deeper and deeper into a pressing that only leads to Our God,our Savior Jesus, the The wonderful Holy Spirit! We need His peace, strength, wisdom, and prayers & that after surgery NOTHING else will need to be done! No chemo/radiation, "Please Lord!!"

He is our strength, our Savior, our Shepherd!

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2Chronicles 20:15

XOOXOXOXOX, Love to you all!

Annie

Danny is 21 yrs old. He and John(our son) were really good friends when we lived in Cali. Their entire family has been an awesome source of joy, strength, and faith building friendship for our family. We have been so blessed that God has surrounded us with deeply committed friends to encourage and strengthen our walk with Him!

I am so thankful for their faith, which they allow God to refine daily, to fill us with a compelling hope to continue to walk strong with the Lord(even when it seems bleak and dark) Please keep our friends in your prayers!

Some of you who were here at LakeCities our very first Sunday got to meet Their oldest son Chris. He came to encourage us our first day here. They are just a dynamic family! I have added Danny's blog link in my links over to the right. I hope you have a chance to visit his blog. "The tornado known as Daniel"

I love you guys and hope you are encouraged by their courage!

HEY...TODAY REALLY IS THURSDAY THE 13TH!

Thirteen ways God blessed me this week

1. A healthy, beautiful family (Joel, John, Laura, Emily)

2. Celebrating 21 years of parenting an outstanding son..John

3. Not having to worry if we were going to eat

4. Shelter ( a beautiful home)

5. Plenty of clothes

6. Open communication with my 3 children and husband

7. Truly sincere friendships

8. Some really rich prayer time( so so so glorious to my soul!)

9. Opportunity to be part of a majestic VBS! (Thank you marvelous VBS leader and company)

10. The three families I invited to VBS came to VBS!!!! YIPPPEEE!

11. E-mail, cell phone, long distance services to keep in touch with family and friends far away

12. He has given me strong will against sweets! WHOO HOO!

13. A job at Starbucks, I start July 24th

Happy 21st Birthday John!

You are an AMAZING SON! We love you endlessly!! It is such a treasure to watch you continually grow into a Godly man! You bring so much zany joy to our family! We love to sit and talk with you for hours, and truly do enjoy your nutty clips and movies you want us to watch with you. Thank you for placing the bar at God's level and standing strong for your purity vow. We are proud of you. You are truly a precious gift from God! May you continue to allow Him to lead you.


Luke 22:32
Jesus said, I have prayed for you...that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Thirteen sweet things I wanted to ingest since June 25th, but haven't!

1. These Jelly Belly jelly beans
2. Blue Bell's Homemade vanilla ice cream-milkshake(I made everyone else in the fam one)
3. Some of our yummy cereal
4. Cheese cake sample at Costco
5. A dark milky way candy bar
6. A box of milkduds
7. Lindsay's baby shower cake(No help from Paige)
8. Rollo's at Kathy Halbert's house
9. Pancakes
10. Funnel cake
11. A bite of Emily's ice cream bar from Costco
12. A vat of vanilla pudding with cool whip
13. One of those Reeses peanut butter cups that Paige had today at church

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!

Yesterday was one of the best fourth of July's I have experienced!

Our church got to host it's first annual pancake breakfast for the entire town of Trophy Club!It all started when a large amount of us (over 60)from church gathered about 5:45-ish at the church. We had such a blast making orange juice, pancake batter, filling syrup bottles, serving pancakes, clearing plates, serving Starbucks coffee,(donated!) looking for knives(a crazy story!) and so much more. The two main things we did at that pancake breakfast was getting to serve wonderful people as an awesome family team, and visiting with many wonderful people most whom we had never met!

The town also had a 5K run and then a FUN run for the kiddos. The route had them starting and ending at our church. WOW! We were so very blessed to have such an honor! We were so thrilled that God allowed us the opportunity to experience this blessing.

It was suppose to end at 9am, but people just kept coming. It was really spectacular!

We estimated to have served over 300 people. SO amazing! They kept telling us thank you for such a wonderful gift. Oh, the pity for them...I truly believe we were blessed more than them!
You see, our church is made up of many many people who have hearts overflowing with love.It physically hurts to keep it contained, and unspent. So naturally we just love the opportunities to give it away!

Our church also got to have two floats in the parade. Yippee! It was a nice parade. We handed out water bottles to our floats, then decided to pass some out to the other floats. Yeah, well turns out I DO have a depth perception problem! I managed to get my right foot run over by a rather large trailer/float filled with lots of people.

I couldn't believe it! I was handing out water then all of a sudden I felt the tire and all the weight it was carrying(trailers aren't light folks!) right on top of my foot. So, I politely asked if they could back up, so I could get my foot out. Well, after what seemed like an hour... He backed up a little, but not enough to yank my foot out...so I say again "oh, can you please back up, your still on my foot" Yeah, well, then he just slowly moved forward(I'm sure because there was a back up of the other floats behind him) right over my entire foot. All I could think of was, My foot is being broken right now! Then, wow it doesn't really hurt that bad to get a broken foot, well, at least not like this.

I really thought it would have hurt worse, but it didn't! I never even really limped. It is only bruised looking. I suggest everyone who plans on getting their foot run over by a parade float to run out and buy ASIC'S running shoes! They protected my foot from getting broken. I should do commercials for them.

Well, it was pretty humiliating! I'm real sure they are having a good laugh at my expense! Of course that can't be good for me trying to get that job with the Town of Trophy Club. They were all there to witness it. I can't even remember who's float it was. They all probably think I'm an idiot. well....

The craziness of it all, was Joel stressing that I was going to get my foot ran over when I was handing him a water bottle! He was so worried, and kept saying,"Honey watch out! I don't want you to get your foot run over" Yeah, yeah, yeah! Okay, okay! More humiliation when I told him (you know someone else would have!)

Anyways...On with the day! After the parade, we went back to finish cleaning the church. Then Joel, Emily, John and I went to the free hot dog lunch. Our very own Greg Lamont (a newly appointed political figure) (Jenny, remember twas the night...by Larry? ) grilled the dogs for us.After lunch (around 1 ish)Joel fell asleep and at about 3ish Emily fell asleep, John went to see Superman, Laura buzzed around then started getting ready for the evening festivities, and I have no idea what I did till it was time to head down at 5:45ish(probably still in horrified shock that my foot was run over in front of the world)

After Tim and Nathan McNeil, Lindsey and Elizabeth Ponder arrived we all headed down to the community pool. That's where we did carnival game duty from 6-9 pm. That was a blast! They had all of our game booth's side by side, so we got to interact with each other. It was SOOO much fun watching the kiddos try to ring the bell with that gi-normous sledge hammer! That was the booth I helped at.

At like 9:30-ish the lights went off and Laura sang the National Anthem(she sounded wonderful inspite of her strep throat, and swollen tonsils! Then THE FIREWORKS! They were beautiful and the music played along was beautiful. The whole evening was enchanting!

I LOVE THE 4TH OF JULY!

Thank you to all our soldiers for blessing us with freedom! I love you and am proud of you!

They really make manuals for everything, I think...

Last night I started reading a book called Underground Manual for Ministers' Wives, by Ruth Truman. Not sure what it will do for me, so I will keep you posted. She seems to be a witty, funny and talented writer.

It has a very retro looking cover and her photo on the back is clearly from the 70's. Probably because it was copyrighted in 1974

I have no idea of the quality of content yet, but it did come complete with a warning label.

Warning: Contents in this book may cause anger, laughter, or heartburn. Readers suffering from stuffed-shirtism should avoid this product. In case of accidental ingestion, large doses of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 should be administered Q.I.D (have no idea what that stands for) Readers, any ideas?

Well, I hope all of you have had a great start to your weekend. I pray you are all walking strong, close, and joyfully with the Lord!

Hey Connie...You and Ronnie are crazy! I love you and was thrilled to talk to you guys the other day! I know you both are behaving at ACU!!! I'll make sure to keep referring people to y'all in the Education Dept. Ha Ha Ha! I miss you guys and look forward to visiting with you guys soon. Don't forget...Next time you are anywhere close by, call me!

Thirteen Things I am Thinking Today

1. The healing and recovery of my friend Carolyn, and that they find the right house Dallas!

2. For my friend Silvia and her son Anthony...Today is her husband's, his dad's birthday..He passed away unexpectedly and tragically in March. So so so young.

3. John is taking an entry test at Tarrant Co. this morning. I pray he does great!

4. Laura is at Leadership camp in San Antonio...Having an amazing time. Yipppeee for her!I miss her.

5. Sweet little Katlyn Ramona. Please God heal her completely!!!

6. So thankful for the anointing over my husband from God!

7. How come our electric bill was over 600.00???

8. I am thrilled God has given me strong discipline these last few days to eat right!

9. Emily's school and teacher for next year. Should she stay at Beck or go to Lakeview?

10. Still job searching...wonder what door God will lead me through.

11. What is wrong with poor little Emaline? I hope she will be healed!

12. I pray God prompts the people I invited to VBS to come!

13. I am excited about the 4th of July! I believe everyone will have a spectacular time!

THIRTEEN PEOPLE WHO MAKE MY HEART BEAT

1. God...His Love, and His divine design (sorry TLC He had it first!)

2. Jesus

3. Joel

4. John

5. Laura

6. Emily

7. My Mom

8. Siblings/Family

9. Friends

10. My Bible Heros

11. The lost/brokenhearted

12. Abused and neglected children

13. Orphans

The BIG 40

Definitely an enchanting evening! Thanks to my phenomenal family! I hope you see the joyful love in our faces that fill our hearts! Man! God has blessed me with a beautiful family...Inside and out! Please ask to see my fabulous present! I will be carrying it with me, you will love it!
Thanks to my extremely creative husband, and cooperative kiddos! Guess what...it is a 4oth interactive scrapbook of 40 marvelous gifts! AAAAMAZING!






Please pray for my friend Carolyn Shook. She is scheduled for brain surgery on Monday. Yes her lung cancer has advanced to her brain. I wish wish wish wish, you could meet her! She would fill your heart with a God-exuberant love for life!

Isaiah 43:1-3 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"

BEATITUDES FOR MOTHERS

While I know this is not scriptural, I found it very encouraging.


Blessed are the mothers who love God for their children shall not be ignorant of their Creator and His plans concerning them.

Blessed are the mothers who love the Word of God, for their children shall know of the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Blessed are the mothers who love the house of God, for their children shall enter there with them in the presence of God.

Blessed are the mothers who love to pray, for their children shall feel the power of prayer and many shall find salvation.

Blessed are the mothers who love a family altar, for they shall have their reward in the world to come.

Blessed are the mothers who love to be companions to their children, for they shall be called understanding mothers.

Blessed are the mothers who love to fight life's battles bravely with a strong and steadfast faith in God, for their children shall know where to find strength in time of need

-Author unknown

Thirteen Fabulous Players. One Dynamic Team.

Thursday

YIIPPPEEEEE! Laura is going on her very FIRST DATE!!! SOOO crazy!!! His name is Cameron and he is a lifeguard here at the country club! Man, things HAVE changed! She totally got asked out through text messaging on her phone! They are going to go to The Cheesecake Factory. She is so excited! I am excited for her!

She is begging me to give him "The Talk" instead of her dad. She says I am less intimidating, except don't use the words "illegal substances" she says. Apparently those words weren't a big hit when a"guy friend" took her to a church function and I made sure that he wasn't going to have her invovled in any of that. Well, ya know...You never know! I just want to make sure I do my part and do it well! After all she is one of our precious treasures!

I text her to ask if I could blog about it, she said "yeah, just make sure you mention he's stinking studdly,hott, that he's a lifeguard, that he's taking me to "The Cheesecake Factory" (yep, said all that!)and momma please don't say anything embarrassing" What is she talking about, embarrassing?

Well, this is a moment she has waited for her whole life!(I'm not exaggerating either) Infact, that was the first words my mom said when I called her and told her she was going on her first date. "She has waited for this moment her whole life!" Well, say a prayer...and...Stay tuned!

WOW! I'm lucky enough to be in the 50%

In households where a child has fifth disease, another family member who hasn't previously had parvovirus B19 has about a 50% chance of also getting the infection. Classmates of children with fifth disease have about a 60% chance of getting the virus. Once someone is infected with parvovirus B19, they develop immunity to it and won't usually become infected again.

Contagiousness
A person with parvovirus infection is most contagious before the rash appears - either during the incubation period (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) or during the time when he or she has only mild respiratory symptoms.





Needless to say, I'm not at church this morning! My husband promised to bring me the CD. We are suppose to have people over today after church. I worked all last night making stuffed pasta shells and homemade cookie dough for yummy ice cream sandwiches, homemade garlic bread, and a fresh salad, and sauted veggies. I had it all planned out, to send Laura ahead of us and preheat the oven so we could bake the pasta shells (since we linger at church for a while) Then we could practically sit down and eat.
Maybe they will still come.....

Thirteen Smells I Like In Random Order



1. my husband's cologne( Spark, by Claiborne)

2. starbucks(i don't like to drnk coffee though)

3. creme brule candles

4. my perfume (Indecence, by Givencey)

5. limes

6. freshly baked peanut butter cookies

7. cinnamon

8. john's cologne (not sure what it is )

9. emily after her shower

10. sweet italian sausage(cooking)

11. laura's variety of lotions and hair products

12. roasted garlic sauce(with white wine)(anything garlic actually)

13. freshly cut grass


Just to name a few...

Late Friday afternoon Joel and I had been out on errands and going on our weekly date. We pulled into the restaurant parking lot while I was on the phone with my sweet friend Carolyn. Joel motioned that he would run in and put our name in for a table. After about 2 minutes I turned the key off and thought I was going to wrap up our conversation, when she told me that the doctors made the decision to stop the chemo treatments. Her cancer is too aggressive! June 14th they do bone,and brain scans to see if it has spread into those areas.

It was such a hot day and sitting in that hot car with no air circulating and sweat literally dripping down my face and neck, felt suffocating, yet eerily I found comfort in it. I refused to put the key in and turn the air back on. I felt paralyzed for my friend. What words do I say? How can I be a source of strength and encouragement when I want to cry uncontrollably?

I just started praying through my sobs. I have NO memory of what I said. Maybe it was the Holy Spirit maybe just my emotional blabbering...Who knows! I haven't heard Carolyn cry much, but when she does, it pierces my heart! She knows, I know, my children even know...That we are all going..someday..sometime. The when and how are mysteries, until it is either revealed(ie:cancer,etc)or it happens(ie:car accident,etc)

While we believe from a spiritual stand point, it's the flesh that struggles. Often I battle with God with why he made us love so deep? But, then He reminds me, I wouldn't be able to feel His deep grace without a desire to love deep.

It seemed like time went completely still! It was so weird. Then 25 minutes later that sweet desire of loving deep,took over again, and I couldn't wait to feel Joels arms around me. We are not meant to suffer alone! Wether it's a spouse, friend, parent, sibling, or spiritual brother/sister! God designed us to be in community!
I am blessed with a deep loving man of God! I felt kind of awkward sitting in the restaurant crying. I didn't want anyone to think this amazing man had hurt me, but indeed was a very real source of comfort.Please don't suffer alone! Seek out someone to help walk you through whatever suffering you are in!

Carolyn and her husband Jim will be moving here to the Dallas area very soon. Laurie their daughter has been house hunting for them. Please be in prayer for them as they battle through this transitional journey. Please pray that they will continue to feel God's presence surrounding them.

Thank you for your wonderful care and sweet concern. I appreciate you.

THIRTEEN WISHES I HAVE FOR YOU

13. smiles when sadness intrudes

12. comfort on difficult days

11. rainbows to follow the clouds

10. laughter to kiss your lips

9. hugs when your spirit sags

8. faith so you can believe

7. beauty for your eyes to see

6. friendships to brighten your journey

5. confidence for when you doubt

4. patience to accept the truth

3. courage to know yourself

2. love to fill your heart

1. Jesus as your personal savior


This list came from a quote by anonymous, and has been tweaked by me.

Psalm 37:4 NIV "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"

Thirteen simple words... One profound message!


God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son





1 John 5:11

Never despair of a child. The one you weep the most for at the mercyseat may fill your heart with the sweetest joys.

Author unknown

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,...

Psalm 126:6

Thirteen Things that baffle me 1…. Chicken E workers really..Howw do they take 2 or 3 car orders without writing it down and still getting it right? Seriously, I don't remember what drinks the kiddos say they want when we are getting ready for dinner just minutes after they say it! 2. Velveta Cheese...How come it's not with all the other cheese, in the refrigerated section It's really kind of scary! 3. The sign I saw this morning going to the dentist on 820 that said Buckle up in your truck. So they don't care about the rest of us in cars? 4. My front loading washer...Why oh why oh why is it that when you take the clothes out they all come out in one BIG twisted tangled mess, causing some to fall all over the floor? 5. The gigantinormous stop sign at the 4 way stop in Grapevine on Wall street and some other street. The other 3 stop signs are normal. It's really bizarre! 6. Technology..In it's entirety 7. The way people drive...Ya know you would never blatantly cut in front of someone in a line for oh, say the movies or at the store...but people all day long today while I was out driving would cut right in front of me in traffic. I hate when they take my car link space from me! 8. My addiction to sweets! 9. The popcorn button on microwaves...The popcorn button in our Abilene house worked like a charm, here it burns it and so what good is a popcorn button when you have to put in the time yourself I ask you...(A little Junie for Paige) Really how come they are all different? 10. The heat factor...How in the world does it get so hot? Not even just here in Texas, ANYWHERE? God bless people in other parts where it gets so hot you feel like you can't breathe! 11. Life in general 12. Bleach..It never fails! When I wear old clothes and use bleach NO BIG DEAL...Now, let me just use a little dab, real quick in my nice clothes and Tah Dum!Instantly tyed dyed clothing! It's never just a little spot. Some how while my brain is temporarily being held captive by aliens, I have managed to splash it all over my clothes! 13. The love of God...I am so so so blessed!

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Hebrews 12:28,29
We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."


I read this scripture this morning and it took my breath away! WOW! I pray that myself, and anyone who reads this will allow this profound truth to ignite a burning passion and strength in our hearts!

Are you tired of being tired? Then stand up and rebuke satan! Take back your living life that he silently replaced with an existent life!

satan has NO power over you! Rise up and fight! I'll cheer you on! Look for people in your life that are willing to be the Aaron's and Hur's for you!

Exodus 17:12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

Think about it! We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken!

May today you feel the Lord's presence, and know without hesitation, He is your strength..your protector, provider. Call on Him NOW!


He will give you a life that is alive and vibrant!

I don't know who wrote the song "Love,The greatest Command" But I believe he/she is brilliant! I just love the way it sounds so angelical and makes you feel ushered straight to the throne of God! WOW! What talent to incorporate each part at just the right time. I felt sadness when the song ended Sunday. I am so thankful that Stephen chose or allowed God to choose that BEAUTIFUL song.

I am blessed to have the gift of hearing. I can see,hear,feel,smell,think,walk, talk, use my hands! Thank you Lord so much for unending blessings! It is a joy and comfort to know you are the orchestrator of all these miraculous things!

Isaiah 40:5
and the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken

Most everyday I walk Emily to and from school. I really enjoy this captivated time. There is no worry of traffic, no phone, no radio/CD to distract us from sweet conversation. We talk about almost everything.

Yesterday when we were walking home, she told me that a cricket had crawled up her pants leg. eekkkkkkkk! Creep-ola! Of course I said where were you???On the playground? She said no, it was during our "Lock Down" I said wait a minute what in the world is a "Lock Down"? She said oh, you know when we have "Fire Drills" and "Tornado Drills"? Oh, yeah, sure honey.

Well, a "Lock Down" is where in case a bad man comes to our school with a gun or something. OH! I see, I said. WOW! What did you guys do? Well, she said...mom remember when you were working in that room in the library? I said oh, the work room for the auction? Yes, that one. Well, we had to go in there, and hide under some tables and behind some shelf things. I asked, was it kind of scary honey?

She said no, not really. I was concentrating on that cricket crawling on my leg inside my pants! Uugghhh! I said, Yeah that is pretty creepy huh? UH HUH…she said.

I was shocked at first, then I remembered we do live in a fallen messed up world, so why wouldn't we be incorporating these drills, with all the recent(as in these last few decades)tragic incidences that have happened in our schools.

I was telling Laura after church on the way home, and she OH, MY GOSH! We had to do that too!! It was sooo scary momma! We had to tape paper over our little windows on our doors then hide under and behind stuff on one side of the class room, so they couldn't see us. We were instructed that we couldn't open the door NO MATTER WHAT! Even if Mr. Potts (the principle) banged on the door and said open up for real it's me Mr. Potts!!

Well, her class is adjoined with another class, THEY didn't do what they were suppose to do, so, Mr. Potts(being the bad guy) was let in their class, which then allowed him access to her class. When he got through to our class I SCREAMED SO LOUD momma, I was sooo scared! I said, well at least you didn't have a cricket climbing up your leg! (Just kidding! No way did I say that to Laura!)

Seriously, it is a real possibility! It gives me chills to think about it! I know this sounds crazy, but if I had to choose the fate of my children, I would much rather someone else take their life this way or even while serving our Lord. (Any type of mission work whether it be here or across the sea, teaching about the Lord or showing people the Lord) I just pray that it's not because of their mistakes, or drugs, alcohol, suicide, reckless driving, anything they could do that would be against God's will.

That would do way more than give me chills, it would relentlessly grieve my heart!
Oh, the craziness of life! Everyday I run out to the battlefield for John, Laura, and Emily! I can't imagine not giving them over to the Lord daily! I also pray for our leaders, who are leading our children! I do so now, out of the discipline of trust.

It reminds me daily to place at His feet my concerns and worries, then walk away from is throne empty, that He will have all of my heart to disciple and fill up throughout the day! I need to be refined by the Lord from my human-earthly thinking and living. I say it over and over, It's means nothing to believe in God, with out believing God! Yet, that's what I reflect when I worry, or try to manipulate things claiming, that...because it's good it must be His will. Thus reminding me that the enemy of the best is good. Let's not sell out for our good, and allow God to do His best!


I love you, and pray that we remember Philippians 1:6 "...being confident of this very thing, He who has begun a good work in you will complete it..."

May God refine the hearts of His people, so that we can have full confidence to actively proclaim His sweet promises.