http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPF1FhCMPuQ
This woman is my hero!
A new cover for Prodigal Nights
3 days ago
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
He Still Sweeps Me Off My Feet
We haven't done our monthly marriage challenge in a while. Our hostess, Maria at Free to Fly has been away for a while, but I know she won't mind if I post one without her. September marks an important milestone for Hugh and I. We have been together for thirteen years, as of the nineteenth of this month. We met on the first day of classes fall semester of 95. We were freshman. Hugh says in a couple years we will have spent half of our lives together. It's hard to believe that soon, we will have spent more of our lives together than a part. And even after all this time, I'm still smitten. He has my heart.
It's really rather sweet, how romantic he can be after all these years. I have to brag on him for a moment. Hugh had to be gone all last week for a medical conference in Columbus. The children and I had a full week of activities planned, so we kept busy, but after a couple days I started to miss him something fierce. Especially at night, after I put the babies to bed. Oh, he always called, even twice a day sometimes so he could talk to Trey and Anna Grace. But, I had no idea he was missing me as much as I was missing him. You know men, they tend to avoid the mushy stuff. But then again, I'm really such a sap when it comes to romance. I was actually teasing him one night while we were on the phone. He said, "Well, I'd better let you go, goodnight." He sat there for a moment waiting for me to say goodnight, as well. After a few seconds, he said, "Baby?" I said, "Oh, I'm waiting." -"Waiting for what?" he said. Then I said, "For how much you love me, can't live without me. He just laughed, and said, "I love you baby, goodnight." I said, "Uh-Huh. I love you too." (I could hear "the guys" in the background, and I knew that's why he wasn't playing along.) Well, little did I know.
Thursday night as I was hosting play group at our house, he surprised me, by coming home early. We were in the middle of finger painting, when he walked in with a dozen yellow roses. I almost cried. He came straight over to me, as if we were the only two in the room and said, I love you and I missed you. And he kissed me, right there in front of everyone. I have such a wonderful husband. Trey and Anna Grace came running, all excited, calling Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! He teared up as they both climbed up into his arms, and it was then that I realized just how much he really had missed us.
I am so lucky. This is the life I dreamed of. The life I prayed for. And the Lord has graciously given me the desires of my heart. Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing Hugh into my life. Thank you for his love and this life we've built together. And thank you for continuing to bless our life together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ~Amen.
My beautiful roses. He knows how much I love flowers. He is such a wonderful man.
Hugh also brought presents home for Anna Grace and Trey. How sweet. He is so loving and thoughtful. He is not only a great husband, but, a good daddy too.
Friday, September 26, 2008
And The Winner Is.....
Sissy picked the winners this morning.
Sharon at Quiet Reflections and Ashley at The Ingram Gang.
And The Prizes Are....
Including a journal, a photo brag book, cross ornament, and mulling spices.
AND
All American Apple Cake and a Toffee Crunch Cheese Cake Ball (which makes an excellent topping for the cake.)
Mrs. Sharon was chosen first so she gets first pick. If Y'all will just send me your addresses, I will get them sent out! ~Blessings!
Sharon at Quiet Reflections and Ashley at The Ingram Gang.
And The Prizes Are....
Including a journal, a photo brag book, cross ornament, and mulling spices.
AND
All American Apple Cake and a Toffee Crunch Cheese Cake Ball (which makes an excellent topping for the cake.)
Mrs. Sharon was chosen first so she gets first pick. If Y'all will just send me your addresses, I will get them sent out! ~Blessings!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
"Premio al Esfuerzo Personal" ~ Prize for Personal Effort.
My Blogiversary Give Away will be on Friday! Stay tuned and continue to sign up below! And now on to other important things...
"Premio al Esfuerzo Personal" ~ Prize for Personal Effort.
I just received this award from Susan at Penless Writer.
I feel so honored that she chose to pass this on to me, because I admire her so much! She truly has been an inspiration to me. I feel she is exemplary of a "Titus 2 Woman." She truly cares about lending her wisdom and experience to those of us seeking to walk in biblical womanhood. She is encouraging and supportive, honest and forth-coming. And she isn't afraid to be vulnerable and transparent. She truly has a heart for Christ and it is apparent in her thoughts and writings. Thank you Miss Susan. I appreciate you and will treasure this award.
Here are the rules:
*Mention the blog that gave it to you and comment on their blog to let them know you've posted your award.
*Publish these rules
*Share 6 values that are important to you and 6 things you do not support
*Grant the prize to 6 people
What I value:
The amazing, insurmountable love God has for me. Me. I am his beloved daughter. He holds me safely in the palm of His hand and nothing and no one can ever snatch me away from Him. I am redeemed, bathed in grace, and changed forever. He treasures me more than life and so He paid the ultimate price with His own to win me with His love. I am a priceless in His eyes. How wonderful it feels to be priceless. I hope I can live everyday worthy of His sacrifice and Love!
My family. I have what I always dreamed of; a loving Christian husband, and not one but two beautiful children. How blessed am I? I have the best of both worlds with a beautiful little boy and a precious baby girl. I love them so much it brings me to tears sometimes. I can hold them in my arms and it takes my breath away. I value every moment I have with them.
My friends. Each one of you are very different, but have enriched my life in so many ways. I treasure each one of you for who you are and what you have brought to my life.
Life. I have experienced enough death to know just how fleeting, fragile, and precious life really is. And I don't take it for granted. I live everyday to the fullest, even in small ways. I look for the value and lesson in each life that has touched mine, which brings me comfort as I try to understand the greater purpose and the "why" in death. I feel everyone has the right to life, and the right to really experience that life. -To really live.
Freedom, Equality and opportunity. I am so grateful to live in a country built on these principles. I love that I am free to have an opinion, and voice that opinion without fear. I love that I am free to pursue an education, and all that has to offer. I can work hard, dream big and be more if I want to be. Most importantly, I am free to worship my God anyway I want. If I want to carry a Bible, and read it out loud on a street corner, I can. If I want to go out in a field and raise my hands and praise His name, I can. If I need a quiet place to pray, there are churches in every city that I'm free to attend. That is a wonderful freedom many around the world don't have.
Kindness. It seems to be a rare commodity in our world today. We have become so self-centered and so focused on taking care of number one that we have forgotten "to ye be kind one to another," "to do unto others as we would have them do unto us," "to humbly think of others as higher than ourselves," and as Jesus himself taught..."to serve not to be served." It almost seems as if we've lost a little humanity in losing a little of our compassion. At any rate, kindness is something I value very much be it large or small.
What I do not support:
Cruelty in any form. Snobbery, condescending or judging other people. Belittling, berating, purposely excluding someone for one reason for another. It hurts me to see others hurt, oppressed or having their joy and life squashed right out of them. It angers me, and makes me very sad how hurtful we can all be at times.
Addiction, abuse, pornography, adultery, and anything else that breaks down marriage and family.
Laziness. Which is kinda comical in some ways because it is a characteristic I don't like about my self and am trying to change. Don't get me wrong, over all I'm not a lazy person, but in some aspects of my life, I have been, and that needs to stop. In my career I never tolerated it from myself or others, yet in my personal life, once I was home full time I have found areas I had let go unattended or fall by the wayside. The Lord is chipping away at those areas and I am trying to be more patient and understanding with others.-no one is perfect, least of all me.
Abortion. I value life, wholeheartedly. I can't understand how some feel it's their choice to play God. I know that may seem very harsh, but I think the death of a child for any reason is harsh. I know many may feel it is easy for me to say, when I haven't had to carry a child that was the result of a rape or a child I knew was going to be disabled and be wrought with difficulty their entire life. But, I hope and pray that if ever I were in any circumstances where I faced such a choice that I would trust in my Lord's sovereignty and His will enough to do the right thing. And maybe others would have the strength to do the right thing if they had real support, encouragement and help in living with the result of these decisions. I believe we all have the power to change the world- even if it's only through helping one person at a time.
All the little things that we let bring dissension, bitterness into the church family. Anything that divides the body of Christ. This is so hard, because we all have different feelings about things and different perspectives according to how we were brought up. But, how powerful we could be if we were united in our faith. What a healing could take place in this world.
How I am supposed to be open minded and accepting of everyone else and their beliefs and choices, but the world in so very intolerable of mine. I truly feel like I am part of a minority as a Christian that no one has to respect. (This is especially true in the media.) It seems to be OK to step all over my faith and beliefs and to bash my God. I am resented for my morals, ethics and values, or for holding anyone else to a high standard. How dare I teach my children that we must obey God's rules and act a certain way in order to please Him. That's so narrow minded and old fashioned. Well, here's to being an old fashioned, conservative Christian. Anyone want to join me?
The six blog writers who I feel deserve a prize for their personal effort in blogging are:
Sharon at Quiet Reflections
Marsh at Marsha's Musings
Kimberly at A Planting of the LordMaria at Free to Fly
Monica at The Homespun Heart
Emma at Charming the birds from the Trees
It was so hard for me to pick, because I love all the blogs I read and I think they each bring something special to bloggyland that only they can bring. They are all unique and all are good or else why would I read them. Hopefully these ladies will be able to pass this on to other well deserving blogs I would also like to give this to. Love Y'all and Blessings on your day!
"Premio al Esfuerzo Personal" ~ Prize for Personal Effort.
I just received this award from Susan at Penless Writer.
I feel so honored that she chose to pass this on to me, because I admire her so much! She truly has been an inspiration to me. I feel she is exemplary of a "Titus 2 Woman." She truly cares about lending her wisdom and experience to those of us seeking to walk in biblical womanhood. She is encouraging and supportive, honest and forth-coming. And she isn't afraid to be vulnerable and transparent. She truly has a heart for Christ and it is apparent in her thoughts and writings. Thank you Miss Susan. I appreciate you and will treasure this award.
Here are the rules:
*Mention the blog that gave it to you and comment on their blog to let them know you've posted your award.
*Publish these rules
*Share 6 values that are important to you and 6 things you do not support
*Grant the prize to 6 people
What I value:
The amazing, insurmountable love God has for me. Me. I am his beloved daughter. He holds me safely in the palm of His hand and nothing and no one can ever snatch me away from Him. I am redeemed, bathed in grace, and changed forever. He treasures me more than life and so He paid the ultimate price with His own to win me with His love. I am a priceless in His eyes. How wonderful it feels to be priceless. I hope I can live everyday worthy of His sacrifice and Love!
My family. I have what I always dreamed of; a loving Christian husband, and not one but two beautiful children. How blessed am I? I have the best of both worlds with a beautiful little boy and a precious baby girl. I love them so much it brings me to tears sometimes. I can hold them in my arms and it takes my breath away. I value every moment I have with them.
My friends. Each one of you are very different, but have enriched my life in so many ways. I treasure each one of you for who you are and what you have brought to my life.
Life. I have experienced enough death to know just how fleeting, fragile, and precious life really is. And I don't take it for granted. I live everyday to the fullest, even in small ways. I look for the value and lesson in each life that has touched mine, which brings me comfort as I try to understand the greater purpose and the "why" in death. I feel everyone has the right to life, and the right to really experience that life. -To really live.
Freedom, Equality and opportunity. I am so grateful to live in a country built on these principles. I love that I am free to have an opinion, and voice that opinion without fear. I love that I am free to pursue an education, and all that has to offer. I can work hard, dream big and be more if I want to be. Most importantly, I am free to worship my God anyway I want. If I want to carry a Bible, and read it out loud on a street corner, I can. If I want to go out in a field and raise my hands and praise His name, I can. If I need a quiet place to pray, there are churches in every city that I'm free to attend. That is a wonderful freedom many around the world don't have.
Kindness. It seems to be a rare commodity in our world today. We have become so self-centered and so focused on taking care of number one that we have forgotten "to ye be kind one to another," "to do unto others as we would have them do unto us," "to humbly think of others as higher than ourselves," and as Jesus himself taught..."to serve not to be served." It almost seems as if we've lost a little humanity in losing a little of our compassion. At any rate, kindness is something I value very much be it large or small.
What I do not support:
Cruelty in any form. Snobbery, condescending or judging other people. Belittling, berating, purposely excluding someone for one reason for another. It hurts me to see others hurt, oppressed or having their joy and life squashed right out of them. It angers me, and makes me very sad how hurtful we can all be at times.
Addiction, abuse, pornography, adultery, and anything else that breaks down marriage and family.
Laziness. Which is kinda comical in some ways because it is a characteristic I don't like about my self and am trying to change. Don't get me wrong, over all I'm not a lazy person, but in some aspects of my life, I have been, and that needs to stop. In my career I never tolerated it from myself or others, yet in my personal life, once I was home full time I have found areas I had let go unattended or fall by the wayside. The Lord is chipping away at those areas and I am trying to be more patient and understanding with others.-no one is perfect, least of all me.
Abortion. I value life, wholeheartedly. I can't understand how some feel it's their choice to play God. I know that may seem very harsh, but I think the death of a child for any reason is harsh. I know many may feel it is easy for me to say, when I haven't had to carry a child that was the result of a rape or a child I knew was going to be disabled and be wrought with difficulty their entire life. But, I hope and pray that if ever I were in any circumstances where I faced such a choice that I would trust in my Lord's sovereignty and His will enough to do the right thing. And maybe others would have the strength to do the right thing if they had real support, encouragement and help in living with the result of these decisions. I believe we all have the power to change the world- even if it's only through helping one person at a time.
All the little things that we let bring dissension, bitterness into the church family. Anything that divides the body of Christ. This is so hard, because we all have different feelings about things and different perspectives according to how we were brought up. But, how powerful we could be if we were united in our faith. What a healing could take place in this world.
How I am supposed to be open minded and accepting of everyone else and their beliefs and choices, but the world in so very intolerable of mine. I truly feel like I am part of a minority as a Christian that no one has to respect. (This is especially true in the media.) It seems to be OK to step all over my faith and beliefs and to bash my God. I am resented for my morals, ethics and values, or for holding anyone else to a high standard. How dare I teach my children that we must obey God's rules and act a certain way in order to please Him. That's so narrow minded and old fashioned. Well, here's to being an old fashioned, conservative Christian. Anyone want to join me?
The six blog writers who I feel deserve a prize for their personal effort in blogging are:
Sharon at Quiet Reflections
Marsh at Marsha's Musings
Kimberly at A Planting of the LordMaria at Free to Fly
Monica at The Homespun Heart
Emma at Charming the birds from the Trees
It was so hard for me to pick, because I love all the blogs I read and I think they each bring something special to bloggyland that only they can bring. They are all unique and all are good or else why would I read them. Hopefully these ladies will be able to pass this on to other well deserving blogs I would also like to give this to. Love Y'all and Blessings on your day!
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's My Blogiversary!
I can't believe it's been a year. It kinda sunk up on me. But, it's here! It's my Blogiversary!!! I think it's nice that it coincides with the first day of Fall, since Fall is my favorite season. So much has happened this year, and some of you have been with me from the very beginning. In honor of my blogiversary, here is a link back to the post that started it all.(FIRST POST.) I would like to steal, um I mean borrow an idea from another bloggy friend of mine, Marsha. To celebrate my blogiversary, I'd like to give You a present. So, for anyone who reads my blog, please leave me a comment telling me what brought you by my blog and what keeps you coming back. Do you have a favorite topic or post? Please let me know, I really am interested. I hope everyone has a wonderful first day of Fall. Love Y'all ~Blessings!
Just a few decorations I put out this weekend. I love the mums! Sissy thinks the scarecrows are her new dolls. The wreath is special, because my mom and I made it together almost ten years ago. I put it to the side because I wanted to keep the hanging basket on my front door that my sister helped me pick out. I did the arrangement myself. Oh, and this is my first year to have a ghost pumpkin and a regular pumpkin. All I need now are corn stalks for my lamp post. I bought a Harvest Yankee Candle for the house, this weekend. And I highly recommend them. So, Yummy! I can't wait to see what y'all have to share!
Just a few decorations I put out this weekend. I love the mums! Sissy thinks the scarecrows are her new dolls. The wreath is special, because my mom and I made it together almost ten years ago. I put it to the side because I wanted to keep the hanging basket on my front door that my sister helped me pick out. I did the arrangement myself. Oh, and this is my first year to have a ghost pumpkin and a regular pumpkin. All I need now are corn stalks for my lamp post. I bought a Harvest Yankee Candle for the house, this weekend. And I highly recommend them. So, Yummy! I can't wait to see what y'all have to share!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
History in the Making
Yesterday, we got the chance to meet and shake hands with some very important people. As we all know the 2008 election will be one for the history books, whatever the outcome. This is a very exciting time for our country.
Over the weekend, I received a phone call, asking if I'd be interested in free tickets to the McCain/Palin rally. I thought it would be exciting for the children to someday know they were a part of history in the making, so I said yes.
During the Primary, I was invited to hear Mrs. Michelle Obama speak. It was for women only and Mr. Obama wasn't going to be there, so I declined. I didn't have anyone to keep the children, and I couldn't take them with me, so it just didn't work out.
I thought I'd share with you some of our pictures from yesterday's rally.
Over the weekend, I received a phone call, asking if I'd be interested in free tickets to the McCain/Palin rally. I thought it would be exciting for the children to someday know they were a part of history in the making, so I said yes.
During the Primary, I was invited to hear Mrs. Michelle Obama speak. It was for women only and Mr. Obama wasn't going to be there, so I declined. I didn't have anyone to keep the children, and I couldn't take them with me, so it just didn't work out.
I thought I'd share with you some of our pictures from yesterday's rally.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Hey Y'all!
I just wanted my bloggy friends to know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. We've been in Mississippi for the week. Hugh has been interviewing with hospitals down home, about coming back after his residency ~for a job. Grenada Lake Medical Center flew us (the whole family) down for the week. It was very busy, but really exciting at the same time. It was pretty much all business, but we did get to see our family for a bit. I will have to post pictures later. I need to get busy and finish unpacking and get my house back in living order. We just went grocery shopping, and the babies are napping so I have a little time to get a lot done. We'll chat later. Love Y'all! ~Blessings to all!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Baby Dedication Day~August 10,2008
Sovereign Lord,
We pray and ask for wisdom and discernment in raising these two precious children that You have entrusted within our care. I graciously thank you from the bottom of my heart, for thinking so highly of Hugh and I that You have chosen us to be Trey and Anna Grace's parents. Make us worthy, Oh Lord, of this gift. Help us to be the parents, You would have us to be. May we raise them in the light of your presence. May they grow to know You, to love and trust You, and to seek You always and desire You with their whole hearts. I pray dear Lord, that we can teach them about your boundless love for them, and that one day they will be able to fully understand the sacrifice you endured because of that love. I pray that someday they will each entrust theirs lives to You, and accept your beautiful gift of salvation.
Heavenly Father~ help Hugh to lead and guide us, as the spiritual head of this family you have blessed him to be. Help me, oh Lord, to always honor and reverence his role within our family and teach our children to honor and trust in his guidance, as well. Help me to be a comfort, encourager, and help to Hugh always and help me to have a gentle and quiet spirit and a tender heart as I serve You and minister to the needs of this family. I ask for grace to mark our actions, so that we might model for Trey and Anna Grace and the world, what a Christian family ought to be in honor of You, Lord Jesus.
Thank you Jesus, for your love, your kindness, your mercy and your grace. We love You and humbly bow before your throne. May we always hide your word in our hearts that we might not sin against thee. May there always be a prayer and praise on our lips for You, and may ours hearts and hands stretch heaven-ward in praise and honor of You. We are forever yours.
~Amen
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Listen, Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.
These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way that he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Psalm 127:3
Yes, sons are a gift from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb is a reward.
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