"You Went HOW Fast?!?!"

There once was a boy. . .

who became a man

in just 3 short days.

And this is his Mother to tell you his story. . . 

It all began with this car.

We had purchased this car for Levi just months ago to get away from the higher car note as well as the gas guzzler that his former truck was. It is a stick shift. Something I have NEVER cared to learn. My son blew me away with how very quickly he took on the mind adjustments of learning such a thing! Basically...he was driving on his own, without any supervision, within just over an hour! I was a tad hesitant, but followed my faithful leader's (David) lead, and let him go for the rest of the evening. Can I just say the boy had only received his license just months before that and here he is now not only learned to drive a truck, but was also driving a stick?! But when David says "Deb, he's good." that's all this Mom needs!! Nothing else matters. Guess that's why I was able to let him take his Dad's Camaro from the other side of downtown Houston and drive it home, with us no where in sight, while we drove home the unlearned stick shift, when we bought it for him. :)

As it goes. . . boys and men love to improve their cars and look at all the many possibilities of what to do next. Thus you can see some of the changes Levi made to his in above picture. The main reason for his changes were due in large to him finding a car club online that hosts a cruise each year in San Antonio. Although old fashioned Mom and Dad really liked the previous look, it simply would not do if you were going to a car club show and cruise. Of course.

When Levi informed us about his desire to go, Mom was just a little out of the loop. I'm thinking a cruise....Levi wants to go on some sort of 1 day cruise and it has to do with car stuff?? Noooo Mom. It's a cruise through the Hill Country with actual cars driving and he wanted to be a participant. It was a Nismo fest - - Nissian/Infiniti/Z get together if you will. Ahhh that sounds nice son...of course you can go! Afterall...it was still in honor of his 17th birthday and what better way to celebrate and give the boy a really COOL present....something he LOVES doing.....cars and driving!!!

Can I just insert here that my kids blow me away with their confidence?? They do. It's a true blessing to me to see that, for I have never been as confident in ways they each are! As you read this story, you will see more of what I mean here. . .

Without going into too many details (I'm known for that!)....I will say - Dad got the weekend off, hotel reservations made, friend selected for Levi <he was going to do this totally all by himself if no friend could go...another blown away moment!> tickets purchased for events....and we were off!!

This would be Levi's first official road trip - - although he had done some lengthy distances, it would never be this far and without an adult in car. Normally, we would have this view of him on the trip, but we did loose them for awhile enroute to S.A. No worries....he found us again.



He did very well keeping Dad's very GREEN Camaro insight even through all of Houston's traffic as well as S.A.'s night time traffic. We were unsure alot, once night time hit, if he was with us or not. But God knew where he was and that was fine with me. We did make a stop at one of the O so famous Bucees while enroute there. For the life of both David and myself, we have YET to figure out what makes this place so dad-gum famous?!?! Craziness....but people absolutely LOVE IT. It was just a good stretching point for us. But it would bring in a key person into my story as well. On the road, Levi had seen 2 really AWESOME cars. He slowed down, gave them the thumbs up, and waved. On he went. While at Bucess, he again saw these cars and was excited!! One of the guys came over to Levi and Jon and started making conversation about them and us going to the Nismo Fest. The other guys stayed back and it was apparent this guy was going out of his way to be kind to a 17 y/o boy. It made this Mom feel good for her son. Soon after our pitstop and stretched legs, we were back on the road...leaving the really COOL cars still there. Later, we would arrive at the hotel where some were to be staying and there appeared this same guy once again. And as before, he made his way over to Levi and began talking to him. I was beginning to get not suspicious but baffled that a 20 something guy, with cool cars, and cool friends, would do this! He would tell Levi about the cruise, such as what to expect, what group to get in - NOT the advanced - and just overall informative and friendly. I would later learn this guy's name was Andrew, he was 27, and was very knowledgeable about the cruises. He would also be labeled as Levi's God-sent-angel...and I'm not lying. For this guy would keep making appearances throughout our stay in S.A. He made sure Levi got where he needed to be in the cruise...his group thankfully. He encouraged Levi in different ways regarding his car and what to do with it in the RIGHT way and not the crazy kid way. He made him feel like one of them even though Levi and Jon were definitely the youngest ones there. That's right....my baby was in a man's world now. These were all 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's involved in this event! He made sure they exchanged numbers so if there was any problems during cruise they could reach him....as well as to stay in contact once we left S.A. He even gave the two boys a ride in his car, while on the cruise, to a bank so they could get some cash to eat at lunch. David and I talked twice with Andrew as well during the weekend. We tried to express our gratitude for his friendliness and looking out for our son....he was a talker though....hard to get alot in....but I think we got it across. :) It was nice to hear him tell of how well Levi did with the cruise. He talked of him keeping it in control, stayed up well, didn't get crazy like some kids would...he seemed generally impressed by Levi. 



A man's world he had stepped into.
At least he had the folded arms right!

Registeration for Cruise.

Mom taking pictures did not make him happy.

It's what Moms do!

The Line Up.

And they're off!!



David was required present to sign for Levi being as though he was under the age of 18. Thankfully it wasn't required that Dad be present in the car for him to go, for that would have meant Mom would be there too and ain't no way I would have survived that!! Levi agreed quite agreeably (later) that Mom would not indeed. Instead....Dad and Mom went on their own "car cruise"! David decided to show me a "little" of what the Camaro could do itself on these back Hill Country roads!! It was fun and it was scary...making it fun/scary!





Lost real roads....kept going.

All the way til there was no more...the literal end.





So back down the moutain "hill" we went.
We decided to travel to an historic place known as Gruene, Tx. located by New Braunfels. The history was nice, but undisclosed to the public eye....you needed to read before you got there. For those who don't know, History is one of my absolute favorites and David is so good to me to find it and share it with me!! This place was beyond crowded though!!! Again....why?? I think it had much to do with the the fact that evening was coming on and the drinking night life people were coming in droves. Nice.
Once again, my David shined, he did not like the crowds at all....and I can't stress that fact enough. But he endured them for the sake and pleasure of his wife so that she could catch a glimpse of History in anyway possible. I thanked him graciously.



There was some History provided, but not much.

David wanted to hang this sign at our home.

Very profound I would say.

LOOK in this tree for some AMAZING wind chimes!!

He loved them!!!!

The oldest dance hall known to still be in existance today!!

George Strait got his start here...among others.

I just HAD to post a picture of our O SO awesome brownies we got while out on our "cruise"!!



We got the call that Levi and Jon were now back at the hotel and they were going to the "garage party". We were still 45 mins away and were done with our sightseeing, so we headed back. Let me say that when Levi told us previously about "garage party" I was a tad MORE hesitant that he and Jon be a part of this. For I knew what there would be....I'm not that naive. And once again....David assured me "Deb, he's good." And so he was. And once again....angel Andrew would appear and be his friendly self, as before, to Levi and Jon.

Afterwards, we met up with them and went for dinner. We had Chicken Express on the brain, but couldn't find a close enough one. Plan B - go to Olive Garden across from hotel....waaaay to crowded. Plan C - go to Whataburger down the road a piece. Whataburger has not 1 but 3 school busses of kids crowded inside. Plan D - go to knock off of Chicken Express called Golden Chick that we thought we had seen earlier in day. Golden Chick NO WHERE to be found. (We are in 2 cars this whole time, mind you). Plan E - Go up the road and find SOMETHING somewhere to consume. We find another Whataburger, but choose instead to go to the completely empty Arbys beside it. YAY!!

And that is when I learn of all the many interesting facts of what my dear son just lived through during his adventure of becoming a man......

But first, I had to take a picture of just how very exhausted he was after having that much F U N!!!

Yes he was that tired.

This Mom would learn that her boy would travel in a very FAST paced group, BUT was thankfully "toned down" from previous year. Previous year they took a turn, that posted at only 10 mph (but sign had fallen down) at all of SEVENTY mph!! Can you even imagine?!?! Angel Andrew said he made sure to know exactly where that turn was this year and wasn't going to let the same thing happen again. My sincere thanks to Andrew for that one!! Levi would retell how that they drove for a total of 6-7 hours...that's intense driving folks, not just your out and about casual driving on a Sunday afternoon! They would go up to speeds of 120 mph at some straight aways...other times just your normal everyday 105 mph!! HA!! In between turns, on a side of a mountain, it would be somewhere between 60-80....nothing deadly there! HA! I was told by Angel Andrew that there are times that if you don't make the curve....you not just crash....you plummet nicely straight DOWN the mountain....sometimes guardrails are there....annnnd sometimes they are not. HA!!

As Andrew related though....Levi was always well in control of his vehichle, kept up, handled it all very well. Can I please re-say....this BOY not that long ago recieved his license, learned to drive a BIG truck, learned to drive a stick shift-FAST car, had the confidence to enter a RACE with grown men , and has now been highly complimented in such a way?!!!! Wow.....that's all that comes to mind right now....just WOW!!! That and thank ya Jesus!!! :)

Levi would go on to say that this was one of the BEST experiences of his life!! Well, Happy Birthday son and yes you grew a mile in my eyes!!

The next morning, we woke up early and went to breakfast. I have never in all my days, saw a hotel breakast are this FULL and the place was big too!! Apparently, this was a happening place on Sunday morning!!

This is only a partial shot of it too!!

We headed out to find the Car Show that was some place else down the road. Waaay down the road...we learned. So far down...we got lost.....and yes once again in 2 cars. But we did find a pretty park that we went through while in search of said Car Show!! Gotta like that!!

We did make it to the Car Show finally! It wasn't the biggest show we have been to, but this was still relatively big.



Some of our faves.....

These two were David and mine's favorites there!!

I found it interesting that at a "man's event"....ok MOSTLY man's event that there were PINK port-a-potties!! Nice touch!! :)



Go-Kart fun too!!

When we arrived at this Car Show it was 10:30am.....when we left this Car Show it was just about 4:00pm and we still had the drive back to Houston. I will tell you right now that almost 6 hours at a Car Show, on a hot asphalt parking lot, with loud bass music constantly playing, only so many times you can look at the same cars, and be within ear shot or closer to people sharing their UN-intelligent words....is entirely TOO long!!! The first couple of hours was cool....and by the time lunch came around we were ready to go...we had seen what we wanted to. But stayed we did....for our son. O the things parents will do for their kids!! You see upon arriving, Levi spotted the raffle ticket give aways, and as we all know - - raffle tickets aren't called until the end of the show. So you know where this is going......    

Anyways, the time had FINALLY came and guess what?! HE WON! He was sooooo excited and I guess it made up for maybe some of the time waited just to see his happy self. But wouldn't you know it....the part he won for his car was not even something he could use for his car!! That's right...so not what he thought it was. This guy handles disappointment in ways that would simple amaze you.....I know I've always been amazed at the maturity in which he handles it. Needless to say....I felt sorry for him. I wanted to tell him to take it back, but I knew that wouldn't happen. And so he accepted it and went on.



Poor guy......

And so it is that I finish this very lengthy Blog. A Blog of Trust- how a Mom trusted God and her husband to let her son do something he loved in so many ways. A Blog of Gratitude- how God sends people like Angel Andrew to help us and guide us through our times of unknowing. A Blog of Confidence- how a boy became a man with such confidence to join in a "man's world". A Blog of Firsts- how that he sailed right through them, and Mom and Dad let him trusting God all the while. A Blog of Adventure- how that David and I have such fun in our many adventures of life! And a Blog of Handling Disappointments- there are always gonna be disappointments in life, but we can make the choice to handle them well and simply go on.

Thank you, God, for giving me such an amazing boy to love and share in his passions. Thank you for the safety and protection you provided for him through your very own hand as well as through Angel Andrew's presence and friendliness. Thank you for a Dad who recognizes a boy's passion and does what he can to make it come true for him. And most of all.....thank you simply for You being the Faithful You that you are in our lives!:)

And just to let you all know now - - Levi states that he is now a professional driver - - no doubt the boy truly is!!

I will end with a picture of the beautiful view we had from our 11th floor room. There is a wonderful bike/walking trail that you will see. David enjoyed walking it together. O wait!! did I mention my O so wonderful and super sweet husband WALKED those 11 floors with me when we would leave or return to our room?!?!! That's right....this girl don't DO elevators if she doesn't have to and the way I saw it...I didn't have to!! Haha! :) I love that man!!





Being away is fun....but returning to your own germs, kooties, and BED can be O SO much fun too!!

THE END!!

"Who Turned Out the Lights?!"

Just the other day David decided we would go out for lunch to a spot we hadn't frequented lately. It was a nice surprise when we pulled up! For those who do know and those who do not. . . there is ONE thing I try never to leave the house without. And that would be - HAND SANITIZER!! As you can guess, I did not have mine. I headed towards the restrooms to wash my hands. As I neared it, I remembered the motion sensored lights in the hallway just outside the restrooms. They nicely appeared on as I entered the hallway. It was a different story once I reached for the Women's handle and attempted to enter. I pulled it open only to find darkness on the other side with no visible light inside. I thought "Well, the inside of the bathroom is the same way, so shouldn't me pulling the door open make the lights come on??" I mean what's the meaning of "motions sensored lights" if no apparent movement is causing the effect of light?? I decided to enter, while keeping my foot propping the door open, and see if I could find a switch. No such luck....not a single switch anywhere inside those walls! I began waving my arms and saying "Heeelllloooo!!" Still nothing.

For some reason, there seem to be funny stories that appear when it's me and motion sensored lighting.....O and well - restrooms too. I can remember one such funny incident and actually wouldn't have minded seeing it on a sensored video! Yes, it was that funny. For lack of telling too many details - - it was me, in a restroom, trying my best to keep the lights on while in use of facilities. In other words...leaving stall and taking a lap once up and down the aisle, as well as lots of jumping up and waving arms and saying "Helllooooo!!! I'm in here!!!" while in stall. Could it be said perhaps they're saying I'm a bit slow in the stall? Ha! Couldn't be! I blame it on poor time management of lighting! ;-)

Now where were we......
Back to the present complication.....as I'm still propping door open with one foot and nothing is happening, I wonder if I can stretch myself to the sink all the while still propping door open with foot. Not gonna happen. I'm no Stretch Armstrong. A thought crosses my mind to go try the Men's Restroom. I decided against. As the situation lingers, I then decide well....maybe I should just let the door go and see what happens while I stand here silently in the dark. Guess what? - - - I let the door go. . . was all the way inside. . . and BEHOLD the lights came on!!!! No more wondering, no more darkness, and soon, no more dirty hands. :-)
Dumb idea if you ask me.....but hey I found the light!!

As I came back to my seat, I told David all about it (of course) and that's when the Blog processing mind started taking over inside of me. As you know, I'm always looking for an inspirational thought to cross by me to share with my readers!

So many directions God could take me to share this with you.... faith, letting go, trusting even when we don't see, direction......etc.

As always though, my heart leans towards giving you HOPE. Hope in the waiting. Hope in the unseen. Hope in the past. Hope in the present. Hope for the future. Friends, maybe there is a place in your life that you are at and you feel as if you are left standing there with the door open and no one is turning on the lights to light your way. Maybe you have held onto that door for so long that you don't know how to let go of it and watch God Almighty provide the direction you are seeking in your life, or that of your children, or spouse or whoever it may be. We have ALL been door holders at one time or another in our lives. Afraid to let go, afraid to trust, discouraged because the "light" isn't seemingly coming on in our lives, our children's lives, our spouses. Friend, let me remind you. . .  Jesus IS the Light and He IS always there to light our way...no matter the situation, circumstance, or the person. Our hope IS in Him. We must remind ourselves that His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts. Isaiah 55:8. Also know that He has the plans for each of our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

There are MANY unknowns in life to us. But we take comfort in knowing....God is always and forever in control. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

We trust - "For I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8. "Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8.

We hope - "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24 "Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." Isaiah 49:23c

We wait - Lots of waiting!! "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 28:14. "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1.

Friend, I leave two verses that I believe sum up the whole Blog.
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5.

"The Lord is my LIGHT and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1.

Whatever door you may be hanging onto may it be fear, doubt, discouragement, undecided direction, worry....let it go in God's strength (and not your own) and watch him bring the needed Light to your soul that you may be searching for. Allow God the time needed to work in your life, your children's life, spouse's life and DON'T give into discouragement when you don't see it happening right away. God's timing is perfect no matter the wait. Believe it. Hope in it. Rest in it. :-)



"Hello My Name Is....Freedom!"

I'm writing from the heart today - - wait. . . that's where I always write from. I guess that means today's Blog won't be any different then. :)
Today is a brand NEW day and I'm making it day set apart from any other. You see I am declaring it a day of no more REGRET!!! I have 2 simple reasons for sharing this Blog with you: 1. I have it in writing for myself as a declaration. 2. I want to encourage YOU!

Today marks the end of allowing myself any forms of fears, doubts, worries, what-ifs, anxiousness, and all other forms of regret over my past sins, mistakes.  The same resurrection power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead is the very same power that lives inside of me! That is the power with which I am choosing to do this. Friend, if you are a child of the true living God, you too also have that same power! I will no longer check myself to make sure I've done everything necessary to have God's complete restoration in my life....for I have and He is.

We all hear stories of how people were "lost as a goose" before they came to know God as their Lord and Savior of their life. But how often do we hear stories of God's own children falling by the wayside into some very REAL and deep sin?? Not often. Wanna know why? Because God's kids are supposed to be A-Ok. They got it together and life is supposed to be a pretty righteous thing now that they have going on. But guess what - - - God's kids fail too. Ones that are even living their whole entire life for HIM fall, slip, sin, choose the farthest thing apart from God....whatever you want to call it. But they do. I know because I was one. And I still am one....we ALL are one. But by God's G R A C E he didn't leave me in the slimy pit of sin I once was in. He is my Deliverer. He is my Healer. He is my Rescuer. He is my Redeemer. And my hope (you know - that word I always write about in Blogs) is in him and him alone. King David in the Bible was a man referred to and known as "a man after God's own heart". David lived his whole entire life devoted to and trusting in the Lord God himself, but look at the very REAL sin in his life - lust, envy,adultery, murder, lying. Did God say "You're done for David. You sinned one too many times. I can't use you anymore. You're a has-been." NO way my friend!!! Once David recognized the sin in his life, agreed with God about it, confessed it, and turned from it - - God was right there to heal and restore and even use him in greater and mightier ways than before! I picture my life being somewhat considered to be like David's (not that I'm boasting in any such way) but to say that yes I've lived my whole entire existance for the one true and living God, and yes I did fall into some very real sin, and yes I recognized, agreed with, and walk away from that sin just as David did. Therefore I know without a doubt that God has healed and restored and even used me in greater ways than ever imagined before.....just like David. All glory and ALL thanks go to God and God alone!!!

Friend, there is something I want to share with you that could help you. I know it has helped me. I was just sharing this with a member of my family yesterday and it helped them.
When we have sin in our life it can't and won't bring glory to God and it needs to be taken care of. There are 4 points and I've mentioned 3 of the 4 already in the paragraph above.

1. Agree with God on the matter in your life as sin. Sin is sin and there's no excuses to make it acceptable in your life. See it for what it is.
2. Once you have agreed with God that it is sin, there needs to be genuine brokeness and sorrow over that sin. I'm not saying you have to make yourself be sorry. I'm also not saying there has to be wailing and crying over it (although weeping over sin can be a normal reaction in some). What I am saying is to be real with God. He knows your heart. Be genuine. Confess.
3. Take immediate action on any current sin....and walk away from it. Choose TODAY to say no. You can't do it in your own power and strength, but you can do it in God's power and strength. Remember that resurrection power I spoke about? And know too...it may take time. God doesn't promise just to zap you and you have no more sinful desires anymore. There will be times he allows for a plan that will simply take time. We don't speed it up....and we don't slow it down when it's in his hands.
4. Set boundaries. If you know there is something that causes you to be tempted stay away from it. Take it out of your life if possible. Set limits. Don't pet the sleeping dog of temptation right outside your door as our Pastor put it one Sunday. We all have weaknesses and areas that tempt us. But recognize those areas and ask God to help you steer clear of them.

I know so very clearly that ALL that God has allowed into my life....good and yes even the bad....he has used to make me who and what I am today! I can clearly say thank you God for all that you have allowed in my life. I wouldn't be the me I am today....and I like me. :)

Don't let the voice of regret be a part of your life. Choose with me today as one who is set FREE through Christ alone!! Know that true freedom is submitting it to God....whatever "it" might be....submit it to God and be free with me!!! :)

I would like to share a wonderful song that sums up this whole Blog. Please take a moment to listen . . .
http://youtu.be/mJlCj9_Sfj0
If that link doesn't work, please go to Youtube and look for Matthew West with his song "Hello My Name Is". It's really GOOD!!

Thanks once again for letting me.....simply be me. I appreciate YOU. :)

"Those Darn Shower Hooks!!"

As I was thinking and praying and drawing a blank today on what to write....I decided it wasn't going anywhere. I called my Mom and she encouraged me that I just needed to wait. It's hard to wait at times, especially when I have the perfect opportunity to write, I have the desire to write, and I've asked God to help me to write. Sometimes it's just not the right moment and we haven't waited long enough.

Sooo....I waited......

Tonight, I decided I would change things up and clean a bathroom instead of my normal routine of Tuesday afternoons. I had the time, I was alone, and I wanted to hang a new shower liner for the bathtub - so why not. We recently had bought new shower hooks and David had hung the curtain himself. When I attempted to unhook these heavy metal rings only a few would cooperate and unhook for me. I kept trying though. I tried standing one angle, and then another, all the while balancing myself on the tub. I tried with all my might - they still wouldn't budge. I would take breaks and give it another try. I started praying telling God "God you know how to do this. Would you please help me?" The more I tried, the more determined I got. The more determined I got, the more I prayed. Still....I ended with the same result....only a very few hooks unhooked. I decided this just wasn't going to happen no matter how hard I tried. It was best, yet again, to just wait.

And soooo.....I waited.......

Later, my son came home, and I asked him to come and see if he could help me with something. I showed him the problem. He started to tug and pull at the hooks himself. They were definitely hard to come apart, but he did manage to unhook the rest once he figured out the pattern. Sidenote for Mom: She has NO upper body strength. :) After his task was complete, I was able to take old liner off and put new one on. All the while, being able this time to snap hooks shut. Re-hung curtain and liner and job was complete!!

As I thought back over the course of events for the evening, I began to realize a Blog was taking shape here! And that's always a good thing!! :)

You see I believe God was showing me something here in my frustration. There are times in our life that we may call upon God to help us with a certain situation or problem and maybe it seems that he isn't helping the way we thought he should be. Maybe just maybe it's because he asks us to wait on him first of all and secondly maybe he is sending that help/encouragement through another human being to lift us up and show us a better way. Don't get me wrong here - I fully believe without a doubt that God and God alone is able and is big enough to meet any of our needs. He alone rescues, He alone saves, He alone delivers, and He alone sustains. And I also know there are times in our life that we need encouragers to lift us up and tell us "You're gonna be ok." "God's got this." "You can trust him all the way, all the time." We need others to keep our focus on what is positive and what is true. When our thoughts get twisted and misguided, God can bring others to us to help straighten them out once again and see that there really is no reason for fear, doubt, or worry. I still believe that God can and will take care of all this alone in his timing and in his will....but maybe there is something beautiful and assuring when he allows others to help guide our life as well.

 

I know for a fact that God has truly blessed my life in immeasurable ways when he gave me my David. I praise God first and foremost - for he is worthy of ALL my praise for ALL that he is in my life. And I praise God in my David secondly - for I know it is God in him that exemplifies God's love, grace, mercy, compassion, faithfulness and patience to me. Through God - my David has helped me, led me, loved me just as I am, accepted me, and assured me....time and time again.

So friend....know that God is able to rescue, to heal, to deliver, to help in whatever your circumstance may be - and he ALONE can do it. But know to that there are times he may bring those along such as a friend, a spouse, a parent, a relative, or even a child to encourage us and graciously point us back to God himself - - for HE alone can save. See the beauty of God's blessing on your journey. And remember to thank God for those he has allowed to brighten and enhance your walk with a God who loves YOU just as you are!

"Ooooo My Children......"

Today I heard a pastor say "Parents can idolize and worship their children in a way that no one reaches the level of perfection that their children have reached." "No child is good enough to be on the same level as their child." As crazy as that sounds.....I'm sure it holds truth in some people's lives.

Can I just say......we ain't them.

You see your child is probably better at decisions than my child, better at good manners than my child, better at "succeeding" according to the world than my child, better at respect than my child, better at giving and receiving love than my child, better at having a goal and a direction than my child, better at living for the one and only true purpose of our lives - -GOD.... than my child, better at communicating than my child, better at cleaning and cooking than my child, better at being a "normal" and well adjusted person than my child. But guess what?

That's alright with me!

Friend....as you can see.....my children are FAR from perfect. But guess what?? So am I !!! You're probably a better parent than me, made better parenting decisions than me, made better discipline decisions than me, spent more quality time with your children than me, been a more secure parent than me, lived a purer christian life than me, inspired your children in greater ways than me, gave your children greater opportunities than me.

But guess what?

That's alright with me!

Where are you going with this Blog? you may ask. . .

To share with you that through time, patience, MUCH love, and God's revealing. . . . I can tell you that my children are a gift to ME in every truest since of the word gift!! And you know what? I'm a gift to them as well!! Together, as mother and child, God is shaping us each into the very design he has planned for us all along. God is using parts of them (as un-perfect as they are) to create in me what he has desired and planned and parts of me (as un-perfect as I am) to create in them what he has desired and planned. I hope that makes sense. If I could sum it all up in two words that God has grown in me through being my children's mother it would be 1. TRUST in a trustworthy God. 2. WAITING on a faithful God. If I had perfect children those two words would essentially NOT be a part of who I am today.

As for what God uses my imperfections for in bettering my children.....I'll let him be the judge and answer to that. : ) On a lighter note: It probably teaches them all the things they want to better themselves on being a better parent than dear ole Mom was. Annnnd that it's very simply more than ok to be your extremely weird self. Afterall....MOM IS WEIRD.....and she wouldn't have it any other way. : )

So give me my children with all their many flaws and weaknesses and poor choices......because they are my blessings given to me.....a grateful Mom.....who loves them dearly.



My beautiful Christmas children.....

Yup....their my gifts alright....and I'll love 'em with my heart from start to finish.

Thank you, God! : )





"Have YOU Been Adopted?"

There is a sweet couple in our church who has just adopted a son from China. I would love to show you his sweet little face, but I've not asked their permission to do so....so I won't. They are writing a Blog throughout their journey and adventures of being in China as well as welcoming a new life into their hearts and home. I have to say that I've literally fallen in love with this family through these writings! My husband and I know them through church as well as volunteering at our church mission. But, there's just something real and special when you are welcomed into their own personal world through their writings. I hope that many of you, who may read the Blogs I share, will have that same sense of being drawn closer to me in knowing that I am real and I am human....making me a real human. :-) Although, I may not be the most outgoing person in the face to face world.....I give you my heart and soul in my writing.

Enough about me.....

This couple knew from the beginning that they were being led by God Himself when they began this process. As with any adoption, I'm sure there were times of feeling anxious and overwhelmed by it all. But, when they saw their son's face, in person, for the very first time.....I'm almost sure that the sheer joy and blessing of that very moment made them realize - - God is AWESOME and it all was worth it!! I love it how that very day they titled it "Gotcha Day!" They had one full day with this precious child, sent from God, and then they were given the decision as to whether or not to keep him as their own. They did not decline, and officially and lovingly received this sweet little boy into their hearts and family!

And now?
Now comes the FUN stuff. . . Life, living, adjusting, accepting. . . all done with a heart of thankfulness to a God who knew....who cared......and who loved. I have encouraged this couple to continue on with their Blogging of their many wonderful stories. And I'm looking forward to each and everyone of them too!!

Some may wonder why did you title this Blog "Have YOU Been Adopted?"
I hope it did make you wonder. :-)
For this entire story is also very symbolic of what God Himself has done for you - child of God!
Or it is very symbolic of what God Himself can DO for you - child without God!

You see....we were ALL once (and some may still be) an orphan! We all know that the very word "orphan" brings sad thoughts to our minds - - for it is one in need of someone to love them, to provide for them, and to take care of them. And that's where our Heavenly Father - The One and Only True and Living God Almighty steps in and says "I love YOU, I have provided for YOU, and I want to take care of YOU."

Friend, know that God Himself knows all about you, for he created you, and still loves you with an everlasting love. Just as this sweet couple has heard of the difficulties and hardships this little boy has lived in his short life - they too love him with an everlasting - love - no matter what!
Second, He has provided for you a salvation, that none other can provide, through his Son Jesus Himself in paying all of the debts we ourself owe. Just as this little boy had no way to pay his way into the hearts and home of a loving family, therefore relying on the grace and love of two people to pay it for him. (Kinda the same thinking in a way anyways). 
And lastly, God does care and he cares in such ways that continue to amaze and astonish us daily! I'm betting this little one, when old enough, will look back and be amazed and astonished at the genuine care and well being that they have given him.....simply because they loved HIM.

Friend, YOU may be an orphan today and not even know it. Or maybe you are aware and are in great need of someone to love you, provide for you, and care for you as only our Heavenly Father can. Know, today, this very thing. . . God has chosen YOU to be HIS child both now and forever and always. How do I know that? Because God says he wants no one to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9. He also has provided for YOU, as stated above through his Son Jesus paying our full debt, that we owe ourselves, for our sins. And in that knowledge of our sins, God has provided a way unto him...the only way and no other way. And today, you can receive this way and be welcomed into the eternal family of God as an adopted child!

What must I do then?
It's as simple and easy as A, B, C!! Nothing more and nothing less!!
A= Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Saviour!
B= Believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead!
C= Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and call upon Him as your Lord and Savior to save YOU!

Romans 10:9-10 - "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

THAT'S IT!!!!

Galatians 4: 4-7 - "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Friend, he chose you, he redeems you, and he makes you his adopted and forever child of God!!!

So....again, I will ask - - Have YOU been adopted?
If you haven't......what better time than TODAY to become adopted!
Say YES to the BEST!!!

"Peace, Peace, and More Peace!"

As I was asking God today what to share in the Blogs he gives me, I kept coming back to today's message in church. So in not going any other way but God's....I will once again share with you the points taken.

Have you ever stop and thought about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and what was asked of her at such an early age? With the angel, Gabriel, coming and delivering the news to her that she, a virgin, would become pregnant? But not just pregnant with a child . . . She would bare the living Son of God from her womb! Did all that she would face, not only in the coming days but in the years ahead, possibly run frantically through her mind? Ridicule, gossip, slander, disbelief, criticism from others even possibly from her own family? For Mary was brought up in a very conservative Jewish home and things such as this simply had never existed. Mary would face, most likely, all of these things and much more. . . years of hardships and trials. But Mary, in her heart, believed and trusted God for his provision and care. And in that absolute trust - God blessed her with peace. In Luke 1: 38 Mary responds with "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

Mary had total trust in the utter reliability of God. She knew he alone would carry her through and be ALL that she needed. Even though Mary had such faith, she would still have to go through the storms of life. For God did not take her out of the storms, but rather was there with her through each and every moment providing what was needed......confirmation, comfort, blessing, guidance, a path, a plan, and provision.

Friend, do not get peace mixed up with what we conceive as happiness today. For many can be fooled into thinking peace is happiness and happiness is a feeling. Our definition of happiness can sometimes consist of temporary feelings, situations, emotions. But feelings are up and down and unpredictable just as well situations and circumstances. None of which are solid and lasting. But God's definition of happiness can be much different. He says happiness is a soul satisfying serenity regardless of what is happening around us! That is exactly what Mary had.... a soul satisfying serenity that this was God's plan for her life and she would accept sight unseen.

You may ask - How can I have that kind of peace today in my world??
First know that it's available for anyone!! You don't buy it, achieve it, or inherit it.
Ready for this?
You trust.

Sound familiar?
I shared the very same formula previously in my last Blog for hope!
That's right.

1.) Hope and Peace share the very same perscription > > Trusting with an absolute trust in the utter and complete reliability of God who cares for you.
Trusting in his promises for you. Trusting in what he says will be even when we do not see it, hear it, or feel it. Trusting that God himself is the highest authority and he rules and overrules ALL. Trusting that he is your everything - - Counselor, Healer, Provision........ALL. In God and God alone you are and you will be taken care of....no matter what.

2.) Peace is NOT tied to circumstances!
If this were true, as mentioned above, our peace would be fleeting, here today gone tomorrow, unpredictable. Too many times we get caught up in saying
If only my spouse was _______.   Did  _______.   Acted like _____. 
If only my child(ren) were like ________. Did ______. Acted  like _____.
If only my family were like ________. Did ______. Acted like ______.
       (and the list goes on.....)
Then....THEN we could be happy and have peace!!!
My friend, again....thankfully our peace is NOT tied to circumstances.

3.) What our peace IS tied to is a person.....the person of G O D.
God and God alone will supply ALL your needs. Carry you through your storms. His person, his ways, his Word are trustworthy. For he is......faithful.

When we trust, it leads to surrender. And surrender leads to obedience.
Friend, surrender all your frettings to God as well as all your plans and watch how he works it all out for your very own good! And not only surrender, but obey his Words and his guidance he gives you.

And child of God....if you are saying "Peace isn't there." It could be that it's a matter of trust. Ask yourself : Where am I not trusting God in my life? What am I not trusting him with?
Just as sure as I know that God loves YOU.....he will most certainly accept your prayer of asking forgiveness for not trusting as he has asked us to. And....help you to once again began trusting with an absolute trust allowing his true PEACE to flow.

Let this Christmas be a time of HOPE and PEACE in your life.
Trusting in the complete and utter reliability of our God who knows and has promised to carry you through. :)