I'm not sure how many of you actually listen to the Playlist that I have added to this blog, but if you do, you may have wondered about the variety of my music! And if you don't, turn up the speakers and listen to pieces of my heart, okay?
I grew up in a very musical household...Mom played the piano while Dad led the singin' at church. I tell people I was born on the second pew...that was my Mom's seat during service and where she plopped me down just days after I was born! There was always music being played in one form or another at home...Mom on the piano, someone whistling a tune, or listening to a record....or even an 8-track! Even when we were at my Grandparent's house, there was music being played...my Grandmother loved country music and all three of her kids learned to play piano! I have an uncle that plays jazz that I love to hear...too bad he never recorded anything!
So, let me explain my very diverse likes in music that are playing in the background.
First, Charlie Pride....he was my Grandma's favorite! One of my most vivid memories of being in her home is of me eating 'snuff' and listening to Charlie Pride! ('snuff' was made out of cocoa and sugar...just looked like what she and Grandpa were eating to my 5 yr old way of thinking!) She came down with Alzheimer's in the mid-70's so this memory is very special to me. She passed away the summer of '88 and I cannot wait to see her again in Heaven!
Second, Randy Travis....you will notice there is only one of his songs and it was 'our song' when we were dating in the late 80's!
Next, Reba and Garth. Dear hubs and I listened to country music for the first few years of our marriage and I loved Reba, he loved Garth! I stopped listening so much when I heard my then two year old DD1 singing "Take it Back" right along with Reba! I then went out and bought a few kids praise tapes for her to listen to...does anyone remember Psalty??? Anyway, as I was going through the music on the playlist site, I realized that I had grown to like Garth almost as much as dear hubs!
Let's see, what is left? Audio Adrenaline and Jars of Clay....they were popular when we first started listening exclusively to contemporary Christian radio and music and I fell in love with their music! I still like what they put out (Jars) and miss Audio A!!! Many of their songs have gotten me over a hump in my Christian life...Audio A and Beautiful, along with Hands and Feet. And my girls always loved Big House! Jars and their song, Take My Worlds Apart, reminds me to just let it go into God's hand! And I love Eleventh Hour.
Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Stephen Curtis Chapman and FFH....I love their sound and the message behind the music! Vicky Beeching - we had an opportunity to see her perform with Rebecca St. James and I fell in love with her sound and her testimony!
So, see, even though I have very eclectic tastes, I can explain it all!!! God has used music to touch my life in so many ways! We have also raised musical daughters; DD1 sings in the honor choir at school and Bunny plays trumpet in her high school marching band! They bless me so much with their talent!
Well, DD1 starts her new job today so I should wrap this up! I hope and pray that 2009 brings you precious memories and a closer walk with our Savior!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like music and a new year!
God's girl, Pamela
December 31, 2008
December 26, 2008
My favorite Christmas gifts
What an awesome day!!! We hosted Christmas at our house for the first time and that was pretty special itself! But, oh, my girls outdid themselves!!!
First, I have to say my MIL did a great job choosing to buy The Shack for me...even though we have Miss PD today, I have made it through the first 7 chapters! It is starting off as a hard read..since I know someone that has been through a similar situation...but I am to the point where relationship is being explained and it just so fits with all that God has been teaching me in the last few months! Thank you!!!
Now, my girls. They are so precious to me. I have truly loved each stage of life...though some less than others!!! They are now teens and one is officially an adult, but whose counting??? Bunny has been reading some of my recent posts and figured out DD1 means dear daughter one and so signed the back of her gift as Dear Daughter 2!!! I just love that, not sure why but I do!!! She is definitely a dear daughter!!!
Her gift was a poster that she had so many random drawings, quotes and pics on that it will make your head swim. Can you say relational memory??? It is so her and absolutely awesome! I will be laminating it at Mardel so it will last for a VERY long time!
DD1's gift...I cannot possibly explain so I am just going to copy it here for you:
So I wrote this today as my Christmas presnt to my parents. For those who don't know in 8 months I will be moving out of my parents house into my own life. This is a tribute to the eighteen 1/2 years I've spent with them so far (by the time I leave it will be 19) It covers the good and the bad and the road ahead. With God beside us at evey step we've been covered by grace and love and will continue to put our trust in him even as our lives change drastically.
Eighteen point five years
And through it all have been many tears.
Times of laughter and pranks
And watching us move up in education ranks
Falling down and scraping a knee
Swimming out into the deep blue sea
With jokes at the table
We knew we were able
To make memories last
And not fade very fast.
Oh but we’ve had our troubles too
But God’s always put us through
The death of family and loving pets
Struggles to stay or get out of debt
Illnesses lasting days or weeks
And tears as children called me names worse than geeks
Falling into and breaking addictions,
Caused us all much internal affliction.
Through it all we’re a family
We all go together on one of those trees
But our time is drawing to a close
In a few months I’ll go where God’s wind blows
There have been times I’ve felt like hating you
And times I thought you hated me too
I know there are times I’ve hurt you; and you me
But I’m also sure that we often fill each other with glee
In a short time I’ll start my own story
And I’ll get to bloom like a beautiful morning glory.
Yes, we shed some tears over that one. She chose to read the poem to us Christmas morn and they passed me the box of tissues before she began! Oh, do my girls know their Momma or what???
This is a really strange place to be...knowing that your daughter is somewhat of an adult and yet still seeing her as such a child! I have had the privilege of watching her grow in the Lord so much in the last few months and know that He will take her to places that I can't even imagine...that He loves her so much more than I ever can!
Now, I am adding to the randomness of this post but...tomorrow is mine and dear hubs 20th anniversary. He does not read my blog so I can pretty well say anything that I want to about him but I desire to honor him, the way God wants me to.
Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me that I would ever feel unloved by this man. Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me we would only have daughters. Twenty years ago, you could never have convinced me that he would be anything other than a fine, upstanding, Christian husband! Some of you know exactly what I mean!!!
However, in the past twenty years I have learned....
That God loves me, even when my husband can't.
That my precious hubs carries a lot of emotional pain...and sometimes shuts out the rest of the world, including me!
That daughters are the most precious resource available!!! (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
That sometimes, life isn't fair...but God is always there.
That deep down inside, my dear man always loves me...hard concept for me!
That after 20 yrs, I can love him more, deeper, sweeter than I did on our wedding day!
I love my dear hubs because....he is always looking out for me. Sometimes, my independent spirit fights against this but it is still true!
I love my dear hubs because....he is a treasure...buried deep inside an absolutely gorgeous earthen vessel. (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
I love my dear hubs because....he has made an unbelievable commitment to stay by my side.
Simply stated...I love my dear hubs! He is the most awesome man I know!!! I am so thankful that God brought us together all those years ago and that He has never left our side!
Thank you for listening....hope your holiday was all that you desired!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like dear daughters and a precious husband!!!
God's girl, Pamela
First, I have to say my MIL did a great job choosing to buy The Shack for me...even though we have Miss PD today, I have made it through the first 7 chapters! It is starting off as a hard read..since I know someone that has been through a similar situation...but I am to the point where relationship is being explained and it just so fits with all that God has been teaching me in the last few months! Thank you!!!
Now, my girls. They are so precious to me. I have truly loved each stage of life...though some less than others!!! They are now teens and one is officially an adult, but whose counting??? Bunny has been reading some of my recent posts and figured out DD1 means dear daughter one and so signed the back of her gift as Dear Daughter 2!!! I just love that, not sure why but I do!!! She is definitely a dear daughter!!!
Her gift was a poster that she had so many random drawings, quotes and pics on that it will make your head swim. Can you say relational memory??? It is so her and absolutely awesome! I will be laminating it at Mardel so it will last for a VERY long time!
DD1's gift...I cannot possibly explain so I am just going to copy it here for you:
So I wrote this today as my Christmas presnt to my parents. For those who don't know in 8 months I will be moving out of my parents house into my own life. This is a tribute to the eighteen 1/2 years I've spent with them so far (by the time I leave it will be 19) It covers the good and the bad and the road ahead. With God beside us at evey step we've been covered by grace and love and will continue to put our trust in him even as our lives change drastically.
Eighteen point five years
And through it all have been many tears.
Times of laughter and pranks
And watching us move up in education ranks
Falling down and scraping a knee
Swimming out into the deep blue sea
With jokes at the table
We knew we were able
To make memories last
And not fade very fast.
Oh but we’ve had our troubles too
But God’s always put us through
The death of family and loving pets
Struggles to stay or get out of debt
Illnesses lasting days or weeks
And tears as children called me names worse than geeks
Falling into and breaking addictions,
Caused us all much internal affliction.
Through it all we’re a family
We all go together on one of those trees
But our time is drawing to a close
In a few months I’ll go where God’s wind blows
There have been times I’ve felt like hating you
And times I thought you hated me too
I know there are times I’ve hurt you; and you me
But I’m also sure that we often fill each other with glee
In a short time I’ll start my own story
And I’ll get to bloom like a beautiful morning glory.
Yes, we shed some tears over that one. She chose to read the poem to us Christmas morn and they passed me the box of tissues before she began! Oh, do my girls know their Momma or what???
This is a really strange place to be...knowing that your daughter is somewhat of an adult and yet still seeing her as such a child! I have had the privilege of watching her grow in the Lord so much in the last few months and know that He will take her to places that I can't even imagine...that He loves her so much more than I ever can!
Now, I am adding to the randomness of this post but...tomorrow is mine and dear hubs 20th anniversary. He does not read my blog so I can pretty well say anything that I want to about him but I desire to honor him, the way God wants me to.
Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me that I would ever feel unloved by this man. Twenty years ago, you could have never convinced me we would only have daughters. Twenty years ago, you could never have convinced me that he would be anything other than a fine, upstanding, Christian husband! Some of you know exactly what I mean!!!
However, in the past twenty years I have learned....
That God loves me, even when my husband can't.
That my precious hubs carries a lot of emotional pain...and sometimes shuts out the rest of the world, including me!
That daughters are the most precious resource available!!! (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
That sometimes, life isn't fair...but God is always there.
That deep down inside, my dear man always loves me...hard concept for me!
That after 20 yrs, I can love him more, deeper, sweeter than I did on our wedding day!
I love my dear hubs because....he is always looking out for me. Sometimes, my independent spirit fights against this but it is still true!
I love my dear hubs because....he is a treasure...buried deep inside an absolutely gorgeous earthen vessel. (my opinion, leave me be!!!)
I love my dear hubs because....he has made an unbelievable commitment to stay by my side.
Simply stated...I love my dear hubs! He is the most awesome man I know!!! I am so thankful that God brought us together all those years ago and that He has never left our side!
Thank you for listening....hope your holiday was all that you desired!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like dear daughters and a precious husband!!!
God's girl, Pamela
December 22, 2008
True Love
John 3:16 Need I say more???
Hosanna by Hillsong United:
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
Yeeeah
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
[Chorus]
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
LOVE! This has been a heart subject for me for quite some time. I have felt so drawn to share my feelings on this post before Christmas, and if I didn't do it today, it would probably not happen. So...
The part of the song above that says, "Show me how to love like you have loved me" just rings over and over in my head. How does He love me?? Enough to die for me!!!
Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
The line that gets me in this chorus is, "Give me Your love for humanity." Once again, that love was willing to die for us!
Knowing this, why do I have such a hard time truly loving others???
Am I willing to give up convenience, even, to show someone I love them???
I'm talking more about little things here, things that tend to drive me crazy....like a dog using my yard and the owner not picking up after their animal. Like a neighbor that doesn't care for his yard, or car, or family the way that I think he should. Like a friend that really needs time away from a child, but because I'm too busy, I cannot give even a moment to calm Mom or child down. Like a teen that needs an ear, but I'm focused on my agenda and just can't find extra time to listen. Like someone that needs a ride, but because it is not in my direction, I can't take you there.
Jesus WILLINGLY gave Himself to DIE for us...talk about inconvenience! I know there is the problem of being used for a doormat, the problem of safety for a woman alone. I know we are not perfect and therefore cannot love perfectly. But I can do more, I should do more...because Jesus tells us to love Him with all we have, and our neighbors as ourselves!
I was so convicted reading Ally's blog. That is a love from the heart of God. I desire to love like that.
Will you love with me???
With all my heart...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
Hosanna by Hillsong United:
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
Yeeeah
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
[Chorus]
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
LOVE! This has been a heart subject for me for quite some time. I have felt so drawn to share my feelings on this post before Christmas, and if I didn't do it today, it would probably not happen. So...
The part of the song above that says, "Show me how to love like you have loved me" just rings over and over in my head. How does He love me?? Enough to die for me!!!
Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
The line that gets me in this chorus is, "Give me Your love for humanity." Once again, that love was willing to die for us!
Knowing this, why do I have such a hard time truly loving others???
Am I willing to give up convenience, even, to show someone I love them???
I'm talking more about little things here, things that tend to drive me crazy....like a dog using my yard and the owner not picking up after their animal. Like a neighbor that doesn't care for his yard, or car, or family the way that I think he should. Like a friend that really needs time away from a child, but because I'm too busy, I cannot give even a moment to calm Mom or child down. Like a teen that needs an ear, but I'm focused on my agenda and just can't find extra time to listen. Like someone that needs a ride, but because it is not in my direction, I can't take you there.
Jesus WILLINGLY gave Himself to DIE for us...talk about inconvenience! I know there is the problem of being used for a doormat, the problem of safety for a woman alone. I know we are not perfect and therefore cannot love perfectly. But I can do more, I should do more...because Jesus tells us to love Him with all we have, and our neighbors as ourselves!
I was so convicted reading Ally's blog. That is a love from the heart of God. I desire to love like that.
Will you love with me???
With all my heart...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
December 21, 2008
I'm tired of seeing ALL ABOUT ME as my headliner!!! I am waiting right now, though for Miss PD to arrive and just haven't found even a few minutes to sit and update...so, I am changing it with this shorty!!!
Sadness: Cowboys lost!!! How could they???
Temperature: COLD!!!! We were in the 'deep freeze' the beginning of last week and we froze again this morning...25 degrees! Thankfully, this one came without precip! We southern folk truly forget how to drive if there is ice on the road!
The 'deep freeze' means that temps at DFW airport stayed below freezing for more than 24 hrs!!!
Now, I have a child bribing me to fold clothes and towels so I guess I should really close!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Sadness: Cowboys lost!!! How could they???
Temperature: COLD!!!! We were in the 'deep freeze' the beginning of last week and we froze again this morning...25 degrees! Thankfully, this one came without precip! We southern folk truly forget how to drive if there is ice on the road!
The 'deep freeze' means that temps at DFW airport stayed below freezing for more than 24 hrs!!!
Now, I have a child bribing me to fold clothes and towels so I guess I should really close!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
December 15, 2008
All About ME!!!
Do you know how hard those words are for a middle child??? Oh, my, goodness...I think the only time life has ever been all about me was on my wedding day - and then I had the FLU!!! Yes ma'am, the FLU!!! So, I really couldn't enjoy it like I should have! Oh, but we got married just the same and are still enjoying each other's company after all these years!
These are a few of my favorite things: I love me some veggie supreme pizza - minus the 'shrooms and a few of them colorful pepper thingys! I enjoy that sweet broccoli salad somebody always brought for the teacher luncheon. Man, I miss being a teacher just for that! I loved,loved,loved 'ALL DAY DINNER AND SINGIN' ON THE GROUNDS' when I was growing up...isn't that what they are called??? (Just smile and nod!) Those Tennessee women know how to cook! So, knowing this, you can imagine I am still all about the church pot-luck...you know, truly pot luck! I don't want a planned menu; if there are three meats, one veggie and twenty desserts, I'll meet you at the dessert table! If there are two desserts, 16 meats and 40 veggies, I'll BEAT you to the dessert table!!!
My favorite type of food...well, that depends on the mood! One thing I could always go for, though...El Fenix! When I was a teenager, they had this buffet and we spent the Sundays close to birthdays and anniversaries at that buffet line! This is also where dear hubs and I logged most of our dating time! Their cheese enchiladas are SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO delish! Their soft cheese tacos are the best! Their rice and beans...yummy!!! Their guacamole...oh, my! I might just have to go get me a plate for lunch!!! And after you had lunch or dinner at the buffet, this sweet waiter or waitress would come 'round with a basketful of soapapillas....still warm! Open that, put in some honey and I am in love all over again!!! Boy, I sure do miss that buffet!!!
Side note: when we were overseas and I was prego with DD1 and dear hubs was in the field, I got a horrible craving for El Fenix! I woke up after having this all too real dream that I was there....REALLY THERE! I could hear the music playing and smell the food and just so feel the atmosphere in my dream. I have never been so disappointed to wake up from a dream in my whole life!!!
Well, now you know all about my food fetishes! What else is there in life???
HMMM, I love to read! Especially fiction! I don't watch TV to escape, that is what a book is for! My Mom raised me with this wonderful imagination and TV messes with that! But a book....I can put myself inside and be a part of the story. Now, dear hubs likes TV and I sure wish I could figure out how to read a book while he is watching TV...but that is his quality time love language! So, I'll read later!
Some of my favorite fiction authors (not an exhaustive list!): Janette Oke, T. Davis Bunn, Frank Peretti, Janet Peart, Kathryn Keene. Some other favorite authors: John and Stasi Eldredge, Matthew Paul Turner, Thomas Kinkade (yes, he writes too!), Max Lucado, Emilie Barnes. I'm tellin' y'all, I love to read!!!
I am a thinker...refer to above paragraph about imagination! I will have to admit, though, that if left alone for too long, I will think myself silly! Maybe that is why I am always surrounded by my family that loves me! I'm not detail oriented, though, so while I can think out a whole situation, I cannot reason it out and if I find myself in said situation, I am in trouble because I didn't work out all the details!!! Understand??? (me, neither!!!)
I love to work with my hands, paper, glue and frillies! That is why I make cards! Nothing smells better than glue, freshly sharpened pencils and newly opened paper! Wish there was some way to make money off of it...but I'm not that good!
I love to just walk down EVERY aisle in Michael's and Hobby Lobby! I enjoy all the different textures of paper and material (Hancock's too!). I love walking into Mardel and feeling instant peace and spending hours looking at the art and books sections - one daughter would be with me, the other in the music!!!
I enjoy baking...especially desserts (refer to 2nd paragraph!) I like making desserts for people because for a moment, it makes them happy! As I type, I am eating some of last night's Something Else that we took for a church pot-luck! I enjoy trying out new dessert recipes...when I am all by myself (that helps to keep me from thinking so much!!!).
I have a people pleaser tendency...remember, I'm the middle child!
I have a messy tendency....not that I can live that way, it just catches up with me after awhile! If you come to see me, don't look at my house!!! Unfortunately, I married a messy so you can guess where the children fall!!! I say I am a messy but I also have perfectionistic tendencies...i.e., if I do clean a room, it has to be CLEAN! Sometimes, that is why I am a messy...because I jut don't want to fight the perfectionist in me! I stress dear hubs out when I get on a cleaning tear..seriously stressful situation in this household!!! Just doesn't really add to the peace! And one of the precious children, took after me! Her room is either spotless or messy...no in between! Yep, that is so me!!!
Well, I think that is enough for now. If you have made it this far...Mom, does that sound like me??? This was fun but oh, so hard!!!
I am going to pass this on to Carolina, Charity, Miss Larissa and my friend, Rose. Now, y'all get to have fun telling us all about YOU!!! I can't wait to see how we all mesh together! Aren't you glad we are sisters in Christ and can love each other in spite of our differences?? Yeah, me too!!!
Special shout out::: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNSHINE!!! My little brother turned a whopping 33 yesterday!!! Love you, Uncle D.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like sisters in Christ and brothers that turn 33!!!
God's girl, Pamela
These are a few of my favorite things: I love me some veggie supreme pizza - minus the 'shrooms and a few of them colorful pepper thingys! I enjoy that sweet broccoli salad somebody always brought for the teacher luncheon. Man, I miss being a teacher just for that! I loved,loved,loved 'ALL DAY DINNER AND SINGIN' ON THE GROUNDS' when I was growing up...isn't that what they are called??? (Just smile and nod!) Those Tennessee women know how to cook! So, knowing this, you can imagine I am still all about the church pot-luck...you know, truly pot luck! I don't want a planned menu; if there are three meats, one veggie and twenty desserts, I'll meet you at the dessert table! If there are two desserts, 16 meats and 40 veggies, I'll BEAT you to the dessert table!!!
My favorite type of food...well, that depends on the mood! One thing I could always go for, though...El Fenix! When I was a teenager, they had this buffet and we spent the Sundays close to birthdays and anniversaries at that buffet line! This is also where dear hubs and I logged most of our dating time! Their cheese enchiladas are SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO delish! Their soft cheese tacos are the best! Their rice and beans...yummy!!! Their guacamole...oh, my! I might just have to go get me a plate for lunch!!! And after you had lunch or dinner at the buffet, this sweet waiter or waitress would come 'round with a basketful of soapapillas....still warm! Open that, put in some honey and I am in love all over again!!! Boy, I sure do miss that buffet!!!
Side note: when we were overseas and I was prego with DD1 and dear hubs was in the field, I got a horrible craving for El Fenix! I woke up after having this all too real dream that I was there....REALLY THERE! I could hear the music playing and smell the food and just so feel the atmosphere in my dream. I have never been so disappointed to wake up from a dream in my whole life!!!
Well, now you know all about my food fetishes! What else is there in life???
HMMM, I love to read! Especially fiction! I don't watch TV to escape, that is what a book is for! My Mom raised me with this wonderful imagination and TV messes with that! But a book....I can put myself inside and be a part of the story. Now, dear hubs likes TV and I sure wish I could figure out how to read a book while he is watching TV...but that is his quality time love language! So, I'll read later!
Some of my favorite fiction authors (not an exhaustive list!): Janette Oke, T. Davis Bunn, Frank Peretti, Janet Peart, Kathryn Keene. Some other favorite authors: John and Stasi Eldredge, Matthew Paul Turner, Thomas Kinkade (yes, he writes too!), Max Lucado, Emilie Barnes. I'm tellin' y'all, I love to read!!!
I am a thinker...refer to above paragraph about imagination! I will have to admit, though, that if left alone for too long, I will think myself silly! Maybe that is why I am always surrounded by my family that loves me! I'm not detail oriented, though, so while I can think out a whole situation, I cannot reason it out and if I find myself in said situation, I am in trouble because I didn't work out all the details!!! Understand??? (me, neither!!!)
I love to work with my hands, paper, glue and frillies! That is why I make cards! Nothing smells better than glue, freshly sharpened pencils and newly opened paper! Wish there was some way to make money off of it...but I'm not that good!
I love to just walk down EVERY aisle in Michael's and Hobby Lobby! I enjoy all the different textures of paper and material (Hancock's too!). I love walking into Mardel and feeling instant peace and spending hours looking at the art and books sections - one daughter would be with me, the other in the music!!!
I enjoy baking...especially desserts (refer to 2nd paragraph!) I like making desserts for people because for a moment, it makes them happy! As I type, I am eating some of last night's Something Else that we took for a church pot-luck! I enjoy trying out new dessert recipes...when I am all by myself (that helps to keep me from thinking so much!!!).
I have a people pleaser tendency...remember, I'm the middle child!
I have a messy tendency....not that I can live that way, it just catches up with me after awhile! If you come to see me, don't look at my house!!! Unfortunately, I married a messy so you can guess where the children fall!!! I say I am a messy but I also have perfectionistic tendencies...i.e., if I do clean a room, it has to be CLEAN! Sometimes, that is why I am a messy...because I jut don't want to fight the perfectionist in me! I stress dear hubs out when I get on a cleaning tear..seriously stressful situation in this household!!! Just doesn't really add to the peace! And one of the precious children, took after me! Her room is either spotless or messy...no in between! Yep, that is so me!!!
Well, I think that is enough for now. If you have made it this far...Mom, does that sound like me??? This was fun but oh, so hard!!!
I am going to pass this on to Carolina, Charity, Miss Larissa and my friend, Rose. Now, y'all get to have fun telling us all about YOU!!! I can't wait to see how we all mesh together! Aren't you glad we are sisters in Christ and can love each other in spite of our differences?? Yeah, me too!!!
Special shout out::: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNSHINE!!! My little brother turned a whopping 33 yesterday!!! Love you, Uncle D.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like sisters in Christ and brothers that turn 33!!!
God's girl, Pamela
December 10, 2008
Congratulations, Jen!!!
Jen at "Reflections in my Window" is the winner of a cookbook!!! Be sure to check out her blog...it is really cool! Also, please pray for Jen as she is about to go in for some surgery. You can read more about that on her blog.
Thank you for participating in this give-away! I have enjoyed getting to 'know' even more blog sisters and popping onto your blogs!
Hopefully, my next post will be the promised 'Me' post from a couple of weeks ago. After 20 yrs of marriage and 18 of Mommyhood, it is proving a bit hard to separate just who I am as far as likes and dislikes. One of my questions...do I really prefer cheese pizza? Hmmm, stay tuned to find out!
Want a laugh? Check out a youth pastor in Colorado. Click on Yes...I am 'that guy'. My girls and I have never laughed so hard together! Thanks to Without Wax for letting us know about it via Twitter! And after you have stopped laughing, if you have time check out the prank that followed!
I know I am being vague but it is just too funny to spoil any of it!
I hope your Advent season is going great! I pray you are finding times of peace each day to see Jesus. I will be honest with you, days Miss PD is here - especially the 51 hrs straight over the weekend! - I am not finding many times of peace to focus on Him. Okay, finding NONE! I do remember this is part of the first year of a precious one's life, though, and that this too will pass.
Also, be sure to click on Jessica Turner's button on the right side to visit her site and sign-up for some cool give-aways for scrapbookers this week!
Closing for now! Y'all have an awesome Thursday and weekend coming up.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....like Spring Fricks who blessed my daughter!
God's girl, Pamela
Thank you for participating in this give-away! I have enjoyed getting to 'know' even more blog sisters and popping onto your blogs!
Hopefully, my next post will be the promised 'Me' post from a couple of weeks ago. After 20 yrs of marriage and 18 of Mommyhood, it is proving a bit hard to separate just who I am as far as likes and dislikes. One of my questions...do I really prefer cheese pizza? Hmmm, stay tuned to find out!
Want a laugh? Check out a youth pastor in Colorado. Click on Yes...I am 'that guy'. My girls and I have never laughed so hard together! Thanks to Without Wax for letting us know about it via Twitter! And after you have stopped laughing, if you have time check out the prank that followed!
I know I am being vague but it is just too funny to spoil any of it!
I hope your Advent season is going great! I pray you are finding times of peace each day to see Jesus. I will be honest with you, days Miss PD is here - especially the 51 hrs straight over the weekend! - I am not finding many times of peace to focus on Him. Okay, finding NONE! I do remember this is part of the first year of a precious one's life, though, and that this too will pass.
Also, be sure to click on Jessica Turner's button on the right side to visit her site and sign-up for some cool give-aways for scrapbookers this week!
Closing for now! Y'all have an awesome Thursday and weekend coming up.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....like Spring Fricks who blessed my daughter!
God's girl, Pamela
December 5, 2008
Another Give-away!
**UPDATE**
Obviously, Wednesday is Dec 10!!!
As my loyal readers know, I recently gave up some homemade Christmas cards to Rose and she posted about them on her blog. Well, Lysa Terkeust is now hosting a Cool Christmas Giveaway and I am jumping in! There are other give-aways linked to her blog so be sure to jump over and check those out. One of them is giving away the new Barlow Girl Christmas CD!
I am giving away "Home Cooking around the world"... a collection of recipes by David Ricketts. The front page has been signed...I am re-gifting! However, I have a very picky family and we have never tried a one of these recipes. I know it was given in good faith that it would be used and I would like for it to fill just that purpose...hopefully in your home!
I will also add, if you would like, a custom scrapbook page..sz 12x12. This would be customized with your favorite colors. Please leave a comment and tell us one of your favorite Christmas memories. I will share mine below.
Many of you know, it is really tight around here this Christmas but I really desire to be a blessing in spite of the circumstances. The give-away will close on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Miss PD is headed over a bit later today so I need to close...fast!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.... like Christmas of 1977 when my sweet big sister bought me a box of chocolate chip cookies!!! Best ever! I love you, SIS!!!
God's girl, Pamela
Obviously, Wednesday is Dec 10!!!
As my loyal readers know, I recently gave up some homemade Christmas cards to Rose and she posted about them on her blog. Well, Lysa Terkeust is now hosting a Cool Christmas Giveaway and I am jumping in! There are other give-aways linked to her blog so be sure to jump over and check those out. One of them is giving away the new Barlow Girl Christmas CD!
I am giving away "Home Cooking around the world"... a collection of recipes by David Ricketts. The front page has been signed...I am re-gifting! However, I have a very picky family and we have never tried a one of these recipes. I know it was given in good faith that it would be used and I would like for it to fill just that purpose...hopefully in your home!
I will also add, if you would like, a custom scrapbook page..sz 12x12. This would be customized with your favorite colors. Please leave a comment and tell us one of your favorite Christmas memories. I will share mine below.
Many of you know, it is really tight around here this Christmas but I really desire to be a blessing in spite of the circumstances. The give-away will close on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Miss PD is headed over a bit later today so I need to close...fast!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.... like Christmas of 1977 when my sweet big sister bought me a box of chocolate chip cookies!!! Best ever! I love you, SIS!!!
God's girl, Pamela
December 2, 2008
Happy Holydays!
I cannot believe it is already December! And I realized this morn that I have not yet got out the Advent calendar...hmmm, wonder how deep in the closet it has been pushed??? We have some busy weekends ahead so not sure when we will take time to decorate for Christmas...seems to be coming up really fast, though!
Miss PD is back...Mom found a dispatch job pretty close to home so hopefully it will work out for me to have her 5 days/week! She is such a joy!
My Bunny passed me a note on Saturday letting me know in no uncertain terms that we needed to spend time together! How awesome is that??? We went to the fabric store...lots of inspiration but not sure it will go far...then to the Starbucks, of course! She did LOTS of talking! It was so good to share relationship with her again; I sure have missed my girl!
I started reading the Gospels a few months back, and taking time to pore over anything that I wanted to know more about. It has been an interesting journey and I am learning so much about Jesus walk on this earth. I share all this to say, I had a really neat moment this morn when I realized I am starting on Luke! What an awesome place to start in December! But then, our God is the awesome God and the God Most High so why should this surprise me? He cares so deeply for each of us and desires to show us His love in very special ways each day!
Oh yes, Lord, I see Jesus!
What are some ways that Jesus shows Himself in your life? Please share!
My love to each of you and my prayer is that you will see Jesus each and every day during this Holyday season!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Miss PD is back...Mom found a dispatch job pretty close to home so hopefully it will work out for me to have her 5 days/week! She is such a joy!
My Bunny passed me a note on Saturday letting me know in no uncertain terms that we needed to spend time together! How awesome is that??? We went to the fabric store...lots of inspiration but not sure it will go far...then to the Starbucks, of course! She did LOTS of talking! It was so good to share relationship with her again; I sure have missed my girl!
I started reading the Gospels a few months back, and taking time to pore over anything that I wanted to know more about. It has been an interesting journey and I am learning so much about Jesus walk on this earth. I share all this to say, I had a really neat moment this morn when I realized I am starting on Luke! What an awesome place to start in December! But then, our God is the awesome God and the God Most High so why should this surprise me? He cares so deeply for each of us and desires to show us His love in very special ways each day!
Oh yes, Lord, I see Jesus!
What are some ways that Jesus shows Himself in your life? Please share!
My love to each of you and my prayer is that you will see Jesus each and every day during this Holyday season!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 27, 2008
Short and Sweet, I hope!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!! Since I am posting this late and some of us have already had 3 rounds of family, fellowship and food, I'll just wish you a happy weekend! Yes, I said 3 rounds; my sister and her significant other and my precious niece last night, my MIL's side of the family and then my FIL's side of the family. My parents are in Tenn so a very special shout out to them - I love you, Mom, Daddy and my own personal sunshine!!!
Well, I did something fun yesterday! I went unannounced and met Makenna and oh, my goodness is she a sweetheart!! I felt bad enough going over unannounced - I know, HOW RUDE! - but then Miss PD was with us and she decided to scream the whole time we were trying to visit! Thank you, Gallagher family for putting up with us for a few minutes. Your hospitality is awesome!!!
I also wanted to let you know, if you have not been continuing to follow Melanie through CarePages that God is doing great things in her life! She has recently had the trach removed and went on a field trip! I know the family and those of us praying for her are very thankful for how far God has brought her in such a relatively short amount of time!
In answer to something that Angie at Bring the Rain challenged, I am going to say, "Thank you, Father God, for the financial struggle of the last several months. You have taught us in such a personal way that You are truly our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider and we have been blessed! Thank you, Lord for continuing to prove yourself faithful, even (and sometimes especially!) when we fail to be so. I love you, Lord!"
Okay, I said this would be short so I will close. Y'all are awesome and I pray that your weekend will continue to be blessed and full of thanksgiving!
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Well, I did something fun yesterday! I went unannounced and met Makenna and oh, my goodness is she a sweetheart!! I felt bad enough going over unannounced - I know, HOW RUDE! - but then Miss PD was with us and she decided to scream the whole time we were trying to visit! Thank you, Gallagher family for putting up with us for a few minutes. Your hospitality is awesome!!!
I also wanted to let you know, if you have not been continuing to follow Melanie through CarePages that God is doing great things in her life! She has recently had the trach removed and went on a field trip! I know the family and those of us praying for her are very thankful for how far God has brought her in such a relatively short amount of time!
In answer to something that Angie at Bring the Rain challenged, I am going to say, "Thank you, Father God, for the financial struggle of the last several months. You have taught us in such a personal way that You are truly our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider and we have been blessed! Thank you, Lord for continuing to prove yourself faithful, even (and sometimes especially!) when we fail to be so. I love you, Lord!"
Okay, I said this would be short so I will close. Y'all are awesome and I pray that your weekend will continue to be blessed and full of thanksgiving!
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 21, 2008
Random murmurings
So, Marianne has tagged me to do a 'me' blog. I am going to think for a while on that one but I promise I will get one up eventually! Marianne was DD1's 5th grade science and history teacher before she was a Mom! It was fun to read her post and get to 'know' her in a bit more detail. Y'all feel free to jump over and meet her, too. She is an awesome woman of faith and truly loves God with all she has!
I read an interesting post this morning on Rocks in my Dryer about the MotherLetter project. This sounds too neat to pass up. Not sure that my letter this year will be very encouraging for a young Mom with small children, but I do have some Mom wisdom to share! And yes, I will try to do my best to encourage!!!
Can you take a moment out of your busy days and write a letter as well? I am sure this Mom will be overwhelmed with emotion to receive such a precious gift from her man! I know I would be!!! And I know it's not my dear hubs 'cause we've never been to Africa! (you will have to read the history of the blog to see what that has to do with anything!)
I am more excited for Thanksgiving than I have been in a few years - we go pick up Casey on Wednesday and get to have her as our guest! I am so looking forward to that. I know it will be a noisy ride from East Texas to Oak Cliff but it will be so worth it! When we were taking her to school, I just about cricked my neck trying to be part of their conversation so this time, I think I might just have to sit in the back and let hubs drive alone! I love being around young ladies! They are so vibrant and beautiful and Casey and my DD1 share such a love for God that it is absolutely infectious!
Well, I think I have murmured enough! I pray that your holiday week will be blessed and that you will bless those around you....okay, so that prayer is for me! I am really spending time in prayer asking God to make me part of the solution and not the problem! Of course, it probably starts by closing my mouth more often!!!!
If you get a day to sleep in, don't feel guilty...JUST DO IT!!! I will hopefully find a day or two to do just that!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
I read an interesting post this morning on Rocks in my Dryer about the MotherLetter project. This sounds too neat to pass up. Not sure that my letter this year will be very encouraging for a young Mom with small children, but I do have some Mom wisdom to share! And yes, I will try to do my best to encourage!!!
Can you take a moment out of your busy days and write a letter as well? I am sure this Mom will be overwhelmed with emotion to receive such a precious gift from her man! I know I would be!!! And I know it's not my dear hubs 'cause we've never been to Africa! (you will have to read the history of the blog to see what that has to do with anything!)
I am more excited for Thanksgiving than I have been in a few years - we go pick up Casey on Wednesday and get to have her as our guest! I am so looking forward to that. I know it will be a noisy ride from East Texas to Oak Cliff but it will be so worth it! When we were taking her to school, I just about cricked my neck trying to be part of their conversation so this time, I think I might just have to sit in the back and let hubs drive alone! I love being around young ladies! They are so vibrant and beautiful and Casey and my DD1 share such a love for God that it is absolutely infectious!
Well, I think I have murmured enough! I pray that your holiday week will be blessed and that you will bless those around you....okay, so that prayer is for me! I am really spending time in prayer asking God to make me part of the solution and not the problem! Of course, it probably starts by closing my mouth more often!!!!
If you get a day to sleep in, don't feel guilty...JUST DO IT!!! I will hopefully find a day or two to do just that!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 17, 2008
Pray for our Nation
I have a friend that I have known for years that has written some pretty concise explanations for why we should be in deep, intercessory prayer for our nation at this time. She is a lovely African American woman; she has raised four children as a single Mom, and they each serve the Lord in a tremendous capacity. Her youngest son even works on Wall Street! I have utmost respect for this lady. In some ways, she has been a spiritual mentor to me. I am thankful to still be able to keep in touch with her, even though we no longer attend the same church.
I pray that you will be blessed by this writing. For me, it puts a face on a vote...a voice. I know that God is calling each of us to stand and I pray that we will continue to lift up this great nation of ours into His hands!
From my friend, Dorothy:
In the wake of so many emails about how to pray and how to even encourage ourselves, I thought I would communicate clearly how I stand.
1. I am a Christian. I am a 62 year old African American, dark skinned woman born of parents who could trace their ancestry back to slavery. My great grandmother was “mulatto”. My father’s side also had obvious Indian blood. My mother’s features were very Negroid, with a large nose, nappy hair and a tendency to be overweight. My parents and siblings lived in Beaumont, Texas. A suburb of Beaumont is Vidor, Texas the home of an active KKK group. It is also very close to the Louisiana border.
2. The history that I listed in #1 IMPLIES several things. It implies that I have experienced both overt and covert bigotry. It means that I can tell story after story of people who have judged me on the basis of my color and not the content of my character or Christian faith. It implies that my own race has exhibited some prejudice because of my dark skin. Many from Beaumont were and are light skinned. The prejudice against dark skinned blacks can be brutal also. It implies that I listed my faith first for a reason. It drives me to forgive, even when memories flood my conscience mind of promotions lost, doors of opportunities shut, and my children hurt because of their African American heritage.
3. I am hurt by much of what I have seen come out of the church following the election of President elect Obama. And yes. I know of his history with abortion choice. I know of his history with the Fairness doctrine. I know of his election tactics. I know of the support from the homosexual community.
But
I charge God almighty with the results of this election. Either it is His will or we have been deceived.
We prayed. Many fasted. He said in His word that we could and should ask. He said that we should pray in agreement so we agreed. We knew the battle would be tough, so we fasted. We asked for forgiveness of everything that could possibly hinder the outcome. When we could not think of things we prayed in tongues to make sure we had the will of the Father.
But President Obama was elected.
At some point we have to ask why?
I believe that his election demonstrates our own weaknesses in ways we would have never known otherwise. The church is divided and crippled. We are blind and refuse to see. We accuse each other falsely and cover the deceit in our hearts with niceties and smiles. We are prejudiced and filled with hate that is covered up with religion. Instead of walking through the darkness and trusting in God to hold our hand, we grope for ways to open our own eyes and to make our own way. We truly are not God conscience in the wake of the election. The church is truly sick. We blame black people for the results of the election but cannot examine the election results methodically and objectively. President elect Obama would NOT have won even if every black person voted for him and ALL white, Hispanic or Indian voted for Senator McCain. President Elect Obama won because many young people of ALL races voted for him. Many first time voters voted for him. Many liberal whites voted for him. Many blacks, both conservative and liberal, voted for hm.
And I voted and worked very hard for Senator McCain.
But the church is not the Republican Party and the Republican Party is not the church. We all sought to hear what the Spirit of the Lord was telling us. But I believe it is possible to seek godly answers only to discover that God was more interested in our attitude AFTER He answers. We should have learned that over the last 8 years. Many stood silent while we in the Republican Party AND church let our country go in an ungodly direction under a Republican President. And I am not talking about the war or the war prisoners. We stood silent and did not apprise ourselves of the activities with abortions and homosexual marriage. We didn’t stain our own lives with the political dirtiness that was happening in the Republican Party. We let scandals erupt and the church did not pressure leaders to act differently. We had political capital that we did not use properly. And yes, there were a number of things that were happening with Democrats, but we had much more to lose. And we lost much. We’ve lost influence and power.
Those who have INFLUENCE should not be demonized. T.D. Jakes is not a demon if he believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and that He died, rose and is coming again. But He is not the church. He is part of the body of Christ which we would be better off honoring, respecting and trying to pray for and influence for the glory of God. Has anyone of influence shown Pastor Jakes pictures of babies in the womb, ultrasounds, etc? Perhaps even as a leader, he is ignorant of this issue. Perhaps others will arise who can influence President Obama. We must pray that God will send such Godly advisors.
We absolutely MUST pray that God would show us what is in our own heart FIRST and then and only then speak of the election. We must ask God how we can reach the generations for Christ. Many of our own households are rejecting our values and that is the greatest lesson from this election. As a result of the election, we may suffer. We may be persecuted. But I would gladly go through persecution WITH my children if I could somehow teach them of the reality of a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. With the saving knowledge of Jesus abortions would cease because there would not be the demand, (and it wouldn’t be because of legislation). Homosexuals would be convicted to make OTHER choices because the Lord Himself would be manifested in their lives. If they see Jesus truly demonstrated in me (AND us) then the greatest victory would have been achieved: the salvation of the generations. That is my prayer: that God would save our children and grandchildren of all races. If He does that, then my soul is comforted.
So, I pray most for the church. I will not pray that the election results be overturned. I will pray that God would lead this country and that the body of Christ will be strong, strong. Strong, strong is an Ibo term which implies that it is an over abundance of strength to meet the challenges ahead. We will need it.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
I pray that you will be blessed by this writing. For me, it puts a face on a vote...a voice. I know that God is calling each of us to stand and I pray that we will continue to lift up this great nation of ours into His hands!
From my friend, Dorothy:
In the wake of so many emails about how to pray and how to even encourage ourselves, I thought I would communicate clearly how I stand.
1. I am a Christian. I am a 62 year old African American, dark skinned woman born of parents who could trace their ancestry back to slavery. My great grandmother was “mulatto”. My father’s side also had obvious Indian blood. My mother’s features were very Negroid, with a large nose, nappy hair and a tendency to be overweight. My parents and siblings lived in Beaumont, Texas. A suburb of Beaumont is Vidor, Texas the home of an active KKK group. It is also very close to the Louisiana border.
2. The history that I listed in #1 IMPLIES several things. It implies that I have experienced both overt and covert bigotry. It means that I can tell story after story of people who have judged me on the basis of my color and not the content of my character or Christian faith. It implies that my own race has exhibited some prejudice because of my dark skin. Many from Beaumont were and are light skinned. The prejudice against dark skinned blacks can be brutal also. It implies that I listed my faith first for a reason. It drives me to forgive, even when memories flood my conscience mind of promotions lost, doors of opportunities shut, and my children hurt because of their African American heritage.
3. I am hurt by much of what I have seen come out of the church following the election of President elect Obama. And yes. I know of his history with abortion choice. I know of his history with the Fairness doctrine. I know of his election tactics. I know of the support from the homosexual community.
But
I charge God almighty with the results of this election. Either it is His will or we have been deceived.
We prayed. Many fasted. He said in His word that we could and should ask. He said that we should pray in agreement so we agreed. We knew the battle would be tough, so we fasted. We asked for forgiveness of everything that could possibly hinder the outcome. When we could not think of things we prayed in tongues to make sure we had the will of the Father.
But President Obama was elected.
At some point we have to ask why?
I believe that his election demonstrates our own weaknesses in ways we would have never known otherwise. The church is divided and crippled. We are blind and refuse to see. We accuse each other falsely and cover the deceit in our hearts with niceties and smiles. We are prejudiced and filled with hate that is covered up with religion. Instead of walking through the darkness and trusting in God to hold our hand, we grope for ways to open our own eyes and to make our own way. We truly are not God conscience in the wake of the election. The church is truly sick. We blame black people for the results of the election but cannot examine the election results methodically and objectively. President elect Obama would NOT have won even if every black person voted for him and ALL white, Hispanic or Indian voted for Senator McCain. President Elect Obama won because many young people of ALL races voted for him. Many first time voters voted for him. Many liberal whites voted for him. Many blacks, both conservative and liberal, voted for hm.
And I voted and worked very hard for Senator McCain.
But the church is not the Republican Party and the Republican Party is not the church. We all sought to hear what the Spirit of the Lord was telling us. But I believe it is possible to seek godly answers only to discover that God was more interested in our attitude AFTER He answers. We should have learned that over the last 8 years. Many stood silent while we in the Republican Party AND church let our country go in an ungodly direction under a Republican President. And I am not talking about the war or the war prisoners. We stood silent and did not apprise ourselves of the activities with abortions and homosexual marriage. We didn’t stain our own lives with the political dirtiness that was happening in the Republican Party. We let scandals erupt and the church did not pressure leaders to act differently. We had political capital that we did not use properly. And yes, there were a number of things that were happening with Democrats, but we had much more to lose. And we lost much. We’ve lost influence and power.
Those who have INFLUENCE should not be demonized. T.D. Jakes is not a demon if he believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and that He died, rose and is coming again. But He is not the church. He is part of the body of Christ which we would be better off honoring, respecting and trying to pray for and influence for the glory of God. Has anyone of influence shown Pastor Jakes pictures of babies in the womb, ultrasounds, etc? Perhaps even as a leader, he is ignorant of this issue. Perhaps others will arise who can influence President Obama. We must pray that God will send such Godly advisors.
We absolutely MUST pray that God would show us what is in our own heart FIRST and then and only then speak of the election. We must ask God how we can reach the generations for Christ. Many of our own households are rejecting our values and that is the greatest lesson from this election. As a result of the election, we may suffer. We may be persecuted. But I would gladly go through persecution WITH my children if I could somehow teach them of the reality of a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. With the saving knowledge of Jesus abortions would cease because there would not be the demand, (and it wouldn’t be because of legislation). Homosexuals would be convicted to make OTHER choices because the Lord Himself would be manifested in their lives. If they see Jesus truly demonstrated in me (AND us) then the greatest victory would have been achieved: the salvation of the generations. That is my prayer: that God would save our children and grandchildren of all races. If He does that, then my soul is comforted.
So, I pray most for the church. I will not pray that the election results be overturned. I will pray that God would lead this country and that the body of Christ will be strong, strong. Strong, strong is an Ibo term which implies that it is an over abundance of strength to meet the challenges ahead. We will need it.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 11, 2008
And the winner is....
4 Timestamp: 2008-11-12 03:04:38 UTC
Which is Rose from MI! I HAD to do the random generator because I wanted you all to win!!! I had a lot of fun giving these away and Rose, I hope you let everyone know if you like the notecards once they get to you!
My e-mail address is bluegoose@verizon.net so send me your physical address and I will get them to you soon. Congratulations Rose!
And on another note, Miss PD is back!!! It's pretty sporadic right now as her Mom is deciding WHICH job to take!!! Isn't our God awesome! She was here yesterday and not really happy about it...she has only been here once since August so I really wasn't surprised! Then today she was happy and giggly and seemed so much more relaxed! The dogs are not happy! Our puppy stayed up on our bed....as far away from the baby as possible! DD1's puppy would stay in the living room with us but was not exactly thrilled. They were funny to watch this eve...they so wanted their 'spots' on the furniture, even when we were sitting there!
That is all I have for now. I really appreciate each of you - I have made some really cool friends doing this blog, that I would not know in 'real' life!
I pray that the rest of the week will be such a blessing for your life!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Which is Rose from MI! I HAD to do the random generator because I wanted you all to win!!! I had a lot of fun giving these away and Rose, I hope you let everyone know if you like the notecards once they get to you!
My e-mail address is bluegoose@verizon.net so send me your physical address and I will get them to you soon. Congratulations Rose!
And on another note, Miss PD is back!!! It's pretty sporadic right now as her Mom is deciding WHICH job to take!!! Isn't our God awesome! She was here yesterday and not really happy about it...she has only been here once since August so I really wasn't surprised! Then today she was happy and giggly and seemed so much more relaxed! The dogs are not happy! Our puppy stayed up on our bed....as far away from the baby as possible! DD1's puppy would stay in the living room with us but was not exactly thrilled. They were funny to watch this eve...they so wanted their 'spots' on the furniture, even when we were sitting there!
That is all I have for now. I really appreciate each of you - I have made some really cool friends doing this blog, that I would not know in 'real' life!
I pray that the rest of the week will be such a blessing for your life!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 9, 2008
I'm giving away....
Homemade note cards! Blank so you can leave your own message.
This is definitely a hobby, I love to work with my hands and make a small piece of art that can touch someones heart...even more so with a personal note.
And, I feel like sharing.
I'm giving away a set of 5. Two red cards, three black cards with white envelopes. I'm not gonna tell you what the art is....there has to be a mystery somewhere! Just know that when I finished, I seriously considered not doing this!!!
To enter, all you need to do is leave me a comment and tell me where you are from. I have yet to decide if I will let my girls help me draw a name or if I'll use the random number site.
I will draw on Tuesday evening and will take comments until the very end.
Good luck!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
This is definitely a hobby, I love to work with my hands and make a small piece of art that can touch someones heart...even more so with a personal note.
And, I feel like sharing.
I'm giving away a set of 5. Two red cards, three black cards with white envelopes. I'm not gonna tell you what the art is....there has to be a mystery somewhere! Just know that when I finished, I seriously considered not doing this!!!
To enter, all you need to do is leave me a comment and tell me where you are from. I have yet to decide if I will let my girls help me draw a name or if I'll use the random number site.
I will draw on Tuesday evening and will take comments until the very end.
Good luck!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
November 5, 2008
See Ruby Falls
It has been a couple of years since I penned this but it is so timely in my life and I really feel compelled to share. I hope you are touched and that you get to see Jesus today...and everyday.
When I was a little girl, we made countless trips from Middle Tennessee to Western North Carolina to see my Mom’s extended family. It seemed to me that almost as soon as you got out of Murfreesboro on I24 that we began to see signs that said, “See Ruby Falls.” They were on birdhouses, old barns, even sometimes on a roof of a house. Huge letters! As we crossed over Monteagle Mountain, we saw even more as they were placed closer together. Somebody really wanted you to “See Ruby Falls.”
I remember when I learned to read, I would read it aloud every time I saw a sign! I am sure I drove Mom and Dad to distraction!!! One time, I ventured out and asked, “What is Ruby Falls?” My Father told me that it was similar to a place we had been to outside of Pikeville called Fall Creek Falls, simply a waterfall that they were trying to make money off of. I was somewhat satisfied with that answer, for a few years anyway.
I noticed as I got a bit older that when we headed over in November or December, the paint would not be exactly white and some of it would even be peeling. But come the spring, just in time for all the Easter travelers, I am sure, the advertisements were bright white and fresh again. I heard once that it was on the rooftops of houses so that people on airplanes flying over could even see them!
When I was 12, we moved to Garland, TX, certainly a world away from the plush and green Middle Tennessee. The trips ‘over the mountain’ now only happened about once a year. The year I was 15, we traveled up to M’boro to see my sister and her family, before going ‘over the mountain.’ By this time, I knew the signs were not just along I24, they were on I59 as you headed up from Atlanta and on US74 as you headed west from North Carolina. I also knew I really wanted to see Ruby Falls!!!
A few years ago, my parents had retired to Decatur, TN, just north of Chattanooga, and my girls and I headed up for a visit. I knew money was tight but I asked dear hubs if I could splurge and the girls and I go see Ruby Falls. Of course, he had no clue why I was adamant about going, I had seen falls before, what could be so different about this one? However, he said YES! I am not sure if I was more excited that I was going to spend time with my family or that I would get to see Ruby Falls after all these years!!
Oh, my! Was it ever worth the wait and the price of admission to get to see Ruby Falls when I was an adult, and to have my children and niece with me. You see, it is not just a waterfall.
We drove several miles up the side of Lookout Mountain before I began to see signs showing you exactly where to go for Ruby Falls. In my mind, I was thinking we would hike up the side of the mountain and find the falls at the top! Wouldn’t that be cool? But I am not God, and I was wrong!!!
They took us into a cavern, dark and cold. We saw the stalactites and stalagmites. We saw the phosphorous in the ceiling when they turned out the lights, and we got to laugh at how each other looked in the natural black light. We saw the different formations that time had made in the cave over so many years. We learned the history of the men that first explored the cave in the late 1920’s. We learned that the name “Ruby Falls” was brought about by the man that began the excavation, his wife’s name was Ruby.
As the tour guide was leading us deeper into the cave, we began to hear what sounded like a trickle. We were led into a large open area, and after they made sure that every visitor was in the room they turned off the lights. By this point, you could surely hear water, but I was still not sure that it was more than a large creek! Oh ye of little faith!!! They led us forward by voice and I could tell when we walked into another room, because the water sound was louder and I could feel a breeze on my face. Then, to our amazement, they turned on the lights upon a waterfall!!! Not just a trickle, no siree!!! An actual 145 foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain!!! As I looked at my children’s faces, I was reminded of the song, Awesome God!!! They were looking up in such wonder at this massive flow of water, INSIDE THE CAVE!!!
Ps 47:1, 7 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. …For God is the King of ALL the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise!
Those are some of the most precious memories I carry of being a Mom. I was recently filing away the pictures of the trip and I found one of my youngest, looking up so wondrously to the waterfall. She was 5 at the time and it was nothing for her childlike faith to soak up all that God had created in that small corner of the world. As I dwelt upon that memory, God gently whispered, “See Jesus.” I finished putting the pictures away and went on to my next household task without exploring the possibility that I had just heard God speak.
The next morning, as I sat down to my quiet time, I heard again, “See Jesus.” This time, I really began thinking what that may mean. I know it means that, like me the first time I heard it, we go on about our lives and don’t take the time to stop and listen to the voice of the Lord. I know it means that if I am intentionally looking for the hand of God, I can see Him everyday; in my children, in my husband, in the circumstances that surround our day, the list goes on….
Then, last week as I was finishing up my study of Acts and the life of the apostle Paul, it really hit me! How many times are we like the Jews that listened to what Jesus had to say, they saw Him heal countless people and cast out demons, yet they didn’t really See Jesus. Or, how often do I pass by someone that needs to know the truth but I am busy and on my way elsewhere, so I miss the opportunity to See Jesus. We often trivialize the majestic power of His hand when we see the sunrise and sunset every day. We grow accustomed to the world around us and don’t see His works in the trees and flowers, or the night sky. We miss the opportunity to See Jesus.
I never again want to pass by the large bright white letters that say “See Jesus.” I don’t want to miss seeing another birdhouse that simply says “See Jesus.”
I simply desire that everyday, in my life, I See Jesus!!! Will you see Him,too?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....even waterfalls in mountains!
God's girl, Pamela
Please share this with any you feel need a touch from our Heavenly Father. All I ask is that you give credit where credit is due: Jesus Christ.
When I was a little girl, we made countless trips from Middle Tennessee to Western North Carolina to see my Mom’s extended family. It seemed to me that almost as soon as you got out of Murfreesboro on I24 that we began to see signs that said, “See Ruby Falls.” They were on birdhouses, old barns, even sometimes on a roof of a house. Huge letters! As we crossed over Monteagle Mountain, we saw even more as they were placed closer together. Somebody really wanted you to “See Ruby Falls.”
I remember when I learned to read, I would read it aloud every time I saw a sign! I am sure I drove Mom and Dad to distraction!!! One time, I ventured out and asked, “What is Ruby Falls?” My Father told me that it was similar to a place we had been to outside of Pikeville called Fall Creek Falls, simply a waterfall that they were trying to make money off of. I was somewhat satisfied with that answer, for a few years anyway.
I noticed as I got a bit older that when we headed over in November or December, the paint would not be exactly white and some of it would even be peeling. But come the spring, just in time for all the Easter travelers, I am sure, the advertisements were bright white and fresh again. I heard once that it was on the rooftops of houses so that people on airplanes flying over could even see them!
When I was 12, we moved to Garland, TX, certainly a world away from the plush and green Middle Tennessee. The trips ‘over the mountain’ now only happened about once a year. The year I was 15, we traveled up to M’boro to see my sister and her family, before going ‘over the mountain.’ By this time, I knew the signs were not just along I24, they were on I59 as you headed up from Atlanta and on US74 as you headed west from North Carolina. I also knew I really wanted to see Ruby Falls!!!
A few years ago, my parents had retired to Decatur, TN, just north of Chattanooga, and my girls and I headed up for a visit. I knew money was tight but I asked dear hubs if I could splurge and the girls and I go see Ruby Falls. Of course, he had no clue why I was adamant about going, I had seen falls before, what could be so different about this one? However, he said YES! I am not sure if I was more excited that I was going to spend time with my family or that I would get to see Ruby Falls after all these years!!
Oh, my! Was it ever worth the wait and the price of admission to get to see Ruby Falls when I was an adult, and to have my children and niece with me. You see, it is not just a waterfall.
We drove several miles up the side of Lookout Mountain before I began to see signs showing you exactly where to go for Ruby Falls. In my mind, I was thinking we would hike up the side of the mountain and find the falls at the top! Wouldn’t that be cool? But I am not God, and I was wrong!!!
They took us into a cavern, dark and cold. We saw the stalactites and stalagmites. We saw the phosphorous in the ceiling when they turned out the lights, and we got to laugh at how each other looked in the natural black light. We saw the different formations that time had made in the cave over so many years. We learned the history of the men that first explored the cave in the late 1920’s. We learned that the name “Ruby Falls” was brought about by the man that began the excavation, his wife’s name was Ruby.
As the tour guide was leading us deeper into the cave, we began to hear what sounded like a trickle. We were led into a large open area, and after they made sure that every visitor was in the room they turned off the lights. By this point, you could surely hear water, but I was still not sure that it was more than a large creek! Oh ye of little faith!!! They led us forward by voice and I could tell when we walked into another room, because the water sound was louder and I could feel a breeze on my face. Then, to our amazement, they turned on the lights upon a waterfall!!! Not just a trickle, no siree!!! An actual 145 foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain!!! As I looked at my children’s faces, I was reminded of the song, Awesome God!!! They were looking up in such wonder at this massive flow of water, INSIDE THE CAVE!!!
Ps 47:1, 7 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. …For God is the King of ALL the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise!
Those are some of the most precious memories I carry of being a Mom. I was recently filing away the pictures of the trip and I found one of my youngest, looking up so wondrously to the waterfall. She was 5 at the time and it was nothing for her childlike faith to soak up all that God had created in that small corner of the world. As I dwelt upon that memory, God gently whispered, “See Jesus.” I finished putting the pictures away and went on to my next household task without exploring the possibility that I had just heard God speak.
The next morning, as I sat down to my quiet time, I heard again, “See Jesus.” This time, I really began thinking what that may mean. I know it means that, like me the first time I heard it, we go on about our lives and don’t take the time to stop and listen to the voice of the Lord. I know it means that if I am intentionally looking for the hand of God, I can see Him everyday; in my children, in my husband, in the circumstances that surround our day, the list goes on….
Then, last week as I was finishing up my study of Acts and the life of the apostle Paul, it really hit me! How many times are we like the Jews that listened to what Jesus had to say, they saw Him heal countless people and cast out demons, yet they didn’t really See Jesus. Or, how often do I pass by someone that needs to know the truth but I am busy and on my way elsewhere, so I miss the opportunity to See Jesus. We often trivialize the majestic power of His hand when we see the sunrise and sunset every day. We grow accustomed to the world around us and don’t see His works in the trees and flowers, or the night sky. We miss the opportunity to See Jesus.
I never again want to pass by the large bright white letters that say “See Jesus.” I don’t want to miss seeing another birdhouse that simply says “See Jesus.”
I simply desire that everyday, in my life, I See Jesus!!! Will you see Him,too?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....even waterfalls in mountains!
God's girl, Pamela
Please share this with any you feel need a touch from our Heavenly Father. All I ask is that you give credit where credit is due: Jesus Christ.
November 3, 2008
I'm still learning
Yes, I am growing in His grace! Yesterday I washed my hair before church, put just a touch of product on it...to hide the frizzies!, combed it out and went out the door! That was it...oh, and makeup, too! But the hair thing...I was so blessed when one of the senior saints told me she has always liked my hair. She said the curls are so pretty and she thinks Jesus has the same color hair as mine! She never knew the curl was natural, she thought I worked for this!!! Oh, isn't it amazing how God just touches our lives through such interesting ways???
I know this is such a place of grace, learning deep down that my Heavenly Father created every part of me, even the parts I may not like! I am so thankful for His love and that He is mindful of me (that's from Psalms, y'all!).
Thank you once again for your prayers for Melanie. And thank you for praying for me! This is such an exciting road to walk together in our Lord!
Y'all have a terrific Monday and week ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
I know this is such a place of grace, learning deep down that my Heavenly Father created every part of me, even the parts I may not like! I am so thankful for His love and that He is mindful of me (that's from Psalms, y'all!).
Thank you once again for your prayers for Melanie. And thank you for praying for me! This is such an exciting road to walk together in our Lord!
Y'all have a terrific Monday and week ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
November 1, 2008
MELANIE IS AWAKE!!!
Our God is an awesome God!!!
Thank you so much for praying for this precious family. Please remember them as recovery continues! This is exciting news and I am so thankful to have been involved in praying for such a precious Sister in the Lord!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!
God's girl, Pamela
Thank you so much for praying for this precious family. Please remember them as recovery continues! This is exciting news and I am so thankful to have been involved in praying for such a precious Sister in the Lord!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!
God's girl, Pamela
October 29, 2008
"If the barn needs paintin'..." and update on Melanie
First, the update on Melanie. She is responding more to painful stimuli, which is a good sign. The latest request is prayer for Jeff and other family members, as this trial continues. As always, you can check the CarePages site for the latest word on Melanie.
Jill is back home with her family in Michigan and while she is happy to be home, she is still praying for Jeff and Melanie and their precious little ones. Many of you have checked the CarePages site, and I appreciate your prayers for this family. Y'all rock!!!
Okay, on to the barn.
How many times have I heard a preacher say, "If the barn needs paintin', then paint it", especially in connection with a woman wearing make-up? Oh, too many to count. And it has been across denominational lines, from the Baptist to the Assembly of God to the non-denominational!
So, why am I writing this blog? Because I heard a story, not sure if it is fact or fiction (and the sad part is that I can't even remember where I heard it), that gave me pause...especially being the Mom of two teenage girls!
The story relayed was about a pastor and his wife and it was said that in about 17 yrs of marriage, he had never seen her without make-up on. She would apparently rise early in the morn, wash off the previous days make-up and re-apply, all before her pastor husband awoke. Then something happened that she was not able to keep her routine...and the pastor saw her true face. The story concluded by saying that within a year, the marriage ended in divorce....more than likely because of deception!
I was telling my dear hubs about this when a question dawned on me...why can't pastors just say from the pulpit that all women are beautiful in the eyes of God. Why have they spread for years the very idea that the 'barn' may need paint??? And, do I really want to be compared to a barn?????
See, I struggle just like many other women, with being beautiful. I know that dear hubs loves me, but "You're beautiful" just can't seem to cross his lips! I know that to the worlds standards, I'm not beautiful...but do I really want to listen to the world or to what God says about me? I'm short and have always been on the heavy side...or at least felt like it! I was never 'thin'! My legs are short, of course!, and much like the lover of Solomon, I can say they look like tree trunks! My face is scarred from years of acne and the chicken pox (at 16!) and my hair looks like I comb it with a rake, unless of course, I spend money on product and time and energy getting it into 'place'! My hair is curly, which for me is another way of saying it is unruly!!!
I don't usually wear make-up, unless we are going to church or out somewhere nice, it is too expensive to use everyday. When I do wear make-up, I don't use much...enough to cover and give some color. I know dear hubs doesn't mind, because he will show up at random times of day and ask me to go somewhere with him...and he says it doesn't matter how I look! For most of our marriage, I have taken this to mean he doesn't care...about me! However, I am just now beginning to understand that it means I don't need makeup for him to love me. While he may not be able to say the words, he does find me attractive, just because I am me.
So, our youngest has fought the battle of make-up with her Dad for years! We would catch her at school wearing another friends make-up...way too heavy or the wrong colors for her! She didn't care...she just wanted to wear make-up. I always questioned how I was supposed to make her feel okay about herself, when I didn't feel okay about myself? Her Daddy kept saying she didn't need make-up, she was pretty just like she was, and I agreed....but she also saw me in my insecurity!
Well, God has used the story above and two scriptures to draw me a bit out of my insecurity...1 Peter 3:3,4 says 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. And another popular one, 1 Sam 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
In typing this out, I am beginning to see that the original change of heart began when dear hubs and I began having devos together. As we seek the Lord in unity, I am beginning to feel more attractive...even if I look like I comb my hair with a rake! Why? Because God knows my heart! Because as we come together in unity before God's throne, we both look good in our Heavenly Daddy's eyes! And boy, does hubs look good!!! (but only to me!!!)
Now before ya go tellin' me 'bout it, do I think we should look our best??? To be honest, I'm not sure how to answer that! Just like every other lady, I so enjoy getting dressed up...it makes me feel beautiful, even if no one else sees it that way! However, I desire to be beautiful, no matter what I am wearing - whether Prada or Wal-Mart...because it is not what I have on that counts...it is the heart! See, we are right back to the issues of the heart!
I will agree that especially in this day and age, we as women must dress modestly! I think sometimes we get so caught up in following a certain 'rule' that we forget the heart of the matter - the heart!
One thing I have learned from the Lord this year...NOTHING CAN CHANGE UNTIL THE HEART BEGINS TO CHANGE!!! Yes, I can tell Bunny to not wear make-up but until she begins to understand that this rule is because she is beautiful and doesn't NEED make-up, she will continue to rebel against the rule. Although, being a freshman, even her Daddy has begun to let her wear make-up! We as parents have to prove to her precious heart that she is beautiful...inside and out!
This is hard, y'all! My heart aches to see so many young girls trying to get away with too much make-up and too little clothing...and Bunny is one of those struggling to find who she is in Christ. I wish I could tell my 16 yr old self what I have learned in the last few months! I would have saved a lot of tears and anguish!
Ladies, you are beautiful to your Heavenly Daddy! He doesn't ask anything other than for YOU to come to Him. For my college aged friends, God finds you beautiful! He made you beautiful, you are the work of His hands...as are we all!
Oh, and a miracle...I'm standing in the kitchen last night, cutting hubs a piece of banana bread when he comes in the doorway and says, "You look good!" Oh, yeah!!!
I hope and pray that you feel beautiful today! You are!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Jill is back home with her family in Michigan and while she is happy to be home, she is still praying for Jeff and Melanie and their precious little ones. Many of you have checked the CarePages site, and I appreciate your prayers for this family. Y'all rock!!!
Okay, on to the barn.
How many times have I heard a preacher say, "If the barn needs paintin', then paint it", especially in connection with a woman wearing make-up? Oh, too many to count. And it has been across denominational lines, from the Baptist to the Assembly of God to the non-denominational!
So, why am I writing this blog? Because I heard a story, not sure if it is fact or fiction (and the sad part is that I can't even remember where I heard it), that gave me pause...especially being the Mom of two teenage girls!
The story relayed was about a pastor and his wife and it was said that in about 17 yrs of marriage, he had never seen her without make-up on. She would apparently rise early in the morn, wash off the previous days make-up and re-apply, all before her pastor husband awoke. Then something happened that she was not able to keep her routine...and the pastor saw her true face. The story concluded by saying that within a year, the marriage ended in divorce....more than likely because of deception!
I was telling my dear hubs about this when a question dawned on me...why can't pastors just say from the pulpit that all women are beautiful in the eyes of God. Why have they spread for years the very idea that the 'barn' may need paint??? And, do I really want to be compared to a barn?????
See, I struggle just like many other women, with being beautiful. I know that dear hubs loves me, but "You're beautiful" just can't seem to cross his lips! I know that to the worlds standards, I'm not beautiful...but do I really want to listen to the world or to what God says about me? I'm short and have always been on the heavy side...or at least felt like it! I was never 'thin'! My legs are short, of course!, and much like the lover of Solomon, I can say they look like tree trunks! My face is scarred from years of acne and the chicken pox (at 16!) and my hair looks like I comb it with a rake, unless of course, I spend money on product and time and energy getting it into 'place'! My hair is curly, which for me is another way of saying it is unruly!!!
I don't usually wear make-up, unless we are going to church or out somewhere nice, it is too expensive to use everyday. When I do wear make-up, I don't use much...enough to cover and give some color. I know dear hubs doesn't mind, because he will show up at random times of day and ask me to go somewhere with him...and he says it doesn't matter how I look! For most of our marriage, I have taken this to mean he doesn't care...about me! However, I am just now beginning to understand that it means I don't need makeup for him to love me. While he may not be able to say the words, he does find me attractive, just because I am me.
So, our youngest has fought the battle of make-up with her Dad for years! We would catch her at school wearing another friends make-up...way too heavy or the wrong colors for her! She didn't care...she just wanted to wear make-up. I always questioned how I was supposed to make her feel okay about herself, when I didn't feel okay about myself? Her Daddy kept saying she didn't need make-up, she was pretty just like she was, and I agreed....but she also saw me in my insecurity!
Well, God has used the story above and two scriptures to draw me a bit out of my insecurity...1 Peter 3:3,4 says 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. And another popular one, 1 Sam 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
In typing this out, I am beginning to see that the original change of heart began when dear hubs and I began having devos together. As we seek the Lord in unity, I am beginning to feel more attractive...even if I look like I comb my hair with a rake! Why? Because God knows my heart! Because as we come together in unity before God's throne, we both look good in our Heavenly Daddy's eyes! And boy, does hubs look good!!! (but only to me!!!)
Now before ya go tellin' me 'bout it, do I think we should look our best??? To be honest, I'm not sure how to answer that! Just like every other lady, I so enjoy getting dressed up...it makes me feel beautiful, even if no one else sees it that way! However, I desire to be beautiful, no matter what I am wearing - whether Prada or Wal-Mart...because it is not what I have on that counts...it is the heart! See, we are right back to the issues of the heart!
I will agree that especially in this day and age, we as women must dress modestly! I think sometimes we get so caught up in following a certain 'rule' that we forget the heart of the matter - the heart!
One thing I have learned from the Lord this year...NOTHING CAN CHANGE UNTIL THE HEART BEGINS TO CHANGE!!! Yes, I can tell Bunny to not wear make-up but until she begins to understand that this rule is because she is beautiful and doesn't NEED make-up, she will continue to rebel against the rule. Although, being a freshman, even her Daddy has begun to let her wear make-up! We as parents have to prove to her precious heart that she is beautiful...inside and out!
This is hard, y'all! My heart aches to see so many young girls trying to get away with too much make-up and too little clothing...and Bunny is one of those struggling to find who she is in Christ. I wish I could tell my 16 yr old self what I have learned in the last few months! I would have saved a lot of tears and anguish!
Ladies, you are beautiful to your Heavenly Daddy! He doesn't ask anything other than for YOU to come to Him. For my college aged friends, God finds you beautiful! He made you beautiful, you are the work of His hands...as are we all!
Oh, and a miracle...I'm standing in the kitchen last night, cutting hubs a piece of banana bread when he comes in the doorway and says, "You look good!" Oh, yeah!!!
I hope and pray that you feel beautiful today! You are!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
October 24, 2008
Please pray for Melanie
Melanie is my good friend, Jill's, sister-in-law. On Oct 17, she was shopping in Target with her 4 yr old daughter when she passed out and subsequently, stopped breathing. She was quickly given CPR by a fellow shopper and the ambulance was apparently there quickly.
It has now been determined that Melanie does have an electrical issue with her heart and they inserted a defibrilator to keep her heart beating correctly. For the first few days Melanie was responsive but then, my understanding is that she had a seizure and has not been quite as responsive since then.
This is one of those times when I felt that God called an audible in my life!!!
When the first e-mail came, I was not feeling well....turns out Bunny and I had bronchitis! I prayed for Melanie and the family, felt a tug on my heart to send Jill a comforting e-mail since Melanie is in SE Texas and Jill lives in MI. I have though, for the most part, sat on the sidelines. I read the e-mails, I prayed for Melanie and for Jill, I checked the CarePages and left comments there. I didn't see where there was much more that I could do.
Until today! God called an audible and asked me to get off the sideline!
I got a call from Jill, who is now able to be with her brother and other family members in Houston. She simply asked if I would send out the next e-mail update to her address book. Oh my, how could I say no? You see, Jill and I have been friends a long time....and at one point, we were prayer partners. Even though she is now across the nation from me, God has given us a special bond through a year of praying for our husbands, marriages and children.
I could not say no!!! I did not say no.
However, as I was typing up the e-mail, I felt this nudge on my heart....add your list. "But, Lord. This is one of those situations where very few people that I know at this time know Jill. So, they will be praying for a friend's, friend's sister-in-law. There is too much space here."
I felt it again....add YOUR list.
So, okay, I'm adding my list! Here you go....please pray for my friend, Jill's, sister-in-law, Melanie. She is a 31 yr old mother of 2, a 6yr old and a 4yr old. She is wife to Jeff, Jill's little brother. She is loved and she loves our Lord.
Please feel free to visit the website at CarePages. But most of all, please pray. The word today is that Melanie's body is working properly, her brain just needs to wake up. And we know that our God is big enough to do that!!!
Thank you so much for caring and praying for this precious family. If you got the e-mail, thank you for reading this again.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...(like a young Mom waking up!)
God's girl, Pamela
It has now been determined that Melanie does have an electrical issue with her heart and they inserted a defibrilator to keep her heart beating correctly. For the first few days Melanie was responsive but then, my understanding is that she had a seizure and has not been quite as responsive since then.
This is one of those times when I felt that God called an audible in my life!!!
When the first e-mail came, I was not feeling well....turns out Bunny and I had bronchitis! I prayed for Melanie and the family, felt a tug on my heart to send Jill a comforting e-mail since Melanie is in SE Texas and Jill lives in MI. I have though, for the most part, sat on the sidelines. I read the e-mails, I prayed for Melanie and for Jill, I checked the CarePages and left comments there. I didn't see where there was much more that I could do.
Until today! God called an audible and asked me to get off the sideline!
I got a call from Jill, who is now able to be with her brother and other family members in Houston. She simply asked if I would send out the next e-mail update to her address book. Oh my, how could I say no? You see, Jill and I have been friends a long time....and at one point, we were prayer partners. Even though she is now across the nation from me, God has given us a special bond through a year of praying for our husbands, marriages and children.
I could not say no!!! I did not say no.
However, as I was typing up the e-mail, I felt this nudge on my heart....add your list. "But, Lord. This is one of those situations where very few people that I know at this time know Jill. So, they will be praying for a friend's, friend's sister-in-law. There is too much space here."
I felt it again....add YOUR list.
So, okay, I'm adding my list! Here you go....please pray for my friend, Jill's, sister-in-law, Melanie. She is a 31 yr old mother of 2, a 6yr old and a 4yr old. She is wife to Jeff, Jill's little brother. She is loved and she loves our Lord.
Please feel free to visit the website at CarePages. But most of all, please pray. The word today is that Melanie's body is working properly, her brain just needs to wake up. And we know that our God is big enough to do that!!!
Thank you so much for caring and praying for this precious family. If you got the e-mail, thank you for reading this again.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...(like a young Mom waking up!)
God's girl, Pamela
October 22, 2008
What is the Message?
This will probably be a long blog, so go get a cup of coffee or tea and join me for awhile! I have had something on my heart for a few days and a local news story last night has really added to the heaviness. I will not say that I have the answer....I don't! I am still working through a process of understanding truly following God with my whole heart and I feel this is just a part of that process.
God graciously blessed our home with two beautiful daughters. We were young when they came along, both physically and in our marriage. I learned I was pregnant with DD1 within weeks of my 21st birthday. We had not yet celebrated our first wedding anniversary.
By the time Bunny entered our lives three years later, we were older but I'm not sure we were wiser. During my pregnancy with her is when our marriage began to unravel....or at least what I thought was our marriage. It took a year and a half for the secret to unfold between us, and then we had a 4 yr old and a 9 mo old and a huge elephant in the house!
While we were preparing to wed, I had made the statement that I did not want three children, I am the middle of three. I had said it was either two or four, I would not have one stuck in the middle! My dear hubs is an only and some of you can imagine how that played out in our marriage...middle of three used to sharing everything and an only that didn't even have to share his bathroom!
So, when Bunny was 10 mo old, I had my tubes tied! I did not want another pregnancy...it became a real and serious fear for me! With all that I had gone through in Bunny's pregnancy and then our marriage struggling under a huge secret after she was born, I just could not imagine doing it all again.
After DD1 was born, we were asked by family friends if we were going to 'try' again and a response from a very close family member still haunts me. He said, "When you do it right the first time, you don't have to try again." I did it 'right' the first time, God gave me a beautiful, healthy baby girl that has grown into a wonderful young lady that truly seeks God with all of her heart! I did it 'right' the second time, too, when God gave me a beautiful healthy baby girl that has now become an absolutely awesome teenager that is still searching how to live in light of God's grace.
I was later told how I had disappointed a family member by not 'trying' to have a boy...as if that was the only reason to have children! How many girls would it have taken for this person to become happy with herself and not pin all hopes on a boy?
Do I regret having my tubes tied? NO
I know dear hubs Grandmother asked if I felt I needed to ask forgiveness for having the surgery...and I didn't. Knowing who we were at that time in our lives, I don't think our marriage could have survived a third child...it came really close to being over with just the two. The struggles in our marriage were not about our children, it was secrets we had both brought into our marriage, not having learned how to process through some tragedies of our childhoods.
Well, the news story that broke last night started like this....Baptist preacher says birth control is 'murder' . The news story can be found at WFAA. This morning I looked up the full chapel session where this was preached.
I understand the heart of the man's message, I really do. However, in his zeal I think perhaps he did not fully get across all that he wanted to. I know that hubs and I do not have a quiver full of children, according to Ps 127:5 and that is his scripture reference.
I also know couples that have never been able to have children, and some of those have chosen to live as just a couple. One couple I know has time to work in the yard every Saturday...no b-ball games or band activities. They change out the decor in their home according to holiday or season. She has a craft room that she only shares with the piano. Would I want her life? NO WAY!!! I think I would be bored to tears!
I also know couples that God has blessed with 5 and 6 children. Their house is always hopping! Am I jealous? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!
I know this may be hard to follow...as I said, I am still trying to process this myself. However, I feel this is one of those issues of the heart! God knows our frame. And our frame of mind. His grace is sufficient for where we are.
I guess my question is two fold. First, how do you feel about the message being portrayed in the news cast? Second, are you someone that sees a large family coming and asks, "Don't they know what causes that?" or do you see a childless couple and think how selfish they must be to not want children?
I know in my own life, I have felt both ways. I know God is calling me to a higher standard of grace, by not judging people on the surface.
I can also say I am so thankful for the two precious children God did give me.
I am also thankful that our marriage has survived and that we truly love each other more now than we did 20 yrs ago. I am thankful to know that God has continued to draw us together in unity for His glory over the past 5 yrs.
If you have waded through this with me, THANK YOU! I hope on some level it makes sense. I know God is drawing me closer to Him and I am really trying to learn how to love according to Luke 10:27.
I pray your day is blessed!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....(especially my daughters!)
God's girl, Pamela
God graciously blessed our home with two beautiful daughters. We were young when they came along, both physically and in our marriage. I learned I was pregnant with DD1 within weeks of my 21st birthday. We had not yet celebrated our first wedding anniversary.
By the time Bunny entered our lives three years later, we were older but I'm not sure we were wiser. During my pregnancy with her is when our marriage began to unravel....or at least what I thought was our marriage. It took a year and a half for the secret to unfold between us, and then we had a 4 yr old and a 9 mo old and a huge elephant in the house!
While we were preparing to wed, I had made the statement that I did not want three children, I am the middle of three. I had said it was either two or four, I would not have one stuck in the middle! My dear hubs is an only and some of you can imagine how that played out in our marriage...middle of three used to sharing everything and an only that didn't even have to share his bathroom!
So, when Bunny was 10 mo old, I had my tubes tied! I did not want another pregnancy...it became a real and serious fear for me! With all that I had gone through in Bunny's pregnancy and then our marriage struggling under a huge secret after she was born, I just could not imagine doing it all again.
After DD1 was born, we were asked by family friends if we were going to 'try' again and a response from a very close family member still haunts me. He said, "When you do it right the first time, you don't have to try again." I did it 'right' the first time, God gave me a beautiful, healthy baby girl that has grown into a wonderful young lady that truly seeks God with all of her heart! I did it 'right' the second time, too, when God gave me a beautiful healthy baby girl that has now become an absolutely awesome teenager that is still searching how to live in light of God's grace.
I was later told how I had disappointed a family member by not 'trying' to have a boy...as if that was the only reason to have children! How many girls would it have taken for this person to become happy with herself and not pin all hopes on a boy?
Do I regret having my tubes tied? NO
I know dear hubs Grandmother asked if I felt I needed to ask forgiveness for having the surgery...and I didn't. Knowing who we were at that time in our lives, I don't think our marriage could have survived a third child...it came really close to being over with just the two. The struggles in our marriage were not about our children, it was secrets we had both brought into our marriage, not having learned how to process through some tragedies of our childhoods.
Well, the news story that broke last night started like this....Baptist preacher says birth control is 'murder' . The news story can be found at WFAA. This morning I looked up the full chapel session where this was preached.
I understand the heart of the man's message, I really do. However, in his zeal I think perhaps he did not fully get across all that he wanted to. I know that hubs and I do not have a quiver full of children, according to Ps 127:5 and that is his scripture reference.
I also know couples that have never been able to have children, and some of those have chosen to live as just a couple. One couple I know has time to work in the yard every Saturday...no b-ball games or band activities. They change out the decor in their home according to holiday or season. She has a craft room that she only shares with the piano. Would I want her life? NO WAY!!! I think I would be bored to tears!
I also know couples that God has blessed with 5 and 6 children. Their house is always hopping! Am I jealous? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!
I know this may be hard to follow...as I said, I am still trying to process this myself. However, I feel this is one of those issues of the heart! God knows our frame. And our frame of mind. His grace is sufficient for where we are.
I guess my question is two fold. First, how do you feel about the message being portrayed in the news cast? Second, are you someone that sees a large family coming and asks, "Don't they know what causes that?" or do you see a childless couple and think how selfish they must be to not want children?
I know in my own life, I have felt both ways. I know God is calling me to a higher standard of grace, by not judging people on the surface.
I can also say I am so thankful for the two precious children God did give me.
I am also thankful that our marriage has survived and that we truly love each other more now than we did 20 yrs ago. I am thankful to know that God has continued to draw us together in unity for His glory over the past 5 yrs.
If you have waded through this with me, THANK YOU! I hope on some level it makes sense. I know God is drawing me closer to Him and I am really trying to learn how to love according to Luke 10:27.
I pray your day is blessed!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....(especially my daughters!)
God's girl, Pamela
October 16, 2008
I've been officially Churched
I did finish the book, but not without some laughter, a few tears and a nightmare....seriously!!!
If you know what the actual name of "Fyles Sanderson College in Indiana" is, you should probably read the book!
Matthew Paul Turner writes with such humor and wit that it makes me believe he and Wendy Bagwell would be friends! The common thread between them: they both take God and their relationship with Him seriously, but not religion! I think if Wendy were still alive, he would give Churched his stamp of approval!
I had to laugh as Matthew wrote about his first visit to the barber, after becoming Baptist! Oh, yes, the Fundamental Baptist haircut! I've seen a lot of them because the guys in my Christian school, much larger than MPT's, had to have their hair cut the same way! And my Daddy being a barber, he was really good at the Baptist hair cut!
Reading MPT's memory of A Thief in the Night apparently brought too much information to the front of my mind because I really had a nightmare about it!
I watched the movie as a 12 yr old. That movie scared the bejeebies out of me!!! I remember lying in bed on several occasions watching out the window as airplanes crossed the sky, praying it was not the Russians on their way to take part in Armageddon!
My absolute favorite part of the book is in the chapter titled Seven, not chapter 7, but the chapter titled Seven. The one phrase, "...put his love for people before his love for rules.", is to me the crux of Christianity! God desires us to follow His rules, not ones made up by man. Luke 10:27 NIV
He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. It seems to me the first 'rule' is LOVE! Yes, I am still struggling with this one, but I pray I am growing closer to God through the process!
I will end with the Christian Character Award! Reading Matthew's account sounds somewhat like my story except mine wasn't given by the leadership but rather by peers - in the choir...still bigger than MPT's Christian school!!! The funny thing is, when we first moved overseas that plaque hung on the wall but I have not seen it in years....and I haven't missed it either! If those choir kids had really known me, they would have NEVER chosen me as the recipient! While I was a goodie-goodie on the outside, the inside was not so good! I was more like the parable in Matthew (the book of the Bible!) about the white-washed tombs.
So, yes, I have laughed and cried my way through this book! It has been a healing balm for me in many areas. I thought I had worked it all out over the past several years but some memories would come out of nowhere while reading and I knew the Lord really wanted me to deal with them, NOW!!! His healing touch is so sweet!
Note to my Momma: I know y'all did the best you knew how to do and I do not hold you responsible in any way for the memories this book brought to mind. We are imperfect people, living in an imperfect world, led by imperfect people. What y'all did was give me a good foundation so that when I was ready to seek out God, I knew where to find Him!
I hope you have a chance to read the book! I am looking forward to reading more of MPT's works in the near future!
Y'all have a fantastic day!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
PS...On Saturday night, Bunny's band came in 10th place overall. They were pretty bummed about that but they redeemed themselves last night by once again, 18th year in a row for the school and director!, getting a 1 at regioinal UIL!!! I think a week from Saturday they head to area UIL and when competition is over, Bunny will get to march in the Halloween half-time!
Tomorrow night, the girls schools play one another in football! Oh, yah, I'm a Rander Mom for sure!!!
If you know what the actual name of "Fyles Sanderson College in Indiana" is, you should probably read the book!
Matthew Paul Turner writes with such humor and wit that it makes me believe he and Wendy Bagwell would be friends! The common thread between them: they both take God and their relationship with Him seriously, but not religion! I think if Wendy were still alive, he would give Churched his stamp of approval!
I had to laugh as Matthew wrote about his first visit to the barber, after becoming Baptist! Oh, yes, the Fundamental Baptist haircut! I've seen a lot of them because the guys in my Christian school, much larger than MPT's, had to have their hair cut the same way! And my Daddy being a barber, he was really good at the Baptist hair cut!
Reading MPT's memory of A Thief in the Night apparently brought too much information to the front of my mind because I really had a nightmare about it!
I watched the movie as a 12 yr old. That movie scared the bejeebies out of me!!! I remember lying in bed on several occasions watching out the window as airplanes crossed the sky, praying it was not the Russians on their way to take part in Armageddon!
My absolute favorite part of the book is in the chapter titled Seven, not chapter 7, but the chapter titled Seven. The one phrase, "...put his love for people before his love for rules.", is to me the crux of Christianity! God desires us to follow His rules, not ones made up by man. Luke 10:27 NIV
He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. It seems to me the first 'rule' is LOVE! Yes, I am still struggling with this one, but I pray I am growing closer to God through the process!
I will end with the Christian Character Award! Reading Matthew's account sounds somewhat like my story except mine wasn't given by the leadership but rather by peers - in the choir...still bigger than MPT's Christian school!!! The funny thing is, when we first moved overseas that plaque hung on the wall but I have not seen it in years....and I haven't missed it either! If those choir kids had really known me, they would have NEVER chosen me as the recipient! While I was a goodie-goodie on the outside, the inside was not so good! I was more like the parable in Matthew (the book of the Bible!) about the white-washed tombs.
So, yes, I have laughed and cried my way through this book! It has been a healing balm for me in many areas. I thought I had worked it all out over the past several years but some memories would come out of nowhere while reading and I knew the Lord really wanted me to deal with them, NOW!!! His healing touch is so sweet!
Note to my Momma: I know y'all did the best you knew how to do and I do not hold you responsible in any way for the memories this book brought to mind. We are imperfect people, living in an imperfect world, led by imperfect people. What y'all did was give me a good foundation so that when I was ready to seek out God, I knew where to find Him!
I hope you have a chance to read the book! I am looking forward to reading more of MPT's works in the near future!
Y'all have a fantastic day!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
PS...On Saturday night, Bunny's band came in 10th place overall. They were pretty bummed about that but they redeemed themselves last night by once again, 18th year in a row for the school and director!, getting a 1 at regioinal UIL!!! I think a week from Saturday they head to area UIL and when competition is over, Bunny will get to march in the Halloween half-time!
Tomorrow night, the girls schools play one another in football! Oh, yah, I'm a Rander Mom for sure!!!
October 11, 2008
I'm not sure what to title this. I'm not yet sure what all I am willing to share with you! Is that a horrible confession?
Yesterday was my 40th birthday. OOOOOHHHH! I really don't like saying that! I enjoyed being in my 30's! Oh, but I digress!
I'm not sure that it can be explained, but my sister and I have birthdays just 3 days apart and somehow as adults it seems very important for this one day to be extra special for us! We try to do it for each other, but there just seems to be something missing when my immediate family 'forgets'! But, I am tired of looking so childish about the whole day, so I determined in my heart to make yesterday good, myself! And of course, with God's help, it was an absolutely beautiful day!!!
As I was taking the girls to school, there was the most awesome sunrise! I told the girls it was my kiss from God, my gift for my birthday! It was truly gorgeous, lots of gold, pink and purple in the sky against the backdrop of blue...what could be more beautiful than one of God's creations?
I decided that for dinner, I wanted to have a nice, candlelight dinner! It was really neat! This was only the second time in our marriage that I have used my china...which you can see here. I thought it was beautiful! It really filled up the feminine side of my love bank and dear hubs didn't snivel at all!
This is just not his thing and he would really never think to do this for me, so if I want to have a candlelight dinner, I need to do it for me! And that is okay! God did not give my family to me to make me happy, He gave me the ability to lean on Him and find joy in the smallest of tasks! Or the prettiest of tables! Or the most beautiful sunrise! Or the embrace of my dear hubs and girls!
It turned out to be a wonderful birthday! Bunny really enjoyed the dinner; romance is something she craves even at her young age!
Now on to other things; I have been reading Churched and I got to a point that brought up some really painful memories. Most of it has made me chuckle, even laugh out loud and have to read a portion to my family! But then, I hit about midway and the Lord just really let me know in no uncertain terms that I need to deal with some memories! I hope to get back to the book soon!!! I have a feeling this will not be the only place I have to stop for awhile!
Bunny has a long day ahead of her today, it is a pre-UIL band competition. If they make it into the finals, they don't plan to be home until 11pm! We have not yet heard where they are in the standings but I will let you know in the next week. They have our town's Band Fest on Monday night, then actual UIL competition on Wed. Busy week ahead for her!
DD1 is enjoying her presidency of the Christian club at school! For the next few weeks, a couple of her officers will be giving the lesson so she has had time to work on European History this weekend! Next weekend, they are planning a party for the Christian club to get everyone together off of school grounds and hopefully get to know one another better.
Thank you for continuing to pray for my girls. It is really neat to see how God works in their lives. They are so different and His love towards them is tailored just to fit their needs, just like the rest of us!
I guess I really have no scripture to share today. And as far as what all I did tell you, I also deleted the first half of the post...it was just not good, it was not from God! I really want all that I share here to have His stamp of approval! I desire to encourage you in your walk with our precious Savior.
Hope your weekend is awesome!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
Yesterday was my 40th birthday. OOOOOHHHH! I really don't like saying that! I enjoyed being in my 30's! Oh, but I digress!
I'm not sure that it can be explained, but my sister and I have birthdays just 3 days apart and somehow as adults it seems very important for this one day to be extra special for us! We try to do it for each other, but there just seems to be something missing when my immediate family 'forgets'! But, I am tired of looking so childish about the whole day, so I determined in my heart to make yesterday good, myself! And of course, with God's help, it was an absolutely beautiful day!!!
As I was taking the girls to school, there was the most awesome sunrise! I told the girls it was my kiss from God, my gift for my birthday! It was truly gorgeous, lots of gold, pink and purple in the sky against the backdrop of blue...what could be more beautiful than one of God's creations?
I decided that for dinner, I wanted to have a nice, candlelight dinner! It was really neat! This was only the second time in our marriage that I have used my china...which you can see here. I thought it was beautiful! It really filled up the feminine side of my love bank and dear hubs didn't snivel at all!
This is just not his thing and he would really never think to do this for me, so if I want to have a candlelight dinner, I need to do it for me! And that is okay! God did not give my family to me to make me happy, He gave me the ability to lean on Him and find joy in the smallest of tasks! Or the prettiest of tables! Or the most beautiful sunrise! Or the embrace of my dear hubs and girls!
It turned out to be a wonderful birthday! Bunny really enjoyed the dinner; romance is something she craves even at her young age!
Now on to other things; I have been reading Churched and I got to a point that brought up some really painful memories. Most of it has made me chuckle, even laugh out loud and have to read a portion to my family! But then, I hit about midway and the Lord just really let me know in no uncertain terms that I need to deal with some memories! I hope to get back to the book soon!!! I have a feeling this will not be the only place I have to stop for awhile!
Bunny has a long day ahead of her today, it is a pre-UIL band competition. If they make it into the finals, they don't plan to be home until 11pm! We have not yet heard where they are in the standings but I will let you know in the next week. They have our town's Band Fest on Monday night, then actual UIL competition on Wed. Busy week ahead for her!
DD1 is enjoying her presidency of the Christian club at school! For the next few weeks, a couple of her officers will be giving the lesson so she has had time to work on European History this weekend! Next weekend, they are planning a party for the Christian club to get everyone together off of school grounds and hopefully get to know one another better.
Thank you for continuing to pray for my girls. It is really neat to see how God works in their lives. They are so different and His love towards them is tailored just to fit their needs, just like the rest of us!
I guess I really have no scripture to share today. And as far as what all I did tell you, I also deleted the first half of the post...it was just not good, it was not from God! I really want all that I share here to have His stamp of approval! I desire to encourage you in your walk with our precious Savior.
Hope your weekend is awesome!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
October 7, 2008
Have you been Churched???
The book comes out today and I am so excited, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on it!!! I am hoping I can find it at Mardel, if not, I will be asking them to order some copies, then heading straight to Barnes and Noble to find it!
And, I have Churched bookmarks if anyone is interested! You can comment me and let me know where to send one. I only asked for a few because I'm still not sure just how many I can give out!!!
Today is also my big Sissy's birthday! Happy Birthday to the most wonderful sister in the world!!! Yes, I should know because she is mine and that makes her the best!
Some of you may have noticed a new name on my blogroll: Without Wax. He is a pastor in Nashville, TN and is really making a difference! I am enjoying reading his blog and I pop over on occasion to his wife's, as well. They are really sweet and have such a heart for God!
I hope y'all have a terrific day...it is finally cooler here so I will be enjoying the beautiful weather; high of 79 and sunny skies! Maybe even take Christy for a walk!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
***Update***
I went to Mardel and they were already sold out of the book. She said they were putting in another order today and it would be in by Friday and she could put a hold on one....ummm, no thanks! I am too excited to have to wait a few days! Then, I went to Barnes & Noble, they had 3 books but the price was right at what I had to spend...my birthday money! And I am nothing if not cheap!!!
Then I headed to Target and Wal-Mart and neither of them had the book and by this time, I was beginning to get frustrated! I came home and found a $10 gift card in the mail from a survey I did back in the summer!!! So, after some lunch, we headed back to the mall and bought the book at B&N!!! Yeah! I'm gonna go read now so I may be awhile!!! Y'all enjoy the cool weather!!!
And, I have Churched bookmarks if anyone is interested! You can comment me and let me know where to send one. I only asked for a few because I'm still not sure just how many I can give out!!!
Today is also my big Sissy's birthday! Happy Birthday to the most wonderful sister in the world!!! Yes, I should know because she is mine and that makes her the best!
Some of you may have noticed a new name on my blogroll: Without Wax. He is a pastor in Nashville, TN and is really making a difference! I am enjoying reading his blog and I pop over on occasion to his wife's, as well. They are really sweet and have such a heart for God!
I hope y'all have a terrific day...it is finally cooler here so I will be enjoying the beautiful weather; high of 79 and sunny skies! Maybe even take Christy for a walk!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
***Update***
I went to Mardel and they were already sold out of the book. She said they were putting in another order today and it would be in by Friday and she could put a hold on one....ummm, no thanks! I am too excited to have to wait a few days! Then, I went to Barnes & Noble, they had 3 books but the price was right at what I had to spend...my birthday money! And I am nothing if not cheap!!!
Then I headed to Target and Wal-Mart and neither of them had the book and by this time, I was beginning to get frustrated! I came home and found a $10 gift card in the mail from a survey I did back in the summer!!! So, after some lunch, we headed back to the mall and bought the book at B&N!!! Yeah! I'm gonna go read now so I may be awhile!!! Y'all enjoy the cool weather!!!
October 1, 2008
Issues of the Heart
I have been reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge and I am almost finished with it but I'm not ready for it to end! This may be a book that I absolutely must buy just so I can re-read it every few years!!!
We also saw Fireproof, the movie this weekend. These two things have brought about a lot of searching for me.
As fallen beings, our hearts have just been overrun by the world and the prince of darkness, satan. I for one, am tired of satan having free reign over my heart and the hearts of my husband and children, when by the power of the resurrected Christ, we have been given a new heart! I am learning by the power of the Lord, how to fight for my heart and those of my family.
We've all heard the scriptures; Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life, or Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. But do we live these in our every day life?
I haven't. Even on days when I do my Bible study, or have actual devotions, I am not always consciously exchanging my heart of stone for the heart of flesh that my Lord so desires to give me. Ez. 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh....
Please, I am asking you my bloggy friends, to hold me accountable to fighting for the hearts of myself and those around me. And please be graceful, my heart is so bruised right now...it hurts still. I know if mine is this bruised, that Bunny's is even more so and that makes me hurt even more.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Bunny!!! Tomorrow she will be 15! Yikes!
She is a bit unhappy because she is not yet marching in the band, she is still shadowing an upperclassmen that she thought had failed the first 6 wks so she would have a chance to march but found out that he somehow passed. So, she is thinking right now that she won't get to march the rest of the season. Please pray that God would comfort her and keep her during this difficult time. She is also fighting again with her 'best' friend. Not the first, but we are praying it will be the last fight these girls have!
And before I close, I want to give a shout out to Baltimore, MD!!! I know four beautiful ladies in that fair city and I pray God's best over them today and in the future!
I know this is an awkward end but I need to get Bunny's gift started! I am burning daylight here so need to run!!!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW....(especially my precious children!)
God's girl, Pamela
We also saw Fireproof, the movie this weekend. These two things have brought about a lot of searching for me.
As fallen beings, our hearts have just been overrun by the world and the prince of darkness, satan. I for one, am tired of satan having free reign over my heart and the hearts of my husband and children, when by the power of the resurrected Christ, we have been given a new heart! I am learning by the power of the Lord, how to fight for my heart and those of my family.
We've all heard the scriptures; Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life, or Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. But do we live these in our every day life?
I haven't. Even on days when I do my Bible study, or have actual devotions, I am not always consciously exchanging my heart of stone for the heart of flesh that my Lord so desires to give me. Ez. 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh....
Please, I am asking you my bloggy friends, to hold me accountable to fighting for the hearts of myself and those around me. And please be graceful, my heart is so bruised right now...it hurts still. I know if mine is this bruised, that Bunny's is even more so and that makes me hurt even more.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Bunny!!! Tomorrow she will be 15! Yikes!
She is a bit unhappy because she is not yet marching in the band, she is still shadowing an upperclassmen that she thought had failed the first 6 wks so she would have a chance to march but found out that he somehow passed. So, she is thinking right now that she won't get to march the rest of the season. Please pray that God would comfort her and keep her during this difficult time. She is also fighting again with her 'best' friend. Not the first, but we are praying it will be the last fight these girls have!
And before I close, I want to give a shout out to Baltimore, MD!!! I know four beautiful ladies in that fair city and I pray God's best over them today and in the future!
I know this is an awkward end but I need to get Bunny's gift started! I am burning daylight here so need to run!!!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW....(especially my precious children!)
God's girl, Pamela
September 19, 2008
It is Friday!!! WhooHoo!!!
First, let me say thank you for praying for our great state as Ike was breathing down our necks! Here, 250 miles inland, we ended up being on the west side of the storm as it blew through our area...that is the nicer side! We had this really cool soft rain coming down, pretty muchly off and on for a while then for about 3 hrs straight in the afternoon. Some wind, but not even enough to blow over my patio chairs. And we woke up to bright sunshine on Sunday morn, or should I say "Son"shine? We needed the rain, and a chance to stay indoors was pretty nice since it came in on Saturday.
I know the destruction in Galveston is really bad, and many other areas down that way. We stayed at the Flagship on our honeymoon and saw where the east side of the bldg took quite a hit...that was the side our room was on so everytime the news footage came on, we made the girls watch...they were tired of our memories by the time it ended! Also on our honeymoon, we took a ferry to Port Bolivar and that is where so many people had to be rescued from and so many houses were destroyed. It was quite a storm and thankfully with all of our technology, they can send out warnings early enough that anybody that wants to move inland has plenty of time to do it.
I asked hubs if he wanted to make the trip back down there for our 20th... in 3 short months. For some reason, he turned me down...some excuse about how big of a mess the area would still be in! Imagine that! (tongue in cheek, of course!!!)
I have a friend that needs some prayers at this time. If you look to the right you will see Makenna and Makenna's family listed. If you can, please take time to read one or both of those and if not, please lift up this family in prayer...especially the Mom.
Well, I finally jumped on the Beth Moore bandwagon...I had nothing against her, just had never had the opportunity to do a study, until now. Our church women's group is doing The Patriarchs and we just started last month and I am already loving it! She just has an awesome, God-given way of encouraging you to search deeper in scripture and find the Truth of the Gospel!!!
Several of y'all have posted comments or contacted me by e-mail about the blog and y'all have given me so much encouragement! I appreciate it so much! This journey that God has placed in front of us is meant to be shared with family and good friends and I pray I can be worthy of many good friends to journey with! I am so blessed by God to have my wonderful hubs and precious children along for the ride, as well.
My niece is in her senior year, studying journalism at Baylor University and I would hate for her to critique any of my blog posts! I know they lack so many things...like punctuation, capital letters and that I add way too many exclamation points and .....! But I am having fun here!
I should probably close for now...somehow, the clean clothes just thrown in the basket are calling my name! The new to me Elfa shelving system is telling me in no uncertain terms that it is ready to move into it's permanent home, the pantry. Most of all, the floors are letting me know they are tired of suffocating under the dog hair...how do they shed so quickly???
Y'all have a terrific weekend!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....
God's girl, Pamela
I know the destruction in Galveston is really bad, and many other areas down that way. We stayed at the Flagship on our honeymoon and saw where the east side of the bldg took quite a hit...that was the side our room was on so everytime the news footage came on, we made the girls watch...they were tired of our memories by the time it ended! Also on our honeymoon, we took a ferry to Port Bolivar and that is where so many people had to be rescued from and so many houses were destroyed. It was quite a storm and thankfully with all of our technology, they can send out warnings early enough that anybody that wants to move inland has plenty of time to do it.
I asked hubs if he wanted to make the trip back down there for our 20th... in 3 short months. For some reason, he turned me down...some excuse about how big of a mess the area would still be in! Imagine that! (tongue in cheek, of course!!!)
I have a friend that needs some prayers at this time. If you look to the right you will see Makenna and Makenna's family listed. If you can, please take time to read one or both of those and if not, please lift up this family in prayer...especially the Mom.
Well, I finally jumped on the Beth Moore bandwagon...I had nothing against her, just had never had the opportunity to do a study, until now. Our church women's group is doing The Patriarchs and we just started last month and I am already loving it! She just has an awesome, God-given way of encouraging you to search deeper in scripture and find the Truth of the Gospel!!!
Several of y'all have posted comments or contacted me by e-mail about the blog and y'all have given me so much encouragement! I appreciate it so much! This journey that God has placed in front of us is meant to be shared with family and good friends and I pray I can be worthy of many good friends to journey with! I am so blessed by God to have my wonderful hubs and precious children along for the ride, as well.
My niece is in her senior year, studying journalism at Baylor University and I would hate for her to critique any of my blog posts! I know they lack so many things...like punctuation, capital letters and that I add way too many exclamation points and .....! But I am having fun here!
I should probably close for now...somehow, the clean clothes just thrown in the basket are calling my name! The new to me Elfa shelving system is telling me in no uncertain terms that it is ready to move into it's permanent home, the pantry. Most of all, the floors are letting me know they are tired of suffocating under the dog hair...how do they shed so quickly???
Y'all have a terrific weekend!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....
God's girl, Pamela
September 12, 2008
There's an Ike comin'
Our dear friend, Casey, asked an interesting question when she moved to the area a couple of weeks ago and my answer was truthful...She asked if we were in the path of a hurricane very often - and my answer was not very often! Yet, here we are twice within the first month of Casey living in Texas under the gun of a hurricane!!!
I have lived in this area about 20 yrs of my life and have only been really affected by a hurricane about 8 times. Rita was the last one and we didn't get much rain from that one, just really heavy winds for a few hours...and the allergies that blew up from Southeast Texas!!! Generally, in order for us to feel the effects of a hurricane, it has to hit Galveston or Houston dead on...and guess where Ike is headed!!! We did get some rain and wind from Gustav recently, and for a few days, cooler weather. I am looking forward to the cooler temps Ike is bringing, too...next week they are expecting the highs to only be in the 80's! Whoo, Hoo!!! I might even have to wear a jacket to get the girls to school....only 70 degrees in the morn???
I know that God directs the weather and it has been really cool to 'watch' the hurricane on the satellite views. I was mesmerized to watch as Ike came off of Cuba and strengthened immediately...you could see the eye start to reform as it moved out into open waters. The Psalmist tells us that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it, and that includes the oceans, winds, the whole enchilada. I would not want to live along the coast and have to move out of the path every so often, but it is cool to watch from my far inland living room as the storm moves and grows!
On a different note, we are going to our first football game of the season tonight! And Bunny will get to march! So, I've already taken my allergy pill, plan to take a nap later on...'cause those little white pills just put me out!...and then pack up my spirit to root for Bunny's team for the first time! Of course, DD1 plans to wear one of her high school shirts, since they are rivals! Oh, the joy of teenagers!!!
Well, that is all for today...I pray your Friday and your weekend are blessed beyond your imagination!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
I have lived in this area about 20 yrs of my life and have only been really affected by a hurricane about 8 times. Rita was the last one and we didn't get much rain from that one, just really heavy winds for a few hours...and the allergies that blew up from Southeast Texas!!! Generally, in order for us to feel the effects of a hurricane, it has to hit Galveston or Houston dead on...and guess where Ike is headed!!! We did get some rain and wind from Gustav recently, and for a few days, cooler weather. I am looking forward to the cooler temps Ike is bringing, too...next week they are expecting the highs to only be in the 80's! Whoo, Hoo!!! I might even have to wear a jacket to get the girls to school....only 70 degrees in the morn???
I know that God directs the weather and it has been really cool to 'watch' the hurricane on the satellite views. I was mesmerized to watch as Ike came off of Cuba and strengthened immediately...you could see the eye start to reform as it moved out into open waters. The Psalmist tells us that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it, and that includes the oceans, winds, the whole enchilada. I would not want to live along the coast and have to move out of the path every so often, but it is cool to watch from my far inland living room as the storm moves and grows!
On a different note, we are going to our first football game of the season tonight! And Bunny will get to march! So, I've already taken my allergy pill, plan to take a nap later on...'cause those little white pills just put me out!...and then pack up my spirit to root for Bunny's team for the first time! Of course, DD1 plans to wear one of her high school shirts, since they are rivals! Oh, the joy of teenagers!!!
Well, that is all for today...I pray your Friday and your weekend are blessed beyond your imagination!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
September 4, 2008
September means....
We are back into the school routine..and already had a day off!!! This was our first Labor Day parade as a family, Bunny's band marched and played. It was still hot outside but fun, nonetheless. Of course, a Monday off only means Tuesday is really difficult! I'm still not on a real schedule...my body is thinking it is Wednesday!!!
Friday nights are for football!!! We didn't make it to last weeks game, it was 2 1/2hrs away and due to Bunny's foot injury she didn't march. DD1 has church friends that played each other in last Friday's game so she went to see that rivalry. Ya know what that means...we had a Friday evening to ourselves!!! We acted like 'normal' people and went to see a movie!!! We saw Hancock and I was not impressed! It was okay up until the plot twist, then they just lost my interest! Thankfully, it was at the cheap theater! It was fun, though, to be together, just the two of us!
Cooler mornings! Although a bit early this year thanks to Gustav! I will take it...we slept with the window open last night! I have the living room windows open right now! I know this afternoon, the air will come back on but I'm going to enjoy the cooler weather while I can!
This is for my Mom: I have a bit of sad news...Miss Persnickety is dead. We kept trying to revive her in her window, then hubs sat her out in the front and she has now fully wilted away.
For those of you wondering...Miss Persnickety was my first impatien plant. She was beautiful and showy but really picky about where she sat, how much water she got and who she liked! She lived with us for more than five years...I was amazed at that! I am not a green thumb...that would be my Momma, but the more Miss Persnickety grew, the more I desired to care for her. She was a gift from one of my students during a Teacher Appreciation week and sat in a pot that her class gave me.
I will miss her pink petals but I am pleased by the fact that she became such a part of our family...we all talked to her when we passed by the table! She is a reminder that God loves us all..even those of us that are persnickety!
Well, that is all I have for now..nothing earth shattering - thankfully! I pray y'all have a blessed day and are looking forward to the weekend ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
Friday nights are for football!!! We didn't make it to last weeks game, it was 2 1/2hrs away and due to Bunny's foot injury she didn't march. DD1 has church friends that played each other in last Friday's game so she went to see that rivalry. Ya know what that means...we had a Friday evening to ourselves!!! We acted like 'normal' people and went to see a movie!!! We saw Hancock and I was not impressed! It was okay up until the plot twist, then they just lost my interest! Thankfully, it was at the cheap theater! It was fun, though, to be together, just the two of us!
Cooler mornings! Although a bit early this year thanks to Gustav! I will take it...we slept with the window open last night! I have the living room windows open right now! I know this afternoon, the air will come back on but I'm going to enjoy the cooler weather while I can!
This is for my Mom: I have a bit of sad news...Miss Persnickety is dead. We kept trying to revive her in her window, then hubs sat her out in the front and she has now fully wilted away.
For those of you wondering...Miss Persnickety was my first impatien plant. She was beautiful and showy but really picky about where she sat, how much water she got and who she liked! She lived with us for more than five years...I was amazed at that! I am not a green thumb...that would be my Momma, but the more Miss Persnickety grew, the more I desired to care for her. She was a gift from one of my students during a Teacher Appreciation week and sat in a pot that her class gave me.
I will miss her pink petals but I am pleased by the fact that she became such a part of our family...we all talked to her when we passed by the table! She is a reminder that God loves us all..even those of us that are persnickety!
Well, that is all I have for now..nothing earth shattering - thankfully! I pray y'all have a blessed day and are looking forward to the weekend ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
August 30, 2008
Common to man
Ecclesiastes 9:1-3
1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him. 2 All share a common destiny--the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. 3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all.
My Sis and I were talking recently about a trait that I have...and it is not a very good one! The trait is that someone can tell me an issue or a problem they are going through, and I have a tendency to say, "Oh, I understand...this is what I'm going through, or have been through." How selfish of me!!!
The verse above tells it like it is; we all have problems and issues!!! They are common to ALL men! I am reminded of a conversation that took place several years ago between a good friend and myself that points out this same truth, only how God is involved in our lives is no different! My friend was being treated for throat cancer, while being a wife, a Mom to a sweet 5 yr old boy, and a business owner. I mentioned my fear of needles, and drs!, and that I would never be able to walk through something similar with the grace and poise that I saw in her! This same friend knows the issues in our home and said how funny that I felt that way, because she had recently told God she could never handle the things I was going through.
What are you going through that others cannot see themselves doing? Are you a spouse to an addict? Mother of a strong-willed teen? Friend of a broken marriage? Mom of a handicapped child? Mom of a shunned child? Do you have a physical ailment that limits you in any way? Are you disabled? Is your marriage breaking at the seams?
Could you possibly handle issues that others are facing? Could you be the Mom of the strong-willed teen? Could you handle being the spouse of an addict? Could you be the Mom of a handicapped child? Could you be disabled? Could you face singlehood after decades of marriage?
Being the big sister of a handicapped man, my perspective changed as I grew into adulthood and began to know people outside of my parents circle. I learned that we all have a handicap...it looks different for everyone, though! As humans, we really are alike, usually in more ways than we desire to admit!
I know when we have very little, I tend to look at others and feel they don't understand! But I also know that we all go through times when things are tight!
I know when I am sick, I feel like no one can possibly know the pain and agony I am in. However, everyone gets a headache or the flu!(amongst other things!!!)
How arrogant do I appear when I feel I am alone? Oh, how my ego suffers when I really consider that I don't have it all that bad! When I realize I could not handle the pressure of being a Mom to a handicapped child, or a person with a debilitating disease! I will stay where I'm at, knowing that God's grace has not given me more than I can bear! Knowing that I can do all things through Christ who is my strength!
I will be honest, this is not an easy, nor fun, post to write. I just feel so strongly that I need to share because I know arrogance is not that far off my radar! I would much rather tell you how fun the Friday night games were for my children...I'll do that one day next week. I would rather tell you how nice it was to have a date night with my sweet hubs...y'all can relate to that, though! But I feel compelled to put down my feelings, to be accountable and ask you to lift me up! I know I am not alone! I know God walks beside me!
I desire to become the daughter He wants me to be. When I do this, all other relationships fall into place! When I praise, all other worries melt away. When I give, I recieve so much more than I could have imagined! These are the promises I have been given - and I am not the only one!!!
Well, I think I'm through for now! If you are at a point that you need a shoulder to cry on, please don't hesitate to let me know! I promise I will try not to tell you how hard of a time I am having...and if I do, remind me to shutup and listen!!! Thank you for your soft shoulders!!! They are a Godsend!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him. 2 All share a common destiny--the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. 3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all.
My Sis and I were talking recently about a trait that I have...and it is not a very good one! The trait is that someone can tell me an issue or a problem they are going through, and I have a tendency to say, "Oh, I understand...this is what I'm going through, or have been through." How selfish of me!!!
The verse above tells it like it is; we all have problems and issues!!! They are common to ALL men! I am reminded of a conversation that took place several years ago between a good friend and myself that points out this same truth, only how God is involved in our lives is no different! My friend was being treated for throat cancer, while being a wife, a Mom to a sweet 5 yr old boy, and a business owner. I mentioned my fear of needles, and drs!, and that I would never be able to walk through something similar with the grace and poise that I saw in her! This same friend knows the issues in our home and said how funny that I felt that way, because she had recently told God she could never handle the things I was going through.
What are you going through that others cannot see themselves doing? Are you a spouse to an addict? Mother of a strong-willed teen? Friend of a broken marriage? Mom of a handicapped child? Mom of a shunned child? Do you have a physical ailment that limits you in any way? Are you disabled? Is your marriage breaking at the seams?
Could you possibly handle issues that others are facing? Could you be the Mom of the strong-willed teen? Could you handle being the spouse of an addict? Could you be the Mom of a handicapped child? Could you be disabled? Could you face singlehood after decades of marriage?
Being the big sister of a handicapped man, my perspective changed as I grew into adulthood and began to know people outside of my parents circle. I learned that we all have a handicap...it looks different for everyone, though! As humans, we really are alike, usually in more ways than we desire to admit!
I know when we have very little, I tend to look at others and feel they don't understand! But I also know that we all go through times when things are tight!
I know when I am sick, I feel like no one can possibly know the pain and agony I am in. However, everyone gets a headache or the flu!(amongst other things!!!)
How arrogant do I appear when I feel I am alone? Oh, how my ego suffers when I really consider that I don't have it all that bad! When I realize I could not handle the pressure of being a Mom to a handicapped child, or a person with a debilitating disease! I will stay where I'm at, knowing that God's grace has not given me more than I can bear! Knowing that I can do all things through Christ who is my strength!
I will be honest, this is not an easy, nor fun, post to write. I just feel so strongly that I need to share because I know arrogance is not that far off my radar! I would much rather tell you how fun the Friday night games were for my children...I'll do that one day next week. I would rather tell you how nice it was to have a date night with my sweet hubs...y'all can relate to that, though! But I feel compelled to put down my feelings, to be accountable and ask you to lift me up! I know I am not alone! I know God walks beside me!
I desire to become the daughter He wants me to be. When I do this, all other relationships fall into place! When I praise, all other worries melt away. When I give, I recieve so much more than I could have imagined! These are the promises I have been given - and I am not the only one!!!
Well, I think I'm through for now! If you are at a point that you need a shoulder to cry on, please don't hesitate to let me know! I promise I will try not to tell you how hard of a time I am having...and if I do, remind me to shutup and listen!!! Thank you for your soft shoulders!!! They are a Godsend!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
August 25, 2008
The last first and the first first!
Do you remember that feeling when you really studied your baby's face and wondered just what they would be like as they grew older, or am I the only one that has done that? Well, I studied some faces today, one jumping with excitement to the point I could hardly focus on her beautiful face...the other still tired and looking a bit anxious amongst the beauty about how to fit this year into her future plans!
See, today is my oldest daughters last first day of high school...it is also my youngest daughters first first day at her high school. And yes, they are going to different high schools! Today, I feel a bit old! When did this happen? When did they both grow up enough to be in high school? When did I stop being a Mom with young children?
Of course, if you measure in years, then the answers are easy. But I tend to measure from my heart, and it really doesn't seem possible!
Have I told you lately that God loves my girls!!! He delights in them as they dance before Him! He created them with an outward beauty that takes my breath away (I'm the Mom, I can say that!!!) and with an inward beauty that just shines brightly!!! He gave them very distinct personalities, very different from each other! When they were younger, they looked a lot a like but you could tell them apart by size, now they youngest is just as tall as her sister and their features have changed! Both girls are a perfect blend of my dear hubs and me!!! Just they each got different parts!
Now is not always an easy time, they are both teenagers, ya know! but it is an exciting time! God is moving in their lives as they make decisions only they can make...with God, of course! One is considering future plans; college, honor academy, what to major in, living arrangements. The other is friend focused, even though we question several of those 'friendships'! I do know after watching my niece and DD1 go through high school, that friendships are tested beyond belief! I am praying that God will guard Bunny's heart as she transitions to becoming a young lady!
In Psalm 34, David talks about 'tasting' the goodness of God..."O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" That speaks volumes to my heart!!! The goodness of the Lord is never stale...He is always GOOD!!! I desire to be blessed by God and take refuge in Him! Have you tasted His goodness lately? Has He been good?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
See, today is my oldest daughters last first day of high school...it is also my youngest daughters first first day at her high school. And yes, they are going to different high schools! Today, I feel a bit old! When did this happen? When did they both grow up enough to be in high school? When did I stop being a Mom with young children?
Of course, if you measure in years, then the answers are easy. But I tend to measure from my heart, and it really doesn't seem possible!
Have I told you lately that God loves my girls!!! He delights in them as they dance before Him! He created them with an outward beauty that takes my breath away (I'm the Mom, I can say that!!!) and with an inward beauty that just shines brightly!!! He gave them very distinct personalities, very different from each other! When they were younger, they looked a lot a like but you could tell them apart by size, now they youngest is just as tall as her sister and their features have changed! Both girls are a perfect blend of my dear hubs and me!!! Just they each got different parts!
Now is not always an easy time, they are both teenagers, ya know! but it is an exciting time! God is moving in their lives as they make decisions only they can make...with God, of course! One is considering future plans; college, honor academy, what to major in, living arrangements. The other is friend focused, even though we question several of those 'friendships'! I do know after watching my niece and DD1 go through high school, that friendships are tested beyond belief! I am praying that God will guard Bunny's heart as she transitions to becoming a young lady!
In Psalm 34, David talks about 'tasting' the goodness of God..."O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" That speaks volumes to my heart!!! The goodness of the Lord is never stale...He is always GOOD!!! I desire to be blessed by God and take refuge in Him! Have you tasted His goodness lately? Has He been good?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
August 21, 2008
Not much to say.../What are you reading?
Good afternoon! Not much is going on around here at the moment...we have had several inches of rain over the past few days but other than that, not much!
I am reading three books right now, and going through a Bible study workbook. I am reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge, he is one of my favorite authors! I am also reading Sundays Across America; I believe the author is Shea. This is very interesting to me, learning how other faiths or denominations may serve the Lord on Sunday morn. It makes me question just how I would (or should) act if I knew someone was observing me for the purpose of anything other than simply attending church!
While I am waiting in the vehicle to pick up from one place or the other, I have just started reading Back Home Again; a fiction work by Melody Carlson. This is my fluff book at the moment, not so deep that it takes me three days to assimilate the latest point learned! In my quiet time, I am working through the Patriarchs by Beth Moore. Our women's group at church just started this one and it looks really interesting!
So, are you an avid reader like me? What types (or genre) of books do you enjoy? If you ask my family, I always have to be reading a book.
Thank you for reading today, even though it is a bit boring, I know! I hope and pray that your day is blessed and the weekend ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
I am reading three books right now, and going through a Bible study workbook. I am reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge, he is one of my favorite authors! I am also reading Sundays Across America; I believe the author is Shea. This is very interesting to me, learning how other faiths or denominations may serve the Lord on Sunday morn. It makes me question just how I would (or should) act if I knew someone was observing me for the purpose of anything other than simply attending church!
While I am waiting in the vehicle to pick up from one place or the other, I have just started reading Back Home Again; a fiction work by Melody Carlson. This is my fluff book at the moment, not so deep that it takes me three days to assimilate the latest point learned! In my quiet time, I am working through the Patriarchs by Beth Moore. Our women's group at church just started this one and it looks really interesting!
So, are you an avid reader like me? What types (or genre) of books do you enjoy? If you ask my family, I always have to be reading a book.
Thank you for reading today, even though it is a bit boring, I know! I hope and pray that your day is blessed and the weekend ahead!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
God's girl, Pamela
August 15, 2008
Our time with Casey
I will always marvel at God's movement in our lives!
You may have noticed, perhaps even visited, the blog to the right called 'CaseyMay'. DD1 met Casey online two years ago, on a social site called Battlecry. We loved reading about her, and I added her to my list of friends as well. She was such a sweetheart and really had a heart for God.
When she started a blog, we began reading that...keeping up with what God is doing in her young life. She felt God call her to be a missionary and began to diligently seek God for a new direction in her life. She applied to the Honor Academy in Minnesota and began making plans to 'leave home' this month. Then, just a couple of months ago, she learned that the Minnesota campus was closing and if she still desired to be part of HA, she would need to come to the East Texas campus!
Now, we cannot say for sure, because we don't know the big picture just yet, but it seems that the Lord moved some hands for us to become friends two years ago for just such a time as this! We picked her up at the airport yesterday and took her to HA today. It was fun to help her get settled into her temp dorm room! On the way, we stopped by some friends home and had an awesome lunch and visit with their family! They live closer to the campus so Casey has friends, now, really close!
Getting to know her in person has been awesome. Her heart is so on fire for what God would have her to do! She is definitely a seeker and so in love with our Lord! We have had fun as a family. Bunny even spent time last evening chatting with her!
See, another blessing from the Lord! We never know how friendships will form, or when, or why! But God guides our steps...even into the heart of a friend!
God bless you, Miss CaseyMay! You are loved around here!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
You may have noticed, perhaps even visited, the blog to the right called 'CaseyMay'. DD1 met Casey online two years ago, on a social site called Battlecry. We loved reading about her, and I added her to my list of friends as well. She was such a sweetheart and really had a heart for God.
When she started a blog, we began reading that...keeping up with what God is doing in her young life. She felt God call her to be a missionary and began to diligently seek God for a new direction in her life. She applied to the Honor Academy in Minnesota and began making plans to 'leave home' this month. Then, just a couple of months ago, she learned that the Minnesota campus was closing and if she still desired to be part of HA, she would need to come to the East Texas campus!
Now, we cannot say for sure, because we don't know the big picture just yet, but it seems that the Lord moved some hands for us to become friends two years ago for just such a time as this! We picked her up at the airport yesterday and took her to HA today. It was fun to help her get settled into her temp dorm room! On the way, we stopped by some friends home and had an awesome lunch and visit with their family! They live closer to the campus so Casey has friends, now, really close!
Getting to know her in person has been awesome. Her heart is so on fire for what God would have her to do! She is definitely a seeker and so in love with our Lord! We have had fun as a family. Bunny even spent time last evening chatting with her!
See, another blessing from the Lord! We never know how friendships will form, or when, or why! But God guides our steps...even into the heart of a friend!
God bless you, Miss CaseyMay! You are loved around here!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
August 12, 2008
Oh, please forgive me!!!
I do need to apologize because I have taken my eyes off of the Provider, a bit! I forgot to read the verse at the top...yes, Lord, my hope is in YOU!!!
Unfortunately, I have spoken out of the frustration that simply comes with life and I pray that you can forgive me! I know we all walk through these valleys...I am not alone because God is right beside me, above me, below me, surrounding me with HIS love and grace!
As DD1 and I have been able to spend time together, I am learning so much from her. We are watching lots of Olympics while Bunny is at summer band and doing lots of talking while DH is 'at work' in his upstairs office. It is kind of nice because not having Miss PD, I can give her my almost full attention!
Anyway, DD1 is truly a Christ follower...she has watched the lessons we have learned and found a way to learn them herself, even at an early age. Last night, we talked about surrender, being fully surrendered to our Lord. She knows this has been hard for us at times and last night she said watching us even falter, that when God asked her to surrender she knew from our example how to do it, but she also knew she did not want to go back to her old way of living!!!
WOW! Why could I not have been that type of 'child'? Um, because God knows our every need, even the future ones! I know that HIS hand is upon our child and that HE loves her so much more than I do! I know that the year ahead does not appear to be 'easy', what in life is?, but that God already has a path picked out just for her. I know that HE has an answer to the job question...not sure what the waiting is for but I know the answer is there!
I also know that Bunny really desires to follow Christ, but friendships that are 'skin on' make the supernatural so hard to see sometimes!(especially as a young teen!!!) I know that HE has a path for her to follow in the year ahead as well. It will not look like anything we have ever done, it will be uniquely for her and HE will be right beside her as she walks in HIS way! I know that HIS thoughts toward her are precious and unending...HE loves her even more than I do!
My precious Lord, I know my family, including the people, finances, job, hobbies, is in YOUR hands! I know you watch over us with an insanely intense love that I simply cannot fully know here on earth. I know that you have good things for us when we follow your commandments. That your promises are perfect, that YOU are holy and I praise you. Thank you for the life YOU have given us to live...the ability to raise two precious daughters in your nurture and admonition, the ability to minister to others by sharing YOUR light. Thank you for the very special love you have nurtured between hubs and I for these nearly twenty years! Thank you, Lord for YOUR daily provision!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW....
God's girl, Pamlea
Unfortunately, I have spoken out of the frustration that simply comes with life and I pray that you can forgive me! I know we all walk through these valleys...I am not alone because God is right beside me, above me, below me, surrounding me with HIS love and grace!
As DD1 and I have been able to spend time together, I am learning so much from her. We are watching lots of Olympics while Bunny is at summer band and doing lots of talking while DH is 'at work' in his upstairs office. It is kind of nice because not having Miss PD, I can give her my almost full attention!
Anyway, DD1 is truly a Christ follower...she has watched the lessons we have learned and found a way to learn them herself, even at an early age. Last night, we talked about surrender, being fully surrendered to our Lord. She knows this has been hard for us at times and last night she said watching us even falter, that when God asked her to surrender she knew from our example how to do it, but she also knew she did not want to go back to her old way of living!!!
WOW! Why could I not have been that type of 'child'? Um, because God knows our every need, even the future ones! I know that HIS hand is upon our child and that HE loves her so much more than I do! I know that the year ahead does not appear to be 'easy', what in life is?, but that God already has a path picked out just for her. I know that HE has an answer to the job question...not sure what the waiting is for but I know the answer is there!
I also know that Bunny really desires to follow Christ, but friendships that are 'skin on' make the supernatural so hard to see sometimes!(especially as a young teen!!!) I know that HE has a path for her to follow in the year ahead as well. It will not look like anything we have ever done, it will be uniquely for her and HE will be right beside her as she walks in HIS way! I know that HIS thoughts toward her are precious and unending...HE loves her even more than I do!
My precious Lord, I know my family, including the people, finances, job, hobbies, is in YOUR hands! I know you watch over us with an insanely intense love that I simply cannot fully know here on earth. I know that you have good things for us when we follow your commandments. That your promises are perfect, that YOU are holy and I praise you. Thank you for the life YOU have given us to live...the ability to raise two precious daughters in your nurture and admonition, the ability to minister to others by sharing YOUR light. Thank you for the very special love you have nurtured between hubs and I for these nearly twenty years! Thank you, Lord for YOUR daily provision!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW....
God's girl, Pamlea
August 9, 2008
1968 - do you remember when???
Hubs and I were born in 1968, along with a good friend from high school and her husband, plus two of hubs cousins! So...we are having a 'get together' this afternoon to celebrate...at my house...which is not really clean enough, yet!!!
With that said, this should be a short post, since I do have things to do around the house! I would say we were almost there, just need to vacuum & mop but the other couples have toddlers and my house is nowhere near babyproof! Miss PD is too little right now for it to matter, thankfully!
Thank you so much for your encouragement the other day. I know God still has His hand on our family and that He IS our provider!
DD1 had an interview with the toy store yesterday! It is quite a drive there but I can see how she would just fit in perfectly at a toy store! At this point, it is in God's hands!
My girls stayed up and watched the Olympic opening ceremonies....I'm sure I will see them in front of the TV more in these next two weeks than I do the computer!!! They love the Olympics, but if ya ask my Momma, I do too. They always excite me, even though I am not an athlete! I love the Cinderella stories of how so many of the athletes got to their spot in the Olympics!
In 1984, I even made a scrapbook from newspaper clippings...my favorite part was when Torville and Dean ice danced the Bolero! Thankfully now I can watch it any time on YouTube! In 1988, my parents won a trip to Calgary so we do have some Olympic souvenirs...pretty cool for this chick!!!
Okay, I am just rambling now so I will go! Y'all have a terrific Saturday and wonderful week ahead!
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
With that said, this should be a short post, since I do have things to do around the house! I would say we were almost there, just need to vacuum & mop but the other couples have toddlers and my house is nowhere near babyproof! Miss PD is too little right now for it to matter, thankfully!
Thank you so much for your encouragement the other day. I know God still has His hand on our family and that He IS our provider!
DD1 had an interview with the toy store yesterday! It is quite a drive there but I can see how she would just fit in perfectly at a toy store! At this point, it is in God's hands!
My girls stayed up and watched the Olympic opening ceremonies....I'm sure I will see them in front of the TV more in these next two weeks than I do the computer!!! They love the Olympics, but if ya ask my Momma, I do too. They always excite me, even though I am not an athlete! I love the Cinderella stories of how so many of the athletes got to their spot in the Olympics!
In 1984, I even made a scrapbook from newspaper clippings...my favorite part was when Torville and Dean ice danced the Bolero! Thankfully now I can watch it any time on YouTube! In 1988, my parents won a trip to Calgary so we do have some Olympic souvenirs...pretty cool for this chick!!!
Okay, I am just rambling now so I will go! Y'all have a terrific Saturday and wonderful week ahead!
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
August 6, 2008
God, could I please see the next page???
WOW!!! We know God is really working, but honestly I'm getting a bit weary and I probably need to ask for encouragement!!!
In June, dh's business lost 2/3 of his monthly hours at his largest contract! We have yet to make up the revenue from that...yes, Lord? As y'all know, I started keeping Miss PD, not to make money but because we love her momma, and now we love her, too! Through the situation of her life (Miss PD) we are supposed to be getting paid from an outside source, but the paperwork has never been filed so our friend is paying us all that she can at the moment-a little more than 1/3 the cost of daycare...yes, Lord? Then, yesterday, Miss PD's momma comes to pick her up and let me know there was a problem at work and her hours are cut back...yes, Lord? I'm going through the band notes this morn, Bunny started practice on Monday, only to find that we need to have money in hand NEXT WEEK for uniform...seriously, yes, LORD?
I know we have walked through similar trials and God has always provided. Our faith, right now, though is being so stretched! Y'all know that moment when the normal household bills are not getting paid on time, then something big is needed...like band uniforms??? I am really trying not to stress about this, easier said than done!!! I really was fine until I read those band notes today!
I am so thankful for Bunny's talent...she has played trumpet since 4th grade. I know God desires for her to use this talent so we will keep waiting on Him to provide!
Please understand, I am not asking for anyone's help...only God's!!! However, I really could use your prayers today, warriors! DH does not know about the band fees yet...how do you sugar coat that one???
I hope and pray that no one is offended by this post. I really desire to be real here...maybe even transparent? God is truly our portion...our Jehovah Jireh! He is our provider...of jobs, food, protection, security, family...the list goes forever!
I pray that your day will be blessed by our awesome God!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
In June, dh's business lost 2/3 of his monthly hours at his largest contract! We have yet to make up the revenue from that...yes, Lord? As y'all know, I started keeping Miss PD, not to make money but because we love her momma, and now we love her, too! Through the situation of her life (Miss PD) we are supposed to be getting paid from an outside source, but the paperwork has never been filed so our friend is paying us all that she can at the moment-a little more than 1/3 the cost of daycare...yes, Lord? Then, yesterday, Miss PD's momma comes to pick her up and let me know there was a problem at work and her hours are cut back...yes, Lord? I'm going through the band notes this morn, Bunny started practice on Monday, only to find that we need to have money in hand NEXT WEEK for uniform...seriously, yes, LORD?
I know we have walked through similar trials and God has always provided. Our faith, right now, though is being so stretched! Y'all know that moment when the normal household bills are not getting paid on time, then something big is needed...like band uniforms??? I am really trying not to stress about this, easier said than done!!! I really was fine until I read those band notes today!
I am so thankful for Bunny's talent...she has played trumpet since 4th grade. I know God desires for her to use this talent so we will keep waiting on Him to provide!
Please understand, I am not asking for anyone's help...only God's!!! However, I really could use your prayers today, warriors! DH does not know about the band fees yet...how do you sugar coat that one???
I hope and pray that no one is offended by this post. I really desire to be real here...maybe even transparent? God is truly our portion...our Jehovah Jireh! He is our provider...of jobs, food, protection, security, family...the list goes forever!
I pray that your day will be blessed by our awesome God!!!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow....
God's girl, Pamela
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