Emotions Running Wild

We were not meant to do this life alone.  God intended for us to have others to lean on.  We need those who can lift us up, pray with us, pray for us and encourage us.  Being good friends with Godly people doesn't just happen by chance.  We must pray that such people will come into our lives.  And then when we find them, we should continue to cover the relationship in prayer.

For a long time I felt as though I didn't need friends. To continue reading, please click here to head to Woman to Woman Ministries.

This past week and weekend have been very busy and full of tears.  Tears of joy, tears of sadness and tears of just being tired.  Through it all I will count my blessings...

1056. The great privilege to guest speak on my dear friend's blog talk radio program.

1057.  Sunny days after many days of rain.

1058.  Meeting new extended family and getting to know them.

1059.  Watching my baby sister marry her best friend. {here come the tears again!}

1060.  Watching my husband perform his first wedding ceremony.  I am so proud of him.

1061.  Watching all of my children and nieces and nephews perform special roles in their aunt's wedding day.

1062.  Watching my son as a groomsman.  He is growing up so quickly.

1063.  Watching my daughter as the maid of honor.  Such a privilege this was for her.

1064.  All of the special ways my grandpa was included in the wedding ceremony {he is no longer with us}.  The most precious being, a heart was cut out of a pair of his jeans and sewn into my sister's wedding dress.

1065.  Fun times taking wedding pictures.

1066.  Celebrating Mother's Day at church and with family.

1067.  My wonderful Mother.  I could not have asked for a better mom and friend.

1068.  My wonderful Mamaw.  I am the most blessed granddaughter there is.

1069.  My four blessings from heaven who allow me to celebrate Mother's Day.

1070.  A relaxing Sunday night at home after a busy, emotional week.

1071.  Snuggling up with my husband and watching our own wedding video.

1072.  Hearing my kids "ooh and aah" and giggle over our wedding video.

1073.  Sleeping in just a bit on a Monday morning.

1074.  Another day to count my blessings.

I love hearing of your blessings.  Please comment below with five things you are praising God for.






Linking with:
A Holy Experience

A Multitude of Blessings

I am thrilled to be guest posting at Encourage 24/7 with my dear friend Tracy today. Please join me!

The hardest part of being a praying wife, other than the sacrifice of time, is maintaining a pure heart.  It must be clean before God in order for you to see good results.  That's why praying for a husband must begin with praying for his wife.

Most, if not all, of us, go into our marriage thinking our husband is close to perfect. And those things that are not perfect, we find cute and what makes him unique. After that "honeymoon phase" is over and reality sets in, we see that cute is really irritating.  And perfect?  Can we say ha!?  To read more, join me at Woman to Woman Ministries for our new marriage series, Power of a Praying Wife.

Continuing to count my blessings because has blessed me in many ways...

871. Calm school days.

872. Beautiful and unusual springlike weather in January.

873. Meeting with our church staff.

874. The opportunity to minister along side such wonderful people.

875. Great plans for our church.

876. New faces and families at church.

877. Dinner and laughs with great friends.

878. Lunch with new friends.

879. Reading through the Bible as I cry, laugh, say ouch and feel encouraged. 

880. Knowing that His precious love for me is extravagant.  


Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Beginnings & Blessings

I am so very excited to begin our new marriage series here at Woman to Woman.  I had no plans of doing another series once the Love Dare was over.  However, beginning back in October God begin to lay on my heart so strongly about praying for our husbands.  

To find out more about the new marriage series and to enter the fabulous giveaway, please join me at Woman to Woman Ministries!

Two years ago I joined Ann Voskamp on a journey of eucharisteo, which means give thanks.  A journey to count my blessings and focus on the gifts God has given me.  Often times those gifts do not come wrapped in a pretty little packages with a perfect bow on top.  Sometimes those gifts come in the form of dirty dishes {blessing: we have food}, smudges on the glass {blessing: pets that bring us joy} and tears shed {blessing: tears that bring healing to the heart}.  Ann challenges us to take a joy dare, a dare to live fully right where we are.  To be content and happy with where God has brought us, to have our eyes open to His wonderful blessings.  

This year I am so excited to continue to count my blessings.  It is hard to grumble when you are praising God for His blessings.  So today I am praising God for...

856. A new year, a fresh start.

857. New Year's celebration with family and friends.

858. Laughter.

859. Gathering together to pray in the new year.

860. Sleeping in the next morning.

861. A relaxing day spent at home on New Year's Day.

862. God's hand of protection as I drove in the snow. {I have never driven in the snow and it terrifies me.}

863. Layers of warm clothing that protect my husband as he works in 0* weather.

864. Another week of work for him.

865. A new marriage series for Woman to Woman.

866. Finding my 'one word' for 2013.

867. Joining with my sisters at Woman to Woman for our team 'one word.'

868. My wonderful and handsome husband who celebrated his birthday this past Friday.  I am so thankful for this man.

869. Celebrating his birthday at lunch with family and friends.

870. Slipping off heels and into soft, fuzzy slippers.

What are you praising God for today?  Comment below with five things you are thankful for.

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

I Love Praising God!

Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

831. Energetic preschoolers that I was blessed to be with during Bible study.

832. Completing random acts of kindness with my children for our Christmas advent.

833. Being able to cry and pray with my children after hearing of a horrible devastation in Connecticut.

834. Hugging my children.

835. Being able to tuck my children in each night.

836. God's protection over them.

837. Watching them grow up, even though it is happening to fast.

838. Putting on jammies, cranking up Christmas music and having a night of baking with my kids.

839. Belly laughs.

840. Sugar rushes from piles of frosting, sprinkles and candy toppings.

841. Turning off all the lights, except the Christmas lights, snuggling and staying up late watching Christmas movies together.

842. My husband's willingness to always help when needed.

843. Spending an entire day working hard along side wonderful servants.

844. The helping hands that are willing to get dirty.

845. A powerful, beautiful praise and worship service at church.  I just love singing praises to God!

846. A timely and encouraging message at church.

847. The 'official' installation service for our church's new pastors {my parents}.

848. Hearing the pastors and board agree to lead our church through prayer and integrity.

849. Hearing the church family pray over the pastors and board.

850. The many wonderful people, family and friends, that made special trips to come to the service in support of my parents.

851. A delicious dinner with our leaders.

852. Being able to relax a little after a long, busy weekend.

853. An updated look for Woman to Woman.

854. A dear friend who can tell when something is wrong or when I am tired just by reading words I type.

855. The opportunity to count my blessings.

What are you thankful for today?  Comment below with five things.

Dear friends, I will be taking the next couple of weeks off from blogging to spend time with my family during the holiday season.  I will continue to count my blessings through Facebook posts.  I would love for you to join me over on Facebook and Twitter.

Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Date Nights & An Amazing Aunt

For helpful tips and encouragement to stay peaceful this Christmas season and to enter the Woman to Woman Christmas Blessing Giveaway to win $320 Paypal cash, click HERE.  Today is the last day to sign up!

When we marry we enter into a covenant instead of a contract.  Though they sound much alike, they are different.  A contract is like saying to your spouse, "I take you for me and we'll see how this works out."  But realizing it as a covenant changes it to say, "I give myself to you and commit to this marriage for life." 

A contract is a written agreement based on distrust, outlining conditions and consequences.  Where as a covenant is a commitment based on trust, assuring someone that your promise is unconditional and good for life.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman Ministries where today we complete the Love Dare with dare 40!

~~~

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,

live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

It is hard to live at peace with some people.  You know what I am talking about.  The cranky neighbor, the bitter lady at church, the moody sister, you get the point.  How can we live with these people, how can we have a smile on our face and kind words coming from our lips when they are driving us crazy!  Share the love of Jesus with them.  I am not necessarily talking about preaching to them. I am talking about letting the light and love of Jesus flow through you.  Think about all that Jesus did.  He dealt with more than these moody people, He dealt with demon possessed people.  But He still showed love to them.

Then, ahem, sometimes, we are that person.  Yep, it is true.  Sometimes we are the moody person that people are wondering how they can live with us.  Again, the love of Christ needs to shine through.  Despite what we are going through, despite our circumstances, we need to have joy through it all.

Live in peace, the peace of Jesus.

~~~

Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

807. Beginning an Advent study with my kids.

808. Their excitement at the study.

809. Their eagerness to light our Advent candle.

810. Hearing my children read the Bible during our study.

811. My nine year old son's new found love of reading.

812. Watching my children read instead of planting in front of the tv.

813. Watching my five year old nephew at his first school play.

814. Watching my niece in her school Christmas play.

815. My nephew sitting on my lap telling me that he loves me and kissing my cheek.

816. Christmas movies.

817. My sister taking all eight nieces and nephews for a sleepover and Christmas fun.  She is an AMAZING aunt and the children are so very, very  blessed!

818. A date night with my husband.

819. Two weekend date nights in a row!  I feel so spoiled! {smiles}

820. Camping out in the living room next to the roaring fire.

821. Our silly dogs who did not want to campout with us because they are so used to their own routine. {smiles}

822. Sunday lunch with family.

823. An incredible night of "walking through Bethlehem" at a local church.  Their walk through was amazing!

824. Blankets and shelter to keep us warm.

825. A working furnace to keep us warm in these freezing temperatures.

826. Stocking hats, wool socks, long johns, and coveralls that warm my husband as he works outside in single digit weather.

827. Another week of work for my husband.  This time last year he was off for several months.

828. Chicken thawing out because we have food.

829. Completing the Love Dare at Woman to Woman.

830. Excitement over our next marriage series at Woman to Woman.

What are you thanking God for today?  Comment below with five things.

Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Monday Morning Meditations

Looking for Christmas gifts?  Check out Dayspring for 

Christmas cards, home decor`, jewelry and much more!

Date Night & Beautiful Weather

For helpful tips and encouragement to stay peaceful this Christmas season and to enter the Woman to Woman Christmas Blessing Giveaway to win $320 Paypal cash, click HERE.

To enter to win an Ipad mini, click HERE.

~~~

Many times I see and hear of couples where one spouse is committed to the marriage and is determined to make it work.  While the other spouse is tired of trying and just ready to be done with it all.  After fighting and trying, the first spouse, the committed one, decides they can't keep at it and they give up too.  Their love just stops.  But if love is real, from the love of Jesus, it doesn't waiver or give up when it is not received the way you want.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman for Marriage Monday.
~~~

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:4-6

As I read the above passage my heart is reminded of two things.  First, we need to be in constant prayer for our ministers and leaders, those partnering in the sharing the gospel.  As a pastor's daughter and pastor's wife, I know how hard the ministry can be.  Whether full time pay, part time pay or volunteer, the work, the ministry, is always full time.  We need to pray over our ministers that God would bless them and anoint their lives, health, relationships, finances, time and ministry.  The second thing I am reminded of when reading Philippians 1:4-6 is that God is not done with us.  He begins a work in us, a work that will not be complete until our eternal life begins.  And all of the pain of this world, all of the hardships, it is going to be worth it.  Do not be discouraged, let Him continue His beautiful craftsmanship of you.

Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

783. My husband safely completing his out of town job.

784. Another week of work for him...in town this time.

785. My husband's hard work at completely cleaning and organizing our garage on his day off.

786. My brother and sister-in-law taking my boys for the weekend.  My boys love their uncle!

787. My daughter getting to spend the weekend with her best friends.

788. Trips to the library with the kids.

789. Shopping and talking with my oldest daughter.

790. A date night with my husband, dinner and a beautiful concert.

791. Sitting snuggled next to him in a booth at a wonderful restaurant.

792. Jeremy completely surprising me with an incredible Christmas gift!  I love it!

793. A beautiful Christmas and Christian concert, The Story.  {Please click the link and check the tour dates.  If The Story is coming to your town  it is a MUST see!  You will not regret it!}   

794. Spending a wonderful night connecting with my husband.

795. Partnering with World Vision and adopting a child to sponsor with our children's ministry.

796. The excitement our church children had about sponsoring this little one.

797. Having a few minutes to put my feet up and relax on Sunday afternoon.

798. An absolutely fun night at our church Christmas dinner and party.

799. Beginning week two of the advent study I am doing.

800. Beginning week one of that advent study with my children.

801. Setting up our Christmas decorations and tree with the kids.

802. The beautiful and unseasonable weather we are having in the Midwest.

803. Windows open in December.  Definitely a first.

804. Fresh air.

805. Time spent in prayer and worship.

806. Feeling a Jesus hug.

What are you praising God for today?  Comment below with five things.

Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Monday Morning Meditations

It Is Still Thanksgiving!

For helpful tips and encouragement to stay peaceful this Christmas season and to enter the Woman to Woman Christmas Blessing Giveaway, click HERE.

Continuing to count my blessings for 2012:

A few of my Thanksgiving Day blessings

757.  This precious Sweet Blessings community.

758.  The flu has passed.

759.  Disinfectant spray and bleach to rid our home of the flu germs.

760.  The flexibility that homeschool gives when sickness hits us.

761.  Setting up my home for a Thanksgiving feast. 

762.  Knowing that in a matter of hours my home will be busting at the seams with my wonderful family.

763.  Mamaw's homemade rolls and noodles.

764.  Mama's homemade pumpkin pie.

765.  The smell of turkey that is filling my home.  

766.  The childhood toy that was passed on to me and the sweet memories it brings back.

767. A few days off work for my husband.

768. Spending Thanksgiving at home with our family.

769. My house being full {19 of us} of family, love and laughter.

770. Cooking along side my grandmother, mother and sisters.

771. The delicious food we were blessed to have.

772. Hearing my husband praying over our family and our food.

And many more blessings from my Father:

773. Hearing my children practice their music.

774. Hearing my son play drums in our church worship band for the first time.

775. Decorating our church for Christmas.

776. Having my father-in-law visit from out of town.

777. The precious gift he brought me; a baby picture of my husband that we did not think existed.

778. Celebrating my beautiful baby sister's birthday with her.

779. Homemade chicken noodle soup on a cold day.

780. Laughter around my dinner table as we discuss our day.

781. Finishing the book of Revelation.  Friends, I have read the back of the book!  No matter what you are facing, God wins!

782. Beginning a new advent study today.

What are you praising God for?  Comment below with five things you are thankful for.



Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience
Into The Beautiful 

Titus Tuesday  

On Your Heart Tuesday 

Soli Deo Gloria

Teach Me Tuesday

Hear it on Sunday, Use it On Monday

Looking for Christmas gifts?  Check out Dayspring for 

Christmas cards, home decor`, jewelry and much more!

Christians, Fun & a Giveaway

If someone told you that by changing one thing about your marriage, you could guarantee with near to 100 percent assurance that your life together would significantly improve, you would at least want to know what it was.  And for many Godly couples, that "one thing" is the daily practice of praying together.

There is so much power in prayer.  When we humble ourselves and go to our Father, He listens.  He leans in and listens to our words and our hearts.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman Ministries for Marriage Monday.

Continuing to count my 2012 blessings from the Father:  


741. Sweet whispers of my girls having heart to heart talks in the stillness of the night.

742. My sons feeling protective of their sisters.

743. The smell of burning leaves.

744. Standing hand in hand in a circle of believers lifting our voices in thanksgiving for all God has done.

745. Hearing friends praise God for the dark times because even in those dark times, God is there.

746. My husband having a day off to sleep in and catch up on rest.

747. The incredible turn out for a church clean/work day.

748. A fun photo session.

749. A fun dinner/date night with couples from church.  We had a blast!

750. Laughing with friends.

751. Knowing that being a Christian doesn't mean being being boring. 

752. Another wonderful Sunday in church.

753. Lunch with the family at our favorite Mexican restaurant. 

754. Watching Duck Dynasty with the family and laughing hysterically.

755. Reading through the book of Revelations.

756. Knowing that through the terrifying events of the tribulation, I will be sitting at the feet of my Father in Heaven.

What are you thankful for today?  Comment below with five things.

Review & Giveaway:
Have you heard of Lila Rose's flexi clips?  I was thrilled when I received an email from a very sweet lady asking me to review a Lila Rose flexi clip.  Less than a week later I received a cute little package with a beautiful flexi clip! My daughter was thrilled at something new for her hair and so was I!  Lila Rose offers adorable hair clips for all ages.  This clip is perfect for my hair and both of my girls' hair.  They also offer different sizes for thin or thick hair.

I was a little worried about how to get this clip into my hair and if it would stay.  Surprise!  It is super easy to put in and stayed all day!  My eleven year old daughter could even put it in by herself in a matter of seconds.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift or a new clip for a woman/girl's hair for Christmas, check out Elizabeth Williams' Lila Rose store!  Elizabeth is so sweet to offer one blessed Sweet Blessings reader a free flexi clip!  To enter to win, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.  The winner will be announced on Wednesday.   


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Blessings~

 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Looking for Christmas gifts?  Check out Dayspring for 

Christmas cards, home decor`, jewelry and much more!

Proud Mama and God's Presence

The Bible is our manual for life.  Our manual for marriage, our manual for parenting, for everything we face, the Bible is our guide.  But for many, the Bible seems too big and too hard.  I listen time and time again to people say, "I just don't know where to start!"  It seems overwhelming and so often we give up.

You must commit to it.  The Bible is worth it.  Get over the hurdle and stick to it!  To read more, come on over to Woman to Woman for Marriage Monday!

Continuing to count blessings in 2012:

728. Watching my sons play cars together in their jammies.

729. Watching my teenage daughter learn a lesson in grace and praying for others.

730. Hearing her play drums in the worship service at church, using her talents for the Lord.

731. Baking homemade "mini" chocolate chip cookies with my little girl for her tea party.

732. Meeting with church staff and making plans for our church.

733. My church working together to raise money for a young lady to go to a mission's trip.

734. My mother-in-law finally up, moving and feeling better.

735. God healing the mass on her kidneys.

736. Hearing of many, many miracles each week at church Bible study.

737. Calm, quiet Sunday evenings.

738. Fireplace to warm us after I left the window open in 30* weather.

739. Feeling the presence of the Lord with me all day.

740. Knowing that God is before me, behind me and beside me and I never have to fear.



What are you praising God for today?  Comment below with five things.

Sweet Blessings~
 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Looking for Christmas gifts?  Check out Dayspring for 

Christmas cards, home decor`, jewelry and much more!

Much Praise & A Giveaway

Going at things alone is hard.  We all need someone to lean on and encourage us.  We need someone who can give us Godly wisdom and counsel.  The same is true for married couples.  A couple that faces problems along is more likely to fall part during tough times.

One thing I have learned is that you are never alone.  There are other couples who have 'been there, done that' and can help.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman for Marriage Monday.

Continuing to count my blessings for 2012:

711. The flexibility homeschooling allows us such as sleeping in after a late night of working at church.

712. My church working as a family, what we are, to minister to the community.

713. Having my niece and nephew spend the night with us.

714. Pizza, movie and Friday night campout with the family, niece and nephew included.

715. My nephew's mealtime prayer.  Since he could talk, he has always prayed that the food be blessed and not be too hot. {smiles}

716. My husband's excitement over a new pair of slippers.

717. Grocery shopping with my daughter.

718. Cooking dinner with my daughter.

719. Seeing her learn new life skills.

720. My fuzzy slipper socks that warm my feet on a chilly night.

721. My daddy who celebrated his birthday this past Friday.  I have been greatly blessed with such a wonderful, God-fearing dad.

722. Sweet texts from my husband throughout the day.

723. Giggles of children.

724. Watching the dog move from window to window to lay in the sun.

725. Doctors who have the wisdom and knowledge to help us.

726. The prayers of many wonderful people as we wait to find out what is wrong with my mother-in-law.

727. God's sweet peace in a difficult time.

What are you praising God for today?  Comment below with five things.

Giveaway:
I am super excited about today's giveaway.  I stumbled across this this precious website one day and fell in love with Baby Be Blessed.  Baby Be Blessed is a doll ministry, spreading the Word of God, one handmade doll at a time.  At Baby Be Blessed you get to choose your own doll from an assortment of skin tones for boys and girls as well as animals.  After choosing your doll, you choose the doll's clothing.  And here is what makes Baby Be Blessed so special; after choosing the doll and clothing, you choose a scripture verse that will be placed right onto the doll!  I love the idea that as a child snuggles with their beautiful doll at night, they are holding on to the Word.

As you do your Christmas shopping this season, check out Baby Be Blessed!  

One blessed reader will receive a $61 gift certificate to spend at Baby Be Blessed for a doll of their choice.  To enter simply complete each task in the rafflecopter below.  The winner will be contacted on Friday.


a Rafflecopter giveaway Sweet Blessings~
 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience

Many Birthday Celebrations & A Roaring Fire

From the moment you close your Bible in the morning, nearly everything else you encounter throughout the day will be luring you away from its truths.  Everything we face wants us to forget those moments with God.  I cannot tell you how many times I have had a beautiful and emotional quiet time only to just moments later be faced with yelling kids, barking dogs, and much more.  To read more, join me at Woman to Woman for Marriage Monday.

Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

683. Being welcomed back in to our old church family as though we never left.

684. Beginning our new children's ministry, Overhauling Kids.

685. An afternoon at the park with the kids.

686. Watching my daughter twirl in circles as she blows bubbles.

687. Watching my sons toss a football.

688. Seeing the beauty of autumn.

689. Hearing of ways God's people are reaching out and blessing others.

690. A birthday celebration for my niece and nephew.

691. Watching my kids, niece, nephews and friends jump on the trampoline and into a foam pit.

692. Seeing my mom play with the grandkids on the trampoline.

693. Looking out my window right this moment and seeing a big, bright, beautiful full moon.

694. Sunday lunch and birthday celebration for my sister and dad.

695. Cooking in my kitchen with my brother and sisters.

696. Sitting around the living room talking with my family.

697. Relaxing Sunday night watching funny videos and laughing with my husband and kids.

698. A roaring fire to warm my home.

699. Reading through the book of Hebrews.

700. The reminder, from the book of Hebrews, that there are angels all around us.  We never know when we are entertaining angels.

What are you five things you are praising God for today?  Comment below.

Giveaway:

Homemaking is a lot of work.  It takes a lot of planning.  We have not only housework and caring for the family, but errands to take care of, appointments to attend, and taking the kids to and from activities.  My calendar fills up quickly most months.  Just recently I have gotten more into meal planning for my family and while it takes some serious planning, it is so much easier in the end.  

Sue, at Homemaker's Friend, has a great help!  Her Homemaker's Planner!  This planner is not only beautiful to look at, it has monthly and weekly planning, a place to keep tasks and projects, a place to put your shopping list that is perforated to tear out and take with you, and beautiful encouragement throughout.  I am super excited to begin to use my planner in just two months and I will definitely continue to purchase this Homemaker's Planner in years to come.  Sue is sweet to work with and when you order, you receive your items quickly. 

One blessed lady will receive a 2013 Homemaker's Planner.  To enter, please complete each task below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Sweet Blessings~
 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience