Brave ...

There are things in life that we go through that are hard and frankly, they hurt and make no sense. There are things that seem like a long time and suck in the walk. I'm not going to lie. Things that make us want to cry and to just lay down our spiritual sword and give up. And, there are Words and promises God has given and we wait and walk and have faith and keep having faith and belief and ask God to help us in our unbelief. Because He is God and He doesn't lie. He does what He says, and what's more, nothing, NOTHING, nothing, no-thing, is impossible for Him. Nothing. (Mark 9:23) This world is ruled by an ugly enemy and he makes no bones about, his goal is to take down whoever he can and his target is not unbelievers. But, God. Be Brave. Stand firm mighty warrior. God is FOR us. He is FOR us. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Don't look away. And, for heaven's sake, do not give up!

"You Make Me Brave"

 

I stand before You now

The greatness of Your renown

I have heard of the majesty and wonder of You

King of Heaven, in humility, I bow.

 

CHORUS:

 

As Your love, in wave after wave,

Crashes over me, crashes over me

For You are for us, You are not against us

Champion of Heaven

You made a way for all to enter in.

 

I have heard You calling my name

 I have heard the song of love that You sing

So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore

into Your grace, into Your grace,

 

You make me brave.

You make me brave.

You call me out beyond the shore into the waves.

You make me brave.

You make me brave.

No fear can hinder now the love that made a way.

 

 

Bethel Music on iTunes "You Make Me Brave"

Mistress Mary!

Today is my sweet, precious Grannie's 97th birthday! Ninety-seven! Just wow! Her life, it's characterized by laughter and tears and resolve and resilience and perseverance and joy and laughter and wisdom and selflessness and so much generosity and all those words that sum up a woman after God's own heart. She has seen the worst and seen the best and lived joyfully through it all. In her day, she was an awesome cook, like awesome! She was amazingly creative, quite the seamstress and she could do some serious crocheting. I will not discuss how many afghans I have as it might prevent me from getting any more. :) Just saying. She was a fierce competitor, just try beating her in Ping-Pong or being on her team and not playing up to par. And, she has loved her family well. Her servant's heart is unparalleled. And oh, the stories she could tell. I have learned much from her and, even today, just sitting next to her and holding her hand is a little slice of heaven on earth. She is a true matriarch and I am blessed she is mine! I love you Grannie!

Seeing Clearly

"He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then, his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." Mark 8:23-25

How cool is that? This verse speaks to me in so many ways, I had to share. Once more. Partially at first and completely the second time. I just love how much He loves us. Once more. But God! Only God.

 

Camping out here ...

... because Momming a teen, a pre-teen, and a preschooler; standing on the verge of 50; wading through the "without warning" emotions of menopause; managing a household; re-learning living in a new place and standing on God's words, while waiting on several to happen, are challenging tasks in a worldly world. No other way to do it but standing next to Jesus. And, when I am standing in a gentle and quiet spirit, things go right. Focused on standing there. It's a work-in-progress. Thankful God loves messes, too!

FOURTEEN!

 

I just almost can't speak it! This beautiful girl is fourteen today! Mercy! And, what a blessing she is. I can still remember when she was a wee little 8 lb., 2 oz-er!! She is growing in God's grace daily. She is hilarious. I'm thinking she takes after her Daddy in sense of humor. She is an ace at hair and make-up, although said make-up is only seen by members of this household, as it doesn't go out of the house on her face! :) She is starting high school next year. High school, people! Did I mention I can hardly stand it? She is quite creative and got my Mother's gift for handwriting styles. She is our oldest and is learning to be a leader as such. She is the cat's meow! And, we love her. Happy Birthday Miss Madison!

Christmas 2013 Highlights - Catching Up :)

This was our first year having our own "real" house in three years, not saying the RV was not a real house because where God is is home! And, a "real" house rocks! We got to put up our tree and all our decorations. I LOVE some of these decorations. Precious memories of little people in many of them. Brianne sat on the chair next to the tree and sang "O Christmas Tree" (her version) until we all stood together and sang along. It was bittersweet without my Mom, but Paw-Paw was there and Grandma came over and saved lunch (more on that later) and Santa came! Whoop!

 

 

 

The girls all had their own trees in their rooms again ... so awesome!
And, baby girl was completely enamored of this pink one,
which she decorated herself! It matched her skirt! :)

Christmas Eve puzzle making!



Two coming down to check out what Santa left!

"No pictures please, it's too early!"

Oh, that Santa! He made three girls day for sure!