Dreams Really Do Come True

I've always dreamed of having a grand piano. Not because I'm a snobby, have to have the best of everything kind of gal....because if you know me you know that I'm more a trash to treasure country girl. But there is just something about that beautiful deep sound of a grand piano that fills a room and echoes through the hall that I have always always loved.

But they cost a lot of money....

Like 10,000 to the moon.

And last time I checked we didn't have that kind of funds....for anything....let alone a splurging purchase like a grand piano. And come to think of it...even if we did I'm pretty sure that's not how we'd be spending it at this stage in our lives....

Until Bruce heard about a steal of a deal that a church was selling their 6 year old Wurlitzer baby grand piano....for an unbelievably small amount of cash. And so Bruce inquired without my knowledge and the next thing I know he's grinning ear to ear telling me he bought me a little something. Be still my heart!

It took about 10 days for delivery ....but I sit here a very happy little lady....

And there's been some of this going on too....which I LOVE.....

I'm so excited to see how God uses this instrument to bless others. I envision nights of singalongs, holiday caroling, jam sessions with Tucker on the drums and duets with Savannah. Thanks to Bruce for thinking of all the music and fun this would bring into our lives. 

Days of Thanks #6

Day 6- I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a stay at home mom for this season of our lives. Even on the crazy days.. It's a dream come true!

Day #4 Beautiful Homes

About 4 months ago, we bought 2 acres of land...with hopes and dreams that we will be able to build a home on it within the next year or so. Before the ink was dry on the documents I started looking at house plans. Sorting through styles and how many bedrooms and detached garages and bonus rooms was fun, exciting, overwhelming and sometimes...too much. I've browsed through pinterest and houzz.com more hours than I'm willing to admit looking for the plan that's just for us.

We've bought houses in the past but never built one. I've never had the chance to build exactly what I want...so not messing this up is pretty important to me. Or is it? This hit me the other day...

It's not the four walls that will surround our house that will make it a home.

It's not whether I pick laminate or granite counter tops that will make it a home.

It's not hardwoods or carpet or brick or hardy plank that will make it a home.

It's not how big or how much money or what it looks like that will make it a home.

We've already got all the ingredients for a beautiful home. We've got our dream.

We have Jesus. Every member of our family. He's building this beautiful family. This home. It has nothing to do with supplies or decor or style. It's all about the builder.

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. - Psalm 127:1

So the pressure's off. The master builder is in charge. While I pick house plans and finishes to build this temporal housing, He is busy building a family...a real home...something not made by earthly hands. Something that's eternal in the hearts of our family.

The great thing is that anyone can have this kind of home....you don't have to qualify for financing, have permits or anything else. You just have to have Jesus. In a world where homes are falling apart in discontentment, divorce, alternative lifestyles and selfishness, no one is immune to the dangers of a faulty foundation. Jesus doesn't build junk. Allow Him to build your home. You can't build what He can.

Invite Him in. Sound silly? It's not...Invite Him to be a part of your daily family life. Talk with Him in prayer at mealtimes and bedtimes and anytime you feel the need for His presence to be near and real. Tell him your struggles and your problems and your fears. He has a remedy. Get in the blueprint (God's Word) and find it. Soon you'll find your house becoming a home...because you moved....closer to the heart of God.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. A great start to Ladies Bible study Wednesday night. We are doing Charles Stanley's 30 Life Principles and we had a great kick-off night!

2. The routine of September...school, church activities, Taekwondo, Piano...all tidy and in their place on the calendar...makes me feel a little more organized without picking having to clean anything! LOL!

3. God's voice...and that after we listen we too can hear His Words....which strangely enough echo those found in His Word! I am thankful that He gives His wisdom liberally...cause lately it seems we can't get enough of it fast enough.

4. The little things like an old refrigerator....an old dryer and an old car. All that remind me how God has provided for us over the years with little to no repairs needed on any of them.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm reminding myself of the need to be thankful in all things....not just the easy, predictable but the mundane, the supernatural and the unexpected...in the ugly, in the unpleasant and in the beauty and broken.


“Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.”

― A.W. Tozer




“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community




“Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.”

― Thomas Goodwin




“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”

― Harry A. Ironside




"I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep."

— Ann Voskamp (One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are)

2 Acre Farm

Sometimes God blesses you more than you know how to express, but you try. 

Sometimes, He gives you the desires of your heart, He gives you favor.

And sometimes, He knocks your socks off. 

That's how I feel about this...

We've looked, found and today, we purchased...

Our soon to be 2 acre farm.

We're determined to use this land to honor the Lord...

How that will look? We're not entirely sure, but we know He will show us in His time. 

I'm hoping it involves a missionary retreat, 

large garden to share with neighbors and those in need,

maybe some chickens or goats or cows....(Ok...I know it's only 2 acres)

 and a peace-filled home to break bread and nurture friendships...young and old. 

Only time will tell....

And until then...and even then...

Thanks, Lord for all these blessings.

The Gifts....Thankful Thursday

This week I'm thankful for these gifts:

1. For a glorious day at church Sunday...complete with gathered prayer for a sweet family in our church who suffered loss last week.

2. For a husband who will discipline his children.

3. For rain..twice!

4. For the opportunity to share....and receive kind words.

5. For a chat with my sister in law on the phone.

6. For a group of people who had a cancer fundraiser for one of my former student's sister, who has leukemia. Pray for Phoebe.

7. For three VBS's that are preparing to descend upon our town next week. Make Jesus Known!

8. For God's will revealed.

9. For 20 years celebrated...of imperfect marriage.

10. For a teenage boy...who is a social media guru...who will monitor our church feeds for us...proving again that God uses all our gifts, abilities and talents if we will allow Him to!

Thanks, God...for all these gifts and more.

What are you thankful for this week?

The Gifts...Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I'm thankful for....

1. A sister in law who takes my kids and their friends to the local pool and gives me a few hours of Hallmark Channel time...thanks Sassy!

2. Our church staff that is truly all over the place this week. Two in Peru, two at work camp and the rest  holding down the fort here... Such a hardworking, God-n-people loving group of ministers.

3. .. the mission teams that are represented out of our church this summer 15 to Peru, 16 to Workcamp, 1 to Africa, 1 to Canada and at the end of the summer 38 to Wyoming. What a blessing to share Jesus worldwide!

4.  For fresh veggies from a friend's garden.

5. For a long talk with my mom on the phone....even at 40, nothing is better than talkin' to your momma.

6. For mail from Papua New Guinea and for modern technology that makes thousands of miles not seem quite so far.

7. For the peace of God, which passes all my understanding.

For this and so much more.

What are you thankful for today?

The Favor

I'm notorious for under-emphasizing the favor of God on my life. I think if we're honest, most of us are that way. I know I would certainly complain less and throw fewer pity parties if I would just think about how God's favor, His grace and His blessings are all around me.

Now before you think I am going all Pollyanna/Mary Poppins on you, let me assure you...I'm very aware of struggles, hurts, grief. But it seems like we can spend an enormous part of our lives wrapped up in "ME" that we miss the God stuff that happens.

Recently, God's been showing off. We've needed a new(er) car for about a year now. One of ours had 182,000 miles and the other 120,000 and neither has been exceptionally road worthy lately. We had saved some money for a down payment, knew we could get something for our trade in (albeit a small amount of something) and just figured we would buy a midsized car or a small SUV...but what we really needed was something that we could fit at least 6 passengers in. Well, lo and behold what landed in our laps was a two year old large SUV with bells and whistles and more stuff than I've ever seen....and did I mention we got way more than our trade in should have brought in...and that the price was exactly where we were comfortable. And it's beautiful...truly. In fact...so much so that I caught myself apologizing...almost embarrassed by the blessing. (Wouldn't the enemy just LOVE that?)

And did I mention, as we were pulling off the lot, I was crying. Bruce looked over at me ...bewildered ('cause that's how I like to keep him :) and said, "What?" I just shook my head and said, "I just can't believe how good God is to us...over and over and over." See, HIS favor gives us things we don't always ask for...like safety features, and electric and USB plugs, and heated AND cooled seats and other stuff that I don't really NEED but sure are nice to have. His favor gives us extras....extra features on a car, extra patience when dealing with children, extra grace when we mess up, extra money at the end of the month. His favor is unlimited and undeserved.

So the next time I'm tempted to dwell on myself and my disappointments, I'm going to work a little harder to remember HIS favor, HIS blessings, HIS extras that make knowing HIM the biggest blessing of all and I'm going to remind myself that the only one who gets the glory when I don't acknowledge the favor of God is the enemy...and seriously...what woman of God wants that?

Tomorrow...I will talk a bit more on this...like I said, He's been showing off.

How to Fix a Flat

Neither Bruce or I are mechanics. In fact, other than changing a flat and putting gas in my car, I can't do much more than read the gauges...and sometimes that's a little sketchy!

Bruce had gone up to the camp to see our Jr. High kids on Wednesday. He was going to stay overnight and come home Thursday. He took our kids with him for fun and on the way home picked up an extra kid from our church who needed to get home to leave for vacation early on Friday. They were heading home, cruising at 70 mph when they had a blowout.

As you can tell by the tire, this was pretty bad. Tucker said he thought someone was shooting at the car because the noise was so loud. For some reason I think it was a disappointment to realize he wasn't in the middle of a modern day shoot-em-out.

The thing is, they were in the middle of nowhere except for this one little worn out gas station with a restaurant. Thanks God. Then there just happened to be a DPS officer there to help Bruce get the kids into the restaurant and get the tire changed. Thanks God. There also just happened to be was a wheel welder there to help fix the damage to our vehicle..at least temporarily. Thanks God. And the restaurant employees wanted to feed my kids. Thanks Again God!

So, for whatever reason this happened, God took care of each and every detail to protect my family. Sometimes I take for granted all the time we spend on the road. I was reminded again today that so much can happen in a moment's time. Take nothing for granted.

The Increase

She was in my preschool class the first year I taught. From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was different. I had seen her paperwork and I knew that she came from a troubled home. Mom had abandoned her, dad was in prison and her grandparents were raising her. School started and she was the one who came in with cigarette smoke on her clothes and backpack...she was the one with the hesitant look in her eyes, but always a smile, always.

In October our church hosted a "Friend Day" and I invited all my students to come. But guess which one came? She did. She looked so pretty all dressed up in her cousin's dress that day. She went to Sunday School and Children's Church and then enjoyed a big meal in our Family Life Center. She heard more about Jesus and I wondered if any of it would stick with her.

Christmas came. For the Christmas program a few of the teachers got together to be sure she had a pretty dress for the Christmas program at school. This girl had stolen our hearts. She looked so pretty the night of the program and you could tell she felt special in her new dress.

Christmas went. And she didn't show back up for school. One week and I called her grandparents. No answer. Two weeks...no answer. Then one day the grandma showed up at the school. Mom was back in the picture and wanted her back. I was devastated. Grandma knew this was a bad idea, but the girl wanted her momma and after all momma's are important. The girl moved back in with mom a few towns away.

Living in a small town you run into people at the grocery store, gas station, hair salon. I saw Grandma a few weeks after and not to my surprise the girl was back with her. I was so glad. I knew this was the safest place for her. She didn't come back to school but started kindergarten in public school and finished the year in May.

She was walking down the hall at church yesterday when I spotted her. I had to look twice. Was that really her? I saw one of the bus workers walking with her and then, she spotted me. It was like a scene from a movie...we were running towards each other with arms opened wide. This little bit of a girl had been recruited to ride our bus for church. She had even brought her cousin. We took a few minutes to catch up about how kindergarten had gone and how excited she was about first grade and then she went to class. Smiling.

I walked down the hall with a stray tear or two streaming down my face. One more opportunity to minister to a little girl who has had a rough start. One more chance for this body of Christ to embrace a wounded family. One more time to share love with the fatherless. One more story about Jesus for her to hear. One more answered prayer...

I'm thankful for the bus workers who brought her in, for the Sunday School teachers who always have something for the children to eat in class so they aren't hungry, for the Caraway workers who have their lessons prepared and for Jesus, most of all, for Jesus who welcomes little children to come to Him. In a world where there is so much rejection and family heartache, it's good to see God's family reaching out in Jesus' name. Some plant, some water, but God gets the increase.

Multitudes on Mondays #61-#71

It's been a busy couple of week and as life settles down I can honestly say that I'm glad for the routine...the everyday....even the mundane. I'm reminding myself...and maybe you too, of the multitudes I have to be thankful for this Monday.

61: New faces at choir practice today

62: The clean slate of a new school year

63: The 9th birthday of my sweet girl

64: The fun of 3 days away on vacation

65: A bargain

66: Ladies who rock babies during church

67: Moments that MAKE me depend on God

68: Kindred spirits

69: Good dr. visits

70: Making memories with the hubby on the Howling Tornado

71: Vanilla cupcakes

Do you see God in the everyday? What blessings have you noticed? Leave a comment and share what God is doing all around you!

Multitudes on Mondays #47-#60

After last night's message at church I was even more motivated than ever to continue journaling the every day blessings.

47. Aroma of dinner cooking slowly in the crockpot

48. The health of my family

49. The privilege to pray

50. Dirty  5 year old feet at the end of the day

51. Birthday Celebrations

52. Talks with mom

53. Anita Renfroe

54. The convenience of Walmart

55. Diligence

56. Joy

57. Praise and Worship Music

58. Fall Women's Ministry Events

59. A new recipe from Pioneer Woman 

60. Family Movie Night

What everyday blessings are you thankful for?

Multitudes on Mondays #32-46

I'm listing the recent everyday blessings that God has poured out on me. There's no way to list them all, remember them all, cherish them all ....because we cannot fathom the earthly everyday abundance we have. This is my attempt to gather and meditate on the goodness of God for a few minutes ....praying that this becomes a lifestyle of intentional thankfulness and gratitude to God and others for the blessings on my life.

#32 - A funeral where the gospel was preached

#33- A smell of lasagna and friendship wafting through the air on a hot Tuesday night

#34- Time for a drive in the country with family....dreaming

#35- A date with my son to see Mr. Popper's Penguins

#36- Prayer at the altar with a mom

#37- The privilege of prayer after the altar.

#38- A clean house

#39- Breakfast for dinner ... and peanut butter on pancakes

#40- Savannah's study of the book of Daniel

#41- Friends who picked up the tab

#42- Teachers who love kids and are faithful each Sunday to tell them about Jesus

#43- A husband who plays wii, bingo, takes out the trash and preaches God's Word....and loves me.

#44- A sister in law who takes her niece to Splash Kingdom

#45- A funny card

#46- A summer ensemble

Don't you have a multitude of blessings that need to be proclaimed? Leave a comment, write them down or tell someone today.....God loves to hear our thanksgivings!

The Right Thing To Say

I'm not an overly depressed person. I don't usually stay completely overwhelmed by life's trials for a long period of time. I've learned through the years to surround myself with friends who will call me out on self-pity, inquire when I am in a funk and love me enough to cry with me...or tell me to get over it. I'm blessed to have a few friends who will be that iron-sharpens-iron gals in my life.

However....just like you (I'm guessing), sometimes life throws me a curve call and I get sad or mad and God sends just the right person to say just the right thing my way to speak truth, grace, joy and peace over my life.

Something like that happened the other day. I heard an encouraging word that not only blessed me, but Bruce too. Hearing that you are valued, gifted, talented, special, unique, hardworking, dedicated... not only did just the trick for our spirits but motivated us to keep at it...keep going...press on, work hard. Sometimes you need to hear it from someone you know isn't just stroking your ego....but from someone who has taken a hard look and watched with a discerning heart...someone who has even walked in your shoes a mile or two. The last thing you or anyone needs to hear is a fake compliment...or worse yet, a complete lie.

I'm thankful for a man who was pure in motive, gave some wonderful insight, spoke a word in season and loved us enough to make the time to say something nice. It made me think a little about the times that God has prompted me to encourage or bless someone with a compliment or a good word. The Bible tells us that a good worker is due praise,  Christians should edify one another, and that a word spoken at the right time is beautiful. I'm motivated to really take a look around me and look at the many people that are doing wonderful things for the kingdom of God. Because, just like the soothing balm the words of an encourager were to me, a word spoken at just the right time, might be just the thing someone who is discouraged and disheartened needs to hear.

On a side note....sometimes when you're feeling sorry for yourself or having a bad day....speak an encouraging word to someone else and you may just find your day gets better too!

Leave a comment to share how you've been encouraged by someone else or if you have an idea that would encourage someone else. I'd love to hear it!

Multitudes on Mondays

Continuing with my list of random everyday gifts God gives...

12. Little hands that are big enough to help around the house

13. A man of God for a life partner spouse.

14. Modern technology to keep in touch with far away family

15. A spur of the moment shopping trip with the sister in law

16. Flaws in myself that draw me closer to my creator

17. Wycliffe Bible Translators

18. The Gideons International

19. A mom friend who shares God's love with her children....those she bore and those she is entrusted with for a while. What I've learned from this incredible love is immeasurable.

20. The steadfast love of the Lord that never changes....no matter what.

21. Modern medicine that helps stomachs prepare for international travel, cures motion sickness and dries up poison ivy.

Thank you, Lord, for these blessings.

Thankful Thursday

This weeks random list of gratitudes includes:

1. A beautiful Mother's Day with my family and many other mom friends.

2. The working together of many people to make a load lighter. Thankful for the many women who helped make our Muffins with Mom at church a success.

3. The opportunity to watch others grow and mature in Christ....it's so exciting and makes ministry work very rewarding too!

4. That God is the ultimate healer....and what he doesn't deliver you from he means for your good as part of His purpose to bring more glory to Himself.

5. For answered prayers for lots of people I love.

So....what are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

A small list of the many gratitudes I have this week:

1. I am thankful for first morning hugs from my kids.

2. I am thankful for the opportunity to watch God's peace smother a friend's family this week.

3. I am thankful for the new life that is springing up all around me...even with my yard being a mess, the roses and lilies are still poking out there reminding me that God's in the beautification industry, spiritually speaking too!

4. I am thankful for a group of thoughtful parents that were sweet to bring me something for Teacher Appreciation Week.

5. I am thankful that Savannah was baptized on Sunday.

So....what are you thankful for this week???? Comment below!

Thankful Thursday

My list of gratitudes for this week includes ....

1. I am thankful for a God who sees all and knows the truth. When the world or others misunderstand or choose to believe something else...He knows each motive and the truth of everything. It's this God who sees my heart...yes, the good and bad and He loves me, in fact He delights in me. It's that precious relationship that grows more special each day.

2. I am thankful that summer break is just 16 school days away.

3. I am thankful that the bad storms that ripped through GA last night did not harm my family.

4. I am thankful for my kids who are such troopers. It's been a juggling act lately with our schedules and they just go with the flow. Late nights and early mornings....and they are still smiling and bubbly.

5. I am thankful for the special sweet spirit that seems to be blossoming in our Wednesday night service at church.....or maybe it's been there all along and finally my spirit is in tune with His. There's new music, personal updates on our prayer list and an encouraging devotion to help edify believers. Love this time together.

So....what are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

Here's a brief summary of a few of the many gratitudes I have this week:

1. We just finished up another year of AWANA. My little Cubbies did an outstanding job memorizing scriptures. My own kids did great too. I had awesome workers helping in Cubbies and I couldn't have asked for a better team....so willing to go the extra mile for the kids, snacks, puppets and game time. What a blessing they were to me. Praying they have a restful summer and forget how much work it is next fall when they are asked to sign up to work again!!!

2. A sincere heart to heart with the hubby. You know these things take time and it had been a while. So glad we had the time to talk about the important things going on in our lives.

3. Time to sit and craft last weekend. Relaxing and enjoyable.

4. Soul Surfer ---the movie. I am so thankful that I was able to take my daughter to see this. We made a night of it with another mom friend and her daughter. I'm thankful for the take-away value of this faith based and faith-filled movie. What a blessing to walk away and have something constructive to chat about. What an amazing girl!

5. Wednesday night church service. I have said it before...Wednesday night is the best service for me at church. The last two weeks have been amazing...the music, the message....just everything. Such a wonderful pick-me-up during the week.  Love it!

So...what are you thankful for this week?