A Lifetime of Love

...to write this post to its fullest, but here's a snippet of what's been going on around here lately. Annie & Ta celebrated their birthdays by having a (small) party at our house with close friends and family. Annie is the first child (since having Ta) that I haven't been pregnant with the next child by the time the 1st birthday rolled around. Makes me a little sad...  TJ's bike was stolen from our carport the same day as his birthday (Happy Birthday, Babe!). The police were called, a report was completed, and fear set in. Fear that someone had come past both cars parked to block the entrance of the carport, INSIDE my carport & near the back door, rummaged through our stuff, decided on what to take, and managed to do so without any of us waking or dogs barking. SCARY!!!! TJ installed a motion-sensor light with the help of his dad to deter anyone considering returning for more "stuff" TJ finally finished siding around the back of the house. It lo...

Annie celebreated her 1st birthday, and Ta his 6th, last week. I have been battling a chest cold since last Saturday and haven't had the extra time nor the energy to devote to their individual birthday posts. But, they're coming...as soon as I'm feeling better and get caught up on my housework and laundry.

I realize it's past Christmas, but this video is too cute not to post. I can definitely relate because I get these comments (and more!) anytime we are out in public. I have gotten used to hearing them, and try to reply in a nice manner and not get bothered by strangers' comments but it isn't always easy...especially at the grocery store when my younger kids are screaming  crying in the buggy, my older kids are fighting with each other, and I'm trying to remain composed enough to have a conversation with said stranger. Anyway, enjoy the song and I agree, I AM BLESSED WITH A FULL QUIVER! =)

I am reading the book "When People Are Big and God is Small" by Edward T. Welch. It is about the fear of man (also known as low self-esteem, peer pressure, and codependency). The book has been very convicting, but I am learning so much. In today's chapter, Welch talks about idols, or anything that is done or put before God (can be money, fame, or as in my case, even common everyday tasks). He refers back to the children of Israel when they made the golden calf and began to worship it (it became their idol). The author writes that in following this other god, they are avoiding the true God instead of trusting Him. The Israelites are doing this because the holiness of God was revealed when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments. As a result, the Israelites saw the weight of their sin (when comparing ourselves to the Ten Commandments, don't we all?) and become ashamed. They began worshipping the golden calf because their rebellious hearts didn't want to be confronted w...

I started running again and I LOVE it! I love the sense of accomplishment I get when I finish my route. I used to run 2 miles every day up until I got pregnant with Ta. I stopped because he was the pregnancy right after my first miscarriage and I didn't want to take any risks (not that running is a risk, but when I'm pregnant, ANYTHING is a risk)! I am back up to 2 miles but I've only been running 3 days a week. I will add more days and probably go up to 3 miles as I build up my endurance. I am trying really hard to lose 30 pounds, but really it's not so much the weight that I am focusing on as much as it is my dress size. I'd like to drop 2 sizes in the next 6 months, and I think that's pretty reasonable. I am embarking on a new area of ministry in my church, one that requires a "complete" person in terms of spiritual wholeness as the book of James puts it. I get my spiritual exercise through my bible, and I want to make sure I get in my physical ex...

The MomTalk conference went well last Saturday. There were probably about 30 women in attendance, including those who attend my church. I was pleased with the turnout and even more pleased with how smooth the morning went. Those who helped with the event worked very well together, and from the feedback, it seems as if the sessions were informative and well-liked. Everyone seemed to enjoy the morning, especially the time of fellowship over brunch at the end. I had to solicit a friend of mine to finally kick everyone out to go get their children from the nurseries! LOL! I will say that since the conference, I have felt a deep sense of joy within me that I haven’t felt in a while. I know true joy comes from serving the Lord, and I am so thankful that I was able to share not only about the Lord and His love, but also provide information about the great community in which I live. I’m sure the other presenters probably feel the same way (and actually, one did tell me she was thankful for the...

My favorite quote of the day: "Been there, wiped that." Hopefully that brought a smile to your face! =)