Walking in the Shadows

II Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Some verses are so familiar, we have read them, heard them preached and even memorized them. Then one day they come to life afresh and anew. The Lord has done that for me with this verse recently. There are things in this life that I simply cannot do. I can't make sure my children grow up and serve the Lord, I can't make the financial ends meet when they simply refuse to. There are many things I can't do, there are many times when I am simply too weak. If I were honest, most of the time I am too weak. If there is anything that can be done for HIM, it is He that is working and doing not me. How wonderful it is to think that my weakness is when his grace really shines. When I am at my weakest, he is at his strongest! Many deal with physi...

Last week I went for Pre-Op and my final visit with the doctor. Can you believe they want me at the hospital by 5:30 AM??? Me, with no coffee, has to leave my house at 5:00 AM to arrive to the hospital by 5:30 AM. Just pray for my hubby, as I am sure he'll need it. If you know me at all, I am not such a sweet person early in the morning, especially without my coffee. Now just two days from surgery and I am surprisingly calm. Well, it's not really surprising because I know many have already been praying for me. The Lord has helped me so much this week, that I am almost looking forward to surgery. I know that sounds crazy, but God is good and his peace comes just at the right time. As I read in Psalms this week, every verse on mercy or compassion seemed to jump off the page. How good God is to me, is beyond amazing! Psalm 81:10 " I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt; open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 86:13 "Fo...

I just started reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and what a great read on thankfulness! I am learning I have a very long way to go. Are we really living a grateful life? Before beginning this book, I thought I was a grateful person but wow the conviction and how ungrateful I truly am. Lest you judge me to quickly, think about the last time you stopped and felt truly grateful for the small things? Like the squirrels scurrying in the trees, the big white puffy clouds, your children squabbling (thankful because you have children to squabble), running late for work (never know what God protected you from) and on the list goes. It's amazing how the Lord is using this book to help me stop and see the blessings in every day. It's shocking to see how quickly I complain and how little I thank!! So, for this week, I am thankful for: 1. 14 years of holy matrimony 2. 3 Little Blessings as a result of that holy matrimony 3. A week with little pain 4. Sweet S...

As we continue our countdown to Christmas, I can't help but reflect on this year and the blessings that came with it. 2012 was a year of change for me (perhaps I'll write about that soon) but it has also been a year full of blessings.   I hope you enjoy my picture tour of the blessings of 2012! 1. Protection! My sweet Ethan nearly lost his eye in January. 2. Spending Valentine's Day at the Biltmore House with my loves (I know it's a funny picture with Jason holding the stroller lol). 3. The boys getting their first turkey in April!! This was an answer to prayer for all three of them. 4. My FIRST ever garden!! 5. Family Vacation in May thanks to a dear friend.   6. Bittersweet Goodbye to my Cliffs' Family. 7. Seeing Chipper Jones play one last time in Atlanta with my Daddy.       8. Sweet Tyson. He has grown so much this year!   9. Priceless lessons learned from a dear Missionary. 10. A house full of...

I thought it only appropriate to have a Thankful Thursday on Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be thankful for, I love this time of year when we pause and really think of our blessings. So, here is my list, it is a very condensed version but these are the things I am especially thankful for this week! Answered Prayer My Brother My Sister in Law Obedience Family White Lights Blonde Hair Front Loading Washing Machine Mom's Thanksgiving Ham New Traditions Grace Undeserved Forever Friends who Care 3.9% Interest Rate The Bible The Holy Spirit My Life Change (ach, this is a tough one) Here's to hoping you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!