Thoughts on being a Daughter of the King of KIngs

A received this poem from my friend, Stacy Griffin. Hope you enjoy it as much I did!

I made her. She is different. She’s unique. With love I formed her in her mother’s womb. I fashioned her with great joy. I remember with great pleasure the day I created her. (Psalm 139:13-16)
I love her smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh, and the silly things she says and does. She brings me great pleasure. This is how I made her. (Psalm 139:17)
I made her pretty and not beautiful, because I knew her heart, and knew she would be vain. I wanted her to search out her heart and learn it would be Me in her that would maker her beautiful, and it would be Me in her that would draw friends to her.
(1 Peter 3:3-5)
I made her in such a way, that she would need me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be, only because I need for her to learn and depend on me. I know her heart; I know if I had not made her like this, she would go her own chosen way and forget Me, her Creator.
(Psalm 62:5-8)
I have given her many good and happy things because I love her.
(Psalm 89:11, Romans 8:23)
Because I love her, I have seen her broken heart, and the tears she cried alone. I have cried with her, and held her broken heart.
(Psalm 56:8)
Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone only because she would not hold My hand. So many lessons she’s learned the hard way because she would not listen to My voice. (Isaiah 53:6)
So many times I have set back and sadly watched her go her merry way alone only to watch her return to My Arms, sad and broken.
(Isaiah 62:2)
And now she is mine again. I made her, and then I bought her because I LOVE HER.
(Romans 5:8)
I have to reshape and remold her to renew her to what I have planned for her to be. It has not been easy for her or for me.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
I want her to be conformed to My Image, this high goal I have set for her because I love her.

(2 Corinthians 2:14)

Kade's Birthday Pictures...Finally!

We had a birthday party for Kade back on the 2nd of January. It wasn't a big party, but it was a ton of fun. Reta made a huge cookie with a John Deere dump truck on it for Kade, and we ate pizza, veggies, and dip!!!

Kade asking for Pizza and saying "Pease???"

Debbie took these pictures with her new camera... isn't she talented???

Nanny, Nonni, and Cash Man!
After we ate, Kade disappeared. He crawled under the table and was playing by himself. We will have to work on being a little more social when we have guests over!!! =)

Kade blowing out his candle...

He kept saying "one more"; he loved blowing those candles out. I think we did it 5+ times!!!

Royce and Debbie bought Kade a front-loader. What is it about boys and big machines???Boyce and Kade...

the boys love "Boyce". I tell them they CANNOT go over and knock on his door every time we step outside...but when he drives up in his pick-up or steps outside to work on the yard, they stick to him like glue. He plays basketball with them, wrestles, throws them in the air...it amazes me how patient he is with them.

Boyce helping Kade load his new gun...the boys loved those guns. They played so much with them that Drew's has already quit making the "shooting" sound.Cash bought Kaders a John Deere hat...you know how much Kade loves a good hat!!!

Kade kissing Nanny!!!
Drew fufilling his usual role when people are over,..."entertainer"!!!

Debbie took this picture one day when we ran outside to look at the Christmas lights.

Look at those big blues!!!

My Second Memory Scripture - January 15th

~♥~ And my heart will go on and on ~♥~
Originally uploaded by ¤ [B~B] Bourne Bedweey [B~B] ¤ {Away}

Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT
"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

Here is my paraphrasing of this verse:

Dawn, you are set apart to be an adopted child of GOD. Of all the people on earth, the GREAT I AM has selected you to be His own personal cherished special treasure...

What has totally blown my mind is that verse 8 goes onto to say God didn't choose me because I deserved it, because I was a good girl, because I was special to the world, but because He loves me. Why? God is good. He is abounding towards me with HIS GRACE.
GRACE now there is a word to study. Grace defined by the dictionary is "God's undeserved favor". A preacher in Welch, Texas, defines it as "The empowering presence of God." To my simple mind it is getting God's "awesomeness" even though I didn't earn and don't deserve it. There is evidence of grace in our lives everywhere we turn. I think Deuteronomy 7:6 is talking about God's Prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is the grace that covers us from the time we are born until the time we surrender our lives to God. It is the grace that "wooed" and romanced us into a relationship with our Prince Charming. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners," because from the moment the earth was formed He knew you and He knew me and at that crucial time He selected US to be his own personal cherished treasure! WOW! GRACE!!!

Not Me Monday

I found this on a really cool site...this is how she starts the post -
Welcome to Not Me! Monday, where we can be brutally honest with each other, and live to tell about it, while we shroud the severity of our statements by pretending we so did not really do them!"



**I did not wake up late for church on Sunday, look at my hair and say, "Oh...it doesn't look that greasy!" No, not me I always wake up for church 3 hours early, read my lesson, listen to 30 minutes of worship songs, fix the boys a hot breakfast, and spend a hour on my hair.

**I so did not take a four hour nap Sunday with my boys...oh no, not me I was up knitting, making jams, and churning my own butter.

**And this morning when I put Kade in time out (in his play pen) I didn't forget he was in there fifteen minutes later because I was checking my email...no not me.

**I did not sleep with my kids last night for the third night in a row because my hubby's been gone...no that would start really bad habits for me and them- no way not me!

**I did not bribe my boys with ice cream from McDonald's just so they would clean their play room...no I am a good mother and my boys always pick up after themselves without being asked because I have raised them right.

**I did not start putting some pictures in a regular photo album and give up scrap booking every picture I take...no not me...I am no quitter!

Well I am glad that is all straightened up!

And here are some pictures from my date with the boys Saturday:

Look at that face...seriously he is too cute!


We went to Kambri's 2nd Birthday party Saturday at 11. The boys enjoyed eating cake and playing arcade games at 5oth Street Cabousse. Then we went to Chick-fillet and played on the playground where Lala met up with us. The boys got to play for 2 1/2 hours at the park by Lakeside Hospital in Lubbock. Drew rushed off to say, "I am here everybody!" while Kade kept close and observed everything. Around 3:30 we went to Pets Mart and bought 4 new fish. It was a great date!!!

Urgent Prayer Needed

Please pray for baby Harper. My blogging friend Kelly just had a baby after suffering with infertility. Baby Harper has not been given a good prognosis, but we all know who the real Great Physician is. We are standing in agreement that by the stripes that Jesus bore for sweet Harper she is healed. We are praying the blood of Jesus over her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. We are believing that God will quicken her mortal body and that every cell, organ, vessel, air way will function the way her CREATOR intended to function. We are standing in agreement that no weapon the enemy can form against that family will prosper in Jesus Name. We pray for Kelly, her husband, the grandparents, nurses, doctors, and friends that they will have wisdom and peace that surpasses all understanding. We give you a million thanks God for your faithfulness and for answering this prayer.

Finally...Christmas Pictures!

We had a great Christmas! Drew and Kade helped me make pumpkin bread for our neighbors, friends, and their teachers at church! For the most part I enjoy baking (especially the tasting) - but all the fun came to an end when I dropped the pan upside down in my hot oven.

Oh yeah - it was a mess!

I need to clean it but keep telling myself I might get a new oven in the next few months...might as well wait. Right???

We tried to start some family "traditions" this Christmas because it was our first Christmas at home. One of the traditions we started was making cookies for Santa. Drew and Kade mixed the sugar cookies up and then rolled them out. I think they turned out great. Ronnie came home from work to help them decorate them...I think he had more fun than they did!

Kade did more eating than decorating. He ate so much sugar that he just started running around the house yelling with his hands in the air. Drew said, "Mom, what is Kade talkin' about?" We also made cupcakes for Jesus' birthday. The boys decorated them with sprinkles, but for one reason or another I can't find those pictures. Christmas Eve we dressed...it was every one's first time to go to Church on Christmas Eve; I really enjoyed the time in God's house on His Big Dayl! Then we had an incredibly special meal when we went out to eat at....

(drum roll please)...

McDonalds...Okay..STOP LAUGHING!

I know, I know not the place you take kids on Christmas Eve, but after baking all those cookies I just couldn't stand one more minute in my kitchen. When we got home the boys put on their PJ's and Ronnie and I gave each other new "jamas" (another tradition). The boys opened up tractor blankets and pillowcases I made for them. Ronnie gave them Hungry, Hungry, Hippo, and we played for a hour in our comfy PJ's and had the best time! ( I think that could easily become a Jenkins' Christmas tradition in itself) Then we loaded up in the Yukon and drove all over town looking at lights. When the boys were in bed, our awesome neighbor, Royce, stomped on the ceiling with bells and yelled, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" I wish you could have seen the look on Drew's face...his eyes were as big as saucers.

Christmas morning was really sweet. We played with Santa's gifts, sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, retold the Christmas story, and went around the table talking about what gift we wanted to give Jesus for his birthday. I made notes about what was said on a cloth napkin with traced outlines of every one's hands.

(My thinking is if I do this every year, one day I could have a really cool table cloth pieced together (kinda like a quilt!!??)

My parents and brother came up the weekend before Christmas. Ronnie, Dad, and Chad made the best fajitas I had ever eaten. We had onions, peppers, guacamole, homemade hot sauce, homemade tortillas, the whole nine yards. Drew got an awesome excavator from my parents. He loves it! We played Rummie and watched Old Yeller! I think the best gift of all was them taking the time to come to Levelland to see me!

Both boys loved the hoodies Uncle Chad picked out for them.

Chad gave me a blue fleece jacket from The North Face. It is embarrassing to admit, but I didn't even know what The North Face was until a month ago...I know, I need to get out more!

Christmas morning Kade was playing with his new tractor, but he never let go of his new singing toothbrush and box of skittles...

Kade loved his new fish tank...(Ronnie made the stand! Isn't it beautiful?) We have had only one fish fatality, BUT it was the beloved Sucker fish. Drew suggested we get a band-aid, but it was too late! =(


Drew got the John Deere "big scoop" from Santa and has been scoopin' and dumpin' ever since!


Mom and Dad got Kade this Dump Truck for his 2nd Birthday...the thing is huge! And of course, because Kade is my little organizer, he loaded up every present he was given and hauled them all over the house!


We went to Ronnie's parents on Christmas Day. We went in with Rich and Charla to buy his parents this nice Bar-B-Que pit!
Uncle Sich teaching Drew how to play pinball...he is really good at the game.

Ronnie's parents gave Nanny a diamond ring for Christmas. I told her if she needs to let her finger rest from the weight, I would wear it for a few days!!! =)
Friday night we all played Cranium, and Charla and Richard won (AGAIN) =) . It was so much fun watching my father-in-law act out the word "skate boarder". (I have it on tape!!!) Saturday morning Charla and I took Kade to meet Jerri Ann in Memphis. She gave us the grand tour of her new home, and I would describe it if I could, but it is one definitely of those "must see to believe" homes! If I didn't love her so much I might be jealous. We only stayed for a couple of hours, but I could have pulled up a chair and visited with her all day. I have thanked God many times for the gift He has given me in Jerri Ann. She is so genuine and real...a mentor, a friend, an encourager!!! I can call her on the phone and talk for an hour and it feels like only 10 minutes has passed. Good friends are priceless, don't you think?

That was a bunny trail...back to Christmas. Saturday night Charla cooked Corn Chowder (it was amazing) and then Nonni and PaPa took the boys home, and the "big" kids played Scattegories (sp?). I laughed so hard, I almost peed my pants...seriously, I almost did!!!=) Monday, Nonni and I took the boys to the park in Childress and fed the ducks! It was a great visit, but I am glad to be back home and get our routine going again!

Randomness

I love our home in Levelland, but my kitchen needed a little "flare"!=) I bought this red dish/stand and bird at Hobby Lobby (50% off)! The pic makes them look more shinny than they really are. The bird has celery green coming through the red on her beak and feathers. (Below pic) I also bought this bowl and fake pears to go on my island. The bag of pears actually said "Warning! I am not real. DO NOT EAT ME!" I thought to myself, "Seriously?"

I also bought this red tin frame on sale for $11. Can you believe it? The flash messed the picture up, but it looks really nice on my plain Jane beige walls. Now all I need is a red reg and a red valance above my kitchen window.
Ronnie went to a Kairos meeting on Saturday, and I cleaned house. This activity, courtesy of Tiffany, kept the boys busy for not one, not two, but THREE HOURS!!! They just scooped and hauled the dry beans and popcorn kernels with their tractors.
What's new with the boys?
Kade's new thing when you hand him something he dropped or tell him where something is "OH, oh, oh, oh!" Almost like he is saying, "Oh, I forgot!" It is so cute!
Drew's came up with the following words to "This Little Piggy" the other day,
"This little piggy went to Wal-Mart,
This little piggy went to the mall,
This little piggy went to church,
This little piggy ate pizza,
and this little piggy went, "Wee, wee, wee, all the way home." "

My Memory Verse for Jan. 1 - Jan. 15

***UPDATE - I had a question asking about calling God "Daddy" in my post - my reply was "That's is such a great question. Up until 5 years ago I couldn't really even picture God as my Father. I pictured Him as this angry judge sitting high on a throne looking down at all the bad things I did, but then I realized that isn't how God sees me at all. John 1:12 says, "But to all who believed Him and accepted Him (Jesus), He gave the right to become children of God." Father (the Greek word in John 14:36 used is Abba translates out to Father) is a great term for God, and one I use often, but when I am talking to God I think of Him as my Daddy (an endearing title for Father) because He loves me so much (even when I was a sinner- Romans 5:8). Thanks for the question!

I decided to join Beth Moore's challenge (see my side-bar) to make the year of 2009 a Jesus year. She is challenging women to memorize a verse of their choice twice a month. I chose the Lamentations 3:22-24

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." "

I chose this verse because when I am having a bad day (which I do) and/or my sons, husband, friends are distraught, my goal is to do more than regurgitate these Word's, but to know, I mean really know, what the Word says about My God. I want God's Word to be alive and active inside of me, living, breathing, changing me from the inside out. So I'd like to put this verse into my own words (using some of the Hebrew meanings):

Because of the One True God's never-ending, healing, pure love, I, Dawn Marie, am not exhausted, spent, or destroyed. The Great I AM's compassion, care, and grace for me is never used up because they are new and fresh every morning. Great is My Daddy's abundant Faithfulness; When I am troubled, sad, and not receiving what I think I need in life, I will say to myself, "Only God will fill me up for He is my eternal portion. I will wait with expectancy on Him for He is my hope and true source of Joy.

It is not to late to join the Memory Team. If you decide to join in with me and my Salty Sister leave me a comment and we can "spur each other on towards love and good deeds."

Happy 2nd Birthday Kade

(Warning: I posted A LOT of pictures...he is just so stinkin' cute)

On January 2nd, 2007, Kade Devoy was brought into the world at 5:00 p.m. one month premature. Kade spent 3 extremely long days in NICU before I had the chance to hold him, but when I held him in my arms for the first time I just wept in thanks to God. It was like the one piece of the puzzle that had been missing to my heart was put in place and an explosion of joy was set off in my soul and senses. I held his sweet 8 pound 2 oz. body up to my face and just breathed in his very presence. My gift from God!

Kade at 3 months!

Kade - One year

Kade 18 months

Kade 20 months
Kade - Two years old

Dear Kade,

Happy Birthday Kader Tater. I love you so much I could just burst into a million pieces. There are so many things I love about you...here we go:

1. I love the fact that from the first second you open your eyes in the morning you are 100% my little Happy Jack.

2. I love the way you get mad at Drew and yell at the top of your lungs with a red face...too cute!

3. I love the way you say, "Me..Me!", "Mommy, Mama!", "Baby, where are you?," and "Woo-Hoo!"

4. I love to watch you laugh because you laugh all over.

5. I love to watch you smack your lips when you are excited about eating.

6. I love your desire to always have a hat on your head and shoes on your feet.

7. I love the way you follow me around all day whether I am doing a chore or getting dressed.

8. I love the way you suck you thumb with all your little chubby fingers curled up in a fist.

9. I love that you constantly carry something around in your hands and load everything in your dump truck...my little organizer!

10. I love it that you are always giving kisses and hugs to everyone...especially me.

11. But most of all, I love that you are such a tender-hearted sweet baby boy. You are always kissing boo-boo's, making sure everyone has their drinks and shoes, feeding baby Cash, and loving on Mama in a way that only God could have taught you how to love.

I know that God has a mighty call on your life Kade. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For, I know the plans I have for you, Kade," declares the Lord. " Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you, Kade, hope and a future." I pray Kade that above all else you will love God more than anything else in the world, and that you will take every opportunity from now to the day you leave this earth to be God's hand and feet and use the gifts He has given you.

Hugs and Kisses Baby Boy,

Mama