While I was...

...drinking my coffee this morning, I felt as if I was on a treasure hunt in my concordance, dictionary, and Bible. I just bought the book, Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of OT and NT Words, and I LOVE IT!!! I was amazed as looked-up and studied the word "tribulation" in John 16:33, and how it comes from the verb, "persecuted" or "pressed", in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] "
2 Corinthians 4:7 - 10
"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. we are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies."

...driving with my hubby to Lubbock for a birthday party, he leaned over, squeezed my hand, and said, "Baby you look hot!"
I took a deep breath, blushed a little, and soaked in the moment. I have to admit, I was shocked because I usually don't hear those words. I mean a stay-at-home mom just doesn't get the chance every day to dress-up and dazzled her mate, right??? =) In order document the moment for those days I start to feel frumpy, dumpy, and lumpy, I grabbed my handy dandy camera and said, "Cheese!"Ha!
...trying to figure out what we were going to do about our broken coffee table, my hubby decided we should go to Ashley Furniture and buy THESE. They match our entertainment center...more pics to come when the furniture comes in! By the way, if you are wondering how our table broke, I will give you three clues: Kade, trickster, cannon-ball. Need I say more?

...listening to boys eat Pop Rocks for the first time, I thought to myself, "I am glad I didn't miss this. Thank you Jesus for the little things!!!" Their faces were filled with surprise and pure amazement...it was priceless!!! Pop, PoP, pOp!!!

...checking my emails, I realized I am going back to college on Monday night.
I CAN'T WAIT!!! I am sooooooooo EXCITED!!!
Daphne Delay is teaching the class, In-Christ Realities, at I.C.E. I am just "auditing" the class, but still, I feel the need to go buy a new pencil and notebook!

I have been reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I just love her...sometimes I will be listening to her preach, stand-up, and yell, "Amen, Sister Joyce! Amen, Amen, Amen!"

Yes, it is that good, and I am that weird! Ha!

I heard Joyce give some interesting facts last week:

#1) 2 million people left the bondage and slavery of Egypt for the Promise Land. Back then, they only counted the men (600,000), but if you add in women and children the scholars estimate 2 million plus...

However,

Only 2 entered the Promise Land. (Hmm...)

Matthew 7:14 "But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and ONLY A FEW EVER FIND IT!"

#2 ) It was only an 11 day journey to the Promise Land...

However,

It took them 40 years to reach the Promise Land...

Scholars say the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt is a type to our salvation. They were slaves to the Egyptians, we were slaves to sin and death. The Israelites were delivered just as we were, but where did they wake-up the next day?

In the wilderness.

I think this is so profound. Many Christians, me included, get saved and expect to wake-up the next morning in the Promise Land. Anybody with me?
But God's Word says, we have to "work-out" our salvation (Phil 2:12). Our spirit is saved the day we except Christ, but our soul (mind, heart, emotions, feelings) need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can enter into our Promise Land.

What is our Promise Land?

I believe our Promise Land on earth is the place where we realize, experience, and walk in ALL OF GOD'S PROMISES: love, joy, peace, righteousness, etc. Our Promise Land is the place where all of our head knowledge becomes heart knowledge...TRUE REVELATION. It is the place where no matter what storm the king of the world throws at us, we are not shaken because we fully understand WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST. We have FULLY RECEIVED OUR INHERITANCE AND KNOW THE AUTHORITY THAT IS OURS IN JESUS NAME!!! We don't have to wait for heaven...we inherit the Kingdom of God the day we proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Kenneth Hagin Jr. said, "You will never rise above your understanding of who you are In Christ." Okay, I am getting off on a rabbit trail, that will be another post, another day! =)

SO,
what's was the problem with the Isrealites? Joyce says it was their "Wildnerness Mentality" or "wrong mind-set".

Wildnerness Mentality #1 - They didn't know where they were going.
Proverbs 29:18 KJV "Where there is no vision the people perish..."

They believed their past (Egypt) and their present (wilderness) was their future. They didn't know where they were going!!! They didn't believe God's promise because the journey was taking too long. They were looking at their circumstances past/present with the world's eyes and not their "faith eyes". Hmm...

They kept going around and around and around the mountain I will call, "Complaining!"
1. They complained instead of pressing through (Numbers 14:2, 3).

2. Their bad thoughts were turned inside out and revealed in bad attitude (Numbers 20:2-4).

3. They lacked gratitude (Numbers 21) The NLT says in Numbers 21:4b

"...But the people grew impatient with the long journey and began to speak against God..."Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?" they COMPLAINED. "There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!"

I had to read, and reread, and reread those verses this morning. How many times have I, like the Israelites...

1. Grown impatient.

2. Began to speak against God (or began to not BELIEVE His promises)

3. Become UNSATISFIED with His provisions (His daily manna).

So I closed my book, put down my pen, and told myself to get the right mind-set.
***I told myself that with God all things are possible.
***I told myself to start walking by faith and not by what I see and feel .
***I told myself to start calling things that are not as though they are according to God's promises (Romans 4:17).

My questions for you:
Do you know where you are going?
Which of God's promises do you recall when the storms of this life come upon you?

Andrew Ryan's Big Day

One sweet chapter closed today, and another opened.

The last 4 1/2 years have been more than I could have ever hoped for, but the next chapter holds treasures too!
My baby started Pre-School today. He will be going to Levelland Christian School MWF mornings from 8:30-11:30.
I thought I would cry today, but I was so full of joy I didn't even get misty-eyed.

I KNOW that God has anointed Drew's life. God has good plans for Drew, plans that are filled with a future and hope (and Drew always adds in "big Bobcat muscles" when I tell him about God's promise =). I just couldn't help but dream a little today what those plans might be. Glimmer from the gifts God has given Drew have started showing already, and I tell you I was so full of hope today it just had to be pouring out of my ears.

The boys morning started around 7...they enjoyed a little "wake-up" time in Daddy's chair watching the Cars.
Kade wakes up ready to eat, but Drew has to have at least 30 minutes !

Then we ate breakfast on a table filled with green balloons. Drew was so excited about the green buttermilk biscuits I made (we used Nonni's secret recipe=). He knows when he eats off his "special" plate we are celebrating something special.

Charla's mom, Laura, made this plate for Drew when he turned one. Isn't it awesome?!!?
Drew loves it...I need to order a plate for Kade (I am making myself a note to call her!)

Maybe she can make one with lots of red trucks and horses on it =)

Kade and I prayed over Drew this morning before we dressed for the "special day"!!!

"Cheese"

So grown-up!!!

Drew and Me on his first day of school!!!

Circle time with Ms. Sonya.

Clappin' hands with Ms. Sonya and Ms. Sharla!
Daddy and Drew

I thought to myself, "He really looks like he's is listening." Hmm???

Drew found his name right away and put his John Deere backpack up. Or course, Kade took cue from Drew and put his red backpack up too!

After we dropped off Drew, Kade and I headed back to the car.

He said, "Bubba's seat?"

I said, "You want to sit in Drew's car seat?"

Kade: "Yea."

I was expecting Kade to shed a few tears for his big brother, you know the little bubba leaving big bubba scenario. Maybe that is why he wanted to sit in Drew's seat...just missing his big brother???!!!????

I said, "Drew is at school, Kaders."

Kade yelled, "Hip, Hip Hooray. Woohoo!!!"

Ha!!!
He wasn't as broken-up about it as I thought he'd be!!!

Kade and I went to pick Drew up at 11:30, after we had some "Mama and Kade" time.

We picked up McDonald's (another special treat for Drew) and headed home.

Thank you Lord for the privileges you have allowed us to enjoy today. Thank you for the freedom you have given us in Jesus Christ, and for the freedom we have living in this country. I am so thankful for Levelland Christian School, Ms. Sonya, Ms. Sharla, and for the treasures you have given me in Drew and Kade. I know there is no higher ministry in this world than to raise two of your children. I don't deserve the gift you have given me in them, but I cherish it. Help me Lord to use each and every minute I have with Drew and Kade to train them up in the way that they should go. Help me to encourage the gifts you have bestowed upon them. Fill me with your Spirit and renew my mind, so I can help them EXPERIENCE YOU!!! Give me the wisdom to fill them with your Word, your Love, and Your Truth. It is all for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Wordless Wednesday...almost =)

Kade's new boots...of course, they had to have red tops!

He hasn't taken them off since we bought them this morning!

Refreshed

Last Wednesday I met Charla, my SIL, in Lubbock for lunch at On The Border. Lunch was great, and she took the boys back to Childress with her so Ronnie and I could get some work done and get a little R&R!!!

The first thing I did as a child-free Mama was get my first EVER pedicure.

The first few minutes I felt really guilty about being there and really embarrassed about my feet

(YUCK is an understatement =).

After 5 minutes in the massage chair with my feet soaking in bubbles, the guilt was soon replaced with pure delight!!!

Oh it was wonderful!

Then I finished cleaning out/organizing my office (a.k.a junk room). I should have taken before and after pictures, but trust me when I tell you it looks amazing. The room has actually become functional again.

Thursday I cleaned out my closet and filled 5 black trash sacks with clothes for the garage sale I am having this weekend. When Ronnie got home from work we loaded up in the truck and took the boat to Lake Allen Henry for some "night" fishing. I have to admit, at first I only agreed to go fishing out of obligation. Ronnie and I planned on doing something romantic with the kids away; fishing was just not the first thing that came to my mind.

Ha!!! =)

But, I know a good marriage sometimes requires sacrifice. So I packed this book,

my book light, a pillow, and my smile and we set out to catch some croppe!!!

Watching the sunset on the lake with my hubby was amazing. I thought it couldn't get any better until the full moon came out and the frogs started singing...I even reeled in 2 croppe all by myself. It was so peaceful fishing on the lake under the stars with the cool breeze hitting our faces. VERY ROMANTIC!!! =)

I read; I snoozed...WE TALKED!!!

I didn't even mind getting home at 3:30 in the morning!!!

Friday morning we slept in and met my little brother, Chad, in Lubbock for lunch. He was in town for a Willie Nelson concert. It was great catching-up.

Saturday I cleaned out Kader's closet and cried the whole time. I took out all of his baby shirts (you know the ones that snap at the bottom) because my big boy is potty-trained. I would love to have another one if I could just order a baby and cut the exhaustion. My boys are just growing-up too fast. I wish I could freeze time =(

I also painted the frame on this picture. Nonni had this painting in her basement, and I fell in love with the flowers!!!

Red is my favorite color!!!

She let me bring it home after Christmas. Ronnie's paternal grandmother, June, painted it years ago, but the frame was gold. I think the black really looks good (it is a muted black...the camera makes it look shiny) especially in my bedroom with the brown walls.

Sunday, Ronnie went to Childress to get the boys, and I watched church on TV. Then, I finished my book and prepared for all my friends to come over. We played bunco and laughed and laughed and laughed. Did I mention we laughed???

Eating all the good food!!!

Tamara and Stacy...they look like they could be sisters!!!

Playing Bunco!!!

(Left to Right: Misty, Mandi, Tamara, Jennifer, Nicki, Chelsea, Shannon, Stacy, and Baby Mikah)

Ronnie and the boys came home yesterday afternoon after I ran errands and went to the grocery store by MYSELF. (sigh)

It was great!!!

I am so thankful to Nonni, Paw-Paw, and Charla for giving me a break. I am so blessed to have family that is willing to sacrifice their time and energy to love on my boys and help me out!!!

I can't tell you how good it feels to be rested and "caught-up"!!!

The words, thank you, just don't seem enough!!!!

I love you!!!

Biggest Loser Challenge

Today is the final day!!! Woohoo!!!

I've lost a total of 8 pounds in 12 weeks; but more importantly than that, God has given me my own personal revelation on "staying healthy" and keeping weight off. It took me 11 weeks to figure it out, but it is the true prize for me!!!

I need all of you to email me at mommy10_19_04@yahoo.com and give me your starting weight and weight loss. The "biggest loser" will receive a $50 gift card to the store of her choice!!!

You have until Wednesday to email me your results!!!

Also for those of you who stayed "with it", do not forget to leave me your address, so I can send you a "brag book".

Thanks to all of you for playing!!!

Ask A Way Wednesday - Paige's Week

My friend Paige had a FABULOUS idea for Ask A Way Wednesdays. She suggested that I post a verse and share with you some of the insight God has given me about that particular verse. Then she suggested we open up the post for YOUR COMMENTS on the verse.

So this week: John 15 NIV

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener...Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing...If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

The KJV uses the word "ABIDE" instead of "remain". The word "abide" in Greek is meno; it means to stay, remain, live, dwell, a state that begins and continues yet may not end. Abide, remain, live, and dwell are verbs. These words represent an action; however, the action described is actually to hang on, to stay put, to not be moved, and my favorite, to cling. "Staying" and "clinging" are not ideals that are encouraged in our "go, go, go" and "do, do, do" society.

I was watching a Joyce Meyer video yesterday and she had a picture of a branch that was broken off the vine. Branches brake for a lot of reasons, but in West Texas (where 40 mph winds are considered a breeze) branches usually break because of the wind. The "wind" of my life usually revolves around my "busyness". The enemy loves to get us blowing here and blowing there because we become weak. The enemy is so clever because usually we are "busy" doing good things...but even the wind from "good" activities weakens us; they keep us too busy to abide, cling, and hold fast to Our Sustainer.

The branch that was broken off in Joyce's video was withering...the leaves where dying and the fruit was rotting. It could do nothing apart from the vine. You know sometimes when you pick a flower you will try to give it "artificial" life support and put it in a vase. It might "live" for a little while, but there is never more "blooms" produced. Eventually the petals fall off, the leaves wither and it dies BECAUSE there is no substitution for the TRUE VINE. There is no water source like the LIVING WATER. Why do we do that as Christians? We know God...we know He is the WAY, but we think a better job, a bigger house, or our own works will help us "bloom"!!!

I think we all "break-away" from the true Vine. I know I have done it many times...usually because I am so "busy" doing good works for Him. I got so busy doing for HIM this past spring...I forgot HIM. I forgot the most important commandment; I forgot to LOVE HIM with all my heart, my mind, and my soul. I knew I wasn't connected to the TRUE VINE because I was tired, frustrated, and stressed. I WAS WITHERING AROUND ALL THE EDGES...I WAS BEARING NONE OF THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.

God wants us on the vine so HE can love on us, fill us(Eph. 3 says God wants to fill us to the brim until we are overflowing), AND THEN through us HE produces fruit. After all, it was His son that was cut so we could be grafted into His Kingdom. It is my opinion this is why Christians today are so tired and frustrated. We are preaching, serving, and going for God's Kingdom, but we are not connected to the VINE. We are trying produce fruit that cannot be produced by HUMAN hands. Zech. 4:6 says, "...Not by might, nor by power, BUT BY MY SPIRIT."

So my question to you today is...

How do we abide?

How do you abide?

What action is required so we can remain connected to the TRUE VINE?

I can't wait to read your comments!!!

Biggest Loser Finale - Not Really

Okay, so I went back and looked at the start date of our "challenge", and this is the end of week 11 (beginning of week 12)! Ha!

So, let's put in one more week and report back with final results next Monday!!!