tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56906166293877868512024-03-05T14:33:18.823-08:00Joy UnspeakableA snapshot into our life. Where God has taken us, what He is showing us, excited about where He is leading us.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-33522303147698919612014-02-04T06:38:00.001-08:002014-02-04T06:38:22.733-08:00Hopeful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwrWck_HOZHHMQLDPDP0RUkVV2co7a1Fpc-12YZOsv14tdIgmAad-dfrh5e7Rc6iHuUOZvaQ8Ssl0rT6CS_tx6A45OI8CQKFrk3Ax_EL_trjh2EEFMVzwcREr8dp_As7mVFfBPf54shI/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwrWck_HOZHHMQLDPDP0RUkVV2co7a1Fpc-12YZOsv14tdIgmAad-dfrh5e7Rc6iHuUOZvaQ8Ssl0rT6CS_tx6A45OI8CQKFrk3Ax_EL_trjh2EEFMVzwcREr8dp_As7mVFfBPf54shI/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" /></a></div>
As I look at this picture of my daughter and I, I am reminded of God's grace in my life. I see joy when I look at this picture. I see light and legacy. I am so thankful to be a mother. Partly because I have one of the greatest mothers to look up to. Her character is sought after and hard to find in this world that we live in today. Meek, kind, selfless. She has these qualities and so many more.
Today, is National Cancer Awareness Day. As much as I want to bring awareness to this disease and help people realize that it's real and it happens, I also want you to know that we can just be still. We can know that God has everything planned and has a purpose for everything. Even in the darkest suffering sides of cancer. We need only be still.
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Romans 12:12 says Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer. In the midst of this tribulation of Cancer (Which it is! It is pure tribulation! It WRECKS your world!) I can rejoice because whatever the outcome I know I will spend eternity dancing and worshiping my savior alongside of my mom. (which is a pretty cool thing to imagine because I have never seen her dance, but I know she will in heaven!) He has given me this awesome thing called prayer where I can constantly go before his throne and lay all of my burdens down. I can cry and yell and tell him how horrible this disease is! I can ask him for strength, I can ask him to heal her and give me more time with her. I am really not sure how you get through this life without a hope and assurance like that. I started trucking along on my journey of rediscovering who God is making me to be 15 days ago. A journey of becoming a healthier woman. A journey of showing my kids that life is hard, but you have to keep trying to push through the hard parts of life even though it seems like there is no point sometimes. There is so much more life to live when you are pouring out into others and making their lives better. Take time to pray today for those who are fighting. For those who have lost a loved one to this disease, I pray that you would be comforted by the ultimate comforter today. For the ones that are watching someone suffer and you are walking beside them, be still and know that He is able. If you are in the trenches and fighting this battle, I pray that you would find a strength that is beyond this world's comprehension and that you know He has you in the palm of his hands. Peace and God's grace to you. ~Joelle
Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-10447943212453643692014-01-23T19:24:00.002-08:002014-01-23T19:24:23.323-08:00Shane's Article: It's easy to hate from afar.....It’s easy to hate from afar, and it’s so common for us as human beings to be critical and closed off to what we do not know, what we haven’t experienced, and things we haven’t entered into. As a leader, I have the frequent privilege to serve and influence on several different platforms. I have learned, and I am certainly still in the process of learning how to value and appreciate those things I do not ‘know’. The older I get the more I realize how guilty I have been through the years of ‘hating from afar’ and being critically judgmental of what I do not know. As a part of development as a leader I constantly try to put myself around new people, into new environments and trying, as much as possible; to take on new challenges. This has an amazing way of broadening our perspective, and it certainly reinforces the truth that life is about relationships – and the quality of a person’s relationships is the determining factor in the quality of their leadership.
I wanted to take a few minutes to share one of those recent challenges, joining CrossFit. Growing up I was a wrestler, in college I got into strength training and more recently I dabbled in high-intensity strength training. I remember vividly a few years back speaking negatively of CrossFit based on articles I had read, people who did it, and the primary fact being, I was ‘far’ from it. So, through a series of events I challenged myself to enter in, hesitantly, I signed up for one month of CrossFit. I stepped into this new environment, an environment outside my element, and one that, quite frankly intimidated me. I’ve met new people, people outside of my normal sphere of influence, people who were, as it seemed, very different from me.
Very quickly my reluctant, hesitant perspective was transformed into excitement and anticipation of the possibilities of what could be. Yet, the most infectious component of my change in perspective was the dynamic community of people. Despite these great things, I also knew from past experience that the ‘honeymoon effect’ would eventually wear off……right? Well, I’m approaching my 1 year mark and I’m all in, but why? There are a lot of reasons, but 2 things in particular jump out at me, and both reasons are wrapped around the leaders, the owners….the coaches. The first is the deep appreciation and respect our coaches have for the robust community of health and fitness and the second is the environment they create, an environment of continuous learning, growth and development.
A Deep Appreciation for the Robust Community of Health & Fitness
The aim of CrossFit is to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness. It optimizes fitness through constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity. So by nature CrossFit is going to span across many training regimens and will attract all types of athletes. Therefore by its very design it embraces or ‘enters into’ just about every kind of quality fitness program…and the foundation of everything is proper nutrition. All of this combined is where a true sense of appreciation derives from and is propounded upon every day. In my first year I have been privy to a running clinic, Yoga instruction, nutrition seminars, Olympic lifting training, classes focus specifically on mobility, counsel from certified chiropractors, leadership development breakouts and several community outreach events collaborating around health, fitness and caring for people. The CrossFit leaders I know spend the bulk of their time finding ways to create a synergistic community in order to promote personal wellness not trying to tear down other workout routines in an effort to claim superiority. That’s what great leaders do!
An Environment of Continuous Learning, Growth & Development.
Great leaders are who they say they are. Vulnerability and humility are hallmarks of authentic leaders and they always manage to create a positive, attractive energy. What has been astounding to me as much as anything is how humble the leadership team is. Humility is the most attractive quality in human beings. Humility is best displayed when people, especially leaders take the role of student or learner. These coaches are constantly surveying and studying the fitness world, networking with specialists locally and abroad in specific areas (Olympic Lifting, Yoga, Running, etc.) and of course, CrossFit itself is constantly offering regional training seminars to enhance the quality of their brand and the knowledge of their coaches. It’s impressive! I actually read something recently where someone said the problem with CrossFit is that trainers are certified in a weekend and then given the power to run classes. That’s certainly one perspective and one that I have not been able to solidify anywhere I’ve been. The culture of CrossFit is to always be learning, growing, developing – this is what keeps a person sharp and energized about what they do.
As I close in on the completion of my first year I have constantly listened to outsiders speak of the safety of CrossFit. I have really grown to appreciate those who show concern here and mean well by speaking of poor technique, lack of oversight, or pushing people beyond their capabilities. They are correct, when you go this hard and push your body to this level of intensity these are legitimate concerns for sure. I have been injury free through my first year and almost everything I learned through this year was new to me. I thought to myself, maybe I just have great coaches where I attend, certainly that is true, but I have found ingrained into the culture of CrossFit something else equally as powerful. Safety. Technique is paramount and performing particularly skilled lifts is especially overseen. New members, regardless of their fitness background receive a three hour introduction class and are offered modified workouts every single day while they learn the more advanced movements or movements that could, if done improperly, cause injury. This notion of ‘going to hard’ or ‘going beyond what your body can handle’ or ‘being pushed too hard’ – I cannot speak generally or for anyone on this. For me, as I think about my life it’s in the midst of these types of settings that I grow the most, that I push aside obstacles and overcome my prior failures. This challenging environment is absolutely necessary for me, and is most of the reason why I get up at 5am and feel awesome taking on the day ahead. I don’t think I’m alone here but I’m pretty sure I couldn’t imagine working out any other way, I’m also certain I wouldn’t have made the strength/speed/mobility/conditioning gains I’ve made either. Are there CrossFit gyms out there that fail the safety test? Absolutely. Are there CrossFit gyms led by weak leaders? Absolutely. Are there videos of members or groups of members using poor technique? Absolutely. Don’t go to these gyms! When you’ve grown as fast as CrossFit has, and established over 7,000 gyms, there will undoubtedly be ‘bad apples’ – the good news is, you don’t have to settle for that. Those few gyms do not represent CrossFit, unless of course YOU want them to represent CrossFit. Remember, it’s easy to hate from afar. If we want to, we can view CrossFit in light of its weak points (‘those gyms’) or we could turn on ESPN, the ‘World Wide Leader in Sports’ and enjoy the fittest athletes on earth.
I didn’t intend to write this to persuade people’s perspective about CrossFit but as you can see experience plays such a profound part in how you see the world around you. We’re all influence by things every day, primarily we’re changed most by the relationships we’re engaged in. Life is all about relationships. I used CrossFit because I was guilty initially before I joined it of criticizing it and I found myself guilty again of seeing it as superior to something else. I realized this when I actually got emotionally high-jacked from reading an article that deeply criticized CrossFit. I immediately started to think in my mind of ways to defend, to strike back, to return the ‘blow’. But thankfully, I quickly caught myself and remembered how easy it is to hate from afar. I realized people will see what they want to see and not only that I needed to find it within me to seek to understand the position others are coming from. In most cases, there is something there to value and appreciate; there is usually always something there to learn from. The best leaders are the best learners; they admit humbly that they don’t know everything. As a matter of fact they admit that there’s a lot they do not know, even in their area of expertise. I want to strive to lead this way, to influence others this way. I am by nature a critical person so I need to be internally optimistic and the best way to exude that is to be a servant leader who is aggressively learning and seeking to understand the best ways to grow the relationships around me.
~Shane
Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-25448583647712217342014-01-20T04:31:00.000-08:002014-01-20T11:55:18.389-08:00Day 1: ClingingDay 1-Clinging to this promise:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Today marks my highest weight ever. Don't know how it got out of control so fast. I guess it was the the holiday parties and getting used to eating out. Going to Starbucks to get my favorite coffee whenever I felt the need quickly became the norm and my body and healthy eating habits became a memory. In the winter, you can hide a lot under your layers of clothes. You talk yourself into whatever you want with the same darn excuses day after day. I was still working out, but I was telling myself that I was doing enough to eat how I wanted, but it just didn't work.
So, today I started a new journey in so many ways. One that will push me to the limits and test my courage and strength. I will see my mom endure treatment for the ravenous disease called cancer. Radiation. I say endure because I just can't think about her having to go through anything so harsh. She shouldn't have to do this. I will ask my Savior to help me be strong for her. She is the strongest yet most gentle woman I have ever known.
I will eat better and use my knowledge of nutrition to try and fight it in my own life. I'm not doing this to look good anymore. I'm not staying fit for "bikini season." I need to fight for my life and my families life. My goal in this is to build others up and encourage them as they find their way to a healthier life. This is day 1. Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-8937004828467322442013-03-25T15:01:00.002-07:002013-03-25T15:01:24.804-07:00Thoughts from a scatterbrained MomATTENTION: Please do not read this if you are a grammatical genius and base my intelligence on my grammar skills. I will tell you right now you will find numerous flaws. :)
Blogging, journaling, jotting down crazy thoughts that run through my brain on a daily basis is good for this scatterbrained mommy. It gets my perspective right and keeps me focused. Lately, I have really been wanting to get back into this because I know the people that really care will read and pray for me accordingly. It is also a way that I get my feelings out and on paper so to speak and maybe help others realize that life is not perfect. Life is full of joy at times and sometimes there is going to be pain. Although one might look like they have it all together the answer is.... they just don't! No one does! You can't will yourself to have it all together. I don't care how many quotes from Ghandi about being centered and being positive you post sometimes it is just not going to happen. Cancer happens, death happens, disabilities happen. We live in a fallen world and we are broken people. If we were left there in that brokenness though it would be a sad and depressing world. We aren't left there! Praise God! We don't have to question God. When I do find myself crying out to him and asking the Holy Spirit always points me back to the hope that I have in Christ. I have a hope that will not fade. When Cancer or the suffering comes and I know it will I know that Christ has conquered it all for me and I can live out of that hope. I don't have to be in despair that my child is slower than the average 8 year old or that he will need special help with the simplest of tasks. No, I can have hope that that before the foundations of the world he knew my Caleb and knew I would be his mommy. He knew I would be patient and "just right" for him. :) So when the questions come about why did you put him on medication or why this or why that? I know that I can have confidence that I am doing what is best for Caleb and God has given Shane and I authority to act in his best interest. Just an FYI....It's annoying when people think they are giving helpful advice and ends up being very hurtful...if you have never had a child that is suffering from ADHD, ADD or on any form of Autism spectrum I don't need to know what you "think" about the medication aspect. Praying and listening is the best form of advice anyone can give.
I will praise you, O lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1&2 Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-85256437294052400172011-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-16T10:22:47.095-08:00Perfection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQVDTE-6_u5GgRPM6I4I8eyMXwG5WfFQ3SuAV0_7Dtry24HAUznLsqmoR9P9pjLBYGmf27kkvUesirM8Boy93qh0h9USox0gVWcPGBjzgANZyR2SvARHRnQzxTLms-hygH3_7ZHx6Fr8/s1600/joelle.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQVDTE-6_u5GgRPM6I4I8eyMXwG5WfFQ3SuAV0_7Dtry24HAUznLsqmoR9P9pjLBYGmf27kkvUesirM8Boy93qh0h9USox0gVWcPGBjzgANZyR2SvARHRnQzxTLms-hygH3_7ZHx6Fr8/s200/joelle.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562850313563361010" /></a><br />Even as a 5 year old I wanted to be perfect. I can vividly remember sitting on the schoolbus and thinking to myself "I'm going to be really good today...I want to be perfect...I dont want to be bad." I wish I could sit down next to that curly haired-crazy girl put my arm around her and whisper in her ear..."Oh but you are. You're are His princess..his prized possesion <strong>because</strong> of His son Jesus."<br /><br />But even today I am still competing with those thoughts of perfection. "if I go to church today will he love me more?" "if I teach this study I am far better off than that person" "I read my bible today I can check that box off." Those thoughts are so common yet so wrong. It is is not far fetched to say that we are all built this way..."If I do this I can get this"..."If I walk down this aisle and write my name on a card I can receive my get out of hell free card" I grew up with this way of thinking. I am so thankful for the church I grew up in. I love the fact that I learned the name <em><strong>Jesus</strong></em> from that church. I took away beautiful friendships from that church, but what I didn't take away from that church is that I couldn't earn my salvation.<br />As a 32 year old woman looking back on my life so far I wouldn't change a thing because it is my story. God's sovereign plan for me. His plan for me continues... The first thing revealed to me was that the ten commandments were not just a bunch of rules that YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW... He lived the life we couldnt live, died the death we should have died, and arose defeating death so that when the Father looks at us He sees perfection! I'm perfect in Christ and declared righteous because of His work on the cross. Romans 3:21-30. That makes me take a deep breath and let out a BIG sigh of relief. It isn't about me...never was. As humans it is so hard for us to let go of the mindset of working and giving God a big list of things we did on the day we stand before him. Matthew 7:22<br />When we live in accordance to His will we will in fact do those things and not even know it. Matthew 25:35. <br />Does this mean we are sinless once we understand the fullness of what Christ did for us? No! Does this mean that we can just sin because God will always see us as perfect and forgive us? Paul says may it never be! The ten commandments-the law of God reveals our sin and shows us our need for a savior. It magnifies the life of Christ and our need for relationship with Him. <br />Romans 7:7-25 We still live in the flesh, but come to God confessing/realizing the depth and darkness of our sin in turn asking God to mortify that sin. This is called repentance. Turning away from our sin and looking to Christ for strength to overcome it. <br />More good news...therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. <br />Paul goes on to say while here on planet earth we will always be confronted with our sinful nature-God promises here that we can overcome our sinful nature because of the spirit of Christ in us! How awesome is that?? So I can say with confidence to that 5 year old little girl on the schoolbus... yes, there are going to be some bumps in the road and some heartache. You will not make wise decisions, but always remember that you are constantly being perfected in <strong>Him</strong>. You are his treasure.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-6467999022857388682010-11-30T17:49:00.001-08:002010-11-30T18:25:23.901-08:00Maple Syrup Kisses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGZB5-iap9mrsb3jua-XotnJMbe2icHHPgAex61aoObGE4BO6Z1D9txY0jpNaDj8IKBdIvj2ipPDV4CDqaMFUTKAI0Qhkrpq5hSl_6Ie5qOfNs6XATyA4qxgW7fkSaiR_Qf3w1k2o7cQ/s1600/caleb.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGZB5-iap9mrsb3jua-XotnJMbe2icHHPgAex61aoObGE4BO6Z1D9txY0jpNaDj8IKBdIvj2ipPDV4CDqaMFUTKAI0Qhkrpq5hSl_6Ie5qOfNs6XATyA4qxgW7fkSaiR_Qf3w1k2o7cQ/s200/caleb.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545526105041134338" /></a><br />As my 6 year old, Caleb, swung his arms around me this morning and planted a giant maple syrup kiss on my cheek I was quickly reminded that I am blessed right where I am. <br />When I was 20 and three months into my beautiful new marriage I found out that I wouldn't be having drinks on my 21st Birthday like all my other friends. Instead, my hunky new husband and I would be indeed picking out names for the arrival of my firstborn. While all of my friends were off at college I remember thinking OK this is it. This is what I have waited my whole life for. Not to get a degree in fill in the blank....No, I was going to become a mommy. As a little girl I could never decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. These were the choices I would make on career day...Nurse and Teacher. As I think back to those days it brings me so much JOY to know that God was designing me to be the VERY thing He created me for...Mother. I get grumpy sometimes (a lot) and get in the ruts of life where I just want to complain about everything. But today when Caleb put his arms around me and I smelled the aroma of the maple syrup it made me giggle and smile. No, I do not have a college degree and I am not the most eloquent writer or speaker, but I am very thankful that my God would love me so much to give me a husband who takes care of me and guides me in the Truth; that He loves me and gives me these three blessings to teach and be a nurse to everyday. Treasuring these special moments and tucking them away to bring out on a rainy day.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-76111130916571352192010-11-19T05:03:00.000-08:002010-11-19T06:06:21.821-08:00A Pilgrims Journey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUTiC-qkDzZYTGznWSkawxawvJld2E37ds1QYsRAZXUCVGSeY5dgStAJ_VQGvAxUl5JSqy-R91piQa_CLwQlo3TQo-3z8kJwoHxus61WLHB3LCXHOSL2EkRvpEhYGN-hN7HAmxbloT3k/s1600/embarkation_pilgrims.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUTiC-qkDzZYTGznWSkawxawvJld2E37ds1QYsRAZXUCVGSeY5dgStAJ_VQGvAxUl5JSqy-R91piQa_CLwQlo3TQo-3z8kJwoHxus61WLHB3LCXHOSL2EkRvpEhYGN-hN7HAmxbloT3k/s200/embarkation_pilgrims.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541255130776788914" /></a><br />Every year during the thanksgiving season I am amazed and in awe of the Pilgrims and their journey to the New World. It was hard, rough and there was great loss. I often wonder if I would have been on that boat if I had been born in the 1600's. Their vision was clear and distinct. They wanted to be able to carry out the first commandment with freedom. To love their God with their whole heart. Being told when and where to do so just wasn't working for them. I hope I would be so bold. <br />As I was teaching the kids this week about their journey I asked them to draw what they would have taken on the boat. They drew things such as their doggies, water, blankets, pillows. As I looked at their drawing it really didn't dawn on me till later that they left one key item off of their drawings. The Bible. It made me realize our depravity and that we missed the point on the lesson of the Pilgrims. I can't blame the kids or even get mad at them for forgetting the Bible. They learn by example so somewhere I have fallen short, but God is good and gracious and is constantly TEACHING Shane and I. Do I treasure the Word of God like my life depended on it? I need to remind them (and me) that it is not just a book of rules that a mean and high pompous being created to make us mad. It is LIFE. And in it are the treasures and jewels of breathing in this life. I need to be on my knees asking the Lord to show me the way to teach my children the necessity of scripture. In this day and age it is very hard to disconnect from the distractions of life. Computers, Wii's, ipods, etc, but I am learning that in each era there was some type of distraction it is just going to get harder and harder to keep the eye on the prize. How do we as parents today do this? I know two things are key. I just need help reminding myself to put it into practice...Prayer and the Word. As John Piper says "the breath of the Christians life is prayer without it we will suffocate." I am going to be asking the Lord to help me and my family be pilgrims. To be able to stand up for what we believe and always seek the Cross for refuge and strength. <br />Praise God the pilgrims had focus. They also had the Holy spirit guiding them and they trusted the Word of God. Pilgrims were not perfect by any means, but they had great determination because they were constantly seeking His righteousness and knew they could not live under such a rule any longer. So, when I reteach the story of the Pilgrims and Indians today it is not going to be about a "happy peaceful feast." I will be teaching that their was sorrow, pain, and loss, but they trusted God remembered why they left England in the first place.<br />The word of God, prayer, and the spirit kept their eye on the prize as it should us today. I pray that you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving and that you will be amazed by our High and Holy King who loves us and adores us because of Christ! This is the greatest gift to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Be blessed!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-78757873158236978022010-10-17T18:40:00.000-07:002010-10-21T20:12:21.648-07:00Great is Thy FaithfulnessMusic does something to the soul...for me music is healing. It transports me most times back to a time that was precious in my life. I remember as a little girl loving to sing and perform. I can remember my dad taking me down to the local christian book store and let me pick out a new Kids Praise cassette tape and usually some stickers. I would be SO excited to rip the wrapper off of the cassette and put it into the tape player. I would listen to it over and over again to learn all the words. I am sure I drove my sister bonkers since she had to share a room with the soloist. :) Those times were so special and I will treasure them forever. <br /><br />Growing up in the church I have heard the song Great is Thy Faithfulness quite a bit. We sing these hymns every week with almost no thought into what we are actually singing. These musical giants wrote some really powerful lyrics,but I have to admit I have been one of the ones in church wondering why we still sing these mundane and boring songs. I was so wrong! I will never be able to sing the words to this great song Great is Thy Faithfulness again without a truly thankful heart and adoration for my Savior. As I read and sang the words to this beautiful hymn on Sunday morning, every line meant so much more to me than it usually does; as if I was singing it for the first time. He has been so faithful in my life. Even in the darkest of hours, he truly does keep His promises. I know my blogs lately have been somewhat repetitive, but the Lord must know that I, like the sheep he refers to in scripture, need the constant reminder that He is faithful and He will not forsake me not matter how deep the valley gets. In the world we live in we can get caught up in the heaviness of it all forget so easily that He does have a purpose for the things we are going through. No matter how dark it gets....He is there in the midst of it all; shining His light and reminding us of His faithfulness. He was even with me when I was a little girl excited to get her praise tape and sing it at the top of my lungs with no care in the world. That just makes my heart smile.<br /><br />Here are the lyrics to this beautiful hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. I pray that you are touched by the words just as I was and that you would have a renewed zeal for worship of our King.<br /><br />Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; <br />There is no shadow of turning with Thee; <br />Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; <br />As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. <br /><br /><br />Great is Thy faithfulness! <br />Great is Thy faithfulness! <br />Morning by morning new mercies I see. <br />All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; <br />Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! <br /><br />Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, <br />Sun, moon and stars in their courses above <br />Join with all nature in manifold witness <br />To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. <br /><br />Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth <br />Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; <br />Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, <br />Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! <br /><br />Great is Thy faithfulness!<br />Great is Thy faithfulness!<br />Morning by morning new mercies I see. <br />All I have needed thy hand hath provided;<br />Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord, unto me!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-67026715971757052782010-10-10T20:10:00.001-07:002010-10-10T21:30:33.643-07:00In the blink of an eye....I wish that I had more time for this blogging thing. I so look forward to sitting down and journaling my thoughts and reflections about what the Holy Spirit is doing in and through our life. But with 3 kids that are all home schooled there is hardly time for that. Not that I am complaining because I have TRULY fell in love with homeschooling this year. The Lord has given me insight into my weakness' and really convicted me of my laziness in the area of organization. Don't get me wrong....I have a long way to go. I am a piler and I have a problem...I pile bills, books, junk, laundry. Whatever I can get my hands on I make into a pile. Not to mention this gets on Shane's last nerve. But I try to remind him that if I can find it in 10-15 minutes it is not disorder! :) All joking aside, I am so thankful that this year has gone a lot smoother than last year because of my preparedness and with lots and lots of PRAYER. <br /><br />My kids are growing up at such an alarming-rapid pace that I can hardly breath. Last week, Jax my oldest, I saw in a different light. Seeing him step into that leader role that I have been praying about is bittersweet. He gets up does his chores and starts on his schoolwork. I thought we would never get here. He is also getting more confident about sports. It is really encouraging to see him to be excited to go to baseball practice. Praying fervently that God would use his sweet spirit to do mighty things for the kingdom!<br />Noelle is still a tough cookie, but the Lord works quickly and swiftly on her heart. She is quick to ask for forgiveness and what a marvelous thing this is to witness. About a week ago she asked me if she could look into being a Disney Channel star. (If she isn't my child I don't know who's she is) I asked her how she could glorify the Lord by being on T.V. she responded with "I could tell the director to make it Christian show." Sometimes I wish I still lived in that childlike perspective of the world. Well, for now you wont see her on the Disney Channel, but what you might see in the future is..."NB's Fashion House" where her line of clothing will be sold. :) Praying that the Lord will use her to lead women to do great things for the kingdom.<br />On to Caleb Michael, my baby....When I think about Caleb I think of pure sweetness. He is my love. He amazes me everyday. Caleb has such a excitement for everything he does that it makes you want to join in and do it too. Whether it be doing the moonwalk across the tile floor or playing the same level on Mario Bro's for the umpteenth time. He loves school as well and is constantly telling me "mom I like your school." Over the summer, at VBS, I think that Christ came into his life. Since then he has loved prayer and his prayers are so rich and beautiful. I cannot wait to see what the Lord does in Caleb's life! He is going to do Awesome things for the our God. <br /><br />Life is certainly not easy for us. We are still chugging along in this crazy life. Most days we are just trying to keep our heads above the water. One piece of advice I have whether you do not have kids or you do... I ask you to pause and take the time sometimes to be thankful for the joys, hardship, and craziness of it all right where you are. The joys most of the time outweigh the all of the negatives. But in those times I am reminded that He is teaching me and molding me into the woman He wants me to be. <br /><br />Looking forward to the next time I get to sit and be still. Taking a breath and knowing that He is.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-15384304332180434932010-08-21T19:16:00.000-07:002010-08-26T14:19:42.004-07:00I Believe You're My PortionYou hold my every moment <br />You calm my raging seas<br />You walk with me through fire<br />And heal all my disease<br /><br />I believe You're my healer<br />I believe You are all I need<br />I believe<br /><br />And I believe you're my portion<br />I believe You're more than enough for me<br />Jesus You're all I need.<br /><br />These lyrics to Kari Jobe's song Healer have been running constantly in my head over the last couple of months. In June, we traveled up to PA. On the long journey I heard this song for the first time. As I listened to the words and heard the line- I believe you're my portion- I just fell apart. Because it was the first time I truly asked myself the question "Is Jesus enough?" If my biggest/darkest fear were to become a reality was I willing to say... "Jesus I know that this world is not my home and that right now YOU are enough--You are my portion." I was upset because I was afraid to say those words...But I sang them anyway reflecting and praying about the things that I hold too tightly to. My husband, my children, my parents,ect... <br />What was the Lord trying to teach me in this moment? Well, like a lot of the time in the busyness of life I forget about these teachable moldable moments. Months go on and here we are almost to the end of August. I was not aware that such darkness, sadness, and despair was right around the corner. He was preparing me to ask myself again, in a very real way, "am I your portion"? <br /><br />Having my life completely turned upside down - I mean everything I have ever known to be tightly knitted suddenly begins to unravel in front of my eyes. I can't imagine not being able to see or understand that there is a greater purpose, a perfect plan unfolding just as He has decided - without this knowledge I would have completley lost my way. Having the anchor of knowing the Truth, God's truth - has saved me, not figuratively-literally. Trusting in what He says in His word has set me free and been my stronghold in the midst of my weakest hours. Not Shane, not my children, they have been instruments that the Lord has used to keep my focus on my joy. There have been days where I just cry out and ask why, but the Holy Spirit quickly reminds me that its not about my tempory plan or fleating happiness - it's about His perfect will and the everlasting joy He supplies by His promises. <br /> <br />---I have felt the presence of the Lord more now in my suffering than in any other time of my life. <br />---I have seen His people serve and love,unselfishly-love, like Christ. <br />---I have relearned that the Gospel message HAS to be preached to myself everyday.<br />---I have witnessed Isaiah 40:28-31 to be true...<br />God does keep his promises. He has not forsaken me, He is always there to comfort me in my sadness.<br />Though this world is full of pain and sorrow and is totally unpredictable - My Jesus is enough and He promises to hold me together - I believe this to be true. I know I cannot do it. I believe He accomplished all things for me in Christ. He is all I need.<br /><br />If you are reading this and do not trust in the finished work of Christ and you feel alone and that you cannot do it....you're right - you can't, you never will. Christ did and He will NEVER leave you nor foresake you. He will always be there for you no matter what. He will be your portion as He has been mine if you belong to Him. BELIEVE THAT HE IS YOUR PORTION<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIEJ_PmqJ8Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-18342176148227797532010-06-03T07:49:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:36:55.393-07:00Family Ties<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElLos2UUDsaYDHqxVUMebJW_JWNcw5OZHQZEqjNN4XqhiqFobL7avhxP0HG6It1NxYj3rCi5Qkwa6nqyVCaew3FZD9J_LJc4Jf1dyVRY8g04Q2cPlkPtWzRzE5PAGyVOnHjkyhiqu7HQ/s1600/myrtle+beach+041.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElLos2UUDsaYDHqxVUMebJW_JWNcw5OZHQZEqjNN4XqhiqFobL7avhxP0HG6It1NxYj3rCi5Qkwa6nqyVCaew3FZD9J_LJc4Jf1dyVRY8g04Q2cPlkPtWzRzE5PAGyVOnHjkyhiqu7HQ/s320/myrtle+beach+041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478560561131352514" /></a><br />This past week we traveled up to Pennsylvania to celebate Shane's grandmothers 80th birthday. What a wonderful sight to see 100's of family members gather to honor this great woman. As she was driven to the top of the driveway about 30 of her great grandchildren held up letters that read <br />H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y. As she got out of the car you could see the tears welling up in her eyes. It was such a special moment. As the day progressed they played games of guess the grandchild, feed the baby(sons and daughters of Grace fed eachother baby food while sitting in a adult diaper and wrapped in a bib)blindfolded. The grandkids also presented her with a beautiful scrapbook. Inside you would find a picture of each grandchild with a note to her about how special she has been to them. What a gift! <br />As I looked around and saw the hundreds of cousins, aunts, uncles playing horseshoes, catching up while reclining in a chair under a beautiful tree, or the little kids playing on the swingset I was reminded of how important family is. From this one couple came hundreds of family members and legacy. Grace and Richard had 12children. They have formed this unique bond that you really do not see in today's culture and can't even begin descibe unless you are in the midst of it. I am so thankful that I was able to be there for that special day. Grace was honored and put up on the pedestul that she deserved to be on. <br />It also made me realize that even though I am apart of this earthly family I am apart of a greater and bigger family. One that will never end and one that I can pass on to my children and to their children. A legacy that is eternal. God is a God of family. He is my abba...my daddy. He has a love for me that exceeds any earthly love that I can think of or imagine. Praise God for family!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-9302324283649178852010-05-26T20:42:00.000-07:002010-05-26T21:18:18.860-07:00Phew...Glad that Day is Over With....Did you ever have one of those days that you wish just would have never happened? I am talking about the kind of day that even the slightest noise annoys you and makes you snap just like that? Well, that was today...I started out with such an accomplished morning. I swept, mopped, cleaned bathrooms, folded mounds and mounds of laundry, not exaggerating here, pack a little for the our upcoming trip, and managed to get a shower! If anyone would have observed me they would have put me in the running for mom of the year! But you know what happens when you thing YOU have it all together? BOOM! POW! KER PLUNK!! Everything goes wrong!! And I mean everything!!! I will not go into the lengthy details, but it was bad! <br /><br />This is why I am so thankful for Holy Spirit. He quickly shows me how blessed I am, reveals my iniquities, and reminds me of my hope in Christ. <br />As I scooped up a sleeping 6 year old Caleb in my arms to take to bed, I just paused there for a minute and embraced the peace that he gave me at that moment. This is who I am in my Fathers arms. When I have a bad day and feel like I have said all the wrong things to my children or was truly a bad example to them. Or for that matter anyone who came in contact with me that day. I can remember that as quickly as I repent He scoops me up into His arms and whispers peace and this promise into my ear. <br /><br />As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 <br /><br />I pray that I don't ever try to have it all together or give the appearance that I do because I can't and I never will in this life. But He promises me that I am being made into the likeness of Him and for that I am thankful. I have a hope even though I might forget for a time. Glory to His name Alone!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-2291012101322659262010-05-10T05:56:00.000-07:002010-05-10T06:35:42.604-07:00Others, Others, Others<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7WzTo47nxFbb7PVyvnLKCsiFbzU4-Uf6l4itQAk3q5REHvhPOF0EIVWZnPZZFUzAXa4Hlsyi45h6Rb-9OmWHAlZjpXs4m0KQ66Hd72spxNv6LGyIL2wNySZVqwWsb43N70o6X26Kb0o/s1600/softball+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7WzTo47nxFbb7PVyvnLKCsiFbzU4-Uf6l4itQAk3q5REHvhPOF0EIVWZnPZZFUzAXa4Hlsyi45h6Rb-9OmWHAlZjpXs4m0KQ66Hd72spxNv6LGyIL2wNySZVqwWsb43N70o6X26Kb0o/s320/softball+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469634279817002914" /></a><br /><br />Waking up this morning I felt rested, loved and adored. The Lord blessed our weekend with nice weather, family, and reflection. As I took Caleb to school my mood quickly turned to sadness. I tuned into a radio station that I do not often turn to and listened to the heartbreak of some moms who were hurting because of the hard mothers day that they had just experienced. One mother had recently gone through a divorce and the visit fell onto her ex-husbands weekend to have her 5 yr old. She said with tears in her voice, "he just wouldn't change the weekend with me, he is still very bitter." I sympathized with her and felt her pain. I cannot imagine being without my babies on Mothers Day. Hurt is all around us...Sadness....loneliness....the list can go on and on. Sometimes(most of the time) we get so caught up in our own life, that at the moment can be going great. We forget to look out, reach out and be that light that we are called to be. As I pulled into my driveway Miss Antoinette was walking her dog, an elderly neighbor that I chat with once in a while. She always comes up to me and comments on my home, children, or doggies. She asked me how my Mothers Day was and told her it was wonderful. She always cheers me up and makes me realize how blessed I am right where I am in my life right now. She ended the conversation with "getting old is for the birds." I giggled and told her to have a wonderful day...and she said "you too! you are always so sweet." The Lord really opened my eyes this morning and made me remember that this life is not all about me! Christ was always looking out for the needs of others. I need to smile more, love more and then love and smile some more. So, that others might see even a hint of Christ in me and that He would ultimately be glorified.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-55002176813888644202010-05-02T15:32:00.000-07:002010-05-02T16:16:07.630-07:00Along the way.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXyPvZgoek9ONqMDBIN5dQlj6H8LZWbFWHixzNrEPbIY7vSp_ZoR0Ab6yX4hCjUdV7sWeELvpxJYPAxbQeUdAaQUoLH220gSg78CmDRHOXpq8X6sIGaa7Vk3u0q_hLykQY2j1mscT9Hs/s1600/wedding-verses.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXyPvZgoek9ONqMDBIN5dQlj6H8LZWbFWHixzNrEPbIY7vSp_ZoR0Ab6yX4hCjUdV7sWeELvpxJYPAxbQeUdAaQUoLH220gSg78CmDRHOXpq8X6sIGaa7Vk3u0q_hLykQY2j1mscT9Hs/s320/wedding-verses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466814683654920818" /></a><br />This past weekend was very relaxing and reflective as Shane and I were able to get away for one night and travel to Georgia for a wedding. Saturday morning we woke up at 5 am at my parents house (who kept my children and puppy) to get on the road and make it there at a decent time to get ready for the festivities. As we drove we talked about homeschooling and the challenges of that particular subject for a while. We chatted about the children and the unique qualities that God has given each one. We got to our hotel in time to take a nice nap and enjoy some lunch before the wedding. <br />The ceremony was gorgeous with everything centered around Christ. There was beautiful worshipful music played and the scripture they the pastor referenced was John 14. It talks about how Christ went to prepare a place for us, his gorgeous bride. The pastor referenced back to Bible times where the soon to be husband would go to the father of the bride and put down a dowry for her, a payment. Then he would leave and go prepare a place by adding on a room for her and him to live. Days, weeks, maybe months would go by. If the bride-to be was nervous that he had forgotten about her all she had to do was to go and look at the payment and she then knew that he would be back to get her. It really made me realize what a wedding truly was and why He calls us His bride. We are His treasure because of what Christ has done on the cross. He went to prepare a place for us His beautiful blemish free bride and one day He is coming back for us. Along the way we may think that He has forgotten about us and months may turn into years-years may turn into decades-decades into centuries, but we only have to remember His payment and know that He will keep His promise.<br />The weekend is one I won't soon forget and I hope to revisit soon. Memories that I will hold in my heart forever.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-86843190024046995442010-04-12T11:52:00.000-07:002010-04-12T12:11:46.790-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS3eS-asRKCbs7AgJGyVaFkXyG7ShA4kDM01vrGSHmC70LMcaLh0x5vONFUpi80XOUbr076WeYLFGAwjnuDzDB8wPUMplxUfhY3ZTgOPs4quwZ5axkvPuAKW0JC5LHlAdp4ARbnKhNEQ/s1600/spring+2010+062.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS3eS-asRKCbs7AgJGyVaFkXyG7ShA4kDM01vrGSHmC70LMcaLh0x5vONFUpi80XOUbr076WeYLFGAwjnuDzDB8wPUMplxUfhY3ZTgOPs4quwZ5axkvPuAKW0JC5LHlAdp4ARbnKhNEQ/s320/spring+2010+062.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459330072325844482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdvdmjF6b0ezKqn-fDiskELPwbhR2Yvfu7V_A8mPY5vh-LEzSFw9x_Qkq54FM88RSsaFfc-10t1pdimdVb-9XZlHufOKYgtqLYoc3514hHprHejNJiYA8GlvKiXffqikc06SJw5Tn3Cw/s1600/pee+wee+montage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdvdmjF6b0ezKqn-fDiskELPwbhR2Yvfu7V_A8mPY5vh-LEzSFw9x_Qkq54FM88RSsaFfc-10t1pdimdVb-9XZlHufOKYgtqLYoc3514hHprHejNJiYA8GlvKiXffqikc06SJw5Tn3Cw/s320/pee+wee+montage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459326491465255538" /></a><br />Introducing...Pee Wee The latest addition to our family. He is fluffy, cuddly and oh so cute! The story behind Pee Wee is this....Noey and I occasionally google Yorkie images just to look at how cute they are. NEVER to actually purchase one. We were looking back in February at this one listing and came across the cutest one I had ever seen. So, I begged Shane to let me call the breeder to find out more info on this little guy. Now when I say I begged...I sent emails with pictures of Pee Wee captions saying "I need a mommy to nurture me" I left little notes about Pee Wee everywhere!! It was a conspiracy with me and the kids! Shane never had a chance. He eventually gave in and allowed us to email the breeder. The breeder and I chatted about the puppy having a common knee problem called Lateral Luxation. So, he didn't want to make us too excited about him because they just weren't sure about how "perfect" he would be. He mentioned that he would be willing to maybe let us adopt him because of his disability and the fact that he would need to be adopted by someone. We were thrilled! So, finally between months and months of emails with the breeder we finally received him. He flew first class( First class priority cargo that is) from Oklahoma on April 3 to become part of our family. He has been a good puppy so far. Just a couple of little accidents and things to adjust to. The best part is the vet tells us his knees look great and that he is perfect!!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-34456733068900109322010-04-05T07:25:00.001-07:002010-04-05T07:44:26.585-07:00Thankfullnes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVpV2sl2KhfmRpHASfcgD2y85kc7YWDiD5W-hUbmT66BpXZ1tLE3DNSHIi073uQ5FvjnhiyE_t_gCDRI8GXRb0hLQV_gkMllKvQW-msV0b39PzJDG2LbGhXVmgCQqZ8taiqyIudoL0cY/s1600/worship_cross.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVpV2sl2KhfmRpHASfcgD2y85kc7YWDiD5W-hUbmT66BpXZ1tLE3DNSHIi073uQ5FvjnhiyE_t_gCDRI8GXRb0hLQV_gkMllKvQW-msV0b39PzJDG2LbGhXVmgCQqZ8taiqyIudoL0cY/s320/worship_cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456659821363142674" /></a><br />As I awoke this morning I was in panic mode thinking about what the day had in store for me. My two oldest were going to take their year end evaluation test! I have been dreading these next three days for weeks! Did I teach them enough, did I pack in enough this year so they can go back to regular school next year, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Did I?? Did I??? Did I???</span> As they walked into their classrooms each with their own grade levels tears filled my eyes and a sense of peace came over me like a waterfall. "Joelle, even if you haven't done enough its ok. This is why we are doing this." No, that was not the Holy Spirit talking to me, but my sister in law Sherry. Although, It definitely was a God thing that Sherry rode with me this morning. She can always calm me down. I am so thankful for God's grace through family and friendship. He gives us these tiny glimpses of the Kingdom through the little things that overwhelm us in our day to day life. Homeschooling is a challenge for me because I often don't rely on Him for my strength and wisdom. I try to do it all myself and then end up a blubbering mess telling people how much I hate it on facebook. ~LOL~ The truth is I really loved it this year and I am so thankful that God has given me this season in my life to stay home with my kids and to be able to do this. God's grace is awesome! So, grateful to be covered in it.Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-32128372148465043772010-03-27T05:55:00.000-07:002010-03-27T06:28:55.774-07:00Gods grace is so amazing and wonderful! Last night was one of the most wonderful nights in a long time. Going through the in and outs of the daily grind and in my flesh forgetting all together the one who saved me; He wakes me from my stupor in the middle of the night to remind me who He is! It was around 2:30 am and I literally could not sleep. I kept thinking about my ailing grandfather and the fact that the Lord has not opened his eyes to the truth yet. I went straight to the couch and started at Romans 3:23. Remembering what He has done for me and realizing that Dandy NEEDS Christ more than anything right now. More than the pills that he must consume, more than the daily exercises that they make him do each morning, and yes even more than the nourishment of food. My God is a God of promise and family. So, my mission right now is to pray consistently for my grandfather. He saved the thief on the cross He can save Dandy! The words to J.J. Hellers song Your Hands rang in my head as I prayed this morning...<br /><br />I have unanswered prayers<br />I have trouble I wish wasn't there<br />And I have asked a thousand ways<br />that you would take my pain away<br />-you would take my pain away<br /><br />I am trying to understand<br />how to walk this weary land<br />Make straight the path that crooked lie<br />Oh Lord, before these feet of mine<br />-Oh Lord before these feet of mine<br /><br />When my world is shaking<br />Heaven stands<br />When my heart is breaking <br />I never leave your hands<br /><br />When you walked upon the earth<br />you healed the broken lost and hurt<br />I know you hate to see me cry<br />One day you will set all things right<br />-yea one day you will set all things right<br /><br />When my world is shaking<br />Heaven stands<br />When my heart is breaking<br />I never leave your hands<br />Your hands<br />Your hands that shaped the world<br />Are holding me <br />they hold me still<br />Your hands that shaped the world<br /><br />----That song reminds me that He is sovereign and even when things are unfathomable he is in control. He has Dandy in his hands. And that brings great comfort to me. <br />me. I am making it my mission to learn how to play this song on my guitar before this yr is over. :) <br /><br /><br />To learn more about JJ Heller go to <a href="http://jjheler.com"></a>Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690616629387786851.post-51811116784066919542010-03-19T13:57:00.000-07:002010-03-19T14:57:22.557-07:00Where God has taken us.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwdkxNag4Q6af58SIzXBF3E7SU3_j8zSfdmagX6Y_nErrRCuu3RnNKZ2rVKSmNuQE4IcPTKLgGyVgQQ4jjdakmsQA7T0YKuio8OfhKojOsCkCGeEbCWbAcVef_HFHw1UwhrcIGWv-st4/s1600-h/me+and+Shane.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwdkxNag4Q6af58SIzXBF3E7SU3_j8zSfdmagX6Y_nErrRCuu3RnNKZ2rVKSmNuQE4IcPTKLgGyVgQQ4jjdakmsQA7T0YKuio8OfhKojOsCkCGeEbCWbAcVef_HFHw1UwhrcIGWv-st4/s320/me+and+Shane.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450465850742855298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuxIiARy78xpnUEIpjaK7f3NZvUtHEafzABlW9vR299RggcXCF9PCAUbpDJr09p6dymMYd8I_eG_xfFuWTLTGaR6-BWM01ZA9i45yLw2D0Eum3rSqZzhY0YvSGxvfy2rnKVeKgbWm1ZY/s1600-h/baby+cabes.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuxIiARy78xpnUEIpjaK7f3NZvUtHEafzABlW9vR299RggcXCF9PCAUbpDJr09p6dymMYd8I_eG_xfFuWTLTGaR6-BWM01ZA9i45yLw2D0Eum3rSqZzhY0YvSGxvfy2rnKVeKgbWm1ZY/s320/baby+cabes.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450464781954738002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqMrI0gbX4IRchyphenhyphendiLOWM-LSvYPNMWAlTKLcZKoO2YvPn2hyphenhyphenrqfgSG-BNHLN1KHelBV4sC2tu_YXxFW09TxM4m2dwwxF7OLYf_eAx0-VwCICdWMO1WVtyn2lBn1Yz8hUNz0z5ndQMW5M/s1600-h/baby+noey+001.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqMrI0gbX4IRchyphenhyphendiLOWM-LSvYPNMWAlTKLcZKoO2YvPn2hyphenhyphenrqfgSG-BNHLN1KHelBV4sC2tu_YXxFW09TxM4m2dwwxF7OLYf_eAx0-VwCICdWMO1WVtyn2lBn1Yz8hUNz0z5ndQMW5M/s320/baby+noey+001.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450464778619495794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KtDDMChu3E5FXt3Hs9CLf2ha7OFSVI5HwqyAPh2DpzvRaCv5QAXBcsLuapgHEo4LIC03esjSc3P-xvOVLhI5OmOzvPSuukUv74MwRejtXBn43Vj-022SyKmOLiPBpFwgaaPe9iGQY6c/s1600-h/wedding+002.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KtDDMChu3E5FXt3Hs9CLf2ha7OFSVI5HwqyAPh2DpzvRaCv5QAXBcsLuapgHEo4LIC03esjSc3P-xvOVLhI5OmOzvPSuukUv74MwRejtXBn43Vj-022SyKmOLiPBpFwgaaPe9iGQY6c/s320/wedding+002.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450464769085254194" /></a><br />Life with Shane started when I first laid eyes on him in the 7th grade. The year was 1992. He was a little short kid with dark hair and beautiful eyes who always was causing mischief and making the teachers mad! I actually thought it was really cute, but I never told him that. Even though I really didn't have a crush on him I always had butterfly's when he was around. (Definitely looking back I know that was God tapping me on the shoulder saying "HELLO THAT'S THE ONE") Well, flash forward to the end of 10th grade and lo and behold I had a class with him and we made the connection! We have been together ever since. <br />Shane asked me to marry him when we were 19! And of course I said yes! We were both in college, but the thought of wedding planning and college was a little too much for me so I didn't sign up for fall classes. No, just kidding I really just knew in my heart that being a wife and mommy was all I ever wanted to be so the "college thing" had to be put on hold. The wedding planning went great and my parents gave me the wedding that I always dreamed of...we were married on July 31, 1999. <br />We settled into our new home and bought a puppynamed Chester because Shane was gone a lot taking classes at UCF and working. I was very lonely to say the least. But exactly 3 months after getting back from our honeymoon the Lord had a wonderful surprise for us! We found out that Jackson Allen was on his way. <br />Jackson arrived on July 21, 2000 and was a wonderful anniversary present to have. I remember leaving him with my mother in law and sister in law to go out for an anniversary dinner and I couldn't even finish my meal because I wanted to go check on him and make sure that everything was OK. <br />When Jax was 7 months old I found out that I was pregnant with Noelle Grace. I had no idea that I was pregnant and then finally being sick for a few days I got a pregnancy test and sure enough she was coming! That was the biggest shocker! I remember just laying on the bed and sobbing. Just feeling overwhelmed and emotional I heard the door bell ring and my sister in law had come over to tell me she was pregnant! That was a God send! My beautiful Noelle came along on December 5, 2001 and even though at times she can be very strong willed she has been such a joy to watch grow and nurture.<br />Caleb came along two yrs later on April 30, 2004. He is a sweet boy and was the best baby I could have asked for. The Lord showed his grace to me through Caleb. Having three children under 3 was tough, but we got through it depending on Him. Those first years of being newly married and young parents were very trying years, but now I would give anything even to go back for a moment and catch a glimpse of it. To hold them and smell that wonderful aroma of a newborn baby right after a bath, to chase after a toddler who has just learned how to walk, or to hear Jax call me "Joe" in his little baby voice. Older people used to tell me in the grocery store, when they would see how stressed I was, "those days don't last forever-enjoy them" , wow! Were they right on. I am so thankful for being able to be a mom and be there for my children. God has given me a wonderful responsibility. I pray I always treasure them and remember that He has given them to me for a specific purpose and that is to teach them all about him and to always point them back to the cross!Joellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625373079418074004noreply@blogger.com0