In Honor of Grandpa

A year has passed since Grandpa died. 

They say that time heals all wounds, but I disagree.  Time doesn't heal the loss of a loved one.

We still remember grandpa whenever we use ketchup or have leftovers.  He always wanted a fresh bottle of ketchup and hated leftovers. 

I haven't played checkers in a while either...he would be very disappointed in that fact. 

But he is in a better place.

So, here is to Grandpa - I miss you.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Proverbs 14

 There are so many great truths in today's chapter of Proverbs.  I won't go into great detail but will highlight some of my favorites of the day.

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2He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,
         But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

-isn't it neat how our outward actions reflect the level of our fear of the Lord. -

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15The naive believes everything,
         But the sensible man considers his steps.

- yep, i was naive not too long ago- but I've wised up and not only consider my steps but spend more time in prayer before taking a step.-

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26

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
         And his children will have refuge.

27

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
         That one may avoid the snares of death.

- A current phrase that has greatly impacted my life "The fear of the Lord".  Coming to an understanding of who the Lord is in relation to who we are should cause us to live a life that pleases Him.  God promises to bless those who fear Him - even in these two verses the person who fears the Lord will have strong confidence throughout life, his children will reap the benefit and have a refuge, life is found in fearing the Lord, and snares that lead to death are avoided when living in the fear of the Lord.  Is your life characterized by the fear of the Lord?-

...

Seek the Lord.

Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Just read this...and its such an awesome verse.

God makes known to me the path of life.  As I spend time with Him, he leads and guides me in an abundant life.  It's not survival but Jesus gives me life.

In His presence there is fullness of joy.  Wow.  That's where I would like to be.  Fullness of joy.  So often I look to the world or others for my joy when I should be focusing on finding my joy in His presence.  His joy is perfect compared to the "joy" the world tries to hand off to us.

At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.   God blesses His children.  Simple as that yet we often fail to realize that we are children of the King of the universe.  We are blessed far beyond our imagination because we are royalty.  

Now, I hope you like this verse as much as I do. 

December 10 / Proverbs 10

Today is the tenth day in December, so I read Proverbs 10 today.  Lately in Proverbs, wisdom has been calling out to people.  In this chapter we see a contrast between the wise (people who sought after wisdom) and the foolish (those who neglect the call of wisdom).  

I'll just share a few of my favorite Proverbs chapter 10 verses with you today.

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7The memory of the righteous is blessed,
         But the name of the wicked will rot.

..

9He who walks in integrity walks securely,
         But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

....

12Hatred stirs up strife,
         But love covers all transgressions.

...

16The wages of the righteous is life,
         The income of the wicked, punishment.

...

19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
         But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20

The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
         The heart of the wicked is worth little.

....

How's your life?  Are you walking in wisdom or in foolishness?

Wisdom calls out...what is your response?

proverbs 9

Today in Proverbs the call of Wisdom is the topic.  

1Wisdom has built her house,
         She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
         She has also set her table;

3She has sent out her maidens, she calls
         From the tops of the heights of the city:

4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
         To him who lacks understanding she says,

5“Come, eat of my food
         And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6“Forsake your folly and live,
         And proceed in the way of understanding.”

I really like verse 6 - forsake your folly and live.... We are responsible for our own choices and how much better it is to choose wisdom than folly! 

This chapter also includes some blessings for those who decide to follow the way of Wisdom.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
         And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For by me your days will be multiplied,
         And years of life will be added to you.

Understanding of the Lord and a long life are promised to those who fully dedicate themselves to finding wisdom and living by the ways of wisdom.  

Seek life.  Ask the Lord for wisdom.  

Proverbs 8

In this chapter wisdom still calls out begging for people to desire her.  

"Take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold.  For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her." (Prov 8: 10-11).  

"By me knigs reign, and rulers decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.  I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.  Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness."  (Prov 8:15-18).

Wisdom... It's valuable but in the world today we fail to place such a high value upon it. Today I was challenged to spend more time seeking God's wisdom because it is priceless and so practical for every day.  Daily I need wisdom and daily I need to be asking God for wisdom.  

Continuing in Proverbs

So, the weekend came and I was busy... I stayed in Proverbs but I failed to blog...

Here I am...trying to highlight blessings in Proverbs...

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Proverbs 4 is a father's instruction to his son to get wisdom and to hold it as his prized possession throughout life.  The father knows that wisdom is key for living a godly life.

I really liked verse 23, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."  Each person is responsible to keep their heart guarded.  This is a huge responsibility but the outcome of a guarded heart is worth every minute of diligent watching and guarding that one puts into it.

...

Proverbs 5 warns against immorality.  The chapter concludes with the fact that each person will one day stand before the Lord God and give an account of every single thing that they did while on earth.  Doesn't that just make you want to live a correct and godly life in this present life?

Verse 21 reads, "For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths".  Wow.  God is watching us... How are you living today?

......

Proverbs 6 contains more wisdom passed on through the generations:

"My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of you mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck.  When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.  For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life (vs. 20-23)

The challenge is not to forget or rebel against the teachings of wisdom but rather to embrace them as a light to guide one through life.  

.....

And...Proverbs 7....today's chapter.

Today the father in the chapter warns his son against the ways of the harlot.

"Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding you intimate friend; that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words." (vs. 4-5). 

 The importance of wisdom...given before the situation ever arises but the son must hold fast to these nuggets of wisdom for his own good.  He has a personal responsibility to wisdom- either to accept it or to reject it.  

How is your life: are you accepting wisdom or rejecting it?

....

Keep digging into God's Word.  Listen for His voice.  Anticipate it.  He'll speak to you. 

Journey through Proverbs in December... Today- CHapter 3

Proverbs 3 highlights the rewards of wisdom.  

"

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
         And the man who gains understanding.

For her profit is better than the profit of silver
         And her gain better than fine gold.

She is more precious than jewels;
         And nothing you desire compares with her. (Prov 3: 13-15)

This chapter also holds verses I memorized as a little kid: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
         And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
         And He will make your paths straight.

Although I memorized these 2 verses at a young age, I am learning even more about them now.  God has been teaching me what it means to trust Him completely.  It's a scary but rewarding thing, trust.  Yet He calls all of His children to trust completely in Him but too often I try to rely on my own limited understanding of things instead of trusting the One who knows everything.

Keep digging into Proverbs this month! 

6 Christmas Gifts I'm giving this year...

With Christmas right around the corner it means one thing - stress over what to buy for each person on your list.  This year, instead of being overly stressed I decided to think like the person receiving the gift and that has made my shopping/creating much easier.

1. Gift cards : Sure, they may seem impersonal but they are great for those hard to buy people on your list.  I caved and bought my brothers and mom gift cards.  All three have their favorite stores so picking up a gift card for them was a piece of cake.

2. Learning: I have decided to give books to a few people on my list (including my father) because reading is an investment in life.  The books that I give are specific to the person and I hope that the reading material will teach and empower them to do great things.  I realize that giving books for a Christmas gift sounds nerdy but it is practical and beneficial to all involved. 

3.A Homemade Scarf:  I have crocheted 3 scarves for Christmas gifts this year.  Giving homemade gifts like this is a great way to save money.  Also, the person receiving the gift loves the fact that it is homemade.  One year I gave my Aunt a homemade key chain;  she told everyone that I made it for her and she used it until it broke.  People love homemade gifts...So for the family members, friends, neighbors, Church members on your list- be creative and make a little something for them.  

4. The Classic Tin of Christmas Cookies:  Yes, this is a Christmas classic.  This year I put people on my Christmas list who were not on my list last year and I intended to give them a container of homemade Christmas cookies.  This year I'm making up a container for the mail man, my elderly neighbor, and my uncle who just lost his wife.  Sure, cookies aren't the best Christmas gift but some people just need to know that they are appreciated and loved during the holiday season and what better way to reach out and show them love then through homemade cookies and treats! 

5. Homemade Ornaments: You can give more for your money if you decide to make ornaments instead of buying them.  The other day I saw a cute little ornament for $8.00. It was not worth half of the price.  For the same amount of money, I could get supplies from a craft store and make 8-10 ornaments.  Usually craft projects are available inside the stores and if not you can find many easy Christmas ornament patterns and ideas online.  

My favorite (and really easy) way to make a homemade ornament is to purchase various colors of paint and a few clear, glass ornaments.  First, you pour a few drops of color #1 into all the ornaments and allow it to dry.  Then you pour a few drops of color #2 (keep repeating until all colors are visible).  Allow time to dry.  And ta-da!  You have a beautiful homemade ornament to give (or keep).  

6. Memories: This is an affordable way to give the gift of a lifetime- a picture and a cute frame.  Last year at Christmas I found a cute picture of my dad with me when I was little.  I went to CVS, printed off the picture, found a frame and had a cute gift all ready for him.  You can also find an ornament picture frame.  I recommend finding frames at discount stores or even buying a simple wooden frame and decorating it yourself. 

I hope these ideas help you to be creative when it comes to your Christmas shopping.  

Merry Christmas 

~AmberLeigh~

December 2 = Proverbs 2

1.My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
......................
Notice the word "if" . It marks a conditional statement... if you do this then this will be the result.  It is a choice.  A personal choice.  We can't make decisions for other people.  We have the ability and responsibility to make our own choices.  Lately I realized that I was not where I should be in my walk with the Lord.  I was going through the motions instead of seeking Him with my heart.  I had a light bulb moment one day: I realized that when I get to heaven and stand before the Lord, I will be responsible for my life.  There I can not place the blame on others (as I have been doing).  I've blamed others around me for my lack of spiritual growth.  They didn't encourage me enough.  They weren't praying for me as they should of been. When in reality, I was the one not living as I should of been.  It was my choice that allowed me to go astray and I had to decide to accept responsibility for my spiritual growth.  "If"..... So, I've decided to take the challenge and do the "ifs" mentioned in these verses.  The result is better than any earthly thing: to understand the fear of the Lord.
All I can say is I have a lot of growing to do.  So often I fail to seek wisdom as I should.  God freely gives wisdom to those who ask believing and nothing is better than pure wisdom from God.
I also found it interesting how gaining wisdom is directly related to the fear of the Lord.  As we begin to ask God for wisdom, He is faithful to answer our prayers but in the process we learn more about who God is.
Whatever situation you may be in right now - seek God.  He alone has the answers.  I know so often when I'm in a trial I seek counsel from friends and family before turning to God.  But in doing so I'm wrong.  I need to seek God first with my problems and ask Him for wisdom before turning to other human beings.
God promises to bless those who seek wisdom... what can be better than His blessings?  Nothing. Absolutely nothing...even though we don't always realize this fact.
Get alone and seek God.  Cry out to Him for wisdom and understanding.  He will answer. He will bless.

"We should discipline ourselves to read the Word until it comes alive...until we can almost feel the breath of God." AW Tozer

my December Challenge: A chapter of Proverbs a Day

Recently at church we have been learning about the fear of the Lord and learning to hear His voice.  

One Sunday Pastor mentioned that a failure to get into God's word on a daily basis is foolish; a godly life requires building on the sure foundation of God's Word. 

So, this month I'm going to read (and encourage you to do so too) a chapter a day of Proverbs. 

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Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction 

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for @LaBar89 ... pictures from our Dayzee walk :)

Sean came home and was able to walk Dayzee for the first time!

We went on a nice little walk the day before Thanksgiving.  It was a beautiful day and was nice to get out.  

Dayzee is crazy.... that's what it all comes down to. 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Finished Christmas Shopping

I never know what to get my dad for Christmas.  He suggested a gift card so that he can do housework and other projects but I felt bad getting a gift card that would be used to buy wood and other materials for the ongoing basement project.  Lately, my dad bought a few books at Ollies for a really good price.  So I decided to bless his Christmas with more books.  

Today I went shopping on www.Christianbook.com and found AWESOME deals!  Not only do they have great buys but I also got free shipping ( and you can too )  So, I'm just thrilled that I finished Christmas shopping today... and I must confess that I did get a little something for myself today as well. 

Yet in all the craziness of the holidays, it is crucial that we do not forget the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  IT is all about Jesus.  Keep you eyes and heart fixed on Him... not only this season but throughout the entire year.  

And yes, I'm going to say it.... MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

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a few pics from chili cook off

will find out in church tomorrow "which chili reigns supreme" ..really hope mines in the top 5...

had a good night...and was a good turn out for chilly fall weather.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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mom's birthday cakes .... ( @LaBar89 )

So, for the past few years mom has either had a store bought cake or no cake for her birthday. This year, she hit the jackpot and got 2 homemade cakes.  I made the pumpkin one and one of dad's customer's heard it was mom's birthday so she made the white cake with strawberries on it for her. ( How sweet of the lady to make mom a cake) .  Anyway... look out next year... its the big 5-0.  And its a good thing mom doesn't read this or else she would be upset for posting the pictures and for telling the world her true age.  

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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A Glimpse of a fall hike for @LaBar89

Here are some pictures of the beautiful fall colors.  I went for a walk.. but it was more like a little hike on a very poorly marked trail with my mom and puppy on Columbus Day.  

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Knit. Pray. Love. (an update and some thoughts)

while making hats and baby blankets for babies of Afghanistan for "Knit. Pray.  Love" I have been greatly interested in where the hats are going..so I did a little research of my own.  The organization is called Cure International and they seek to provide medical help to those in need and through that minister and reach people for Jesus.  Here is a current story about a mom and baby in Afghanistan : http://give.helpcurenow.org/site/c.nvI1IeNYJyE/b.4453711/k.89EE/Saving_Lives_in_Afghanistan.htm?auid=4720953 . I've also been interested in their belief system and have been reading the Koran a little at a time.  Let me say that I haven't gotten too far into the Koran but already I realize it is full of lies.  It is a twisted version of the Bible...and by looking into their "holy book" I've realized just how badly they need to hear the gospel.  They are blinded by the lies of the Koran and face rejection from friends and family if they accept Jesus as Savior.  Needless to say, I've been doing more praying than making things with yarn because my heart is broken for these people.  I hope and pray that the gospel will go forth because of "Knit. Pray. Love." and that people in Afghanistan will come to know the one and true God. 

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a good reminder...

Isaiah 26:3-4
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

...
lately I've been re-learning this concept of trust.  I thought I had the lesson learned after my breakup, but that's not so.  Now through decisions (some made by me and some made by others) I am learning to completely trust God for the outcome.  Honestly, I'm not sure which outcome I want because I've been back and forth on the matter but God knows what is best. I'm not going to worry about it but I'm going to trust God about it.  I'm going to sleep in peace tonight because my God will work everything out without my worries.  All I have to do is to trust.

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My October Challenge

Isaiah 55:6-7

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to  the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 

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Yesterday I went to CVS for a few last minute gifts for my mom because her birthday is today.  While there, I found a notebook on sale and I really liked it except I didn't have a reason to buy it.  But then I bought it with the intention of writing out my prayers in it.  This way I'll be more focused in my prayer time and also I will be able to look back and see how God answers my prayers.

So, my challenge to myself and others is to truly grow up in our prayer times.  I know in my life sometimes I rush through praying when I need to just be quiet and listen for God. We are in too much of a rush.  We try to multi-task but that only adds more stress to our lives. We need to slow down and get back to seeking the Lord with all of our hearts, all of our souls, and all of our strength.

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thankful for the rain and for a puppy that doesn't like the rain #thankfulThurs

Today, I am thankful for the rain.  It's been so dry here and it was nice to actually hear the sound of rain when I woke up this morning.  However, Dayzee does not like the rain.  She refuses to walk down the porch steps so I carried her outside earlier.  On normal days,  Dayzee would beg to go outside just to lay in the sun and chew on a piece of wood. Today, I think she'll tear the house apart.. all before 3pm. 

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the alphabet game in Josh's Mustang... (before getting carsick)

In Josh's trunk:
A-apples
B-basketball
C-Cherry
D-dinasour
E- Egg
F- Fox
G- Grandma
H- Hat
I-Idiot
J- Jack in a box
K- Kilometer
L- Larry LaBar
M- Millipede
N-Nomad
O- Obstacle
P- Peter Pan
Q- Quarter
R- Rocket
S- Stethascope
T- Tooth
U- Undertaker
V- Vampire
W- Washington
X- Xylophone
Y- Yak
Z- Zebra

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about my Father's business in Camden.

Only You can mend the broken heart
And cause the blind to see
Erase complete the sinners past
And set the captives free
Only You can take the widows cry
And cause her heart to sing
Be a Father to the fatherless
Our Savior and our King
We will be Your hands, we will be Your feet
We will run this race
On the darkest place, we will be Your light
We will be Your light

~Hillsong, Solution Song

....

On Saturday, September 18, we went to Camden to serve them.  First, let me just say that the entire day was amazing. The fellowship that our group had was awesome.  However, driving with Josh in his mustang was not so great.  By the end of the day  I was feeling a mix between tired and car sick. God kept us safe as we traveled because we had some very close calls.
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We met the Jersey church people around 10:20am, made a quick bathroom stop, had a time of prayer, and then loaded up the vehicles and went into Camden.
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This time we were at a different location than the last time.  I was glad because there was shad at this little lot inbetween falling apart homes, bars on windows, and glass shattered on the sidewalk.  Once we arrived we started setting up the tables for lunch, clothes, toys, and a miscellaneous table.  A microphone was set up so that people could share their testimony or sing. 
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Let's just say that people flocked toward us. I was mainly folding clothes, bringing out more clothes, and giving bags to people to put their clothes and food in.  So many people thanked me but I hope that through this ministry that they come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. 
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Danae and another guy, were talking to a gentleman with a young son.  He told them about how he was in Camden for Christmas when they gave away bikes.  I guess something that he heard or saw that day made him want to change his life around. He told them that he has been clean for 4 months and is enjoying being a dad.  His son is a year old and he missed out on fatherhood when his older boy was that age.  It was a blessing to hear a positive life change story from down town Camden.
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There was a table of toys/books for kids.  After a while a game of frisbee started with a few kids and some helpers..and then it turned into a passing game of football.  My heart goes out to these children...They were born into this drug/gang area of the nation.  They are poor because their parents are selfish and care more about getting high than about caring for their children.
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As we began to clean up and pack, there was a lady there talking with a fellow worker.  AFter a while she came over and talked with me. I took all she told me with a grain of salt because I was unsure if she was telling me the truth or not.. or if she was on something and her brain wasn't completely there.   She told me all about her health problems, her desire to be beautiful, her family situtation and financial problems.  She claimed to know Jesus so I told her that I would keep her in my prayers. 
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AFter serving, the Dinkler family took us out to TGI Friday's for an early dinner.  They are the sweetest couple.  They bought us the appetizer's and told us that dinner only cost $5 because we could eat at McDonald's for that amount.  They are amazing people and I am so blessed to know them and minister with them. 
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It was so neat to see believers working and serving together.  The body of Christ in action.  And it was a beautiful day to be about the Father's business.
I am looking forward to our next trip to Camden...but until then, I shall pray for Camden.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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devotional thoughts

Psalm 56:11
In God have i put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do to me. 

"You struggle, My child, when you could as easily rest in My arms.  You concern yourself with the actions of others and neglect the only important thing: to abide in Me."

Galatians 5:1
 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

"All sin is binding.  In Christ is freedom, because in Him is holiness.  The world with its desires passes away, but he who chooses to do the will of God will live forever."

1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.

"Through much tribulation I am bringing My chosen to perfection.  Be not amazed when challenges present themselves.  I am building your fortitude, and the day will come when you will be grateful for every lesson learned in the school of affliction."

Psalm 107:9
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

"Do not grieve, My child.  You have need of nothing.  Hold Me close to your heart, and I will satisfy every longing.  Allow Me to comfort you, and you will find yourself reaching out less and less to others for support and solace."

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things:  nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.

"every motion in your life becomes impregnated with sublime significance as you are wholly dedicated to Me.  All of time becomes charged with eternal values as it is consecrated and given to Me."

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God.

"You are not free to make your own choices as long as you are surrendered to the Will of God, for when you are yielded to Him, it is He who gives the directions.  Wait for Him to take the initiative."

Romans 8:37
We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

"Flee compromise, for it leads always to defeat.  The shed blood of Christ is your only protection.  When you go into battle, go in My Name, and know that you go against an already defeated foe."

*all quotes taken from my devotional by Frances Roberts*

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More Dayzee Pics for @LaBar89

Some more pictures of the little puppy.  Dayzee (last week) weighed in at the vets at 10 pounds.  She now likes to chase moths and butterflies around the backyard.  She bites.  She may look cute but she bites.  Chad has a small mark under his eye of where she bit him. Dad has been spoiling her...he feeds her table food..she had a bit of his pizza the other night and then he now feeds her cereal in the morning.  So if Dayzee begs for food...its dad's fault.  Mom found a huge ball in the pool area and now plays soccer with Dayzee (but i'm not sure if Dayzee actually likes to play or if Mom just has more fun).  Needless to say, this little puppy is a riot.  She may look cute, which she is, but she is trouble.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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thoughts for a new month

Isaiah 55: 6 -

Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.

Psalm 19:14-

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 37:4-6

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth you righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.

Deuteronomy 6:5 -

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

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Happy Birthday Sean!

Happy Birthday SEAN!

I love you VERY MUCH :) 

THis is your BIRTHDAY SONG... it doesn't last that long.... HEY!

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facebook friday to facebook 5

well, I confess I did go on facebook during the week to show mom some pictures.
i think it was a good challenge for myself and I realized how much time I waste on facebook when I can be doing other worthwhile things.
Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
By being on facebook all the time, it doesn't help me to fix my mind on heavenly things.  Facebook draws me to the world.  Not that its bad, but Facebook doesn't point my thoughts toward God.  Instead, Facebook gets me thinking about worldly problems - which shouldn't be status updates but prayer requests.
I also got more sleep this past week because I went to bed instead of facebook chatting.
I think less facebook is something that  I can get used to. I thought about deleting it, but then i realized that i would lose contact with some people and I would also be out of the loop for events via facebook.  So I will keep my facebook account but i wont be frequent on it.
I think, instead of doing facebook friday, I will do Facebook 5.  In facebook5 I get 5 minutes on FB each day.  This way I can stay in the loop but by not spending loads of time on facebook.

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#ThankfulThurs

today I decided to be thankful. Each day it is a conscious choice to have a thankful heart. so often, I fail to give thanks for the simple things of life- the air i breathe, the clouds in the sky, and the ability to hear - just to name a few.
here are pictures of two of my thankful things: my family and my puppy.
happy thursday.
be more thankful.

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Wordless Wednesday

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a shift of priorities

recently i've been convicted that I'm not where I need to be in my relationship with God.  I haven't been seeking first the kingdom each day.  My priorities have shifted because my vision has been blurry.  I haven't always been looking up rather I've been looking around.
I've been sidetracked by the world but I am going to redo my priorities so that I am on fire for God instead of being this nasty lukewarm believer.
I realized that  I would have a better relationship with God if I spent as much time with Him as I do on my computer (especially facebook).  This is not saying that I'm against facebook its only saying that I need to spend less time on things that do not count for eternity.  Beginning this week, I will only go on Facebook on Fridays.  That way I get to stay in contact with friends but so that it does not distract me.  By cutting out facebook use for 6 days of the week, I figure that I will be able to better invest in quality time in prayer and Bible study and reading books that will enhance my spiritual wellbeing.
For too long i've floated on other people's faith. Now I am stepping up and taking responsibility for my own spiritual growth.
I am excited to see how God uses this facebook friday to draw me closer to Him. 

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Our NEW addition to OUR FAMILY... Meet DAYZEE De :)

This is Dayzee Decaf.  I call her Dayzee De for short.
She is so adorable.
She was born on June 11 2010.
She came to live with us this past Saturday, August 7, 2010.
Her first day here, she was really shy and liked to stay around her food and cage.
On Sunday, we put her in the cage when we went to church and after we played with her outside and around the house.
Today, we saw a crazy side of Dayzee because lately she has been Lazy Dayzee since she often naps.  But today she went crazy chasing us and biting us.  We then found out that she was biting because she was hungry.  This afternoon, mom and I went to the pool and we took Dayzee down.  We had a bowl of water and food for her and since ouf pool is fenced in we thought that she would be ok.  She did not like spending time near the pool.
She hasn't chased any animals yet but she does like to sniff the ground. I'm pretty sure she doesn't like the water hose so her first rainstorm will be interesting.
dad made the comment that a little puppy moves into our house and the whole family dynamic changes.  now dayzee is the princess.  and mom said that we need to get her a small tierra. So, maybe I do spoil my puppy a little... but I figure I've waited 23 years for her, so I earned the right to spoil her and pamper her.
I love my Dayzee baby.

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picture perfect :)

had some fun today and had a outdoor mini photo shoot. 

country music was playing in the background.

a nice breeze was floating through the air.

puffy clouds floating through the sky.

so i took my mac on a fieldtrip and took some pics.

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Curly Creme- less Summer

"sweetly broken
wholly surrender..." -Jeremy Riddle
****
this has been the journey of my summer.
The radio station that I listen to, (the word fm) often plays this commercial about summer being a time for families, ice cream trips and chasing fireflies. It also mentions that summer is a season of change and then thanks the listeners for supporting them. 
I've really been thinking about summer as a season of change.  It bridges from spring...the start of new life, to fall...the beginning of decay.  And that has been my summer.  Or should I say I entered a premature fall when we broke up...but that premature fall came to a new spring and a better summer. 
I will say that being broken was sweet during the process but looking back now, I see how God was sweetly breaking me.  He definitely used the distance to ease the breakup.  He also used His word (through my countdown in the Psalms) to put my hope and trust in HIM alone instead of others. 
The wholly surrender part has been easier since being completely broken.  I found it easier surrendering when my life crashed on me because I finally came to the end of my selfish ideas and dreams. They crashed and burned. I surrendered to my Creator nothing but a broken life.
I know now is just the beginning but God is in the business of reconstruction and I am so GLAD that He delights in my brokenness because now He can remold me into the woman of God that I will be.
I'm so excited because I know that God holds great things for my future. 

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a recap of VBS

I still have VBS songs floating in my head.
Last week was an AMAZING week...sure it was tiring but God was my strength and it was well worth being tired at the end of the week.
Ten (plus some) kids got saved which was a huge answer to prayer.  And we will never know how many seeds of the gospel were planted during VBS but this week I've been challenged to continue to pray for the kids who attended VBS.  Because God answers prayer and He has great things in store for the young lives that came out last week.
I think we should have VBS once a month.
And I will say it was fun working with other people from church.  Neat seeing the body of Christ really come together and work together all week.
We also raised many Bibles for the people of Israel.  The girls creamed the boys when it was girls versus boys for offering but the kids beat the workers on Friday when it was kids vs. adults for the offering. 
All in all...VBS is so much more fun now than when I was little.  That's for sure.

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we went chasing waterfalls today :)

so today my brother and I went to a local state park and hiked the falls trail.  It was 7.3 miles long and we saw over 20 waterfalls. 
God's creation is so amazing. 

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