A Change Will Do You Good

Meadow's before Picture

Take a deep breath....here we go!!

I saved the first cut...

I started to wonder....

Can you see her grin in the mirror?

Almost finished....

A little more....

Whoosh.....

Ahhhh......

Finally.... Doesn't the cut fit her?

Gorgeous girl...she looks so much older!

I love it! I love it!! I love it!!!
Thank-You Teresa.

Cut by Teresa Jones at Divine Design.

New Addition

I do not believe that I shared the new addition to our family yet. For Mother's Day Tony got me another puppy. She is four months old now and settling in quite well.

Scarlet-West Highland White Terrier

Roxy and Scarlet

Scarlet

On my bed

Updating on Scarlet. She didn't work out. I hate it. I loved her so much but she needed more care than I could give her. We have good friends that had another Westie and they wanted her so they took her in and now she and Watson are best friends. I couldn't get her pottie trained, among other problems and I wanted to do what was best for her. I'm thankful that hse is so happy. I miss her. She's a beautiful girl.

College Scripture

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
~Proverbs 16:3

End of the week is Nearing

Today I turned in my application to the local community college and picked up dates for the entrance exam. Right now, the plan is to return to school in the fall, if I don't chicken out or change my mind.....something I tend to do often. I am going to study the next few weeks for the test. I'm hoping Heaven will help me with the Algebra. It would be very nice to take the test and at least place far enough that I could take Algebra 1 in the fall instead of having to take the remedial classes. We shall see. I'm thinking night classes will best suite the family needs and allow me to continue homeschooling. I'm not sure what field I'm going into but one thing I do know is I'll be going to college for several years just to get all the prerequisites behind me. So, I have a while before I have to make any major decisions. Right now, I'm just looking at one semester at a time.

I came home and Sky's throat still hurt. So back to the doctor we went. It was strep again so she got the shot and they are making us an appointment with an ENT. Looks like her tonsils are coming out. She continues to do extremely well with her school. I'm proud of her.

Meadow is still oozing infection from her eyes and nose. How gross is that?!

I've had a headache since last night that doesn't want to ease.

I am binding up all of this sickness in Jesus' name!

My grandmother is improving but still so unaware and suffering. It breaks my heart. I went to see her today and she didn't know me, she couldn't speak, I don't believe she could focus on anything. It was hard to see her like that.

I went by my other grandparents too and they were doing well. I'm so thankful.

My dad is 62 and has gone back to college. He is really struggling but you know, I'm so proud of him. He is an inspiration to me.

Tony of course is being his usual loving self. Supporting me in any and everything I do. He is a gem, a rare, beautiful, precious gem of a man.

I love my family.

Father's Day is this weekend. We have plans to go to Heaven's and Matt's house to celebrate. I'm looking forward to it.

Howdy

There has been so much going on lately. Meadow is sick, she and Sky went to the doctor on Friday. Meadow has an ear infection and infection in both eyes, cough and horrible congestion. Poor thing. She looks as miserable as I know she feels. She has been resting a lot more but still playing with Christopher (our neighbor/her best friend) as much as possible. Sky has some allergies but nothing serious.

My grandmother was taken to the hospital last night. If you would please remember her in prayer. It doesn't look good and she is in a lot of pain. I spent the night at the hospital last night with her and mom. I didn't get home until almost 7 am this morning. I crashed and slept til 1. I haven't done that in ages and boy did I feel rough today. They moved grandma to ICU tonight. I just pray that the Lord relieve her pain and suffering.

Meadow has a dentist appointment tomorrow but it looks like I'll be canceling. I can't imagine then numbing her mouth and filling her tooth when she can't even breathe through her nose.

We had planned on hitting the pool this week, wide open, but again, with the ear infection it looks as though we'll have to put things off for another day or so. Meadow doesn't agree.

Sky is schooling beautifully and I'm so thankful for that. She has been so incredibly cooperative and helpful to me the last few weeks.

Heaven is doing well with married life and believe it or not so I am. I'm glad.

I missed church this morning, I really MISSED it. I love going to church.

June is almost gone, I sure wish time would S-L-O-W down some.

Don't you?

He loves Me even when I'm Green

He loves Me even when I'm Green.......

Thankful

Today I just want to share how good the Lord is to me. The wedding took a lot out of me and yes, it was stressful, but, it was also rewarding. The good things usually are. I look at my Heaven all grown up and married and it brings me great joy to know that I don't have to worry about her. Matt is so good to her, they have a beautiful home, and they are working towards their future goals. I'm so thankful for that.

My home is in order and that feels wonderful.

Things are as they should be.

I'm so content I'm bliss.

I'm so thankful for our home. I'm so thankful that my husband has given his heart to the Lord and that he is leading our family as head of the home right under Christ. I'm so thankful that the Lord has shown me how to relinquish that position because for many years I've held onto it kicking and screaming. Over the years of serving Christ I slowly began to let go but not until very recently has the process been complete. I am still amazed at how close my husband and I continue to grow day by day through my obedience to God in submitting to him and trusting him to be the man God created him to be. I've been reading (and am still reading) a book called Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. It is a very controversial book and I do not want to get into that I only want to share what the Lord has shown me through reading this book.

I have learned that I was not honoring my husband. There was much pride in me and much rebellion. I didn't trust my husband's decision making and in turn realized that I was not submitting to God, I was not trusting in God and I was rebelling against God. It wasn't in the large things it was in the smallest, tiniest simple things. This is why I am sharing. My husband and I have always gotten along well and I consider us to be great friends. I honestly didn't know there was anything missing, until I read this book.

I began practicing the little things, like choosing to pick up my husbands shoes instead of fussing-again-and reminding him where the shoe box was. I began to prepare his coffee each morning and leave him little notes. Things I use to do but had strayed from. I began to ask more about his day instead of starting in on how my day was. I began to serve him in whatever capacity the Lord would reveal to me. I began to fast and pray for him.

I thought about the word *honor* and what it meant to me and I can honestly say that as much as I love my husband that I hadn't shown him honor. I began to show him honor. God started changing things in me. Things I had been battling were set loose, I was set free from them. My heart changed towards my husband. The spirit in my home changed. I found myself happier, joyful, more thankful. The desires of my heart changed.

The way my husband treated me changed. He noticed the changes in me and he appreciated my efforts and without words he began to change things. He began to *cherish* me. Think about that word for a minute, cherish. I don't believe that I have ever been cherished in such a way before and its very special. The way he looks at me, the way he wants to be around me more now than ever. Like he can't get enough of me. His eyes twinkle when he looks at me, can you believe that? Even the way he parents has changed, he has become a more attentive father. I'm amazed at how close we are growing. I really wouldn't have thought it possible.

I'm so thankful for this. I'm so grateful for my children, our church, our pastors, our church family, my family, our pets, our home, our vehicles, homeschooling, answered prayer, well...to put it plainly I'm thankful for my life. I love it. Every moment, every day. I love it.

God is good. He is mighty and He saves!

He is answering prayer. I'm seeing Him move in mighty ways. My sister rededicated her life last week and my family was baptized. Myself, my husband, my middle daughter, my mom and my sister. What a glorious day!! Hallelujah! I give YOU all the praise, honor and glory dear heavenly Father! Forever and ever!!!

Answered prayers are precious!

I know this is spotchy, if that is a word. It comes from me trying to take the many good things the Lord has shown, taught and given me and trying to blog about them in one post. :)

My Girl is Married

More pictures and words later. I'm still so tired.

Three More Days!

I cannot believe the wedding is in three days.

I cannot believe the wedding is in three days.

I cannot believe the wedding is in three days.

Breathe Jen, just breathe.....

Jason Kerr-When You Pray

This "When You Pray" sermon is powerful, its awesome. I know when you see the minutes below them you think, "I don't have time for this today."

Trust me, try it.

Jason is easy to listen to, he's funny, he keeps your attention and he is full of revelation from the Lord. He shares wonderful testimonies and well, simply put, I'm moved every time I hear him. My heart hungers for God just a little more.

Trust me, try it.

You didn't stumble upon this by accident.

(Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and turn off the music so you can hear the message.)

Committed: When You Pray Part One (Global Force Ministries)


Committed: When You Pray Part Two (Global Force Ministries)

Pastor Jason Kerr

"Ruach" Part One


"Ruach" Part Two


One of my favorite Pastors.

I Feel Different Today

I feel different today than I did yesterday.

I feel different than I've felt the last few months.

I think today realization hit me in a way that it hadn't before.

Tony is singing a song at the wedding and he has been practicing today.

I felt every word.

It just opened up a well within me.

My baby girl is getting married in 14 days.

There are so many mixed emotions that go with that. I wish I could express myself so poetically so that you could feel the way I feel but I'm just not good at that. There isn't a word to express the chaotic emotions that are stirring inside of me.

I feel everything at once.

It's almost numbing.

Almost.

There will not be a dry eye in the place.

Only 18 more days

I cannot believe the wedding is almost here. It has been a hectic few days trying to remember last minute needed items, get things ordered and determine if they will arrive in time. I sort of put some things on the back burner while getting through the Famine and reality didn't hit me that its only a few more days....so I've spent the last two days searching, making lists and checking them off. Whew!

Many people have been concerned with me and the empty nest syndrome but if you'll recall last year when Heaven graduated, I experienced it heavily then. This go round I'm fine and at complete peace with Heaven getting married. The only stresses are the fine details of the wedding itself. The food in particular. Its hard deciding how much food will be enough. We truly do not have an honest head count either so I'll plan on the larger number attending preferring to have leftovers than to run out of food.

I'm still waiting on dresses to come in and I still have to get shoes for the girls. Me, I have no clue what I'm wearing yet. Sigh.... :) It'll come together I'm sure and hey, whether it comes together or not, its still happening one way or the other, right?! Ha!

Heaven's bridal portraits are simply gorgeous. I'm 200% satisfied with them and can't wait to see them developed. I sure wish I could give you all a glimpse, but alas, you must wait.

Keep me, the couple, the wedding, the family and all the details in your prayers. They are greatly appreciated. Hugs to all my bloggy friends, readers, commenters and lurkers alike.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:6-7

30 Hour Famine -1

Our Famine was a great success. We had a total of 39 kids turn out. I was impressed and amazed at the determination of youth to complete the fast. We had children ranging in ages of 5-20. We encouraged those under 12 to eat at certain intervals and we had some that refused, even some of the youngest ones and I was simply awed. We raised a total of 1048.50 that was split 50/50 between World Vision and HWC's A Can can Make a Difference-that feeds families here in our own community. God worked wonders and doubled blessings. Our goal was $500.

What touched me even more than the money raised was our youth. They split into 4 tribes on Friday night and went out into our community and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with numerous souls. They laid hands on people and prayed for healing. They prayed over businesses and our economy. Their hearts were so pure and they were so BOLD in Jesus Christ that we as adults pale in comparison.

I want to thank each of you for lifting us up in your prayers. They were answered. I am going to be sharing our Famine in numerous posts. The events were just too grand to stuff into one post.

We started our famine off weeks before it got here with prayer, watching dvds and building crosses. The crosses represented those who have already lost their lives due to poverty and starvation. We didn't complete the 1208 that represent how many lives are lost every hour but we did finish 450 and plan to finish the rest before next year.

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesdays go to 5 Minutes for Mom and Wordless Wednesday Hub.

30 Hour Famine Update

One of our activities was to help out at a local food and tonight we did that. We packed 100 boxes of food tonight and will go help carry boxes to the families vehicles in the morning. This was a wonderful experience for our group and it really touched our hearts and brought the famine to life for us. It was great having something hands on to do. Serving the Lord is so much fun!

HWC Crew

Just beginning...

Getting there....

Meadow, what a happy worker!

All finished, see all the boxes behind us?

This food bank usually services around 165 families a week. They served 30 families on Wednesday night this week already so we may be packing more boxes in the morning. We are really looking forward to seeing the faces of those in need. I'll post more pictures if I can. We appreciate your prayers.

Early Easter Presents-New Pets

The girls wanted a new pet for Easter. We thought about chicks, ducks and rabbits but the care and the size of those kept throwing me off. Now, they really wanted another dog but I just couldn't see it. Roxy is a hand full and I really didn't want another animal that had freedom in my home. I really enjoy our fish and our hamster, mainly because they stay in their homes! I don't mind the maintenance as I am the one who does the care on them.

The other night we watched the best movie. It was called,"Bedtime Stories" with Adam Sandler. They had a guinea pig named Bugsy and I'll tell ya even though he was animated I simply fell in love with the little fella.

So began our journey.

I began asking questions and was amazed to find what G-R-E-A-T pets they make. How they LOVE being held and having lots of time spent with them. How they bond to their caregivers and they are NOT likely to bite. I read and studied and couldn't find one drawback.

Yesterday we headed to Roanoke and went to the Petsmart. They had 9 females to choose from. Danville only had 3 males and I was sure we wanted females. The girls were so excited! Meadow chose one and Sky chose one. I had read that the BEST toy to buy a Guinea Pig is another Guinea Pig so this is why we choose two.

I also studied cages and the room that they need to flourish and decided the best route to go would be to build their cage. Then Tony reminded me that we had a huge dog cage downstairs that we weren't using and it would be perfect. All we have to do now is get a large piece of coroplast to put in the bottom. We temporarily have cardboard on the sides to help hold the bedding in. The dog cage has a plastic bottom so it'll be easy to clean.

I found out after buying our Guineas that the girls had chosen Abyssinians. Their hair grows in swirls all over their bodies and its really neither short nor long. We had thought when purchasing them that were long haired Guineas but we were wrong. Penny is tortoise and white Abyssinian and Sophie is white and copper Abyssinian. I LOVE the Peruvians and the Shelties but after searching online I found that they cost upwards of $100 and thats just too much for me right now.

At first when we got them home everyone was a little skittish with them and the Guineas were skittish with us. I was a little surprised after reading how much they loved human contact. They do, but you have to spend time with them for them to learn. Catching them is the hardest part! Once you have them in your hands they are fine and they love to snuggle.

Did you know that Guinea Pigs make squeally squeaky noises? I had no idea! In the pet store I thought I was hearing birds! I love hearing them purr and squeal. They say they do this when they are happy. Meadow has them out playing on my bed and everything! LOL! Tony is still a little hesitant but supportive just the same. I LOVE them. I'm having as much fun as the girls are. I am such an animal lover.

So....here they are.....

Meadow and Penny

Meadow and Sophie

Meadow and Sophie

Meadow and Penny

Playing

Bonding

This is Penny. (Meadow's)

This is their home. Plenty big and Tony is going to build me a second story with a ramp running up to it. I can't wait!

Sky has gone to the beach with her girlfriend (very good friends of ours from our church) and will be gone for 5 days. It's been hard for me to let her go but I'm so happy for her at the same time. I know she'll be well taken care of and she'll have a blast. Keep her in your prayers for me. She'll be home next Tuesday.

Brrr Where'd the Spring Go?

Its cold here! I can't believe it got so cold AGAIN! Last week I came down with strep. I have never had strep in my life and let me tell you it is NOT any fun at all. You see, pain and I do not get along in the least bit. I was ready to go to the hospital for the morphine drip. NO kidding. Just think of my dear husband and the girls and the whining they had to put up with while I was sick. Poor things.

Tony came home from work early Friday and forced me to go to the doctor. I wasn't going to go because as I said, I've never had strep before. My family has numerous times and I care for them all the while NEVER EVER EVER coming down with it myself. I thought I was immune. Huh! Fat chance. They reminded me of the times that I had told them to stop whining.....and that it couldn't be THAT bad. Sigh....

I couldn't sleep, I couldn't swallow, all I could do was suffer. The doctor gave me a shot and I figured I would be better by Friday night. I wasn't. Saturday, noppers, Sunday still running a fever. Sheesh! Yesterday and today I have *felt* better as in no more pain but where in the world is my energy?!? I've been looking for it everywhere but it has yet to return.

Of course with strep you can't diet. Oh and forget exercising. So...it looks like I've been set back a week or so.

Can I ask for your prayers? That I can get back on track SOON!

Thanks ladies. I never ever ever want this stuff again and if you've ever had it, you have my sympathies.