Looking Forward to Fall!

I can't believe it has been more than a week since I last posted! Truthfully, I haven't really had that much going on . . definitely nothing post worthy. I think I have been in alittle funk. I am kind of in an in between place right now. Have any of you ever been there? I am guessing so. You know the place- somewhat content where you are but praying God's direction. Not sure where that may take you but so looking forward to the outcome! Uncertain of how you may get there but leaning on God for provision! Praying for patience- one of my many weaknesses. We will see!

As Labor Day quickly approaches, so does the last few days of summer. I am looking forward to fall! It has been a crazy hot/humid summer. Too hot. The heat started early too- I remember wearing Rainbows to an event at the end of March! I am a much better cold person if that makes any sense at all.

I love certain things that I just associate with fall~ scarfs, Danskos, crispy/cool mornings and evenings, more frequent trips to Starbucks, the changing of the leaves and sky, blankets, college football (esp. Gamecock football!), my mama's halloween candy corn/peanut/M&M mix, annual girls Christmas shopping weekend, the view of the mountains from my in-laws house, rocking on my screened porch, meeting Jason for an early dinner on a late afternoon Saturday. . . I could go on and on.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Silly

I had to post something fun today. Non dog lovers, humor me!

Gracie is learning to hide her beloved bones all over our house. This has just started over the last several days and it is hilarious. I caught her in the act yesterday and snapped a few quick pics.


sweet girl . . scoping out the office



1st hiding spot- not very hidden, but she was trying!
(This is a blanket I had just thrown off to run grab my phone)



Mad that I am taking pics . . moving it to somewhere
alittle less out in the open



Finally! Look closely . .


She is too funny.


Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

Happy Tuesday! Today is Tuesday, right? . . Long day!

It's official- this morning I deactivated my facebook account. Never thought I would see this day. You have to understand, I check my facebook (and Jason's) numerous times a day. I sign on with good intentions- check updates, check mine/his page for messages and then sign off. Less than 5 minutes, right? All of us who are facebook junkies know how that goes. Who do we try to kid?! I look up and 5 minutes has turned into 30 . . . has turned into . . well, you get the point. Where did the time go?!

Anyway, what brought all of this on? Well, last night I was deep in Experiencing God-fighting satan, who was so desperately wanting to draw my attention to other distractions (including precious little white furry ones, like my sweet girl). Oh boy was he all over me. Had been all day. When I woke up yesterday morning, I knew warfare was on its way. I did all I knew to do at that moment, which was immediately to begin praying that spiritual armor! I tried to be on alert all day, but at some point he got me distracted. I let my armor be at ease and he got that foothold in the door. So . . . warfare continues into my devotion time. I knew there had to be a reason. I was fighting hard, because I knew God had something very important He was about to reveal to me. Bare with me y'all. As I am typing this, I realize that this may not be such a big deal to you. But when you have an experience with the Almighty- it is so worthy of sharing.

At last- through prayers, scriptures, books, yesterday's devotionals that I prayed/read/meditated over as I sat right there in that chair and as I moved into my bed, He told me. He told me the reason why my relationship with Him wasn't all that it could be.

"And He is BEFORE ALL THINGS,"- Col. 1:17

Oh what power. Conviction washed over me. I knew. He knew I knew. He was proud that I got it. That I allowed the spirit in me to work! I love break throughs. Especially after walking in a fog of confusion and weariness all day. My spirit raced as I began to pray about that. And, I knew one of the culprits pretty quickly. You guessed it- facebook. I committed to the Lord that first thing in the morning after I sent messages to a few people letting them know I was deactivating I would do it. And this morning He told me that wasn't good enough. He reminded me about a time someone wanted to follow Him but first had to . . . (Luke 9:61-62)

No looking back. If we do, we are not fit for His Kingdom.

God Bless,

I am Thankful for . . .

Jesus

Salvation

Redemption

My Husband

My Family

Gracie

A Job

My Church

My Sisters' in Christ

Prayer

The Blogging Community - Where God is Working!

Second Chances

Opportunity

My Health

The Witness of Others

God's Grace

Glimpses of God's Glory

His Strength in Our Weakness

"Enter into His gates with THANKSGIVING, And into His courts with praise. Be THANKFUL to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4

Weekend Recap

My weekend was . . not too eventful! And, I am thankful!

Friday afternoon I got a surprise call from my grandfather, who wanted to take Jason and I out to supper to a really great BBQ place. My plans had been for us to have an early dinner/movie night curled up on the couch at home- plans that quickly changed when he surprised us with a dinner treat! I don't get to see my grandfather near as much as I would like, so I was excited to get to spend some time with him and his wife, Martha. Did I mention the food was WONDERFUL?! Bridges BBQ never disappoints! Great food and great company- a really good end to a somewhat stressful, getting back in the swing of things week.

Saturday I did nothing. When I say I did nothing, literally, I mean nothing. If taking a shower and changing from pj's to more pj's constitutes as something- then that is the only thing I accomplished. I had so much that I could have gotten done- I won't even begin to list because that will raise my guilt/shame even higher- BUT we all need a day, don't we? I tell ya, I always get so afraid that on one of those "days" I will have unexpected company. It would serve me right! My wonderful husband brought supper in for us on his way home from work- so I didn't even have to think about supper!! Bless him. I am so lucky.

Sunday we had an incredible worship service. I immediately felt the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit as we worshipped through song and as our Pastor spoke on Revelation-in particular the Tribulation period. For many people, I am sure that was scary. I prayed that people would not be frightened, but that they would understand the message- that God's intent was not that they fear. Our Pastor spoke about our burden for the lost- how what is to come in those terrible times should impact our witness now. What will happen in those times are things to be afraid of, without exception. But, our feelings now should not be that of fear, but of urgency. Our world is lost- and dying daily. Think about those you know are lost- those you suspect may be lost. We have work to do. We must share Jesus. My spirit sang.

So now it's Monday- and I am back at work! I pray you all have a wonderful start to the week.

What a week! Trying to get back in the swing of things ..(wishing I still had my toes in the sand!)

I can't tell you how many times I have sat down to update since Saturday. But, I knew I wasn't ready. Though God made some things very clear to me last week, He wasn't finished. He still isn't!

For weeks I have thought about the rich young ruler. I don't even remember how I got to him. Like you, I have read the story lots of times. This time was different. I was in the book of Mark, and it was like reading a story for the first time. How I love that feeling! It's special- a time God gives you for new understanding, new meaning. As the Holy Spirit stirred inside me with each word I read, I knew God was up to something.

The rich young ruler runs to Jesus as He is traveling and asks Him ,"What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" The Lord answered, "You know the commandments . . ." and goes into all of the do not's (commit adultery, murder, steal, bear false witness, defraud- honor your father and mother). I love this about our Lord, ya'll. He knew exactly what was on the heart of that young man. He knew what his response would be, "Teacher, all of these things I have kept from my youth," he replied. Of course he had. Jesus knew that. He also knew what he lacked. The Word says that Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said "One thing you lack. Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me." But the young man was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)

The Lord still loved him, though He knew what He would choose. He knew that the cost of discipleship would be too great for the young man. After all, he had all of these great possessions . . all of this . . stuff. And I begin to try to put a face on that young man. A face that turned from God Himself, sad, because all the things in his life were too great to give up to follow Jesus. I still have chills. I began to question, Lord- in what ways have I turned from You? What have I valued above You? I have given my heart to You, my soul, my life- but have I surrendered all control? Am I fine with You using my life for Your glory, even if that means I may suffer, I may be out of my comfort zone, I may not lead the life I thought I would? And as I was in Experiencing God later that week, He said to me, as it was typed in the workbook- You were created for eternity, not for time. Wow. Also, Isaiah 55:8, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways." And finally, Deuteronomy 30:20 "He is your life."

Yes, He is. He is my life so much so that He chose me, out of this world, to redeem. He bore my sin and death. But He also desires to use me- to bring glory to His great and mighty name. That is my purpose here. Will I let Him use me? You bet I will. Whatever the means. In whatever way.

I pray that you will too.

Exciting News!

My brother and Clary are engaged!

We love Clary and could not be happier! Tough secret to keep, though! He proposed on Friday night, the last night we were at the beach. They went for a walk on the beach that night when we got back from dinner and he proposed then. The rest of us were supposed to be packing and cleaning at home, but because we knew what was happening in those moments all we could do was sit in the den and wait for them to get back. It ended up being really hot that evening, so they were back pretty soon. We were so glad to be able to share in such a special time. Love you both!