I am no longer the things of my past...I am the daughter of the Great I AM.

Exodus 3:14
And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
2 Corithians 6:18
I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Monday, December 13, 2010

It's a Choice

Recently, I had someone tell me that one day she hopes to be happy like me. This person is going through a lot right now, and it is very difficult not to sink into depression. Truthfully, I know many people who are like this. The things of this world can weigh heavy on you, and cause you to lose hope.

As a Christian, we know that we do not have to conform to what this world tells us. We instead have to choose to believe what God's word tells us. It is not about how we feel, but rather what God says. Let me acknowledge right now, THIS IS NOT AN EASY CHOICE!!!

The statement that I am happy is true... somedays it is easy ... somedays it is a choice. Today, it is a choice. As a stay at home wife/mom who is married to a self employed man, money can sometimes be a stressful issue for us. (As I imagine it can for many of you). Last night we discovered that a job we were counting on starting today, has been postponed temporarily. In years past I would have easily went into stress/fix it mode. Instead, I have asked God to expedite the paperwork that has caused the delay, and I trust His timing in it. I know He has all our needs taken care of. If I start dwelling on this again, I just say out loud, "Thank you God for having this situation under Your Control. I trust You." Then, I just start praising Him for all the blessings I do have.

Now, I hope that no one believes me to be flippant over anyones problems. I know that some of you reading this have very heavy burdens to bear. Here is the good part, God will bear them for you. Even if it is problems you have created for yourself, turn them over to Him. Praise Him out loud! Seek His guidance from His word! Seek godly counsel! Trust Him! It is not always easy, but it is always the best choice.

What we read in Scripture is, "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own." Romans 4:3

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Friday, December 10, 2010

I Cry, I Laugh, I Think about a Bullfrog

If you have been following my blog, you probably remember the one titled "The Phone Call." In that blog I shared how I received the news about the death of my 12 year old nephew. Today would have been his 20th birthday.

This morning on facebook, I posted as my status that I was thinking of my nephew Hamp. Immediately, I started receiving posts letting me know people were praying for me today, or were encouraging me today. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. Truthfully, I think about Hamp often. Especially the older my son gets. It is amazing to me how much Ethan reminds me of Hamp, from looks to actions.

When I think of Hamp, I sometimes cry, and usually at the oddest moments. On the fourth of July this year, our music minister led a series of old sunday school songs. They were all songs that I had sung with Hamp and his sister Charlie when I used to babysit them. So as everyone is singing, "I've got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart..." I sat down and cried! Jason knew why, everyone else thought I had lost my mind.

Most of the time when I think of Hamp, I laugh! That boy was full of life! He was fun, loving, and yes, often a pest. His imagination was amazing! He was always up to something, and usually ended with everyone laughing at his antics.

Finally, when I think of Hamp, I think about a bullfrog. You see, from a very early age, Hamp could sing, "Jeremiah was a bullfrog, a very good friend of mine..." He would receive requests to perform this song. Best of all, if he came to the end, but wasn't ready to stop... No problem! In his best "rock'n'roll" voice, He would growl "One more time!"

So, today as I have remembered my nephew, I have cried, I have laughed, and I have thought of a bullfrog. Most of all, I am secure in knowing that Hamp is in heaven, and I will see him again one day! Until that moment, I have no doubt that Hamp is entertaining the rest of the family while he waits for us to join him.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Our Promised Land

Last night, I did not want to go to bed. It was 10 O'clock, and I was sitting on the couch with our sweet dog snuggled next to me. The kids had been in bed for a while, but were not asleep yet. Jason was "watching" DIY. Actually, he was asleep. We had a fire in the fireplace, Christmas lights on, and I was enjoying the peace and beauty of my home. I love my home!

That is when it hit me, we have been in our house for 19 months now! I realize that might not seem like a big deal to you, but to us it is! It is the longest we have lived in any house since our move to Texarkana. In the last five years, we have lived in 5 houses. (I have shared in previous blogs about our struggles with jobs and poor choices when we first moved here, so you can look back if you are a little lost now.)

You know it is bad when your 5 year old daughter sees you packing away everyday decor, and she asks why you are packing. Even after I told her that it was to make room for Christmas decor, she had to confirm with, "We're not moving?" Since we moved here in August of 2006, we have lived in an apartment for 5 months, a house we built (and sold) for 18 months, a rental home (that I lovingly called the Redneck Riveria)for 10 months, and finally our current home for 19 months. Can you see now why it is a big deal?

As I thought back last night, I remembered how God has carried us through out this whole experience. Yes, we made some poor choices, but God is faithful. We have grown ever closer to Him, and trust Him no matter what! I do not know what God has planned for our future. I do know however, that as of right now, we are living in our Promised Land.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Guest Blogger Interview

A friend of mine, in real life as well as the blog world, has a blog called Like Christmas Every Single Day. She recently interviewed me about Christmas. It was a lot of fun!! She has posted that interview today. Copy and Paste this link, and check it out.

http://likechristmaseverysingleday.blogspot.com/2010/12/guest-blogger-kerry-from-daughter-of-i.html

While you're there, check out her blog. She always has a lot of fun, and is a very generous person.

Thank you Mrs. Claus for the opportunity to share on your blog!