COUSINS

we're still in Michigan and having a wonderful time with family. my sister and her family live 5 minutes from my parents, so we've been together everyday. it's so awesome to see all the kids playing together. it wasn't always like this.... there are 6 kids under the age of 6, whew.... it's so interesting that God blessed us both with 2 girls and a boy. my nephew Shepherd just turned 2 and he's had quite a 2 years of his life. he was born with a cleft-palate, many surgeries, many illnesses, many late nights, lots of trips to the ER, feeding tubes, and many nights spent praying. he's a miracle, and it's so beautiful to see just how God has healed, they are not out of the woods yet, but positive that this year will bring about new growth for all.



thank you Lord, for little Shepherd and that you've brought him this far. we look forward to what your going to do in his life. i pray that these two sweet boys will have a great bond and that they grow into men after your own heart.

i interrupt this post....

for a special service announcement.....

i'm in Michigan for the next 2 weeks visiting my family! i flew alone with the 3 kids yesterday and let's just say it was a journal day......... i will post when i can, but the most important thing is for me right now spending time with my parents, sister and fam, 90 year old grandmother, and aunt.

not many pics right now, but, this was taken at breakfast this morning......

lis was praying over their bagels, blueberries and oldemor's coffee.

heavenly father, thank you that we're able to spend time in Michigan and that you made this possible. i pray that relationships are strengthened and that time spent will only glorify you. thank you for lazy days and quality time around the table.

going through it...

i knew it was coming..... here i go, through the trial..... but, God is SO good and His mercies ARE new every morning!

thank you Lord, that you remain faithful even in the midst of my chaos. thank you that you restore my spirit and that you hold me close and whisper to me that you will see me through. thank you for showing me your love in those around me. thank you for loving me and giving me glimpses of who you are throughout the day.

not a whole lot to say.......

God is stirring something in me and i just can't put my finger on it. lately, i've been a little on edge and grumpy... ugh {i've needed to ask forgiveness a lot} i've really been trying to be quiet and still before God. at times, it's a really beautiful time for me, but then i find there are times where i'm anxious and waiting for a clear voice, because i feel {see it's all about me} that i deserve to have answers NOW. i know that He's stretching me and i feel a real growth spurt coming on, but do i really want it.. no thank you..... however, i do know that i don't want to remain where i am, so that means i will submit and obey and go through the trial.

i'm always excited to see where God is leading and thankful that He's not through with me yet. so, i will be still and invite Him onto my boat and i will listen to what He's saying, i will try not to lead, but follow.......


dear heavenly father, i know that you have more for me. i know that you have stirred desires in me and want me to be obedient. Lord, i pray that i will set aside what i want and fully commit to your plan. please forgive me for being selfish with my time, i want so desperately to be about your business. continue to speak to me Lord, for i want to listen and obey.

relationships

heavenly father, i'm struck with how fast time is flying by. thank you for all the relationships in our lives and all the people that you have blessed us with. it's a treasured gift that can't be replaced. help me to be mindful of the time you have given us and not take a moment for granted. Lord, help me to be aware of my words and actions and to love like you have called me to love.

i will lift my eyes

I will lift my eyes
{song written and performed by Bebo Norman}

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me

‘Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
‘Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now


thank you Lord, that you are my defender. that i can come to you at any moment and you hold me close. i pray for those who curse me and love those who are unkind. thank you that i can find rest in you. i pray that i will use every situation for your glory.

think about such things

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me- put into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9