Monday, the kids and I stayed home all day.
Tuesday came along and we had cabin fever having the day off from work. We decided to take a road trip to Brenham. When we take a road trip to Brenham it usually means drop off point for the girls (Ashley and Chelsea) to go to Papa's and Mama's. I don't know who likes it more - me, my parents or the girls. For those who know me well, know the girls go to my parents house a lot! They love going there. They beg and so do my parents. I also get a great benefit of a break when they go. You see the girls are starting school this August. My parents have been saying all year you have to let them come because when they start school, they aren't going to be able to come. They (my parents) are going through withdrawals already. They are trying to get them as much as possible before they start school.
Wednesday the boys and I started off by going to our chiropractor/friend to get our adjustments. OOOHHHH they feel so good. Then off to work for my usual Wednesday night.
Thursday was terrible. Went to work and knew that two employee teacher's last day was today and then am told by another teacher that she has a new full time job and today was her last day. Bummer! Why do all the good ones leave? I could talk about this all day, but don't want to. I have a school teacher, a teacher's aide, 3 college students, 2 high school students working for me this summer and all of them are leaving. Yikes! So, I am heavy in prayer about new teachers. If you think about, please pray. I need teachers, and I need them now!
Friday was better. With Thursday hanging over my head and what I am going to do, it didn't start out to well, but decided God is in charge! Can't get to stressed over it. I went to my friend, Brandy's, house and ate lunch and enjoyed some good company. I left my little/big boy Justin there to spend the night with his best friend, Michael. He is spending the weekend with him. I'll meet them at church on Sunday morning. Daniel joined the Student Ministry in Rushapalooza. It began at 8:00 p.m. and lasted until 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. James and I had a date night with our friend, Paula! Woo hoo! It's been a long time since we have gone out without any children. And yes, we enjoyed Paula - we invited her to come! We went and ate Japanese food. So delicious!
Saturday! Our phone rang at 3:07 a.m. and I immediately jumped out of the bed. Knowing Daniel was out all night, I thought something happened. I knew the number must be a wrong number, but it then took me a long time to fall back asleep. But I was able to sleep in and James went and picked up Daniel. He has basically been asleep all day. James is hanging with his buddy, David. They are doing manly things having to do with guns. Me, I have enjoyed doing nothing today.
Sunday - day of worship! We have registration for MCC and I am directing my 2 year old department. Then I am sure I will enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap!
Until next time! Ya'll have a great week!
Keith Family Update
The Keith family is already praising God for great results. Their child that moved out was calling the very evening they left. They spoke the next day and their child is very apologetic and doesn't want to hurt their daddy like that again. It is such a blessing that resolution is already taking place. They are planning a move back home soon. Keep praying and thank you to all who were praying! All parents of teenagers need our prayers. Amen and amen!
Prayer for the Keith Family
The Keith family is my sister, Melinda and her husband. Without going through all the details, pray for them. They have had some rough months with their kids lately. Today, one of their kids moved out, because of being confronted about some things that needed to be confronted with. Pray for God's peace to come over them and reassurance that they are making the right, godly choices as parents. They are godly parents and seek Him for counsel. I know one day we will rejoice with them in who their kids turn out to be.
JOY - Jesus Only You!
JOY - Jesus Only You!
The Key to Knowing Yourself
I am so not creative, but I love when I come across something that says exactly what I need or what I am thinking. I picked up one of my many devotionals and began to read it. I don't know if you are like me but I am kind of a devotional jumper. I go through devotionals that I love and have returned to them years later. Then, I have some I constantly look over and over. Then I have the one that our pastor suggests, which is always on target. That's always in additon to mine. The one I am going to quote below from today's devotional is Keeping God in the Small Stuff, by Bruce and Stan. I picked this one back up and read it today and it spoke to me so perfectly.
We have had a few, or for better words, a stream of people leaving our church as employees to go elsewhere or to stay home. When this happens I think I want to jump on the same boat. Church work is so hard! Don't get me wrong, I think God is calling people to other places. I'm not saying they shouldn't be leaving. For those of you who do church work, understand. For those of you who don't may never know what it's like to work for a church/ministry. One time my husband told me what a boss of his, at the time, told him about church work. I don't think I will ever forget it. He said, "we (church employees) do nothing all day except sit around and listen to christian radio all day." WOW! This was said as if we did nothing! What an understatment! Ministry work is so hard, yet such a reward and joy. There are times/phases when I am at my end - total burnout. Feeling so underappreciated, so overworked, and so underpaid. When you are called to ministry work, it's not for money! It has to be a definate calling. One thing I think is I'll quit and have so much time for me and my family. Then I think, why? I love what I do. I love ministering to moms and preschoolers. Then I think I have served so long, that it is time for me. Yet, God convicts me about quitting. Then I think is it me being comfortable, not necessarily God. God wants us to be uncomfortable! Get out of our comfort zone. I'll have time to myself. What would I do? Get to know myself. We all have our own journey and this one is mine!
Here is today's devotional:
The Key to Knowing Yourself
If you want to know yourself better, get to know your Creator better.
It seems like everybody is trying to get to know themselves better, and there are plenty of people ready to tell you how to "tap the power within" or get acquainted with "your inner child."
While there is value to knowing what you can do to improve your life, we would suggest that you spend more time focused on God than on yourself. Studying and learning about you shouldn't be that big a deal. After all, you're with yourself twenty-four hours a day. But God is differnt (and aren't we glad). Studying and learning about Him takes a lifetime, and even then you barely scratch the surface.
Besides, getting to know God better inevitably leads to knowing yourself better. God created you in His own image. His imprint is on your life. As you get closer to God, you will get closer to the real you.
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Colossians 1:9
Greer Happenings
Well, it has been a long time since I have written anything!
Since we went to Guatemala, we have had so many different things happening! Good and bad! We dealt with such spiritual warefare after returning. Wow! We must be doing what God wants that Satan wants to destroy it.
What perfect timing at church that we would be reading Streams in the Desert as our devotional, Red Sea Rules, and our pastor's sermons. All of it is in sync with what our and other families have and are going through. As I type this, I think and know that our problems are nothing compared to what others may be going through. We can get so down on what we are going through and then we see or hear about what others are dealing with and our problems seem so small.
As I read our devotional this morning, I was moved! I loved this paragraph:
"Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials He uses to build your street of freedom." F. B. Meyer
I said aloud, "March On!"
Obstacles seem to get in our way. We can either see it as God closing the door or our timing isn't His timing.
Now for some good! My husband turned 40 on the 14th and we celebrated his 40th birthday this past Saturday! It was so much fun! Some of his closest friends came and his sister and 2 kids and his dad came! We enjoyed hours of conversation and fun! Then, on Sunday, James was ordained as a deacon of our church. It was such an honor and privilege to be nominated and then approved. The service was so sweet and meaningful. So many people came up and congratulated us. People we knew and didn't know. Wow!
Since we went to Guatemala, we have had so many different things happening! Good and bad! We dealt with such spiritual warefare after returning. Wow! We must be doing what God wants that Satan wants to destroy it.
What perfect timing at church that we would be reading Streams in the Desert as our devotional, Red Sea Rules, and our pastor's sermons. All of it is in sync with what our and other families have and are going through. As I type this, I think and know that our problems are nothing compared to what others may be going through. We can get so down on what we are going through and then we see or hear about what others are dealing with and our problems seem so small.
As I read our devotional this morning, I was moved! I loved this paragraph:
"Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials He uses to build your street of freedom." F. B. Meyer
I said aloud, "March On!"
Obstacles seem to get in our way. We can either see it as God closing the door or our timing isn't His timing.
Now for some good! My husband turned 40 on the 14th and we celebrated his 40th birthday this past Saturday! It was so much fun! Some of his closest friends came and his sister and 2 kids and his dad came! We enjoyed hours of conversation and fun! Then, on Sunday, James was ordained as a deacon of our church. It was such an honor and privilege to be nominated and then approved. The service was so sweet and meaningful. So many people came up and congratulated us. People we knew and didn't know. Wow!
We're leavin in the mornin!
Greers in Guatemala
God is doing some great and mighty things in our church. Our church is having 4 simultaneous mission trips during Spring Break. We are joining him in moving His people to a greater and deeper love for Him.
This Spring Break, March 15 – 22, we are going to Guatemala. This will be James’ third consecutive trip. He has a love and passion for the people there. This year, James will be leading the Rookie Trip for our church. Rookie, meaning this trip is geared for those who have not gone on a mission trip before. This is how it all began for James. When he went for the first time three years ago, it changed his life forever. There are some others on our team who have been Guatemala, as well. They have the same love for the people as he does. I can see us serving together one day in Guatemala.
For the first time, I will have the privilege to join the group, as well as Daniel. I knew God was calling me to go and we both felt that Daniel could go, but should he? We weren’t sure. Daniel wanted to go from the beginning. We told Daniel to wait and see what the Student Ministry was doing and then we would make a decision. James went with Daniel to the Student Ministry mission meeting and Daniel did not like it. He didn’t like that his age group was only going to do one day missions. He truly has a servant’s heart and that just wasn’t going to be enough for him. God gave us confirmation through prayer and finances being provided that he was to go.
God has opened many doors and has provided the way for us to go. He has provided:
· Care for our 3 children who are remaining here. My mom and dad are going to watch them for us while we are gone. What an answer to prayer! They are going to love it!
· Financially. All of our way is paid in full and then some! It’s so like God to go above and beyond what we are asking. An anonymous donor gave a large donation to pay for our way and the left over money ($6500) to help in feeding and clothing the children. We then received another donation and it is helping pay 2 other team members way. What an awesome God we serve!
· Passports for me and Daniel. We were so scared we may not get them after hearing the horror stories. Daniel and I went to the downtown post office. We got there early, due to I thought it opened at 8:00 a.m. I thought we were getting there 20 minutes late; instead we were 40 minutes early. Even God can use my ignorance to His advantage. I would have sworn it said 9:00 a.m. on the website. I haven't checked to make sure, but it's ok. We went on Wednesday, January 30th and got them in the mail on Friday, February 8th, 9 days later. Wow!
These are all things God has taken care of for us! He did all the work, not us. Now, we are asking all of our friends and family to be in prayer for us while we are away. Below are some specific prayer requests you can join us in praying for:
* Safe travel there, back and while we are there. The roads are scary there!
* Health.
* Prepare the hearts of the people and children of Guatemala to be open to God. May lives of each and every person we come in contact with be forever changed, not because of us, but because of Jesus.
* Joyful heart and serving spirit to anyone and everyone we meet.
* Unity among our team. May God be the one leading us, not ourselves.
* May we handle change with grace.
* Prepare our hearts to minister and to be ministered to.
These are a few requests. Please pray, however God leads you to pray for us! May God have all the glory!
Serving Him,
James, Sheri and Daniel Greer
Good Morning to You!
This morning after dropping off the boys at school, the girls and I were headed home. The sun was shining very brightly. It was getting in our eyes. And yes, it was annoying. I had sunglasses on and kept moving the visor to help, but it wasn't. We have tinted windows and you wouldn't know it. Ashley began fussing about the sun. It was really bothering her.
Being the preschool teacher I am, and making everything a teachable moment. I told the girls that the sun was a reminder of Jesus. He wanted us to see that He was there. It was His way of saying "Good Morning." Ashley very quickly says, "GOOD MORNING, NOW PUT YOUR SUN UP!" Chelsea says "Good morning. Jesus is telling everyone good morning. Good morning Mommy, Daddy, Daniel, Justin. I said, "Yes, He is."
You know, kids can just be so darn honest. They are so transparent. At least one of the girls got the point. Maybe the other one will later. Must have been a bad morning.
Being the preschool teacher I am, and making everything a teachable moment. I told the girls that the sun was a reminder of Jesus. He wanted us to see that He was there. It was His way of saying "Good Morning." Ashley very quickly says, "GOOD MORNING, NOW PUT YOUR SUN UP!" Chelsea says "Good morning. Jesus is telling everyone good morning. Good morning Mommy, Daddy, Daniel, Justin. I said, "Yes, He is."
You know, kids can just be so darn honest. They are so transparent. At least one of the girls got the point. Maybe the other one will later. Must have been a bad morning.
Kids Say The Darndest Things!
For those of you who know us well, will think this is funny. For those of you who don't know us so well may say, that's not funny. I personally thought it was hilarious and worth sharing!
Daniel, Justin, and I were at Walmart. Justin had $2.00 in change that was burning a hole in his pocket. He and Daniel walked all over the store trying to figure out how he was going to spend his $2.00. He, with the help of Daniel, chose to buy goldfish. He was able to buy 2 of them - they were .28 cents a piece. He could then afford to buy the food so they would be able to eat. Don't feel too sorry he is doing this all on his own, with no help from me. I get suckered into purchases constantly. To say the least, our kids are spoiled. This isn't necesarily a good thing. So, we go to the self checkout, because I felt sorry for the cashier we might get because they would be counting change for a while. This way, in the self checkout you just keep feeding the change into the machine. The purchase was made, then we get ready to leave and the lady that helps with all the self checkouts says she needs to hold the fish. What? I thought maybe she didn't trust him that he bought it. Then, I realized she watches all of the transactions on her screen and could see him feeding in his money one coin at a time. She proceeds to the exit with us and holds the fish over the electronic devices that sound off when you are stealing something. Someone out there can let me know what those are called later. I asked, "Why did she need to do this?" Simple question. She said, "it can kill the fish with the electronic waves." Being the constant learning/teaching moment mom that I am. I asked Daniel and Justin, "Imagine what it does to our bodies if it kills a fish. Everytime we go through there it must be killing our cells one by one." Just a thought. Daniel, my too quick on his feet responses (not my child - his dad's), says "Yea mom, that's why you are so dumb, because you love to shop." WHAT? I wasn't so sure how to respond other than laugh. I did have to tell him that wasn't really a nice thing to say about his mom. He then proceeded to tell me that I am always saying how brain dead I am because I have so many children. It wasn't their fault, but mine for shopping. I had to agree. I do say all the time, how brain dead/scatter brain I am. I believe whole heartedly with the birth of each child I gave them a piece of my brain. Four kids later, I have very little left for myself. There are times, you just don't have a case against your children. Enjoy your day!
Daniel, Justin, and I were at Walmart. Justin had $2.00 in change that was burning a hole in his pocket. He and Daniel walked all over the store trying to figure out how he was going to spend his $2.00. He, with the help of Daniel, chose to buy goldfish. He was able to buy 2 of them - they were .28 cents a piece. He could then afford to buy the food so they would be able to eat. Don't feel too sorry he is doing this all on his own, with no help from me. I get suckered into purchases constantly. To say the least, our kids are spoiled. This isn't necesarily a good thing. So, we go to the self checkout, because I felt sorry for the cashier we might get because they would be counting change for a while. This way, in the self checkout you just keep feeding the change into the machine. The purchase was made, then we get ready to leave and the lady that helps with all the self checkouts says she needs to hold the fish. What? I thought maybe she didn't trust him that he bought it. Then, I realized she watches all of the transactions on her screen and could see him feeding in his money one coin at a time. She proceeds to the exit with us and holds the fish over the electronic devices that sound off when you are stealing something. Someone out there can let me know what those are called later. I asked, "Why did she need to do this?" Simple question. She said, "it can kill the fish with the electronic waves." Being the constant learning/teaching moment mom that I am. I asked Daniel and Justin, "Imagine what it does to our bodies if it kills a fish. Everytime we go through there it must be killing our cells one by one." Just a thought. Daniel, my too quick on his feet responses (not my child - his dad's), says "Yea mom, that's why you are so dumb, because you love to shop." WHAT? I wasn't so sure how to respond other than laugh. I did have to tell him that wasn't really a nice thing to say about his mom. He then proceeded to tell me that I am always saying how brain dead I am because I have so many children. It wasn't their fault, but mine for shopping. I had to agree. I do say all the time, how brain dead/scatter brain I am. I believe whole heartedly with the birth of each child I gave them a piece of my brain. Four kids later, I have very little left for myself. There are times, you just don't have a case against your children. Enjoy your day!
It's Official - God is so.... God!
The Greers (James, Sheri & Daniel) are going to Guatemala! James is leading the Rookie Trip to Guatemala during Spring Break. This is James' 3rd trip. This is the first one he has led. He has such a passion for the people of Guatemala.
This year, God was calling me to go. I knew He wanted me to go. As we began praying about how we would come up with the money for me, which we knew He would do, we both felt as if God was telling us Daniel should go. We weren't sure about him, being that he is 11 years old. We just put it off and began putting money provided for our trip into our (God's) account. James had some money left from his previous trips, he did some plumbing work and asked for a donation to his trip instead of payment. Then, one of James clients, a very wealthy one I might add, gave him a $500 cash donation. This lady, was going to give it to James for Christmas and she didn't see him, so she saved it until she saw him. He told her about the trip and she said it was meant to go for his trip. He couldn't get to the church fast enough. He was so excited!
More and more people began signing up for the trip. A couple from the church is coming with their 2 kids. Their kids are 8 and 11. I thought, why shouldn't Daniel go then. We began praying, knowing God was to provide, just how?
We knew if we were going, we needed passports. Daniel and I both needed them. I am such a procrastinator sometimes. It kills my husband, he's so OCD. Daniel has 1/2 days on Wednesdays, so I kept him out of school and we went to the downtown post office to wait. We heard so many stories about how long we would have to wait and get ready for a day of waiting. We got there early, due to I thought it opened at 8:00 a.m. I thought we were geting there 20 minutes late, instead we were 40 minutes early. Even God can use my ignorance to His advantage. I would have swore it said 9:00 a.m. on the websites. I haven't checked to make sure, but it's ok. We went on Wednesday, January 30th and got them in the mail on Friday, Febrary 8th, 9 days! God is so good! Now we are set with the passports, now we just need the money!
Here's the most awesome news of all! On Friday, February 1st, James got a call. This person, who is to remain anonymous, gave such a blessing! Way far than we could have ever asked dreamed or hoped for. They asked James about his fund raising and what the plans were while we are in Guatemala. James told them we had been praying about Daniel going and I was still needing money. Well.........., they gave $10,000! WHAT! You saw it right, $10,000. They wanted to provide our way financially, then provide the children in Guatemala with clothes and food. WOW!
Can you say, AMEN?!?!?!?!?!
I've Been Discovered
Well, first of all I started this blog for me. I wanted a place where I can express things that have happened to me or my family. Things I wanted to keep, journal and have to recall when my memory totally fails me. Someone told me years ago, and I am so unorganized I didn't do this, to journal. They told me if I didn't journal, just write down things on a piece of paper and put it somewhere. The problem with that is I can never find the piece of paper in the somewhere location. My life as I knew it, is no longer in existence. Marriage, job, and four children later, my brain is gone.
The more I read other people's blogs the more I wanted to do my own, so I started. Some of my closest friends don't even know I do this. I was and am scared of what people will read and think of me. What will they think? Some people are so poetic and write as if they were expert journalist. Me, who am I? I felt guilty that I read other blogs and they didn't know it. Then I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I think she is so funny, just like her mom. Then she wrote a post about lurkers. A friends asked what she thought about people she doesn't know read her blog. Well, she gets a report about who and when and how long they look at her blog. Now, I am so busted. Wow, that was convicting.
I had to reevaluate why should I care if others read mine, when I read theirs. I mentioned to a friend about JOY, my word from God. I let it slip that I blogged. They wanted my blog address and I honestly don't even know how one finds my blog, I just know how I get on it. I'm not that savvy yet. I thought, I don't know that I want people reading my personal thoughts. Then, how guilty am I when I read theirs. The other point is why would I put anything on the internet that I didn't want people to read. My word. Anyone can get to it.
All this to say, now that people know, it's cool. It may inspire me to write more. I know I check often to look at other people's new stuff. Now the truth is out, I read yours and you read mine. We are even!
The more I read other people's blogs the more I wanted to do my own, so I started. Some of my closest friends don't even know I do this. I was and am scared of what people will read and think of me. What will they think? Some people are so poetic and write as if they were expert journalist. Me, who am I? I felt guilty that I read other blogs and they didn't know it. Then I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I think she is so funny, just like her mom. Then she wrote a post about lurkers. A friends asked what she thought about people she doesn't know read her blog. Well, she gets a report about who and when and how long they look at her blog. Now, I am so busted. Wow, that was convicting.
I had to reevaluate why should I care if others read mine, when I read theirs. I mentioned to a friend about JOY, my word from God. I let it slip that I blogged. They wanted my blog address and I honestly don't even know how one finds my blog, I just know how I get on it. I'm not that savvy yet. I thought, I don't know that I want people reading my personal thoughts. Then, how guilty am I when I read theirs. The other point is why would I put anything on the internet that I didn't want people to read. My word. Anyone can get to it.
All this to say, now that people know, it's cool. It may inspire me to write more. I know I check often to look at other people's new stuff. Now the truth is out, I read yours and you read mine. We are even!
Flushable Food
Children do the darndest things.
Here's a little background before I get too into the story. Michael Hanus and my son, Justin are best friends. They have been friends since they were two or three. They have this connection I've never seen with kids before, especially boys. The two became instant friends and remain close even though they don't spend as much time with each other as they did before they started school. Michael's mom, Brandy, and I became friends because of our boys.
Then came along Ashley and Chelsea and then about 6 months later, James was born. Their friendship began because Brandy and I would hang out with our kids. Justin would get invited over to Michael's house and then the jealousy started with not only Ashley and Chelsea, but with Daniel, as well. One day the girls came up with the idea they needed to spend the night, too. They told Brandy Justin didn't want to come over and they were going to come for him. So, we decided to let them spend the night one day. No, I wouldn't normally let boys and girls spend the night together. I know it sounds a little wierd. Brandy also has an older daughter named Megan. So, they all have sleepovers. It's not like the girls get to sleep in the bed with the boys. Not happening!
So, this week Ashley, Chelsea and James made plans during Mother's Day Out. They were going over to his house and spending the night. When Brandy went to pick up James, she discovered their plan. She asked if the girls could come over and I said, "yes." It worked for me.
During dinner Mrs. Brandy served chicken with macaroni and cheese and what else, I don't know. Ashley ate all her mac and cheese and wanted more. Mrs. Brandy told her she had to eat some chicken then she would give her some more. Mrs. Brandy went into the kitchen for a minute and she returned to the table only to find Ashley and James missing. She found them in the bathroom. She explained to James that he did not need to go in the bathroom with Ashley, for obvious reasons. He said, "she wasn't going to the bathroom, she was flushing the chicken down the toilet." That took care of the chicken. In her mind that was how she could have some more mac and cheese. Pretty clever, huh? Mrs. Brandy died laughing! She thought it was so funny. She couldn't turn her down for another serving. That's not what she would have done probably if it was her child, it was just so funny she couldn't really discipline her seriously.
I thought that was just too cute to not share.
Here's a little background before I get too into the story. Michael Hanus and my son, Justin are best friends. They have been friends since they were two or three. They have this connection I've never seen with kids before, especially boys. The two became instant friends and remain close even though they don't spend as much time with each other as they did before they started school. Michael's mom, Brandy, and I became friends because of our boys.
Then came along Ashley and Chelsea and then about 6 months later, James was born. Their friendship began because Brandy and I would hang out with our kids. Justin would get invited over to Michael's house and then the jealousy started with not only Ashley and Chelsea, but with Daniel, as well. One day the girls came up with the idea they needed to spend the night, too. They told Brandy Justin didn't want to come over and they were going to come for him. So, we decided to let them spend the night one day. No, I wouldn't normally let boys and girls spend the night together. I know it sounds a little wierd. Brandy also has an older daughter named Megan. So, they all have sleepovers. It's not like the girls get to sleep in the bed with the boys. Not happening!
So, this week Ashley, Chelsea and James made plans during Mother's Day Out. They were going over to his house and spending the night. When Brandy went to pick up James, she discovered their plan. She asked if the girls could come over and I said, "yes." It worked for me.
During dinner Mrs. Brandy served chicken with macaroni and cheese and what else, I don't know. Ashley ate all her mac and cheese and wanted more. Mrs. Brandy told her she had to eat some chicken then she would give her some more. Mrs. Brandy went into the kitchen for a minute and she returned to the table only to find Ashley and James missing. She found them in the bathroom. She explained to James that he did not need to go in the bathroom with Ashley, for obvious reasons. He said, "she wasn't going to the bathroom, she was flushing the chicken down the toilet." That took care of the chicken. In her mind that was how she could have some more mac and cheese. Pretty clever, huh? Mrs. Brandy died laughing! She thought it was so funny. She couldn't turn her down for another serving. That's not what she would have done probably if it was her child, it was just so funny she couldn't really discipline her seriously.
I thought that was just too cute to not share.
JOY - Jesus, Only You
As I had a quiet time in December, the Lord brought a word, JOY. I would like to say I have a quiet time everyday, but the truth is my quiet times come far and few in between.
I have thought of the word, JOY, so many times. Every time I felt stressed, aggravated, upset, etc, I would remind myself of JOY. It would put a smile on my face, temporarily. As time moved on quickly during the holiday hustle and bustle, I realized this is my theme word. I'm not one to get into New Year's resolutions, but it's an appropriate time to start a renewal. I thought it was a word given to get through the holiday season, but it's not. This is why God brought this word to me. I also realized the word joy - for me, had an acronym J - Jesus, O - only, Y - You. That is why I keep saying JOY, not to emphasize the word, but to use it as an acronym for me. I realize I am at a big time spiritual lull. I have let myself go with the craziness of life. I say often, Lord, you say you don't give us more than we can handle. I am so disappointed with myself. I also tell the Lord, I know I disappoint Him. He already knows. I take on the world each and every day all on my own. That's how I feel, and why I don't find JOY so many times, when God puts it right in my face. I do know how blessed I am. I just don't live it daily. I hope as I journal this year, I see the true JOY in Jesus this year.
For those who know me well, know I struggle with depression. I want to overcome it. It runs rampant in my family. I would like to stop that family curse with me. This is not something I want to pass down to my children. As a Christian, I don't want to be depressed. Something happened to me when I had my first child. I unleashed the hormones for me. Something that should bring such great joy, let off an onset of depression. I don't know why I am the way I am. I don't want to be. With the birth of each child, it got a little worse. I am on medication now. It helps for the most part, there are still some days, it doesn't matter. I may not even know why I feel the way I do. It's a daily struggle. Pray for me.
I know I am blessed with an awesome, godly, husband. I have 4 beautiful children. All of these are true JOY from the Lord. My prayer each day is to start it off right with Him and rely on Him instead of myself this new year. It's not just a new year, but an new beginning to life as it should be.
This is something I have seen before and I now have it on my Facebook. I love what it says.
I have thought of the word, JOY, so many times. Every time I felt stressed, aggravated, upset, etc, I would remind myself of JOY. It would put a smile on my face, temporarily. As time moved on quickly during the holiday hustle and bustle, I realized this is my theme word. I'm not one to get into New Year's resolutions, but it's an appropriate time to start a renewal. I thought it was a word given to get through the holiday season, but it's not. This is why God brought this word to me. I also realized the word joy - for me, had an acronym J - Jesus, O - only, Y - You. That is why I keep saying JOY, not to emphasize the word, but to use it as an acronym for me. I realize I am at a big time spiritual lull. I have let myself go with the craziness of life. I say often, Lord, you say you don't give us more than we can handle. I am so disappointed with myself. I also tell the Lord, I know I disappoint Him. He already knows. I take on the world each and every day all on my own. That's how I feel, and why I don't find JOY so many times, when God puts it right in my face. I do know how blessed I am. I just don't live it daily. I hope as I journal this year, I see the true JOY in Jesus this year.
For those who know me well, know I struggle with depression. I want to overcome it. It runs rampant in my family. I would like to stop that family curse with me. This is not something I want to pass down to my children. As a Christian, I don't want to be depressed. Something happened to me when I had my first child. I unleashed the hormones for me. Something that should bring such great joy, let off an onset of depression. I don't know why I am the way I am. I don't want to be. With the birth of each child, it got a little worse. I am on medication now. It helps for the most part, there are still some days, it doesn't matter. I may not even know why I feel the way I do. It's a daily struggle. Pray for me.
I know I am blessed with an awesome, godly, husband. I have 4 beautiful children. All of these are true JOY from the Lord. My prayer each day is to start it off right with Him and rely on Him instead of myself this new year. It's not just a new year, but an new beginning to life as it should be.
This is something I have seen before and I now have it on my Facebook. I love what it says.
Happy moments, praise God
Difficult moments, seek God
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God
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