hey Everyone! Once again, I'm WAY behind on blogging. I don't think I've blogged the entire summer and here we are into Fall! Crazy! We had a great summer with loads of activities and fun! Maybe sometime I'll sit and catch up, but for now I just want to share my devotions with you. Like most people, I struggle with life. I can't say it's been an easy "ride" for me, and I can't say that I have joy everyday. I can say that I'm a christian who believes in a Holy Lord that rescues us and allows us to go through things at time only to shape us into who we will be and who He intends for us to be. The road is sometimes bumpy, the road is sometimes smooth, either way life is a constant lesson. I'm thankful for the trials He's sent me in life-if not for them-I wouldn't be growing.
Isaiah 64:8 "We are the Clay, and You our Potter".
enough said,right!?
Imagine a beautiful china teacup saying " I wasn't always like this. There was a time when i was just a cold,hard,colorless lump of clay. One day the potter picked me up and said "I could do something with this." Then he started to put pressure on me and change my shape. I said , "What are you doing?" That hurts. STOP!" Be he said "Not yet". Then he put me on a wheel and began to spin me around and around until I shouted "Let me off". He replied "Not yet". Then he shaped me into a cup and put me in a hot oven. I cried. "Let me out of here, I'm suffocating". But he looked at me and said "Not Yet". When he took me out, I thought his work on me was over, but then he started to paint me. I couldn't believe what he did next. He put me back into the oven and I said "I can't stand this, please let me out!" But he said, "Not yet". Finally he took me out of the oven and set me on a shelf where I thought he forgotten me. Then one day he took me off the shelf and held me up before a mirror. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had become a beautiful teacup that everyone wants to buy". :)
There are things going on in your life today that you don't understand. When you finally get to the place God wants you to be, you'll realize that He has been making you into a vessel He can use, bless, and use to bless others. So, allow God to shape you!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Devotions that stick out!
"If anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in". Revelation 3:20
On Wed, July 27, during devotions this particular one just "stuck" with me. All about the choices we make in life and how important just one particular one is.
Max Lucado writes" Ever wonder why there were two crossed next to Christ?" Or why Jesus was in the center? Those two crosses symbolize one of Gods greatest gifts-the gift of CHOICE. The two criminals have much in common;convicted by the same system, condemned to the same death,surrounded by the same crows, and equally close to the same Christ. In fact, they began with the same sarcasm;the two criminals each said cruel things to Jesus. But one changed. He said "Jesus,remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I will tell the truth, today you will be with me in paradise". Luke 23;42-43
While we rejoice at the thief who changed, we dare not forget the one who didn't. There are times when God sends thunder to stir us. There are times when God sends blessings to lure us. But there are times when God sends nothing but silence, as he honors us with the freedom to choose where we spend eternity. We have never been given a greater privilege that that of choice. think about the thief who repented. Though we know little about him, we know this: in the end, all his bad choices were redeemed by a solitary good choice. He choose CHRIST! :)
No matter how many bad choices you or I have made in the past, we can be redeemed by one good choice-the choice to give your life to Christ and follow Him. If you make the choice, you'll never regret it!
On Wed, July 27, during devotions this particular one just "stuck" with me. All about the choices we make in life and how important just one particular one is.
Max Lucado writes" Ever wonder why there were two crossed next to Christ?" Or why Jesus was in the center? Those two crosses symbolize one of Gods greatest gifts-the gift of CHOICE. The two criminals have much in common;convicted by the same system, condemned to the same death,surrounded by the same crows, and equally close to the same Christ. In fact, they began with the same sarcasm;the two criminals each said cruel things to Jesus. But one changed. He said "Jesus,remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I will tell the truth, today you will be with me in paradise". Luke 23;42-43
While we rejoice at the thief who changed, we dare not forget the one who didn't. There are times when God sends thunder to stir us. There are times when God sends blessings to lure us. But there are times when God sends nothing but silence, as he honors us with the freedom to choose where we spend eternity. We have never been given a greater privilege that that of choice. think about the thief who repented. Though we know little about him, we know this: in the end, all his bad choices were redeemed by a solitary good choice. He choose CHRIST! :)
No matter how many bad choices you or I have made in the past, we can be redeemed by one good choice-the choice to give your life to Christ and follow Him. If you make the choice, you'll never regret it!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Does everybody Kung Fu fight?
Emma and Kate after watching "Kung Fu Panda". They took Daddy to see the movie on Fathers Day. We had a ton of fun, and still can't get the song out of our heads.
Soccer!
Through the Perrysburg recreation program, Emma was able to start soccer! How sweet and fun to watch a bunch of 4&5 year olds learn the game!
Friends!
While the Daddy's were playing xbox, Dave set up a movie for the girls and their buddies to watch. Here they are enjoying it together! Priceless!
VBS!
Lord, thank you for VBS! A whole week from 9:30am-12pm!!!! Whodathunkit!? I seriously was considering looking for one for every week of the summer! J/k! Both girls were able to go this year and they enjoyed it! As did I! I didn't know what to do with myself every day but amazingly enough, I found plenty to do!
Learning!
Through devotions God has poured out such amazing revelations for me! Just like many people, God has done amazing things in our life. He also has allowed us to go through valleys. We've been so thankful to Him for these challenges because we grow through it. IF you're willing to listen, you'll be willing to see yourself and change. Some people don't and they miss out! You need to ask yourself....if your not facing a challenge or something for you to depend on God-are you following Him? Are you just idling by? It is hard at times, but He is so faithful. Learning to give up control and allow Him to move is refreshing. The truth is freeing. In times of trouble, it's hard to not just go to the person or issue and just make "amends" or have them see your point of view. I've always done this in the past. Because I want peace with everyone. BUT...God tells us to wait upon Him. He needs to prepare hearts. You need time,maturing and equipping, so that the word you've received can take root and be fulfilled in the way God wants! Look at Paul! He didn't just go out and tell everyone when God appointed him. He waited...and it took 3 years before he went and started his ministry. An effective ministry I might add! He needed time for God to work in him and prepare him for his journey.
Habakkuk 2:3 "For the Revelation awaits an appointed time."
Dave and I left our "home" church awhile back. We felt like we were being pulled in a new direction so we thought that it would be best to follow God...and not man. We didn't leave on bad terms, nor did we leave because we didn't believe the doctrine or because it was bad.
We began a search of where our next church home would be, and had the excitement of where God would lead us. Even if we were just meant to go back to the church we left. It was really hard. There are so many churches out there.
Where we ended up...Cedar Creek, has certainly raised some eyebrows. At this time in our lives, we are ok with being "lost in a crowd". Which has been a staple answer for us b/c of the reactions we have gotten! It feels good to go to church and just seek Him, not worry where to sit, what friends we can seek out in a crowd, just GO to church and listen about God without distraction.
But for some reason, it offends others. This last time when we were asked "where are you going now?", we replied and the reaction...same as the other 100 times has been "oh...cedar creek" with disappointed faces and a reaction that it's not a "real" church or legitimate.
I love how as christians we have a preconceived notion of how a church is or anything for that matter without even going there. Why does it bother you? Is it because the church has exponential growth? Is it because they have a media representation that is phenomenal? Is it because the worship is different from yours? Is it because when the pastor speaks he does so in a way that is in your face and doesn't mix the truth? Not worried about offending others? really, I'd like to know...because as Christians...we shouldn't be so concerned with where our fellow believers are going as long as they're being fed and doing the will of the Lord. We should be concerned with the non-believers of this world and get them to places where they are going to learn and grow in Him. Instead, we judge other christians, we judge non believers, we judge judge judge!!!!! So let's stop looking down our own noses at others and focus on what Christ has us to do. This life is short, we have on objective....get as many people to follow Him as possible. What are you doing about that? I ask myself the same question...because we each individually will stand before Him one day. I would like to hear "well done my good and faithful servant". Whoa-what a glorious day that will be!!!!!
Habakkuk 2:3 "For the Revelation awaits an appointed time."
Dave and I left our "home" church awhile back. We felt like we were being pulled in a new direction so we thought that it would be best to follow God...and not man. We didn't leave on bad terms, nor did we leave because we didn't believe the doctrine or because it was bad.
We began a search of where our next church home would be, and had the excitement of where God would lead us. Even if we were just meant to go back to the church we left. It was really hard. There are so many churches out there.
Where we ended up...Cedar Creek, has certainly raised some eyebrows. At this time in our lives, we are ok with being "lost in a crowd". Which has been a staple answer for us b/c of the reactions we have gotten! It feels good to go to church and just seek Him, not worry where to sit, what friends we can seek out in a crowd, just GO to church and listen about God without distraction.
But for some reason, it offends others. This last time when we were asked "where are you going now?", we replied and the reaction...same as the other 100 times has been "oh...cedar creek" with disappointed faces and a reaction that it's not a "real" church or legitimate.
I love how as christians we have a preconceived notion of how a church is or anything for that matter without even going there. Why does it bother you? Is it because the church has exponential growth? Is it because they have a media representation that is phenomenal? Is it because the worship is different from yours? Is it because when the pastor speaks he does so in a way that is in your face and doesn't mix the truth? Not worried about offending others? really, I'd like to know...because as Christians...we shouldn't be so concerned with where our fellow believers are going as long as they're being fed and doing the will of the Lord. We should be concerned with the non-believers of this world and get them to places where they are going to learn and grow in Him. Instead, we judge other christians, we judge non believers, we judge judge judge!!!!! So let's stop looking down our own noses at others and focus on what Christ has us to do. This life is short, we have on objective....get as many people to follow Him as possible. What are you doing about that? I ask myself the same question...because we each individually will stand before Him one day. I would like to hear "well done my good and faithful servant". Whoa-what a glorious day that will be!!!!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The next Vera Wang!?
So I was emailing a friend the other day, and in that short amount of time....
Emma took her Supergirl cape and found some scotch tape and made this little number. The cape is twisted around her, and taped in the back (don't know how she did that) and has the two pieces of tape to hold it up around her chest. I personally would need more than two pieces of tape....... (wink)
I was quite proud of her little creation! :)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Let the good times roll!
It's been awhile since my last post. As with anyone who has children or a spouse, or family knows that time flies! It's hard to just sit down and blog and update when a million other things needs to be done! But....I love it! I enjoy our kids. I enjoy staying home with them. I enjoy watching them work out their little battles, and experience new things. The girls have been best buds lately! Which is really nice! However, they have their moments and it's like I'm the ringmaster, and I have to ring the bell for round 2 or something! It's quite funny AT TIMES!
Over Memorial Day weekend, we went along with my brother and his family to St.Marys Lake near Wapokaneta. We had a great time. The weather was perfect! We played in the sand on the beach, Dave went skiing and tubing with our nephews, and the girls swam in the pool at our hotel. Katelyn didn't appreciate how fast my brothers boat went, but she eventually got used to it and just buried her face in our arms or closed her eyes :) Emma liked being in the front of the boat with Jake and Tim. She loved the speed and the wind in her hair! 
For the most part, the weather has been nice. A little cool for this time of year but we're loving being outside. There are a ton of kids in our neighborhood, so the girls have lots of little buddies to play with. They enjoy swinging and climbing all over the swingset.
While the kids enjoy playtime, Dave and I have been having fun with landscaping! We've built 3 new mounds this year. It's been fun to transform and create new things together. Sometimes I just go outside, and just putz around....I look like I'm really busy-but I'm not. I just walk around and enjoy Gods creation! His artwork is all around us, and it's so hard to understand how some people don't believe in our awesome creator! All you have to do is look outside.....the different colors,shapes and sizes and know how BIG God truly is....just beautiful! Last year, we had a Mommy duck lay her eggs, and this year we have baby bunnies! Wonder what we'll have next year?!
Emma had her heart broken and had her first "loss". Her beloved "puppy" went missing on a trip to the zoo. This was so very hard for her, and actually it made all of us sad,too. She had her puppy since she was born and it went with her everywhere. She misses her but understands that possibly a little boy or girl needed her more and is being loved in another home. This was a good lesson in responsibility for her. She has handled it well. Puppy-we'll miss you!
Over Memorial Day weekend, we went along with my brother and his family to St.Marys Lake near Wapokaneta. We had a great time. The weather was perfect! We played in the sand on the beach, Dave went skiing and tubing with our nephews, and the girls swam in the pool at our hotel. Katelyn didn't appreciate how fast my brothers boat went, but she eventually got used to it and just buried her face in our arms or closed her eyes :) Emma liked being in the front of the boat with Jake and Tim. She loved the speed and the wind in her hair! 
Emma & Kate chillin. Emma and Uncle Bill in the drivers seat.
The kiddos enjoying dangling their feet off the boat.
Daddy having fun painting the girls with body paint! Yes-that is a bullseye on Kate's belly button. Emma has one on hers that says "push here". Larry the Cucumber on Kates knee, and Emma has a girl on her knee.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Emma
Last night, at dinner, Emma was talking with her mouth full of food. Here is our conversation...short and sweet.
Mommy: "Emma,please don't talk with your mouth full of food, it's yucky to look at."
Emma: "Mommy, then you should look at my eyes"
Mommy: "Emma,please don't talk with your mouth full of food, it's yucky to look at."
Emma: "Mommy, then you should look at my eyes"
Thursday, March 20, 2008
And away they go!
Our "spring break" happened early this year! Dave had a week of vacation to take before he renewed it so we decided this week would be a nice opportunity to take. We had no idea what we were going to do. My "list" seemed great...you know the ones....paint,clean,organize,etc? Well, one thing got knocked off that list...organize the garage.
We took the girls to see the "Horton hears a Who" movie. That was cute. The girls enjoyed it and laughed right along with us. Has a good message in it so if you haven't seen it,yet, it's worth it!
Last minute, we decided to go to a waterpark. I think it's called "Splash Universe". It's up in Dundee,MI. We hit the outlets first. It was about a two hour drive, so every OH I DON'T KNOW....5 MINUTES...the girls would ask if we're at "splash" yet! Nope...not yet, she said with a smile......3 trillion times! We eventually arrived and had a great time! The girls slept together and it was a trying night to say the least. Emma was argueing with Kate in her sleep to "stop it Kate", and Kate getting scared that it wasn't her room. She ended up in our bed, and I just remember her legs in my back. Fun times.
So-we headed home the next day to just wash clothes and pack,again. We called a travel agent to see if we could get some last minute deals to ANYWHERE sunny. Bad timing. Easter break upon us didn't help. IF we wanted to...we could leave out of Toledo to Orlando on friday for a $1000 a piece! Oh -sure! Chump change! Why not!? The money tree is growing in our backyard....NOT!
So-we opted for Kalahari. :)
We had been there previously but not since they added another 23,000 sq feet of FUN! It's pricey but totally worth every penny. They have this wave pool......I still feel like my body is going up and down on the waves. Kinda makes me sick thinking about it...but anyway.....
We had so much fun! The girls loved the different areas of water activities. We played basketball in the water, wave pool, Kiddie Safari land, hot tub, lazy river and all that again 5 times. Every day a wildlife reserve company brings in baby animals for people to get their picture taken with and to pet. Only 2 million dollars a shot...but it's your family so why not? Well-we didn't. We took our own pics! There was a baby kangaroo in a bag, 5 baby bear cubs, and a baby jaguar. NO it wasn't Diego's! All of these animals were between 3-6 weeks old. Can you imagine? I felt so bad for them being away from their Mommies! I kept telling Dave how awful it was....he didn't get it so I said...."Dave?,Would you want to take Emma and Kate away from me while I was nursing them for 8 hr shifts?"......uh huh-He got it then! He remembered my engorged breasts.....
ok-back on track. The girls did better last night sleeping together. At one point I woke up to Emma having a dream, and Kate was wrapped around Emma and they were embracing. It was SO precious! I wanted to get a picture but it was in the "safe" and well, I didn't want to get out of bed and get cold. SO? You would have done the same thing!!!!!!
We had a blast, reluctantly ordered the $1.5 mil pizza during lunch so we didn't have to leave and come back, and the $25 mil candy apple that had M&M's on it. Sure-it's a little pricey but again, it's worth it. We saved so much by not spending $1K a piece for airfare to Disney :)
Well, that is what we've been up to this week. We're heading to Columbus tomorrow to spend a night with our friends. It gets Dave out of my "list" :)
I'll get pictures up once I learn how to use Dave's new camera!
Happy Easter!
We took the girls to see the "Horton hears a Who" movie. That was cute. The girls enjoyed it and laughed right along with us. Has a good message in it so if you haven't seen it,yet, it's worth it!
Last minute, we decided to go to a waterpark. I think it's called "Splash Universe". It's up in Dundee,MI. We hit the outlets first. It was about a two hour drive, so every OH I DON'T KNOW....5 MINUTES...the girls would ask if we're at "splash" yet! Nope...not yet, she said with a smile......3 trillion times! We eventually arrived and had a great time! The girls slept together and it was a trying night to say the least. Emma was argueing with Kate in her sleep to "stop it Kate", and Kate getting scared that it wasn't her room. She ended up in our bed, and I just remember her legs in my back. Fun times.
So-we headed home the next day to just wash clothes and pack,again. We called a travel agent to see if we could get some last minute deals to ANYWHERE sunny. Bad timing. Easter break upon us didn't help. IF we wanted to...we could leave out of Toledo to Orlando on friday for a $1000 a piece! Oh -sure! Chump change! Why not!? The money tree is growing in our backyard....NOT!
So-we opted for Kalahari. :)
We had been there previously but not since they added another 23,000 sq feet of FUN! It's pricey but totally worth every penny. They have this wave pool......I still feel like my body is going up and down on the waves. Kinda makes me sick thinking about it...but anyway.....
We had so much fun! The girls loved the different areas of water activities. We played basketball in the water, wave pool, Kiddie Safari land, hot tub, lazy river and all that again 5 times. Every day a wildlife reserve company brings in baby animals for people to get their picture taken with and to pet. Only 2 million dollars a shot...but it's your family so why not? Well-we didn't. We took our own pics! There was a baby kangaroo in a bag, 5 baby bear cubs, and a baby jaguar. NO it wasn't Diego's! All of these animals were between 3-6 weeks old. Can you imagine? I felt so bad for them being away from their Mommies! I kept telling Dave how awful it was....he didn't get it so I said...."Dave?,Would you want to take Emma and Kate away from me while I was nursing them for 8 hr shifts?"......uh huh-He got it then! He remembered my engorged breasts.....
ok-back on track. The girls did better last night sleeping together. At one point I woke up to Emma having a dream, and Kate was wrapped around Emma and they were embracing. It was SO precious! I wanted to get a picture but it was in the "safe" and well, I didn't want to get out of bed and get cold. SO? You would have done the same thing!!!!!!
We had a blast, reluctantly ordered the $1.5 mil pizza during lunch so we didn't have to leave and come back, and the $25 mil candy apple that had M&M's on it. Sure-it's a little pricey but again, it's worth it. We saved so much by not spending $1K a piece for airfare to Disney :)
Well, that is what we've been up to this week. We're heading to Columbus tomorrow to spend a night with our friends. It gets Dave out of my "list" :)
I'll get pictures up once I learn how to use Dave's new camera!
Happy Easter!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Where has the time gone?
I can't believe the last post was Emma's birthday!!!! We've celebrated Christmas, New Year, snow days, Valentines, Kate's 3rd birthday and Dave's 31st, and so much more! Taking the time to just sit and update a blog would seem so easily done, but apparently not! :)
Thank you to everyone who has emailed and says "catch up, we miss you" :)
We have had some good times and bad times but such is life :) God is good and His promise is true. The truth shall set us free,right? Absolutely! I'm reading this amazing book by Tony Evans called "The Battle is the Lords". We are in spiritual warfare daily. The problems that arise with family or whatever, doesn't come from "self" it comes from the devil. Whether or not you believe it, it's the truth. Unfortunately we've been let down by people. We will continue to be and we ourselves will fail daily. Not one of us is perfect nor have we "arrived". I've had a hard time when people suggest and live their lives like they are the perfect Christian and confess they have teachable spirits. When in reality, they do not. I think as christians, we need to be careful. So many time we get caught up in the "legalities" and stop focusing on the prize. We want to run to the nearest "friend" and catch them up on the ugliness just so we can caress our ego. We want to make sure that our anger, and hurt is justified and that friend will say so. Not right! Instead we should be going to Christ. He is the one that will be honest with us. True to us, never failing. He'll bring someone you'd never expect and speak truth through them. Whether or not you listen and learn is up to you.
God has been doing some amazing things in Dave. and I. I'm excited to see how God will pull us through and what His plan is for our lives. The lessons along the way are hard but nontheless needed. If you're struggling, just allow God to take control. Whether it be with family,friends, co-workers....He is in control. Just let it happen. Take a step back. People will stop liking you, people will gossip about you, people will let you down, BUT take heart-HE will not!
I will get some pics and organize so I can update my blog! The girls are growing like weeds and it's just amazing to watch!
God bless you and thanks for your prayers!
Thank you to everyone who has emailed and says "catch up, we miss you" :)
We have had some good times and bad times but such is life :) God is good and His promise is true. The truth shall set us free,right? Absolutely! I'm reading this amazing book by Tony Evans called "The Battle is the Lords". We are in spiritual warfare daily. The problems that arise with family or whatever, doesn't come from "self" it comes from the devil. Whether or not you believe it, it's the truth. Unfortunately we've been let down by people. We will continue to be and we ourselves will fail daily. Not one of us is perfect nor have we "arrived". I've had a hard time when people suggest and live their lives like they are the perfect Christian and confess they have teachable spirits. When in reality, they do not. I think as christians, we need to be careful. So many time we get caught up in the "legalities" and stop focusing on the prize. We want to run to the nearest "friend" and catch them up on the ugliness just so we can caress our ego. We want to make sure that our anger, and hurt is justified and that friend will say so. Not right! Instead we should be going to Christ. He is the one that will be honest with us. True to us, never failing. He'll bring someone you'd never expect and speak truth through them. Whether or not you listen and learn is up to you.
God has been doing some amazing things in Dave. and I. I'm excited to see how God will pull us through and what His plan is for our lives. The lessons along the way are hard but nontheless needed. If you're struggling, just allow God to take control. Whether it be with family,friends, co-workers....He is in control. Just let it happen. Take a step back. People will stop liking you, people will gossip about you, people will let you down, BUT take heart-HE will not!
I will get some pics and organize so I can update my blog! The girls are growing like weeds and it's just amazing to watch!
God bless you and thanks for your prayers!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
