JaNeil's World

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:40:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas is here once again! It seems that each year the day approaches faster and faster.

Lot's have been going on in our lives, mostly centered around our newest family member, Parker!! We are all enjoying him so much and I am especially loving my Wednesdays with him.

As has become our family tradition, all the kids will come over tonight and spend the night and await Santa! We are very excited this year because Devin and Kaitlyn will get to stay with us too and we are looking forward to this special time.

It's so exciting again to have little ones who "believe"!

I love the magic of Christmas; the gifts are great but what I really love the most is the spirit of joy and genuine love that we feel during this time of year. As we celebrate the precious birth of our Lord and Savior it reminds us all how blessed we are and it somehow melts some of the hardness away that life can bring.

The gift of salvation is what I am so thankful for and that because of a baby in a manger 2000 years ago, I can live knowing that one day we will celebrate this blessed day with the one true gift of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Back to Reality

2009-09-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

We got back from Destin on Wednesday and went back to work the next day. The trip was wonderful in spite of the 3 days of rain! The beach was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed 2 days of sunshine. The beach house we rented was beautiful and was big enough for all 10 of us!

Parker seemed to like the water and was such a good baby. He is growing so much and his smile lights up a room. He loves attention and got plenty of it from all of us Parker fans!
Kaityln and Devin loved the beach and had a great time. We videoed a lot and will treasure those memories for a lifetime.

I am so thankful that we had this time away together; God is so very good to us! It was a refreshing break from the busyness of life and I look forward to many more times ahead.

Now back to reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soaking Up The Word

2009-08-05T11:26:00.002-05:00

The past few weeks have been a time of reflection for me and for diving into God's word seeking his will and wisdom for my life.

I am so hungry for Him that I find myself seeking His presence more and more in my life.

With all the negatively going on in our world and all the doom you hear, it has only brought me closer with my Creator. I find such comfort knowing that God loves me and will take care of me no matter how bad things seem to be.

I strive to walk closer with him everyday and to be obedient to His teaching which tell me to Be Still and KNOW that He is God. I don't have to figure out the next step - He already knows it and has planned every step of the way.

What a freedom that has given me. Freedom from worry, from lack, from want, from knowing that all is well when I depend and put my trust in Him.

I feel like a weight is being lifted off my shoulder; I feel alive and cherish the simple things in life more each day.

I encourage you my friends and family to embrace each day and to seek the Father in ALL areas of your life. Nothing is a surprise to Him, He is the maker of the universe and He already has the Victory. The battle has been won.

Cherish life, love each other and give all glory and priase to the ONE who gives us life!

Bittersweet

2009-07-11T09:41:00.001-05:00

Alli turned 16 on July 2nd and is now driving. With this comes a new chapter in all of our lives. This can’t be happening – our girls are almost grown! As I look back I realize the truth in God’s word that says our lives are just a vapor in the wind. Time really does fly by and to waste even one day of it is a shame.

I am learning to embrace each new turn in the road of my life and to enjoy the ride. As I watch Morgan and Alli drive down the drive way, anxious to get to their most important destination, I have to take a deep breath and say a very familiar prayer and trust that we have raised them in the way they should go, knowing and trusting that God promises us that they will not depart from it.

It’s hard to let go, I am not ready but as I reflect on my new adult relationship with Katie and Lucas I know that I am not losing them, I am beginning a new journey with them that will get better and better with time.

I want to cherish each step of the way and to count my blessings and not take anything for granted. Life is a precious gift that we have to handle with care and to give our heartfelt thanks and praise to the giver of life.

Be Blessed!

No Rest For The Weary!

2009-06-23T12:04:00.001-05:00

Parker was 3 weeks old yesterday and for the past week has been extremely fussy. I guess they call that colic, when they can’t come up with any other reason for it.

It seems his formula was upsetting his stomach so last Thursday they started him on a new formula that we hoped would ease his stomach pains and give him (and Katie) some relief. For the most part, his tummy seems better but now he doesn’t like the formula so he is hardly eating which is making him all the fussier! We are praying that he will get used to the formula soon and begin the road the recovery!!

It’s so hard to see someone you love in pain, especially when there is little you can do about it. Katie is simply exhausted but otherwise doing well!

On a brighter note, we celebrated Kaitlyn’s 4th birthday on Saturday. We had a princess themed party with a huge pink castle inflatable! Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the pool most of all since it was so HOT!

All in all things are good in our household……….just seems like we are running all the time, time is really flying by!

Alli turns 16 next Thursday so we are planning that big event! Not sure Skip is handling this very well…………..he is definitely not liking the teenage years so far!

Morgan is having jaw surgery tomorrow to correct her severe TMJ issues. They will put her to sleep and go in and clean her left socket and give her a steroid shot in the joint; then she will be on steroids for five days. She laughs and says she hopes the steroids will enhance her volleyball skills! She is just ready to have some relief from the jaw pain that she has had for the past six months.

Well that’s all for now, more later!

The Light Shines In The Darkness

2009-06-16T18:10:00.004-05:00

My mother emailed me the other day and asked me to review an article she was writing for her church bulletin; I was so moved by the writing and by her thoughts and was actually blown away. The article was just perfect the way it was and didn't need a thing!

I asked her if she would mind me sharing it my friends so that they too might find a blessing in her beautiful words that I have found.

In the virgin darkness before creation's first dawn, God spoke, and there was light.

In the unknowing midnight of a Christmas morn, God sang, and there was light in the eyes of a little child.

In the brooding gloom of a Friday afternoon, God was silent, and the Light bowed his head on the cross.

In the damp blindness of a garden tomb, God shouted, and the Light burst through the chains of death.

In the doubtful dimness of an upper room God whispered , and the Spirit-flames spread among the nations.

In the shadows of a rebellious world, God commands, and the Children of light go forth to share his healing love.

In the welcoming brightness of the "Day to Come", God laughs and the Children dance in the light of Love's eternal smile.

I hope that this blesses you the way it did me.

Consider it Pure Joy!

2009-06-09T18:14:00.003-05:00

As I read in James 1 today, it says to consider it pure joy when trouble comes, for when your faith is tested your endurance grows.

For me this isn't something that comes easy; if I am honest most of the time when I go through trials and trouble, joy isn't the first word that comes to mind.

I have to ask myself why is that? IF I am walking by faith and standing on the foundation of God's word, the truth, then why don't I welcome those bumps in road that come, and come often?

James goes on the say that God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. The word also promises that if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives generously.

I think the problem lies in consistency. In order to live and breath by the word, you must know it, inside and out so that you can anchor on to it when the winds of life are blowing. For that to happen a decision must be made to seek God with everything we have in us, each and every day.

In order to have freedom and victory in Christ, we must know who we are in Him and completely and utterly trust Him in every situation that comes our way, even when our flesh is screaming out of control.

We have to pursue Him as if our very life depended on it, because it does.

I want all that God has for me and my family; I want to live abundately and rest knowing that the Creator of the Universe holds me in the palm of His hands and is in control of every detail of my life.

I choose to trust Him in ALL things.

Parker is Here!!

2009-06-03T16:20:00.005-05:00

Noah Parker Archibald made his debut into this world on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 3:09 pm, weighing a hefty 9lbs 12oz, 22 inches long!

Katie was induced, which was a good thing because if she had waited another week Parker would have been over 10 pounds!

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am but by the time they got Katie set up for labor it was closer to 7:30 or 8:00 before labor offically began. Katie did an amazing job and the whole family was there to suport her.

Morgan, Cody and I got to be with her for the delivery and it was such a sweet and wonderful moment for all of us to share.

God has so blessed our family over the years and this is yet another one of His beautiful gifts to us.

You can officially change my name to Memo............and you will find me floating up in the clouds on cloud 9!

To God be the Glory!!

Time To Get Out Of The Boat!

2009-05-27T14:19:00.001-05:00

“Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

There comes a time in our lives when we have a choice to make – we can either take a step in faith and walk towards the light, or we can remain as we are, just getting by and going through the motions.

Christ came so that we can live life MORE ABUUNDANTLY. He paid too high a price for us to live any less than He planned for us and to walk in defeat or lack is pretty much saying that the cross was not good enough. Now that is not something we would actually say we believe, but if we are honest, our walk often times tells a very different story.

I have deiced that I want Freedom, true freedom that can only come through an intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior. I have always been a believer and that is certainly the first step but I want more, much more than to just believe in Him. I want to seek Him in each and every detail of my life and to submit to Him as the Lordship of my life. I want to instill this truth to my children and grandchildren so that they can live in victory and freedom and learn to walk daily with the Lord and know that He is all they need!

I begin counseling a few weeks ago and am learning I have some areas in my life where I have to lay at the feet of Jesus and that is exactly what I am going to. This will be a process for me and I am sure that there will be days when it won’t be easy. This is where getting out of the boat comes in…………I must take a step of faith towards my Creator and trust that He will give me what I need to walk on the water of my life. Whatever that means I am ready to take this step. It is requiring me to get out of my comfort zone and to allow God to reveal some truths in my life that I have operated in that do not line up with His word. It’s not easy but it must be done if I am going to become the woman that God created me to be. I am finally learning that it’s not about me and that has been a huge revelation for me, and one that I would have liked to have learned years ago.

I am excited about this journey to freedom that I am on. I know that with each step I take, I will hear the Shepherd’s voice calling to me and guiding me as He shows me the perfect path.

pardon me while I take a moment to brag!

2009-05-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

Both Morgan and Alli are exempt from taking their exams so school is officially out for them as of today! I am so proud at how hard they have worked to keep their grades up while playing volleyball and of course all the other things teenagers do!

I feel so blessed with all of my children; I know they are not perfect but for the most part they are all really good kids. Of course Katie and Lucas are not “kids” anymore but they will always been my babies!

Speaking of babies, Katie is due in 2 weeks! I was hoping that he would come today for Jonnava’s birthday. She is such a baby lover this would just make her day! Jonnava aka Pinky already has three grandbabies! All boys………….she is an old pro at it and tells me I will be mush when they get here. I so already know that! Although Parker will be my first grandchild by blood, Devin and Kaitlyn have fast become the apple of my eye. I love them both dearly and consider them my grandchildren as well. They are so sweet and absolutely adorable; Cody already thinks I spoil them rotten! I do of course, but isn’t that my job?? I just love them!!!

Lucas is still dating Sydney; they are such a cute couple and seem to really get along. He is grown up so much and is still just as handsome as ever. He moved into our rental house this week, it is sweet to see him setting up a home and spreading his wings.

At the end of the day I know that no matter how many mistakes I have made over the years, and I know there have been many, I know that they turned out to be good people who love the Lord and that God has blessed me abundantly with each one of them.

I am indeed a rich woman!

How Does God Speak To You?

2009-05-18T17:01:00.002-05:00

I think it might be different for each person but for me usually it’s through everyday simple things. I just love to hear people tell stories of how God reminded them of His love. It is always in a way that they know was just for them. It always amazes me of the different ways He shows up each day.

I have never considered myself to be an outdoor person but for the past few months I have been fascinated with nature and God’s creation. It takes my breath away! I have always loved the sky and it still continues to be one of my favorite creations but lately my reminder has been birds – particularly red birds. The funny thing is I remember not really liking birds growing up but now I can’t get enough of them!

I am not sure why I am just noticing them all of sudden but I know they are a sweet reminder of God’s goodness and love for me. I will be driving down the road, praying or talking with God and then all of a sudden a red bird will fly across the front of my car, often times two of them. This is happening more and more and each time it does I smile and say thank you Father for loving me and for letting me know that you are with me.

My husband shared with me the other day of how God talked to him recently through turtles! He was driving my daughter to school and on the way home he kept seeing turtles in the road. Granted it is not unusual to see turtles (or birds) but he saw 32!! As he neared our home, he spoted one last turtle, laying in the road upside down. He pulled over, got out of the car and turned the turtle over. Moved by God's spirit He prayed and felt as if God was telling him to slow down and that God knew that things felt upside down in life right now but that He was in control and that he just needed to have faith and wait on Him. That was a wow moment for my husband and I know I have had similar experiences myself.

I think it's important for us to look for God in the ordinary. To expect to meet Him wherever we go. I find that when I seek Him, I ALWAYS find Him.

I know that God speaks through whatever He knows will get to our heart and that is different for each person; He has no limits and His ways are far beyond anything we can imagine!

I am thankful for the red birds and the turtles in our lives as they are a beautiful reminder of God’s perfect love for me and you!

Just Another Day

2009-05-13T18:21:00.006-05:00

Today has been a good day; nothing out of the ordinary but good.

In my desire to walk closer with the Lord I realize that it is both a journey and a process. There are days when I think I am doing ok and then others where I have to repent 100 times. What I now know is that I am going to have both kinds of days and that is okay. Each day God gives us new mercies and grace and I need them both.

I want to make a difference in the lives of the people I come in contact with each day; I want to shine bright for my Jesus and I cannot do that unless I do it on purpose. It's a choice and I determine whether or not I make the right one.

So tomorrow I will get up again and begin a new day by asking God to walk with me and guide me and then invite Him into my day. If I start out with Him, how can I go wrong? After all, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me!

Just Thankful..........

2009-05-05T17:31:00.003-05:00

Life continues to be full; lots of exciting things in the very near future. Katie is due in four weeks and we are all so ready to finally meet Noah Parker! As we await the big day, we will also celebrate Katie's 23rd birthday this weekend! It's hard to believe that my baby is having a baby! How wonderful is that??

We have also put the house back on the market so we are anxiously waiting for God's direction in that area. We have found two houses that really like but will wait until we get a buyer for ours. We are seeking God's will in this area of our lives and pray that it lines up with ours!! If not, we know that He knows the big picture and that He will do whatever is best for us; I love knowing that!

The girls are soon to be out of school and summer will officially begin! YAY!! Lucas is moving into our rental house so we have been busy getting it painted and ready for him.

I am thankful for my family and for the simple every day things that brighten my day each and every day. I especially love the birds and beautiful tress and flowers that are blooming..........God's creation is so beautiful and is a gift for us to behold each day and I am so very thankful!

Young Love

2009-04-30T20:21:00.004-05:00

Today was an emotional day for both our teenage daughters. I picked one up from school who cried all the way home only to find out that she still likes (loves) a boy who she used to date and was upset because she doesn't want to hurt her current boyfriend. I no sooner got her to finally stop crying and feeling better about her situation when I heard the other one crying because the boy she likes still likes his ex-girlfriend!! They are both 15 so I know this is just the beginning of what lies ahead.

I wouldn't go back in time and be a teenager again for anything. It's so hard to watch your children hurt and not be able to take their pain away. To us adults we know this isn't the end of world and that before long they will be liking other boys but right now, to them, it seems like the end of the world and they are really hurting.

The difference is perspective. We see the big picture and what they cannot possibly see or know from their limited experience. I can't help but compare this to how our Heavenly Father must feel about us when we go through trials in our lives. HE sees the big picture and has a vision in light of eternity; we can only see from our perspective and the two are very different.

As parents we hurt when our children hurt, we cry when they cry and we rejoice when they rejoice. Isn't that exactly what we have in our Heavenly Parent? I know that is, and that alone brings me the hope I need to get through everyday life and I want to make sure my children to know that as well. One of my favorite passages states it simply, "This too shall pass". As we go through our trying times in life we must remember that God walks with us, giving us the courage and strength we need to face any and all situations. We need to rely on Him to guide us and show us the paths we need to take.

It's now bedtime, at the end of the day the girls are doing okay and I know down deep that they know that this too shall pass!

AVON Calling!

2009-04-28T18:26:00.002-05:00

Well today I am officially an Avon lady! How funny is that?? I thought this might be a fun way to add another stream of income to my family. I have felt for a long time that I needed to put my "eggs" in more than one basket so to speak and this is one way that I hope to do that.

I pray that this doesn't add to my already hectic life but what the heck, maybe I will make a little money and get some good product in the process.

I feel so blessed today, I know I am everday but do you ever have days when you really just get it? I feel it strongly today and am reminded of God's goodness when I look at all the simple (and big) ways He shows me He loves me each and every day.

How great it is to rest knowing that He is the author of the book of my life and that no matter where I am or what I am doing He is right there beside me, cheering me along and giving me little smiles and winks along the way.

Life is good, not perfect but good............yes, I have ups and downs, usually throughout the day but when it's all said and done I know I am okay becuase I KNOW WHOS I AM.

What a feeling!

EVERYTHING Matters!

2009-04-22T15:48:00.003-05:00

I love the way God shows up and tells me He loves me all the day long.

It all started with a bad hair day (girls I know you can relate)! I was on may way to Hermitage to a funeral and was hoping I would have time to find a Sally's Beauty Supply so I could run in and find something to put in my hair to help it out!! I don't know the area very well but thought with all the shopping plazas I passed I was sure I would find one. On my way, I drove thru a drive through and grabbed a sandwich and continued on my quest.

I pulled into the last shopping plaza in the area and discovered NO Sally's.

Oh well I thought, it is not that big a deal, it's just hair! I pulled into a parking space to finish my sandwich before heading to the funeral.

Sandwich finished, I put the car into drive and started to pull forward; for some reason I decided to look back and in my rear view mirror I read the words Sally's Beauty Supply! Ok, now I was screaming......that store was not there a moment ago because I had driven by specifically looking for it.

After a few minutes of sitting in amazement I thanked my Father for caring enough about me to provide me what I felt I needed. Now usually this is the very kind of think I do pray for - trust me, I pray about everything, including parking spots, favor when shopping, the weather, you name it, nothing is too small to be added to my list. The funny thing is, this time I hadn't prayed about it but HE knew my heart and provided something that spoke directly to me.

I know that I am HIS sheep and HE knows my voice, HE knows my name and HE knows what I need, no matter how insignificant it may be, HE cares about it all and I am crazy about HIM!

Pray without ceasing - that means ALL the time and about ALL things!

6 More Weeks!

2009-04-21T17:35:00.002-05:00

Six weeks from today my first grandchild is due! Noah Parker is due June 2 and we are all anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Katie glows and is so adorable. She thinks she is huge and I guess for her she is, but she has carried her weight well and looks so cute!

God has blessed our family so much over the years and Parker will be another gift straight from heaven.

I am planning on keeping him on Wednesdays and am so looking forward to being a Memo! Skip is beside himself as well and is anxious for another boy in the family and will be called Popper...........he thinks I am going to be a pile of mush but we all know that he will give me a run for my money. Truth be known, we will all be puddy in his little hands and I am ok with it all!!

Life is Good, my heart if full and I am so very thankful!

To God be the Glory!!!

I Am Learning...........

2009-04-20T21:44:00.003-05:00

I am learning that when we place our expectations on others then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and placing our happiness in the hands of others.

I am learning that all I really need I have.

I am learning that what really matters is loving God and loving others.

I am learning that I am not perfect, but I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I am learning that if I have a bad day - chances are others around me will to.

I am learning to be content regardless of my circumstances.

I am learning that I am not where I need to be but God has brought me this far and He will accomplish His plans in me.

I am learning that I cannont give what I do not have......I must love myself before I can love others.

I am learning that money cannot and does not buy happiness.

I am learning that growth comes through pain.

I am learning to let go and let God!!

I am learning that each day is a treasure and should not be wasted.

I am learning that I never want to stop learning!

Growing Up

2009-04-15T18:32:00.002-05:00

They say wisdom comes with age and I agree with that but true wisdom comes from the Lord and going through the tough times in life and welcoming them becuase you know that with each trial comes a lesson that must be learned in order to live the life that we were created to live.

I have been going through some valleys in my life lately and although they are not pleasant things, I am learning that they are necessary. One of my favorite scriptures is The Truth Will Set You Free! It doesn't say it might set you free is says it WILL! That is a promise and God's promises are yes and Amen!

I think I am finally growing up. I know I still have a lot to learn but I also know that the learning will never stop and I don't want it to.

I am learning to embrace trails in my life and to know that I am not in this alone. God is calling to me and saying it's time to get out of the boat. Trust me with everything! It's not always easy but with each new step I gain strength and my faith is increased.

I am blessed, I really am and no matter what is thrown my way in life that will not change.

I am learning that my circumstances should not dictate my level of joy and happiness.

I am a daughter of the King and who could ask for anything more!!!!

It's me again...........

2009-04-13T18:44:00.004-05:00

Where does the time go? I don't know about everyone else but it seems like all the things I mean to do I never end of doing........not sure why, I guess poor planning or maybe I am just lazy!! Life has been busy and very full.

The girls finished their club volleyball season this past weekend which will give us about a month break before school ball will start back up. I have enjoyed watching Morgan and Alli playing together.......it is such a wonderful thing that they get along so well. When life gets tough all I need to do is think about how blessed I am in my family that nothing is bigger than that. God has blessed us so much over the years and I am thankful for family!

Katie has about 7 weeks left before her due date and we are so excited and anxious for the big day to get here!!

Yesterday was Easter, after church we spent the day with family enjoying the beautfiful warm weather. After the horrible storms of Friday it was a much welcomed blessing. The kids all played volleyball and kickball (even Katie!!) and it was so fun to watch! It was especially funny to watch Morgan and Lucas and then Lucas and Katie play tennis in the drive-way.......it was a time of laughter. It isn't often that they all are here together and to see them enjoying and laughing with each other does my heart good.

We are still wanting to sell our house and down size and are acutually having a auction on our home this Saturday. We are believing that God will send the right buyer and the right price. We have lots to do to get ready so I really need to focus and use my time wisely this week! Anyone interested in taking a peek I have a blog which tells about our house. www.pawpawsprings.blogspot.com

Be blessed!

Hello Again

2009-01-20T19:13:00.003-06:00

Much has happened since I last posted - I am almost embarrassed at how long it's been.

All I can say is that God is indeed very very good to me! I am going to be a grandmother in June and to say I am excited is an understatement. We are so looking forward to Noah Parker Archibald. My choosen name will be Memo, I just love the sound of that. Skip is going to be Popper.....I almost think he is more excited than I am if that is even possible.

We are also very busy with officially launching our Inspiring Walls business. I am so excited about the doors that God is opening for us in our business. We are working on a website which will be www.inspiringwalls.com, we are also working a catalog and other stuff to get set up to do home shows. Stay tuned on more of that in the near future.

Needless to say much is going on in our household and I am thankful to say that for the most part it is all good. We are really seeing God work miracles in our lives and we are anxious and excited to find our what all HE has in store for us. I give God the glory for everything..........I am so very blessed!

I'm Back...........

2007-10-31T18:44:00.000-05:00

It has been so long since I last journaled that I almost forgot I had a blog! My friend Lisa is a avid blogger and has totally left me in the dust. Life is still great for me and I am feeling God's blessings more and more in my life. I know they have always been there but I am noticing them more. I don't want to take anything for granted. Everyday is a gift from God and I want to make the most of it and not waste a minute of it.

I have been listening to one of my Joyce Meyer tapes on Joy. I realized that although I cetainly have good times in my life, I wasn't living a joyful life. I love how Joyce puts things.......life is not always an event we laugh at, most of the time it's routines and schedules day in and day out
BUT Joy is a choice we make. We can decide to be joyful despite our circumstances or we can waste away going through life just existing. Well one thing I know for sure is that I no longer want to exist. I want to really enjoy everyday life! That doesn't mean I will have mountaintop experiences everyday, but it does mean that I can decide to look at life's challenges with a different mindset. Easier said than done I know. It will take spending time in God's word daily........for it to become so much a part of my life that it is more than something talked about in a conversation, but a way of life. God paid too high a price for me to live a okay life. I REALLY want to get this..........to know it, to live it and to share it with others.

I have some people in my life that are really struggeling with some serious issues........it really breaks my heart to see them walking in defeat. I want them to know that the battle has already been won and that they only need to turn it over to their Father.

My prayer is that I might be a light in the dark.......that I will be used on a daily basis to bring glory to my Father. I want to help hurting people and to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ. I want everyone to know how much more life can be..........is supposed to be.

Like I said, Joy is a choice and I choose it!

Back to Reality.......

2007-06-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

My husband and I had the priviledge of spending a week in Palm Springs with some dear friends of ours. We got home yesterday and although we had the time of our lives it was exhausting! I had heard how beautiful Palm Springs was but really could never have imagined the awesomeness we experienced. The city is surrounded by huge mountains with palm trees everywhere along with the most amazing flowers, it made me once again realize how amazing our Heavenly Father really is. Beautful humingbirds, flamingo's and even road runners were easy to spot. The mountains were spectacular and could been seen everywhere you turned. Wow is all I can say.......our Creator gave us such beauty to behold it took our breath away. Tennessee is home and I love the beauty of it as well and I am thankful that we were able to experience another one of God's wonders. Life is great, I am blessed and truly thankful for all I have been given.

Woe Nelly!

2007-05-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

RUSH, RUSH, RUSH........ok, things are a bit crazy around here lately, our schedules have been so hectic that it seems like I will never get my house cleaned! It has been weeks since I have done much of anything around here, including laundry and we are quickly running out of things to wear! Getting ready for school to be out, planning our summer activites and vacations are a few of the items on my recent agenda. What I really want to be doing is concentrating on my new photorgraphy business I share with my dear friend Lisa, you can take a look at some of our work on www.landjphotography.blogspot.com. We are so excited about this new venture and have been fairly busy with that as well.

I realize when I get too busy with "life" that I don't make as much time as I know I need to spend with my Heavenly Father. At the end of the day after running around I fall into bed and crash. I don't ever want to be too busy for Him; I have realized that I have gone about this craizness the wrong way........if I will first stop and pray, or spend some quite time with God then everything else seems to fall into place or sometimes might even loose it's importance.

I want to put the Father first in my life, everything else must follow after. That is really the only way to accomplish anything. After all, I can't do it alone and He will give me all I need and more if I only stop and invite Him into my life.

TGIF ! ! !

2007-05-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

I love how Friday falls at just the exact time I need it! What a week...it has been exhausting but fulfilling. My oldest child, Katie turned 21 this week! Gosh, time really goes by fast and you realize how precious it really is when you see how quickly your children have become GROWN UPS! Sometimes I really miss having babies around but I am so enjoying my new adult relationship with her that it is every bit as precious to me. My 2nd oldest, Lucas is 19 - he is leaving in June to go to LA for the summer to pursue his dream of acting. As much as I will miss him and worry about him being gone, I am excited for him to go after something that he is passionate about. That leaves two at home, Morgan and Alli both 13...........so we still have plenty of our own drama right here.

Even though we have our share of "drama", I just love my family and I am excited about the way God is moving in our lives. I can see and feel a change in each one of us; it seems that we are all more peaceful and more patient and kind to one another.......I love that. We still have our rushed and crazy times but the overall feeling is contentment and a sense that we know we belong to one another. I haven't always been able to claim that so I am very thankful!

I want our family to shine for the Lord.....to be lights in this all to dark world. I want for us to make a difference, both indiviudally and as a family. It is my prayer that we will embrace every moment of every day and take each opportunity we encounter to touch someone and spread the precious gift of God's love.

May God bless each person reading this and may you know that you are loved and created for a reason.

Happy Day

2007-05-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

What a great day! I feel so good today and am thankful for the blessings I have in my life. I know sometimes I take them for granted but I was reminded this past week of how blessed I really am. I have had a lot of junk in my life that I have been holding on to. I prayed Sunday to be broken so that I could have the Freedom to live a life of joy and triumph! Well God answered that prayer and put me in a situation that did just that.........I feel renewed and more peaceful than I have in a very long time.

I know that when we come under attack by the enemy, what he intends for our harm, our God takes and turns in into good. This was proven to me this week in a very real way. I want to remember this lesson and take what I have learned with me for the next time the enemy tries to steal my joy! I am victorious becuase of who my Father is........I am a Daughter of the King!

Our New Business Adventure

2007-04-27T14:06:00.001-05:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-04-27T13:54:00.000-05:00

Controlling My Mouth!

2007-04-25T18:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, let's face it, a lot of us (me, me, me) get in trouble because of our words. I did a bible study last night with a dear friend of mine and we focused on controlling our words. I guess I have known for some time now that our words and thoughts are key to what is going on in our life but until now I am not sure I fully comprehended the magnitude of how true that is.

In a online sermon we listened to, it was said that our tongues, like a rudder on a ship, sets the course of where we go in life. We need to take control of our words and start using them the way God intended us to. Life and death are in the power of the tongue..........gosh, that is so true. As a part of everyday life we use words and phrases like "my head is killing me" and "I was so embarrased I just wanted to die". WOW.....do we really have a clue what we are saying? I know I have said those type of things on a daily basis.

I for one am going to begin to retrain how I speak and certainly what thoughts I entertain. I want to speak life and words are the seeds to do that. I am going to quit saying what I see or what I feel and start saying what God's words says. The confession that we make is key to the destiny we arrive at.

This sermon went on to say that you will never climb any higher than your willing to speak. I think that says it all; our words are so powerful, I want to use them wisely.

Time To Reflect

2007-04-18T20:20:00.000-05:00

It has been a month since I last blogged and so much has gone on. Skip and I took a much needed long weekend and went to North Carolina, it was absolutely beautiful. What I didn't love was that we were caught in a snow storm in Blowing Rock, NC, needless to say we called that phase of our trip done and moved on........we ended up in Gatlinburg. It was cold and not my kind of weather at all but we had a good time. We took the time to just be together and let our day to day stuff of life rest for a few days.

I am looking forward to this weekend; Friday night at church, Tina Hutchinson is doing a Holding Out Hope concert. This is a perfect way to kick off the weekend..........she is so annointed and full of God's love that when she sings I am always moved and experience God's spirit in a powerful way. I wouldn't miss this for the world!

Then on Saturday I am hosting our 2nd Annual God's Girls Spring Fling..........and I am so excited! We always have so much fun when us girls get together and just enjoy one anothers company. There is just something about girl time......I find it so refreshing and almost therapeutic. When we allow ourselves to take a break from being super moms and wives I feel like it gives us a new perspective on things and enables us to go back to our familes and give all the more. I am so thankful that God has given me these ladies; I have never met such loving and giving women in all my life. We have become a family and I treasure the times spent together and realize how blessed I am to have that in my life.

To say God is good is such an understatment.............there is none like Him!

It's Party Time!

2007-03-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

After a long hard week at work, we are making a dash to get ready for my daughter's 13th birthday party tomorrow. We anticipate anywhere from 15-40 kids! Yikes! Although it will probally be very stressful tomorrow I am reminded how thankful I am that my children like to spend time at our home. I offered many suggestion for party ideas and asked Morgan where she wanted to celebrate her birthday and she said at home.......now that is what life is all about. God has worked miracles over the past year in our family; we are a blended family and to say that things haven't always been the best for our family is clearly an understatement; but what I do know is that God is in the restoration business and has camped out at our house for a while now. Don't get me wrong, we are not the Brady Bunch, but we are learing to adjust to each other and to celebrate our differences. Ok, I must confess that it has been 8 years, so it really is about time! Let's face it, it is hard to live with anyone, you have to work at it each day and do it on purpose, and to make the Lord a active member of your family is the only way to go.

So for now, I am off to plan............LET'S CELEBRATE!

All Praises to the King

2007-03-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

The past week has made me take a closer look at my Faith walk. AsI took my 12 year daughter for testing on her heart and then to wait for the test results to come in, I went through so many different emotions. I started out confident that she would be fine and that God would heal her if necessary of any issues she might have; as another day passed I started to question her well being. I was afraid. I didn't voice it out loud but the enemy was doing a number on my thought life.

As God promised he would, he came through and the results were normal! I want to always remember this time in my life and remember God's word and his promises to us. He is our great physician, our Healer, our Everything. I must stay in God's word and never get away from it........not one day! Faith comes by hearing and I need to suround myself with His word, but most importantly, I must Believe His word.

I know that this was a lesson I needed to learn; what a AWESOME God we serve, I thank Him and Praise Him for all that He has given me and for all that He is!

Thought For The Day

2007-02-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

Strive to be a better person today then you were yesterday. Pray. Pray, Pray and ask God to show you areas in your life where you need His help. Don't beat yourself up.......God is good and has equipped us with everything we need. Quit trying to do everything yourself; Let Go and Let God.

My First Day As A Blogger!!

2007-02-20T16:02:00.000-06:00

How fun..........I am excited to see where this takes me. I feel like I am finally keeping up with my 12 year old daughter.........she would laugh if she knew I was doing this!

Today is Tuesday, February 20th, it was a Bank holiday yesterday so I was off work, and as with most days off, I am paying for it today. Although I have been very busy it has been a good day. I have felt at peace today and felt the Lord's presence throughout the day.