Just incase you ever thought the wii wasn't worthwhile... maybe this short video will change your mind :) This is very funny. Enjoy!!
Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
Lilypie First Birthday tickers
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Closeness of a Family
I've debated whether or not to post anything about this, and after some really encouraging things happened today I decided to share. My family is going through a difficult time right now as we prepare to lose my grandpa. Grandpa Bob took a fall on saturday morning--a fall that has finally done him in. He has fallen many times, but this final fall was his last. He fractured his skull resulting in bleeding in/on the brain. The doctors have not been able to stop the bleeding thus leading to a rather slow passing away. My parents are up in Salem with my grandma right now. What a blessing it is for them to have been able to get away to be there!
After many conversations with my grandma and the doctors, it was decided that the best things for Grandpa Bob would be to move him to what is called comfort care. There he is resting peacefully and is no longer on any medication. He remains on a morphine drip to help ease the pain as his body slowly allows nature to take its course. The doctors expect him to pass within the next day or two. Because of the nature of his accident, he is in a non-responsive state. I cannot imagine the pain my grandmother is in as she sits with him desiring to communicate with him in his last days, but he is not able to do so. I cannot imagine the pain my dad is in as he was able to say goodbye before he passes, but have no response. Today is my dad's birthday, and I'm certain that he didn't plan on spending it beside his father talking with him and remembering life with him all the while, having no actual conversation. I was so encouraged today by our youth pastor, Brian, as he reminded me to take comfort in knowing that our God is a just and righteous God, and he is in control of it all.
The Lord has been so very gracious in all of this! On saturday, my brother Nathan, my husband Nathan and I, and my sister were all with my parents. We had come up to spend the day/weekend with my dad for his birthday--having no idea about the news the Lord would be presenting us with. It was such a blessing to be there with and for my dad as he received this news on Saturday. I don't know what could be sweeter in a time like that than being surrounded by all but 2 of your kids; having all your kids love the Lord; and being able to sit down as a family and approach the throne of God together to lift up one another in the challenge and struggle presented. God's grace was made known once again as we were able to encourage one another through prayer and remind each other of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. How awesome that God knew exactly what would be going on this day, and that we were able to be there with my parents for it.
Lastly, I have found great encouragement in my dear sweet church family. I shared with our sunday school class what was going on and they have been so faithful to pray and check in to see how things are going. I appreciate that so much! This situation was shared Monday morning at the church office, and as all the church staff met together to talk about their weeks, they also spent time praying for my family in this time. Then they were sure to come to me in genuine care and concern and see how I was doing and take interest in how my family is doing. The same thing happened at the Elder meeting on Monday night. Lastly, this morning I received a phone call from my dear sweet friend, Bev. She is the Pastor's wife and I shared this news with her sunday night. She was such a great friend as she held me while I cried... then called me today just to tell me she had been thinking about me and praying for me and my family. And she wanted to know how things were going. This is the essence of the body of Christ, and never before had I felt so genuinely loved and cared about by a church family. Someone even called and offered to pay for a plane ticket for me to fly up. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the church He has so sovereignly placed us in. The events of the last 2 days have been such a tremendous blessing to me and all I can say is our church family has truly been an extension of God's love and comfort. I can see so clearly from them and through them the love of God. Praise Him!!
After many conversations with my grandma and the doctors, it was decided that the best things for Grandpa Bob would be to move him to what is called comfort care. There he is resting peacefully and is no longer on any medication. He remains on a morphine drip to help ease the pain as his body slowly allows nature to take its course. The doctors expect him to pass within the next day or two. Because of the nature of his accident, he is in a non-responsive state. I cannot imagine the pain my grandmother is in as she sits with him desiring to communicate with him in his last days, but he is not able to do so. I cannot imagine the pain my dad is in as he was able to say goodbye before he passes, but have no response. Today is my dad's birthday, and I'm certain that he didn't plan on spending it beside his father talking with him and remembering life with him all the while, having no actual conversation. I was so encouraged today by our youth pastor, Brian, as he reminded me to take comfort in knowing that our God is a just and righteous God, and he is in control of it all.
The Lord has been so very gracious in all of this! On saturday, my brother Nathan, my husband Nathan and I, and my sister were all with my parents. We had come up to spend the day/weekend with my dad for his birthday--having no idea about the news the Lord would be presenting us with. It was such a blessing to be there with and for my dad as he received this news on Saturday. I don't know what could be sweeter in a time like that than being surrounded by all but 2 of your kids; having all your kids love the Lord; and being able to sit down as a family and approach the throne of God together to lift up one another in the challenge and struggle presented. God's grace was made known once again as we were able to encourage one another through prayer and remind each other of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. How awesome that God knew exactly what would be going on this day, and that we were able to be there with my parents for it.
Lastly, I have found great encouragement in my dear sweet church family. I shared with our sunday school class what was going on and they have been so faithful to pray and check in to see how things are going. I appreciate that so much! This situation was shared Monday morning at the church office, and as all the church staff met together to talk about their weeks, they also spent time praying for my family in this time. Then they were sure to come to me in genuine care and concern and see how I was doing and take interest in how my family is doing. The same thing happened at the Elder meeting on Monday night. Lastly, this morning I received a phone call from my dear sweet friend, Bev. She is the Pastor's wife and I shared this news with her sunday night. She was such a great friend as she held me while I cried... then called me today just to tell me she had been thinking about me and praying for me and my family. And she wanted to know how things were going. This is the essence of the body of Christ, and never before had I felt so genuinely loved and cared about by a church family. Someone even called and offered to pay for a plane ticket for me to fly up. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the church He has so sovereignly placed us in. The events of the last 2 days have been such a tremendous blessing to me and all I can say is our church family has truly been an extension of God's love and comfort. I can see so clearly from them and through them the love of God. Praise Him!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
"Where the Nails Were"
I currently am doing a Kay Arthur Precept Bible Study on the Covenant. To make what could be an extended post shorter, I will just tell you that I am learning about God's faithfulness in keeping His covenant relationship with His children. I am going to bounce back'n'forth a little bit so bear with me...
Our choir is starting to prepare our musical for Easter. The musical itself is called Raise the Crown. There is one verse of one song in particular that I cannot seem to get out of my head. Probably because the lyrics of this particular verse apply so much to everyday living. So as I was doing my bible study this morning, I was reminded of God's faithfulness in protecting us believers because He has promised to. As I was reflecting on this promise, I was reminded that none of it would have been possible without Jesus Christ's work on the cross. It is only because God sent his very son to die in my place, and shed blood for my sins that I am able to be part of this covenant relationship with God. This is what brought the lyrics of our one choir song to mind. May we strive to never take for granted what Jesus Christ did; and may we strive to never take for granted the love of God that he would make such a sacrifice--all for having a personal relationship with sinners who are so unworthy of His love and grace. But because of that love and grace, we are privileged to have that relationship and should always be living in light of the cross.
Here is that verse... I hope it is an encouragement to you!!
At times I am tempted to overlook your grace
Thinking I'm worth the love You've given.
I walk like I'm earning the right to run the race
Somehow forgetting you died in my place.
Still it isn't long before I've stumbled
One look at the cross and I am humbled.
It should have been my hands where the nails were
It should have been my feet where the nails were
It should have been my side that was opened,
my heart that was broken.
It should have been.
Our choir is starting to prepare our musical for Easter. The musical itself is called Raise the Crown. There is one verse of one song in particular that I cannot seem to get out of my head. Probably because the lyrics of this particular verse apply so much to everyday living. So as I was doing my bible study this morning, I was reminded of God's faithfulness in protecting us believers because He has promised to. As I was reflecting on this promise, I was reminded that none of it would have been possible without Jesus Christ's work on the cross. It is only because God sent his very son to die in my place, and shed blood for my sins that I am able to be part of this covenant relationship with God. This is what brought the lyrics of our one choir song to mind. May we strive to never take for granted what Jesus Christ did; and may we strive to never take for granted the love of God that he would make such a sacrifice--all for having a personal relationship with sinners who are so unworthy of His love and grace. But because of that love and grace, we are privileged to have that relationship and should always be living in light of the cross.
Here is that verse... I hope it is an encouragement to you!!
At times I am tempted to overlook your grace
Thinking I'm worth the love You've given.
I walk like I'm earning the right to run the race
Somehow forgetting you died in my place.
Still it isn't long before I've stumbled
One look at the cross and I am humbled.
It should have been my hands where the nails were
It should have been my feet where the nails were
It should have been my side that was opened,
my heart that was broken.
It should have been.
An Awesome Story
I saw this you-tube video and couldn't resist sharing! It is an awesome story that I am positive you will enjoy watching!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Homework
I received this e-mail from my sister-in-law, April. She is the queen of funny forwards, and I really appreciate that she only sends on the genuinely funny ones!!!
This one was entitled "Always check your children's homework before they go to school." Enjoy!!
This one was entitled "Always check your children's homework before they go to school." Enjoy!!
(It's not like it first appears... I promise!!)
(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day) Dear Mrs. Jones, I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith
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