Funny story

So, thanks to Aunt Lindsay the boys are in to this new show called Super Hero Squad. They are loving it! Here is a picture of Joely-bowly's big smile as the show came on!

That was until just a few minutes ago. As I was writing that last blog Joel came running in wanting to sit in my lap. He had a scared look on his face and said he was scared. I asked him, "Why, what happened?" Joely-bowly says, "Dat scary monster scare me and I goin' to go kick him in the ball-nuts!"

LOL!!! OK...that was just too funny not to share!

A window into my soul

I have so many different thoughts running through my head I'm not sure where to begin; starting with the title for this blog: should it be Accountability?... A window to my soul?... Heart issues?... Anyhow- I was at lunch talking with a friend today about accountability, those that we love, God's law then laws of the land, so on and so forth... On my drive home I was reflecting on a few things and started praying and thought I should blog.

First off, I write blogs, not to cast stones at anyone! Let me assure you these words are not my own; God places things on my heart- and I write, not knowing what to write even. Sometimes I go back and reread it because I'm not sure what I've just spit out. And if He's talking to anyone, it's me!!

It has been said a time or two that I'm judgmental; and I know a few that would probably agree. As I was driving home this is one thing I was thinking about. The people I love and care about (especially my Christian family and friends...including myself), I hold to high standards, but never do I think less of them as a person. We are all sinners!! I have my own issues, and my own sin that I have to work on daily! This verse comes to mind, "How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:4 We are, however, supposed to hold each other accountable; Love the sinner but hate the sin. I have things/sin in my life that I hate, but I still love myself. We are all this way!....don't lie, you know you do! I only write the things I write (or say something to you) because I truly care. If I didn't, I wouldn't bother saying anything at all. And- if you get mad and think I'm attacking you that's conviction...not me! I understand some people don't like being told they're doing something wrong and get really mad...and call me judgmental. Someone actually deleted Kyle from their facebook after he tried giving advice to help them. If I say something that you don't think is not in the scripture, then I want you to tell me. I want to be able to fix my thought process and apologize. I think about this all the time though. I try to be very careful in what I say and write, because I know people think this way about me. But, I walk the walk not just talk the talk! And- still fall short... Now look in the mirror when judging someone and you'll see two fingers pointing back at you. This is not meant for anyone person, if you're reading this, it's meant for you and I mean no disrespect to anyone!

God gives everyone a gift, whether you know what yours is or not, you have one....some people have several. I know one of mine is singing, but I also think God gave me common sense. Not everyone has it, although most would think they do. Maybe that's my case, I don't know. I feel that God uses me to show people things that they're not looking at. I try to step back out of the picture and look in on every situation...including my own! For a long time, I sat back and never spoke up...even when I knew I was supposed to. You ever get this burning desire deep in your soul and you know you're supposed to share it?.... I have always been so afraid to speak up in fear of sounding dumb, but that's exactly where Satan wanted me.

Often times I wonder, "Who really has my best interest at heart?" But, I know that's only Satan lying to me trying to get me to feel sorry for myself. Even if they don't, it really doesn't matter. I'm not living my life for them. I live my life for God, Kyle, and "My Three Sons"! I needed to stop and put things in perspective....as my momma used to tell me as I walked out the door to go ANYWHERE (so annoying, but it stuck!) 'Remember Who's You Are'.


Thanks for listening!

Rain in the air....AGAIN? Ughhhh!

On my way home this morning I took this picture to send Kyle- to show him how ugly the sky is and tell him I'm so incredibly sick of all the rain we've been getting. As I drove home, I looked around at the ugly brown grass and the bare trees, thinking about how ready I am for summer.

When I arrived home- here were these beautiful purple flowers blooming, and my Creator pierced my heart. He told me that I had a gloomy bad attitude. Then I realized just how awesome the brown grass and bare trees are because even though they die off for the winter, He helps it all grow back. HE changes things, and there is a reason for everything. He has a perfect design and it's not up to me to like or understand. But, it is up to me to have a joyful heart. One verse God put on my heart this morning; "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

Now, I look back at that first picture and I see the beauty in it! WOW! Our creator made that?!? It gives me peace looking at it, because it looks like Heaven is peeking in through the darkness. It's amazing the difference one picture has when ones attitude has changed.

As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
Proverbs 27:19

I'm now ready to open my windows, look at the beauty that surrounds me, and start my day! Time to make a chocolate cake and clean my dirty floors. Laundry is done and put away; I find joy in that! Now, if I could only have a joyful heart about ironing..... ;o)

Joel was goinng through the pictures on my phone. He brought it to me
and said, "look mom! Is me just so beautiful?" Look at this pretty
boy!! :)

Oh no, Joel!

A little blurry, but it's the best one on my phone.

Texas Rangers or Texas Criminals??

We went to the Texas Ranger Museum today. They had this outline on the
floor and the boys had a blast with it. We took individual pictures of
them, too, and Johnny was coaching Joel on how to lay; telling him
toclose his eyes, open his mouth and stick out his tong. Too funny and
cute! I can only post one picture a blog on mobile postings.

More photos to follow....

The story behind Justin's picture...

It didn't post for some reason.

Justin says, "Momma, don't touch me."
Me, "Why Justin?"
Justin, "Cause I'm berry expensive."

Kyle and I were just talking, and Justin was trying to talk over us;
he says, "Excuse me...I'm talking here!"

Ha ha ha! Funny little thing.

Me. Justin

Blessed

Growing up I used to watch my mom do yard work, clean house, and do
laundry all in a day. I remember thinking, "What a boring life." I
really haven't thought about it in a long time, but with her here
today helping me with yard work, playing with her grandsons, while I'm
in the house making lunch and doing laundry- I find myself thinking I
can't think of a better life. And it's true what they say, you grow up
to be your mom.

Another bust

"Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould." Romans 12:2

Seven weeks ago a group of girls from church started a Thursday night bible study. And in that seven weeks, I've only been able to attend one. I think it was the second week. Either I'm not meant to go, or Satan is trying his best to keep me away...probably the latter; he may keep me away, but won't keep me down! We are reading "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free". What an incredible book! I highly recommend it to every woman, no matter what season of life you're in! I have been blessed and have learned SOOOO much. Then there are other areas that have refreshed my mind and heart!

This week it was on "lies women believe about children." The bible tells us that children are the most precious blessings he could give a couple. He has entrusted them in my care. I don't want the ways of the world to mold my boys, rather, I want to fill them with the Word of God- so they will have hearts that want to please the Lord and walk in the Truth. It's our job as parents to protect their young minds. I know I've blogged this once before, but I'm going to say it again, these are their formative years. The filth that goes into their minds- whether it be TV, movies, music, video games (calm down Kyle- you don't have to give any of these up:)...yet) is going to come out. In this book she talks about kids, even kids that live in Christian homes, they know more about movie stars and rock groups than they do about the patriarchs or the disciples. She also says, "I can only assume that they have an appetite for what they have been exposed to." Some people are so big into letting their kids experience the ways of the world so they know how to discern between good and evil. What is so wrong with protecting their innocence? Filling them up with the Sword of The Spirit and preparing them to go out in the world and fight their battle? Would you send your son to war without a "sword"? But yet, we do it every day right here in the comfort of our own homes. Parents are allowing their kids to sit in front of a TV, computer, video games, etc to babysit all day. Just to keep them out of their hair. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of it. I do use the TV at times, but I won't let them watch garbage. As hard as it is sometimes. Joel LOVES Ghostbusters, the movie, but because of the language I'm the bad guy who won't let them watch it. And- I'm perfectly fine with that. At least it will be your kid saying "holly s***" next time something falls off of the table. OH yes- that was my sweet Justin. Before that, I never said anything about them watching it, didn't like it, but I didn't stop it either. And- since that day God has convicted my heart on preserving their innocence as long as I can. Our kids will still be subjected to it (Satan will see to that), but it will not be feed to them in my home! I hope to pass on to them to love God with all of their heart, minds, soul, and strength.

Please pray for my boys, that they will have this kind of love for God with every fiber of their being. I want them to thirst and not be able to get enough! Also- please pray for Johnny. Some of his friends have been baptized and I believe he is close to asking. Although he hasn't come out and asked to be baptized, he is asking lots of questions. He told me he had Jesus in his heart. So, please be in prayer for my precious Johnny- that God will help him to understand repentance and salvation, and the importance to the pathway of obedience. I pray that Kyle and I, and the grandparents, will have the words of wisdom to lead and point him in the right direction.

Family Fun

We have been so busy, but having so much fun. I'm ready for summer so we can slow down!

I help out with the Cubbies class at church on Wednesday nights. Last night Justin was being so cute, so I had to take his picture! :) He usually bounces around, sits down, tries to play with the toys....anything but pay attention and say the pledges. Well, FINALLY last night, for the first time he did it!

He even paid attention during book time. It's always a hit or miss, I never know what I'm going to get with him. He said his verse and colored his picture, and I was so proud! If you can't already tell. "Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15) was our verse last night. We are truly blessed, aren't we?


A couple of weeks ago, Thanks to Uncle Tony!, we took the boys to the circus! They had an absolute blast! Justin and Johnny got to ride a pony and an elephant!!! Joel was too scared and stayed on momma's hip. Oh darn! :) I will only have that...well, probably not too much longer. They thought the elephant was too cool! I don't have those pictures yet, they're on Debbie's computer and I haven't gone to get them. I'll post one as soon as I do!
Here is Joely-bowly with his sword that Mama Jean got him.

Justin doing who knows what to Grammer. Better watch out Grammer....looks like he's going to get ya!

Mama Jean with two of her boys. I'm sure Johnny was off with Papa Rick. Justin thought he was a cool dude with that sword. Can't you tell?!?

Thank you Uncle Tony for the tickets to the circus, and to Mama Jean for the boys' swords. Papa Rick and Grammer, thank you for the tickets to ride on the pony's, elephant, and the big slide!

And yes Kyle you are such a great husband, and you're so handsome, and you make great spicy chicken, you can fix all of my electronics (which comes in handy all the time!), and, and, and....you're good enough for now! ;)

God's goodness IS

What is God's goodness? Life? Family? Wealth?... (Kyle would say "chocolate cake"). It's different for each and every one of us. I've always thought it was life in general. I'm not too sure that's it now. I look forward to the day God calls my name. We won't ever have life and answers together. They're mutually exclusive.

Last Monday a friend from my past passed away. She was only a couple of months younger than myself. I didn't know her very well and haven't seen her in years, but after praying harder in those few weeks than I [probably] have in my entire life, it got me thinking. I don't know what will happen tomorrow...will there be a tomorrow? There is no guarantee! And I say, "COME ON JESUS!!" But seriously, what is my life? I have become so complacent in my day to day life. What is my purpose? Here is this healthy 31 year old, beautiful, living life for God, married with a daughter, struggling 18 days in the hospital, then ultimately losing her life.

So I pray: God please help me to be clear minded as I pray. Show me what now? I pray that I will put on "The Armor of God" and will fearlessly be a gospel for You! You are ruler of my heart and I humbly bow at your feet asking for your guidance. Life isn't about being religious (as I have been) it's about being a Christ follower. I don't want to be victim to Satan and keep falling in to his trap. I ask You Lord, to show me Satan's lies that hold me in bondage, and help me to overcome them so I don't live just a complacent life! I want to live my life by Your words, please, help me to understand as I dig into your word! As I beat on the doors of heaven and pray, help guide me as I fight for Johnny, Justin, and Joel's faith. Help me point them in the right direction. Thank you God! for your grace and mercy. Thank you for Jesus coming and paying it all, then conquering the grave! Amen

I know Jenny was a strong leader- for not only her family, but for her friends and hundreds of kids, too. There were around 1,500 people just on her care-page knocking down the doors of heaven on her behalf. Jesus has the power to heal. He knew best. She loved God and lived for Him and now has a life that never dies. In a way I envy her, I know God called her name. She has no pain, no sorrows...she has it all-- because Jesus came and conquered the grave.

There is no guarantee for a tomorrow and we should love and forgive like so. I used to think I was too quick to cut people out of my life. Now, after praying and searching for wisdom, I know those people aren't good for me....for my walk. It's a distraction away form God and my family.

I want to be a true disciple for Christ!!

On a less serious note, Kyle is chasing the boys and popping them with a hand towel. Johnny is running in fear of getting popped a good one. Justin just ran and grabbed a clean towel and Kyle told him to put it back. Kyle gets in trouble for getting a clean towel out just because he can't find one. Justin says, "You want a piece of me!?!?" Hehe....I love my life!