It's official- Johnny's 8!

We took Johnny to Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday. He brought along his friend, Caiden. Also, cousin Kason came to join the fun!

As you can see from the smiles on their faces- they had a blast.

Thank you Papa and Grammer, Mama Jean, Nana and Pop, Uncle Vernon, Papa and Pammy, and Aunt Kirsten and Kason for making Johnny's 8th birthday a memorable one!

Oh my! How time flies...

March 24, 2003 was one of the happiest days of my life! My beautiful 7lbs 5oz blue eyed beauty finally arrived at 3:21 PM. He was wide eyed and bushy tailed then (looking just like his daddy), and not much has changed today!

Fast forward eight years! Here is our Johnny Griff! Sweet, stubborn, gentle hearted, daddy's boy, 100% boy, momma's boy (when he wants to snuggle), loves the out doors, but also loves video games, people-pleaser and a leader!


Last year Johnny accepted Jesus into his heart! We were driving home from school one day and he was real quiet...unlike my Johnny Griff! Then, a few minutes later he said he needed to pray. Me, thinking "Oh no! What has he done" said, "OK Johnny Griff, what about?" That's when he began to tell me about how Jesus popped in his heart the night before while singing a song during Kingdom Kids. Even though, he has not been baptized yet, I know this little boy loves the Lord, and is a Mighty Warrior already!

I can't wait to see all the ways God uses this little blessing that calls me Mom!

Crown of Beauty

I went to an Evangelism Women's Conference yesterday. It was a last minute decision and I am so glad I went. The Lord gave me a few pearls of wisdom that I want to share. There were several, but today I just want to share this one.

One of the speakers, Angela Thomas, asked the question, "Are you a good Jesus girl? or a bad Jesus girl?" My first reaction was like, "Well duh! God of course." But, the longer she talked the more Jesus whispered in my ear. I was slapped in the face-- again! I was so sure of myself, yet I know there is always room for improvement. I was disappointed in myself for so quickly assuming I was good. I'm not and only by God's grace am I made pure.

Anyhow- she goes on to talk about Isaiah 61, and when I give God my ashes- He will return to me a crown of beauty! You'll have to read the passage to understand the whole meaning of the "ashes" and "crow of beauty." I will give you my interpretation, but WOW!, what a powerful phrase!

I was reminded to give God the bad things I've done/do in my life. Jesus already paid for my sins. All I have to do is take my ashes to the cross; God is there to take my brokenness and redeem me!! AND- replace it with a crown of beauty! Then, she goes on to talk about bitterness. She asked if I was bitter about what I had to trade in. If there is one thing I've learned over the past year or two is that there is no room for bitterness. I can not serve God and try to take comfort in my bitterness. It's more like having a pity party..! Bitterness is a jail. Have you ever found peace in being bitter at something or someone? The only way I have found true peace is through Jesus Christ. Put on the mind of Christ; Choose victory over what ever it is you struggle with. Pray for God to take that from you and use it for His glory!