My reality

At the start of each day, I pray for the Lord to teach me something new; to help me be creative in teaching my boys. I want them to have a love for their Creator and to be different!!

As I was praying this morning the Lord spoke to me heart, "Why do you ask for these things and then not seek after them? Why haven't you come to me every morning for your quiet time? How can I teach you when you're not listening? Hello!! Wake up call.

Truth is, I haven't been doing my part this past week and I can see a huge difference in my attitude. I am edgy. I bark at the boys over stupid stuff. I don't stop and train their little hearts as I should.

It's not only important to pray daily, but read my bible and LISTEN! Duh! No wonder things have been off kilter. It's so simple and I have been in such a funk; I have to be diligent, not only in prayer, but in studying my bible EVERY DAY!

This afternoon I put the boys in a bubble bath with a cup of tea, turned the lights off, lite candles, and read our Character Bible. What a blessing to have them eager and asking questions. As I type this now, I hear Johnny telling his brothers they are his servants (armor-bearer is what the story called them) and they are going to rescue King Saul the disobedient king.

Now, come on morning...!

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!

Proud

Johnny finally lost a top tooth and he's so excited!

He now knows there is no tooth fairy and he hugged me (with this big 'ol cute smile) and said, "Thank you!" When I asked him for what, he replied, "For my money in advance."

A piece of my MomHeart

I am forever changed. Isn't it great that we have a merciful, grace giving, loving, Heavenly Father?
This weekend I attended a MomHeat conference with a group of ladies from church. Sally Clarkson, author of several books (Mission Of Motherhood is a must), came to teach us, encourage us, and share in our passion on biblical motherhood. Oh my, what a treat she was! I loved the book and had no idea how much more this conference would bring. I had no expectations other than leaving feeling refreshed--I was after all kidless... No spills to clean up, toys to put away, breakfast lunch or dinners to cook, beds and laundry to be done, no puppy pee to be wiped, you get my drift..?
Anyhow, from the early Friday morning tea when Sally first spoke to a very small group of us, I knew this was going to be different than ANYTHING I had ever experienced!! Boy was I right! You know that small voice, the one that talks to you when something is wrong, or when you're trying to make a decision- the one people call their conscious? Well I call it the Holy Spirit; guiding me down the right path. And this weekend He was right in my face talking so loud it almost hurt my "ears" and he was saying, "Trisha, wake up! You might be on the right path, but there's so much more! Trust in me, follow me, I AM here to guide you and provide for you!" I fell in love with my kids in a whole new way this weekend, and I can't really explain it any better than just that. I already love so deeply and didn't realize I could love them that much more. Wow! I can't imagine how much more the lord must love them! But, it does excite me!!

Remember the Sabbath?

To my mom and dad- No, not our old cat! Haha.

I've had this book and been reading it on and off for a while now. Yesterday I picked it up and started over, determined to finish this time. It's about finding rest, renewal, and delight in our busy lives; it's titled "Sabbath by Wayne Muller".

One thing that really jumped out at me is when he talked about our modern life, and how it's designed to seduce us; every where you go, look, on tv., it's always: Buy me. Do me. Watch me. Try me. Drink me.

Then, this morning in Sunday School we talked about Loyal Love. What a God of perfect timing we have! It really made me think about the things in my daily life that distract me from God. I am reminded of Jesus waking up early to go out by himself and pray. What makes me think I can be any different..? Muller talked about the Muslims and how they're called to prayer five times a day- all work ceases... No wonder they are so loyal.

I am in constant 'prayer' every day, but I don't always stop to meditate (a formulaic prayer) and give Him my undivided attention. Jesus was sinless, and still He prayed! If he had to pray- how much more should I pray?

Lots to be in prayer about this week. Besides the little souls I'm trying nurture- so they'll have a love and passion for God, there's this FPU Class, and a Mothers Conference I'm going to Friday and Saturday. I'm asking for prayers (especially from you grandparents), for God to show me what my/family's life should look like. I know He has mighty plans for us- I'm excited to he what they are!

I challenge you, my sweet family and friends, to invoke the sabbath in your life daily. Let God seep in to every aspect of your life! Watch the blessings and wisdom that come from being still and listening to that small voice!

Blessings on your week..!