A face of Cystic Fibrosis....

I have a beautiful niece.
Maryanna is loving and kind. She is smart and funny.
She is special.
She is the first niece I ever had!! Born to my "favorite" brother and his wife!! I was only 9 years old when she was born and I remember going to see her in the hospital in Virginia (it was a very long drive!)....

She grew up.

I didn't get to see her much while she was growing up. My brother lived about an hour away from us. Most summers she and her sister Linda (and later her brother, Will-Paul) would come and visit for a week or two at my parents house, but by then I was busy in my teens and didn't have much time to spare for my "little" nieces and nephews.
Eventually, her parents moved to Jacksonville, Florida (4+ hours away!!) and that is where she "grew up".

She met a boy. Fell in love. And got married.
She was a beautiful bride!!!
My little boy was her Ring Bearer. He was so cute in his little white tux!!
Sweet memories.

She married Josh.

Josh is a nice guy.
She says he makes her laugh and I love that about him. He is funny, and sarcastic, and witty, and has amazingly blue eyes.
He loves her, and really, that's all I have ever wanted for her.  To love and be loved.

Josh has Cystic Fibrosis.

  "Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. 
It is a life-threatening disorder."

You can see more about what it is here>>>  http://www.cff.org/aboutcf/
"Currently, there is no cure for CF. However, specialized medical care, aggressive drug treatments and therapies, along with proper CF nutrition, can significantly lengthen and improve the quality of life for those with CF"

He has been in and out of hospitals his whole life and is in the hospital right now.
Fighting for his life.
And my niece, Maryanna, is right there fighting with him.
His lung had collapsed and he has tubes attached and machines helping him breathe. It is scary and awful to think that his disease could claim him and Maryanna would be left a widow way before she should.

She has a strong faith in God and I am so very proud of the way she is handling this situation. God does have a plan for her and for Josh.
God is good.
ALL the time.
Even when out circumstances seem bleak and hard.
He is our rock and our fortress. A mighty help in time of trial.

                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7zG_0KI0I
The Secret Place

"I've found a secret place of comfort and release
a special place of healing, a quiet place of peace.
And every one who dwells there finds rest beneath God's wings.
in the shade of His pavilion new strength He always brings.

I find hope, I find grace, far away from the world's embrace.
He gives me rest, He keeps me safe, I find His strength,
I seek His face In the secret place.

With every trial He brings, my Lord will make a way
to strengthen and protect me, to help me each day.
He leads me through the valley to draw me closer still,
knowing even in the shadows I find His perfect will.

I find hope, I find grace, far away from the world's embrace.
He gives me rest, He keeps me safe, I find His strength,
I seek His face In the secret place."

Such a great song!!!

Psalm 91:1 - 5
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say unto the LORD, He is my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall by thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the fire by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day."


Tell those you love that you love them.

Say, "I love you".
Every.
Day.

Don't lose a moment of time with unnecessary stuff.
Fill each day with purpose and show the love you have.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Make each day count.


Blessings!!!

PS...Prayers appreciated for my niece and for her Josh!!!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 22-25)

May I make a suggestion??   Good!
*** If you have not done so, please go back and read my Blog post for "November = Thanksgiving  (Day 1-5)". It will give some insight to the tone of my November Blog postings for this year!!!
Thanks!!! I hope you get something from what you read here and that God will speak to you through His Word!!! =)

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1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all your things be done with charity {love}.

For all of his rantings and ravings at the church at Corinth, Paul loves this church and it's people.  He want s for them to serve in love, worship in love, submit in love, teach in love, do ALL things in love.
This can be a new prayer for me...that I will do all things in love.



Psalm 36:7
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

What can I say??? The Lord has proven Himself over and over and over again to me in these last few weeks. His mercy is new every morning. He has turned my mourning into gladness. weeping into joy. I can trust Him in everything knowing He only wants what is best for me. I am just praying that I can put Him first in everything!!


Psalm 37:39-40
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 
And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Even before Christ came to this earth to give us a way to have righteousness before God this Psalmist is speaking of salvation and righteousness the Lord gives to those who ask!!! He gives strength and shelter in times of trouble.
We can trust in Him because His words are true. He will be the victor and He will deliver us from the wicked!!


In 2 Corinthians 6 - 9 Paul is just encouraging these people that he loves. He rejoices that they took his first letter to heart and made some necessary changes.
How much more must God be pleased when we read His Word and make changes in our lives to honor Him!!!! =)


Just one more!!!!  Scripture is changing my life y'all!!! =)


Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order to thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Every day I am amazed at God's care for the little details of my life. His thoughts of us cannot be numbered. He is an awesome God and I am so glad He is my Savior. As I strive to put God first in all that I do, I pray that the things I do are pleasing to Him.



Blessings!!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 20, 21)

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

A good reminder for me....to put Christ first in all things.
This chapter in Corinthians is talking about eating the meat that has been offered to idols. How that it might offend some non-believers.
If we are doing all to the glory of God we need not be concerned about offending those around us.
At this point in my life I am more concerned with putting God first and pleasing Him most.


Psalm 22:19
But be thou not far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

I am so very thankful that God hears the cry of His children and hurries to help!! He is never far from me and only wants what is best for me.
He is an awesome God and mighty to save anyone who calls upon His name.
I have called on Him and he heard me.
He has answered the cry of my heart.
He is healing my soul.


Psalm 23
The LORD is my Shepherd: I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, they rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

He is my shepherd and I am His sheep. He knows what I need and when I need it.
He will protect me, find me, keep me safe, feed me, heal me, be with me through any valley (even death) that I will go through!

There is great comfort in that.

He has heard the cry of my heart and has the power to heal my soul.
He is restoring my joy and the joy of my Salvation!!

Blessings!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 13 - 19!!!!)

Sorry Folks!!! I really have been a bit of a slacker in doing this!!! I really just didn't realize how long it had been since my last post!!!
I will not bore you with all the details, but God has been so good to me, my husband and my family!!! I cannot thank Him enough!!!
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Psalm 5:3
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

~~Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am not a "morning person"!!I just do not function well first thing in the morning...
These past days, however, have been different. I have been alert enough to pray with Roger EVERY morning!! (Even at 5 AM!!!!)
It is needful for me to start my day with Jesus.
For so long I would just go about my day with no thought of communication with my Savior! I can no longer do that!
I can see now, too much is at stake.


Psalm 16:8-9
I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

~~As I seek to focus on God and put Him first in my life, I rest in hope knowing He is always with me. He is at my right hand.
He will be with me in the battles, in the rest, in the victories, in the good and bad times. He will keep my in perfect peace and I "shall not be moved."
It does make me glad.
It makes me rejoice.
It makes me want to sing!!

Here is the song I wrote....maybe one day I will record it.

Your Grace Is Amazing

1. My soul was lost    and all alone.    

My strength had failed     my joy was gone.

I trusted You      to hear my cry,    

to heal my heart    and let me fly.

CH.          I see Your grace,     so amazing!

               My soul has joy,      my heart has wings!

               I seek Your face,    because Your grace      is amazing!

2. My heart was broken     and undone.     

You sent Your own      Beloved Son

To save a sinful        soul like me.       

My eyes are open,       now I see.

3. Now I am free     to live again.      

My soul’s released      from sin’s dark stain.

I count it joy      to suffer loss      

because of Jesus       and the cross.

4. He’s brought me through     a fiery trial.     

I’ll seek His face      each day and hour.

He’ll get me through      to a place of rest.    

He wants for me       the very best!

Blessings!!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 12)

A new question..."Did you love God enough today?"

It is no longer enough to just have a good day. We have had plenty of those and it wasn't that good as it turns out!

>>The most important thing is:
Did we have a godly day?
Did we love God enough to seek His face? To say His name? To give Him praise? To not commit habitual sin? To see the need for Christ in others?

My prayer is that we strive to keep God first in ALL things and not to forget! It is so easy to get into a habit of forgetting.
Our flesh is weak.
The great news is that God is always ready to forgive when we have lost our way or stepped away or stumbled and fell.
He is always ready!

Psalm 4:3,4 & 8
3.But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
8. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD,  only makest me dwell in safety.

Resting in God's safety tonight.

Blessings!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 11)

Psalm 3:3
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cannot explain to you how very good God is. I cannot explain to you how He has answered the prayers of my heart and lifted my spirit. I cannot explain to you how He has healed my soul and restored a broken relationship.

I can only tell that He is and He has!!!! 

He has protected me when I was weak. He has given me rest when I am weary. He has restored my joy. He has given peace that passes understanding. He has lifted my head and held me up many times. He has healed, answered, loved, given grace, mercy and forgiveness....He has not stopped. He is long-suffering (patient) and kind. He wants what is best for me, my husband and my family.

I must give Him the glory for the great things He has done!!!


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Today is Veteran's Day.....

A day set aside to honor those that have fought (and are fighting still) for our country and freedoms.  I do so hate to see those people who are vehemently criticizing our military for the poor leadership decisions they have to obey.  Our men and women join to serve our country. They are selfless and brave. They obey the orders given to them (they are trained to). If you don't like the way that works you are welcome to go live in a different country!! I, for one, am glad that I won't have to fight if the battle comes to our lands. I won't have to fight for others either. Our military will fight for us!! I know that things have changed. I know how political these past wars have been. But I am so very glad to be an American. There is no country like ours. Anywhere. If you hate it here and the way things are done, you are welcome to leave.

I appreciate the military. My husband was without a job for 9 months (before the "big" job crash!!) and he rejoined the National Guard. He has been full time for 3+ years now and I am thankful for his job. I am thankful for the military. I am thankful for those who serve--past and present. I  am a proud Army wife and I support my husband and I am proud to be a part of something larger than I, even in the smallest way.

Blessings!!

PS....
Had breakfast for supper...one of my hubby's favorites!!
Made Oatmeal Waffles!!!! SUPER YUMMY!!!

2 eggs
2 C. oatmeal flour (ground old fashioned oats!!)
3/4 C. canola (or melted butter...yummy!)
1 3/4 C. Milk
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
(I add about 4 T. of brown sugar to this. Just because I love it!!)

**Heat waffle iron. Combine dry ingredients. Add the eggs, milk and oil. Mix well to batter consistency and smooth. Pour batter (I use a gravy spoon!) onto center of hot waffle iron. Cook about 5 minutes or until the steaming stops!!
Enjoy!!!!

(Recipe from::  http://wellnessdining.blogspot.com/ )

November = Thanksgiving (Day 8)

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Psalm 124:8 
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.


I just have to say, that God Almighty gives perfect peace beyond understanding!!!


***On a side note....today my husband (who took a day off of work) started building our kids a "tree fort"!!!! Our kids have been dreaming of this day since the first time we looked at this property!! My daughter said, "Finally!! Our dreams are coming to pass!!"    ....so funny!!!!

 Everyone pitched in and helped build this totally awesome triangular tree fort!!! =)

 Hold it steady for dad, guys!!!!

 Oh so worth the wait!!!!   They will have many hours of fun on this!!! =)

Picnic lunch in the tree fort!!!! Hooray!!!!

My and my Army man!!! 

Is it me? Or is the sky in south Alabama just gorgeous today?!?!!!!

Fall is my favorite time of year!!! =)

Blessings!!!!

November = Thanksgiving (Day 7)

On this day, I am going to post three verses. Mainly because it's my blog and I can if I want to!!
HA!   ;)
But, also, because on this day (10-21-13) in my journal (yes, I am now keeping a journal....who'd-a-thunk it?!?!!) I struggled and won!!! We had a major victory, and the Lord gave me all of these verses on the same day!

Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalm 126:3
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psalm 66:20 
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

Like I said, a great victory was had on this day for me. My journal reminds me of this and I am glad. I want to remember what God has done for me. I want to remember from where He has brought me. I want to praise Him for the mighty work He has done in my life!! He has heard the cry of my heart and is healing my soul!!
One day I may blog about the song He gave me (yes, I wrote a song!!! Miracles never cease!!), but not yet.

Blessings!!!