It's SNOWING!!!

To some, snow is no big deal...BUT to us here in Texas, every flurry counts!

I am very thankful today to watch the snow fall. Not a lot is coming down, but there is still hope for more. My children have been asking to go somewhere where it snows, and hopefully they will see it the rest of today.

I love that I have a God who gives us the desires of our hearts when we serve him. He is a GOOD God! Even the flurries remind me today!

Hopefully we'll get some pictures...
Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Baptism

On Monday Nights, we have Bible Study in our home. We are truly blessed by the families that join us. Last week we gave testimony about when we had heard God in our lives. Everyone shared great testimony, even the youngest, my 6 year old daughter.

She has been asking to be baptised for about a year now and last week as she explained that her heart was thump thumping and she knew she needed to be baptised, everyone was touched. She is quite animated when she talks!

Yesterday, as we were preparing for Bible Study and straightening from the weekend, my husband told me that he was going to baptize her that evening. As we sat for lunch, he told Hallie. What a GREAT smile came over her face!

The rest of the day Hallie was on cloud nine! Dancing around and so joyful. She even sand "I'm going to be baptized, baptized!" Too cute.

After Bible Study, with friends and family gathered around, Hallie was baptised. Right before we started, I asked Hallie one more time WHY she was being baptized and with a huge smile on her face she replied...

"Because I love Jesus!"

Daddy Baptizing our Daughter

Big Brother so proud of his little Sister!

Merry Christmas to you all! What a wonderful Savior we serve!

Trading Peace for Fear...WHY?

I am reminded today of how important God's peace is in my life. What a blessing it is to be called sons and daughters of the most High God!

We have been working through a situation with a family member that has had her peace stolen from her. Satan is the devour! He comes to Kill, Steal and Destroy!

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am
come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly." John 10:10.

Psalm 71:5-8 said God is our hope and our strong refuge. I want so much for her to know the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). For her to be able to REST in Christ's peace. For apart from God we can do nothing (John 15:6). Especially live a life absent from debilitation fear.

The Lord is GOOD! He doesn't want us to live in fear. Fear of other's opinions, fear of death, fear of being alone, fear of spiders, heights... Fear of commitment and the list goes on.

If you are living in FEAR, stop and pray. Speak to the fear in the Mighty Name of Jesus and tell it to LEAVE. Ask that the Peace that passes all understanding guard your heart and mind. Jesus gave us the power to do that! James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." We are set free from having to live in fear!

Take hold of that truth and be bold! "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Katie

Ending Well

Today was my 13th wedding anniversary. As I am sitting here savouring the sweet smell of the bouquet of flowers he sent me today, he is putting away the last of the laundry! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband!

Today held preparations for our evening Bible study. Not too much to do, the house was in order, just the bathrooms and floors needed to be gone over after a busy 4 days of entertaining. Nothing too time consuming or difficult to accomplish.

We have only been in our home about 3 months, and there is still organizing to do. Today, I cleaned out a closet, the refrigerator (that smelled really bad!!! Still don't quite know what it was!), cleaned the utility/mud room, cleaned the car, and did ALL the laundry! Whew! I was just going to sweep and go over the bathrooms!

The great thing about getting everything put in place wasn't the finding a place, it was the peace I had while I was doing it! You know "whistle while you work"? Well, praying is SO much better! As I was going about daily life, I wasn't short with the kids because I was busy. I wasn't exhausted, granted my feet did hurt from standing on the tile all day, but I still had plenty of energy to delight in our friends as they came for Bible study. It was my attitude that made the difference. More than that, it was my perspective. God even cares and will help me get through the mundane tasks of LIFE:

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

As time for Bible study drew nigh, we began anticipating digging into the Word and fellowshipping with friends and family. What a great time we had! I love to be around people that love the Lord! It edifies the spirit within me and prods me on in my walk with God. Tonight we shared testimonies about when we had heard from God. What a great blessing it was to hear children and adults telling how they had heard from God and what their responses had been. What a great and loving God we serve!

Being able to open our home to friends and family these last few days has been the fruition of our hearts desire. What a great ending to a great day!

Katie

Gifts from the Heart...

Today, the homeschool group our family is involved in, had a Gift Making Day.  The point was to reitterate that Christmas isn't just about getting, more importantly, it is about giving.

We began by reading the account of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12.

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,

'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER, WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'"  

Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him." And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.   And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way."

So WHY do we give gifts?  Do we do it out of tradition, or obligation? Is it our pride or insecurities that lead us to give to keep up appearance? This season, I urge you to take a few minutes and ask yourself WHY.  Talk with your family and encourage even the youngest to give something this year, whether it be a handmade gift or even the gift of time. Use gift giving as a catalyst to discuss the TRUE reason we celebrate CHRISTmas! You will be truly blessed!

Merry Christmas!
Katie

Don't Go It Alone!

After a long day shopping, we got a phone call about 10ish from my son. My children are both spending a couple of days at their Grammy's new house! They were totally excited! But there was much distress in his voice.

He called because he was scared! The loudness of suburbia was just a little much for him. He was worried about not being safe. The wonderful thing about this was what transpired as a result of his fears.

He called his Dad, and after a very ginger, understanding few yeses and nos, Jason prayed over him. He prayed the sweetest prayer, never making our son feel stupid or like a baby or that his fears were totally invalid. After they prayed Payton told his dad that he wanted to call because it made him feel like he was coming in our room (a place of refuge to him when fear has attacked).

You see, his fear was REAL to him. No matter how silly or foolish a child's fear sounds to us, the fact IS... it is REAL to them. I pray that when my children come to me, I will have the wisdom to speak to them out of love and compassion.

Last night could have been very different for my son! He could have tried to go it alone, per say. Not calling and being afraid, ALONE. But instead he called for reinforcements and slept peacefully all night.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."Matthew 18:20

We need to all remember that God puts people in out lives to help along this journey. If you are having problems, pray to God, have a friend go before the throne with you.

GOD IS GOOD!

Katie

A Thankful Heart

I am so thankful for so much! As this week begins, with a monster list, I have chosen to stop for a moment and remember all the things for which I am thankful! I have learned that it is a CHOICE to be made.

Instead of focusing on the list I need to accomplish over the next 2 days...here is my list of WHY I am thankful:

My God! With him All things are possible, including my list.
My Hubby! LOVE him more everyday! Thankful for the 19 years I've known him and the 17 years he's been my significant other. What a blessing he is to me!
My Children! LOVE THEM!! I can't say enough how much joy they bring to me. They are both caring and funny with bright smiles and a heart for God. I am truly blessed!
My Home. It has been over 2 months, still putting things away, but it is
a peaceful place to be. It is a great place to congregate, play games, watch movies, eat and read. Just sharing life with others in our home is wonderful. Friends and Family Welcome!
Family & Friends. These two are together, because many of the people
in my life fit into BOTH categories. I love the people God has place in our lives. People who love Him and are seeking Him. People we can pray with and play with...share our hearts with. What a blessing! I love you all!
Shadow, our dog. He's just SO good! Gotta pet him!
Good Books. I love to read and a home full of GREAT books blesses my.
Some encourage, some reprimand, some are good historical and biographical information and some are just good ol' laugh out louders and others will make you cry! Having a choice readily available is priceless!

I know I could go on and on today! The fact that family and friends will be in and out my doors this week is so exciting to me. As I go about my day, I hope to keep in mind why I am doing my list. Keeping in mind the end result is not to check it off, but to be hospitable and peaceful and most of all...Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving week to you all!

Katie

In the Midst of Chaos

As I am sitting watching BOZ with my youngest neice, I am reminded how God can renew my Spirit in the simplest of ways. Just a few moments with cute little twin cartoon characters and a big Green bear praising God and speaking kindly to one another put a smile on my face.

Today, the past week, had been hard. Battling the unknown is always a scary thing. I know, when I can "see" or I know what the problem is, I know how to battle! Not knowing is a chance to walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 "for we walk by faith, not by sight". It's hard to do! When all that I see is SCREAMING to me that which is contrary to the TRUTH, that is sometimes unseen, I just have to hold on to my faith and believe that God already won!

I find rest and peace in God.

I thank the Lord for Friend that are praying, for the BEAUTIFUL days we have had, for my WONDERFUL!!!! Husband, for my FAMILY!

GOD IS GOOD!
Katie~

Irons Sharpens Iron

This morning I was reading a friends blog about how God is showing her that her actions were not lining up with the goals and desires of her heart concerning raising kids and homeschooling. I was VERY refreshed!


I love that I have friends that sharpen me.

Proverbs 27:13 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

That is the TRUE measure of a friend. Do they sharpen me? Can we edify each other, just by our own lives and circumstances? Do we live everyday to honor God, even when we fall short. Can we agree to pick ourselves up, dust off and start again by the strength of GOD!

Thank you to all my friends who share life with me! By whom I laugh, cry, learn and are encouraged! Have a GREAT and VERY blessed day!

Love to all,
Katie

Do You Tremble?

"'Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD. 'Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it.'But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed. 'They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest. 'Your iniquities have turned these away, And your sins have withheld good from you." Jeremiah 6:22-25 (NASB)

As I was reading this morning, it occurred to me that I had asked God "If times are getting considerably worse, why aren't you actively speaking to your children about what is going on?" Of course I know he always IS speaking to us, but I was questioning all the new ministries and visions for the family and so on. I asked God, why he was giving us desires to start new ministries if times REALLY are rapidly worsening.

Well...I have been lead to read warning passages over the last few days. I guess you have to be careful what you ask for, huh?

You know, we could have it ALL! God wants so much for his children to be prosperous and healthy and free to worship him. He placed us in a beautiful garden, and gave us everything we could ever want or need, yet we rebelled, wanting to do things our way. We are still rebelling.

I see that the ministries God is placing on peoples hearts is a means to an end. They are trying to stop the rebellion. I see family ministries popping up, new ministries to help moms, children are being encouraged in an array of ministries. All of these are pointing us to The Way...God's way, out of our rebellion. They try to bring the order back to the chaos we have made OK over the years. Teaching us about authority, and roles is all a refocusing on what God intended our lives to look like.

The reason...is simple. Verse 25 says "Your iniquities have turned these things away, and your sins have withheld good from you." We have tied His hands. Just think, when our children are being rebellious, do we shower them with blessing? If we do, we have little monsters running around! But when our children are kind and obedient, how much we want to lavish goodness to them. More hugs, maybe a special treat. Our Heavenly Father is the same. We are made in His image, we are like Him in our ways.

We need the Fear Of God! We need to turn to Him and tremble for how we as a church and as a society have acted in rebellion. If you have been rebellious, even in the little, ask God to convict you and then ask his forgiveness. He WILL.

Katie

The Full Armor of God

All my life growing up in Christian surroundings, I have been told to put on the Armor of God. I have heard it probably since infancy, and have never quite understood just exactly HOW to put on this armor. So, this week, while I was reading a book about the seasons of a mothers life, the author began to talk about putting on the Armor of God. I decided to take time and really dig deep, looking at the Greek words and cross referencing the verses, trying to obtain some kind of tangible way to "put on the whole armor of God." So...here's what I found. The terms used to define the words in bold are additional English definitions of the Greek words originally used in the writing of the scriptures. I italicized the additional words.

Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren, be strong (enabled, to increase in strength) in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand(abide, continue) against(toward [this is an offensive term, not defensive]) the wiles(trickery, travailing over, to lie in wait) of the devil (false accuser, slanderer). {12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. {13} Wherefore take (receive) unto you the whole armour of God,that ye may be able (possible, be of power) to withstand(to stand against, oppose or resist) in the evil (hurtful-in effect or influence, calamitous, ill diseased, vicious) day, and having done all, to stand(abide continue). {14} Stand(abide, continue) therefore, having your loins girt about with truth(to be true-in doctrine and profession, to speak or tell the truth), and having on the breastplate of righteousness(justification, equity-of character); {15} And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel(the Good News) of peace; {16} Above all, taking the shield of faith(persuasion, credence, conviction of religious truth, reliance upon Christ for salvation, and constancy in such profession, fidelity), wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked(hurtful-in effect or influence, calamitous, ill, diseased, vicious). {17} And take the helmet of salvation(defender, defense), and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word(utterance) of God: {18} Praying(supplication and worship to God) always with all prayer(worship) and supplication(request) in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Now, I know that was A LOT, however, it really helped me grasp HOW to put on the Armor of Christ. It's not just some mysterious thing that I imagine I am putting on as I pray in the morning. It is, in essence, knowing what I believe, speaking what I believe without inconsistencies, remaining true, not wavering, about what I believe and letting Gods words, His scripture and His word to my heart, be my weapon. It is being prepared and taking offensive steps, positioning myself (which comes through prayer and being led by the Spirit), before the darts of this world are even launched, not just knowing how to put out the fire once it has. It's extinguishing the SPARK before it is a ravenous fire.

The scripture says that we have been given ALL we need for Life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It also says that we are destroyed because we lack the knowledge we need to live in a fallen world (Hosea 4:6). We are to study to show ourselves approved (2Timothy 2:15).

I am exited to know that by, and this is simplifying it, knowing what I believe, why I believe it, standing firm in what I believe and following the words of God, I will be putting on His armor. In that, there is GREAT power and GREAT protection.

So...to each of you, put on the Whole Armor of God, that you too, may stand against the wickedness around you. That is my prayer.

Katie

Wisdom of James

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:19

How quick are we to let our words escape before we have given thought to them? How many times does our "button" get pushed and we are angry over some pettiness or misunderstanding? Scripture tells us to be SLOW to speak and SLOW to wrath (anger), but SWIFT (quick) to hear.

I know that at times it is hard to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and not let words and emotions spew forth from our mouth. After all, we do live in a society that is all about our "freedoms" and "rights" to express our opinions. Although freedom is a privilegde, also bears responsiblity and should not be a license to be unkind and thoughtless with our words and actions. Scripture reminds us over and over to love our brother, not to tear them down with a snide, quick tongue. Romans 13:10a says that "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour..." We are also instructed in scripture to bridle our tongue. (James 1:26) So...although we have the "freedom" to speak our mind, we should do so with caution and thought and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

How great would it be if Christians followed the advice of scripture concerning our tongue and emotions. If we consciencly took control of our emotions and thoughts, and certainly our tongue, it would change our office lounges, coffee shops, even our churches. If we would take the time to HEAR what others are saying, be SLOW to respond and SLOW to become angry, what differences would we see?

Katie

Zoo Fun!

I always forget how fun it is to be a kid every once in a while!

Watching the children run from exhibit to exhibit is so fun. The way their eyes light up when they learn something new or discover the actual size of their favorite animal! Their chattering inquiries..."Wow, I didn't know elephants were SO big." "That flamingo looks more orange than pink." "I've never seen that animial before!"

"...God said that it was good." Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25. After the Master Creator finished creating the heavens, the earth, the beast, the fowl...he saw it was good. Why then, are we so amazed at the beauty and the majesty we see in His creation.

You know, after God created man, Genesis 1:31 says "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."

How big are the smiles and the twinkles in the Creator's eyes when he looks at us?

I pray for days of wide-eyed wonder...even now!

Katie

The Sun Came Out

Tuesday we said good-bye to my Grandmother. She was a caring woman who loved Jesus with all her heart, as well as my Granddaddy, with whom she would have celebrated 61 years of marraige with in May. To honor her life, we held a Memorial Service and as people told stories of my grandmother, it was easy to see how she would be missed. Among the tears was laughter and rejoicing. Rejoicing that she is now pain free in the presence of her Savior.

When the Service began, it was gray and raining. It was fitting for the circumstances, but by the time we left the church, after being with family and dear friends...the sun came out and shone on the wet ground.

The day ended beautifully, and even though we are saddened, we are comforted by the Son, that is warm and shines down on our wet faces.

Even in hard times, there is evidence of God's Good and Perfect gifts; Family, Friends, Loved Ones, good food, old stories...and the sun!

Katie

Every Perfect and Good Gift

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning." James 1:17(KJV)

How AWESOME is that?! EVERY good and perfect gift is a reflection of God being intentional toward us. He is the "Father of lights", yet in him there are now SHADOWS...No strings, hidden agendas, manipulations. He simply loves us and chooses to bless those who love and follow after Him.

I managed to delete my prior blogs! Don't know how I managed to do that, but that's how the cookie crumbles sometimes. I hope to be posting regularly from now on.

Don't forget to give God the glory, praise and honour for Every Perfect & Good Gift you receive!

Katie