Happy Birthday Jesus!

So blessed this Christmas! Thinking of all He has blessed us with this year...most of all for the opportunities He has provided. Many opportunities to share about Him, especially at work and the overtime He provided to help us become more secure financially. Without the overtime and Greg's side jobs, we would not have been able to give Josh and Kristen a good Christmas, nor would we have been able to help with the Tree of Hope at church. I don't know about you, but the best part of Christmas for me is giving and watching others open what I've picked out! It's the best! I only wish I could have seen that little 2 yr old girl open her Tinkerbell stuff! Thank you God for sending your son to our world, the best gift ever!!!!!

Wonderful White Christmas!

Well, we officially got 5.4 inches. Enough to make for a white christmas! And the best part, my brother and his family are up from Georgia! We won't get to see them until after Christmas, but they're here! I can't wait!
Most of my Christmas shopping is done. I've been so lucky to get great sales this year. Greg is away with work from Monday to Wednesday this week and next week. Poor guy did NOT want to leave!
4 days until Christmas!

I Am A Christian

I Am A Christian

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Blessings

The Celebration of Gavin Owens life was awesome! What a blessing! It will be on Gavin's website for those who could not be there in person. Also, my brother made it home safely from China and as far as I know, no major catastrophes for Amie with the kids. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good!

China

Chatted with Sean when I got home from work at midnight. He happened to go on while waiting for his ride to the factory. It was 1 pm China time as they are 13 hrs different. Sean thinks he'll be back Sunday instead of Saturday so please continue to lift him, Amie and the kids up in prayer.

Updates

Gavin went home to be with Jesus. He is finally whole and at peace. My brother Sean left for China on a business trip, please pray for safety for him and for Amie and the kids that all would go smoothly until Sean returns.

Gavin

Gavin is still fighting. Please visit his blog (link on mine) for the latest. What a little fighter!PRAY!

Pray for Gavin

Please see Gavin's site for an update. Karen and Adam have reached a crossroad in Gavin's care where the docs will now keep him comfortable as trying to heal him is becoming out of the question. A rough decision as a parent. Please pray for strength and peace for Karen and Adam.

Pastor Appreciation Day

We had our Pastor appreciation Day at church yesterday.I wish I could have given thousands of dollars to each of them. Some of our pastors are in the spotlight, like Pastor Steve, delivering the message each week and like Pastor Bruce, who does an incredible job leading worship. Worship at MorningStar really sets the tone and allows me to focus on praising God before being fed His Word.Other Pastors are in the background, doing just as important work but don't get the attention, such as Pastor Paul who is the construction and fixer pastor. Each one has their own unique personality and they work well to keep our leadership team new and innovating with perspectives from young and older,spiritually based and practicality based.Each pastor is easy to talk with and setting a good example for us with their families. I love my church and love love love our pastors. I pray that God will bless them with good health, give wisdom in following Him and hearing what direction God would like them to go, and reach others for Him. God bless our pastors!

New Old Car

Well, thanks to some help from Greg's step-sister, Genia, I got a car. A 1999 Honda CRV and boy is this car clean! It was garage kept and they put few miles on it every year! When I can get some pics from my phone, I'll post them. Genia works at Conicelli, a car dealer down in Norristown.

Car update

Well, it's official! It's totaled!

Stupid Me!

Okay, Kristen and I were driving to Rice's market to get her a school bag. Cars stopped in front of me because someone was turning left, I couldn't stop and hit the poor girl in front of me who then hit the car in front of her. My car had to be towed, their cars were with minimal damage. Poor Kristen was crying. Ah well, life goes on and it always costs me money! Ever see the movie "Money Pit"? Well that's my car!!!!! Everything happens for a reason! :)

Thought for the Day

If you were arrested for being a christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Still here!

Josh turned 20 this week! We went out to dinner to celebrate. Kristen is enjoying college, lots of work! I'm still working 12-13 hrs a day but it looks like that will be stopping soon. Ah well.

Where did she go?

Oh my! It's been a month since I've posted! Time flies when you're working 12-13 hr days! Greg has picked up side jobs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.He is still working in the sound rm on Sundays at church. Josh is working at Subway and seems to be staying out of trouble. Kristen is starting college at the end of August! My baby is going to be in college! Where does the time go?! Mom and dad travel quite a bit, often with Gail and Earl on mini vacations, to Sean's and up to her brother Walt's. Dad still works part time at his old church, Calvary.
Johannes Amritzer was at our church last weekend and what a breath of fresh air he is! If you haven't listened to him yet, click on his name toward the bottom of my blog to hear him!
Greg and I hope to go up to the cabin this weekend. It is our time to get away, spend time with each other and get some alone time too. I love sitting by the creek, listening to nature or lying out at night and looking up at the zillions of stars that I can't see elsewhere because of lights. It is pitch black at night at the cabin. You can't even see your hand in front of your face!
Josh hurt his back somehow and has been in a lot of pain. He's going to the hospital tommorrow to find out what is causing the pain. Please pray for him.

The Weekend!

It's Saturday! Passion Fest is today. Also a garage sale to help with Gavin's medical expenses. Josh is working today. He is enjoying his job and getting back on his feet. Pray for continued work in his heart, to seek Him. Kristen picked Corey up from State College yesterday, then on their way home, picked me up at work. Corey is home for the weekend and has to head back tomorrow. My car is in the shop as it broke down on the turnpike coming home from work on Wed night. Radiator and another $1000 bill! Kristen works tonight but Corey has a paper to write for Monday so that works well. We're all going to the shore tomorrow, as a family, for a couple of hours.Kristen, Corey, Josh, Summer, Greg and I! Headed to Island Beach State Park. We go there because you pay by the car instead of buying individual day-beach badges and they have a nice shower house/ snack bar. It's great for just the day.
Morning Star has been participating in Angel Food Ministries. I've purchased food through this the past two months and am quite pleased. You get $50 worth of groceries for $30 and can purchase other packages that really save money. I drove to church last night to get my July box and I'm thrilled!
Enough for updates. Have a great weekend!

I forgot

Sorry! I forgot to let you know that Amie and the kids survived the flood sucessfully. Thanks to friends! And Sean made it home safely! Thanks for praying!

Call 2 Fall

Hey all! Awesome sermon at church last week on calling on Him. IF we humble ourselves, pray seeking His face and turn from our ways THEN He hears, forgives and heals. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Often we must do our part, we must act first then God responds. If you get a chance to listen, it can be found on the Morning Star Fellowship link.
As a side, Josh got home safely from 4 days at State College with Summer and her family. He starts his job today! Answered prayer!
Kristen is plugging along. Work is keeping her plenty busy. She had orientation at college and is trying to save every paycheck for tuition and books.
Greg started to renovate a barn for one of our neighbors. That keeps him more than busy every Friday and Saturday.
I've been picking up approximately 15-20 hrs of OT each week. I'm salary, so getting in my 8-9 hrs first, then doing OT makes for an extremely long day. 3-4 days a week I get home around midnight. I'm trying to not work weekends so I can spend some time with my family. I almost never work Sundays as I love church. I'm on-call every other weekend but have not been called in on a Sunday, thank goodness!
Mom and dad are doing okay. Mom's neurologist continues to try to find the right combination of meds. She is super sensitive to medication and often will not give the drug time to work. As soon as she experiences anything negative, she feels it is a side effect of the medication and goes off or cuts it back, never allowing her body to adjust to the medication. It must be hard for her. Please keep them in your prayers.

Family

So much has been going on! Greg, Josh and I went to the cabin for the weekend to spend the fourth with Greg's family. Josh and Greg had some quality time together and Josh is really coming around. Kristen had to work so she stayed home, but she got to see Corey, who was back from college for the weekend to see his uncle who is moving to Indiana. I had some quiet time on Sunday while Josh and Greg went 4-wheeling and fishing. It was beautiful sitting by the creek with my Bible! I'm working a lot of OT for the next few weeks. Hard but needed.
For the past year, Kristen has been reading her Bible on her own. She has asked good questions. Josh shared something with me the other day. He told me that Kristen had shown him something "neat" in the New Testament, that she had been reading. First sign of interest!Josh and Kristen have always been close, but I see their relationship growing. Josh admires his sister and Kristen loves her brother! Please pray that God continues to use Kristen in Josh's life. He listens to her, more than if "mom" would tell him something!
Please pray for my brother, Sean and his family as he is away on another business trip to Taiwan or China, not sure which. Amie has the 3 kids by herself which is difficult and it's also hard on Sean being away from his family for extended periods of time. Pray for safety in his travels also.

Update

Josh is at Dewey Beach with Summer and her family. Corey is now at Penn State main. Kristen is sad but working which helps keep her mind off everything. Greg is busier than ever. Yesterday Greg and I went with my parents to the Kutztown Folk Festival. The quilts are beautiful! So much to see. We had lunch there after church and walked around. Of course I had corn pie! That's what I get every year! Max went and totally ate up all the attention!
We just finished the series, Fearless, at church. Once again, it was awesome! Pastor Dave spoke about David, the smaller guy who took out Goliath! You can listen to any of these messages under my MorningStar link. God often wants us to act before He shows what He will do.

Back to Almost Normal

Hi all! Josh is still not right. He's coughing, has terrible stomach pains and looks awful. I don't know. Kristen is back from Ocean City Md where she had a great time despite the entire week of clouds! Corey leaves for Penn State Main at the end of this week, so she is a bit sad about that. Josh's girlfriend, Summer turned 16 yesterday. Father's Day was this past Sunday. I am grateful for my dad and the example he has been for me. I love him to pieces! My husband has also had to step into an "instant dad" role and I'm so proud of him. But I knew when I met him and saw him with the kids that he would be awesome with them and he is. He invests in them and it will eventually pay off, is even now.
I can't believe the sun is finally shining! Ok, you know how we all were talking about how depressing it is when it rains for like a week straight? We've had 40 days of rain since April! Compare that to how it must feel when we go a week without His Son! Totally depressing! Everyone was saying that they were tired, feeling blah, lacking energy, etc. The same happens when we don't regularly meet with Him. Our "sonshine" who gives energy, feeds us spiritually and emotionally and keeps us "healthy" in our point of view and the way we live! I don't know about you but I always feel lighter, more energetic and ready to tackle things when it's spring/summer.I can only hope that I crave Him as much as our bodies crave the sun!

A Long Day

Wow! I just got home from working 16 hrs.I'm beat! Greg took Josh and his two closest friends, Buddy and Mikey, up to the cabin until Friday. Guy time! Josh has been very sick since early Sunday morning. He was running a temp of over 102, dropping to 101.7 with Tylenol and 800mg of Ibuprofen.Awful body aches, nauseas, wicked sore throat and cough.I took him to the hospital on the advice of our family doc to be tested for swine flu and Influenza A and B.I knew he had strep throat but because the doctors are following the CDC guidelines, they can't see patients in the office if swine flu is suspected. After many calls to our doc and two days later with two negative reports of swine flu, he was able to be seen by the doc who confirmed my diagnosis of strep throat.We are waiting for the final result of the swine flu test as it takes a week for a true reading.I don't think I've ever seen Josh that sick. He just laid, no energy, slept alot and couldn't eat or drink anything. I managed to get him to eat a few ice pops here and there (2-3 per day) but whenever he tried, he would vomit. I was also worried because Josh is prone to strep throat and I could tell by looking at it that he had strep and I had to fight to get him on antibiotics. Strep isn't something you let go untreated!Today is the first day he feels almost human again.
Kristen is still in Ocean City, Maryland and having a wonderful time. The weather hasn't been so hot as it's been overcast every day, but they are having fun.She comes home Saturday. She misses her mama or mutty as she calls me (german for mother).
Prayer request for us that we can get on solid financial ground. Right now we're sliding. I'm salary and can only get OT when I work the floor after my eight hours or on weekends. My position consumes 50-60 hours a week. I had 20 hrs of overtime with my last check which really helps, but we feel like we're not getting ahead. I'm working 12 hrs this Saturday, but I'm not getting younger and it's hard not having a day off. Greg does not get paid well in his position. He's trying to take on side jobs but is limited in what time he can do this as he works 10 hr days not including travel time. Some of his jobs are up to 2 hrs away. Plus he's been trying to finish my parents basement.Then he can start the lawyer's barn and bring in some extra. But I don't get to see him much when the projects begin.This too shall pass but when you're wondering where the money is going to come from just to buy food or put gas in the car to get to work, the only thing we can do is rely on Him to truly meet our needs.God is good, and we're learning to truly lean on Him.

Anniversary Number 5!

Greg and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary by going to the park where he proposed to me! How sweet! This time we didn't have the kids with us as Kristen is in Ocean City, Md for the week and Josh was home sick. But Max came! Josh started with 102 fever yesterday and a wicked sore throat. Our church continues with the Fearless sermons and this week's was awesome again! Check it out at the MorningStar link at the bottom of this site!

Kristen!

Graduation complete!

Kristen graduated yesterday! The weather was beautiful and so was my little girl! We are so proud of her! Mom and Dad made it safely home from the Outer Banks and attended graduation with us. As soon as I snag Kristen, I'll add photos.
Our church started a new series entitled Fearless last Sunday. It is really good! The first one was on Gideon and this past one was on Shadrak, Mishak and Abednego. If you get a chance, go to MorningStar's link on this page and listen to the message.

Graduation

It's been way too long! I'm swamped! Mom and Dad are in the Outer Banks with siblings and cousins, a wonderful reunion for them. Josh is still job hunting and having a hard time. KMart wouldn't hire him because of his misdemeanor! Poor kid really wants to work. Please pray the he finds something. Also, my nephew Stephen went out to dinner with mom, dad, Josh and his girlfriend Summer. Mom said that Josh spoke of Jesus and was very good with his responses to Stephen, leading him down the right path. Please continue to pray that God would draw Josh's heart to Him and use him in a mighty way. Kristen got a job at Auntie Ann's Pretzels, not her favorite, but it will do until she finds something else. She graduates this weekend! Sunday at Stabler Arena. She is still with Corey. He leaves for Penn State main at the end of June. Greg and I would like to get down to Georgia to see my brother and his family this summer sometime. Please pray that if it is His will, we'll find a way to be able to do this. Greg is busier than ever. He took a week's vacation to get Mom's basement started and got a lot done. He is redoing a barn for a lawyer and will continue on that on his weekends. Our church wants him to help redo the sound room. He works in the sound room every other Sunday. Things are busy, but life is good right now. I'll try to post some graduation pics after Sunday and to post more frequently.

Happy Mother's Day!

A day late, but I haven't had my computer! Yesterday day was Mother's Day and I don't know about you, but I often reflect and remember on Mother's Day. I think of my own mother and my mommom (who is with Jesus) and all they are and did for us, who they were/are and what made/makes them so special. My mom is awesome! A real inspiration, a strong woman of Christ, a loving mother and grandmother. I am so thankful to have had these two godly women in my life, so thankful for all they have taught me and instilled in me and so thankful to have their example. I also think back to how I raised my kids and did I do it right? Was there anything I would have done differently? I'm sure we all have something that we would change, but being human doesn't allow for perfection, and I'm okay with that. I love my kids, imperfections and all. God is in control and I have placed them in His hands and I just continue to pray for them and love on them. They are old enough to make their own decisions, to suffer the consequences of their decisions, to be independent. It doesn't mean that I totally step out of the picture, if they ask for advice or guidance, I'm there, if I think they're taking the wrong path, I'm there, but once I offer my guidance or state my piece, I need to step back and let them make their own decision. I'm there to rejoice with them and to cry with them, to pick up pieces, to be proud of their accomplishments. That's what being a mom is all about. Happy Mother's Day, moms!

Spring Cleaning, Part 2

Well, this past weekend Greg and I went through our bedroom and walk-in closet! Argh! I worked Saturday so we had Sunday afternoon to spend on every drawer, shelf, nook and cranny! Three more bags of clothes for Goodwill. How much we accumulate! Greg and I were talking about this, seems there's a human longing for "stuff". Oh how I want to be content in whatever state I'm in. I don't want so much "stuff", literally and figuratively in my life. I want to simplify and prioritize. Wouldn't it be great if we could get rid of the "stuff" in our lives as easily as the stuff in our closets?
Update on Chloe, no more seizures! She is seeing a neurologist, so we'll know more soon, hopefully. Update on Josh, his criminal background check (a misdemeanor), kept him from getting the job at KMart, back to the drawing board! Update on Kristen, graduation is June 7! Corey's Sr Prom is Friday and Kristen's is May 16th.

Spring Cleaning

Sorry it's been so long between posts! Last weekend, Greg, Kristen and I tackled the attic! Wow! How does one accumulate so much stuff? We got it done and it is very empty. This weekend we tackled our bedroom and closet. Doesn't sound like much but I removed 3 large trash bags of clothes for Goodwill, 4 bags of trash, 3 smaller bags of stuff for our barn sale and changed over my summer clothes, putting some winter sweaters upstairs until fall.I cleaned out every drawer and shelf of mine and I'm proud to say, got rid of more than half of it! I'm a saver so that's an accomplishment! Or clothes... do you ever take something out of the drawer or that's hanging in your closet and think "I may wear this again. or I might need this for some occassion" Well, if I haven't worn it all year.... GoodBye! Greg's been cleaning out the barn, replanting yews in front of mom and dad's porch and he wants to finish their basement by June. Kristen graduates from high school June 7th so plans are in the works for that. Her senior prom is May 16 and Corey's is May 8. The only good thing is that she gets to wear her dress twice. For the price, she should get married in it! Tickets for the prom are astronomical! It costs so much to graduate! I don't remember spending that much when I graduated. Josh is getting a job at KMart. Whatever works! He and Summer are still together. Well, I'll post again, but I'm beat! Night all!

Pray For Chloe

Please pray for Sean and Amie's daughter, Chloe. She is almost a year old and is having seizures again. She gets febrile seizures. Pray that God would heal her precious little body of these seizures, that God would give wisdom to her pediatrician and her parents in dealing with this. It is so hard to watch your child go through something beyond your control! And it doesn't get any easier when they're older! So hard to just let go and let God. But He says that when two or more agree, He will do it. Let's agree that this dear little one needs healing!

Over Due

It's been too long between posts! Just too much going on! Greg's mom and stepdad have sold their home up here in Chalfont as well as their home in Florida but they bought a new home in Florida. Greg's been helping pack up their belongings in the PA home. Barb and Gene have a gorgeous home in Chalfont and LOTS of things. We have gratefully accepted some furniture and decorative items. My 35+ yr old sofa is now gone! Yeah! It was ripped and stained but now we have the one from Barb and Gene and it is wonderful! Our sofa in the basement was trash picked (from someone the kids know).It is nice to have some real furniture! As Greg brought carfulls of things home, we've been busy finding places for everything!
Greg has been so busy and next week will be driving the moving van down to Florida for them. Pray for safety.
My husband is so wonderful! He helps everyone! He is a technology nut! He had been talking to some man regarding a computer, (Greg buys old computers, fixes them and resells them to make a couple extra bucks). Well in the process of the back and forth conversing about the computer this guy is selling, Greg learns from him that he is unemployed with 3 kids and a wife. Now Greg is trying to help him get a job! My husband is just something else!
Easter is tomorrow. What a joyous remembrance! Yesterday was Good Friday and it was a bit sad thinking about what Christ did for me, so undeserving I am, but so grateful! Tomorrow, I get to think about His conquering of death! Nothing holds Him back!

Relationship

I was listening to the Word FM yesterday on my way in to work (the only station I listen to!). The woman was talking about our relationship with God, telling others about special times we've had together. She compared it to the relationship with a husband or boyfriend and said that when you talk to others about your special love, you often have no trouble talking about special times, moments, trips, things you experience together. Our relationship with God should be the same way. I can think of many times of "special" moments I've had with Him, some were intimate, others I could share. He's always been there for me. I don't think I've ever felt the same sense of peace and His purpose as I did when I held my son Michael in my arms until his heart stopped. I think of the words to the hymn.... " Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer". If you think about it, we get closer to our loved ones by spending time with them and talking with them. We get closer to Him by spending time with Him and talking with Him. The longer our relationship and the more we go through together, the more times we see Him come through, the more experiences we have to be able to share with others.
Boy, I hope this makes sense to you. I don't have a way with words, but while listening to that yesterday, it was something I felt I should share.

Awesome!

We had Johannes Amritzer speak at church this morning, what an awesome, energetic man of God! He spoke about being a priest for those who do not attend church. What an amazing perspective! If you get a chance, go to MorningStar's site and listen to Johannes Amritzer's message, you will definitely not be disappointed! I'll see if I can figure out how to add a link to open it up on this site.

Daniel Fast

Sorry to take so long to post another blog. Work has been absolutely time-consuming and stressful for the past two weeks.
We started a 3 week Daniel fast with our church this past Sunday. No meat, breads nor sweets. The wonderful part is that my husband and daughter are actually doing it with me. We are supporting each other in our desires and striving to be closer to Him and more in conversation with Him and each other. More time reading His Word, praying and encouraging each other. In the past, I've been the only one in my house who fasts, so I am thrilled that Greg and Kristen wanted to participate. God will work, His Will will be accomplished. I pray that He uses me.

Going Through the Motions

There's an awesome song out by Matthew West called "The Motions". It speaks of going through life with His all-consuming passion, not having regrets, and being more than just okay. I want a ground-shaking, soul-shattering walk with Him! I want all He has for me! I don't want to go through life and not make a difference! I want Him to use me in a mighty way! Can you tell I'm zealous about this?! (I've never used so many exclamation marks in one paragraph before!)

Family Pics!

The Power of Two

Pastor Steve has been doing a series on "Tapping Into the Power Grid". Today was part 3, Tapping into His Name. One thing that really hit home to me was when he expounded on this verse; Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven" (NIV). He went on to say that it's time we take back. If a husband and wife agree that their child was dedicated to the Lord and he is not walking with the Lord, they need to get on their knees together and agree. They need to petition God in prayer. God promises us so many things. He never forces Himself on us, we just need to ask, to actively choose to receive. He's amazing!

Work in Progress

Why did I chose Work in Progress? Because that's me! That's what I'll be until He calls me home. As much as I see change, I see more that needs to change. I'll never be done. Phillipians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of salvation.
I'm so glad He doesn't just give up, but keeps working to make me more like Him!

Monday Musings

It's Monday! Not my favorite day of the week, but I got through it. My sister got a job that fits in with her school schedule. Not much, but it's something!
I am a control freak. That is something that I've been working on, letting go and letting God. It's actually getting easier! So often I'd give a worry to God, tell Him it's in His hands, then reach up and take it back again to worry over! I think my son is actually teaching me the concept of letting go. He's 19 yrs old. I cannot control his every move or action. He drives and hangs with friends. I cannot be there every minute (nor would he like me to be!) I put him in God's hands, trusting that God's will be done, and I'm actually comfortable with that. Hey, it's a start!

Home from Taiwan!

Just to let you all know, Sean made it safely home from Taiwan! I'm sure Amie and the kids are thrilled! As well as Sean! While he was away, Amie and the kids got snow! In Georgia!

Daddy

I watched a vimeo on Pastor Pete's site that shows his boys, all excited because daddy was home. Do you remember those days? I do! I remember being so excited when my dad got home from work, running to the door and shouting. I also remember my kids jumping up and down and yelling when their dad came home. (Yes, even though my youngest is 17 yrs old, I do remember!) This got me thinking. How do I respond when it's time for me to meet, daily, with my Heavenly Father? Am I excited and can't wait to spend time with Him, to figuratively climb onto His lap? Or do I act as an adult instead of a child, and nonchalantly sit down at the table with Him to spend a few minutes with Him? How did Pastor Pete feel when he came home and his boys were so glad to see him? He must feel happy, warm and loved! How does God feel when I anxiously look forward to spending time with Him, just as a child anxiously awaits his father's return home from work each day?
Oh how I want to be like a child... Just a thought...

Updates

Please check out Gavin's site as his condition is up and down and continue to pray for him and his family. My brother, Sean, is still in Taiwan and really hoping to get home soon.
My sister's (Sharon) husband (Mike) lost his job. My sister is in school for Speech/Language Pathology but is trying to get a job that fits in her school schedule. Please pray for them also.
My family is doing fairly well. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's last week. She and my dad live in part of our barn that we renovated for them. This way we are close and can help each other out!
God is so good! I'm in a terrific but thought provoking Bible study with some women at our church, by Kay Arthur. I'm refreshing my guitar playing with a class at church. I used to play in my teens for Youth Group and in a traveling singing group, but it has been shelved for 25+ yrs! This has been great fun!
And I thoroughly enjoy our Sunday messages at MorningStar as well as watching Pastor Pete's at his website during the week. All of this helps keep me on the straight and narrow.
When I figure out how to post pics, I'll put some on! I told you I was new to this blogging!

Random thoughts

What a week! Not the best one I've ever had. Gavin is doing better! Please check out his blog.
Pastor Pete is starting a new sermon series. I absolutely loved his series on overcoming fear. This new series on "Backseat Jesus" looks to be the perfect follow-up to the fear series. You can view the sermons or the intro at the Cross Point link on my blog.
Adding another prayer request, please pray for my son, Josh. He has been clean and sober for about 5 weeks. Pray that God turns Josh's heart to Him. Josh is 19.
Anyway, just random things going through my head this morning!

More Prayer Needed

Please continue to pray for Gavin, who made it through an extremely long surgery and has a tough road ahead of him. Pray for God-given strength for Adam and Karen to get through this.
My brother is still in Taiwan so please continue to remember him and his family. My sister's husband is without a job right now. She is a full-time student , they have one daughter in college, a daughter who is a senior in high school, a son in ninth grade and another son in seventh.

Prayer Request

Please pray for Gavin and his family! Tomorrow he is having surgery. (You can visit his site through my site under the blogs I follow). Also, Karen's grandmother is having surgery to correct her broken neck. When it rains, it pours! Adam and Karen are everyday people trying to serve Him and survive in their life with a medically fragile son and their beautiful 4 yr old daughter.
God is good and He is in control. God also brought to my mind this week, my youngest brother who is in Taiwan on business. It is difficult when he goes on these trips as his wife is home with three kids.They live in Georgia so it's not like I can stop over to help! Please pray for them- for safety for my brother, Sean and for Amie, his wife,and their children, Noah, Micah and Chloe.

Something New

I've never tried to blog, so this is something new! I follow a lot of blogs, but that is so much different that creating your own! I have a new respect for all you bloggers! My husband's birthday was this past Thursday. One of the gifts that I bought him will benefit me also. I bought a blank journal. Each day I write in the journal, something I like or love about him so that at this time next year, he will have 365 reasons why I love him! In just the few days I've been doing this, it benefits me as it forces me to look at the positives of my husband and not what isn't how I want it. I hope that makes sense. It's easy to come up with wonderful things the first few months, but I'm sure as time marches on, it may be a bit more difficult to write about something new. By having to come up with one new thing I love about my husband every day, I really need to focus on all the positives.