Baby Isabella

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting with my wonderful long time friend in California. She and her husband just had a new baby girl Isabella. She is so beautiful and it was so nice being able to spend a couple days getting to know my new little niece. I already miss her so much. I will definitely be planning more visits to California with fewer time in between visits. I love this baby girl with all my heart. Will see you in less than 2 months Isabella....muah!

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad!

Ever since I could remember my daddy was my hero. I remember when I was just a little girl I would always tell him that when I grew up I wanted to marry him because to me my dad was my knight in shining armor. Another reason my dad was my hero was because of the important work he did. He was the captain of the fire department and I used think my dad was so brave for what he did for others. Growing up through the years my dad has always been my strength. I remember being a teenager as I am sure we all experience there are fun times, but there are also hard times. My dad would always remind me that I was important and that I mattered. He told me that I was loved and to always remember that. He told me to to keep my chin up and to be strong. I always felt so protected by my dad, he always told me that no matter what he would always be there for me. Now that I am a grown woman I love my relationship with my dad now just as much as I did when I was younger because now he is my friend. Even though we live on the opposite side of the United States we still talk on the phone quite a bit and I just love our phone conversations. I love that I can come to him and seek advice and he will always look out for my best interest. I just love knowing that no matter what he will always be there for me to lend support and love me just like he did when I was a little girl. Thank you so much Dad for loving me and making me feel special. I love you, Happy Fathers Day!

When I think about how much my dad loves me, I think how amazing and awesome it is that our Father in heaven loves us even more. God wants to be the one we run to. He wants to love us, protect us and be our strength. He wants us to be able to come to Him with all of our burdens and lay them down. Just like I remember times sitting on my dads lap feeling his arms around me protecting me, God wants that even more. He wants us to run in His arms, sit on His lap and call Him Father, Abba, Daddy. Thank You Father God for blessing me with a dad who is loving, protecting and strong. Thank You for giving me a glimpse of You!

Here are some great verses of our Fathers love for us..........

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

But you, O Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loves us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

"Thy Shield and Buckler"

The other day as I was organizing, I ran across a book, a special book that I haven't looked at in quite some time. The book is called "The Shadow of the Rock" it's a book full of Christian poems. This was given to a family member back in 1872. This book is special to me for a few reasons, one because I was born in 1972 exactly 100 years later from the time this book was first given as a Christmas gift to a family member and the other reason was my Grandmother gave this to my Dad and 8 years ago my Dad gave it to me right before he moved to the east coast.

My Grandmother (my Dads mom) was a very special women. She is the one person in my life that first introduced me to God and Jesus. I just remember being very young and every time my sister and I would spend the night at our grandparents house my Grandma would always tell us how much God loves us and that He is everywhere. I remember their place was in a beautiful city in Marin and they lived high up on a hill and at night she would pray for us and have us look out the window and see the beautiful view she would explain that everywhere we looked God was there, that He surrounds us. In the morning she would wake us up with such excitement and have us look out the same window with the beautiful view and she would tell us how thankful she was for the sun rising, the birds singing and the new day God has given us.

My Grandmother passed away when I was 13 and it was about 10 years after that that I accepted Christ into my life. Even though I didn't live my life for Christ in my teens and early twenties I always had a part of what my Grandma taught me in my heart and in my mind. I know in my heart that my Grandma is with the Lord and I am excited to be with her again one day.

When my Dad gave me this book of poems I noticed there was a pressed flower to hold a place in the book, I believe it was a favorite of my Grandmothers......................

"Thy Shield And Buckler"

As the weary years go by,

Will my love wax cold, and die?

If the pilgrimage be long,

Life be dark, and foes be strong,

Shall I not grow faint, and yield?

Shall I ever win the field?

How shall I endure and dare?

How the cross in patience bear?

How through tedious years sustain

Wavering conflict, oft in vain?

Nay but the Unchanging Friend

"Will confirm you to the end!"

"He Who hath the work begun

Ne'er will leave that work undone--"

While at God's right hand He lives,

Deathless is the life He gives,

Through all change, and woe, and strife,

"Springing up to endless life."

"Heaven and earth shall pass away,

Not My Words--" so Christ doth say.

In all years " His Truth shall be

Shield and buckler unto thee"

When I reach life's earthly bound,

And the shadows darken round,

All familiar things and dear

Fading fast from eye to ear,--

In that hour of mortal smart,

Trembling flesh and failing heart,

Shall I find my anchor vain,

Parting in that latest strain?

Hear the Shepherd's voice of old,

Looking on His helpless fold,

Looking far, with gaze Divine,

Down the ages' lengthening line:

"Every feeble sheep I know:

Life eternal I bestow:

None shall prick them from My hand."

Shall that word of promise stand?

Or, when countless foes affright,

closing round in latest flight,

In that deadly hour and dim,

Shall my soul be snatched from Him?

"Heaven and earth shall pass away,

NOT MY WORDS--" so Christ doth say:

In death's grasp " His Truth shall be

Shield and buckler unto thee."

H. A. B

"Your Life"

Now that we have just celebrated Christmas a few months ago and with Easter approaching us I thought this was appropriate to post for the time we are in. As you read this I hope that you think about what Jesus means to you and I pray that He reveals His love for you. He does love you, He died for you. He took all our sins upon himself so we can have life.

A few years ago I was inspired to write this poem about my Lord and Savior and what He means to me...............

Your Life as Lord
Began on Christmas Day
No where to be born
But in a manger far away

The time has come
To worship and sing
To you O Lord
My Saviour and King

Your life on earth was
to set the example for man
I want to be Christ like
With your help I know I can




You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and shape me
As I kneel and pray

Your life was full of
Persecution, pain and suffering
But through it all
New life this would bring

I love you Lord with all my heart
You are worthy of all my praise
Please light my path and Go before me
Now and always

Your life ended here on earth
So you could pay the price
On the cross you bore my sins
The ultimate sacrifice

As I walk through life
I stumble and fall upon my face
You pick me up and guide me
With gentleness and grace

Your Life on earth
Will never be in vain
Because of You I am set free
From all my guilt and pain

You are compassionate and faithful
With your never ending love
You will reign forever
In heaven up above

I have life now because of You, thank You Jesus!

Spring

My favorite season of the year is here..........Spring. The reason I love Spring is because it represents so many things to me. Growth, refreshment, beauty, warmth, life. I look around and Gods creation is all around me, I am in awe of His beauty. I believe that God wants that for us as well. Just as the flowers come each spring, they are not like they were the year before. There are more, they have multiplied, they have grown. God wants us to grow like the flowers and that our growth as Christians will multiply year after year. In order for us to grow we need to come to God so we can be refreshed by His Spirit. When we are refreshed and fillled we experience the beauty, warmth and life He has to give us. Another reason I love Spring is because just like my husband and I like to do our "Spring cleaning" in the house and out in the yard. For me especially I like to take the time to examine my walk with God and ask Him to do a "Spring cleaning" within me. Our back yard is always the worst, all the patio furniture is dusty & dirty from the fall & winter. We need to sweep and wipe everything down. I am just so thankful that God does that with me everyday......picking me up and dusting me off, picking me up and dusting me off...........thank You my Lord!!!

Luke 12:27
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin

Job 8:19
"Behold, this is the joy of His way, And out of the earth others will grow.

Psalm 92:12
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Psalm 90:17
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

A Beautiful Song called: Jesus You're Beautiful

Jesus, bright as the morning star

Jesus, how can I tell you

How beautiful you are to me

Jesus, song that the angels sing

Jesus, dearer to my heart

Than anything Sweeter than springtime

Purer than sunshine

Ever my song will be

Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

Jesus, bright as the morning star

Jesus, how can I tell you

How beautiful you are to me

My Jesus, song that the angels sing

Jesus, dearer to my heart

Than anything

Sweeter than spring time

Purer than sunshine

Ever my song will be

Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

Oh, You are so beautiful

Oh Beautiful

So beautiful

So beautiful

Jesus, you’re beautiful to me

Beautiful

Beautiful

Beautiful, Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

Beautiful, wonderful, everything

Beautiful, Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

Wonderful, morning star, Lord you are, Beautiful

Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

Ohh, so beautiful

Sweeter than springtime

Purer than sunshine

Ever my song will be

Jesus, You’re beautiful to me

A painting created by God

To hear video please click on pause button on my playlist to the right

The other day I was watching this great video on God Tube (now Tangle) and I thought it went perfectly with what I read in "Our Daily Bread" (see below)

Legend has it that Michelangelo painted with a brush in one hand and a candle in the other to prevent his shadow from covering his masterpiece in progress.

That’s the kind of attitude we should adopt if we are serious about wanting to display the masterpiece of God’s glory on the canvas of our lives. Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves—our cars, our clothes, our careers, our position, our cleverness, our success. And when life is all about us, it’s hard for people to see Jesus in us. Jesus saved us to be reflections of His glory (Rom. 8:29), but when we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His presence in us.

When the believers in Corinth were feeling too full of themselves, Paul warned them “that no flesh should glory [boast] in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29), and reminded them of what Jeremiah said, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (v.31; Jer. 9:24).

Think of your life as a canvas on which a picture is being painted. What would you rather have people see: the masterpiece of the presence of Jesus or the shadow of your own profile? Don’t get in the way of a great painting in progress. Live to let others see Jesus in you. — Joe Stowell

My life is a painting created by God,
And as such I’ve nothing to boast;
Reflecting the image of Christ to the world
Is what I desire the most. —Sper


A Christian’s life is the canvas on which others can see Jesus.

This is such a great question to ask myself daily, "How can my life reflect the image of Christ today" I want to be like a beautiful painting and that when people see me they see Jesus.
Father God, please help me everyday not to get in the way of Your awesome masterpiece and I pray that I don't get caught up by things in this world but that I only live a life that glorifies You!

I just love this song being played in this video by Steven Curtis Chapman..............

God is God and I am not

I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting

God is God and I am man

So I’ll never understand it all For only God is God

"I Need You"

The song you are hearing right now from my playlist " I Need You" is very sentimental to me. Almost nine years ago after giving birth to Thomas & Katelyn 6 weeks early we had to leave the hospital without them because they had to stay in the NICU for two weeks. That was so hard for me to leave them, they were just in my tummy and I carried them around with me for a little over 7 months, they are part of me, they are like water and breath to me. How could I leave my babies, but I had to go prepare our home for them. This song was the very first song I heard on the radio as we drove away from the hospital.

I don't need a lot of things
I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring
I've always needed something
But I've got all I want
When it comes to loving you
You're my only reason
You're my only truth

I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you

You're the hope that moves me
To courage again
You're the love that rescues me
When the cold winds, rage
And it's so amazing
'Cause that's just how you are
And I can't turn back now
'Cause you've brought me too far

I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
Oh yes I do
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
Oh yes I do
I need you
I need you

Now that nine years have past and I still listen to this song from time to time, I realize that this song means so much more to me. This song represents my need for Christ. I need Him like I need water and breath, He is mercy from heaven's gate. I can only find freedom in His arms because it is Him who carries me and delivers me. Oh yes, I do need you Jesus, you are the One who rescues me and gives me hope. You are my reason, you are my truth.

Thank you Jesus, I love you....................

On a side note I think about the day I left the hospital I was leaving so I could prepare our home for Thomas and Katelyn. This is exactly what Jesus is doing for us.

John 14:1-6

Jhn 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Jhn 14:2
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Jhn 14:4
And where I go you know, and the way you know."
Jhn 14:5
Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"
Jhn 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

My Mom

Today in my moms devotional book the scripture was Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

The question for today was "What can I do to show my mother how much I appreciate her?"

This really got me thinking, "what can I do?" My mom has done so much for me in my life that I can't even begin to figure out what I can do to show her how much I really do appreciate her. She is the one who raised me, the one who rubbed my back when I was sick, held my hand when I was scared, comforted me when I was sad, encouraged me to be my best and loved me no matter what.

My mom is the most loving, compassionate, patient, understanding, giving and selfless woman I know. I am not just saying this because she is my mom, this who she is! I remember when I was pregnant with Thomas & Katelyn it was her birthday and mothers day within a week from each other and I felt so bad because I couldn't go out and find her a nice gift due to the fact I was on complete bed rest. So I decided to make her a memory jar, I sent Robert out to get some pretty note paper and a jar that I could decorate with ribbon. I just remember sitting in bed for days writing wonderful memories of my mom on these little pieces of paper that were in an assortment of rainbow colors. Back then I thought this was a great way to show her how much I appreciate her, but is this enough???

I asked God to show me and I feel in my heart that He is leading me to show her exactly what she has given me my whole life which is love, compassion, patience, understanding, giving and being selfless. To answer the question "what can I do....." the best thing I can do is by lovingly serving my Lord, my God. By serving Him and putting Him first in my life is when I will be able to bare the fruit of the Spirit. My hope is that my mom will be able to see that and feel that in her heart and that when she looks at me that she will be able to get a glimpse of Jesus and how much He loves her. Wanting my mom to have salvation is the best way I can show her that I appreciate her.

My favorite photo of my mom and I

Today's devotion is extra special to me because it was just a few weeks ago when we had a scare that turned out to be nothing but it really made me realize that I am so blessed. I called my mom early one morning since I know my mom wakes up early. I had a feeling of concern for my grandma. When I called my mom she didn't answer so she must have still been sleeping. Like I said I called her early so where else would she be but still asleep. About an hour later I called again and still no answer so I left a message thinking maybe she woke up hopped in the shower and she'll check the message and call me back. My mom is very predictable, my sister and I know her patterns very well. Also my mom works from home so she doesn't have to leave for work and if she went away somewhere she would have told us and again when I called it was too early for her to go run errands or go shopping. Well another hour has gone by and I don't hear a thing. Finally I call my sister and she said she just talked to her the night before and my mom didn't mention going anywhere. My sister said she would stop by her house on the way to work and call me. Upon arriving to her house my sister started to worry because all of the blinds were closed and again being that my mom is so predictable, she always opens the blinds first thing when waking up. My sister called me and told me to call our grandma thinking maybe she had to leave quickly due to my grandma. My grandma was fine and she didn't know where my mom could be. Last resort my sister called the hospital to make sure she didn't go to the ER. She has done this before since she does get tachycardia attacks sometimes, but that was not the case. At this point my sister and I are freaking out thinking did something happen to her and is she in the house. My sister decided to call 911 and when the police showed up as they were about to break down the door my grandma called me ( 3 hours later) saying that she forgot to mention to me when I called that my mom had a meeting that she had to attend for work and she left the house at 5:30 in the morning. Again this is not like my mom to go somewhere this early. We were so relieved that she was safe and just at a meeting. Hopefully she will give my sister a key to her house so next time she can just easily check up on her. Just that feeling that I got that day was devastating, thinking to myself what would I do without my mom, my best friend, the one who I take after.

I just love my mom so much ever since I could remember I never wanted be be away from my mama. When I was in preschool the teachers would have to pry me away from my mom, in high school I still loved hanging out with my mom. We did everything together, we loved going shopping and every week we would make it a point to have dinner and a movie night. We also have so much in common we always say we are like 2 peas in a pod. Even as I am now a mom myself I still feel like I am a little girl who still needs her mama. We are on the phone quite a bit with one another and I still can't believe I live 8 hours away from her. I won't quit talking her into moving up here to Oregon, but I know she can't because she has to be there to help my loving and precious grandma. I now see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree because my grandma is so special to me and I know where my mom gets all her qualities from. I just hope Katelyn will see a glimpse of my grandma and my mom in me one day.

My loving mom, my precious grandma, me & my sweet Katie girl

I love you so much mom and I pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to you and that He will bless you for all that you have done in my life.

The love of my grandmothers love for my mom, my moms love for me and my love for my daughter is just a glimpse of God's deep love for us all.

I thank you Father for showing us how deep your love is and for giving me such a special mom. Please help me be the kind of mom my mom was to me to my children.............please bless my mom. I love you Lord!!! In Jesus name...Amen

Soft & Sweet

As I am sitting here reading other blogs I am also eating some yummy mixed berries. As I am eating them I am coming across some hard, sour & bitter blueberries...yuck. Then I thought to myself "hey that's just like me when I am hard" I am bitter, angry and yucky! When I open my heart to God and let Him in, He makes me soft & sweet. It is then that I get to have the good fruit, the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5:22-23

Father God please forgive me for the times my heart is hardened and I am bitter and angry. I pray that my heart is always open and willing to let You in to do a mighty work in my life, what ever that may be. Please remove any yuck in my heart and replace it with Your Spirit. Please soften my heart and make it sweet just like the sweet, juicy, yummy blueberries. I thank you Father that I can have the fruits of the Spirit, only through You....only through You.
I love you..........In Jesus precious name, Amen

Only through Christ

This morning I was questioning myself if I should go to church or not since I was not feeling well. I kept feeling a tug on my heart for me to go, so I did. I am so glad I went! The youth group put on a wonderful performance which really moved me and the message today was something God really wanted me to hear. I have been battling in bondage for the past 3 years. I feel comfortable sharing with others what I battle with because after this long I am so tired of trying to keep it a secret. I have a phobia called mysophobia which is basically germaphobia. Every time I give in to my flesh I end up feeling so guilty that I end up building a wall because I feel like how am I supposed to come to God when I can't even give this sin up. Well this is what it says in
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 7:25 I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

It then goes on to chapter 8 saying
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am in Christ so I have no condemnation and what I need to do is cry out to Him because He is my deliverer. Only through Christ can I be free from this.

There is one other verse that really spoke to me today and that is verse 6.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

I want this so bad, life and peace. I am so thankful that we can all have this by accepting Jesus into our hearts and by keeping our minds set on Him.

I really love this verse Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

because His Spirit dwells in me I have life. Thank you Father God for loving me so much that you gave your one and only Son to die for my sins. Only through Him can I come to you and be forgiven, only through Him I can have everlasting life and peace that surpasses all understanding. I love you Father and I pray that everyday that I can lay all my burdens down so my focus will be on you and not my flesh. Forgive me of my sins and help me to live according to the Spirit. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!

Tommy Boy

Thomas aka Tommy Boy just loves playing with his action figures. It is so fun watching him play. He is so serious but imaginative at the same time. He sets up these scenes for his action figures, it's almost like watching a movie come to life. Robert & I think he is going to be the next George Lucas. Thomas is so content when playing with his action figures it is something he really enjoys. Thomas is also full of energy and is such a happy boy (most of the time) every morning he comes running in our room with so much excitement to see us first thing. He is also a very loving boy and I hope that is something that he won't grow out of. It is such a blessing to have a son that brings so much joy and excitement into our lives everyday. Love you T!!!!

Katie Girl

Katie girl is such a girly girl. Just like me when I was a young girl. She loves playing with her barbies, dressing them up and making them look all pretty. She also loves to write and draw. She is so creative, she even wrote a little song about Jesus. She inspires me everyday by her sweet and loving ways. She is like a little mother always wanting to take care of everyone and everything. She loves helping me with chores and always asking what she can do to help me. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet & loving daughter who daily makes it her goal to please God & her family. I love you my sweet Katie girl!!!

Together

When I first met my husband I wasn't the biggest football fan, let alone a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. If anything I was a San Francisco 49er fan to support who else but my dad. Well after many years (19 years) I am happy to say I love football and even more I love the Steelers. My husband has loved the Steelers since their winning streak in the 70's known as the "Steel Curtain" era. He has always loved the Steelers and he never waivered between teams. Since we have been married 11 years we were able to enjoy watching the Steelers win two Superbowl's. Watching the Steelers play is something I truly enjoy doing with my husband. We jump up and down together, scream together, stress together and get excited together. To me this is a symbol of our love for one another. We have truly grown as one over the years and we really enjoy everything about one another even football and watching the Steelers win the Superbowl.

Feeling Blessed

Wow, it's been awhile since I have posted anything. The last month has been very busy for us, just trying to get back to our normal schedules after spending two weeks in California for Christmas & New Years. We had such a wonderful time being able spend time with our families & friends. This is the first time we spent down there with not having to go down for some huge plans. It was very relaxing and fun for us at the same time. We just feel so blessed by God because before we left for California we were in prayer asking for discernment on whether or not we were being wise with our finances. Especially for the fact that Robert being a business owner he doesn't get paid vacation. Just days before we left we received some money for Christmas from a variety of family that was more than enough to cover our trip and the money that Robert would have made if he didn't take off work. I am just so thankful to God because I know He is the one who knew our situation and it was His will for us to go, so He provided the way. As a family we wanted to make sure that because God provided a way we wanted to do His will and of course He always wants us to share His Word with others. My Grandmother is 92 and I am just so thankful I had the chance to spend quite a bit of time with her sharing Gods word with her and letting her know how much He loves her. Now my hope and prayer is that she received it. There is something else I want to share, it says in the Bible that we are to tithe which means to give an offering. We are to give our first ten % of our earnings to God (the Church we attend so they can put the money to good use) not that God wants money, but he wants us to trust Him and if we can trust Him enough to give our firsts than we can trust Him in everything. Now I am not saying that we are always faithful in tithing, but I will say that every time we feel like we don't have enough to tithe, God always seems to provide for us. God wants us to have faith in Him and what a better way to trust than to trust Him with our finances.

Mal 3:8
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
Mal 3:10
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you [such] blessing That [there will] not [be room] enough [to receive it].