(musings on) A Life Worth Giving - Part One

We started a new series at church on Sunday. It's called 'A Life Worth Giving.' James 1: 17 says this: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Every good thing in your life came and comes from God. You didn't pick your family, country you were born into, the natural resources around you, the type of education you would receive or the brain to learn it all with. You didn't give yourself your talents and skills or spiritual gifts and you don't know what the future holds or which paths you will take. God gave you and still gives every good thing in your life. 

So, when was the last time you stopped to thank God for the the blessings in your life? When we stop and say thanks and praise him for ALL he has given us, we realize just how blessed we are and how big his love for us is. When we realize our blessings, I believe it stirs in us a passion to be more generous. What do you have to be thankful for which you have been blessed with that others may not have? A Car(s), a job, a home, food to eat, your family, friends, pet(s), sight, hearing, speech, free time to spend on hobbies and sports, a garden to grow flowers and food, new clothes and shoes, a phone, computer, IPad...... the list of his blessings goes on forever. 

God is good and is love and gives us our blessings freely not because of anything we have done but because of who he is. Give thanks to him for every good thing in your life because he gave it all and still gives what we don't deserve. This is called Grace. 

In Part Two: How do we take this God given grace and our joy-filled, thankful hearts and be more generous with our blessings? 

Happy Birthday Brycen!

 Today is my little man's 6th birthday! And how very fast have those six years gone! 

 

My little Portland Trail Blazer's fan!

Of course, there have been up's and down's. Things as parents of this wonderful young man we have done well and things we have royally screwed up and had to ask forgiveness for. I would not change how it has gone these six years but I will learn from it all and, with God's grace and help, improve as a parent. 

Bryce with his little sister, Lauren.

Graduating from Preschool!

From that precious little baby boy to this handsome young man, I can't wait to see what God does in your next six years. 

Happy Birthday my little man! 

I love you most. 

Ready to take on the world. Take your dreams and soar, Bryce!

Television Wisdom Wednesday: Wondrous Variety

From the movie 
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves:

Morgan Freeman as Azeem, a Moor - 

Azeem: Salaam, little one.

Small Girl: Did God paint you?

Azeem: Did God paint me?

[laughs]

Azeem: For certain.

Small Girl: Why?

Azeem: Because Allah loves wondrous varieties.

I love this Robin Hood movie. Some may think it a little cheesy but it has some great moments in it like this one. The innocence of a child who had never seen a person of color asked the question as to why he was different than her. I love Azeems answer. There have been a lot of goings on lately in our country (and in the world quite frankly) that have to do with race and differences. We can not avoid it because we are bombarded by the latest updates all over the t.v. and internet. I like what Pastor Rick Warren posted on his Facebook page about it all, "Racism is stupid. It's an insult to God, arrogantly implying that God goofed-up when he chose to make us all different."

So, what are your thoughts? Do you think that God made mistakes with His creations, making us all different? Or do you think, like Azeem in the movie, that God loves wondrous variety.  

And in case you were wondering, like me, exactly what the definition of Wondrous is 

- Inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight; marvelous. 

that is to be marveled at : extraordinary

I like to think that you and I are God's wondrous creations!

(musings on) My Life, a Living Bible

What is your life story teaching the world about God? You maybe the only bible someone 'reads'. And it maybe a brief read. As some say, first impressions can last a lifetime and those first impressions maybe the only impression some people may get of you and God. God can use our lives just where they are just as they are if we are open to His guidance. Do not try to be perfect, putting on a 'good front', because we are all sinful. Instead, let go and let God lead your life. Turn to Him and others will see and follow. The song For the Sake of the World by Bethel Live is my prayer for a life lived that catches others' hearts on fire for the one, true God. 

For the Sake of the World

I'm laying down my life

I'm giving up control

I'm never looking back

I surrender all

I'm living for Your glory on the earth

This passion in my heart

This stirring in my soul

To see the nations bow

For all the world to know

I'm living for Your glory on the earth

For the sake of the world burn like a fire in me

Light a flame in my soul for every eye to see

For the sake of the world burn like a fire in me

For every knee to bow down

For every heart to believe

For every voice to cry out

Burn like a fire in me

For every tongue to confess

You alone are the King

You are the hope of the earth

Burn like a fire in me

2 Timothy 1: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Random Photo(s): Chocolats et Confiseries

Ah Paris..... 

what is sweeter than you?

How about a chocolate and confections shop! This little shop was on the same street my mom and I stayed on when we traveled to Paris in 2009. 

Rue Cler, a beautiful market street where the shops spill out into the street to entice the shoppers as they passed by. When I stepped into A La Mere De Famille, I about fell over the aroma was so grand! There are just no words to describe it perfect. Just grand! Mmmmm how I would love to be there now when I am craving the bitter sweetness of a dark chocolate treat. Instead I will crawl into bed and dream of Paris and it's little chocolate shops.  zzzzzzzz

Small Town Fourth of July and a Backyard BBQ

Last year, my mom, my kids and I spent the Fourth of July with our friends, Pete and Beth. 

They invited us out to Corbett, Oregon to watch the small town's parade which was their annual tradition.  

I dressed Lauren in a handmade dress given to me by my friend, Victoria. Beth and I proceeded to add on all sorts of fun, cute things to Lauren's outfit. Then I tried to get her to sit still for a picture with Nana. (my mom) 

 Not sure if she is happy or crying here but we finally got a great picture!  

 And what else do you do while waiting for the parade to start? Well... 

eat donuts, of course! Pete and Beth were kind enough to bring donuts for everyone and did they hit the spot! : )

When they finally shut down the road, all the kids ran out into the street to play. Trying to get a good shot of Lauren waving the flag...... 

wait for it........

 There it is! I love this photo of my baby girl!

And then, down the road, what do I see!? Here comes the parade of cool old cars, a group of kids on dirt bikes and a.t.v.'s, horses and their riders, firetrucks and police cars! 

And let's not forget Lady Liberty!

After all the fun had at the parade, we went back to our friends house for what else but a BBQ. Hot dogs and hamburgers were on the menu, of course! But Beth also encouraged us to bring a 'patriotic' side dish or dessert. 

Boy, did we have fun with that!

We had watermelon stars and grapes. 

There was a Red, White and Blue salad. It had red tomatoes, red radish slices, crushed blue corn chips, corn, shredded cheddar cheese mixed with (my) garden fresh greens and salsa ranch dressing.

 For a different kind of salad, there was a Red, White and Blue potato salad of red potatoes, red onions, blue cheese and all the yumminess of a potato salad. Oh so good!

 For dessert, we had these precious (and handy!) fruit parfaits in little mason jars. Local farm fresh, hand picked strawberries and blue berries with biscuits, whipped cream and sprinkles! 

 Last but certainly not least, there were hand-dipped white chocolate and sprinkle covered strawberries!

What a great way to spend the Fourth of July, the day we celebrate our independence and freedom. With family and friends at a small town America parade and finishing it all of with good food and laughter. 

So, from Me to you, I wish for a Happy Independence Day this year and ask you to pray for our nation.

God Bless the U.S.A. 

(and you too!)

Life... busy, busy life

Hello All! I couldn't believe how long it's been since I wrote last when I logged in! Life...busy, busy life. That's the reason. Lots going on lately. I have been getting ready for the Pick Pocket Molly Event. A weekend consignment sale of women's clothing. I consign items {this year over 130 items!}for sale at the event but I also work at it with my friend, Alice, who puts it on! Man, she can put on a great event! Check her out here, http://pickpocketmolly.com/.

Also, I got a very part time job. I am an Operations Assistant with Fit2B Studio. It is an online gym with a workout video library of over 50 videos and she also is trying to spread Diastasis awareness. I love that I can work from home and help a friend grow her business while she works from home! And it is nice to contribute to the household budget again. : ) Learn about Diastasis and Fit2B Studio here, http://fit2b.us/.

And then there is all the everyday, in-and-out's of a stay-at-home mommy of two young children. Household chores, gardening to do, birthday parties to attend, meals to cook, friends to connect with, basketball to watch { : D }, church to attend, parties to host, small town parades to participate in, workouts to do, wife to be to husband, sunshine to enjoy. It's a good {and busy} life that I love to be living. I try to remember how blessed I am and not take it for granted. At the end of the day, I may be tired and may not get to lay in the hammock like I wanted but I wouldn't trade it in. 

Whatch ya been doing?