God's Not Finished With Us Yet....

How many hidden blessings do you see??

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:43:00 +0000

****REPOST****

......because we are finding ourselves, possibly, hopefully not reliving this experience.*

How many wonderful blessings can you count in the picture below?

When our A/C went out after it was struck by lightning last week by a fast moving, but strong thunderstorm we all felt the tension thickening throughout each and every loooong hour in our small family. Living in Houston, it's a well known must that you have an air conditioner as the temperatures often reach up over the 100's, and add that with the humidity and the heat index can sometimes score as high or maybe higher than 110 degrees. And as most Houstonians know the end of July and August are the hottest months for the entire year, so to say that our little munchkins (and us bigger munchkins too) were on the grumpy side would probably be an understatement! The kids fought, my husband and I tiptoed around one another so we wouldn't say the 'wrong things' to prevent defenses from going up. All forms of affection and comfort such as touching, cuddling, 60% of hugs, and small pecks for kisses were all put to a full halt because just the thought of someone's body coming in contact with another was unbearable! Even though we've suffered living without A/C a few summers back for awhile, we were quickly reminded again this past week about how blessed we truly are even when this precious commodity isn't functioning properly, if at all.

So to make 'light' of the mood I snapped a photograph of what our living room looks like during the bed time hours this past week and then the next day I showed it to the kids to help me point out all of the blessings from this picture. How many did you count from the image above? Well here below is what my 3 and 5 year old took notice of, which I was very proud of them for because they exceeding my expectations.

Now in case you aren't able to read the things I typed out that they pointed out I've listed them for you here:

The little bubble over 'Ms. Jewels' head reads "Sweet Dreams" so they slept well enough.
Circulating floor fan.
Air Mattress for kids.
Fresh Water.
Ice pack (shown above little Jesse's head), which means fridge and freezer are still operating.
Hanging Tarp, to keep the cold air in the living room and the hot air out from the kitchen.
Couch for mommy to sleep on.
Roof over every one's head.
Portable A/C Unit to get some cool air in the house.
Dinosaur toy that kids were playing with earlier.
Purse which might mean there's some cash in it....maybe....

Now these are just the things my kids took notice to, but as an adult I know so many other blessings we should give thanks to God for even w/o looking at the photo.

We aren't living in the hottest parts of the world; nor the coldest, most freezing parts either.
We have our health, just look at 'Mr. Happy's' chunky thighs. :D
We have clothes on our backs.
We had the money in our savings to buy that portable A/C unit, which was a pretty penny actually.
The thunderstorm and lightning did not shut off everything in our home; we still have full use of the kitchen, bathrooms, lights, fans, and luxuries like the Internet, television, stereo, and water for the kids to play with in the backyard for a bit.
Wonderful family and friends who have generously allowed us to bum over at their houses for a few hours here and there just to get some much needed relief from the heat,
A dear friend, who we were just blessed about this today, offered to allow us to borrow her window A/C unit until we get our house central A/C fixed. This will help us out tremendously to have two temporary A/C units indoors!
This photo does not show how messy the house was a lot early in the day. Praise God!
And if all these wonderful blessings weren't enough I showed the kids another photo I took from the opposite side of the living room showing that we are most blessed to have each other; our family.

Tonight when we got the air mattress out again to sleep on and set up the living quarters to be our temporary cooled off bedroom we all prayed together thanking God for reminding us of our hidden blessings. In all honesty taking a photo like this has truly helped myself and my kids realize just by looking at it how very much we do have and are blessed with. Quite sincerely we aren't suffering at all; the fact of the matter is we are just a little uncomfortable, it's as simple as that. And we all know that a little uncomfortableness is good for the soul from time to time just to keep us all in 'check' of how much we've really got it 'made', so why worry? (a little poem I stumbled across online)

Worry never climbed a hill, Worry never paid a bill, Worry never dried a tear, Worry never calmed a fear. Worry never fixed a heel, Worry never cooked a meal, Worry never composed a song to sing, Actually, worry never did a worthwhile thing. To God be the glory, forever!

*Original Post Date 08/225/09

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Matthew 6:34

Reruns

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:40:00 +0000

*Please note to overlook any grammer errors as I tried to type this up fast to get it out. It has been

A LONG time since I have posted anything on our family blog....

rerun

vb [riːˈrʌn] -runs, -running, -ran (tr)

1. (Performing Arts) to broadcast or put on (a film, play, series, etc.) again

2. (General Sporting Terms) to run (a race, etc.) again

n [ˈriːˌrʌn]

1. (Performing Arts) a film, play, series, etc., that is broadcast or put on again; repeat

2. (General Sporting Terms) a race that is run again

3. (Electronics & Computer Science / Computer Science) Computing the repeat of a part of a computer program

Hence the title of this post; Rerun. What do you do when you find yourself fighting a battle you thought you've already conquered? What do you do when you see you are running the same race you thought you had already won???

It's no mystery to those friends who have followed me in my walk with Jesus that I am quite the stumbler. lol. I, for whatever reason, seem to trip over the same shoes over and over and over, red rover....

So WHAT DOES ONE DO? Well I can't speak for others but for me, I went to His Word, but not immediately. At first it took me a moment to even recognize the repeated offender entered into my camp, yet again. But when I did recognize it I kind of danced around with it, not intentionally, but almost as if to accept it without surprise that I am 'here yet again' in the spot I felt so confident I had pressed through to the other side. But here. I. am. BUT WHY? Why am I back in the same stupid, freakin' spot I had punched from existence. I can only guess that it is because maybe I never conquered it in the first round? IDK (I don't know), but what I do know is that I am tired of the cycle. I am tired of the repitition. I am tired of not winning!!

Wondering what the rerun in my life is? Not that it's all that fascinating or anything and it's certaintly not exciting. But I feel it will do me some good to confess one of the many reruns I encounter. And for me it is a big one. Have you ever heard the phrase 'church hopping'? Yup. Told you it wasn't exciting. BUT I will tell you this, IT HINDERS YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST when you 'church hop'. For those of you who don't quite understand this phrase I will break it down for you as best I can. Church hopping is when the one who is seeking to find a Church to 'bond' with never actually does. It may appear that person does when they attend multiple services, Bible studies, and whatnot, but soon you might notice that person's absence. Later the absences are running closer and closer together and before you know it they have vanished only to be seen attending another Church elsewhere. 'Church hopping' is when an adult choses not to settle down somewhere and just stick with it. This could be for various reasons of course, like not feeling that you are in a like-minded Church, you don't feel like you fit in (this can be in all kinds of ways), you don't like the music style; too rock-n-roll, too traditional, ect., you don't like the version of the Bible the Church is using, you feel like you are not challenged enough Spiritually (too much baby food), or the opposite; everything being discussed in Sermons or otherwise is way over your head but you're afraid to seek help with any of it, ect, ect, ect....

In my single life I church hopped fairly often but not necessarily on purpose. I felt my reasons were good, solid ones. One Church that I very much loved; it was BOLD, DIRECT, encouraging, loving, but I felt like an outsider. I was struggling with my own demons of lonliness and belonging, or rather not belonging. It was ME, not the Church, as I find most 'church hopping' reasons usually are.

So here I am again, feeling the sting beneath me to run, but I can plainly, clearly SEE this cycle more than I ever have before and I can plainly and clearly SEE that it is ME. I absolutely LOVE the Church I attend right now. It is not the prettiest Church I have been too. It is not the biggest Church I've attended. It is not the fanciest, or richest Church I've been part of. It is not the best, most organized Church I have belonged to. It is certaintly not the largest Church as far as attendees and members are concerned either. In fact in my last two years of time spent at this Church I have witnessed many vanishing acts. I have watched, without judgement, people come and go, some coming back and others to never return (at least not yet), and I am grateful that the Lord unveiled my eyes to taking note of this pattern because it is the same pattern I see in me. Which is why I never judged those people I watched do this act. The Church I attend may not be 'all that' but I will tell you what I do see in my Church. I see REALNESS! (Is that even a word?- lol) I see people hurting! I see people searching, a whole lot of searching! I see people broken, both Spiritually and emotionally. I look in my mirror and see ME in all of them. The Church I am part of is beyond any big, fancy, rich, over populated Church I have attended. I feel like I see them in the 'raw'. I don't feel judged, though I don't doubt I have been a time or three, but I don't 'feel' it. I don't feel like anybody acts better than me, even if I happen to wear the same black outfit I've repeated many times to Church. You can not see me as I type this but I am tearing up as I share. Mainly because I adore my Church to a point that I have NEVER done with any other building or organization striving to teach from the Holy Bible. I WANT to go to a Church where people are hurting, where people come for divine healing. I want to go to a Church where healthy or unhealthy people can come to get Spiritual exercise. I love that my Church does not appear to have it all together, I LOVE THAT. Because it tells, rather shows me that even though they may or may not see cracks in the walls, or paint peeling off, or repairs from Hurricane Ike still needing repairs, the focus for them (at least how I see it) is that they are STRIVING towards Christ. My Church is not perfect, but we DESIRE to draw closer to Jesus Christ and I believe whole heartedly that He meets us at this point!! Whole heartedly!! I know, that I know, that I KNOW, I am supposed to stay planted at Bayshore. I have gone around the mountain (repeated and stayed in the same run to many times) and it's time I stop. I heard my husband say something profound recently that his mother taught him. 'If you do not like something about the Church you are attending, if you find yourself complaining about something in the Church you frequent, if you count faults in your Church then help to CHANGE it!'. That spoke volumes to me!

"You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough..." Deuteronomy 2:3, which is the Scripture the Lord has place in me when He had revealed to me my pattern of 'church hopping'. And 'Peace! Be Still!' Mark 4:39-40. The Lord WANTS to grow me. I am not an infant Christian (meaning that I am not new to His words). How in the world can I grow in Him if every time I am challenged I sprint off? He will bring me back to the same mountain (in my case anyhow) until I conquer those insecurities, those failures, those weaknesses, ect. He loves me TOO MUCH not to.

Anyhoot, I want to challenge you. If you find that you can relate to myself in this area of me that I have shared, then will you join me in fighting the fight to leave where the Lord has planted you? I promise you it will be worth your while and then some.

Anyway, I'd like to close with this; I am not perfect. I have SO many stumbling blocks in front of me that I simply get overwhelmed sometimes and just want to throw my hands up in the air saying 'I'm done!', but I can't, I won't do that. I am so far from even being 'okay' that I can't even see the shadow of a finish line, but I ask myself (and you maybe?) what are my options, quiting or pushing through, willing to be taught and learn from those God has placed around me or rebel and run, defeating the bondage OR repeating it???? I honestly can't even say I'll conquer this but I vow to work at it, pursuring after Him. Defeat or repeat? That's something only you can answer but I know for myself that I desire to defeat it, to draw closer to Christ. I am a student of the Lord's, still learning. Aren't we all? To rise up in my walk I must FINISH the task He has put before me. That is IF I desire to draw closer to Jesus Christ....do you?

2010 Jesse Christmas Program 026.AVI

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Be sure to pause the Video Pod on the right hand sidebar further down the screen to hear this Christmas video. :D

Turkey singing I Will Survive

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0000

"I Heart my Country!"

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Here is my photo from this weeks 'I Heart Faces' 'I heart my Country'. I love this photo for multiple reasons, but two of the biggest is 1) This was one of my very first photo shoots I ever took while I was still taking Photography learnings and 2) This Army Soldier came home for a period of 'leave' to spend with his new wife, but most importantly to meet his son for the very first time.

I absolutely love how the newborn and father are gazing into one another's eyes; it's like 'love at first sight'.

Go check out 'I Heart Faces' to see many other photo entries as well and join in on all of the fun at this awesome site; just click on the button below to learn more!!

"Alaska"

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Here is the photo I chose to use for week 26 Pet Photo Challenge with I ♥ Faces. Alaska is the newest member of our family, pure breed German Sheperd little girl. She has a very fun and loving personality and yet does her job well with barking at the doorbell and doorknocks wondering who is behind the tall frame of wood.

This photo is one I took when she wasn't even 8 weeks old quite yet. She was exploring our backyard, which is normal sized but I'm sure looked huge to her. She happened to come across this pinecone and was carrying it in her mouth for such a long time, as if it were her new claimed 'blankie'. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few shots, some with the lens cap still on, and this one with the cap off....LOL. I'm such a dork sometimes!!!

Please go and enjoy checking out some other great pet photo's at I Heart Faces TODAY. You'll really enjoy what you see and even get a nice chuckle over some of them. Click the link above of the image below to visit their site; and why not join why being there?

"Dear God..." by Xtc

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:06:00 +0000

I heard this songs years and years ago when I was a little girl still in Elementary School. I don't remember where I was or who I was with when I listened to the words but even at that young age I was troubled by the lyrics; troubled and saddened. I too as a young lady had experienced a lot of what this song has to say, but that was brought on through following in my mothers footsteps of beliefs and what she taught my older sister and I. Funny though because now both my sisters and myself are fully sold out for the Lord in spite of our upbringing. I suppose a lot of this was due to the seeds the Lord planted along the way that got me asking a bizillion questions about 'life', 'death', 'Heaven', God.

After hearing this song for the first time I decided to get a copy of it for myself and memorized a lot of it. Not because I wanted to sing and shout it out with a joyful noise, but because one day, years in my future I planned on writing a song 'back' to this song; kinda like a response letter if you will. Well I'm getting close to my finish of the song I 'wrote back' to the words in this song but I continue to erase and re-write over and over again. Soon, when it is complete and when the Lord wills I will share it with all of you.

Dear God by Xtc

♫ "Dear God,

I hope you got the letter, and...

I pray you can make it better down here.

I don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer

But all the people that you made in your image, see

Them starving on their feet 'cause they don't get

Enough to eat from God, I can't believe in you♫♪

♫Dear God, sorry to disturb you, but... I feel that I should be heard

Loud and clear. We all need a big reduction in amount of tears

And all the people that you made in your image, see them fighting

In the street 'cause they can't make opinions meet about God,

I can't believe in you♫♪

♫Did you make disease, and the diamond blue? Did you make

Mankind after we made you? And the devil too!♫♪

♫I don't know if you noticed, but... your name is on

A lot of quotes in this book, and us crazy humans wrote it, you

Should take a look, and all the people that you made in your

Image still believing that junk is true. Well I know it ain't, and

So do you, dear God, I can't believe in I don't believe in...♫♪

♫I won't believe in heaven and hell. No saints, no sinners, no

Devil as well. No pearly gates, no thorny crown. You're always

Letting us humans down. The wars you bring, the babes you

Drown. Those lost at sea and never found, and it's the same the

Whole world 'round. The hurt I see helps to compound that

Father, Son and Holy Ghost is just somebody's unholy hoax,

And if you're up there you'd perceive that my heart's here upon

My sleeve. If there's one thing I don't believe in...♫ ♪

It's you...." ♫♪

Fix It Friday #58

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:46:00 +0000

BEFORE

AFTER

I really didn't do much to this portrait; It's already quite adorable as is. All I did was whiten the child's teeth up a bit, brightened both of their eyes up and added more color to the clothes just to make the image appear more vibrant and less dull. I also darkened the hill in the background to look more 'rich', along with adding some more green tones to the very dry looking grass. If I had more time I would have opened the photo in a different program and worked on using the 'straightening tool' to have them both 'upright' and added some white clouds to the blue sky. Even though the angle is still fun, I was just curious about how the photo would look straightened. Still is a great photo though; they both look so happy and like they are having a lot of fun! Kinda also makes ya wonder what they were so full of smiles over too, huh? : D

Head on over to I Heart Faces by clicking on the image button below and join in with other Photograper Passionates to learn, meet others, and challenge yourself to take on many of the weekly themes they put out for every photographer, from beginners to experts; all are invited to join.

To all the women out there; I think this is one of the neatest things I've read....

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:51:00 +0000

I was sent this message in an email this morning and thought I'd share it with all of you other woman out there. I think this is one of the neatest things I have ever read. To the women reading this: Thank you for being YOU!

The Clock

God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be on his TIME LINE, not always ours, so to realize this means we must TRUST in Him. One thing about God is that He is NEVER to late; He is never to EARLY; His arrival is always RIGHT ON TIME!!!

One Flaw In Women; Women have strengths that amaze men..... They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

`
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Play Photo Challenge "Singing"

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:05:00 +0000

This is my photo take for this weeks 'Play Photo Challenge' at I Heart Faces Photography: My 4 year old LOVES SINGING!!! It's been a short while that I've entered myself into any of these contests because life has been; well....you know....life gets busy! : D This is a photo I took of my son who loves to sing just like his daddy does and well loves to copy anything his daddy does. It was a hard choice for me to pick which photo to include in this weeks theme, so I picked this one. Our, now 4 year old son LOVES to sing and when he does he 'belts it out' as you can see from his facial expression. He was playing with one of his favorite toys, which used to be a toy I loved as a child myself, his toy microphone attached by wire to his tape/voice recorder, yes I said 'tape recorder'; LOL! Anywho, I adore this photo I captured of him singing in action. He still loves to sing but does so now in a different

Blog on over to I ♥ Faces to check out other participants and include your own photograph for all kinds of categories they have every week to enter into. You'll also love all the new friends, great Photography advice and get to watch some free camera and Photoshop tutorials that this social network offers to members for free; alls ya gotta do is just join, which is absolutely free. Whatcha got to loose?? =)

The new guest sign in book I'm been working HARD on for a client!

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:03:00 +0000

I'd love to hear what you have to think if/when you have the time!

I handmade 'dressing up' her guestbook and guestbook pen to match her dress colors and theme.

The fire is sometimes just TOO hot to withstand, but withstand I WILL!!

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:06:00 +0000

At first I had NO idea what it was; no idea what I was feelings or why. I am a saved through the Blood of The Lamb and had no idea something so dark and deep rooted could have hit me out of left field. It wasn't until after reading a dear friends of mine blog, Christian Depression Help by Peter Stone, sharing of his own journey of depression in hopes to help others that I began to recognize the signs.

So for any of my family and friends who I've met through 'blog-land' please allow me to apologize for not keeping up to date on my blog posts. I literally had a hard time just stumbling out of bed, but I knew I had to; my driving force was my two kids ages 4 and 6. Even if all I did was the absolute minimal by bathing them, making sure they brushed their teeth, were feed nutritious meals and were kept safe, even if that meant the television (I am still a definite monitoring mother of what they view on TV still) than that's what I had to do. It wasn't until a few months back, and I can't really remember what exactly it was this moment, but when I do I'll share, that I realized that I needed 'real help', outside help because the Enemy was messin' with my mind at such a hard way that I alone couldn't fight it. During these times Satan has put images and imaginations in my head telling me that I wasn't saved by His Blood, that I was nothing, no good, a bad mother, wife, person, Christian. Two weekends in a row, for the first time ever in my life I was actually frightened to be at home by myself with my two kids. No, not that I felt suicidal or that I would hurt my children but more like I felt I might have a nervous breakdown and begin breaking every material item in our nice, content home; the dishes, punch the TV screen, throw our laptop, bust my Nikon....there was no telling what I was actually afraid of I just knew I didn't want to be alone on those days and I couldn't figure out why. All I knew is that I was afraid.

The funny thing is that I have absolutely no 'real' reason for my deep, dark, depression, which in a way is the reason I finally learned that what I was dealing with was and is indeed depression. I have a content home; I have never been one of those wives that feel the need to have a two story, granit kitchen counter tops, game room upstairs, and all those extra's. I am very content in our 1414 SQ FT. home and we have everything we need. I have a wonderful husband, and I want to stress WONDERFUL, two great kids; a daughter and son, a very sweet loving German Shepherd (still puppy, but turning 'tween', hope the attitudes don't come with that...LOL), and I am one of the lucky mothers whose dreams of being able to be a SAHM eventually came true when income earning became better for my husband. The unfortunate things is that my depression all became a reality when I was finally a Stay at Home Mother. I always knew I wanted to raise my own kids in our faith to believe in Jesus Christ without confusion from other caregivers watching them up to 10 hours each day/5 days a week. Plus it simply broke my heart to drop my two toddler age babies off at a daycare as they watched me leave from their classroom window sobbing out to me! It broke my heart.

So anywho, this is where I am at today. I am sorry for not posting to my blog like I once did, but I appreciate any prayers that any of you might offer; not just for me, but for my entire family as they are struggling with my involunteery severe depression. I don't know if any of you have suffered through a dark depression but it's a 'well' that I long desperately to climb out of, and not a 'wishing well', except for the wishing prayer that my God helps heal my mind and free's me from this illness. I am seeing a Christian Therapist once a week and their services also offer every Thursday night a 'Depression/Bi-Polar Group' for free if I'd like to attend but I'm not quite ready for a social gathering just yet, but am gradually considering 'testing' the waters in this group.

Lotsaluv to you all dear friends!!

"... when He Has Tried me, I shall come forth as gold!" (Job 23:10) and I will see His reflection in the precious metal and less of myself.

Pet Safe Micro I.D. Rescue Collar - too cool! (not to be confused with Pet Implanted MicroChips)

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Jesse and I found the coolest thing next to sliced bread for our new puppy, Alaska....well actually I've never cared or thought too much about anything with sliced bread being even remotely the coolest thing so I'm not even sure where or why that phrase came about, more or less, why I choose to use that same phrase...

Anywho, back to subject at hand. Jesse and I both don't really like the idea or agree with implanting any type of Microchip into an animal because we just don't like the 'idea' or where it may one day lead, or may already be in place; microchipping your children, mentally challenged people, or the like. So we accidentally and fortunately ran across this PetSafe I.D. Rescue Collar. The only downsize about this collar is 1) that we only found it in the large dog size which even with it's adjustable size straps to make it smaller, even the smallest size for now is too large for our puppy, so we'll have to just wait until she is a bit bigger, which I'm sure won't take long with the way she is growing now....

Here is a couple of photo's I took of my actual laptop screen showing the Easy Set Up Wizard screen for this PetSafe I.D. Rescue Collar (As you can see there are additional tabs at the top that you fill in with information about your pet as well.):

Hidden inside each lightweight collar is a simple USB flash drive that stores all of your pet’s personalized data. If a pet wearing the PetSafe Micro I.D. Rescue Collar is ever lost, the memory stick can be plugged right into any computer to identify the pet in the rescuer’s home—no need for an inconvenient vet visit to scan anything like the inplanted Micro Chips! While contact is made with the owner, a rescuer can access pet care instructions to follow in the mean time.

Oh, and BTW, here is a picture of our newest family member; Pure Breed German Shepherd Pup, Alaska.

Sure we want to keep our children and new pet safe and recover them quickly if discovered to be lost of missing, but irregardless we simply don't like the idea of implanting something underneath their skin for I.D. purposes, which is why we will act responsibly as most parents should be keeping a constant watch on our children intensely, teaching them repeatedly about the dangers and affects of responding or approaching one and some of the lies a potentially threatening stranger might say to them to get their attention just to get them in arms length to 'grab them'. We also have our two kids watch the 'Stranger Saftey DVD, Staying on The Safety', by Julie Clark and the famous John Walsh who hosts the all knowing show of 'Americas Most Wanted'

Naturally my husband and I don't want to instill a spirit of fear into our kids, but as it is facts are facts and in 2009 approx. over 700,000 children went missing between the ages of 12-18 in the US (and those are just the ones counted, NOT including those children who may be neglected and left going unreported as MIA), according to the Missing Childrens Department and The U.S. Department of Justice.

Here are a few facts to give you an idea for the incredible 'epidemic' this serious parents nightmare has turned into. *

The U.S. Department of Justice reportsOffice of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) .
797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.

203,900 children were the victims of family abductions.

5115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. (These crimes involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.)

8,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions.

Other Missing Children Statistics Included:

“…A child goes missing every 40 seconds in the U.S, over 2,100 per day

In excess of 800,000 children are reported missing each year

Another 500,000 go missing without ever being reported…” Since 1997, the AMBER Alert program has been credited with the safe recovery of 495 children. To date there is a network of 120 AMBER Plans across the country. PRAISE THE LORD FOR THESE CHILDREN FOUND THROUGH ORGINAZATIONS LIKE AMBER ALERTS and THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN'S HOTLINE AT (1-800-THE-LOST®)

*According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

So from the time our children were of walking age we began using by first adding little 'bells' tied to the shoelaces. This way anytime we ran a short, quick errand into a store and one of them 'toddled' off a bit we could quickly and easily locate them just by listening for 'their' bells tied to their laces. This was just a simple prevention method we used at the time because we didn't have much money. You can find these little bells or similar bells at any craft, Walmart, Target or other retail store for just about $2.00 for a bag of about 10-20 bells. I must warn you however that with walking aged babies and toddlers that should the bells come off they can cause a chocking hazard so if you are low on funds and still want to use this cheap but starting tip to keep a track of your kids should they toddler away a few feet, make certain you tied the laces super tight to prevent it coming off and even then and always keep a VERY close eye on your baby/toddler (always) but when wearing these bells on the shoe. If your baby/toddler is able to understand just a few words then try to always repeat to him/her when adding the bells that they are not for putting in the mouth or playing with, as surely, especially the first initial times you add them to the shoe, your child will naturally want to grab and pull on them, which is why I stated earlier to make sure you make a good, solid, TIGHT, double tied shoelace bow or knot even.

Now that our kids are older (4 & 6) we no longer use the bells but have ordered sets of Shoe ID Tags, which comes in a pack of two, one for each foot. The special permanent and waterpoof pen is available for purchase for $2.00 extra. for you to use to print vital information on the inside of the Tag regarding your child's information.

The Shoe ID tag is made of high-quality Velcro® and a water resistant information label. Shoe ID Tags (ID bands) fits over laces, Velcro®, boot loops, and sandals. This information is critical in an emergency to both identify the child if lost or injured and then to quickly contact the parents to be reunited with the child. Fill in the information with a permanent ink marker for best results. One parent wrote: "I have taught my 3 year old daughter that 'If mommy is ever lost, go to another mommy, take off your shoe, give it to her and have her call mommy's phone'.

We also bought about 2 years ago and use The Teddy Bear Child Locator, which comes in various colors.

We mainly use these when traveling out of town or when planning a visit to any crowded public events like The Rodeo, The Strawberry Festival, Mall, and usually anytime we go shopping during high traffic times such as during Christmas, School Supply Shopping before school season begins, or a crowded park. The teddy bear child personal safety alarm receiver (water resistant) delivers a 88db intermittent chirp/beeping sound that functions up to 150 feet away from the keychain transmitter. Lets you "hear" where your child is. Requires 2 "CR2032" batteries and 1 "mini 12 V" extended life battery (all included). Perfect safety device for children ages 1-7. Product Dimension: 3" x 2.25" plus clip. NEW ALERT FEATURE causes the transmitter to chirp loudly every time your child wanders beyond 20-30 foot range.

You can find all of the mentioned features I listed in this post at these links listed below. They are all fairly affordable and easy to use:

PetSafe Mircro ID Rescue Collar

Child Safety Products at

My Precious Kid

If you have any other ideas of suggestions you've heard of that are affordable (or not but GREAT and VALIDATED to share I'm sure we'd all love to hear about these from you! Thanks!

PLEASE HELP!...me in picking the best 3 photo images for the cause of "Mothers Against Hunger".

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Hi, I was invited to show some of my Photography at an upcoming Spring Event where proceeds go to "Mothers Against Hunger". The Organization Leader who invited me suggested I 'blow up' 2 or 3 images to be set on easels that they would provide for me and would be set behind my 'booth' for potential interested onlookers to take notice of. The event is scheduled for next Saturday on the 20th and it's more or less an all day thing from 9AM-4:30PM.

So since being asked just yesterday I've spent hours the last several nights and today trying to decide which 2 or 3 'Fantasy Themes' to blow up to almost poster size but I am simply at a loss. I am having the hardest of hard times deciding! So then I decided to recruit some help. I asked some friends on Facebook, some of my friends on I ♥ Faces and now wanted to ask thoughts/opinions from my blogger friends. Can you help share your input by please letting me know which top 2/3 images you like the most and would choose to be the 'blown up' ones? This is SUPER important to me also because it will be my VERY FIRST major means of advertising for my Small Photography Business. All I've done so far is just 'freebies' for family, friends, and a few friends of my friends, but I really would like to make some income if possible. I also do take traditional portraits, which I asked if I can blow up or at least put some of these printed out in a frame to display at my 'booth' which they said was fine. For those portraits my husband helped me pick these and we both agree with them so I don't feel I need the help in choosing. But with these fantasy images I'm very 'on the fence' about it.

I realize a lot of people, especially some people of different faiths at church (where the event is being held at as well; a nearby church), may not be 'into' Fantasy type themes which is why I did take the liberty of adding some scripture verses to some of the scenes as long as it matched well to show that with the Biblical Scripture included the 'fantasy scene' ccan still be a lovely one, however I will never plan on working with fantasy scenes that include dragons, magic balls, tarot cards or the such. However, I will inform anybody who asks me or approaches my booth that I can add anything; a Biblical Scripture verse, a quote, poem, whatever that customer/client would like so they are aware it's not limited to just a specific wording.

Okay, so here are the 12 images I am trying my hardest to pick just 2, maybe 3 from. Now FYI, the poll above may only allow to pick one option so if it does than I ask that you please use the poll to select your absolute favorite over all of them, and then if you wouldn't mind commenting about the other 2 images you would pick. This is for a good cause going towards 'Mothers Against Hunger' and I also agreed for the cause to do either a free photo shoot for the raffle they will be having or creating a 'Fantasy/FairyTale' image with which ever scene the winner desires and adding their selected photo to it free of charge to them, and obviously once completed giving them the print out at no cost to them as well. (The other booth supporters are also being asked to give something of their services, talents, crafts, or whatnot as part of the 'silent auction' give-away for raffle winners, which too will go to "Mothers Against Hunger". Again, thanks for participating and for all your support. It means A HUGE deal to me!

Blessings and Kind Regards,

Sarah Cecilia

casino POLL
** I just realized that this poll generator will only allow up to 9 votes, which left out photo #8 below of the girl laying on the moon holding a rose with the heart frame around the image, #6 of the 'Simple Girl' holding the rose in her pretty gown sitting on the grass in front of the pond, showing her reflection in the water and the newest one I just added tonight #12, of the little girl on the hill overlooking the village below holding up her latern 'letting her light shine'. If you would like to include either of those in your choice of one of the 3 you'd suggest to blow up, than simply just include that in any comments you'd like to share. If you prefer not to use the voting pole above just leave a comment below on which top 3 you would pick to blow up at a church event for "Mothers Against Hunger" and you can also use the comment area to suggest any Bible Verse that might go well with any of the images that don't currently have one.

Also, just as a side note, please feel free to leave any other constructive suggestions, thoughts, or ideas to offer me. This will be greatly loved by me to hear from you! So thanks for whatever you'd like to share. =)

Website plagiarism warning! Images shown are fully owned by Christian Creations Photography, and are protected through Copyright Law! DO NOT COPY!

I ♥ Faces ~ Fix It Friday #43

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:50:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've done a 'Fix It Friday' challenge on the awesome Photography network of I ♥ Faces, so today since I had just a few minutes to 'kill' I felt in the mood to give it a whirl once again.

Here, this top photo is the original picture presented on the 'Fix It Friday' post for today's photo challenge and below are a couple of the changes I made to it. Though I stated I had just a few minutes to 'kill', this actually took me approx. 1 hour and then some simply because I am still learning a lot from my PhotoShop CS4 and other tutorials. Thankfully my wonderful husband purchased the book 'PhotoShop CS4; The Missing Manual'...'that should have been in the box.' LOL. He probably did this because he got tired of listening to my constant threats of tossing the laptop over the moon.....ha, ha, ha!!!

As always, go easy on me, as I just recently became a New Photographer, but as I'm doing photo shoots only periodically, I have noticed that I really do enjoy taking photo's of children the most and then 'playing' with artwork around them with themes and whatnot. I know there's a 'name' for this type of Photographer but I don't remember what it is for now. You are welcome to check out some of my other 'fantasy' themed photo's that I've added some clients children into on my Photography Website by clicking on my business name and then clicking on the image that reads: 'New! Fantasy 'Heavenly' themed Images' at: Christian Creations Photography. (The site is also still a work in progress so bare with me if you will.)

ORIGINAL PHOTO

Unfortunately my biggest downfall in getting this precious girl to look like an even more gorgeous Princess than she already does is that I wasn't able to get the resolution quite right enough when I shrunk her down to size. I tried my best though and I'm still in the process of learning through Photoshop CS4, so I'm at least pleased with what I was able to do though I'm not completely satisfied with the end result overall of her sweet face.

I used a variety of programs when working on this beauty, some online aids and tutorials as well as my own software such as Photoshop CS4 and Portrait Professional Studio 9. I obviously enhanced her eye color, used the dodging tool to lighten up some of the shadows on the right side of her face and then added a very slight touch of peach(ish) blush to her cheeks to brighten her up just a bit more. After that I used some help from a long time back previous tutorial on I ♥ Faces, 'Adding Fantasy To Your Photo' by Amanda Johnston, which has been a GREAT inspiration to me, not to mention loads of fun in this top castle Princess theme!!! (I know the little girl isn't quite as focused in this castle window, but like I mentioned when I shrunk her down to size, the resolution didn't quite work out for me, not sure why though since when I downloaded the photo I did so in the best and highest resolution possible.) If you do decide to check out my Photography website mentioned above in blue, than you'll be able to view a different image of this same castle where I was able to input the little girl to look more 'realistic' looking out of the castle window.

My 1st 'Fix It' Princess looking out of Castle Theme

2nd Photo 'Fix It'

Below is just another photo I changed the image to Sepia to give her a vintage look but I still kept some of the color with the simple bow I added to the cutest tiny pony tail on top of her hair, as well as kept the color in her eyes sharp and bold, added a flower earring, which I was skeptical on doing, and then just for Valentine fun added a 'kiss' mark 'from Mom' to her little cheek!

3rd 'Fix It'.

Just a simple black and white change to the portrait but still keeping the key colors for 'POP' with her beautiful blue eyes, the highlight teeny rubberband around her 'pony tail'....(so cute it cracks me up!), a touch of color to her lips (though personally I was going for just a wet lip gloss look, but somehow screwed that one up! **blush**) and added a Matte frame border around her.

Go take a peek and check out other 'Fix It Friday' photo's on their website and while you're there might as well join in on the photo challenges, contests, fun, and great Photography tutorials and free tips!! Hope to see ya there!

The BIG PICTURE Story Bible-Crossway Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

I'm grateful and blessed to be a part of Crossway Book Review program, which is a Christ focused program where Crossways sends me awesome books for free to look over and read and then simply share my input about what I've read. It's great because I never know what books will be coming in the mail, so when I got this new book, The BIG PICTURE Story Bible, geared towards children both my kids (ages 4 and 6) saw it and immediately asked if I can read it to them. So we started this week reading 3 chapters at a time each night at bedtime, taking turns cuddling up in one of their beds. So far I've loved this book. It's not only accurate but the chapters are super small and easy to read, the illustrations are bright and encourage my kids (especially my 4 yr. old son) to ask non stop questions about everything that's going on in the picture, which sometimes takes longer than actually just reading the page, lol.

I truly love this book because it not only teaches my kids in a way they can understand it EASILY, but it's putting the Living Word of God in their hearts, soul and mind, especially when I read it to them before they go to sleep at night. I try to imagine their little minds in their beds reflecting back on what we had just read from this Bible and it brings a smile not only on my face but in my soul knowing that they'll fall asleep with the knowledge from what we just read in God's Word.

The BIG PICTURE Story Bible is written by David Helm and Illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker, which both of them appear to have been a great team in the making of this Bible. It's a thick hardback book of 451 pages, however from my understand the paperback cover is available for purchase as well. Which brings me to another point I love about the design of this hardcover book; though it has the typical paper lining over the hardcover, when this bookcover lining comes off the hardcover title, (and at times hypothetically get torn or lost) the hardcover title page itself has the exact illustration images that the cover lining did as well. I don't know about any of you parent's but this is a nice and blessed treat for me, as often times when I've purchased a children hardback book when the paper cover comes off of the hardback front the actual hardback is bare and plain and most of the time just reads the title of the book on the Spine on the outside. So I personally love that this team of two took that extra step in creating the physical part of the hardback front and back to be just as illustrated as the paper book cover itself.

Oh and I also forgot to remember to add another feature I love about this book. Instead of your young ones, or maybe even older one's who would benefit from learning about The Word of God through this Bible as they first begin their journey in serving and obeying The Lord, is that this book also asks questions to get your child to think such as when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden being approached by Satan the snake, the book asks 'What would you do if you were in this situation? Would you obey God's command to NOT eat this fruit from the Tree of Life or would you be tempted to believe in the words of Satan? This alone brings up a time to stop reading and allow your kids to dig deep, explaining the full meaning of temptation from their every day life and perspective so they'll understand and applying these facts to this story in The Bible. I can tell you from experience in reading this Bible to my 4 and 6 year old that some of these questions really helps me as their mother to fully get an idea of how they understand and perceive things so that I can guide and teach them in any areas that I notice they don't quite get.

I've taken a few photo's of the book that Crossways mailed to me, which on the back of it says it retails in US for $24.99 for this hardcover edition, but I don't doubt you can order the paperback for a whole lot less. I just like to get the hardbacks, even though I didn't request it from Crossways, because it last lots longer and when I store it on our living room bookshelf it doesn't get easily crumpled from fitting in with all the other tons of Christian rescourse books we hold for our family, friends to borrow from, and even our kids. If you have little ones I strongly recommend this easy to read and understanding of 'The BIG PICTURE Story Bible' If you're interested in owning this Bible for your youngsters, you can visit Crossway's website @ http://www.crossway.org/, Or if you simply click on this top image of The Big Picture Story Bible book below it will directly take you to the exact page for ordering this Bible at Crossway's official website.

If you already own this book or have read it somewhere than I'd love to get your input on this book as well. It would be great to hear from you so please don't hesitate in sharing! ♥ ♥ ♥

New Photo Enhancements I worked on today.

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:24:00 +0000

I try my best to work on keeping my photo enhancements geared towards Christ either by having a Scripture verse put on it or having the background be a 'heavenly' one. I'm still not completely satisfied with the one's I'm done all the way. It's really hard when you've never been very familar with Photoshop and then when you finally get one (mine is the CS4 version) you have no clue as to what all the tools are, what they do, and how powerful this entire program truly is; I mean afterall when you purchase Photoshop either online or in computer stores, it doesn't come with any type of manuals. However, thankfully, there have been some kind enough folks out there that have made video tutorials online and on YouTube for free to view and learn from. I have viewed some of these and they have helped a bit but overall most of the work I do is self-taught which can sometimes take hours upon hours. Of course I can purchase a video tutorial for my version of Photoshop from Lynda.com which offers a few free tutorials just to get you to 'bite', but then to continue with the tutorials you have to pay up to $37.50/mo or a whopping $375/year, which I personally am going to try to stick with as many freebie video and YouTube clips as I can find before opting to even consider this. So here are just a few that I've been working on to promote my Photography Business. Of course the main focus of my Photography website is taking still photographs and portraits of people, pets, scenery, and anything random, and then trying to keep a competitive price on anything I offer to potential clients. So anywho, if you're interested I am sharing first views of the 'fantasy and Heavenly themed' images I used a few of my clients photo's to insert them into these images. No, I'll warn you right now, most, uh I mean all of them are not anywhere near complete, but it's been a work in progress so please go easy on me would ya?? And of course any constructive feedback or suggestions with my images or with Photoshop CS4 I would be ever so grateful to learn about! So thank you in advance for whatever knowledge or helpful tips you can offer. Blessings dear ones. Just thought I would like to share some of these with ya'll and please let me know which one's you like the most and why, if you have the time. This way I can work on the reasons you give, whether positive, negative or neutral, so that I can better my work. Oh, and PS, some of the photo's I didn't place my copywrite watermark to so please respect these photo images by not copying any of them. Thanks. If you do see a watermark on all of them than that just means I decided to get back up after tending to my sick daughter and added the mark real quick. Thanks!!! :D

Nudge Your World

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Nudge

Noun

1. A slight push or shake.

Verb

1. To push against gently.

2. Push into action.

This morning at church Jesse and I sat listening to Paster Redd's message on ways to change the world by 'nudging' it; nudging it to be a better place; nudging it in an effort for as many followers of Christ to 'nudge' their world toward Jesus by doing simple acts of kindness to people through the week.

Each week there is a different suggestion or activity that is designed to help and encourage the people around us.

You can follow the Nudge the World Project on Facebook by joining the group: 2010 - Nudging the World - One Act at a Time or by clicking the image below to link you to their blog. This weeks message on our assignment for nudging our world is to recognize a need in someone, anyone and fill that need of theirs, whether it be emotional (being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, ect.), spiritual (offering to pray for that persons needs or sitting with them at church for possibly their first time), physical (helping a fallen man, woman, or child get up, mowing a yard of a widow you recently learned of, ect.), financially (volunteering to pay for the groceries of a person/family struggling with their bugdet, wondering how they're going to make ends meet...), ect...

There are a lot of 'needs' surrounding us every day and the Bible teaches us that as we give to the needs of those around us we are also giving unto God.

You can also click on this verse in red to read it here, which I also have written below.

Matthew 25:37-40

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King replied, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.'

Click on the 'world button image' below to read more about Pastor Redd's message on 'Nudging Your World', then come back and then come back to my blog to grab (copy/paste) the code underneath the 'Nudge Your World' to add to your own site or blog as a button to encourage others that you are committment in Nudging your World and invite them to join you in doing the same. Together we can make a difference in our neighborhoods, community, the world.. Let's 'nudge' the World together for Him!!

I will be blessed and overjoyed to see this button on your blog for others to join in on. Simply Copy/paste the code in the box above to add this to your blog to spread the word to 'Nudge Our World'. When a reader clicks on it, it will take them to the 'Nudge Your World' blogspot at

http://nudgetheworld.blogspot.com/.

I've already created the button with the code to direct readers to this site, so that once they were to click on it it would take them to it.

I invite you to follow along through Facebook by joining the group here: Nudge Your World (however if you do not already have a Facebook account you can open one by clicking here, and don't worry it is absolutely free), and I also encourage you to share this post with others through the 'share' widget underneath my signature, plus please let Pastor Mark Redd or myself know about a way, whether big or small, that you yourself have nudged your own world for HIM. Be blessed and together we CAN nudge this world to make a positive impact on our community through a simple act of kindness, which, I can speak from my own personal experience makes a world of difference and is so appreciated.

And so here I am talking with you. I want you to find the needy here, right in your own home first. And begin love there. For we must bring that presence of God into your family, for the family that prays together, stays together. Be that good news to your own people first. Then find out about your next-door neighbors; find out what their needs are; a need for a friend, some company? A need for someone to pick up some groceries they don't have the transportation to get on their own? Do you even know who your neighbors are? If not I challenge and ask you to pray, asking God for guidance and strength, especially if this is new to you, to find out who these (your) neighbors around you are. If you need additional questions or support in this, please click the globe image above to take you to the 'Nudge Your World' blog which should answer some questions on ways to serve the world around you.

I absolutely love this video clip 'God of Gods'.

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:47:00 +0000

Please pause the music player when watching this so you can hear it better. It's the 'tall' burgandy 'video pod' a little bit down on the right side bar.

Happy Birthday Jesus, Jesus I love YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:55:00 +0000

'Twas the Night BEFORE Jesus Came

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:02:00 +0000

This is a repost from last year during the Christmas season. Thought it was worth the repeat! :D Merry CHRISTmas family and friends!!!

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound.

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

I bought this poem (written by Dianne Frances Donenfeld in 1947) over a decade ago and bring it out every Christmas. It's beautifully framed and has a background image (different from the one above) of a huge angel blowing a horn announcing the arrival of Christ. So the question that comes to mind is; are you ready for His return if Christ arrived tonight?

Gold * Frankincense * Myrrh

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:31:00 +0000

My husband is the pickiest husband to shop for; I mean seriously picky. One year he mentioned he wanted a tool box that would be easy to lift atop of a ladder (but not a tool belt mind you), so I bought him what I thought was a nice, but simple hard plastic toolbox. Upon opening the gift he said (of course a 'safe' save on his part) that he liked the gift only to ask me later if he could exchange if for a Craftsman metal toolbox. This threw me for a loop because I thought being metal would be more difficult for him to carry, especially with the added weight of metal tools, measuring tapes, screws, etc. A little saddened by his desire to exchange the gift I had put a lot of thought into (not to mention got on sale), I slightly and relunctantly gave into his desire to exchange the item, though it meant it would no longer be something 'I' got for him. We decided that year that because he is so very hard to shop for that from then on out we would emplement something similar that a friend of ours does for hard to shop family folk; they take a magazine or two to their liking and circle several items that they would purchase themselves if they were doing the ordering. Then they leave that magazine 'out' for anyone (in my case my husband left it out for me), and this made it easy and secured that I would be giving my husband a Christmas present I knew, that I knew he would enjoy. It also allowed for a small sense of surprise since he had circled several items he would have no clue as to which one I picked out to gift him with.

So last year the twist came when we had walked into a local Christian book store and my husband had seen a beautiful display of 'gifts' the Three Wise Men had presented to Christ upon hearing about His birth. My husband showed a very obvious love for the way the replocated gift was displayed in the store and thought it would be a tremendous tool to use in teaching our children about the fine presents Christ had received. Even though, yes, he really wanted to use this display for a teaching method for our two young ones, he also was very impressed with the overall look, weight, and craftiness of the entire display. So needless to say, I kept my 'eye' on that item in that local store and when I had heard they were selling out of the few boxes they had I decided it was a must have, not just my husband, but for the whole family. It was a pretty penny I won't lie, but worth every 1/2 cent.

So even though this is a gift given from myself to my husband I am happy to say it has never once been asked for an exchange, regift, or other item in it's place. Though this item was on the pricey side (as I leaned to mentioning above) both hubby and I feel it's already been a tremendous blessing in our household. Our 6 and 4 year seem to finally be understanding the true meaning of Christmas and we have seen in their eyes this year the precious joy they are finding in the salvation of knowing what Christ has done as a genuine sacrificial love for them both (though our 4 year old is still trying to grasp the concept of this all).

Such a simple gift but in all actuality it is the only 'real' gift that is of importance in teaching our children the intense, incredible, love that so many others including Kings had adorned Him with even before his first birthday. This teaching of 'Christ's Gifts' is a new tradition in our family, one that follows an older tradition that we've done since both our children were infants and that is the eve before Chirstmas we go to our local grocery store and buy 2 metalic birthday balloons that read 'Happy Birthday' and we pray, dedicating them to Christ and both 'Jewel' and 'Mr. Happy' joyfully release the balloons up to Heaven for Christ to 'receive'.

Just recently I had learned that Oriental Trading actually sells entire party packages for 'Happy Birthday Jesus' supplies to celebrate His special day. I had never known this before and when I did a Google search for 'Jesus Birthday Balloon' their site popped right up; they have party hats, party plates, balloons, even banners that read 'Happy Birthday Jesus!'. (You can view them by click on the link above if you're curious or interested yourself). This really, really touched me and I think I might just order a few of the balloons and party hats for the kids, and my husband and I. If there's one thing I pray above everything else is that my kids know the TRUE meaning of Christmas and not allow it to be sugar coated with 'eating supper with Santa' at church or various other confusing and misleading (in mine and my husbands opinions at least) messages, especially for such young and impressionable minds at the ages of 4 and 6. Of course we do not judge how others choose to celebrate their holidays, especially Christmas, but for us and our household Christmas is to Holy to sugarcoat it with anything other than the truth; Jesus.

In this we also read our kids the kids storybook (for their age of understanding) "My Merry Christmas and The Real Reason For Christmas Joy" by Linda Clearwater. This age appropriate book gives insight to all the clues as to a lot of traditions like stringing lights, decorating the tree, opening Christmas gifts, and ultimately the real purpose for Christmas Joy; Jesus Christ, a gift to all who are willing and open to receive Him.

If you have young children yourself and would like for them to understand the meaning behing the Christmas tree 'topper' or other traditions this is a great book that we personally have found our own children to understand very easily. I hope that the small photo's of this book that I am sharing gives you a clear understanding as to the meaning behind this book in case it is something that may appeal to you as well.

Merry Christmas and may the Good Lord be with all of you the season, guiding and leading us all into His perfect plan of Salvation for all the World to know.

I ♥ Faces Week 46 'Sun Flare'

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Here is my pick for a photo I recently took while visiting Moody Gardens in the Houston Area. I was actually pleasantly surprised when I viewed this photo at home on full screen on my laptop seeing the sun ray glistening down as our daughter sat relaxing to sniff this flower. She said it didn't have a very pleasant odor so I'm glad we snapped this photo quick before the one after this because it shows her 'stinky' look face, which actually gave hubby and I quite the chuckle.

Every since I've been taking one on one Professional Photography classes with an awesome Professional Photographer I've been snapping away like a mad woman. A click, click here, and a click, click there....here a click, there a click, everywhere a click, click. LOL...sorry just couldn't resist. :D

Hope ya'll enjoy it. This one was actually taken prior to my Photography classes beginning so knowing what I know now I probably would have had the ISO set differently to prevent some of the 'noise' you can slightly see on her face, but none-the-less, we still think we captured a nice, rare and unexpected shot.

Visit I ♥ Faces yourself to see more awesome photo's and you can join along with all the fun too!!!

A new friend.

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Simple and quick post. One sentence long. A new friend of mine told me an awesome quote and since I love quotes I decided to share it:

'Begin to weave and God will give you a thread.'
- Christian German

Love it! Thanks Laura for sharing this!!!

Couldn't be more proud of our little girl!

noreply@blogger.com (God's Not Finished With Us Yet) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:29:00 +0000

As most of my family and friends know, my husband sometimes works odd hours which makes it difficult for me to sleep some nights. Well Saturday night was one of those nights; he had to work late which made it super difficult for me to sleep that night. So I did what I do best (being a night owl and all) by staying up multitasking with watching bits and pieces of whatever was on TV and working on photo's with my laptop. (In case you didn't know I am taking Professional Photography classes one on one with a Photography Instructor who is every so patient with me, but also tells me like it is as well as practicing and learning other Photography techniques and Photoshop CS4). So with both of these task that interchange well with one another I can stay pretty busy most nights that my hubby is called to work.

Now, where was I? Okay so my hubby worked Saturday night and knowing that he'd be too exhausted to attend Sunday School and Service I was determined to make it to Church with just myself, daughter, and son. Problem was I didn't fall asleep until approx. 3-4 AM, which made it extremely difficult for me to wake up Sunday morning for church. Everything in me wanted to just stay home but I knew if I didn't go for myself that I at least needed to be a good example for my children and attend. I lay there in bed while drifting back to sleep but praying in my mind asking the Lord to please help me find the energy and strength to get the day started RIGHT. Of course and as always, The Holy Spirit gives me that strength but in a rather unusual way. Our just turned 6 year old daughter entered our bedroom fully dressed with pink sock in hand filled with coins from her piggy bank. She said 'Mom, we're ready to go to church and I put money from my piggy bank into my sock and my brothers sock to give to God. Are you ready to go mom?' Of course I slurped up ~~my drool~~ a drink of water and tried to get my eyelids open, but it did do the 'trick'. I knew that I knew I had to get up and fast. Since my kids were basically dressed all I mainly had to do was make their breakfast, remind them to brush their teeth and do both of their hairs; well and also rush to get my own self dressed and ready.

So with kids and coins stuffed down thier socks in tow we made it to church just 10 min. late for Sunday School. My daughter's Children's Church wasn't scheduled that day so she sat with me in 'big' Church while my son stayed in his designated room.

My daughter was restless during Sunday School, which was an awesome lesson by the way, but as soon as it was over she was ecstatic and eager to give her offering to God. She walked up to our Pastor before church began and said 'Here, this is my money for God.' He looked down at her and basically told her nicely that when the 'plate' passes to put it in there and it will be used for God's glory.

Little did we know that during the service, right before the time to collect the tithes and offerings, our Pastor, Mark Redd, was sharing how a little girl had just made the decision to accept Christ into her heart, and then he proceeded to say he wanted to share something else with the congregation. His exact words aren't memorized by me but it was something like 'This morning a little girl came up to me and gave me something from her heart...." 'Ms. Jewel', 'Ms. Jewel', where are you at?" It dawned on me that he was talking about my Jewel. Well wouldn't you know it that 'Ms. Jewel' wanted to be on the upstairs portion of the Church so I allowed that, so when Pastor called her he was searching for her where my husband and I typically sit; always on the ground level. Finally I stood up and quickly walked 'Ms. Jewel' over to the stairs and told her to quickly walk/run down them and go up to our Pastor while he was still calling her. She was a little apprehensive walking so far away from me, but brave at the same time. I stayed standing at the top of the stairs and she made certain to turn around and make sure I was still there more than once. I was. :D

Pastor Redd got down to her level in front of the congregation and talked to the church saying 'This morning 'Ms. Jewel' walked up to me and told me that she had something to give....', then he looked at her and asked her in the microphone 'Ms. Jewel, remember when you walked up to me this morning with this, this, uh envelope (I think he was perplexed because at first it was in a pink sock but later 'Ms. Jewel' decided she didn't want to give God a semi dirty sock so we quickly tried to lay out all the coins totalling $1.54, on the pew and shove them in an offering enveloped; hoping that the thing wouldn't burst open.) So I believe (not sure) that's why Pastor Redd stumbled a bit when he didn't see the sock. Personally I think the sock affect would have been a bigger presentation to represent a childs mindset and thinking to store her money and present it to God, but I also think Pastor Redd probably knew that mommy made the decision that it was better kept if placed in a proper envelope (though truth be told we really were planning on just putting the whole coin with sock in the plate, but it was 'Ms. Jewel' who suddenly decided that she didn't want God to have a semi-dirty sock! lol Too cute and so sensitive to Him! I was a little more than impressed!). Pastor Redd asked 'Ms. Jewel', as he balanced around the heavy envelope of coins "Did you come up to me this morning to give this to me for God?", 'Ms. Jewel', "Yes!". "And what's in here?" 'Ms. Jewel' "Money!", "And where did you get this money from?" 'Ms. Jewel' "My Piggy Bank!". "And who do you want to give it to?" 'Ms. Jewel' "God!!", to which Pastor Redd began a small discussion to the congregation about how if a little child wants to give to the Lord, how much more should we be joyfull about it, and then of course he proceeded to joke by saying "So if you want to pour in your IRA, 401K, Savings Account...." lol.

It was a good last 7 days for 'Ms. Jewel' because not only was I proud of her for offering to God on her very own but also her Kindergarten teacher called me direct to tell me that she is doing super well and her and 2 other students are actually the higher readers in the class, she's responding better in class, and getting assignments done in a timely manner, when before she had a very hard time with this.

It just feels good when your kids are doing well and loving it. Everything seems to be going smoothly and big Jesse and I couldn't be happier! There's more to share that's happened within the past 2 weeks that have made us proud of our kids but I'll save that for another day. To God be ALL the Glory!