Be Strong and Courageous

 I cannot believe how my girls are growing. Emma is 5 days from being  a full grown teen ager --- 13 that is.  As well Addy is only 2 months from leaving the toddlerhood days and trading them in for full girlhood. Where has the time gone. Heres a little look a back.

Beloved's Bride: A Simple Solution : "“Homemaking is an art, and you have the privilege of expressing and developing all your talents there in a little place called home. You get to build…beautify… organize…create…fuss…express yourself. You get to read and study and grow and master nutrition, finances, horticulture, design, wardrobe, etc. And you also get to shape your children, to give their precious lives a bent toward God. To nurture their souls with the good things of God. To pass on the truth about Jesus to one more generation. And to do so means you’ve got to be dedicated, organized, and a woman of purpose. And you’ve got to have the spunk and energy to follow through on all the dedication, organization, and purpose that answering God’s high calling to homemaking requires.” –Elizabeth George, A Woman’s High Calling"

So it has been 2 years since my brother's funeral service and the words of the chaplain still stick in my mind when I think of him; "he only had to lose sight of tomorrow".  In the past 2 years I have watched the devastation of suicide rip through 2 other families. With both cases I was thrown for loop of emotion. The loss of anyone is great, and suicide just heaps on hurts and frustration by those left. I know that great depression had plagued the others as well as my brother, and that truly saddens me.  I know that my HOPE for a tomorrow lies in my relying on God. I know that my journey of moving forward has been driven by the caring for others the past 2 years, and I know that God has made it possible to miss my brother with out being angry at him.  Today as Thanksgiving is being celebrated by many around our nation, I just want to thank the Lord Jesus for His strength and provision every day.  

All month long I have been posting thankful thoughts on facebook, and just thought I would share. Day 22 - thankful for a husband willing to drive me to Costco this afternoon so I do not have to go out the rest of the week ;-) Day 21 - today I am thankful for the blessing of a healthy family. As I watch many families deal with cancers, diabetes and many other illnesses; I thank them for the way they express such pure love for God even in the midst!!! day 20 - thankful for our home & our heat, baking all day helped. ;-) day 19 - today I am thankful for my marriage 16 years in the making of what is a beautifully blessed union between My MAN and His LOVE, alongside Our LORD. Day 17 - I am thankful for Keith's days off even if they fall midweek, love spending time with my man!!! Day 16 - For the opportunity to volunteer at the book fair - to see children eager to read!!! day 15 - thankful for my oldest daughter, who is passing all her classes even the advanced...

Winter Snow Song - Audrey Assad with Chris Tomlin

My Oldest is involved in the JROTC program at his high school and the local news did a look inot how it works and who it is for.  I have been  pretty impressed with the process. http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/110009934.html

It was a gorgeous November day, the day we said 'I Do", there has been many blessings and some trials, but through God's grace and with his mercy it has been a journey I would take again. I love my Man and I know he loves his Love.  I look forward to the next 16 being  sweeter than the first.   

Today marks the half way point of November and I am not sure where the first 2 weeks went. This week --- 1/2 days    NO days student led conferences volunteer hours at the book fair  basketball practices dance team practices  Dessert Auctions (cookies to be made) Anniversaries (with hopes of a date Night- 16 years to celebrate) The folowing week --- Kindergarten Feasts Thanksgiving Black Fridays(not going out this year :))  then whoooosh the month is over.  There are only 6 weeks until Christmas and lots of baking, home made gifts and Card making to do.  I have hopes of putting together the Jesse tree for this year and speding the 12 days before Christmas leaning into His Word and focussing on Our Lords birth, life and Sacrifice for us.  

I heard about this years ago, what an interesting way to bring Christ's life to life with symbols that walk you through the Bible. The Jesse Tree: What it is, what it means, and how to make one. Bible Jesus Christmas Advent- Beliefnet.com

James - Passage Lookup - New King James Version - BibleGateway.com : "4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

Ok so I am trying to link my other photo album from facebook to my site for those who do not facebook.  I hope that one of these links works for you. Try this link for Photo album Photos from our travels

This series is awesome and one every family shoud listen ---- ‎7 words for your family - FORGIVENESS, BLESSING, HONOR, TRUTH, CHURCH, LOVE & COMMITMENT Walk in the Word with Dr. James MacDonald

Today is ending up being a short day. With late start and a Veteran's Day Assembly this afternoon, I found myself with only a few short hours at home. So far today I have - been listening to Jeremy Camp, and pandora's Phil wickham's station -read some of my favorite blogs, checked out facebook and downloaded photos -started the dishes -done 3 loads of laundry trying to finish 5 of them -cleaned up the kitchen -worked on Christmas and Thank you Cards -Vaccumed downstairs -swept the kitchen -tidied up the family room and our room All in all it has been a productive morning and now I am off to the school. I hope to upload more photos from our travels last month later today. Yesterday would have been my father's 71st birthday, sure miss him. As we are now going into the next few days where we will celebrat Jillane's 2nd birthday and the 2 year anniversary of my brother's passing has my mind in many places. Coming to the LORD with all my mixed up emo...