Thankful Post #30

I save the best for last!

I am SO thankful for God, my Lord and Savior.  

He is always there when I need to talk.

He is there to correct and discipline me when I get out of line and out of focus.

God never leaves me, never forgets me, never ignores me.

When I need to cry on a shoulder, He is there.

When I need to complain, He is there.

When I just need a hug and lap to curl up in, He is there.

The best part of God, is that he made the ultimate sacrifice and allowed his Son to be treated like a criminal which meant that Jesus had to die on a cross.  This sacrifice allows me to be forgiven for all my sins and have an eternal life in Heaven.

I love my God!

Thankful Post #29

I am thankful for my mommy friends.

Tonight I was able to go eat with other mommies at our monthly Mom's Night Out.  

It was so good to get out, socialize and have many laughs amongst friends who share a lifestyle similar to mine.

It sure helped to get my mind off of things that were stressful this week.

Thankful Post #28

I am thankful for a quiet, uneventful evening.

The kids and I went to church and while the girls were all in their respective classes, Jordan and I hung out in a room by ourselves.  His cough was still lingering and I didn't want to comprise his immune system or expose him to others.

While he hung out with me, he was a great at helping me get ready for my craft for preschool class on Sunday.  He cut out lots and lots of tissue paper squares so the boys and girls can make wreaths.

While we were working, we could hear Hallie Jo next door in her class.  She was getting frustrated with a classmate and we could hear her raising her voice.  Each time Hallie Jo hollered, I noticed Jordan would tense up.  He was ready to go next door and tear the other kid apart for upsetting his sister.  I thought I might have to hold him back.  I just love that "protect my sister" attitude.  He makes me proud!

Thankful Post #27

I am thankful for great doctors.  

Jordan has been running a fever since Saturday along with a dry cough.  We had it slightly under control with Tylenol but he hadn't gotten better so I made the call to our pediatrician and we were able to get Jordan in the afternoon.
 
I just love our pediatrician!  He is so caring and he really tries to get to know his patients and their families.  He took the time to listen to Jimmy and I as well as Jordan who of course was full of information.  After listening to his heart and lungs and then checking Jordan's throat and ears, it was determined that he might possible have slight bronchitis so a small 3-day dosage to combat anything starting.

Jordan seemed to be more like himself while at the doctor's office and long after.  I think he might have needed to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

 

Thankful Post #26

Today I am thankful for FREE Redbox codes.  I received a text this morning to rent a movie for one night.  

In the last few months, our local Dollar General got their own Redbox machine.  It is so nice to go only a couple of miles to get a movie.  I realize that we don't see the most recent movies but we have seen some good ones.

Tonight, Jimmy stopped and got Snow White and the Huntsman.  It has a pretty predictable storyline but the special effects were great and it ended up being a good movie.

I mean, who could go wrong with "true love's kiss?"

 

Thankful Post #25

I am thankful for a God who never leaves his people.

Through my struggles this past week, I knew in my heart that God knows the history, the present and the future of the entire universe but I was not allowing my heart to believe at the time.  I was bearing things that only my God can control.

Jimmy and I watched Facing the Giants tonight.  That was the first time I had watched that movie and it was good for my heart.  No matter what, Coach Taylor and his wife stood on God's promise to never forsake them.  God proved once again he is the ONE who controls all things by not only providing what they needed but provided over and beyond.

What a great foundation to stand on!  God may allow us to struggle or he may choose to provide more than we are asking but no matter what, he will provide what we need.

Whatever God's plan is, it is the perfect plan!



 

Thankful Post #24

I am thankful for an additional day of Thanksgiving celebration.

My parents came to our house today to celebrate with us.  When you only have two others joining you that know you well, I do not feel as if I have to rush to get everything done at an exact time.  We ate a late but VERY yummy lunch.

After lunch, we all gathered together to watch Bedlam, OU vs. OSU.  Our Pokes did not win but what a game it was!  It was back and forth, exciting and exactly what a bedlam is all about.

Ride 'em Cowboys!  Go Pokes!

 

Thankful Post #23

I thankful for a day to relax from Thanksgiving prep and do a little bit of online shopping.

I got a few of the kids presents ordered.  They are not the biggest and best according to the television advertisements but I know they will love them.  I love that I got a great deal on all but two of them and those two weren't outrageous.

I was also pleased that I found a Living Social deal for photo calendars that I make every year for two gifts.

The last thing I found was a link to a custom card site that was having 75% off Christmas cards.  I got a volume discount for 75 cards and then another $111 off of my total.  I can't wait to get them and get them addressed and sent out.

Thankful Post #22

Today we were able to spend good quality time with extended family.  We enjoyed dinner with Jimmy's sister and brother-in-law and their family.  This included their two kids, their spouses and three kids each.  There was also Jimmy's aunt as well as Jimmy's brother and his girlfriend.  

We had a packed house and beautiful weather.  The kids were able to spend a good amount of time playing outside.  I loved being able to sit down and just fellowship as well as watching the kids all have a good time.  We made good memories today!

Thankful Post #21

This past Sunday, in the middle of my breakdown (See my Thankful Post #18), we had a great blessing.  Our family was able to tithe for the first time in a couple of years.  We are going to be able to tithe again this week.

This has been heavy on my heart for a good long time and I was so excited that I was able to give back to the One who provides for everything we have.  It is only a small amount that he requests that we give to him to further his kingdom.

Thankful Post #20

Earlier this month, Jimmy approached me and said that he felt God leading to expand his business.  He has been self-employed and working on his own since 2004.  Some months have been lean to say the least but we never have gone hungry or have we been homeless.

Before the election, he did some job searching and one opportunity which we all thought was going to pan out wasn't in God's plan for our family.  Jimmy tried a few other places and recruiters but God shut the door on each one of them.

Jimmy really feels God leading to move his business to a prominent location where it should bring in more business.  Of course this means a monthly rent.  I couldn't say no since Jimmy is the leader of our family but it sure added worry to my mind.

God has blessed us this month with extra business in which we could pay the deposit and first month's rent.  God also allowed us to have a great business landlord who is willing to take our rent on a month-to-month basis and his current location is still available if we need to move back.

I am thankful for a God-fearing husband that takes the time to pray and listen to God in how to lead and provide for his family.

Thankful Post #19

We had a family from church call us Saturday night as they were leaving to go out of town for Thanksgiving.  They wanted to share with us things from their refrigerator and freezer that would have otherwise gone bad while they are gone.

This was a huge, unexpected blessing that helped with the grocery bill this week.  It was also a blessing for Jimmy and the kids to have something for dinner when I was in the state of mind to function properly.

Thank you to that sweet family.

Thankful Post #18

I am so thankful for a few select friends that God placed in the right spot this week.  I would not have been able to function without Bonnie, Annette, Susan and April.

I had read early this week about some possible UN treaties that could be ratified during the lame duck session that were a big concern for all families in the United States.  I did what I could by sharing the information and asking others to please read and make an informed decision.  I also asked if they felt led to please contact their senators and ask them to stand against the ratification.

After sharing, I should have never went on a search.  It was a dumb decision on my part.  I started trying to find anything I could read about what other countries have done after ratifying the same treaties.  I did not find positive things at all.  Added to this, I started looking at things about the fiscal cliff, Israel and other things I consider negative for our country's future.  The more I researched, the more I freaked out.  I was in such a state of worry and panic that I was not sleeping well or eating hardly at all.  I found I was having a very difficult time even making myself get out of bed in the morning.  I was reading my Bible constantly especially before trying to sleep and as soon as I woke up.  I was even waking up in the middle of the night and grabbing my Bible just to find something to ease my mind so I could try to sleep again.

By the time Sunday morning got here, I was a mess.  I was having a hard time letting my kids out of my sight and keeping it together as not to worry them.  Jimmy said that I shouldn't be so worry and to quit reading news about things I can't do anything about.  He was right but I just couldn't switch the worry off.  I broke down with full-body sobs during the worship service and all I knew to do was ask God for his help to rebuke Satan and this worry that he was using against me.  I knew that no matter what we face in our future, God will always be there but Satan had found a crack where he could get ahold of me and he had it. 

Susan, Annette, Bonnie and April have been praying and sharing many, many verses with me since.  I still have a few moments here and there but in about a week's time, I am almost back to my normal, cheery, upbeat self who I like so much better.  I am very blessed by God for these wonderful, Christian women who where there at just the right time.  I am also blessed that God used this rough week to make me get closer to him and to make my quiet time much more important than it had been in the past. 

Thankful Post #17

I am so thankful for our church and our small group.  First Baptist Church of Owasso has been more than a blessing for our family.  It has been our lifeline.

When our family decided to move here over 10 years ago, Jimmy and I knew we wanted a church that had both an Awana and FAITH program.  I started the "search" online first and I thought it was an easy solution since FBCO was the only area church with both programs.  Jimmy instantly said, "No, that church is too big."  He was comparing the size of the church he grew up to FBCO.  I quickly retorted, "Well, then we have to find a church with Awana and you can start a FAITH program."

After we got moved, we started visiting local churches and FBCO was included in these visits to give it a chance.  They were currently meeting at the local high school auditorium for worship while all the small group classes and children were at the church location.  They were in the process of building a new, bigger building.  It didn't take us too many visits to figure out that this was THE church God wanted us to be a part of.  We joined in November 2002 on the first day FBCO worship in their new and current location.  

We quickly got involved over the next few months with Jimmy participating in FAITH and eventually becoming the Sunday School director while I helped in AWANA and VBS and eventually became the director of both.  All this while adding two more kiddos to the mix.

We still continue to serve as youth and preschool teachers while enjoying our time with our adult small group.  The adults in our class are from all different backgrounds but we can come together to worship the one and only.  We have stood by each other when times are tight, resources low and just when we need to share a good laugh.  It is nice to have a group that you can be comfortable enough with to share.

Thankful Post #16

I am more than blessed to be a part of Heritage Homeschool Co-op.  Our family has been members of other groups throughout our homeschool adventure and this has been the best fit for us.

This is our fourth year as members, my third on the board and my first year as the president.  I love serving with my other board members, Stephanie, Annette, Shelley and Amy.  I couldn't possibly do a quarter of what our group does without these special ladies.

We do many things monthly such as a mom meeting, co-op classes, service projects, field trips, mom's night out, couples' only events and family fellowships.  Inbetween all of this, we share ideas, concerns, curriculum, and support as well as many hugs and laughs.

I know in my heart God put this group in our path at the right time and this adventure our family is on would not be as successful without our wonderful group.

Thankful Post #15

I am thankful for Patty who I have now known for over 10 years.

Patty is my nail tech who I met a few months after moving here.  I used to be a nail tech myself before Hannah was born and I am very picky about how my nails are done.  Patty "passed" all of my requirements.  She has seen all of my kids grow up and is always excited to see them when I bring them to an appointment with me.

Patty has always understood when finances are tight and I need to not visit for awhile. She just keeps me on the books until the next time I can come.  She has always been a great sounding board when I need to vent or share a concern.  Patty is one of those few close to me that I never have to worry about what she thinks of me no matter what I have to say.

Thankful post #14

I am thankful for our preschool and children's departments at church.

Our church has seen a lot of change in the last year but one of the best changes was Susan, Preschool Director.  Susan and her assistant, Loucinda work more than anyone can imagine to keep our preschool area clean and germ free.  They work diligently to make sure we are staffed with reliable workers at anytime, that children with allergies are not in danger and that the department continues to grow in training as needed.  I love serving in this department on Sunday mornings.

Our Children's Directors, Kolby and Mary Beth were one of the few that stayed the same through all the changes the church has recently encountered.  They are always a non-stop bundle of energy and work tirelessly to bring the right kind of practical lessons to our elementary children so they can see God's love and work in their own lives while encouraging those students to share God wonderful plan with others.  Time and time again I see another student who has stepped out of their comfort zone to share what many adults aren't willing to do.  This is our next generation and I couldn't be more proud.

Thankful Post #13

I am thankful for adults that are willing to be leaders or organized children's activities.

Jordan is a part of a great homeschool basketball league called Green Country Defenders.  The schedule for practices and the cost are perfect for our family.  The organizer, Stephanie drives to our area three times a week to lead three different practices for many different ages.  Jordan has been itching to start back in basketball since taking off a year last year.  We couldn't be more pleased with this opportunity.

Also this year, we found a local dance studio that opened up more classes this year and Hallie Jo is getting to take her first year of dance.  This studio is less expensive than any studio in the area and is it Christian based.  The dancers are not only taught dancing technique but there is also a value like "service" taught each week.  We don't have to worry about the music or choice of moves either like other studios.  This was definitely a blessing to be a part of this year.

Thankful Post #12

I am so thankful for the wonderful ladies I serve with on the Preschool Ministry Team at our church.  They are so creative and we all seem to work well together to bring our preschool department to what God has showed us it can be.


We had a meeting today that let us gather information together for our many, many ministry events happening in 2013.  We are having events for Moms/Kids, Dads/Kids, preschool volunteers, families with new babies, choir performances, and special parties to help celebrate holidays.

We are led by Susan Helm who has a heart for God, preschoolers and hospitality.  She has created a vision for the preschool department and our team that goes beyond our dreams and expectations.

The boys and girls that are in those classes will feel the love of Jesus through so many dedicated volunteers.

Thankful Post #11

Today is Jimmy's 40th birthday!  I have now known him for over half of his life.  With our crazy schedule this weekend, we were not able to have a party but I did make him a shirt that he wore to church so he got lots of blessings in person.  He even quoted Mike Gundy by saying, "I'm 40!  I am a man!"  I have been teasing Jimmy that he is old until my birthday in March when I turn 40.  Then he can NOT be old anymore because I refuse to be old.

I could not be more thankful than I am for this man, my knight in shining armor, my best friend, my sweetie, my confidant, my everything.  Life would be almost impossible without him by my side.

We have had rough patches in our relationship, in our finances, in raising our kids and even in extended family issues but through it all Jimmy has kept our focus on God and we have grown closer to together.