This is the Day!

Christmas at Rivertree

2011-12-29T10:20:00.000-06:00

They will name him Emmanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").

Merry Christmas 2011

The girls performed in the Rivertree Christmas musical. So sweet. Reagan had a speaking part (John 1:1-5), which she performed with excellence, and Hope sang a solo (O Come All Ye Faithful) with maturity and confidence.

Mimi and Poppy came to watch the show.

Christmas Eve service was so special. We had an amazing time celebrating the birth of our Savior at our great church.

Carter is a mess as always. He loved Christmas so much. More to come on the little rascall in next post!

Carter Update

2011-12-26T20:42:00.000-06:00

Watch out on the roads...Carter can now ride a bike without training wheels.

Carter goes to mom's day out three days a week from 9-1. Mrs. Miller's class. Convenient and a great break for all!

Carter lost his first tooth! He is riding his bike and losing teeth VERY young!! The third child moves at a crazy pace!

a few updates on Hope

2011-12-24T20:34:00.001-06:00

My little angel. She truly has the sweetest, most compassionate spirit.

Hope drew this recently....said it is Mommy and Daddy kissing. I love it!

Thanksgiving feast in K5. They appropriately named her "Morning Glory."

Birthday #8 and Halloween 2011

2011-12-23T20:25:00.000-06:00

Happy 8th Birthday, Reagan! We had a bicycle and kickball party to celebrate.

Precious friends and a great time by all.

Halloween included a few field trips to Tate Farms

Major fun with friends on Halloween night. Special girls and precious children. Husbands were in the mix but didn't make the photos! :)

Fall Break 2011

2011-10-26T14:07:00.000-05:00

Such fun with the McCartney's and Faulkner's. Love them so much.

12 hour van ride in a 15 passenger van to Orlando. Lots of fun singing, laughing, talking and praying.
Carter like Pooh, but Mickey scared him.

Jesus Sighting?!

2011-10-12T17:02:00.001-05:00

Tall Jesus

We hugged Jesus! We actually met several Jesus's! (Insert giggle) Our first stop during our fall break vacation was the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, FL. Very unique place.

Blonde Jesus

The most memorable event at this stop was taking the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Very special, unforgettable moment. It is obvious that this place is covered in prayer.

Crucified Jesus

The passion play was AWESOME. We were all spell bound. Such a great visual of the events surrounding the cross and the amazing price that Jesus paid for us to experience full life.

So...how did we get to Orlando?! Great question! We drove a 15 passenger van for 12 hours through the night with the McCartney's.

Stacey is pretending that she is exhausted as we arrive in Orlando at 7am. Hope can't wait to get out!

Merrick can hardly wait to get the the parks!

Next stop: Magic Kingdom! Stay tuned for details in next post.

Watch out Mickey, Here we come!

Ascending Jesus!

Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! Luke 24:31

Tuscaloosa and Friends

2011-10-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

Family weekend in Tuscaloosa experiencing Alabama Athletics at its finest. Football game on Saturday:

(VICTORY), hotel stay Saturday night (RELAXING), Church of the Highlands-Tuscaloosa Campus Sunday AM--(AMAZING), Alabama Girl's Soccer game Sunday afternoon (SO FUN!)

Roll Tide Roll!

God has TOTALLY blessed me with some AMAZING girlfriends here in Huntsville. A few featured below:

ReCreate Women's Conference 2011: An amazing time. Words don't express the refreshment and encounter I had with God at this event.

DEFINITELY not comprehensive of all the amazing women in my life, but a snapshot. Suzette-- I need a pic of you! Love to you all!

School, Braces, Soccer & LIFE

2011-10-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

2011 School Year: Whitesburg Christian Academy. Hope loves her K5 teacher-Ms. Roberts, Reagan is thrilled with 2nd grade: Mrs. Hatch. I love the uniforms and we are so pleased with the school.

Braces came and went. Reagan's teeth look great...she was sad to lose the novelty of braces, but the orthodontist assured us we would be back for a full set in several years.

Many hours on the soccer field. Super sweet family memories playing in the dirt & watching big sister play.

Reagan is a soccer super star. She takes it to the other team every game. She has a real passion for the game. Very natural talent. Will be fun to watch her continue to mature. She dribbles the ball everywhere. We've even caught her sleeping with it.

Hope is also dominating in her league. She loves scoring. Last time we lost count how many times she put it in the goal. Her team is named the screaming cheetahs. We LOVE watching them play.

LIFE Fall 2011 has begun. So fun. These are a few of the leaders....My direct co-leaders this semester are Lolita Owens and Alison Wheeler. I love them so much. We are all trusting God for a mighty move of His Spirit in our city as we passionately pursue Him together.

2011-08-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

1. Reagan continues to LOVE soccer and reading. Emma Francis and Terri (sweet teen girls) have worked with her this summer on creative writing and soccer skills. AYSO soccer just cranked up and she is on green team.

2. Hope LOVES ballet and baby dolls. She and Reagan went to a 3 day cheer camp. Reagan says she doesn't care if she ever does it again. Hope says she can't wait til the next one. Terri is working with Hope on voice and piano, Mayfair soccer begins in a few weeks and Matrix gymnastics as well. Goal: to learn to turn a cart wheel!

3. Carter is a mess with his trains, tools and football helmet. He is tough and sweet. I love having a baby boy. He will go to Mom's Day out three days this year!

4. Starting a new school next week. WCA--here we come!

5. Home construction coming to a close. Looks awesome. We especially love the veranda on back!

6. LIFE starts first week of September. Three groups sprang out of our last one. All glory to God. Can hardly wait to see what is next. His spirit whispered to my spirit last week that "It has only just begun." (insert excited squeal!)

7. Reading Acts and can hardly get enough. What an awesome book of the bible. Just read how Saul met God. Chapter 9. His encounter with God was so strong that he became blind and couldn't eat or drink anything for three days. God sent a man to pray with Saul and his eyes became clear. He immediately began sharing what Jesus did for him. Just days earlier, he was killing Christians! He is truly a God of new beginnings. He loves us just like we are. He doesn't care that we just screwed up, or that we've screwed up our entire lives. He wants us just like we are....Mess ups, addictions, fears and all. We come to him and his love transforms us. Not by might, nor by power but by His spirit! Zach. 4:6

8. The pressure if off to "perform or persuade" people toward God. He showed up for Saul like a bright light that Saul couldn't deny. The Holy Spirit sent the friend (Ananias) to pray with him. He is at work. We get the opportunity to REST in His nature and RECEIVE what He's made available to us. As we rest in Him, streams of living water flow out of us and impact everyone everywhere. (check out Ezekial 47)

Summer Fun

2011-07-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

Big news in the Waggoner family. Mary Beth and Uncle Brad are having a baby! We got to see Aunt Mary Beth recently. She looks beautiful and the baby boy will be here soon. We are excited!

Carter is all boy. He loves these Thomas boots. They are his most worn article of clothing.

Hope turned 6. She is so proud. She is such a special little girl. So prissy and sweet. Loves to sing and dance. A true dreamer. We call her huggy bear, buttercup and princess.

For her birthday, we took her new friend Ellis to the mall for a Build-a-Bear trip. We finished the party with Chick-fil-A and nuggets in the mall food court. Happy Birthday Hope! I love you.

I got away with a group of girls for a getaway to Birmingham this week. Rachel Faulkner spoke at Kelly Dorough's house. It was awesome! 30 women came out to hear about Jesus and the hope we have in Him. Next, we made a trip to an amazing book store called the Carpenter's Shop. You must go! Pedicures followed just prior to "The Basement." What is that you ask? "The Basement" is a movement reaching tens of thousands of teens each month. Matt Pitt encountered God and got free from drugs in his basement 7 years ago. After experiencing God, He gathered everyone He knew and they started worshipping and seeking God in his basement. As their meetings grew, they moved to churches around the city. This past week, "The Basement" met at the BJCC where they packed out an arena with 7000 people. Pretty awesome. They are REACHING young people for Jesus that will change the world. We had an AWESOME time!

We went to Super Love Family Camp tonight at Rivertree Church tonight. Super fun. The children got chosen to go up on stage and they were thrilled. Super big fun and awesome family time experiencing God. We get to go back tomorrow and the children can hardly wait.

Three's a Charm!

2011-07-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Hope: Our recording artist and composer. Just recorded her first song. So sweet. I wish I knew how to upload her song 8 second song to this blog. Lyrics below.

Song lyrics: "God I love you now, I love you now."

Today, I said, "I love u, Reagan" imitating Carter's baby talk and asked Reagan who I sounded like. I fully expected her to laugh and say "Carter." Instead, she paused and very seriously said, "Jesus." So sweet-- she totally gets it! We are the disciples that Jesus loves!

As we walked through Lowe's tonight, Carter said some crazy word out of blue like "Sha Pa." We all laughed and asked him what it means. Carter smiled and kept talking silly. Clint commented that it must mean "Jesus." Love it! My son was praying in the Spirit!

We are still getting settled in the new house. Clint is working on plumbing and hanging the TV right now. Everyday, we get a little more settled. Still don't have a kitchen, but I think that will come together next week.

I listened to an awesome sermon online today. Pastor Chris Blakeby, commented that "People living during New Testament times hadn't read the New Testament and didn't know all the details of the Bible, they just believed that Jesus was who He said He was!"

You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. Eph. 1:13-14

Resting in our 13th home!

2011-07-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

Home Sweet Home. So, we've made it to our newest home. Construction is under way and we are doing great. I still don't have a kitchen, but the good news is that I don't have to cook!

Rest....not only the physical kind. He died to give us Sabbath rest. Much more than a Sunday church service....the kind that is always on and in us. The kind of rest that can only come from the Father.

Rest that permeates the busiest days. Even the kind of day that makes you want to pull your hair out. That must be what happened to my bald dad! Even when everything around you is crumbling, His Spirit, deep down inside of you lifts you up.

My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. Ex. 33:14

LOL. Clint has God's rest!

The kind of rest we can receive only when we get a revelation of just how much He loves us. When we get a whiff of just how delighted He is with us, even when we royally mess up. When we begin to receive His love, His unmerited, unearned favor. Rest.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psa. 32:7-8

God, I receive from you now your rest. Thank you that you never sleep. Thank you that you watch out for us around the clock. I love you, Lord. I am captivated by your presence and long for more. Draw me nearer. I rest in You.

Listen to this awesome song: "Captivate" by Watermark

Moving Day....Again!

2011-06-09T13:53:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, we purchase our 12th home in 12 years of marriage! Check out a few things I've learned:

1. Relationships are the most important thing. Houses and possessions are fun, but real value is found in loving and receiving love.

2. Less is more. Moving allows me to see how little we really need.

3. My husband has fun buying/selling, moving, planning, dreaming and constructing. I love him, therefore I choose to love the process as well.

4. I am so glad my true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) The safest and most wonderful place to be is in God's arms. He loves us so much and His word is true.

5. I love that we make new friends with each move and keep the old. People matter.

6. Parents are a gift from God. Thanks mom and dad for all your support, advice and help. We love you and never take you for granted.

7. I have an amazing husband that has a great business mind. I trust him, love him and am so thankful for his wisdom. He is an awesome leader and I thank God for Clint.

8. Our children are beautiful and so flexible. They love an adventure and moving is in their blood. They love packing, looking at houses and can't wait to see the different fun at the next house.

We swam at this home, but the next home will bring other fun adventures!

9. We are moving into the garage of our new home (we've done this before!) where we will all sleep in the same room while we do construction. The children think this is so great and we do our best to make it an adventure. Beds close, minimal cooking or cleaning (I love that part!) and lots of family time.

10. I am thankful to God for His favor, financial blessings and rest. He is truly Jehova Jireh--God will provide.

Part 2: Land of the free

2011-06-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

Three young children touring the capital city?! Yes, we did. And, it was fun!

We gave the children new nicknames on this trip: Faithful, Happy Hope and Warrior.

The children called the Washington Monument the large pencil in the sky.

We visited the city on Memorial Day weekend. I talked with the children about Memorial Day being a day set aside to honor men and women that fight for our county. I explained that soldiers sometimes lose their lives for our freedom.

Hope responded, "Like Jesus?"

I smiled and said, "There are similarities. They all died so we can be free."

Carter had a love/hate relationship with DC. When he liked it, He really liked it....

When he didn't like it, he really didn't like it.

When he was bored or tired, he went to sleep.

Reagan loved every moment of the trip. She carried her journal around making notes all over the city of things she wants to research at home. She even got a chance to show off her adventure spirit at one of the Smithsonian Museums.

Happy Hope asked several times how a large pencil in the sky honored the presidents.

Hope commented that this street entertainer must be really rich because his suitcase was filled with so many dollars! He was juggling a bball, bowling ball and tennis racket.

We toured the city on a double decker bus. They thought it was fantastic.

Clint had a great time, but we did catch him yawning a few times.

We stopped by the National Zoo and the children LOVED the monkeys. We told them they better behave of the zoo might keep them!

Great trip! When Carter is Reagan's age, I hope we can go back! God bless America!

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Summer Vacation Part 1

2011-06-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

Five Day Cruise to Bermuda: On the trip to Baltimore, Carter sat in amazement on the plane. As we exited, he told the flight attendant that they better "charge the plane (like his toy motorcycle) because his daddy was on his way." We flew ahead of Clint while he finished his work day.

This trip was a lot of work with three young children, but we had fun and loved that we got to go. The ship had great children's programs so Clint and I even found some time for R&R.

I read some awesome books on the trip....if you are interested, "Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschell (excellent),

"Slave" by Mende Nazer (great book-I had to skip the middle section because the abuse was too much for me, but the beginning and end are wonderful),

A Woman's Heart Study by Beth Moore (awesome! I love it so much. God showed me so many treasures through this study on the trip. I could hardly put it down)

We toured Bermuda, swam, built sand castles.....

The boat was great. Lots of time for swimming, rock climbing wall, movies, shuffle board, ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream. Great food. All the dining provided many opportunities for us to work with children on meal etiquette. Exhausting at times, but skills definitely improved throughout the week.

Lots of fun family time.

Part two tomorrow....Washington DC here we come!

Easter and Field Day

2011-05-20T08:41:00.000-05:00

Mimi and Poppy came to visit for Easter 2011. Such special memories.

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. Math. 28:6

First grade field day: Westminster Christian Academy

K5 Field Day: Westminster Christian Academy

What God is showing me right now. An excerpt from an email by Julie Connerly to one of the teams at the LIFE retreat that took place last week.

Our greatest call as children of God is worship and rest in Him. "The key to worship is allowing ourselves to be in a posture to receive from Him!!! We love because HE first loved us. If you look at Peter (pre-forgiveness) and John you see two very different approaches to Jesus and love. Peter boasted of his love for Jesus but John boasted of Jesus' love for him. Peter would end up denying Jesus three times but John was the one at the foot of the cross receiving instructions from the Lord to the end. John was confident of Jesus love for him. He wasn't arrogant or saying that Jesus loved him more. He had a deep revelation of Jesus' love for Him. Maybe he could see that the other guys didn't have that revelation, I don't know. But he wasn't being arrogant. He was describing himself in truth. He was the one Jesus loved and so are we.
I just love saying to myself, "I am the one that Jesus loves," just like John did. Something supernatural happens when I do... I believe it! And then the joy comes, then I worship out of a deeper revelation of His love - my worship comes from deep inside, from the knowledge of the truth. The Holy Spirit always agrees with the truth. You have the Holy Spirit inside you and He will rise up and agree with your statement- He will bear witness to the truth.

You need to know that the Lord is pleased with you and loves you deeply- YOU! Not, you- a part of your church, but YOU, all by yourself, sitting there doing whatever you're doing, whether it's spiritual or not- when you're dreaming at night and not consciously doing anything at all. He adores you! You didn't earn it; you can't earn it; and you will never lose it! Let that sink in. That's grace- unmerited favor!"

It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's! Rom. 8:11

Re-Baptism

2011-05-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psa. 23:6

I met the Lord when I was seven years old. My mom prayed with me in our home in Lake City, GA and my relationship with Him began that day. When I say I met Him, I mean I invited His spirit into my life. The Lord is a gentleman and He draws near to us when we draw near to Him. James 4:8 I was baptized a few years later and everything about that moment was real. The great news is that my relationship with Him has continued to grow and evolve. He is the most important person in my life and He is the kindest person I know. At 33, I've certainly been through some things that have tested my faith. I've been through periods where my relationship with God seemed dead and I looked to anything but God to bring me happiness. I've learned that true joy and fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with the God of the universe. He is available to everyone and personal to anyone who calls His name. If you haven't called out to Him ever or in a long time, I dare you to call out His name, really mean it, and He will meet you. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21

After you've called out to the Lord, find a life-giving church. Ask God to bring someone into your life that loves that Lord and can help you walk life out. Get a bible and start reading. John is a great place to start. Read in any translation that is easy for you to understand. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Heb. 4:12

Some of the girls that God has placed in my life through church and LIFE. A great way to find friends to run God's race with is to start running toward God and look to the right and to the left to see who is running next to you. So thankful for these girls that are running toward God and resting in Him with me.

Talk to God about everything. He already knows our thoughts, He just wants to be involved and invited into every area of our lives. We don't have to clean up our act to come to God.... Take your dirt and your heart to Him and He will do the cleaning. He is gentle and kind. He loves us. He is crazy about us. We are His children and He delights in every detail of our lives. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

You may be thinking...why did I get baptized again? I was baptized at seven and it was real....is it necessary for me to get baptized again? The answer is NO it isn't necessary, but I wanted to. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. God has done so much in my life and my relationship with Him today has come so far that I jumped on the opportunity to celebrate His work in my life again.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16

Contagious

2011-05-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Ran the Country Music Half Marathon this weekend. Great time with these girls. Check out the gorgeous sky above the tree line. You would never know that the same skies held a deadly tornado just a few days before.

Heard Ryan Hall speak at the race expo. His name was new for me, and I am glad I now know of him. He recently broke an all time American record for marathon. He is a leader with great outspoken love for God. He blogged today about finishing a race with enthusiasm. Not sure that I finished the race on Saturday with it (I was just relieved upon completion!), but his post nudged me to evaluate my attitude, even in the small things. He commented that those that finished the race with enthusiasm, hands in the air, caused the crowd to join them with excitement. Those that finished the race exhausted, with no emotion, got little response.

The big picture from his commentary carries far beyond finishing a race....in life, our attitude and level of enthusiasm are contagious. We speak the power of life or death into every situation we encounter by our words and attitude.

God, I receive from you now, strength and joy to run the race of life with an attitude and words that will impact our world for good.

Dad always says, "There is one thing in life you can control and it is your attitude."

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

The power outage from the storm lasted five days and I left meat in my fridge while we left town. AHHHHH! Gross. Thankfully Clint cleaned out the spoiled food, but the stink remains. Now, it is time for me to exercise a good attitude as that yucky smell works its way out of my home. Obviously, this smell that lingers is ridiculously insignificant compared with the many families that lost homes and lives in the storm. Praying and partnering to provide for their needs.

2011-05-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

Trying to process the tornadoes that just whipped through the south. Hard to grasp such great loss. Praying for every victim.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

The hours during the storm were scary and sweet. Electricity went out early Friday afternoon. We sat in the living room reading the bible and praying. Please don't ever misunderstand from this blog that we have it all perfectly tucked in and together. WE DON'T! We do our best to live for the Lord and trust Him for grace to enjoy things that are good and grace to endure when things are hard. We mess up and are definitely still growing up. I blog as a writing outlet for me, a journal for my family and love the idea that it may bless a few people along the way. I trust you hear my heart. The goal is to give all the glory to God. Less of us and more of Him.

While waiting out the storm, we read Matthew 24. A great passage where Jesus tells us what to expect in end times. No one knows the day or the hour Jesus will return, Math. 24:36 but we do know that we are closer today than we've ever been.

All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:8

Thank goodness that birth pains will bring beautiful new life. I hate the death and destruction, and I don't understand many things, but I do believe that God's promises are true. He has a hope and a future for us. Jer. 29:11 He loves us and is close to the brokenhearted. Psa. 34:18 He uses ALL things to work together for good for those that love Him. Rom. 8:28

A few pictures of what birth pains brought to us....The earth's birth pains produce the return of our Lord and Savior. We love these babies more than words can say, but no ear has heard or mind can imagine what Jesus has in store for those that love Him. 1 Cor. 2:9

Baby Reagan Faith

Baby Hope Kennedy

Baby Carter Raleigh

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor. 4:17

Trusting God for new life in all the lives and areas destroyed by the storm.

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this verse and smile: Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psa. 81:10 LOL!

That is exactly what Dr. Jay Durham did. She is so proud of her new metal mouth.

City wide Sedar Feast this week. Many denominations, worship styles, nationalities...to celebrate our Passover Lamb. Awesome to celebrate our rich Jewish heritage.

Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news,

Phil1:27 MSG

Hope: 5 year old Little Lynx Soccer Player. She is good!

Praise God! Carter finally ate a green bean. It involved lots of gagging, catsup and chips to get the green bean down, but he ate it! Who knew the drama surrounding ONE green bean?!

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. Mathew 28:5-6

And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Matthew 28:7

Mom and I left the Easter party at the river to conclude a great day at Passion City Church. We loved it. I was so pumped to worship with Chris Tomlin and listen to Louie Giglio preach with my mom. Awesome teaching, awesome worship. Check out the free podcast on iTunes and if you want good music, check out this CD that I bought that night:

Happy Easter!

Almost Camping

2011-04-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heaven! Psa. 150:1

Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Psa. 150:2

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psa 150:6

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psa. 19:1

The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. Psa. 19:6

Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. Psa 19:2

We "light weight" camped. Hampton Inn at night and God's campground at day with some of our best friends, The Mitchells on Lake Martin. Wonderful friends and wonderful memories.

Carpe Diem

2011-04-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

I love my phone.

I listen and talk (I'm working on this order!), text,

email, and use YouVersion on and off all day long. I follow some thought leaders on Twitter, use phone for a calendar and Notepad. I listen to music and pod casts ....You likely do many of the same things....Phones are cool toys.

As an expressive, excitable girl, I've noticed a pattern in my texting: I use the word "LOVE" often...."

"Love Leah,
Love it,
Love you,
Loved seeing you today...
Love God...."

I frequently mis-type the word LOVE because the "O" and the "I" are close to each other on the keypad. LOVE becomes LIVE quite often.

Coincidence? I think not! Makes me smile every time.

Our greatest call is to love God and love others. The only way to do this is to LIVE in the day. Truly live. This is the day that He made for us. Not yesterday or yesteryear. Not tomorrow....Today!

What is God telling me through all of this?

First, fill up on Him...His truth, His word, His love.
Keep alert for people and needs around me.
Listen closely.
Call friends/family members when they come to mind.
Pick up peanut butter at the store for the local food pantry.
Listen to worship music instead of worrying.
Get my nose out of my phone and invest in someone else!

I am not strong enough or good enough to do this for a lifetime in my own strength. Thank God that it is:
Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. Zach 4:6

Tired?

2011-04-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

I'm pooped. Life in the fast lane. I try to keep it simple....but:

I have three kids under eight.

Praise God they are all potty trained and can pretty much dress themselves.

They can pour their own bowl of cereal and know our routines,

But we do have two soccer players, two in school, and all involved in church. We have two amazingly involved set of parents (both been married 40 years--wow!),

but they both live out of town.

We move a lot and it gets crazy around here.

I feel tired right now.

Not to mentioned my feelings of inadequacy in the kitchen with meal planning.

Oh the laundry....it is piled high.

My feelings and emotions are trying to take over right now, but I won't let them.

We are made of a spirit, soul and a body. (1Thes. 5:23) Our souls are made of our mind, will and emotions.

I choose now, for my spirit (the part of me where God lives) to lead. I won't be led by my emotions. Feelings aren't facts, they are just feelings.

My soul finds rest in God alone. He is my rock and my salvation. (Psalm 64)

Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4)

I am thankful for my family and our health. For the favor on our lives and love from God.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9

Treasures

2011-03-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

After Carter's teeth cleaning this week, the dentist came to check him out. He asked Carter to lay down on the exam table. Carter obediently lie down, looked up at the dentist and said,

"You have hair in your nose!"

On this rainy Saturday, while Clint works, the children and I piled up in my bed and watched an awesome cartoon movie: "The Jesus Movie." I highly recommend!

As the movie came to an end, I noticed Hope crying big sweet tears. I hugged her and asked why. She said she was sad that Jesus went away into the sky. I hugged her again and told her that Jesus told His friends that it is better that He go and be with His Father in heaven because He was leaving His Holy Spirit on earth so we could be His hands and feet. He even addressed that they would feel sad that He was leaving, but it is better that He leave because He was sending a Helper (Holy Spirit) in His place! (John 16:5-7) I told Hope that I had a similar sweet tearful response to a song titled "Make Me a Servant" when I was a little girl. That was the moment when I became a Christian. I asked her if she wanted to ask Jesus into her life. She strongly responded,

"Mom, I've already done that! Reagan and I prayed together on your bed at Broadway when I was four!"

Reagan overheard this conversation and said,

"Yes, Mom, Hope has already talked to God about that."

In a moment, I knew that my oldest daughter had truly led my younger daughter to her first encounter with Jesus last year. Hope's sweet tears were from the Holy Spirit confirming that He loves her and that she is His.

During the manger scene of the movie, Reagan asked twice:

"How did baby Jesus got out of Mary's tummy, Mom?"

I told her that God took the baby out. She asked again,

"How did God take the baby out?"

I told her we would talk about it later.

After the sweet, powerful conversation with Hope, we decided to make it a double feature. While watching the manger scene for a second time, Reagan asked again how the baby came out of Mary's tummy. At the movie end, I asked Hope and Carter to go play in the kitchen while I had a level one "birds and bees conversation" with my oldest daughter. High level details, but I did explain that girls have a secret passageway that God made for babies to travel through. I showed her a picture of female anatomy and told her that this conversation needs to stay between us. It isn't for her to teach her friends or her brothers and sisters. She listened very intently, her question was answered and off she went to play. Who knew that this sweet Jesus movie would open the door to these two conversations??! Wow.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Teeth

2011-03-24T07:38:00.000-05:00

Teeth are falling out around out home like raindrops from the sky in spring. Reagan lost another one last night.

Carter visited the dentist today and the girls go tomorrow.

With all of this teeth action in our home, I did a little digging to see what the Bible says about teeth.

I have a friend that blogs, Jane Random: VERY funny blog by the way...She calls this train of thought a rabbit trail. I call it a TREASURE HUNT!

If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:4-5

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Prov. 25:2

The Bible mentions teeth 41 times. Check out these examples:

Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O Lord, the fangs of the lions. Ps. 58:6

The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken. Job 4:10

Lazy people irritate their employers like vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eyes. Prov. 10:26

The New Testament mentions 7 times: weeping and gnashing of teeth.

1. As "prince of the earth"John 14:30, the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour1 Peter 5:8 but he doesn't have any teeth! His job is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10 but we need to remember that God has defanged him. The enemy is working overtime, but loses his power when we speak Jesus's name or His truth. At the name of Jesus, every knee has to bow. Phil 2:10 There have been seasons in my life when I have had to tell the enemy where to go every moment of the day. The good news is that worship is our most powerful warfare and that God's word is true. Email me if you want to talk about this more.

2. Prov. 10:26 makes me smile. Laziness isn't from God! We have all worked along side and/or been someone whose work ethic stinks.....respond slowly to calls and emails, half-heartily do work, show up late, leave early and complain all the time. The Bible says that kind of work ethic is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes!

Lord, teach us to do our jobs. Not just the minimum that will get us by, but our best. Thanks for strength to work from the heart for our real Master, for You. Thanks for your promise of a rich inheritance. We choose now to work as though we are working for you. Prov. 3:23-24

With love, Leah

Child Training

2011-03-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

The kids were arguing like crazy last week. Clint made them hug for ten minutes. We both remember our parents making up do this. So funny. It broke Hope's heart to hug for ten minutes and Carter seemed to love it. They chose to get along after the hugging episode.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Prov. 22:6

Another big topic in our home right now:

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Prov. 17:9

What an awesome explanation for why not to tattle! Now, when children run to me whining about things like,

"He touched me."

"He won't let me play with that toy."

"He looked at me..."

I respond with, "What does Proverbs 17:9 say? They are learning to respond that repeating a matter separates close friends. Let's cover it with love. Of course, I help them with the big and small things when I witness them, but there is an important place for them to work these little things on their own.

Proverbs 17:9 is totally awesome wisdom for all of us! Applies in every area for every one of us. There is no need for me, as an adult to talk about other people's business or problems. It only separates close friends. Thanks God for such awesome wisdom!

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have posted 91 times. 91 is a special Waggoner number. It was Clint's Alabama Football College number! Roll Tide! He ~~was~~ IS a stud! Look at him sack this poor quarterback. I won't ever forget the roar in the stands when he made tackles like this. Such fun memories.

Spring Break:

Such fun. Awesome week.

We ~~burned~~ I mean, roasted marsh mellows around the campfire on Lake Martin with our good friends the Mitchells.

We The kids ~~exercised~~ played in the Hampton Inn gym.

Reagan fished on Lake Martin with her good buddy Walker Mitchell

We hugged and goofed around a lot.

We rode a lot of bikes and fell down often. Here are three of them showing off their boo-boos.

We played in the woods and got really dirty.

Explored Civil War Monuments

Hiked and played in the creek

The kids pretended they were Moses with a staff

Played on a fantastic playground in Alexander City

Cleaned up Carter's head at an Alexander City Barber Shop. He is very proud of his "buzzed" haircut. He calls it his Buzz Light year Haircut.

Swam in the freezing hotel pool. The children shivered but were thrilled to get wet.

Ate lots of ice cream

Finished the trip by touring the Blue Bell Creamery in Sylacauga, Alabama. Have I mentioned we like ice cream?

In the middle of all this fun, we rested. I love how God says, "Be Still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10 It was awesome to get away and have fun and rest. I so enjoyed feeding on the bible on and off all day on trip. It is so fun to chew on it all the time through my smart phone. The YouVersion app blows me away. I truly love it. Gives me the ability to read God's word all day long. I am so thankful that my hunger for the Bible is voracious during this season.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:41

Dry Bones

2011-03-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

I am all about this song and the story in Ezekial 37 right now. This song quotes : "I wanna see dry bones living again." Listen to it now. So awesome.

In Ez. 37, Ezekial gets to take a field trip with God to a field covered with dry bones. God tells Ezekial to speak to the bones and they come together but have no breath. God tells Ezekial to speak to the bones again and command breath to them.

Because Ezekial was operating in God's power, the dry bones came to life! We have that power operating is us everyday!

So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army. Ez. 3:10

Go to minute 2:30 in the song and check out the intensity that Jared Anderson sings. We are all members of God's army. Ez. 37 contains a word picture of how God breathed life into us. He has made us for a special purpose.

What is in our hearts is our destiny.

What is in our hands is our calling.

The only way we will live out the purpose He has called us to is to live in the day with our eyes focused on Jesus. Love the people around us with God's intensity. As we do this, God will continue to unfold His greater purpose in our lives.

God blessings are triggered by leaping not by watching.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18

Love with passion. Pursue God.

Skeletons in First Grade

2011-03-05T05:16:00.003-06:00

Reagan's first grade class is studying the skeletal system. Clint went into classroom to give a talk on x-rays and the bones. So sweet. Clint was awesome and Reagan loved it.

The children loved hearing about broken bones and many had their own story to share.

During the middle of the discussion on the skeletal system, one of the little boys raised his hand with a question: "Did you play football at Alabama?" Showed where his mind was and also showed that Reagan had been bragging on her daddy. Very sweet.

Reagan loved standing at the front of the classroom while her daddy talked to the class.

We finished the day hanging out with some super special friends. Winton and Walker are big time fun and the weather was perfect for hide and go seek in the yard. Spring is on its way!

Our Favorite Show

2011-03-04T09:01:00.000-06:00

I let the kids watch American Idol with me last night. They loved it. They hear Clint and I talking about it and want to know what all the fuss is about. I monitor closely and hold the fast forward button on the DVR remote close to my side. Their comments were fun:

Reagan: "She is very dressed up."

Hope: "She is dressed like Cinderella."

Hope: "I want to be on stage like that one day."

Reagan: "That man is really honest!"

Carter: "His hair looks like a girl!"

I agree with all the children! Kids know how to call it like it is. I really love American Idol!! So fun and DVR makes it possible for me to share a little of it with children too! Can't wait til next week.

Weekend Blessings

2011-02-27T21:00:00.000-06:00

Reagan diligently saved $15 that she couldn't wait to spend at her school book fair. She thoughtfully researched all the books and came home the first day with one book for herself. She couldn't wait to go back on day two for more.

Each day, the rest of the week, Reagan bought something else at the book fair for people other than herself. Her generosity overflowed genuinely from her heart with no prompting. So sweet. She bought Hope a toy and she bought Clint and me a book to share. Made me smile. It is the longest chapter book she could find. It is a fifth grade novel and I am excited to read it. She is so sweet and others focused. She bought the gifts and still had a few dollars left over to save. Good job, Reagan. Already learning fiscal responsibility!

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:30

God really blows me away as He speaks through nature. Romans 1:20 says that through creation, we see His "invisible qualities" and "divine nature." Sunset during soccer practice this week blew me away. The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:4

Friday night: Move night! Toy Story 3 and we watched it in pajamas. I even let them eat candy in the bed! Very special snuggling time.

Hope asked this weekend out of the blue, "Why do we die, Mom?"

I breathed deep, and asked God what to say. I shared with her some of the secrets that I've learned in LIFE class:

"The bible says we are made of three parts: spirit, soul, body (1 Thes. 5:23) Out spirit is the part of us that lives forever when we choose to live for Jesus. Our body and soul die because we live in a fallen world, but our spirits will never die because we love Jesus. "

She didn't hesitate for a moment, shook her head yes as if she perfectly understood, and then moved onto her next question:

"Mom, When can I get my ears pierced?"

So sweet, so innocent and wonderful.

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Mark 19:14

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1

Carter is a big boy on his bike. Half dressed in February. Wow.

Caroline and AnnaClaire came to play with the kids today and they had a great time. I touched up some paint and worked in the kitchen. Small group this evening. Just a normal great weekend. Thanks God, for a blessed life.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

February's Favorites

2011-02-24T05:00:00.004-06:00

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins! These are all the ingredients you need and they make a delicious fiber and nutrient filled treats. Mix 1 can of pumpkin with devil's food cake mix. Stir and drop dough into greased muffin tin. Don't add anything else. No water, no oil, no egg....Bake temp and time according to back of cake mix box and enjoy! Delicious with a scoop of Whip Cream on top. Yum!!

I'm a huge fan of bell pepper and hummus right now. My favorite hummus? Roasted Pine Nut Sabra Hummus.

Check out my cute new sandals! Also notice my pedicured toes. I got them done with my mom and sisters this weekend just before Mom and Dad's big 60th birthday and 40th anniversary party. Love you mom and dad.

My favorite verse right now? Hebrews 5:14

Solid food is the those who are mature. Who through training have the skills to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

God is showing me that we need to exercise the gifts and benefits He gives us. We need to practice the gifts. I'm training for a half-marathon and I would never just show up the day of the race with no training. I will run lots of mileage before the race to make sure I am ready for race day. The same is true with spiritual gifts.

Jesus said, May ALL the gifts & benefits that come from God our Father, & the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. 1 Cor. 1:3 (Msg) The bible lists:

faith, miracles, knowledge, prophecy, tongues, interpreting of tongues, peace, kindness, joy, belief, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, might knowledge, distinguishing between spirits, teaching, encouraging, contributing to others, leadership, mercy, healing. (Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:7-10, Eph. 4:10-12, Is. 11:2)

Fire

2011-02-23T13:13:00.000-06:00

"My romance with Jesus differs dramatically from a romance between humans. I do not wish any other woman to love my husband the way I do. How different my romance with Christ?" Beth Moore

I love Clint so much. I love him more today than I ever have....that love is so wonderfully different than the love I have for Jesus. My spirit longs for everyone of you to burn with passion for God.

A few years ago, I met God. I truly met Him. He has always been a part of my life, but I radically encountered Him in at a LIFE retreat in 2008. At that moment, everything in me shifted....I dropped my pretenses, opened my self up to all the things of the Holy Spirit and He totally filled me up. I have never been the same. I asked Him to fill every space of my being. He is so sweet and kind. From that moment, the Bible came to life. My appetite for things of God became voracious. I can't get enough. I operate out of an overflow for His love for me. It is incredible. He speaks sweetly to me and I see Him in everything.

In 2008, I asked God to give me all His gifts and benefits...and He did!! I don't want to hold back on anything. Take a look at these verses: They come from Luke and the story about the Walk to Emmaus. The disciples walked with Jesus after He rose from the dead. They didn't know who He was until:

Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:31

I relate to the disciples. My heart burns inside. It burns for more of God and burns for you to experience more of Him as well. Thank you, God, that you love us so much and that you pour out when we draw near to you. Thank you for pouring out on Huntsville. I trust you with our city. I thank you that the government rests on your shoulders. I ask for Godly leaders and life giving churches to rise up and thrive all over Huntsville, AL. You are the God of this city.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-15T15:03:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day from Reagan's first grade class! Reagan is the letter Y on the back row.

Now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love...but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Have you ever wondered what a cliff notes version of the bible would look like? What if someone asked you to summarize Jesus's teachings in one sentence? I'll try....

1. Love God and 2. Love people.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Lord, teach the Waggoner's to love like you love.

Praying like Daniel

2011-02-11T09:22:00.000-06:00

I walked into Hope's room last night and found her head bowed kneeling on the floor.

"Hope, what are you doing?"

She answered with a precious innocent spirit, "I'm praying like Daniel, Mommy."

Wow.

I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

(Daniel) went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

Daniel 6:10

Innocence

2011-02-10T05:12:00.017-06:00

Innocence! I love that they took a bath together tonight. We are discussing innocence next week in LIFE. I have the privilege of being involved in LIFE for the seventh time. Wow. Pretty awesome. LIFE is a ministry out of Church of the Highlands that stands for Living in Freedom Everyday. God used it to radically transform my relationship with Him. This group is so special. Twenty beautiful women; Tuesday mornings: worship, pray, and run after God together.

Next week: Innocence. Relationship with God results in it. Innocence results in Freedom! Until Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they had no reason to hide anything from God. They were like my children in the bathtub! They aren't modest, they just enjoy the water and time with each other. Childlike innocence is amazing. Adam and Eve's nakedness was part of the innocence and simplicity of their lives. Before they sinned, they had no shame. This is the same concept that Jesus was talking about when He said we had to be like little children to enter the kingdom of Heaven (Math. 19:14) Children aren't technically innocent-they just don't have any hesitation in them. They aren't piled high with guilt, shame and burdens.

God desires for us to experience freedom from guilt, shame and burdens. He wants us to walk in freedom. He can restore our innocence....in fact, that is what He does best! It can only happen from an encounter with Jesus. Who the Son Sets Free is Free indeed! (John 8:36) Ask God for a fresh start today. Ask Him to flood the dark places in your life. I ask for these things often. Ask for a fresh fill of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for help with your fears and insecurities. I ask Him for help with these things often. He is the Healer and Physician. He loves us more than we could know. He is a gentleman....He won't force himself on us......the moment we turn our heart toward God, He is there. He makes the salty water fresh. (Ez. 47:8) Thanks Lord. I am so thankful for you!

February Fun

2011-02-09T14:53:00.000-06:00

February began with a bang. The children have always asked to jump on "the bouncy thing" at the mall. In honor of Carter turning 3, they all got to jump! Such fun.

Reagan is quite the basketball player! Reagan scored another basket in her last game and she continues as our defensive player of the year! We are very proud of our little feisty athlete. Reagan is the youngest in the league in city ball and has more than carried her weight. God is teaching all-star coach Clint patience through little league coaching.
The girls have been running with me! We are running a family race this weekend...a 1/2 mile race at Grissom High for Clint and children, 4 mile race for me with my half-marathon training partners.

Hope....She is so fun....So full of Hope....so opinionated and she has had her share of drama this week. We have lovingly worked through some discipline issues (see a glimpse of her feisty spirit on the left)...the best news is that she rebounds quickly. She has a great head on her shoulders and is blossoming into a wonderful little girl. I am so proud of her. We made volcanoes in Mrs. Lumpkin's classroom and Mimi2 and Pawpaw came to deliver Carter's birthday cookie cake. What a big week!

God has been teaching me so much. I am blown away by Him. Totally captivated by His love.

Ex. 28:1 Has been so special for me this week....God said: "Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests."

God is saying that, as His children, we are holy and set apart. He created us all to be His priest. Notice how the verse says, "Set them apart so they may minister to me...." As followers of Jesus, we are all priest. He has created each of us for a special purpose. Our main purpose-our shared destiny-is to minister to God....not to minister to people. God is showing me in so many ways, that when I focus on Him...spend time with Him, love on Him, receive His love....Minister to Him, His love will overflow and I will be able to operate in His power and love as I minister to people. My first job is NOT to minister to people...it is to minister to God, fall in love with Him and operate out of the overflow. Then and only then will I step into my individual destiny. Thanks God for continuing to reveal yourself to me.

Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. Zach 4:6

1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Birthdays and Dog Farewell

2011-02-02T16:03:00.000-06:00

Every Waggoner child celebrated their birthday this week!

Question: "Were they all born the first week of Feb?!"

Carter's birthday falls on February 1st; Reagan and Hope are October and July babies.

Next logical question: "Why did you celebrate all three birthdays this week?"

I somehow forgot to take cookies to Reagan's class in October and Hope's July birthday means that she would never get to celebrate during the school year. As a result, every Waggoner child got cake for their birthday this week at school!

So fun! Who says it has to be your birthday or even your birthday month to have a cake with your name on it?? Happy Birthday Reagan, Hope and Carter!

Three years

Hope 5 yrs; Reagan 7 yrs.

Dog update: McKinley's short life with us (18 days) came to an end yesterday.

Logical question: "Why did you get a dog for only 18 days?!"

Sweet McKinley caused quite lots of stress in 2/3 of our precious children. Take a look at the physical struggle happening in this family picture. Notice Hope and Carter's distress. Carter has his bat to protect himself and his sister just in case McKinley gets close enough to lick. Of course, we would never let Carter hit the dog with a bat. Do not send PETA after us. Hope can't stand being within 100 feet of her. I trust that both Hope and Carter will learn to get along with dogs one day, but this isn't the year. They were petrified to leave the house for the past 18 days afraid that the dog would approach them. McKinley was sweet, but the timing is all wrong. Clint thought that introducing a puppy would help Hope and Carter overcome the fear....It will happen one day because Hope and Carter

do not have a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind! 1Tim 1:7

McKinley came and she went. Just another chapter in the Waggoner's life.

Logical question: Where did she go?

We gave her back to the breeder. We do like the idea that she returned to her dog-mom, dog-dad and dog-sister. Reagan fell in love overnight with the dog, but the idea of her with her dog family made even Reagan smile.

Our last dinner with McKinley. McDonald happy meals for Carter's birthday where we met the breeder to take her back. Farewell McKinley.

Two Great Reads

2011-01-31T13:57:00.000-06:00

I just finished House Rules. I give it 4/5 stars. If you are looking for a great read, pick it up. I really enjoyed it.

HOUSE RULES is about Jacob Hunt, a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject – in his case, forensic analysis. He’s always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do…and he’s usually right. But then one day his tutor is found dead, and the police come to question him. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger’s – not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, inappropriate affect – can look a heck of a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel -- and suddenly, Jacob finds himself accused of murder. HOUSE RULES looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way – but lousy for those who don’t

I read a BEAUTIFUL Psalm today that totally encouraged me. I give it 6/5 stars!

You will show the right path to all who worship you. Psalm 25:12

We can't miss God's plan for us! All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 Let's keep our eyes fixed on God, and we won't miss the right next step. He has us in the palm of His hand. Psalm 49:16

Release the Button!

2011-01-30T15:12:00.000-06:00

Carter loves to go to the gym. The most special moment of his gym experience is pushing the Handicap button to open the doors. He LOVES the power of pushing the button and watching the door swing open. We all know that you only need to tap the red button and the door will swing open. It isn't necessary to hold the button. Carter seems to think he has to keep it pressed for a long time in order to make the door open. My observation of his sweet but skewed understanding made me think about how we do the same thing as adults....

Thankfully, we don't hold the handicap button long after the door is open, but we can hold onto bad memories, hurts, mess-ups, hurtful words, bad dreams, bad relationships, ect....way too long.

The enemy loves to use these nasty mind games to keep us in bondage. We see movie reels of bad memories from the past. Hear thoughts like, "You aren't good enough," "I can never forgive that person...." The enemy's job is to steal, kill and destroy BUT Jesus came to give us life!!! John 10:10

God is teaching me more everyday what it means to walk in His freedom. We can have freedom in every area....especially the dark places. We don't have to hold onto the heartache of the past. Jesus's final words on the cross were, "It is finished." John 19:30 His words cover every sin of the past and every sin/hurt of the future. He doesn't want us to carry that stuff around anymore. He has already paid for ALL of it. Walking in His freedom means accepting that we measure up because of WHO He is and what He says. He longs to be gracious to us. He rises up to show us compassion. Is. 30:18 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

I know that everyone of us could release the red handicap button in some area of our lives. We don't have to hang onto the worry, anxiety, hurt, secrets, heartache.....Jesus wants us to rest. Rest in Him. I love how the Message says Matthew 11:28, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Let's release the button. Ask God to take it away. Then ask Him for a verse to speak over the area of hurt when it comes to mind. Anytime the hurt from the past comes back, speak God's name or a verse from the bible out loud. Whisper it into your hand or in your head if you are in public. It is a process and you may have to "fight" like this for a season....maybe every minute for months, but it will get easier and it is worth it! The Bible says, "At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow." Phil 2:10 Every time I've asked Him for healing and for a verse, He's more than delivered. There is power in prayer and in the Bible. Let's use it together and experience real freedom.

2011-01-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

Big news for Reagan. She scored her first basket in a game. The team gets better each week. Clint as coach affectionately refers to Reagan and Anna Claire Keith as the "bumblebees." They are star defensive players. They jump around with their arms everywhere just like bumblebees do. Reagan is a fighter. Very aggressive. She is doing great in Basketball. She loves it and we love watching her.

We had our first spend the night party this week. Caroline and Anna Claire joined us for lots of fun. They giggled, ate cookies, made crafts and played hard. We even made it to church the next day! Sweet girls. Thank you God for precious friends.

When Carter disappears, we are in trouble. This week I caught him in the pantry with his hands and mouth all in the orange Gatorade powder. (notice the orange mess around him and his sippy cup strategically placed to his right) After some investigation, I discovered the orange as a combination of Gatorade powder and Doritos's. I wish he liked orange carrots as much as he likes orange junk!

We had a very special breakfast this morning. M&M pancakes were a real hit!

A beautiful passage in Matthew 19 encouraged me so much today. Verse 26 says, Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jesus is so kind. The earlier part of the chapter is a conversation between the disciples and Jesus about how to get to heaven. The list is not short. The disciples listened and it seems they got discouraged. In our own strength, we can't do it. As we fall in love with Him, spend time with Him and allow Him to transform us, His ways (that are for our benefit!) will become easier. John 14:15 says, If you will (first) fall in love with me, (second) you will be able to follow my commands. I still have a long way to go, but Praise God, I'm further along than I used to be. With God, ALL things are possible.

Memaw, PJs and Water

2011-01-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

James Raleigh Bearden and Kathleen Dyar Bearden

Big week for the Waggoner's. Memaw went to be with Jesus and Pawpaw. She is so beautiful and I am so thankful for her. Her funeral was very special and inspired me to live for Jesus. I love how Paul says in Phillippians, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." I celebrate her life. We miss her dearly. Memaw loved deeply and humbly. Memaw was always available and excited to see us. She was filled with joy....Happiness comes and goes, Joy comes from deep within....only from Jesus. Thank you God, for giving me Memaw. I am honored to be her namesake.

Today is the 100th day of school and the girls got to wear PJs. They loved it.

God has been talking to me so much about Love. If we were forced to summarize the Bible in one sentence, we could say, "Love God and love people." His plans for us are great. He has made available for us so many gifts.....they are all wonderful, exciting and I want them all....but the "greatest of these is love." 1Cor. 13:13 I am learning to enjoy God, love on Him, invite Him into everything I do. From that overflow of hanging out with Him, I can live. He is so good.

Today, I've been reading Ezekial 47. It is really good. Check it out. It is a beautiful picture of God leading us into the water. Verse 9 says, "Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live."

When we fill up with the Lord, everything around us will live. Salt water will become fresh. That is what I am trusting Him for.

Riding the Waves of Change

2011-01-18T21:25:00.000-06:00

Change is inevitable for the Waggoner's. Clint is fast-paced and high-energy. His mind never stops and he constantly looks for better ways to experience life. The good news is that our life is fun.

1. We move & groove: Literally: bought, sold, and moved 13 times in 12 yrs.

2. Clint is always thinking toward the next trip.

3. He is the consistent little league coach w/ each ever-changing sport season.

4. We've re-evaluated schools & churches many times as we've settled into Hville.

5. I finally have three potty trained children and we added a puppy to the mix.

More good news is that God brings new friends and wisdom with each change. We are so blessed with amazing relationships from each stop along the road. Circumstances around us change, but praise God, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb. 13:8 His love never fails. 1Cor. 13:8 He never changes. James 1:17 He is full of surprises and treasures, and He is the single most consistent person I know. Graham Cooke says "He is perfectly consistent but totally unpredictable"

I ride the tide really well....most of the time. This week anxiety set in from Waggoner excitement. I spent some time Saturday night pouring my heart out to God. Praying, reading His word. He gave me a verse. He encouraged me and and gave me rest. He is the kindest person I know. He said, You are an heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Leah, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'"Acts 3:25 He comforted me and reminded me that I am an heir to the throne of God. I am an heir to His covenant. This will NEVER change. He has plans for my family. They are plans to prosper, not to harm us. He has the Waggoner's in the palm of His hand. I cried sweet tears as He wrote these words on my spirit. He restored peace. These promises are for me and they are totally for you. God is so good.

Find ten minutes, if not now, come back some other time and listen to this....Graham Cooke talks about the Nature of God....It is amazing. If you love it, go to youtube and search for Part 1. Just listen and rest....

A little of this and a little of that.....

2011-01-15T17:49:00.000-06:00

This has been a wonderfully relaxing Saturday. We just finished pizza for dinner....the kids ate apples and peanut butter for desert. We ate straight from the box which means no dishes to wash! Clint and I plan to watch a movie after we put the kids to bed.

I got to run four miles today with two of my new friends, Lori and Lisa, in preparation for the Country Music Half Marathon in a few months. We are signed up and excited.

Pizza and a good run are treasures by themselves, but between that fun, I am reading a GREAT book! I am only 3/4 of the way finished but am loving it. I will do an official review of all my reads in a few weeks. If you are looking for an engaging fun book....check this one out.

I just read a great tweet from my Pastor in Birmingham. Pastor Chris Hodges said,

"History belongs to those who pray." Let's make a difference together.

Thanking God in Advance

2011-01-14T09:02:00.000-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

God has been talking to me about not only being thankful for what is presently going on, but also for what I am trusting Him for. That is faith in action.

I am thankful for Carter's age & stage. Thankful that he is crawling on me and kissing me right now.

Faith: I am thankful that Carter will become a mighty man of God that will change the world.

I am thankful for Hope's sweet spirit. I am thankful that I was able to deliver her forgotten book bag back to the bus stop before it left this morning.

Faith: I am thankful for "God-confidence" in Hope. I am thankful that as she grows up, she will see herself as God sees her: His treasured possession. Out of this overflow, she will be a disciple to the nations.

I am thankful for Reagan's tenacity. Thank you God for her kindness in the middle of the night when she helped Carter because he wet the bed.

Faith: Thank you God, for her future. Thank you for that her strengths will be used for Your glory. Thank you for her sphere of influence in high school and college. Thank you that she will reach the world for You.

Thank you God, for this upcoming LIFE study. Thanks for the ladies that you've already appointed to be in the group. Thank you in advance for more depth and life in all of our relationships with you. Thank you for my co-leader and for the great work that you are going to do in and through us.

Thanks you for our new dog. Ugh. I can't believe I just typed that! The Bible says, Be thankful in ALL things! Thank you God, that McKinley is easy going and that she is already crate trained.

Faith: Thank you that she will be a sweet addition to our family. That we will enjoy her as a family unit and that she will contribute to family fun.

Thank you God for my husband. Thank you for his focus and one-track mind. Thank you that he accomplishes more than any other human could imagine. Thank you for his brains, his business sense and his love for you. Thank you for his tender heart toward the children and me. Thank you for his wonderful job and his dreams and passions.

Faith: Thanks in advance for how you are going to use us as a couple in the lives of others. Thank you for direction in our finances and for generosity that can only come from you. Thank you for a strong marriage. Thank you for wisdom and discernment in parenting.

Summoning all Blurkers!

2011-01-12T11:37:00.001-06:00

I read a funny term yesterday that made me laugh:

BLOG + LURKER =BLURKER.

The urban dictionary defines blurker as someone who read a lot of blogs but never posts comments. I am a blurker on some blogs and not on others.

In an effort to strike up a conversation with you, I propose a game:

I have uploaded four of my favorite artist and songs for your enjoyment. Perhaps you will even decide to add one of these songs to your own playlist. They have each played special roles in my relationship with God. I want you to post a comment with a few of your favorite titles....could be the name of a song, book, artist, website....something that has played an important role in your life. I can't wait to check out your favorite things! Don't be a blurker....post a comment! Can't wait to hear from you.

Aaron Keyes: Not Guilty Anymore

Shane and Shane: Your Grace is Sufficient for Me

Kari Jobe: Beautiful

Deluge: Sing of the Blood

3 pieces of Waggoner Breaking News....

2011-01-11T20:48:00.000-06:00

NEWS FLASH ONE:

This week marks the 4th week the Waggoner kids have missed school!

Week One: Christmas break,

Week Two: Week with grandparents while Clint and I escaped to Colorado,

Week Three: Snow Storm 2011.

8" of snow rained down on our city this week. A true winter wonderland. The girls miss school, but love it. Carter loves having his sisters around all week and we all like Clint's abbreviated work schedule. I'm getting a little stir crazy, but have enjoyed extra time with kids and catching up on housework.

Notice the dog in my arms. We will get to that in a moment.

NEWSFLASH TWO:

Other noteworthy Waggoner news.....Notice Carter learning from his dad a skill that I'm told every boy must know....how to pee in the snow. You can see from the small yellow spot in front of Carter that Clint's teaching was successful. More important than going #1 in the snow, is that Carter now does #2 in the potty! Today is the third day running that Carter's business has happened in the the bathroom all by himself! I am so proud of my little boy. He has been playing with the "poo poo train" non-stop.

NEWS FLASH THREE:

Meet McKinley Waggoner.

I didn't even know we were in the market for a dog. Somehow I missed the increasingly strong clues that Clint has been dropping about his desire for a dog. Yes, He's always reflected fondly on his childhood German Shepherds named Caleb and Banditt. I found it strange when he called for details about an invisible fence....but that didn't clue me in either. I finally grasped the idea he was serious on Sunday after church when he got behind the wheel and told me we were headed to Tennessee to buy one. I didn't really believe him, but I also didn't object. It is hard for me to believe we are now dog owners of a 9 week old German Shepperd puppy named McKinley. Not exactly my heart's desire, but she is sweet and Carter is now potty trained.

Why name her McKinley, you ask? The Waggoners have a presidential heritage. See if you can find a pattern:

Clinton Ray Waggoner

Reagan Faith Waggoner

Hope Kennedy Waggoner

Carter Raleigh Waggoner

Leah Bearden Waggoner (No presidential name here....that makes me the First Lady!)

Our newest addition: McKinley Love Waggoner

Reagan leash training the dog. She is definitely the craziest about the dog of the three kids. Hope and Carter haven't fallen as quickly. Please welcome McKinley to our family and say a prayer for me!

Crossroads

2011-01-10T16:59:00.000-06:00

I took this picture in Beaver Creek for several reasons:

1. I thought it would be a while before I saw snow again (Wrong! It snowed 8" in Huntsville today.)

2. I am intrigued with the merging lines in the snow. Let's pause here for a moment.

This sight mesmerizes me. I love the idea of hundreds of people coming down the same path in so many different ways. Take a look at the lines in the snow. They cross at every angle.

-Typically the skinny double lines are made by skilled skiers.

-Skinny single lines are made by skilled snowboarders and,

-Fat single lines are made by more amateur snowboarders, like myself!

Regardless of the angle, the width of the line, or the skill of the skier, all lines end up at the same place: the bottom of the hill.

On most ski mountains out west, the resorts send out grooming equipment daily to smooth all the lines, bumps and lumps that form in the snow. The groomers take the snow back to baseline. As you can see in the picture above, the grooming equipment smooths out every line from the past.

I love this beautiful word picture. As I rode the chairlift up the mountain, I reflected on how God does the same thing for us! It doesn't matter how colorful our past, how miserable our present, the color of our skin, or the amount of money in our pocket. He is in the business of wiping slates clean. The Bible says, He removes our sins as far as the "east is from the west."Ps. 103:12 I love our God because when we allow Him to do what He does best, He Justifies us....said a different way, He makes our pasts, "just as if we had never done it." He performs a miraculous heart transformation. Some things happen immediately, and other things change with time.....It is the easiest decision we can ever make....but it costs us everything. Just as every skier ends up in the same place....we all come to a cross roads at some point where we decide to accept or reject the God of the universe. Accepting His love and living for Him is the best decision I've ever made. Since I made the decision to live for God, I've changed in so many ways.....I still have so far to go, but thank God I am a lot further down the road that I used to be. I want to walk it out with you. It is simple yet we can make it so complex. God says, Draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. James 4:8

Honeymoon 2011

2011-01-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

We brought in the New Year with romance and style. Destination: Beaver Creek, CO. Our hotel was amazing, travel plans flawless, children happy and healthy with grandparents, ski slopes and weather perfect.

We flew into Vale airport. Great plane ride. Read books and slept.

John and Martha Collins

Tom and Lolita Owens

We snowboarded and hung out with good friends on the trip. Many great meals and runs down the mountain together.

My favorite moment of the trip: Back bowls of Vail. This is an uncrowded area of Vail. Backcountry snowboarding. It is really one of those things you have to experience to appreciate....it is AWESOME! Snowboarding through trees and inches of fresh powder was the highlight of my trip. In snowboarding lingo (which cracks me up)....it was "totally broadway, dope, gnarley, milagro...."

A little education for those of you that have never snowboarded. The sport makes me laugh. Clint and I are the most helplessly preppy boarders on the mountain. We are also on the older end of the age spectrum. A few notes about snowboarders:

1. Snowboarders sit down and rest A LOT. It is physically tough on your body. P.S. These are random snowboarders that I never met. They illustrated my point well as they plopped down smack in the middle of a run.

2. Snow borders look pretty grungy. We fit the profile on this day!

3. Snowboarders like the terrain park.....except me! Clint had a ball this year riding his snowboard through jumps and rails. Notice the mound of snow that Clint is walking past to jump again. I remained safely along the side as photographer while he jumped in the air .

After five amazing days snowboarding with my husband, we headed back to Alabama. These are a few aerial views from the airplane on the ride home. God's creation blows my mind.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Is. 55:12

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Ps. 19:1

Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Ps. 148:1

An amazing trip with an awesome husband.

Special thanks to my parents and the Waggoner's. We cannot thank you enough for keeping the children. We appreciate and love you so much.

Ready....Set....Go!

2010-12-30T15:56:00.000-06:00

It is with great anticipation that I announce our upcoming honeymoon trip! We leave on New Year's Day for Beaver Creek, CO...no children for six days!

We are going to have so much fun! I've been preparing for our romantic getaway all week. We've been married 12 years in March and this is the best year yet. Can't wait to get away with my hubby to celebrate the past and a lifetime ahead. Stay tuned for updates on our romantic getaway!

I bought two books to enjoy on the trip. Another blog I follow (http://blueeyedbride.com) rated them as five stars. I'll let you know my book review post trip.

I am pumped to get away with Clint and to get away with God. I know that God is everywhere....that we don't have to go to the mountains to spend time with Him.....anytime we draw near to God He draws near to us. James 4:8.....but Jesus did get away to spend time with His Father, and he even went to a mountain top to pray.

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

I'm excited about spending some time alone with Him in the mountains. Can't wait to report back on all our fun!

Downpour

2010-12-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

Zechariah 10:1 Ask of the Lord rain in the time of latter or spring rain. It is the Lord who makes lightnings which usher in the rain and give men showers, and grass to everyone in the field.

It may sound greedy to some....to ask God for more when we are already so blessed, but read the verse again. It is so beautiful. It says, ask for rain when it is already raining! It isn't greedy at all....It is God's heart for His children to ask for gifts. So, I am going to do what His word says. I am going to celebrate the last few days, search for the treasures in each day, and ask for more. Why don't you do the same? The promise for us in the second part of the verse is that when we ask for more, He gives showers and grass to everyone in the field. That means all those around me will be blessed as well! Wow. We serve an awesome God.

Mom and dad's house. Lord, thank you for blessing me with AMAZING parents. I ask for blessings on their health, their finances, for a long life and for even more intimacy in our family. I thank you that you turn the hearts of Children to their fathers and fathers to their children. Malachi 4:6

Thank you for my beautiful children. Thank you for wisdom and discernment in parenting. I ask for more. Prov. 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her.

Thank you for family fun. I ask for more of it.
For more laughter. Gen. 21:6 God has brought me laughter.

Thank you God for my precious nieces and nephews. I ask for
even tighter bonds between these children. For health, and strong
self esteems. For love overflowing. I Sam. 25:6 Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours."

Peace

2010-12-25T11:12:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I love how Luke says, "on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." He didn't say, "Peace on Earth" in fact, the only place that the words "Peace on Earth" can be found in the bible is in Luke 12:51. Check this out, Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? NO, I tell you, but division. He is the Prince of Peace, but we aren't promised Peace on Earth. We are promised peace in our lives when we fall in love with and live for Him.

Thank you, Lord, that you give us peace in our lives through a relationship with you!

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Christmas Eve Service. We got to take communion as a family for the first time. Very special.

Hot cocoa with marshmallows and a story before bedtime

Reagan and Hope taking Santa's cookies to fireplace. Also a few carrots and apples for reindeer.

Children made sure tree looked lovely before Santa's arrival

He arrived! Christmas morning. Fun toys and lots of excitement.

Dreams of a white Christmas came true.

Grouch

2010-12-22T05:00:00.008-06:00

Ouch. I learned a good lesson today. Allow me to set the stage....I've been encountering a person that is less than nice lately. To call him Oscar the Grouch would be a major understatement.

Poor guy, he doesn't have anything nice to say to anyone. Each time I talk to this person, my blood pressure rises and I've started getting getting an attitude right back at him. I've even convinced myself that it is okay to treat him like he is treating me. I've been haughtily thinking....."I'm a volunteer." "I'm doing my best." "I'm kind and you aren't nice." I am a volunteer that is doing my best, BUT....

Tonight I saw this person, and again he was rude. As he said a few not so nice comments to me, I jumped back in his face. Clint cringed as I acteded like a brat back at this mean person. I suddenly knew that I was totally out of line. When we got back in the car, he kindly and appropriately talked me back down to baseline.

He reminded me that I don't know that other person's situation. I don't know that they may be going through a divorce or just lost their job. He reminded me that person will likely never want to become a Christian if this is how they act. He said it kindly and I am glad he called me out. He is exactly right. I don't want to be run over by this rude person, but a more appropriate response would've been, "I don't know what is going on, obviously we had a miscommunication." Smile and move away. We never know what someone is going through and what is motivating their bad mood. Compassion is key.....Thanks Clint for pointing me back in the right direction! I love you.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12

Blue

2010-12-21T05:00:00.007-06:00

I felt a little blue yesterday. I spent too much time today looking backward rather than looking ahead. We've been here for 1.5 years. I love Huntsville, love my new friends, our life. I feel like I should be settled and totally at home by now. This is the most "wonderful time of the year" and I have an amazing family....Shouldn't I be filled with happiness?

The truth is that I didn't feel super happy yesterday, but I am filled with joy. God is showing me that I can feel blue but still have a spirit that is filled with joy. No one can take my joy. My joy comes from the Lord and it is deep within me.

Moving is such a process. It takes time to settle in. Time to find our way around, make friends, find a church and get all the mail forwarded. It takes time to unpack the kitchen and time to find where to get my hair done. It takes time to learn who to trust and where to invest my time. We have figured some of these things out, and are still working on others. We love where we live and know that we are where God wants us, but I still feel "new" on days like today. The people are great, my home is beautiful and we are all healthy, but these feelings still come. The good news is that "His mercies are new every morning" and I know these feelings are temporary. A wise theologian named Kathryn Mitchell once said, "Feelings aren't facts, they are just feelings."

God has been showing me a lot this month through this verse: Phil 3:13-14 But one thing I do, forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. I press on to reach the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. I sat down at the computer to write feeling blue...not quite sure why, I guess it is just one of those days. As I put my focus on the Lord of the universe, my soul lifted. It isn't comfortable or easy to pull myself away from my soulish feelings, but we are in a race and we have to stay focused on the prize in order to win. When we draw near to God He draws near to us. God is good. He is good and He cares.

Thank you God that my soul finds rest in You alone. You are my rock and my salvation. Psalm 62