Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Life, and giving thanks to God!

has been wonderful lately!

I know I have not been posting, and I am not sure why I have not been. But, I am trying to get back into the routine and trying to be more focused and task oriented.

Although it is just near the end of September, Manda has been back in school since August 10 - and has already received her first report card! She is doing a great job balancing her junior year of high school and it's load of classes. And, of course, she loves being able to drive herself to and from school every day. (Only the upper class students are able to get parking permits which allow them to park on campus.)

Parking passes - oh yeah! That was pretty stressful in and of itself. The school only issues each (junior or senior) student 1 parking pass which is assigned to a specific vehicle and which can not be transferred between cars. Let's just leave it with: 4 phone calls and several conversations later - we were able to find a resolution that satisfies everyone.

It is hard to believe Amanda has been a CA licensed driver since December of last year. Soon; she'll be able to have friends with her in the car. That is pretty scary. Right now when she is out and about it is just her in the car. I have to admit to being a little nervous of allowing her to drive her friends around. That is a HUGE responsibility. Hopefully her friends will respect her while she is driving and understand that it is a privilege to have friends in the car, not a right.

Stamping - I have not been stamping at all lately. I was in a funk and had lost sight of myself for a bit. But - I think I am headed back into that happiness which is normal for me, and that means the creative energy should be starting to flow again soon.

Speaking of losing myself and not coping with it very well - I have to say that I am very grateful that I work for amazing people who genuinely care about the people around them. It is because of Jill that I put on my big girl pants and went to the doctor to see "what the heck?" was up with me. Turns out I was severely anemic. It has been a month and following the good doctor's advise I am on the path back to happy.

Of course that is not the only reason I am feeling better. The main reason is that Manda and I have found a spiritual home for worship and praise!!!!! Hallelujah!!! We used to attend church on Sunday because that is what you are supposed to do. But, it felt meaningless and empty. Now we are attending Church of the Harvest and feeling the blessing of Him all the time!!!! The difference in our lives is already noticeable. So wonderful! Thank you Church of the Harvest for accepting us with open arms, and thank you God, for loving us as we are.

We've been chuch every Sunday for several months now, and attended meetings and an inspirational concert by Red Rain that was ..... oh my goodness wonderful! Their spiritual message at the end of the concert was fabulous.

Manda and I attended a woman's conference through the church. It's title was "Shattered but Not Broken." I was in awe at the message I received and touched to my core at the feelings that I experienced. I may be shattered, but I am not broken and I do not have to be perfect. I can do the best I can, hold my head up high and know that I am God's child and perfect in His eyes ---- awesome!!! Talk about giving me power over my life, it restored my faith in me. It freed me of the burden I was carrying and helped me to focus on each and every day. Pastor Cindy was very inspirational. I loved every moment.

I thank God for the way He works in our lives. He has touched my family and blessed us so many times over the years. Recently He reached out and blessed us as my brother Randy became a pastor for his chuch in Nevada. Manda and I attended the ceremony which had been timed to coincide with my brother's 50th birthday. For those who don't know, my brother is a recovering alcholic with 8 years of sobriety and 8 years of walking in obedience of God. Without Him, my brother would not still be alive. Without Him, my family would have been devastated.

Because of God, our family was able to celebrate my bother, and in turn we celebrated the Lord, our God.

Thank you God for paying our price. Thank You for Your sacrifice.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Amazing Love; how can it be?

How is it that my King died for me? He paid my price so that I could live. So that I could live. That is an amazing love. I am grateful for Him

Hillsong --- The Potters Hand ---

Having heard and worshipped with this song which touced my soul and heart on Friday night during the Church of the Harvest's Women's Conference: "Shattered but NOT broken, this song has quickly become one of the praise and worship songs I listen to everyday. In many ways, my evening prayers to God mirror the lyrics.

I have given myself to the Potter's Hand. He is my maker, He is my savior. He is my provider, He is my King. He gave His life for me, and I will worship Him and rejoice!