From Rags To Riches

God is Good.

After that last post - which came at a very difficult and sad time for me - God gave me a precious picture of His love for His children. In the womens' Bible study that I am a part of, we are studying Zechariah. The week that I was going through a tough time my lesson to study was Zechariah 3. It was perfect timing for me to read that lesson and be reminded of how good God is... and I don't believe in coincidences. I know that God planned that because He knew I would need that message that week. I'd like to share with you this precious picture that is painted in the Scripture...

Zechariah 3:1-5 (NIV)

"Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, 'The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?' Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.' Then I said, 'Put a clean turban on his head. So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by.'"

Isn't that a beautiful picture? Even the high priest was covered in filthy rags because he was human... not perfect... none of us are... we are all in filthy rags. Then we see Satan standing right beside him ready to accuse. But I love this next part... the LORD rebukes Satan - the accuser - and from then on Satan is silent. Instead of condemning Joshua for his sin, God has him redressed. He exchanges his filthy clothes for "rich garments". And that's not the best part... He forgives him of his sin!

If you've never experienced that I hope you will humble yourself before the LORD and accept His precious gifts of forgiveness, grace, mercy & love. It's a gift... free... all you have to do is be willing to surrender your life to Him and follow His will. Make Him Lord and Savior today!

Praise Him In The Storm

When it rains it pours.

Have you ever heard that expression? Well, it was definitely true for me today. Satan tried to drag me down today. While I may have shed some tears and had my heart fall into my stomach, I steadfastly hold on to the promise that God is in control. Not only is He in control, but He is also good. After an agonizing day He gave me this sweet reminder in the gift of song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The storm may be raging, but I will continue to praise Him!

Birthday SURPRISE!!!

Joel got me a few things a couple of weeks ago for my birthday, so I told him NOT to do anything on my actual birthday - and I really meant it. I was planning on just taking it easy at home, enjoying time with family, and getting ready for our first week of our new school schedule.

He didn't listen. He had his own ideas.

After church he sent the girls away with his parents to spend the night and told me to get in the car and we were on our way. He took me to Arkansas to a very secluded, peaceful, romantic, and beautiful cabin on Beaver Lake. This lake has significance to us because it is where he brought me over 12 years ago to propose to me!

Beaver Lakefront Cabins are absolutely wonderful and I'm sure we'll be back when we can spend more than one night. Each cabin is beautiful and spacious with a huge king size bed, double jacuzzi, oversized shower with multiple massaging heads, full kitchen, fireplace, 42" HDTV with surround sound, enclosed porch, and a large deck overlooking the lake.

Cabin's Private Entrance

Screened Porch

Deck overlooking lake

Lake View

Kitchen

Fireplace, TV & Lounging Chairs

Jacuzzi

Rustic Log Bed

Bathroom complete with robes and slippers for both of us!

I recommend this place to anyone needing a couple's getaway. It is perfectly peaceful and beautiful.

Thanks, Honey, for pampering me for my birthday! What a treat!

I Love YOU!

Baptism

Zora was baptized Sunday night at church. This was already a very special event, but it became even more special because she was baptized by her Papa Donnie who is ordained. It was his first baptism to perform and he got to experience that with his own granddaughter. What a blessing for our family!

Zora had many people come to our church to share this special time with her...

Papa Doug & Nana Betty
Papa Joe, Jennifer & Jake
Papa Donnie & Mamma Dee
Ryan, Shoulaunda, Keno & London
Gina, Nathan & Alli
Jamie
John & Betty
Nancy "Griggs"
Kristy
Joe & Kari
Jeremy

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share that special moment with Zora. It's a moment we will never forget!

Video of baptism

Fabulous Friends

I truly have the greatest friends in the world. The moms that come to playgroup are so very special to me, and this past Friday they showered me with numerous blessings. They presented me with this huge basket of all kinds of wonderful things that I love! There was so much stuff in it that I was literally overwhelmed.

The basket is beautiful and I can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in my house. I became a little suspicious that they had been snooping around my house when I was unaware, or maybe even had some hidden cameras in my house because they filled it FULL of everything that I love! They knew what kind of shampoo & deodorant I use, the candle scents they picked were perfect, and even the colors of nail polish they gave me is what I would have picked for myself! There were so many things in that basket that I can't even begin to list them all! I realized that my friends are very special... they take time to go out of their way to notice the little things that make someone feel special and selflessly give! What a blessing :-)

So, THANK YOU! to all of my playgroup moms who participated. You truly are a blessing in my life. You and your children are precious to me and my family. Thank you for pampering me on my birthday... I can't wait to use all of my stuff!!!

My Famous Family

You may not have known this, but my family has recently become famous!

Several weeks ago my dad was on TV (FOX News) for a back-to-school story. It was a live feed video, so I cannot locate it online, but he was interviewed at a local Reasor's for the back-to-school supply drive.

Then, this past week, my husband and brother were stopped by News Channel 8 to be interviewed for another story about the risks involved for people who work in the heat. My brother actually was the one they interviewed (which is funny because he only works for us on occasion), but Joel's business name is mentioned and if you watch really closely you can see Joel in the background mowing while they are talking with my brother. I think my brother did a great job in the interview! See what you think!



I think I will be the family agent from now on, so if you'd like any autographs just let me know :-)

Zora's Birthday!!!

This past week we celebrated Zora's 7th Birthday! I cannot believe it has been seven years since she was born. Instead of having a big party this year she chose to keep things simple and then do something special just as a family. Here are some highlights of our different celebrations this week.

Birthday morning opening presents

Modeling her new hat

She chose to go to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch on her birthday. Here's Zora & Lily watching Chuck E. Cheese sing.
She was allowed to invite one friend to come along for lunch and she chose Aubrey. As you can tell all three girls loved it!

Aub & Zora

Later that night we had cake as a family and sang to her. Then on Friday our playgroup friends celebrated with her as well with a breakfast brunch. They sang to her too!

Friday night we took her on her special day that we had promised her in lieu of a big party. We went to Siloam Springs to a steakhouse and then spent the night at a hotel. Then on Saturday morning we went to Flint Creek and played in the water all day long. The girls had an absolute blast! They enjoyed trying to catch fish, jumping off cliffs, and playing in the waterfalls. We also had a little cookout there at a campsite.

Girls in the water

Jumping off the shorter cliffs


Lily taking a break with Daddy

Zora seems to make friends wherever she goes. She also usually tends to take charge of any situation. This trip was no different. She quickly made friends with some other children playing nearby and they all worked together to catch a fish. Although she was one of the smaller children in the group she had no problem delivering orders!

Catching the fish

After they caught the fish lots of other children decided they wanted to join in on the fun. That poor fish!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ZORA!!!
WE LOVE YOU!