Be an Example

Being a Christian is a difficult job sometimes. In order to lead people to Christ, you must not only establish a strong relationship with the Lord, but you must live the Word as an example to others. Your actions can sometimes speak louder than what you have to say. You can't put a fish on the back of your car and then expect people to follow when you're flipping off the driver that just cut you off. Maybe you go to church on Sunday, but co-workers see the way you act Monday through Friday and have no idea that you're a Christian with your constant gossip and backstabbing. We can't live one life while pretending to lead another. You must be an example for Him, no excuses. It's not an easy life, but one with heavenly rewards if we do it right.

"Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
I Timothy 4:12

It's Finally Here

I think I can safely say that spring has arrived. It's absolutely beautiful here now with all the green grass, the daffodils and tulips blooming, as well as all the other spring flowers. The trees are budding in full force and there is that fresh smell in the air. I never thought it would come. It was a long winter, and I'm sure my blog readers grew tired of the subject of snow, but it was a winter never to forget. However, we made it. That's behind us, and the hope of spring is here. As with any trial in life, the hope of God's love will see you through the difficult times.

"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."
Psalm 119:50

Our Hard Worker

On Saturday, my sister and I had a discussion on a "phase" that both of our girls are experiencing these days. We're going through the transition of having no responsibilities around the house to expecting chores to be done and not having to ask for a clean room, brushing teeth and hair, making bed, etc. We were venting to each other because both girls seem to kind of be in their own little world...sort of a selfish world. It takes a few times before they actually do what what they're told to do because they want to finish what they want to do, not what they have to do. It's a difficult one at times, and I admit that my sister and I have high expectations. I'm sure it's our little preview of what's to come in the teen-age years.

However, the very next day, I was humbled by the amazing acts of my little girl as I watched her work hard in the garden, in the flower beds, and in the house. Every minute, she asked me if there was something she could do for me. Granted, it was Mother's Day, but I know that we have instilled the value of hard work and the reward of doing good for others. It may not show up on some days, but it has taken root in her and will be there for the rest of her life. We are blessed as parents to have this precious little kiddo.

"Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Happy Mother's Day

My husband and I are two very blessed people. We have the most amazing mothers that help us out at a moment's notice, both living nearby. With the things we're going through, life would be so much tougher without them around. We thank you for your constant love and support this Mother's Day.

We are also blessed in the fact that all of our grandmothers are still here, and our daughter has had the chance to get to know each one of them. We're thankful for their presence in our lives, and the examples they have set.

So Happy Mother's Day to the women in our lives. We appreciate each one of you, and may the weekend be full of blessings for all you do.

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.
~Marion C. Garretty

P.S. A very special thank you to the "yada yada group" in Boise that will be running the Race for the Cure tomorrow. I don't know each of you personally, but I am extremely touched by your prayers and support. I'll be thinking of you!

Our Only Hope

It's one thing to acknowledge that God is our only hope, but does the way we live our lives on a daily basis reflect that reality? All day long God longs for our company. All day long God longs to show mercy to us. All day long God loves to hear our needy hearts and filly our thirsty lives. Today, let's drink deeply of the one who is our hope all day long.

~Sheila Walsh

Feeling Safe

She had a horrible nightmare so she crawled in my lap. I rocked her back to sleep last night and just stared at the precious little angel in my arms. Granted, she takes up my entire lap these days, almost a second grader, but she has that same adorable, little face that I have looked down on for 7 1/2 years. She was at peace in my lap, and I was at peace with her there. It's a feeling like no other. A feeling of contentment, of love, and being safe.

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, oh Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8

No One is to Blame

The Kentucky Derby was overshadowed with tragedy once again this weekend. The beautiful filly, Eight Belles, broke both her front ankles after courageously crossing the finish line in second place. It was an amazing effort by the filly, but such a sad ending to her glorius finish. What saddens me the most is the amount of blame people want to place on her jockey, her trainer, and the sport of horse racing. These people are grieving for their filly and now they have to defend their way of life and the love of their precious filly. Tragedy happens. It's no fault of anyone's. Bad things happen and none of us are immune to it. All we can do is find a way to deal with it and grow in some way regardless of how painful it is.

"The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works."
Psalm 145:9