Isn't she lovely?

I found this picture of Kristen, my youngest daughter, on my computer and made it my puter background. Isn't she just precious beyond words? She's with her dad this week in KY and I sure miss her!

A Quick Word

What a week, huh? America has lost three of its icons this week - CRAZY!

My 16 yo left for Costa Rica this morning. They actually left for Atlanta yesterday and were flying to C.R. early this morning. It sorta hit me yesterday and I kept praying to not freak out! It worked!

How many of you are fans of Dayspring? I wanted to share the sites of two of the Dayspring writers in case you haven't met them yet! Roy Lessin and Holley Gerth. They both share great gems on their blogs. I can't seem to find words to describe them, so I guess that means you gotta go and visit them!

I'm about to put the computer away and do something with my day. I received an unexpected gift yesterday and I plan to get a mani/pedi with it today!

A Tag, Review & Giveaway!

My bloggy friend Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family recently tagged me to post the 10th picture in the 1st folder on my computer. (The 1st folder part sorta threw me a curve so I took it to be the general picture folder.) What's funny is that the kids always complain that I have so many pictures of Maggie but so few of them, and what's the 10th picture in the folder? A picture of Maggie! that one of the kids made on faceinhole.com (hee hee hee)

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

A while back, I was given the opportunity to review Skin Care Products from Skin Free.

I love to review products because it gives me an opportunity to try something I might not otherwise try (and I get stuff for FREE people). So, I was able to try their products and not only that, they are giving YOU the opportunity to try their products by winning a $30 gift certificate for use at their products.

The following tidbit about Skin Free is from their website:
Recommended for individuals with:

• Extreme Dry Skin
• Skin or Fragrance Allergies
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pregnant Moms
• Babies
• The Elderly
• Diabetics
• Renal Patients
• After Radiation or Chemotherapy

Pharmacist formulated and doctor recommended patented formulas for delicate, sensitive and very dry or damaged skin.

• All Natural, Vegan Ingredients
• No Perfumes
• No Petroleum Products
• No Harmful Chemicals
• No Steroids
• No Colorants
• No Greasy feeling
• No Animal Testing, Cruelty Free

One of the products I was sent I just absolutely love. (I was also sent the bar soap and I liked it, but I like shower gel and I didn't use much of the soap.)

After Shower Moisture Spritz™

This is an innovative use for an ancient product. We have taken our delectable bath oil and placed it in an easy to use spritz bottle. This gives you the perfect moisturizing solution for people who always take showers. Our fine mist spray bottle allows you to reach all areas of your body, even the middle of your back.

Spray this light, but effective blend of oils and Vitamin E onto moist, warm skin immediately after your shower for maximum hydration. As you towel dry, the oils soak deep into your skin to leave you free from dry, itching skin all day, with no greasy feeling afterward.

Our oils are selected to offer the richest content of anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your skin.

Safety Information: The Environmental Working Group has rated this product 0 in it's Cosmetics Safety Database.

Score Key:

• 0-2 Low Hazard
• 3-6 Moderate Hazard
• 7-10 High Hazard

Ingredients: Our After Shower Moisture Spritz™ contains - Olea Europea (Olive) Seed Oil, Prunes Amgdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

'm always a little doubtful of oil that isn't going to be...well...oily after I use it. This product is great! It doesn't take much to achieve maximum effects and it's NOT OILY! I just keep it on my shower ledge and use it before I grab my towel. My skin stays moisturized but NOT OILY. I LOVE IT.

How to enter!

I bet you're wondering how to enter the giveaway, aren't you? Here's what you do. Go to Skin Free and look at their different products. Then, come back here and tell me how you'd use your $30 gift certificate. If you link to the this post, come back and enter again. If you twitter or Facebook about it, leave another entry and let me know. You don't have to follow my blog, but if you already do, BAM another entry! So, you have the opportunity to enter 5 different times (twitter and Facebook are two different entries). (Just make sure you leave a comment for each type of entry.)

If you don't win the giveaway, you can order the products from the Skin Free website or now you can buy them at Walgreen's! I'll end this giveaway Monday, June 22, before I go to bed and depending on the number of entries, I'll post the winner then (or if there are a lot and I hope there are, it'll be on Tuesday before the winner is announced)!

It's hot here in Alabama. Try to stay cool if it's hot where you are!

I got questions - do you have answers?

If you've done the Beth Moore Esther bible study, you might recognize the following questions. The central theme is that it's tough being a woman (boy, ain't it?). We're putting together a book in our class and I'm interested in what other people have to say :). Would you share one or all of the answers the questions below? You can submit it as yourself or anonymously.

1. Please list three ways it's hard to be a woman.

Share:

2. Favorite recipes

3. Tips (entertainment, beauty, etc.)

4. Favorite promises from Scripture

5. Best advice you've received (or wish you had received)

6. Advice you've given (or wish you had given)

7. Something you were told about being a woman (by mom, aunt, grandmother, sister, etc.)

I'm off for another fun filled work day! I hope you have a great day too!

Mother's Day Giveaways - MochaWithLinda

Giveaways with MochawithLinda!

Linda and I have very similar reading tastes and we review some of the same books. So, I'm thrilled to share she has a giveaway going on at her blog and it's for BOOKS!! Many different types of books and most (if not all) are autographed. Go over and see what Linda has to offer. She'll bless your socks off!

Got S.O.A.P.?

Do you ever wonder why it takes so many times to get something through your thick head, or is that just me? I'm on day 4 of being a 5:16 gal. (I'm pretty impressed that I'm awake but please hold the applause...) Despite the fact of hearing what to do during quiet time, I have not put it into application. When I've had my quiet time, it's been during a time when I'm taking a bible study. I began to feel this wasn't enough and wasn't really what I felt God wanted me to do. (Yes, do the study, but spend time with just Him as well.)

I asked for suggestions (legalistic much?) on how others spent their quiet time and my friend and fellow Siesta, Susanne, sent me this link for S.O.A.P. I was encouraged to see the author crediting Pastor Wayne Cordeiro for this method, as I had the honor of hearing Brother Wayne speak (through video) about this just last year! (Forget much?)

Here are some tips from Greg Qualls' blog (plus he has a link to hear Pastor Wayne speak. You'll be blessed to hear him speak). If you have more tips, I'd love to hear them!

Tip #2:
Have all the right resources. Wayne suggests that when you sit down to spend time in the Bible, you should have the following items.

1. A Bible - This is a no brainer. But make sure it is version that you can understand (different versions of the Bible are written at different reading levels). I use the ESV…but you might find another version to your liking. Just go to your local book store and test a few out. See how easy they are to read and if you can understand the words that are being used.
2. A Journal - This is where you are going to write down your thoughts. I use a blog to keep my daily thoughts, and it works well for me. Plus, I can share with my friends my daily reflections. Otherwise Wayne recommends using a paper journal and using the first few pages to keep an index of what you are learning. This way you can look back and see what your have been learning (another reason I use a blog…this is done automatically for me).
3. A Reading Plan - Use whatever you want. Just have a plan. (Cathy note: oh a plan...I see which step I'm missing.) I am using the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan to read through the Bible each year. But you could make it as simple as reading two chapters a day or two pages. Whatever you do use a plan or else you’ll spend half your time trying to figure out what to read.
4. A Planner - It’s going to happen. You are going to be in the middle of having a wonderful time with God. Journaling your heart our…and you are going to remember that you’re out of milk. This is where your planner comes in handy. You can write down, “get milk” and go right back to your journaling. If you don’t have a planner, just use a scratch piece of paper. This is probably the best advice that I got from Wayne. I don’t know how many times my God time was hijacked by random thoughts of things I need to do for the day.

Tip #3:

Use S.O.A.P. This is Wayne’s structure for your time with God. It stands for the following:
Scripture: Start off with the Bible. Read the verses that are on your plan for the day.
Observation: As you read, write down any observations that you have from the text. I use the questions, “Who is God?,” and “How do I enjoy Him?,” to focus my observations even better.
Application: Based on what you have read…what should you do? I try to make this practical and realistic. I set a goal for the day based upon my reading. Write it down and hold yourself accountable to it.
Prayer: Last but not least, spend some time in prayer to God. Confess and repent of any sins that were brought to light while you were reading. Spend time thanking God. Also spend some time in silence listening to God.

Tip #4: Keep it simple. The goal of your time with God is to try to grow closer to Him. It’s not to check off your list. Don’t add extra burdens to this focus. “I have to make at least 15 observations.” “I have to write at least 5 pages in my journal.” “I have to pray for at least 45 minutes.” The goal is to spend time with God and to grow closer to Him. Do what it takes to do just that…the rest is just distractions, burdens, and religion.

So there you have the basics. Have a plan. Get S.O.A.P.

What You Don't Say To Your Wife

Thanks to SanDe for today's funny!
So To Speak: What You Don't Say To Your Wife

3 GIRLS MOM: It's A Challenge. Are You Willing To Accept?

3 GIRLS MOM: It's A Challenge. Are You Willing To Accept?

Go, read, participate!

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

Random Things - Tagged by Linda

I've been tagged by my friend Linda on this post - Mocha with Linda Random Things. She wants to know more about me (and really who can blame her), so I'm willing participant! Linda, I hope after you read mine, we'll stay friends!

If any of you who read this blog want to participate, PLEASE DO! I won't tag anyone since I'm still having an identity problem (with the blogs) and I'm not sure who of my followers over there is actually seeing anything I post.

Here's some random things about me that you might not have known (and you might wish you hadn't learned!).

1. I have drawn a complete blank (my choo choo train has derailed).

2. I'm an email junkie. I'm constantly checking my email and clearing out any unread items. Problem with this is that if I don't respond immediately then I sometimes forget to respond at all. I check my email on my phone (through my web browser) and that can cause some very forgetful issues.

3. I wanted to be a nurse when I was growing up and I even went to school for about 2 years. Somewhere along the way, I figured out I don't like the blood and gore that goes along with being a nurse, so I changed my mind. BUT, what's so random, is that I LOVE watching medical shows that might or might not show blood and gore.

4. I wish I knew how to do the nifty "strikeout" word feature on Blogger. I really like it and find posts with it used particularly hilarious. I figured it out *cough* or maybe Linda told me!

5. I have blog envy which is one reason I change the design of mine frequently. I've been trying to find one I really like but not copy someone else's.

6. I have no trouble piping up in a meeting and talking but I get really nervous talking in front of a big group of people. I also do better speaking when I just sort of go with the flow instead of planning something out. There's a lot of prayer involved in those moments (by me and the people listening too!).

7. When I was growing up, I lived in 3 places all within a mile of each other. When I was 5, we moved from an apartment to a house down the street. When I was 11, our house was victim to a fire so while it was being fixed, we lived in another apartment close by. (We still had to go check on our hound dog!) After I graduated from high school, I moved to Atlanta and lived in three different places within a year and a half! From there, I moved to New Jersey, back to Alabama, then to Charleston, SC (where I can't even count all the moves we made 4 moves) to Alb. NM (1 place) back to Charleston (3 more moves) to Seattle, WA (3 moves) and then back to Birmingham, AL. (3 moves) I've been happy to live in the same place for the past 4 years! PHEW! (SEVENTEEN MOVES! I can't even blame the military for most of those moves!)

8. Since # 1 wasn't really something random, more like something that happens all the time, I'm going to add one more. I'm a reality TV junkie, but not like Big Brother or those types of shows. I like the home improvement, clean house, buy houses, etc. type of shows! I also really like the crime and prison shows!

Ok, Linda...still hanging with me? Thank you for tagging me!

Cathy

Pay It Forward!

Go to Mocha with Linda's blog for a chance to win one of three great music DVDs! Go on now - whatcha waiting for? Thank you, Linda, for having me as the winner of your last giveaway!

(Which reminds me of a post I previously did...I must go find...you visit Linda and I'll be back in a jiff. Ok, I'm back. Phew that took a while! I wrote this in Jan. of 2006.)

1/7/06

Pay it forward
What a great concept to pay it forward. You are helped by someone and in return you help someone else when he/she needs it.

Years ago, my infant nephew was at the doctor's office for his third week checkup. Such a cute little angel he is. He went blue though while at the doctor's office. And the start of a long (but successful) and trying process started for my brother-in-law and his wife, and of course my nephew. He was diagnosed with a very rare heart problem. The only doctor who could help him was in San Francisco. Little Charlie was medivacc'd to San Francisco. Greg & Angela needed to get their as well, but did not have the funds to take such a quick and expensive flight. (FYI, this is my ex-husband’s brother’s family.)

The start of pay it forward for our family began right then. One of the nurses offered them the money for the flight. I can't remember the exact amount, but it cost somewhere between $1000 to $1500. Her only requirement for such a generous gift was that they help someone when they could. She had been helped by someone and this person's requirement was that she pay it forward.

I'm happy to say that little Charlie is almost 6 now. He still has some medical problems and will still require additional surgeries and such the older he becomes. He's so darn adorable (though he doesn't want you to touch him). (Another side note, he’s almost 9 now! They recently moved to California to be closer to a facility specializing in autism.)

It has been my experience that if I have been able to help someone, I am not looking for his or her thanks or for repayment. It is very rewarding for me to be able to share. I only ask that he or she pay it forward as well. You never know when your generosity will make a world of difference to someone.

I just finished watching the movie Pay It Forward (gotta love TBS!) and as always was very touched by the message it spreads. Below is the link for the Pay it Forward foundation. If so inclined, check it out!
Pay It Forward Organization

(Updated 3/5/09~Now we're facing medical problems my nephew, but my nephew from James' side of the family. The outpouring of love and support has been tremendous. Mike's Baton Rouge neighbor told him that she donated monthly to St. Jude's Hospital, and she offered to pay for his next month's rent. When he told the neighbor he would be out of the apartment this weekend, she offered to pay him the money instead. I don't know anything about this neighbor or the story she might have to offer behind such a generous act, but I know that Mike won't be able to repay her in the coming months/years. My prayer is that he'll pay it forward, just like I'm sure he will.)

(P.P.S. - My brother, who passed away 7 years ago this month, was never married nor had any children. I love children and I always wanted my own little nieces and nephews to love on and adore. I've been fortunate enough to be married to two men who had a niece or a nephew or BOTH, and so I've claimed them as my own. Just because the marriage doesn't work out doesn't mean I stop loving those little ones. My niece is graduating from high school this year!!)


“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

I SQUEALED when I saw this...

CrownLaidDown Designs - Blog Designs by Patty & Holly -GO LOOK AT IT! Seriously! (I updated the link on 12/21/09.)

I think a lot of Patty & Holly (I have that wonderful agape love for both of them) and I pray this venture will go well for both of them.

You know, I'm having the whole identity crisis so I'm hoping I can afford to be a customer :-)!


“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Prayer Request *update*

**UPDATE 2/7/09* McShane is scheduled for a biopsy on Monday to test for osteosarcoma and it's severity. Praise God for St. Jude's Hospital and the treatment they offer for this type of cancer. Thank you for your prayers. I'm praying for God to do what He loves to do - show up and show off! AMEN!*

*UPDATE 2/2/09* Tomorrow, they will be heading to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, TN and going to the Solid Tumor Clinic. McShane still hasn't had a biopsy ~ I imagine that will be done on Thursday. What they think it is is osteosarcoma. I'm bathing them both in prayer and if you're helping me do that too, you'll never know how thankful I am!*

My husband's 13 yo nephew, McShane, has an abnormal growth behind his knee that appears to be some type of tumor. The doctors aren't sure if it's growing out of the bone or if it's wrapped around the bone. McShane & Mike (the dad) went to the doctor Thursday thinking it was something minor and were stunned to be referred to specialists. They are on their way today to New Orleans (they recently moved to Baton Rouge) for a biopsy. Mike was told he could expect to be there at least 2 - 3 days.

Mike is self-employed as a contractor, which is why he moved to Baton Rouge where there appeared to be more employment opportunity. He was supposed to start a large job today, which now he can't. His business has been down and money is very scarce. Also, he has no health insurance.

I pray that you'll join me in praying that regardless of what the tests reveal that Mike, McShane and James will look up to our Father and grab a hold of His hand. Only He will be able to bring us through the rocky road ahead. I pray that I'm used for God's glory and not to His detriment. That I will be able to remain strong and help show them Him!

Thank you!!!!


“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

What a neat site!

I appreciate a good website and a place where info can be easily shared (this is one of the things I really like about blogger.com). There is a new site that I highly recommend to anyone who is in a group (in my case it's bible study groups, but it could be any type of group) and wants an easy way to communicate and share with each other.

Here's what the site says:

Qlubb is a free, easy-to-use online group site. With online rsvp, sign-up sheets, custom URL, file/photo sharing, auto reminders and much more, Qlubb is the easiest way to organize and manage your group's events, activities and members. It's perfect for school classrooms, scout troops, sports teams, book clubs, hobbyists, religious groups, families, etc!

I set my site up for my Sunday school group and my Wednesday bible study group (I guess I could have set up different ones for each group...maybe later - we'll see if they sign up!). I'm thinking about setting one up for my Celebrate Recovery team, as well.

If you're in the market for an online gathering place where all members can be involved, this is the place to go! www.qlubb.com

You'll be wanting to thank me, I just know it. So, You Are Welcome!

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The Lemonade Award

I won an award! I'm so tickled and I feel so blessed to have received this one from my friend Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family.

Like her, I wasn't sure what the award was for, but she explains in on her blog and it's such a sweet award. It's for someone showing great attitude and/or the spirit of gratitude. Thank you, Cathy!

The Lemonade Award:

So here is the award and the rules.

#1 You must link back to the person you received the award from.
#2 You have to nominate 10 bloggers who show great attitude and/or gratitude.

So, let me think. I have so many people to whom this award can go. This will be in no particular order:

Mary Snyder

Second Cup of Coffee

Mocha with Linda

God is Able

The Preachers Wife

Becoming Me (happy birthday!)

The Simple Wife

Truly Captivating

Big Mama

DeeDee

(Wow that's hard to just name 10 and to pick the 10!)

May God bless each of you as you continually bless me.
Agape~



“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

5 Minutes for Mom wants you to share!

5minutesformom.com wants to know what your New Year's Resolutions are. Pop over, add your link with Mr. Linky and get to know some new folks in the process!

I hope you're having a great day and New Year ;).



“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Wow...

I was just looking over my previous posts and except for the precious post about my new grandson (29 is really too young to be a grandmother - work with me here), I have only been a copy/paste blogger of late. Well, I did post the snazzy picture of my husband in his uniform all decked out.

I have so much going on, and yet not much going on. You know what I mean? (A lot of busyness...)

(I love the picture of Santa praying to baby Jesus. I have a beautiful figurine and ornament like this. I think I even have a bell!)

Let me just say that I have done not ONE BIT of Christmas shopping. Do you see that - NO CHRISTMAS shopping has been done at my house! You probably wonder why - well financial is one reason and my girls don't know what they want!!!!!! James said he doesn't want anything (that's what he always says) and I don't know what my mom wants. (We don't buy for extended family anymore. Both of my grandmothers are in their mid-80's and are constantly giving stuff away. Why do they want MORE stuff??) We buy for James' youngest son and his mom (the ex-wife, not James' mom - she died when he was 6). Actually we go to her house for Christmas Eve. She has a big shindig (I typed "sindig" at first - I hope that's not a sign of things to come lol.)

I didn't participate in BooMama's tour of homes because our tree isn't up! The girls were going to decorate it this year (after calling me Scrooge) and yet the half assembled tree has sat since Thanksgiving. Who are the lazy ones now??

I was so happy I got my Secret Santa and my Siesta Fiesta stuff out yesterday. I know I'm late, but I always am...Sorry ladies! Mary, I mailed you a book too! I opted not to send Christmas cards this year. If you're on my facebook friends' list, then I sent you some holiday flair!!

Well, I guess that's all I have for now. I hope all is well with you. Thank you for stopping by!

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Introducing...

...my grandson, Anferny Ian! He was brought into this world on December 8, 2008.

Look at that pure sweetness - can you stand it?

One problem with Anferny is that he lives in Germany with his mommy and daddy! His daddy is my husband's oldest son and he is German! So, I've never met the mommy or the daddy and now I have a precious grandson who I probably won't get to meet anytime soon. But, that doesn't keep me from loving all of them! (Notice the overuse of ! I'm excited!)

Look at all that hair! And I don't know what he's wearing, but it sure is cute!!

So there's my little German angel. Feel free to coo and talk in a funny little voice while looking at the picture. I sure have!

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Booked for the Holidays: Talking Tips

Go over to Mocha with Linda's site. As you can see from my little button over there, to the right, she is having a Booked for the Holidays giveaway! Today she is giving away Vicki Courtney's 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter.

(The following is from Linda's site.)

Vicki has done her homework and the book has many statistics regarding the culture our girls are facing. Yet it's not a dull listing of numbers and percentages or a doomsday prediction of dire warnings. And unless you live under a rock, your girl will not avoid being exposed to the "stuff that's out there." But just as we protect our children physically from diseases by immunizing them, this book provides information on how we can innoculate our daughters with the serum of God's truth so that they can recognize the lies the world feeds them.The 5 conversations, which have several chapters devoted to each of them, are:

1. You are more than the sum of your parts.
2. Sex is great . . . and worth the wait.
3. It’s OK to dream about marriage and motherhood.
4. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up.
5. Girls gone wild are a dime a dozen—dare to be different

And the book also gives guidelines on how to have these conversations according to your daughter's stage of development: ages 5 and under, 6-11, and 12 and up.

AND, if you also notice, there is a button over there on the right for a book club staring on 1/5/09 for this book!

So, head on over to Mocha with Linda for a chance to win this great book! Good luck!


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Because some won't be home

This is From BigMama's blog, and since I was one of the wives of a soldier over there in 2006/2007, I wanted to share the email too. As a matter of fact, the picture if my husband from Christmas when he was in Kuwait. (He's not at his desk but someone else's, but look at all the goodies.)

A few days ago I received an email from a reader named Amanda. Her husband is in the Army and currently in the midst of a 15 month deployment. They have two young children and in her email she said that although it is often difficult, they know it’s the path to which they’ve been called.

Amanda and her Bible study group came up with the idea to collect 2000 Christmas cards to send to the families of deployed soldiers from Fort Sill. They are calling the effort “Dear Army Family”. They are hoping that each family will receive a card that reminds them that someone across the country values their sacrifice and is remembering their family through this Christmas season.

This is an excerpt from the letter she sent me that outlines the program.
“Our goal is to send an extra Christmas card to each family of a deployed soldier on our post. We are hoping to encourage those that are walking through a particularly difficult time of deployment.

We want each family to know that the sacrifice they have offered is cherished. We are hoping for a personal note in each card.

Please include words of gratitude as well as words of encouragement. We want Army families to know they are being thought of across this country; that their sacrifice is important, and that they are being covered in prayer.

Please pray for the family as you seal their envelope, knowing with certainty that God knows exactly which family will receive your card. Continue to pray for the families throughout the holiday season. Ask God to bring them to your mind throughout the festivities. You will bring blessings to these homes.

We are striving to get 2000 cards! In order to do this efficiently, we are unable to give out personal contact information for the Army Families. Once the cards are returned, we will be addressing the cards and will use our own return address.

Please include your hometown & state with your signature inside your card, this will ensure that Army Families know people across America are praying for them and thinking of them. You may include a return address inside the card as well, but this is not required. Thank you for joining us in such a big undertaking. One extra Christmas card combined with the love of Jesus, just might change a life.

A few reminders:
1. Write “Dear Army Family” in the greeting of the card
2. Please include a personal greeting inside each card. Include your hometown & state.
3. Please STAMP the envelopes! You may send all the stamped cards in one large envelope or box to save on shipping.
4. Please return cards by December 1, 2008.
5. Please mail the cards to the following address:Dear Army FamilyFort Sill – PWOC Frontier Chapel4121 Thomas RoadFort Sill, OK 73503
Thank you,
Amanda

“Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.” Proverbs 25:25

These families will be without their spouses, mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters this Christmas season and I think this is such an incredible way to say thank you for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf. It’s a simple way to say we don’t take the sacrifice for granted.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

More prayer - but for Mama Siesta (Beth Moore) :-)

When I participated in a Beth Moore's Breaking Free bible study, one of the things I learned (and haven't put into practice like I should) was to replace the poisonous arrows of satan's negativity and my own negative self talk with promises from God's word. I pulled out my notecards yesterday and have been reciting them and every other promise that pops up from His word for the last 2 days. I don't remember ever being in a spiritual battle such as this, but it makes sense...we've started a new prayer study at church and I prayed that God use me in anyway to bring Him glory and to let His light shine through me. (God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but prayers like that do sort of make me quake in my boots.) I also seem to have a slight problem of putting people up on pedestals where they certainly don't belong. They will only disappoint me. I think I gotta dual issues happening.

So, anyway, I appreciate the prayers, love and support I've received from all of you. And, if you want to continue the prayers, love and support for me, I'm all for it. BUT, my Mama Siesta is about to start filming the updated Breaking Free series and she is asking for prayer warriors! If you feel so inclined, please go over and sign up!

I wrote last week or so what Beth Moore's ministry has meant in my life and how it has helped propel me in a relationship with God like never before, so it my honor and pleasure to link to her website in hopes that others will sign up and pray!

Mama Beth - I love you and pray for you in your ministry work. I know the battles I face and I can't even begin to imagine the ones you do. Thank you for showing us the way and battling those forces so we may know Him!




For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11