Yeah, I Know . . .

I am SO blessed!

I know she is sleeping and newborns often smile in their sleep, but I think it was because her Mimi was holding her.  Don’t you? 

I got to spend most of the day pampering and taking care a tired mama whom I love so much and in the mean time, got to hold this sweet little thing!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow . .  .

YOU! Have Overcome!!

This is the encouragement the Lord sent my way this morning, perhaps it will minister to your heart too.

I was led to 1 John 2 and 3

. . . you have overcome the wicked one (1 Jn. 2:13)

. . . because you are strong, the Word of God abideth in you and you have overcome the wicked one  (1 Jn. 2:14)

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.  (1 Jn. 3:8)

If Jesus Christ humbled Himself and came to earth, died and rose again, defeating sin and the devil for the express purpose of destroying the works of the devil and redeeming His precious children, then what in the world am I doing wallowing in the ‘mully grubs’—fellowshipping with the devil, allowing his little buddies to defeat me and ruin my day!?!?

Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world!!

Greater is He that is in YOU than He that is in the world!!

I am not sure what mud puddle you might be in today, but get out!  Don’t hang out there.  Don’t fellowship with the enemy!  You have overcome him, believe it, live it, walk it out!!!

Now, don’t be jealous, but I get to have my wonderfully sweet, but tired daughter-in-love and her precious baby girl over for the day.  I get to pamper her, MAKE her rest and just love on her.  I know, I am so blessed.  Don’t go into envy and jealousy

Have an awesome overcoming kind of day!!

The Highs and Lows . . . {sigh}

Do you ever have one of those days that contain what seems like the most glorious of moments in motherhood only to follow it later with what feels like the most atrocious of moments?

Yeah, me too.  I don’t know why it always shocks me.  I guess when everything is so perfectly beautiful I have amnesia and forget that it probably won’t always be like this.  So, when reality hits, I am jolted; shocked.

Yesterday was one of those days. {sigh} So, I am having a blast painting in the garage, children running in and out showing me things they find, pulling up a milk crate to chat, helping me with little projects, being serenaded with a violin/guitar duet . . . can you hear the angels singing??  I did.

Only hours later the bickering, selfishness, knocked over project that sent a piece of the furniture flying, a complaining toddler, no ideas for dinner and a husband who was working really late . . . can you hear the mama crying?

This summer has been, shall we say, FULL!  Our calendar has been very, very full.  (with fun things, just full) Also, we, as a family have been in boot camp learning how to really LOVE each other.  When God puts you in the “love” boot camp, don’t expect an easy time, trust me!  As hard as it has been, He has been speaking to us so richly about “love” and giving us ample opportunity to love. 

When I say love, I don’t mean the kind of warm fuzzy feeling that wells up in you as you hold your very new and precious grandbaby. (wouldn’t that be great if that was all there was to love?)

Nope, I’m talking about the God kind of love.  You know, love is patient (really?)  Love is kind.  (good one)  Does not behave unseemly?!?!  (oops, should of remembered that one last night {sheepish grin}  Thinks not her own . . . is not easily provoked . . . bears all things . . . hopes all things . . . endures all things . . .

See what I’m saying?!? It has been a challenging, but good summer.  More on “Love Lessons” to come, Lord willing.

I officially have my “blog” for my furniture up.  My son moved it to Wordpress and I think it is finally how I want it. (thank you patient Joshua)  Would you mind checking it out and letting me know if something is hard to navigate or find?  And you can see, in part, why it has been a busy full summer.

{re}imagined . . . just for you

Have You Forgiven Him?

Is it possible there is a root of bitterness buried deep within your heart? Do you have unforgiveness towards your husband? You absolutely must forgive your husband (everyone else too, but today we are talking about our husbands). Forgiveness is commanded by your Father. It is not an option. . .

Please join me for the rest of this important post over At The Well

We Have A New Grandbaby!

At 12:15 this morning Jaylin Christine was born!  It was so very precious to see Matthew and Elisa do such an awesome job.  I had the privilege of being in the room and seeing this precious little thing be born. 

How precious to see my son with his baby. 

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

A Few More Projects . . .

I can’t find the before to this picture, but imagine the white and gold bedroom set from your youth. LOL  With a  lot of work and prayer I think I am pretty happy with it.  Totally cute, isn’t it?

A very large mirror that I got for a deal.  Painted in Old White and glazed.

I got this sweet little drop-leaf table the same day as the mirror.  I painted it Provence, lightly distressed and glazed.

Brian and I took a trip to the local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and found this Ethan Allen table with a hole in the middle of the top.  I snatched it up knowing I have peeps who would fill the hole for me.

Here it is completed.  I chose Aubusson blue with heavy distressing and glazing.  The color of the original table coming through almost has a ‘gold’ hue to it making it look really cool.

This big bad boy was pretty boring and slightly ugly, if you don’t mind me saying so.  Please don’t be offended if you have this type of dresser in your house, I do too.  LOL

Isn’t it amazing what a little (or a lot, in this case) Chalk Paint can do for a piece of furniture???  I love it.  I bought yet another can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, this time it was Versailles, a beautiful greenish tan or tanish green, depending on the light.  I highlighted some of the trim with Old White and distressed and glazed.

 

Can you believe it is the same dresser?  I was going to replace all the handles and knobs, as I couldn’t stand the original hardware.  So I went through the trouble of filling the holes and sanding and sanding, only to realized I did NOT want to put anymore money into this dresser.  I had the idea to paint the hardware with the Old White and glaze them and they look AMAZING!

What have you been up to this summer?  Oh, and lest you think nothing “spiritual” is going on here, think again!  Much to share sometime about what the Lord is doing in my heart of late.  I am totally soaking up reading through the New Testament.

Michelle Lynn's Birthday

Good Morning Ladies, This is Michelle's Mom just wanted to share about my girl.

I would like to share with you about the day God blessed me with a beautiful little baby girl.

It was 45 years ago that I gave birth to the most precious baby girl, she was so small and pink.

When I held her for the first time, I cried, I couldn't believe God would give me such a perfect baby. I promised I would love her with all my heart and protect her from any harm, not knowing how satan would heard that promise and set out to make sure that would not happen. Being a sinner and very broken the events that formed my precious little girl were far from safe. I was not there for her when she needed a Mom the most. I never stopped loving her or praying for her.

God more than anwsered my prayers.

When I look at her now 45 years later, I am amazed at the godly woman she has become. Not only is she a wonderful daughter, a devoted wife, and a incredible mom, she is a great friend, when you are in need of incouragement, understanding and prayer.

Her love for her Heavenly Father and the willingness to hear His voice and obey even when He tells her she's missed the mark. And her willingness to share her struggles with all of us.

Michelle, God has a purpose for your life, I am watching you fulfill that purpose everyday.

I have been priviledged to be your Mom, I love you more than I could ever tell or show you.

I will continue to pray for you daily. Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.

L, Mom

Dearest Mama,

I think it is in everyone. The natural tendency to roll your eyes and shrug off praise.

So, you may not think you are the best Mom in the world, but you are. You may think you are awful at this job of a mom that God has given you. But some rainy day when you feel like everything is against you, read this and know there are 10 people that think you have the most beauty, Character, and Love God ever put into human form. And we'll always think that. Come what may. ;) Love, Victoria.(a.k.a. Sis)

We all Love you and happy Birthday!

Through Fiery Trials

Hello there, Ladies!  I just wanted to let you know that the webinar I did earlier this week is up, you may listen to it here if you are interested.  It is about 15 minutes long.  I shared on “Through Fiery Trials”.  It was a brief telling of our eleven year ‘fiery trial’ and some encouragement for anyone in the valley or ‘fiery trial’.

Through Fiery Trials

I am off to enjoy two days alone with the love of my life!  Thanks mom and Noel what an awesome birthday present!!

Yeppers, it’s my birthday.  45 years old!  Can you believe it?  I cannot!  I look way, way to young to be 45, right?

I woke up with a smile on my face today, not just because I get to be with my hubby, alone, for two days, though that is enough of a reason, but because I am so blessed!  I don’t have a lot in the material realm, but I have nine children who love me so much, a husband who adores me, a mom and stepdad who loves me to pieces, good friends  with whom I trust my heart, health, and you ladies . . . on and on, but most importantly I have a Father in heaven who loves me and sent His Son to save me.  Me!  A lost, in great need of grace, me!  I have a living breathing relationship with Jesus and I love Him so much I think I could bust at times.

So, yeah, I am so blessed and this is probably the best birthday ever!  Have a gloriously wonderful day today. 

Lord, I pray you open our eyes to the the wonder of YOU today.  Help each one of us see Your hand in our lives.  Give us hearts of thanksgiving for all You! 

I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth!!