What's my donkey? (wk. 7)

As was discussed in church on Sunday about the donkey who carried Jesus to Jerusalem...

Sometimes I get the impression that God wants me to give him something and sometimes I don't give it because I don't know for sure, and then I feel bad because I've missed my chance. Other times I know he wants something but I don't give it because I'm too selfish. And other times, too few times, I hear him and I obey him and feel honored that a gift of mine would be used to carry Jesus to another place. And still other times I wonder if my little deeds today will make a difference in the long haul.Maybe you have those questions, too. All of us have a donkey. You and I each have something in our lives, which, if given back to God, could, like the donkey, move Jesus and his story further down the road. Maybe you can sing or hug or program a computer or speak Swahili or write a check.Whichever, that's your donkey.Whichever, your donkey belongs to him. It really does belong to him. Your gifts are his and the donkey was his. The original wording of the instructions Jesus gave to his disciples is proof: "If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, you are to say, 'Its Lord is in need.'" [Max Lucado, And the Angels were Silent, p. 54]

I often wonder...What IS my donkey?? What do I have to give that may be useful to the Lord? I'm sure I've got one, I just have to find it! And I plan on doing just that - finding my donkey and putting him to use... If you should happen to see my donkey, would you let me know... Thanks!!

Counting my blessings..(wk.1)

Can I just say..I am extremely blessed!!



I serve a risen Savior who, thankfully, forgives me for everything I have done in the past and the sins I commit today. He loves me and is faithful and just.

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. A wonderful husband that loves God. He loves me, loves our children and provides for us.

I have 3 children that sometimes drive me nuts but, are no doubt more precious than gold. Each of them hold a special place in my heart. I know that by placing them in God's hands, they are taken care of. He does a MUCH better job at it than I do.

At our church (Antioch), we are doing a series called, "Live Like You Were Dying." Bro. Jason has challenged us this week to 'speak sweeter' and Appreciate, Pray, & Encourage. I am guilty of speaking harshly to others, especially those in my house. So, as I begin this challenge, I hope you would join me. Look closely at yourself and think..Do your words hurt or help? Do they uplift or degrade?

Happy 2009!

Well, it's the new year and everything is anew! Well, kind-of.....ok, not so much for me! I'm still hanging out at home with the boys. They are getting so big! I can't believe how much they've grown over the past few months. Tucker is about 26 lbs. and I'll find out on Tuesday how much Cooper has grown. They are both such blessings to me and our whole family.

Emily is doing well in first grade and is loving every minute of it! Of course, she is in the process of developing her social life. She's still in gymnastics and now is in Upward Cheerleading. It's a great program geared toward presenting the gospel to the participating children. So far, she's only had one game to cheer at but, it was extremely fun. Emily turns 7 on Thursday! I am in complete disbelief!! She's grown so fast that I am unable to keep up. We are having a birthday party for her on Saturday afternoon with just the family and then she will have a couple of friends over for a sleepover. It's going to be a blast. It's her first one and I'm trying to think of some fun things for the girls to do. Maybe I'll bake a few small cakes and let them decorate them and take them home. Maybe we'll rent some movies and eat lots of junk food?!? Isn't that what all little girls like to do at sleepovers??

Tucker is almost 19 mo. old now and he is a handful! He is also extremely funny. I think he may be our family entertainer. He loves to listen to music, dance, watch Noggin, and irritate his siblings. And, like any other kid his age, he like to get into things he's not suppose to. He has learned to climb out of his high chair and up the baby gate. Tucker likes to watch Jack's Big Music Show, Imagination Movers, Yo Gabba Gabba, and his Elmo movie. Over the past few weeks, he's decided to talk. He can say so many things now like: Momma, bite, more, please, cheese, mine, all done, thank you, eye, teeth, and I'm sure there are others that I can't remember right now. He is such a fun little boy to be around. I love to hear him laugh, it makes my heart melt.

Cooper will soon be 5 mo. old. He too is growing too fast. He is the best baby in the world!! So calm, so content. He loves to laugh. If he hears anyone laughing, he just has to join in! Cooper thinks the world of his sister and brother....after all, they are the funniest people he knows. He can roll from his tummy to his back and from his back to his side. He also likes to 'talk' to whoever will listen. Cooper is sleeping through the night (for the most part) which makes us all happy! Due to Tucker's peanut allergy, we are postponing solids until Cooper is 6 mo. old. I don't mind at all...that just gives me more opportunities to hold him while I feed him. I know Cooper is my last baby and I don't want to rush his growing up. I want him to always be my baby.