I entered an Authur's Challenge!

Hi there! I entered this writing contest for children's books...they just started voting and the top few winners get ebooks/library stuff for the children's school....I'd also win some moola! I wanted to share this with you to see if you'll take a second to read my story and vote for it!

http://meegenius.com/challenge/the-missing-happy-face-by-kimberly-murray

I am truly horrible at asking friends to vote because I don't want to inconvenience you, but if I win it would really benefit my son's school. So here's goes: will you vote for me? and share with your friends? or in any groups you're on in facebook if they're okay with it?

You can vote once a day, but the cool thing is, no one has to register, they just have to be signed onto facebook, go to my book and click like. I didn't realize it was going to be a "VOTING" system like this...I hate asking friends to vote on stuff, but would love to earn some gear for the boys school and cash would be nice for me! LOL

If not I totally understand, but thought I'd ask ya. Here's the link: http://meegenius.com/challenge/the-missing-happy-face-by-kimberly-murray I wrote 2 books, but this one is probably the better of the two, so I'm just sorta sharing this one. I hope it doesn't stink! LOL I wrote it for a younger demo so it'll be a quick read and they'll illustrate it with fun pictures. Not sure if it's good, but I thought I'd try...who knows?

Thanks in advance....hope you're doing great...HAPPY MONDAY!!!! HUGS!!!!

No limits!

If you think you're not worthy...you're right...none of us are.  That's totally the point of why God sent Jesus Christ to us, to bridge that gap to God that WE have created. God uses the meek, the flawed and the broken to do all sorts of beautiful things.  Things that those people never thought they could accomplish. In fact, without God, they wouldn't have accomplished them at all.  You know, it doesn't matter where you've been, the thing that truly matters is where you're going; what is your direction today?  If you need to make a change - then make it!  Hugs and love friends...have an awesome weekend!

Chocolate Chip Cookies....yum!

YUM! I got selected for a COOKIE Campaign at BzzAgent...they sent me 2 boxes packed full of chocolate chip cookies - it's Kroger's "The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chip Cookies". I had never seen them before, but they taste yummy...especially warmed up in the microwave!!! I spoke to family members and even shared a few (a few LOL) of my cookies. WOW these taste great I was impressed. You totally have to microwave these to get that just out of the oven taste; they're still SUPER yummy even if you don't heat them up! Love these!!!

The Slow Fade

In my opinion, one of the most dangerous things in a Christian’s life is “the slow fade.” The bad thing is it happens so slowly that you don’t usually even feel it happening. When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are on an emotional high, some call a mountain top experience. You’re doing the things of God like praying often, reading your bible daily and going to church and tithing weekly. Then the adversary begins his slow and subtle attack. It starts in one area, maybe your prayer life; you begin praying a little less. Or in your bible reading you find yourself skipping days or even weeks without reading or studying your bible. Satan chips away little by little, until at some point you’re so far away from God that it’s easy to simply walk away from him forever without any of the guilt. The best way to protect ourselves from this is to have an accountability partner to share our struggles with and to encourage one another in times of need.

Ephesians 6:12   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Proverbs 27:17   As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

The Lamp!

Let’s say a lamp is sitting on a table, and this lamp represents faith. If this lamp is never turned on it’s still a lamp. A lamp that is not being used as the designer fully intended is a lamp lacking purpose, but it is still a lamp. When the lamp is working and shining, it lights up for all to see the glory of the design and purpose for which it is intended.

Like the lamp, your faith is complete when it is working as the designer had hoped and planned on. The unused lamp is dead until it produces light. Faith without action is dead as well. Faith without action doesn’t mean you lack faith, it simply means that your faith is waiting to come alive when you put it into action. When faith is put into action, it shines the glory of God for all to see.  Remember, the more you let your light shine, the fewer places darkness has to hide!

Matthew 5:16   In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

John 3:19-21  This is the judgment: that light has entered the world, and men have preferred darkness to light because their deeds were evil. Everybody who does wrong hates the light and keeps away from it, for fear his deeds may be exposed. But everybody who is living by the truth will come to the light to make it plain that all he has done has been done through God.


James 2:14-26   What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You seethat his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith
without deeds is dead.

It's a "Quick Quotes" Kind of Day!

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value. A successful man takes out of life more than he puts in. A man of value will give more than he receives.”
~ Albert Einstein

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."
~ Cynthia Ozick

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Don't let one cloud obliterate the whole sky.
Some days are simply meant for playing.
 ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Silence magnified....

God works in mysterious ways. One could go for long periods of time before hearing from Him and the message that he has for us. Then out of the blue he blesses us with praises, answers and direction. His timing is not ours. God’s silence to some may be confusing, and even seen as a bad thing; I see it as a necessity.

Have you ever noticed when you’re sitting in a very quite room (where there doesn’t seem to be a single noise), how the tiniest of sound will then be magnified. I believe God’s silence at times helps us to hear him more clearly and easier when he does speak. God always speaks to those who earnestly seek after him. When he does, we need to thank him for the answer whether it was the answer we were looking for or not. Thank him for the relationship you have with him, and most of all thank him for his son Jesus.

Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Isaiah 49:8 This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances,

Ecclesiastes 3:17 I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”

Uncertain? Are you certain????

God is my rock in times of trouble and uncertainties. There will be many changes happening throughout the course of our life and to the lives of the people we know. Uncertainty is everywhere, but it doesn’t have to mean trouble. The feeling of trouble can be managed and dealt with by remembering that God is in control and sees and knows our pain. Have faith that God knows what he is doing, and that his will and plan is the best thing for our life. We see a very small portion of our life at a time, but God see’s it all at once: the whole picture in it’s entirety. When the time comes, all will be made clear and everything that happened in our existence will be revealed. Take refuge in God, he is our rock.

2 Samuel 22:3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me.

Psalm 62:7 My salvation and my honor depend on God he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Isaiah 44:8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

Lovespeak

I love to hear family talk. I was getting ready in my hotel rooom a few months back, and I could hear the passerby’s outside my door (I was in a room on the main floor just down from the water park) so I heard a lot of families. It’s interesting to hear their lovespeak when no one was around to restrict their conversations.

I kept waiting to hear my family approaching….and I could hear little voices but couldn’t hear my lovespeak, it was other families special moments!!!! Eventually there it was, bopping down the corridor….my sweet kids and hubby talking their lovespeak - my heart, unleashed!!!

Hugs & love dear ones....hope you have an awesome weekend!!! Kim

Time Of Day

Just a few numbers to get you thinking! Did you know that if you work eight hours a day you’re giving your employer about thirty-three percent of your day? And if you work ten hours a day that’s about forty-two percent you’re giving up. Now the important question is how much time, or what percentage of your day are you giving God? If you’re not giving him any or very little, now is the time to add to it. If you’re not giving him any, start with just one percent of your day; that’s about fourteen minutes. Things to give God during your one percent: prayer, bible reading and bible studying are great places to start. If you are already giving time to God, maybe it’s time to add fourteen minutes more. Friends, let’s all continue to grow in our walk with Christ together by giving him one percent more.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Psalm 55:16-17
As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Thanks for sharing.....

Sometimes a friend will say something that just "hits the nail on the head" for me that particular day.  Thank you's to my friend Vickie for sharing......

"My GOD can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into TRIumph, and a VICTim into a VICTory. Our GOD is an AWESOME GOD."

Hope today finds you living life to the fullest with a big huge smile on your face...hugs & love!

All Things New....

I can't help it, I love the four seasons that we experience here in the Midwest...but Spring and Fall are my favorites by far! What I love about them is they hold a hope, a promise of things new. The change in the weather we greet in the Springtime indicates an inevitable renewing of everything around me and it‘s one of the most joyous times of the year for me. It‘s when my garden begins to bloom with my bounty, my gifts…my fragrant rewards. My garden is a 3 season garden, so it is constantly renewing itself and it’s a joy to behold what flowers as well as what insects ultimately show themselves.

The changes I experience in the Fall bring the beautiful color change in the landscape that can be breathtakingly beautiful, but it also brings to me a familiar, yet new, routine for me and my family. Don’t get me wrong, Summertime is wonderful…I love spending each and every moment with my kids and my husband enjoy our free time and being as silly and as oblivious to the time as we’d like. But there’s a certain excitement I find in preparing for my children to start a new school year and getting the opportunity to meet their new teachers and friends.

What's also wonderful about the Fall is we tend to become more settled down into a daily routine that gives us comfort and stability. Summer seems to be a free for all which is wonderful for a short time, but right about now we start to crave the feelings we experience when we get to be renewed by the cooler days and crisper nights. When we start on the new adventures that school time often brings, it’s exciting to see what great new lessons and discoveries we’ll make about the world around us, as well as ourselves.

Also with Fall comes the television line up change. All my favorite shows come back on air (hopefully), along with brand new ones to be discovered. The big trend in television shows these days seems to be finding something old and rundown and making it new again. In one show, people search out and find old, broken down, rusty cars and proceed to rebuild them so that these junkers will run and look new again. Other shows are focused around rebuilding older houses to make them feel like they did when they were first constructed. A few years back there was a program that featured a new person each week that they preformed plastic surgery on to make them look like a new person. These types of shows focus on renewing or rebuilding things that are all based on a “material world“ view. Things like cars, houses and someone’s looks will last only a brief moment. The soul is the most important thing anyone can have made new. The condition of the soul will determine everything that matters. The condition of the soul is eternal and everlasting. Renew your soul!

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Hebrews 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Cause I Gotta Have Faith...

Faith makes yesterday a stepping stone, today a new beginning and tomorrow a limitless possibility!  Sometimes people think having faith is silly, illogical or even risky.  Actually this is partially true depending on what or whom you put your faith into - who holds your faith holds your trust and giving trust in itself is a very vulnerable place to be.  That's why you must choose carefully where you place your faith...your trust!

I choose to place my faith into something that never changes, and there is only one person, place or thing that never changes….it's there I place my trust, it's there I place my faith ~ in Christ alone.

Having faith isn't scarry when you place it into the hands of the one that has never changed, the one that created you, the one that breathed life into you.  In fact, having faith in God is quite comforting - who better to place your trust and faith into but the maker of the universe. 

I love having God guiding and leading me.  He knows all, from beginning to end, from now and until then!  I have no reason to fear or to hide away because he, afterall, is the only one that truly knows me, my hopes, my inner thoughts and what is best for me.  He alone is perfect and knows what path to guide me down so that I can succeed in life, so I can fulfill those God honoring dreams and truly be happy in my own skin.  I just have to remember to get out of my own way - and have faith!

Permanent Fixture...

 

I think the insects in my garden view me as a permanent fixture. All summer I've seen some awesome stuff. Today a huge awesomely cool dragonfly landed on my arm & STAYED. I moved a little to scare it, IT STAYED! Sprayed a splash of water-IT STAYED. Started to tickle me and creeped me out-wasn't sure if it was nesting or something. Had to blow it off. Apparently my breath stinks cause it hauled booty.

Hope this note finds you doing well...happy, healthy...smiling!  Take care of you, guard your heart and the heart of those around you as well. Hope your weekend is wonderful, and if it isn't...find some piece of it that was and keep that close to you, memorize it and rejoice in it. Hugs!

 

"Just as God has a plan for your kids' lives, so does Satan."

Just wanted to share with you what a friend shared with me....it completely mirrors my perspective on this subject.  I'm not big into books, but The Power of a Praying Parent is one I'd like to buy and read...and re-read!  I only had a quick second to write to you today, but I may expand on this in a later post...but felt compelled to share this with you right away, just for some food for thought!

"Just as God has a plan for your kids lives, so does Satan."(the power of a praying parent")   Striving to create leaders in my babies by leading them and surrounding our family with those who only bring out the best in us. "bad company corrupts good character" (1cor 15:33). This means not letting negativity get past my front door. Aside from my marriage, this is the second highest priority to protect.

Hope this note finds you happy, healthy and knowing how valuable you are....and how much you are loved! xoxo

Janked Up Stuff - I'm Stuffed Out!!!

Vacation, YAY!  I love fun time with my hubby & our boys! Poor Jim, he got this idea in his head to start his week by cleaning out the garage. Not my first choice, BUT it does have to get done.  Trust me, when you have to call your neighbor and say "hey, mind if we put stuff on your curb for garbage day?" you know it's bad!  But, our neighbor is not home this week so he of course responded with a laugh and said "SURE THING, MORE THE MERRIER"!  Careful Steve, you've not seen our garage ALL winter!  It's looking good now, but the curb, not so much! :-)

We do have awesome neighbors for sure!!!  Our one neighbor always worries and asks if we're moving everytime we have a big "CLEAN OUT".  I told Jim "why don't we just set up a table and sell this stuff"....then realize all the work that entails I quickly corrected my self and yelled out "NAAAAWWW"! 

We put the good out early on the curb for the garbage pickers...so then we can put more out after they pick thru! LOL Well, we had some critters get into the garage this Winter and  they ruined bunch of stuff. :-( So it's all gotta go...critters are gone but the stuff is janked up!  Good reason to buy more????  No, I'm on this new purge and let it stay gone cleaning kick.  I love to donate and toss out stuff...but this year it's even worse...in the past I'd just replace the old with new and immediately accumulate more stuff...I'M "STUFFED" out...less is more in 2011 for me...now if my big butt would just agree I'd be all set!  But I think my behind is here to stay...it's made itself comfy and has dug it's feet in and holding on for dear life!  Hugs & Love friends.....

Taking...

Jim and I were going over last week’s devotional on “giving” and it got us thinking about “taking”. I know how challenging “giving” can be, but while I was writing the “giving” devotional, I started to think about how much harder it is to “take.” You would think accepting something would be pretty simple, but there are some people that find it very difficult, almost impossible, to “take.” The bible is full of God’s promises that He wants to give to us, if only we would receive them. Some fail to take these gifts from God because they think they don’t deserve them, or maybe by taking from God they may have to lose something in return. The more you take from God, the more your priorities change; in turn, the things you are holding on to now and don’t want to lose will have little to no appeal later. Remember, a gift isn’t really a gift until you accept it!

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

Jeremiah 29:11 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.

Proverbs 1:33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Hidden Treasure

http://uawchaplain.weebly.com/weekly-devotional.html

I wanted to share with you my husband Jim's devotional that he wrote for this week:

There was a poor man, in a small rundown home, that lived alone and was discouraged and broken. As he looked around he said, “There is nothing of value in this old house, no family, no friends, no money”. He yelled loudly and asked, “God, why am I even here, were are my treasures?” In frustration the man fell to his knees and cried out, “Why is my life this way? I have nothing and I am nothing.” “I have heard your cry”, God answered “the treasure you seek I have already put in this very house“. The man jumped to his feet half startled and half excited not knowing if he was hearing things or if he should look for his treasure. “Look for the treasure” he tells himself as he looked around the poorly lit room.

Walking over to the only thing in the room, he pulled the tattered couch forward to look behind and beneath it, and then removes the flattened cushions just to find wrappers and a few pennies. “It must have been God, it had to be“, he thought to himself. The treasure hunt continued as he ran into the bathroom and slid open the shower curtain only to be surprised that it too was empty. “I know the bedroom“, he quickly made his way to the bed. “Ok, let’s see, maybe under the bed“! Laying flat on his stomach he looked and spotted old boxes and lots of dust, but no treasure.

Heart pounding with excitement, he knew that there was only one place left to look; the closet. He made his way to the closet and slowly opened the door to see before his eyes nothing but empty hangers. Confused he said out loud, “I’ve checked the whole house God, where is the treasure?” Emotionally drained, the man collapsed on the bed and gave up. Once again God spoke to him, “the treasure is in this house”. The man hopelessly slid to the edge of the bed, rested his head in his hands and sat with his eyes closed. He whispered, “But God, where? Where is the treasure?” God whispered back, “look up and you will see it”. The man slowly raised his head and opened his eyes, there before him was the treasure. Across from him was a mirror on the wall reflecting back to him his own image.

“For you see my son, you are the treasure. You are my treasure! The things of this world are meaningless. Money, good looks, jobs and material things are all meaningless to me. The treasure in this old house and in this whole world is you.” Tears began to roll down the man’s face; tears of happiness and hope as the man finally understood what God has tried to tell him all along, that he is God’s treasure.

Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

Hi ya Summer, how's it going??? FAST!

Wow, this Summer is flying by.  We've had so much fun and there's so much more fun to be had still.  The kids just got home from spending the night at grandma's house! Came home with dairy queen in their hands and new shoes on their feet! I wonder if she'd let me come and spend the night!!!! I could use some cute new sandals and a hot fudge sundae! The only thing that beats out her generosity is her love for them!!!

A few nights ago, it was so pretty outside.  I wanted to go and start a bonfire, but figured that I'd probably get ate up by the skeeters or cut up trying to unwedge the fire pit and find the wood. Not to mention I'm pretty clumsy and I would probably drop something loud and wake up all my neighbors - since I was probably 1 of 3 people up in my neighborhood at 12:18am! Yes, I am a night owl...always have been and so is my hubby and 3 kids....is there a night owl gene? If so, I have it!  Definitely need to be prepared for the next cool, summer night - a quiet bonfire by myself sounds nice! Just me & the garbage eating raccoons; you know some folks keep those as pets...but that's another story for another time!

Kibble Kibble Everywhere!

My dog likes to pick at his food! I find stray kibble all over the floor ALL DAY long! I pick it up and then there's always more a few hours later scattered again all over. Pooch will dig in his bowl, grab a mouth full and drop it somewhere random in the dinning room (yes, he likes to eat where the rest of us do, go figure)!   So he'll drop it and proceed to pick out the ones he likes and leave the rest for dead.  If I had lots of time and a need for a good laugh, I would keep a journal of what colors of kibble I see left as rejects.  They must be individually flavored, right?  

My husband recently said, "dogs are colorblind right?" and I said, I've heard that but I didn't think TOTALLY!  I knew they had great night vision, but I really wasn't sure, I'm not a vet, so what do I do?  Of course what do I do when I have a question about ANYTHING????  Googled it! LOL Here's what I found:

"To put it in very basic terms, the canine color field consists mostly of yellows, blues, and violets. "Human" reds, greens, and oranges are not distinguishable to dogs and instead appear somewhere on their yellow to blue spectrum.  The reason? The retina of both species contains two types of photo receptors, rods and cones. The human eye, however, contains more types of cones while the canine eye has more rods and no fovea, which is responsible for sharp visual detail in humans. The result is that dogs have superior night vision and are better at tracking movement than we are, but see fewer colors and shapes and objects appear in much less detail."

This may explain why his food are muted tones maybe?  He couldn't possibly see the color or shape and snub his nose at that, could he? I just assumed it was all one flavor regardless of the color, but now I wonder!  What is my dogs favorite flavor, beef or chicken! LOL

But so yeah, there could be a whole trail of kibble 5 feet in any direction, and when you don't realize it's there it hurts a bit and awkwardly sticks to your feet! Maybe time to switch food OR dogs? LOL  Of course I'm joking, Poochi is a keeper, maybe not the food; picky Poochi!

Either way, this year I have had a change in my thinking about "STUFF"!  I choose to look at my "burdens" and "bummers" as blessings instead; that abandoned kibble means I have that sweet Poochi in my life.  AWE!

How Great Is Our God?

Wanted to share this with you.  It's a special video that I think everyone can get into!

Psalm 139:14  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Colossians 1:15-17  The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

HUGS & LOVE!!!

Shut Down....

The year is half over and now is the time to shut down those bad habits in our life that we know in our hearts are not what God would have for us. These habits can be found in any number of areas in our life; they can involve our health, relationships, finances or our growth in Christ. We can’t usually shut down these bad habits by ourselves, we need God: no bad habit is too big for Him. We all have a pretty good idea of the situations or habits that we have invited into our world that have no positive value and go against who we are in Christ. Now is the time to give them over to God and invite God to conquer them for you. Start applying God honoring habits and do away with the bad; start living a life that brings honor to God and stop focusing on what may or many not bring honor or rewards to us. God is for you and He wants only the best for your life.

Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

The Swap....

When summertime comes along, it brings with it an interesting swap for many people. The swap happens when some people trade the Son for the sun. I’m not saying that we outright worship the sun, but the activities, trips, parties and everything else fun going on during these months can easily distract us from spending time with and enjoying the other Son. Our goal should be to go out and soak up some rays, have fun and live life with joy and excitement while still remaining focused on being in God’s will.


Summertime is not a time to take a break from God, it’s a time to see Him magnified in all of His glory in nature itself. This time of year can be the time when Christians shine brighter then the summer sun because we have the light of God's Son…Jesus.

Deuteronomy 4:23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden.

Psalm 78:7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Psalm 103:2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Hope your week is going super!

A Mumble Grumble....



Pure joy - sugar and a snooze!



Wow what a crazy day Thursday - the kind of day you live for! It started out like it normally does, my little one waking me up with a kiss and a smile…about an hour too early for my liking. So of course you know I’m gonna be a little “cagey” for the rest of the day. From neighbor kid visiting and farting at my dinner table, to another neighbor’s dog insistent and determined to poop in my yard, there were just so many twists and turns to today. But one thing remained consistent…it was entertaining. And although it was a busy, stressful day, in a weird way it was still kind of fun! Plus, it was pizza night, and you know I love pizza night, right? You totally know what pizza night means…pizza lunch in the kiddies lunch boxes in the morning.

I live for Thursday’s pizza night, because usually by Thursday I’m out of dinner ideas and exhausted or crabby and not in the mood to cook. Fast forward that to Thursday night, when I pack the kids lunches, and you know you have to multiply that silly mood of mine x’s 3! Now since you know I was woken an hour early, you know that means the alarm sounding offender got sleepy sooner than normal much to his disliking. He did not want to go to bed, did not want to change to his pj’s, or brush his teeth because white frankly, as he puts it, “I’M NOT TIRED”.  Sure you’re not…that’s why you just fell asleep on the couch 5 minutes later. LOL (way funny). So, you know what that means, it’s be joy and honor to lug his “6 year old in a 4 year old’s body” up to his bed for the night. Not only is this a joy, but did you know? It’s also a work out. These are the night’s I’m thankful for a tri-level: ½ the steps up in moments like these. So, as I hear my knees creak (and the steps) I cling dearly to the hope that he will not awake mid climb and stretch and freak out…that makes it even more of a back breaker to hold him when he does that. But no, no freak out for the dear sweet prince is fast asleep.



This happens regularly
and not just to me!



So as I hoist his limp, dead weight body into his “tower” for the night, he mumbles in his sleep….ready for this? He mumbles: “I’m bored”. I couldn’t laugh, I wanted to but I was winded, gasping for air from the trip up the steps carrying him - and, you know, if I laughed as hard as I wanted to laugh, I would have woke the little prince up! And then this night would have went on for a few more hours, and I think 24 hours of this day was more than plenty, more than my share. So even though it was a crazy day, it was a blessed day; and I was left blessed with a smile!

BLOG HOP FRIDAY!!!!

It's time for a Social Parade - yay, it's Blog Hop Friday!!! I want to welcome all of my fellow boggy friends! HUGS & LOVE to you on this Hop-erific Friday and all days!!!! xoxo

Words of Wisdom About Life...

Thought I would share with you a few words of wisdom on life...these are not my words but I've been know to say a few of these.  Enjoy!

WORDS OF WISDOM ABOUT LIFE:
1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do.
6. When your ship comes in make sure you are willing to unload it.
7. You will never "have it all together".
8. Life is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want I will be happy".
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
11. I've learned that ultimately , 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.
12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.
13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want the most.
15. He or she who laughs......lasts.
16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.
17. Look for opportunities, not guarantees.
18. Life is what's coming, not what was.
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20. Now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong, don't go with them.

HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!

Hallelujah is a word that is pronounced the same in most of the world languages. It means “praise the Lord” and is used only four times in the NIV Bible. We are to praise the Lord God in all we do, and consider everything we have a gift from him - don‘t waste a “New Hallelujah” on worldly things that just don‘t deserve that praise. Did you wake up this morning? That’s a reason to praise with a “New Hallelujah”. Do you have air in your lungs and a heart pumping in your chest today? These are great reasons for a “New Hallelujah”. Because you see, we’re not even guaranteed our next breath; each moment we are alive is a gift and something special to praise the Lord for. Don’t miss the opportunity to praise God because you were to busy looking for great and unexplainable blessings - every moment of everyday is reason for a “New Hallelujah”.

Psalm 103:2  Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

1 Corinthians 10:31  So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 19:6  Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

Hugs and Love Friends....Kim

Memorial Day Thoughts....

I was working on a few writings this week, helping with Jim's Chaplaincy and realized Memorial Day was fast approaching. And thought, hum, I wonder what most folks think about "Memorial" Day...what does it mean to you? Memorial Day is the day we, as a nation, come together to remember our fallen heros - the men and women that fought for our freedoms and gave completely of themselves, they gave their life. I plan to spend some time this weekend praying for those families that have lost loved ones that served our country, as well as those men and women still serving this great nation and their families.

Now to some, Memorial Day signals the start of summer, when the beaches open and we fire up the BBQ for cookouts with friends and family. And you know I'm all for a good BBQ. But truly it was meant as a time for reflection and a chance to honor those who have served us and died in doing so. Now when I was thinking about that, and what Memorial Day means to me, it came to mind that for myself and probably other faithful Christians, Memorial Day comes once a week, every single week...not just once a year. The first day of the week, Sunday (the Lord’s Day) has been set aside as a day of remembrance. To some folks Sunday symbolizes a time to kick our feet up, relax, do yard work, or catch a game. And you’re right, in a way it was partially meant to be a day of rest in a few ways: a time for spiritual growth, family activities, restoration, reading and spiritual refreshment. First and foremost, for Christians, it was set aside to remember and honor the One that gave of his life so we may have life: Christ, who came and gave up his physical life so we could have our spiritual life, our eternal life with God. It’s a day to worship and give praise and thanks to him, which is in obedience to His Word and what God desires.

So yes, for sure let us remember those that have died serving our country so we may have our freedoms, but let us also this weekend and every Sunday remember the One who died and conquered the grave. Christ lives today so that we may no longer be bound. How are you spending your two Memorial Days this weekend? I pray that they will be full of blessings and joy for you and your family. 3 nails, 1 cross and an empty grave, to me Christ is the original freedom fighter!

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Romans 5:7-8 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I Corinthians 15:51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed…

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

You are what you think.....so to speak!

For a moment, before I continue, stop and think about what you’re starting to think about.  Odd way to start out a blog post, I know, but you and you alone are the one who controls your thoughts. Are your thoughts made up mostly of happy, encouraging, positive thoughts?  Maybe your mind is filled with to do lists, nagging questions and uncertainties?  Or perhaps a bad "moment" continues to replay over and over in your mind!

If you've been feeling down lately, ask yourself “what have I been thinking about and in the grand picture of it all, will it matter?”  Maybe you have a sneaky suspicion that your self esteem is kind of low!  Maybe you've had a bout of moodiness or find that you're just in a big ol' funk!  Stop and ask yourself, "what is occupying my mind...my thoughts?"  Could it be that you're dwelling on something negative that someone has said either to you or about you?  The things people say about you (or what you think they're saying about you) may or may not be true - it's unimportant really!  What's important is what you do with the thoughts that YOU have about it.  It's important that you don't dwell on them - no more negative thinking, okay?

The old saying garbage in, garbage out is true for both our physical and mental health. What we choose to think directly reflects our mood and quality of life. Our 'thought life' also has a way of working its way into how we outwardly act towards others. I really recommend that we think of the things of God every time negative, destructive, or unholy things enter our thoughts. We can go to God’s Word to find positive, affirming, holy thoughts to meditate on when we are in need of direction and encouragement.  Flooding the mind with the things of God leaves very little room for things of the world. Hugs & Love to you all....have a great week!!!
 

Deuteronomy 11:18
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Don't wait for an eye opener to love and live life to it's fullest....

Happy Mother's Day to you all! This is me & my mom Linda. She was just diagnosed with lung cancer this February 2011. They also found it in some of her lymph nodes. She had part of her lung removed and thru lots of prayer, great surgeons and lots of love, she got the news within a few days that the surgery was a success. It seemed like a huge surprise to her doctor as well! After the lab examined the piece that was sent for testing, her doctor called her with the results: "somehow we got it all & it's no longer in the lymph nodes! Cancer was in the lymph nodes prior to surgery, but after surgery (and prayer) it's no longer there" - which meant she DIDN'T need chemo. She's up & living life to the fullest just three months later.

She's had a life full of big heartbreaks yet still finds joy in each day. She's has had so much on her shoulders through out her whole life, abuse, death of a child, the other child abandoning her, burden and illnesses - yet she would tell you she's one of the most blessed women on the earth. She's the strongest, most giving woman I have ever known. When you think she's just too weak or worn to give, she gets back up and asks how can I help and when do you need it. She surprises me every day with her strength, but I love that when she needs a boost, she allows me to be blessed and honored by helping her.

My mom, Linda, truly is an inspiration to me and a testament to God's goodness, His grace and His amazing healing powers - I love that He's not finished with her here on Earth...I can't wait to see what he has planned for her to do. None of us is guaranteed even another day of life, but to be granted just one more to be with those we love is....a gift!

This recent illness has been an eye opener for us both, we've always been close and bonded but the last few months we have discovered more about each other than ever before, she's not just my mom, but I find that now that I'm an adult, she's my bff! This year Mother's Day is extra special! Make sure this Mother's Day (and everyday you're able) to give your mom a huge hug! Hugs & love dear friend.

Everyone Needs A Little....

Hope you're having a blessed week....thinking of you all....sending you hope and prayers that you know and feel God's love for you!  xoxo 

Everyone needs a little....

Show me....

Brothers and sisters, talk is easy and action…well not so easy. The easy part is to call ourselves ‘believers in Christ‘, the challenge comes in ‘living’ that life - a life that shows others who we are and what we believe. Living with Christ-like actions towards the world around us can be difficult but very rewarding. We’ve given over and put our trust in Jesus Christ, but now we need to put our faith into action. How do we do that? By feeding the poor, loving our enemies and sharing our hope with others - these are good places to start. Doing all these things and more, in Jesus’ name, shows God that we are serious about the relationship we have with him and take him at his word. Over time these Christ-like actions just become a way of life, ‘our first’ response! Remember to always give the glory of our actions to God and him alone!

We are saved by grace and grace alone, not works. Once we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior there is nothing we can do to add to our salvation - remember, when we accept Jesus we are saying ‘I will do as you do Christ, not because those actions will save me, but because you asked me to‘!
 
2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Hope you're having a wonderful day - and this week is filled with blessings for you!
Hugs, Kim

You know I love sharing an encouraging word and I love others that do the same....just thought I'd share! Remember, love is free and hands are made for helping not hurting...put your fingers to your keyboard and join in on dropping a love bomb!!!

Focus On The Light.....

I am by no means a great photographer, but I love to snap tons of pictures and have a husband that has a passion for photography.  Many times, out of boredom, we'll challenge each other at different events we attend to a friendly contest: to see who can capture the most unique, artsy, crazy or funny picture.

He's much more skilled than I am at judging the lighting, distance and setting up shots and he takes some great pictures.  I probably am more reckless and have to take hundreds of photos to get one really great shot...but it's fun and it has helped me learn to use my camera and all it's fancy features.  I must have gotten kind of good, because he has now begun to claim my best shots as his! LOL  Fortunately, in life and faith, I have learned to become much less reckless - I am still learning, growing and tweeking my heart and attitude, good thing I don't have to do that alone either.

When taking photographs, the amount of light available makes all the difference in the world for a quality picture. Poor or low lighting will easily produce out of focus shots or shots missed completely that will never be again. Our lives can be the same way! If we live life without God, who is called “light”, we will miss having that quality and purposeful life that God has in mind for us. We may miss opportunities he has for us because we’ve been living each day in low or no light at all. By relying on His light and reflecting it back into the world, your “life’s picture” becomes in focus and clear and the blurriness of the day to day routine gets washed away with light that brings everyday anew, fresh and in focus.

John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Psalm 89:15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

Psalm 104:1-3 Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Can One Ever Thank Him Enough? EMPTY TOMB - ENDLESS HOPE!

"The darker the world gets, the brighter our light is going to shine!"

EMPTY TOMB - ENDLESS HOPE
The emptiness of this world can be filled by an empty tomb that is over flowing with hope. The tomb itself can’t do anything! But the fact that Jesus was buried, after being crucified and rising from the dead three days later, provides the hope for tomorrow as it did for those who found the tomb stone rolled away on that historic day. Jesus shows that He and He alone can beat death and give us hope and assurances that can only come from him. A God-man with all the power and authority known to mankind with the simplest of message “follow me”.

I’m so very thankful for the One who stood in my place…our place! I’m grateful to the One who has set us free and gained for us God's grace and eternal life. With Easter approaching so quickly, I’m reminded that all that I have, all that I am, all that I’ve been gracefully blessed with, my very life, each and every breath…I owe to him. For without him what else can I do? Why wouldn’t I be excited and anxious to give all that I have to him. I’m human and faulted, so I have to plan daily to devote myself, my energy, my thoughts, my expressions of love and thankfulness to him. I’m human and fall short most times, but strive to get back up and bless him again. I’m in his hands - I am his hands - I am an instrument of a living Lord and I am so honored to be his child, to be his voice and to shine his light.

Know Jesus, Know Peace! No Jesus, No Peace!

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Love and peace dear friends.....have a blessed Easter Weekend - praising God and never ceasing!

Sweet gentle nudge...

So happy! And so grateful for all the cool things and lavish love God continues to bless me with....I don't deserve it Lord but I accept it with a humble and grateful heart. Thank you again for being so patient with me, you've always been the sweet gentle nudge that I need. I love you and praise you.

Very superstitious......um, not so much!

I’m not a superstitious person, I don’t believe in luck, good or bad. I used to until I came to truly know Christ - until I came to know God of the bible - the true God, not the one I made him out to be in my own small mind. I believe in God’s blessings, God’s intervention, God’s grace and mercy.

I have a cross necklace collection, it’s just sort of scattered around in my jewelry box - it’s not arranged, cataloged or something I prize! But since I’m a lover of Christ I do like to wear a pretty cross now and then to show my faith or even just to remind me “whose” I am. Many times it could be easy to get caught up in the world and be fooled into forgeting that I have power, but truly I am not powerless because through Christ I am given the strength and might to live a bold life for him and conquer all fears - to conquer death! WOW…is that ever cool.

So sometimes, especially on the days I feel weak or sad, I like to wear a hidden cross around my neck as a reminder to me that he is close and I am never alone. Sometimes on the days I feel strong and powerful I like to wear a very visible cross around my neck to indicate I’m His, see His child, here I am…so just try to steal my joy - it’s not happening - humbly thru Him I'm made mighty and can do all things.

Truth be know, I also have another piece of jewelry I wear often - it’s a ring with a small, pretty, sparkly bow on top. It reminds me of that old notion that if you tie a ribbon around your finger it will help you to remember something. I wear my bow to remind me of a few things! It reminds me that life is a gift and to cherish it and to remember to whom I am grateful for that gift. It reminds me that I am special, even if the world doesn’t see me as special, God does. It reminds me that there has been a promise made, actually several of them. Promises made by the King, not just any King, the King that sits on high. He promised that because I believe in Him, the life I’ve been given isn’t temporary but is everlasting. A life with Him that is full, abundant, happy and treasured. This bow ring keeps my mind focused that His promises are endless and quite lavish. He promised that He is with me and you, He loves us and will never leave us no matter how many times we mess up and come back to Him for forgiveness. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble and times of great joy or great sadness. In Jeremiah 24:6, He says that He will always build us up, not pull us down. What a great promise! A promise I wish many people could make but just can't, won't or don’t. God also promises that the good things that He has planned for you and I are too many to count.

Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5

Don’t ever forget whose you are or what you are! When you feel distressed or broken know these things don’t come from the Lord; know that they are a trick to discourage you, hurt you and pull you away from having a deeper relationship with God. Dive into the Word of the Lord and be reminded you are God’s! His child, his princess or prince - a special one and only you!  Have peace and comfort knowing that He never changes, is always the same steady eddy, consistent friend that wants only good for you, wants only to be close with you, wants to be your center, your cornerstone and your firm foundation.

Here’s one of my favorite bible verses, I thought I would leave you with it to think about this week:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Hope you're having a super week so far....hugs, peace and love! Kim




　

Mountain top experience - where is he now?

Many ancient people considered mountains as holy places. The mountains like Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion were the dwelling places of the spirit of God Himself. What an image, having to ascend up challenging terrain and weathering the elements so that one might be in the presence of the Holy spirit of God. Today, because of Jesus, if we believe in Him the very presence of God called the Holy Spirit dwells in us, no need to climb mountains or battle things around us. We don’t have to do it alone, put your trust in Him and allow Him to guide you, because He’s much closer then we often remember - He’s within us. Hugs & love dear ones…

Exodus 19:20  The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.

Exodus 24:16  and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.

Psalm 50:2  From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Psalm 74:2  Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed— Mount Zion, where you dwelt.

1 Corinthians 6:19  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Psalm 51:11  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Acts 4:31  After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Don't ya just love it when.....

Don't ya just love it when you find your "groove"! Your niche! Your place! Your home! When you get outta your funk? Your haze? Your dumps? And really get goin'. Get on track. Get on a roll. Get movin. And find yourself excited, jazzed, happy, fortunate, lucky: Blessed. 

Life......it's good! God.....He's super awesome! Blessings....they're fun! My babies.....they're adorable! Jim....he's fantastic! Friends.....they're funny. My mom and dad....love me like their girl. Ice cream....tastes so good! New adventures....always exciting. I guess that's about it. :-) Just excited to see what God's doing and what his plans are for me...its fun to watch it unfold.

I happen to love earth prints....God made dirt and dirt don't hurt!

Hi there! YAY, it's finally spring - I love this time of year! There's just something about Spring that makes me extra happy and brings a renewing freshness to everything that surrounds us - it's so wonderful and for me only this time of year can do that. Bring on the cleansing rain, bring on the beautiful flowers and bring on my flip flops already!

I'm a big gardener - all flowers all the time! I have been since I was a very small girl, playing in my mother's veggie and flower gardens. We lived on about an acre and a half and so there was always spots to plant something, spots to dig a new hole and spots just to play in the mud! I was outside NON-stop, it was a very different time then my children live in now. But the cool thing is, my mom and I have passed on our love for the garden, for the Earth, for DIRT to my 3 boys. They keep their very own veggie garden at my mom's house. It's their's to prep, plant, pamper and pick - from beginning to end. It's also their's to reap the rewards of their bounty.

I would have to say I have five love/passions in this world: God, his people (my family just happen to top that list), singing/music, great attitudes of kind, unselfish good deed doers and planting stuff. I have very few other passions - writing is beginning to emerge as a new passion, as well as photography!  But for me, when I'm singing or in my garden (sometimes doing both) time flies by and the world around me becomes distant and almost silent - I just get in this ZONE! I love when I have earth prints on my fingers tips! I also love to wash those prints off soon after because I happen to be an "almost" career germ a phobe. However, for some reason I love dirt - just not under my nails - HA!!! But you know what they say, "God made dirt and dirt don't hurt! LOL

Hey, I just want to thank YOU, from the bottom of my heart for all of your love, support and friendship that you've shared with me over this past year. It means the world to me that you've been there for me and I'm so happy to call you friend. 

"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls."  ---Mother Theresa