This was the title to my devotion today - cracks me up!!! It so defines me sometimes because I take after my father - hot tempered.....(yes, Dad - you are short tempered!!! LOL).......God has granted me such Grace and I work daily to try and not explode when I'm pushed to my limits.......when I read this - I started laughing and wanted to share........
It's from Becoming - my devotional bible for women....(my input is in parenthesis)
Proverbs 12:16 is the scripture reference..... (New Century Version) "Fools quickly show that they are upset, but the wise ignore insults."
"upset" is a word that describes my mood when I have to wait in the checkout line too long (ok - who hasn't gotten upset like this and sighed real LOUD - I'm so guilty!)or my hairdresser puts the wrong color on my roots (has totally happened to me!!!). Being upset, in and of itself, is not a sin. It is, however, a sin when that emotion gets you into action and you resemble a crazy woman, or as the Lord puts it - a fool (ouch!). I find the fool in me comes out when the circumstances of my day have topped me off (yep - this is so me). I mean, even out gas tanks warn us, "Do not top off your tank - could cause an explosion". Maybe I need a label!!! Maybe those around me would think twice about making me their dumping ground if I wore one that said "Warning! Dump at your own risk. Very close to being topped off!!!!
Proverbs says if we are to be wise, we are to ignore insults. What insults you to the point of outbursts? Is it your friends? Is it your children being disobedient? Is your husband working your last nerve (ok - I'm not answering this - but it has been know to happen...smile). If you answered yes to just one of the above, you are in danger of exploding and making a fool of yourself. I am going to suggest that you simply need to take a break. It does not need to be a beach vacation. It just needs to be a break from the usual. Get alone with the Lord and get your perspective back so you can center your heart and mind. I mean it. Go do it!"
(ok - this is me now). I have to admit - I'd never really looked at it from this perspective - I mean - I've never thought of myself as a fool - but that is plainly written in the word isn't it!!! I have so told both my hubby and my child that "they are working my last nerve".......of course, we laugh at it - but I'm serious!!! LOL. I'm going to have to do much better at watching myself so that I don't top off!!!!
Weekend is going to be a busy one for me. Jake's party is tonight and then tomorrow afternoon - a group of special parents (parents with special kids) from our church are getting together to have a picnic with the kids. It helps so much to have other parents to hang with that are going through similar issues with their kids. We can bounce ideas off each other - share each other's pains and help lift each other up....all while the kids are running around having a great time!
Sunday will be church and dinner with the in-laws and then Monday will start a new week - beginning with our anniversary!!! We laugh because every year since Jake has been born - something drastic has happened on our anniversary and we have yet to be able to celebrate. Our first year, I was in ICU trying to survive after giving birth, the second year - Jake was back in the hospital for something - third year Jake was in ICU in Dallas with emergency surgery - 4th year - it was something - 5th year it was Pop - he had a seizure and they thought he was having a stroke and he was life flighted to Hermann and last year - I can't remember - but something happened...........cracks us right up!!! We are determined to go out this year - may not be the weekend of our anniversary - but it will be in the month of JUNE!!!
Love to all - be blessed!
Karen
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
and, Mother's Day out it will be!
Ok - so the debate was Mother's Day out vs. Summer School.......and, Mother's Day Out won! Jake is so excited because he LOVES Pastor Mark's school......which is Lutheran Lamb of God on 1960 in Humble. Jake has been going there since 05 and they took him in with open arms - overlooking the fact that he was in the nursery until he was 2......they loved him in spite of his developmental delays and Jake has bonded with all of them! The Mother's Day out program only goes to the age of 5 - however, since it's Jake - they are taking him anyway!!! LOVE that! Of course, Pastor Mark hung the moon because he plays the guitar during chapel............anyone who plays music - rocks in Jake's mind.......while there - he will get to attend their vacation bible school for a week - he loves it.........it's called Crocodile Rock this year...........
Here is why summer school didn't pan out........being the planner that I am (smile) I checked the Internet several months ago to determine the time-line for summer school..........then I planned our vacation around it...........and now, OF COURSE, the dates for summer school have changed!!!!! The day after we leave for vacation - he would need to be in class.......and, since we really want to go on vacation and don't want to change the dates................it ain't happening....ok wait - is that proper English??? LOL Since Jake is repeating kindergarten anyway - it's not the end of the world for him not to go. There is, however, a reason for him to go somewhere..........realizing and readily admitting this is purely selfish on my part..............I'm at least acknowledging that since he is the only child and would drive me totally insane if he didn't have anywhere to go or anyone to play with the entire summer - Mother's Day out will be perfect.....a fun environment with other kids.....I think it will be 3 days a week - couple hours a day.........works for me. LOL
hope all is well - chat soon.
k
Here is why summer school didn't pan out........being the planner that I am (smile) I checked the Internet several months ago to determine the time-line for summer school..........then I planned our vacation around it...........and now, OF COURSE, the dates for summer school have changed!!!!! The day after we leave for vacation - he would need to be in class.......and, since we really want to go on vacation and don't want to change the dates................it ain't happening....ok wait - is that proper English??? LOL Since Jake is repeating kindergarten anyway - it's not the end of the world for him not to go. There is, however, a reason for him to go somewhere..........realizing and readily admitting this is purely selfish on my part..............I'm at least acknowledging that since he is the only child and would drive me totally insane if he didn't have anywhere to go or anyone to play with the entire summer - Mother's Day out will be perfect.....a fun environment with other kids.....I think it will be 3 days a week - couple hours a day.........works for me. LOL
hope all is well - chat soon.
k
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Another week almost over
Man - where does the time go!!!! Good night nurse - everytime I turn around - it's been three or four days since I've posted.......not that I think any of you are holding your breath waiting on me to post - but still.............LOL
We had a very relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Normally, we go to the Alto Frio River - it's been a family tradition for as long as I can remember - but this year - we took the weekend off. It was much harder on my older sister Carla than it was for me - she has literally been doing this forever....me, not so much - there was a time during my solo years when I couldn't even think about spending memorial day with the family - I was too busy sowing my wild oats.....now, it's different, but I enjoyed just being home and not having the hustle and bustle of getting everything together and rushing down there.
Friday - we layed low. Jake was grounded - so he couldn't do anyting (I know Grammy - how DARE I ground him). Mark and Jake worked in the yard and I worked in the house.........Saturday - I cleaned and cleaned (and it doesn't even show!!! hate that !) and Saturday night my husband grilled and Carla came over for dinner. Sunday was church and that afternoon we spent with Nana and Pop and then Monday - we went to New Covenant church for the Memorial Day celebration that was hosted there.........it was fun - but VERY HOT!!!!!
This week has flown by because it's a short week. Jake has been getting very excited - his 6th birthday is coming up on Friday. He is getting to be such a big boy. I'm adopting my sister Paulette's rule of thumb as it relates to birthday parties. One year it will be a big todo - the next year just immediate family.....this year is immediate family. Ok - let's face it - when we were little - we did not do all these big old parties! How many of you remember doing a party that cost your parents $200 or $300 just for a 5 year old!!!!!!! I remember cake and dinner - that's about it....LOL. It gets ridiculous and for any of you that know my husband.....that pretty much makes him want to throw up!!! LOL. Jake is ok with it - he just wants the gifts and with our immediate family - he still racks it up! I'm going to plan a day in conroe when he gets out of school with the other half of the family at Incredible pizza (all of you who read - I will be contacting you!) in Conroe - he hasn't been there and I know he will enjoy playing with his cousins out there...........we will have cake and hotdogs on friday and that will about cover it! We will still have 17 people here!!!!!!! good night nurse...>LOL
Jake is getting ready to end his first year of school. There program is coming up and he is very excited. I will record and take lots of pictures. He has been practicing so much - he is going to be a bear. They have headbands with bear ears and little gloves that look like paws....he is so excited.
I am not sure if I'm going to make him do summer school this year. He has gone to a church Mother's Day out program for the past 5 years that he ADORES and they are willing to take him this year as his last year because they love him and can handle his disabilities. He calls it "Pastor Mark's school because they go to chapel and they also host Vacation Bible school that he goes too.....I'm seriously leaning towards this since he is repeating kindergarten next year - I think it will help him to go do something fun this summer then spend all his time in school..........working on my husband re: this.......he just feels it might be better to keep him surrounded by the atmospere and it is only 6 weeks........we'll see.
sometimes I'm overwhelmed with how to make the best decisions for Jake - to make sure that he is getting the right things to help him progress and reach his fullest potential. Developmental delays, ADHD, hearing, vision, etc. I know that there are so many that have it worst off - but when you live in the world of special needs - your situation is as worse as someone else - just in a different way.....make sense? I know that I stress much more than my husband - I think that is just being a mother........but I also know that God doesn't give you more than we can bare.....so I know i have the strength, courage and knowledge - I sometimes just have to dig really deep down to find it......I have to surround myself with others who have special kids who can relate with me - help me - hug me - talk to me - tell me I'm not crazy because I want to run away sometimes........Jake still has trouble with the potty - it's an emotional thing for him - physically and emotionally - it's hard for a mom - but, we are getting there. I'm not looking for pity - a prayer here and there will do.
Hope that everyone has a blessed day! Love to all
karen
We had a very relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Normally, we go to the Alto Frio River - it's been a family tradition for as long as I can remember - but this year - we took the weekend off. It was much harder on my older sister Carla than it was for me - she has literally been doing this forever....me, not so much - there was a time during my solo years when I couldn't even think about spending memorial day with the family - I was too busy sowing my wild oats.....now, it's different, but I enjoyed just being home and not having the hustle and bustle of getting everything together and rushing down there.
Friday - we layed low. Jake was grounded - so he couldn't do anyting (I know Grammy - how DARE I ground him). Mark and Jake worked in the yard and I worked in the house.........Saturday - I cleaned and cleaned (and it doesn't even show!!! hate that !) and Saturday night my husband grilled and Carla came over for dinner. Sunday was church and that afternoon we spent with Nana and Pop and then Monday - we went to New Covenant church for the Memorial Day celebration that was hosted there.........it was fun - but VERY HOT!!!!!
This week has flown by because it's a short week. Jake has been getting very excited - his 6th birthday is coming up on Friday. He is getting to be such a big boy. I'm adopting my sister Paulette's rule of thumb as it relates to birthday parties. One year it will be a big todo - the next year just immediate family.....this year is immediate family. Ok - let's face it - when we were little - we did not do all these big old parties! How many of you remember doing a party that cost your parents $200 or $300 just for a 5 year old!!!!!!! I remember cake and dinner - that's about it....LOL. It gets ridiculous and for any of you that know my husband.....that pretty much makes him want to throw up!!! LOL. Jake is ok with it - he just wants the gifts and with our immediate family - he still racks it up! I'm going to plan a day in conroe when he gets out of school with the other half of the family at Incredible pizza (all of you who read - I will be contacting you!) in Conroe - he hasn't been there and I know he will enjoy playing with his cousins out there...........we will have cake and hotdogs on friday and that will about cover it! We will still have 17 people here!!!!!!! good night nurse...>LOL
Jake is getting ready to end his first year of school. There program is coming up and he is very excited. I will record and take lots of pictures. He has been practicing so much - he is going to be a bear. They have headbands with bear ears and little gloves that look like paws....he is so excited.
I am not sure if I'm going to make him do summer school this year. He has gone to a church Mother's Day out program for the past 5 years that he ADORES and they are willing to take him this year as his last year because they love him and can handle his disabilities. He calls it "Pastor Mark's school because they go to chapel and they also host Vacation Bible school that he goes too.....I'm seriously leaning towards this since he is repeating kindergarten next year - I think it will help him to go do something fun this summer then spend all his time in school..........working on my husband re: this.......he just feels it might be better to keep him surrounded by the atmospere and it is only 6 weeks........we'll see.
sometimes I'm overwhelmed with how to make the best decisions for Jake - to make sure that he is getting the right things to help him progress and reach his fullest potential. Developmental delays, ADHD, hearing, vision, etc. I know that there are so many that have it worst off - but when you live in the world of special needs - your situation is as worse as someone else - just in a different way.....make sense? I know that I stress much more than my husband - I think that is just being a mother........but I also know that God doesn't give you more than we can bare.....so I know i have the strength, courage and knowledge - I sometimes just have to dig really deep down to find it......I have to surround myself with others who have special kids who can relate with me - help me - hug me - talk to me - tell me I'm not crazy because I want to run away sometimes........Jake still has trouble with the potty - it's an emotional thing for him - physically and emotionally - it's hard for a mom - but, we are getting there. I'm not looking for pity - a prayer here and there will do.
Hope that everyone has a blessed day! Love to all
karen
Friday, May 22, 2009
ARD was a success!
We made it through the ARD process for this year!!! YAY!! Thanks for some great suggestions from some friends who have special needs children as well as some friends of mine who are special needs teachers (KB - you rock!).
We went in with some concerns - especially as it related to his progression this year. Jake really showed no sign of improvement this year. His writing and reading are still below target. The one area that he made great improvement in is his speech - that has improved tremendously! From what his speech coach had to say - Jake is doing well - he just has to learn how to make sounds in the back part of his mouth for certain words and then the other sounds come from the front (stuff you and I probably NEVER think about or even knew for that matter!!! LOL). Like when Jake means to say "fine" -it comes out as "phine" I took speech for 4 years as well - my name was Kawen Kay Patwick and my teacher was Ms. Pewwy (Perry)....so, I guess he gets it honestly.....LOL
One of the changes next year will be that he will be pulled out for 30 minutes a week for small group reading.......this is the only pull out that we are doing........the rest will be in full class participation.
He will also get Occupational therapy which will help with his letter writing.......
He will also get his aid that comes into the classroom with him 2x a day to help in center time
He will also continue to get speech
and we made a teacher request and that has passed too!!! Now, to figure out how to tell him he is repeating kindergarten................how this breaks my heart - but I know it is definitely needed.
He is turning 6 next Friday - May 29th.....so he was actually a young 5 year old in school due to his prematurity (3 months early) so I think he will do much better in kindergarten next year.....
One good thing is all the teachers LOVE him. They love helping him and watching him grow.....I know it's because I pray God's favor over him all the time! They all said that he is very expressive and has no problem telling you what he thinks or what he likes and doesn't like......I wonder where that comes from???? lol
thanks to all of you for your prayers! These ARDS are only going to get tougher - I know.
oh yeah -btw - we are having a thorough testing done with Bonnie Brookshire, Ph.D (she was recommended by our pediatrician) - she is a Clinical Neuropsychologist; Speech-Language Pathologist. She evaluates children with developmental and acquired neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders (don't worry - jake doesn't need a psychiatrist) - LOL. She consults with parents, schools, and other professionals involved in the development of appropriate interventions, educational curriculums, and life care plans. Basically - this is an extensive testing to see if all Jake has a problem with is focus. The school diagnosis is ADHD - not the hyper side - but the lack of focus. what she will do is see if there is something else there or if he is needing additional services at school to help him comprehend......I'm excited about this......we go in the summer - I'll keep you posted.
Hope you all have a great Memorial Day Weekend. Love a veteran! Show them we appreciate all they do for us.
Be Blessed.
karen
We went in with some concerns - especially as it related to his progression this year. Jake really showed no sign of improvement this year. His writing and reading are still below target. The one area that he made great improvement in is his speech - that has improved tremendously! From what his speech coach had to say - Jake is doing well - he just has to learn how to make sounds in the back part of his mouth for certain words and then the other sounds come from the front (stuff you and I probably NEVER think about or even knew for that matter!!! LOL). Like when Jake means to say "fine" -it comes out as "phine" I took speech for 4 years as well - my name was Kawen Kay Patwick and my teacher was Ms. Pewwy (Perry)....so, I guess he gets it honestly.....LOL
One of the changes next year will be that he will be pulled out for 30 minutes a week for small group reading.......this is the only pull out that we are doing........the rest will be in full class participation.
He will also get Occupational therapy which will help with his letter writing.......
He will also get his aid that comes into the classroom with him 2x a day to help in center time
He will also continue to get speech
and we made a teacher request and that has passed too!!! Now, to figure out how to tell him he is repeating kindergarten................how this breaks my heart - but I know it is definitely needed.
He is turning 6 next Friday - May 29th.....so he was actually a young 5 year old in school due to his prematurity (3 months early) so I think he will do much better in kindergarten next year.....
One good thing is all the teachers LOVE him. They love helping him and watching him grow.....I know it's because I pray God's favor over him all the time! They all said that he is very expressive and has no problem telling you what he thinks or what he likes and doesn't like......I wonder where that comes from???? lol
thanks to all of you for your prayers! These ARDS are only going to get tougher - I know.
oh yeah -btw - we are having a thorough testing done with Bonnie Brookshire, Ph.D (she was recommended by our pediatrician) - she is a Clinical Neuropsychologist; Speech-Language Pathologist. She evaluates children with developmental and acquired neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders (don't worry - jake doesn't need a psychiatrist) - LOL. She consults with parents, schools, and other professionals involved in the development of appropriate interventions, educational curriculums, and life care plans. Basically - this is an extensive testing to see if all Jake has a problem with is focus. The school diagnosis is ADHD - not the hyper side - but the lack of focus. what she will do is see if there is something else there or if he is needing additional services at school to help him comprehend......I'm excited about this......we go in the summer - I'll keep you posted.
Hope you all have a great Memorial Day Weekend. Love a veteran! Show them we appreciate all they do for us.
Be Blessed.
karen
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
such a busy weekend.....where does the time go
whew - the past two weekends were jam packed and that makes for quick weekends doesn't it!!! Mother's day was busy, busy and this past weekend - my husband's best friend, Matt, got married!! This was a very exciting event..........we are so happy for him - but it was busy, busy with rehearsal dinner on Friday night - then an TAMU "buddy" party - all their friends came in that they went to school with and that was great! Seeing all the guys hang out together was great........Jake spent the night with Nana - so he had a great time too!
Saturday - we spent the morning playing with Jake and then got dressed and headed out to the wedding. It was beautiful! Kathy made a beautiful bride and Matt was handsome! Jake was so excited that his daddy was in the wedding - he kept saying "I'm so proud of Daddy"......then, when Mark did his best man toast - Jake was just a cheering for his daddy! So cute.
This week is busy getting information together for Jake's ARD meeting at school. They have diagnosed him with ADHD - not the hyper side - but the lack of focus! He can't stay on one thing longer than 5 minutes or so - and he is not comprehending much.....so, in order to get more services, they have to give him a diagnosis......I can totally see the lack of focus and we were wondering how we were going to address this. He also plays the drums NON STOP when he is bored - so he is always banging on the tables, etc. at school......cute, but not cute! Now that he has a diagnosis - they can have him pulled out for one-on-one lessons for reading and writing (which are the areas that he is struggling with) and we are also going to have this Neuro Pych. testing done probably towards the end of next year as he progresses to 1st grade to determine what other areas he struggles with so that as he enters grade school - we can make sure we are focusing on the areas that he needs the most help in. This is a test that they do at Texas Children's Hospital.........hey - I'm putting my tax dollars to good use!!! That's what we pay them for - to help the kids that have special needs get the education that everyone else does - so I'm making the school work for their money...LOL. Jake is definitely repeating kindergarten this year - he is not ready for 1st grade and he needs to focus on his writing (Occupational therapy will start next year - that will help his fine motor skills - like writing) and his reading.
Keep us in your prayers - it's tough sometimes having to fight for your rights - but I'm doing it. Thank goodness for my hubby.....I go into these meetings and get emotional - he goes in and its business as usual - he doesn't let anything slip past him. He is awesome!
God is good - all the time!!!! He has a plan for Jake and we are walking it out!
Love to all
Saturday - we spent the morning playing with Jake and then got dressed and headed out to the wedding. It was beautiful! Kathy made a beautiful bride and Matt was handsome! Jake was so excited that his daddy was in the wedding - he kept saying "I'm so proud of Daddy"......then, when Mark did his best man toast - Jake was just a cheering for his daddy! So cute.
This week is busy getting information together for Jake's ARD meeting at school. They have diagnosed him with ADHD - not the hyper side - but the lack of focus! He can't stay on one thing longer than 5 minutes or so - and he is not comprehending much.....so, in order to get more services, they have to give him a diagnosis......I can totally see the lack of focus and we were wondering how we were going to address this. He also plays the drums NON STOP when he is bored - so he is always banging on the tables, etc. at school......cute, but not cute! Now that he has a diagnosis - they can have him pulled out for one-on-one lessons for reading and writing (which are the areas that he is struggling with) and we are also going to have this Neuro Pych. testing done probably towards the end of next year as he progresses to 1st grade to determine what other areas he struggles with so that as he enters grade school - we can make sure we are focusing on the areas that he needs the most help in. This is a test that they do at Texas Children's Hospital.........hey - I'm putting my tax dollars to good use!!! That's what we pay them for - to help the kids that have special needs get the education that everyone else does - so I'm making the school work for their money...LOL. Jake is definitely repeating kindergarten this year - he is not ready for 1st grade and he needs to focus on his writing (Occupational therapy will start next year - that will help his fine motor skills - like writing) and his reading.
Keep us in your prayers - it's tough sometimes having to fight for your rights - but I'm doing it. Thank goodness for my hubby.....I go into these meetings and get emotional - he goes in and its business as usual - he doesn't let anything slip past him. He is awesome!
God is good - all the time!!!! He has a plan for Jake and we are walking it out!
Love to all
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Oh be careful little mind what you think.........
uh oh - that was the title of my devotion today........I'm in for it!! LOL
First - I wanted to update you on my Mother's day weekend - it was great! The weekend was filled with stuff and went by entirely too fast - but it was great. Friday - I spent the evening with my hubby and little boy.............then Saturday - I spent it all day shopping with the ladies from my church at Old Town Spring - it was so much fun (ok - maybe it was just fun because I was without the "boys") I shopped and shopped!!! Then, we went to this great little coffee cafe' on Cypresswood and Stuebner Airline called Rao's.............OMG is all I can say. Desserts out the wazoo and they are fabulous....it's my new favorite place. If you are in the Houston area and are out and about and have time to just go and eat dessert and have coffee - you must try it out............
While I was out shopping - my hubby spent the day with Jake......took him to Whataburger for lunch (Jake's favorite) and then to the swimming pool.....they had a great time....however, it was funny because Jake's shoulders got burned - he got him everywhere with sun screen except his shoulders.....lol....mommie would never do that would I??? LOL. After the pool - they came home and made mommy a card for Mother's day - aren't those the ones that are so precious??? Too cute.....when I got home from all my shopping - Jake wanted to give me his cards right then - however, Mark compromised and gave me one of my gifts instead - a beautiful turquoise ring.
Sunday - we got up - Mark made breakfast and Jake gave me my card - too cute! Went to church - had a great service and then came home and Mark's parents came over. Mark grilled steaks so I wouldn't have to cook and we had a great time......
the week has flown by as well - wow - it's already Wednesday - mid week! whew - school is almost out......
OK - devotion..............this is from Becoming - women's devotional.......
"What kind of thoughts have already stolen too much of your life? Maybe you think, "I've got too much to do, so maybe later. I'm in too deep, and I'll never get out. I've tried and failed a million times. No one else understands. It looks like I'm just destined to live this way." If you're like me, Satan tries to paralyse you by attacking your mind. He's convincing and you can hear his defeating thoughts in your head every day. But too many years are already gone. As for me, I refuse to live the next forty years inside the prison these berating thoughts build around my heart.
Did you know that you learn to believe what you focus on, whether it's actually true or not? At times, I have focused on my own rejection to the point that I began to live like I was only worthy of rejection. That is a complete mind game formulated by Satan to steal our confidence. That kind of thinking will limit and frustrate the work God intends to do in and through his children.
IN order to live as the woman God planned, you and I are going to have to capture these sinful thoughts and push them away so that we can confidently obey the truths of Christ. We must change our focus. Since we believe what we focus on, you and I must center our lives around Jesus. Thinking Jesus, believing Jesus, responding like Jesus, and loving like Jesus."
Man - when I get these thoughts that keep berating me - I just claim the blood over my thoughts and walk around repeating "I have the mind of Christ".....it's amazing when you pray the word over yourself - things begin to change.
Get bold - speak the word over yourself - it will NOT return void.
be blessed.
k
First - I wanted to update you on my Mother's day weekend - it was great! The weekend was filled with stuff and went by entirely too fast - but it was great. Friday - I spent the evening with my hubby and little boy.............then Saturday - I spent it all day shopping with the ladies from my church at Old Town Spring - it was so much fun (ok - maybe it was just fun because I was without the "boys") I shopped and shopped!!! Then, we went to this great little coffee cafe' on Cypresswood and Stuebner Airline called Rao's.............OMG is all I can say. Desserts out the wazoo and they are fabulous....it's my new favorite place. If you are in the Houston area and are out and about and have time to just go and eat dessert and have coffee - you must try it out............
While I was out shopping - my hubby spent the day with Jake......took him to Whataburger for lunch (Jake's favorite) and then to the swimming pool.....they had a great time....however, it was funny because Jake's shoulders got burned - he got him everywhere with sun screen except his shoulders.....lol....mommie would never do that would I??? LOL. After the pool - they came home and made mommy a card for Mother's day - aren't those the ones that are so precious??? Too cute.....when I got home from all my shopping - Jake wanted to give me his cards right then - however, Mark compromised and gave me one of my gifts instead - a beautiful turquoise ring.
Sunday - we got up - Mark made breakfast and Jake gave me my card - too cute! Went to church - had a great service and then came home and Mark's parents came over. Mark grilled steaks so I wouldn't have to cook and we had a great time......
the week has flown by as well - wow - it's already Wednesday - mid week! whew - school is almost out......
OK - devotion..............this is from Becoming - women's devotional.......
"What kind of thoughts have already stolen too much of your life? Maybe you think, "I've got too much to do, so maybe later. I'm in too deep, and I'll never get out. I've tried and failed a million times. No one else understands. It looks like I'm just destined to live this way." If you're like me, Satan tries to paralyse you by attacking your mind. He's convincing and you can hear his defeating thoughts in your head every day. But too many years are already gone. As for me, I refuse to live the next forty years inside the prison these berating thoughts build around my heart.
Did you know that you learn to believe what you focus on, whether it's actually true or not? At times, I have focused on my own rejection to the point that I began to live like I was only worthy of rejection. That is a complete mind game formulated by Satan to steal our confidence. That kind of thinking will limit and frustrate the work God intends to do in and through his children.
IN order to live as the woman God planned, you and I are going to have to capture these sinful thoughts and push them away so that we can confidently obey the truths of Christ. We must change our focus. Since we believe what we focus on, you and I must center our lives around Jesus. Thinking Jesus, believing Jesus, responding like Jesus, and loving like Jesus."
Man - when I get these thoughts that keep berating me - I just claim the blood over my thoughts and walk around repeating "I have the mind of Christ".....it's amazing when you pray the word over yourself - things begin to change.
Get bold - speak the word over yourself - it will NOT return void.
be blessed.
k
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Mercy
daily devotion from "Becoming" Women's devotional bible..........
We don't choose the person who sits in the cubicle beside us, the uncle we've become related to by marriage, or the neighbor who just moved in next door. We can't control the choices of wayward children or wayward parents or wayward friends. What pleases God is your mercy toward the ones you haven't chosen. They may be fallen, struggling, disappointing, or downright embarrassing. Maybe one is the stranger who rear-ended you in the parking lot. God loves it when you give to anyone the mercy he has so freely extended to you.
when your soul is being perfected by mercy, judgment fades. The rules don't matter as much, and what everyone might think becomes ridiculous. You become tender toward people in sin, the snare of additions, and the depths of pain and suffering. On the other hand, life gets messy when you become merciful, and some people won't understand. (They didn't understand Jesus either). Some will judge - bank on it. Someone will doubt your motives or your radical choice to extend mercy. Give on, because blessed are the merciful.
I expect that no matter how much you give, you will always receive more than you have given. God's mercy accounting is amazing. But one warning: mercy won't let you hold onto your legalism or value rules more than souls. Mercy might make you uncomfortable and blow away the box you've drawn around God. If you become merciful, things are going to change. You are going to look into the eyes of people and hurt for their pain. You are going to hear yourself offer light into their darkness. You will start to love the unlovely.
You'll be a lot more like Jesus that way.
Think about it: How has God come to you as mercy? How has he surprised you with grace and tenderness? Why is it sometimes easier to choose judgement over compassion and mercy? If the blessing of giving mercy is receiving mercy, what are the obvious implications of becoming a woman/man of mercy?
Dig Deeper: Micah 7:18 (God's mercy); Matthew 5:7 (the merciful) and James 2:13 (the unmerciful)
We must show love and mercy to a lost world.......I pray that I continue to show mercy to people. That I don't become judgmental - but loving and compassionate to those who are desperate for him.
be blessed.
We don't choose the person who sits in the cubicle beside us, the uncle we've become related to by marriage, or the neighbor who just moved in next door. We can't control the choices of wayward children or wayward parents or wayward friends. What pleases God is your mercy toward the ones you haven't chosen. They may be fallen, struggling, disappointing, or downright embarrassing. Maybe one is the stranger who rear-ended you in the parking lot. God loves it when you give to anyone the mercy he has so freely extended to you.
when your soul is being perfected by mercy, judgment fades. The rules don't matter as much, and what everyone might think becomes ridiculous. You become tender toward people in sin, the snare of additions, and the depths of pain and suffering. On the other hand, life gets messy when you become merciful, and some people won't understand. (They didn't understand Jesus either). Some will judge - bank on it. Someone will doubt your motives or your radical choice to extend mercy. Give on, because blessed are the merciful.
I expect that no matter how much you give, you will always receive more than you have given. God's mercy accounting is amazing. But one warning: mercy won't let you hold onto your legalism or value rules more than souls. Mercy might make you uncomfortable and blow away the box you've drawn around God. If you become merciful, things are going to change. You are going to look into the eyes of people and hurt for their pain. You are going to hear yourself offer light into their darkness. You will start to love the unlovely.
You'll be a lot more like Jesus that way.
Think about it: How has God come to you as mercy? How has he surprised you with grace and tenderness? Why is it sometimes easier to choose judgement over compassion and mercy? If the blessing of giving mercy is receiving mercy, what are the obvious implications of becoming a woman/man of mercy?
Dig Deeper: Micah 7:18 (God's mercy); Matthew 5:7 (the merciful) and James 2:13 (the unmerciful)
We must show love and mercy to a lost world.......I pray that I continue to show mercy to people. That I don't become judgmental - but loving and compassionate to those who are desperate for him.
be blessed.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Dear God, it's me........
I was reading this to Jake yesterday and realized - it relates to us all..............thought I would share!
Before you throw back the covers and your feet touch the floor,
ask God to show you what he has in store
for the day that's just starting, from beginning to end,
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
He wants to be near you all day long while you play.
He cares what you think, and he cares what you say.
Yes, he cares where your headed.....knows your outs and ins.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
Your world will grow bigger, and you'll stumble and you'll fall.
Your questions won't be simple like they are when you are small.
You can count on his promise when life is in a spin.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Remember his promise. Remember his word
at night when it's dark and your prayers have been heard.....
through the day that's now over,
fun-filled to the brim.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
Please stay close beside me, make my heart your own.
be blessed.
Before you throw back the covers and your feet touch the floor,
ask God to show you what he has in store
for the day that's just starting, from beginning to end,
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
He wants to be near you all day long while you play.
He cares what you think, and he cares what you say.
Yes, he cares where your headed.....knows your outs and ins.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
Your world will grow bigger, and you'll stumble and you'll fall.
Your questions won't be simple like they are when you are small.
You can count on his promise when life is in a spin.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Remember his promise. Remember his word
at night when it's dark and your prayers have been heard.....
through the day that's now over,
fun-filled to the brim.
God says he'll be near you if you call on him.
Dear God, I am calling....please listen...it's me!
You know all about my day from A to Z!
You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own.
Please stay close beside me, make my heart your own.
be blessed.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Meeting the Lord
coming from my devotion from the "Becoming" ......Women's devotional bible: Psalm 42:1-2
"When David wrote Psalm 42, he painted a picture for us of what an intense thirst for God looks like: a sweet deer after a long day's journey looking for a crystal brook to quench his thirst." I cannot imagine going an entire day without water; in fact, if I deprive my body of that provision, dehydration and a headache soon follow. How much more does your spirit need watering when precious communion time is missing with the Lord? There is nothing I desire more that to get alone with the Lord, to see what he has to say to me, to pray with him, and to get into his Word. Those are the true desires of my heart and the intentions of my spirit.
But, somewhere between desire and intention, life happens. Before my feet hit the floor, schedules, commitments, and everything in between take over. The only way to overcome life and get to the stream is to make a commitment to meet the Lord anyway and anywhere we can. If life interrupts before your feet hit the floor, then you need to meet him before you set one little toe down. If your lunch hour is the only time you can get to the brook, then go alone. If late in the evening immersed in your tub is the only piece of quiet you have, ask the Lord to share it with you. God wants to satisfy your thirst and I promise he will meet you anywhere.....
I find myself praying continually. When I realized that I didn't have to spend hours on my knees for it to be considered praying - I realized that I had been praying all throughout the day................I'm constantly praying for people that come to my thoughts, singing in my spirit, talking to him all the time........how refreshing to realize that when you stop and think about how much you pray - you might surprise yourself! I'm not saying it's not important to spend time with him alone - by yourself and meditating on him and his word - but don't beat yourself up! God is everywhere you are during the day - so just take a minute and acknowledge him - he will fill you up right where you are!!!
I still love that old hymn:
As the deer panteth for the waters
so my soul longeth after you
you alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you
You alone are my strength
my shield
to you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you.......
great song! be blessed.
"When David wrote Psalm 42, he painted a picture for us of what an intense thirst for God looks like: a sweet deer after a long day's journey looking for a crystal brook to quench his thirst." I cannot imagine going an entire day without water; in fact, if I deprive my body of that provision, dehydration and a headache soon follow. How much more does your spirit need watering when precious communion time is missing with the Lord? There is nothing I desire more that to get alone with the Lord, to see what he has to say to me, to pray with him, and to get into his Word. Those are the true desires of my heart and the intentions of my spirit.
But, somewhere between desire and intention, life happens. Before my feet hit the floor, schedules, commitments, and everything in between take over. The only way to overcome life and get to the stream is to make a commitment to meet the Lord anyway and anywhere we can. If life interrupts before your feet hit the floor, then you need to meet him before you set one little toe down. If your lunch hour is the only time you can get to the brook, then go alone. If late in the evening immersed in your tub is the only piece of quiet you have, ask the Lord to share it with you. God wants to satisfy your thirst and I promise he will meet you anywhere.....
I find myself praying continually. When I realized that I didn't have to spend hours on my knees for it to be considered praying - I realized that I had been praying all throughout the day................I'm constantly praying for people that come to my thoughts, singing in my spirit, talking to him all the time........how refreshing to realize that when you stop and think about how much you pray - you might surprise yourself! I'm not saying it's not important to spend time with him alone - by yourself and meditating on him and his word - but don't beat yourself up! God is everywhere you are during the day - so just take a minute and acknowledge him - he will fill you up right where you are!!!
I still love that old hymn:
As the deer panteth for the waters
so my soul longeth after you
you alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you
You alone are my strength
my shield
to you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you.......
great song! be blessed.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tabitha
My studies today brought me to the woman named Tabitha in the book of Acts chapter 9. Here was a woman who had already died - who they had washed, perfumed and begun the burial process........then, Peter arrives:
Peter enters the home, and people shuffle to the side. A man leads Peter upstairs where he sees women huddled around a bed. They hear him and step aside. Tears rim their eyes as they hold up robes and cloaks the dead woman had made for them. "She was always sewing," one of the women offers, choking on her words.
The two men who had rushed to find Peter had told him of the woman's kindness. Her name was Tabitha (her Greek name was Dorcas). "She is a follower of Christ," they had said, pulling Peter through the busy streets. As Peter approached the home and saw the number of people mourning for her, he knew that Tabitha had been well loved. When he saw the examples of her work and heard stories of her generosity, he knew why: she loved others with everything she had.
"Leave me alone with her," Peter says to the women. As the door closes, Peter kneels beside the body and prays. "Jesus, you said that anyone who has faith in you will do what you have done." He looks at the still body and addresses it. "Tabitha, stand up."
Dark brown eyes fly open with a flash of light. Peter offers her his hand and welcomes her into a life of even greater service for her Lord.
WOW!! Did you get that - anyone who has faith in Jesus - we can/will do what he has done!!! That's what I'm talking about.............................
also, Tabitha served God in practical ways - like sewing for the poor. He is glorified and lives are changed through the SIMPLEST acts of service.
be blessed.
Peter enters the home, and people shuffle to the side. A man leads Peter upstairs where he sees women huddled around a bed. They hear him and step aside. Tears rim their eyes as they hold up robes and cloaks the dead woman had made for them. "She was always sewing," one of the women offers, choking on her words.
The two men who had rushed to find Peter had told him of the woman's kindness. Her name was Tabitha (her Greek name was Dorcas). "She is a follower of Christ," they had said, pulling Peter through the busy streets. As Peter approached the home and saw the number of people mourning for her, he knew that Tabitha had been well loved. When he saw the examples of her work and heard stories of her generosity, he knew why: she loved others with everything she had.
"Leave me alone with her," Peter says to the women. As the door closes, Peter kneels beside the body and prays. "Jesus, you said that anyone who has faith in you will do what you have done." He looks at the still body and addresses it. "Tabitha, stand up."
Dark brown eyes fly open with a flash of light. Peter offers her his hand and welcomes her into a life of even greater service for her Lord.
WOW!! Did you get that - anyone who has faith in Jesus - we can/will do what he has done!!! That's what I'm talking about.............................
also, Tabitha served God in practical ways - like sewing for the poor. He is glorified and lives are changed through the SIMPLEST acts of service.
be blessed.
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