It takes more then one to raise a family- God,Family,and Friends
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Looking Back
- The Awesome God I Serve- He is so kind- merciful- loving - gracious- understanding-He gives us wisdom- He strengthens us
-Family and Friends- Their support and love through a tough year- but a growing year
- A job that keeps challenging me to improve and stretch
- For the caring and loving nurses and doctors and support staff at St. Josephs ER department
- For therapist, psychiatrists and teachers that help us each and every month
- For my health - my home-
I am thankful that God is a God of increase- what do I mean by that - for me- it was an increase in trusting in Him- relying more on Him- An increase of learning that it is okay to ask for help and be lifted up by friends when your faith is not as strong as you would hope it would be- An increase of being used by God to teach others -being stretched by God in the most astounding way that I would never seem imaginable. Realizing we are not alone in this world. Increase in joy even when you seem there is no joy to have- laughing through the hard times even when you really do not feel like it. An increase of wisdom- increase in patience (yes more of an increase)
An increase in love for my son- even when he is angry-realizing what a wonderful child God created- and that he just needs a little more guidance - more encouragement- more consistency- more love-
An increase in helping Marcus realize he is wondrfully made- that he is a Good person- even if he makes bad choices- helping him to see through God's eyes he was created in God's imagine.
An increase in helping others to reach their potential for God-
Friday, November 28, 2008
Some fun at the park in Venice
Our almost finished tree
It is almost finished- when I get back I need to add some lights at the bottom but this is what it looks like
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly....
I will post a picture of the tree in a bit
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of the BEST CHURCH
God has truly blessed me with a wonderful church family- it was great day at church yesterday- We ended it with our annual Thanksgiving Dinner- I sat with wonderful friends and we laughed- I held a baby- enjoyed my time immensely- Marcus was off with the kids - this was a first- the last couple of years he wanted to hang out with Mom- this was our first Thanksigiving meal was the first one we had after we became a forever family - so each year I look forward to it.
We also celebrated our Pastors- we have the best pastors in the world- real- loving- compassionate- full of encouragement- wants what is best for you in the Lord- sees something in yourself and helps you to see it as well- stretches you-helps you to grow into the person God created you to be- really no words could ever express how I feel about my pastors - I am just so thankful for them for all that they are to me and my family-
Saturday, November 22, 2008
YEAH is what I heard....
Friday, November 21, 2008
What a great day!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Momma is so proud
They we woke up this morning and he was great- Got his chart from before school and school and he had a perfect point earning day for both- and after care and home right now no problems- Never give up- God will be there
I am so proud of him today- one day at a time- day by day - step by step
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Frustration
Fused for Frustrations-Future
How many have ever been frustrated? Whether it be with your children- work - school- family members? Your marriage- Me never I have no frustrations in my life- well of course we know that is not true.
Okay so how do we handle these frustrations?
1. Allow them to eat through us
2. Have them take over us
3. Allow them to make us miserable which in turn will make everyone else miserable.
We go through frustrations or trials or tribulations to help us grow to help us to develop into the person God created us to be.
We have a future past the frustrations of life - how by trusting in God by relying on him- through friends to help us along the way.
Key ways to help us through
We are not alone - we are not on this planet alone and if you have children you go through frustrations- Most importantly God is there ready to help you through
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
* I sometimes forget that I am not alone-others out there have dealt with similar situations- that we each got through-
* I am not one to ask for help- because I can do it on my own- well I have learned over the last 3 years that is okay to ask for help it does not make you weaker it makes you stronger
* Illustration of Frustration- Marcus and his hitting at school and being suspended - frustrating- why- taking off work- etc
*Deal with Frustration
cry- well sometimes-
* I email or call someone- yes at 630 in the am - chat online
*- why cause if we allow the frustrations to build up inside who are we benefiting?
* When I call or email
I do not need a reply I just need a place for someone to listen
* Listen to those who have been through it there words may not seem helpful at the time cause you are so frustrated but you will go back and there may be 1-2 things that sticks out in your mind and that is just what is needed for that time.
God is always there for us and He sees the frustrations we go through-
Be honest with God when it comes to saying okay God I am not sure how to deal with this one- I have vented and that is not changing my frustration I am feeling- very candid with Him- ( He already knows it just voice it)
Praise and worship nothing like being in God’s Presence to help with the frustration
Never give up-
Last 3 years as of yesterday( marked our 3 year forever family anniversary) have been very frustrations- tiredness - weariness- but I could never give up-never give up- does not mean I did not feel like it
God did not give up on me or you so do not give up on your frustrations or trials he will see you through- you will become a better person a changed person
look past the trial the frustration- see it through God’s eyes-
What is the outcome going to be - Will he be glorified
For he knows the plans he has for you-
Think about work do you have person that may talk behind your back is negative towards you- show kindness to them- keep praying for them
you have a family member that is under your skin- causes you grief makes you frustrated when you are around them- We can not change them - But we can pray for them and never give up
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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.
A few weeks ago Tim gave me a verse- and it is one I have heard before but I have thought about it over and over again
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
think about us and how many times God has been frustrated with me or you- has he ever given up on us? No never- why he sees us through He sees us past the frustrations- so we need not to give up through the frustrations we have and try to realize that there is a future - which leads me to my next and final point
3. A future
Your frustrations could help someone
Work- Marcus God helping me- it is my family ( you all included) my friends- his drs his therapists - why because he has a future -
we all have a future- your story as Pastor said a couple of weeks ago could be the new Buzz around- wow if this frustration brought them to here I know I can make it
Repeat 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
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
18 consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Even though we go through frustrations - God will use those frustrations to help benefit others and make you a stronger person-
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Happy Forever Family Day!!
I look at the picture I have hanging on the wall- he was so tiny - he is growing and we have come so far in behaviors - it could only get better - day to day.
So remember to hold your family close and know that families are forever- to all of you who are my family and are considered family ( you know who you are) thank you for all you have done for us over these past 3 years- You all are a true blessing to us and we would not have made it with out you all- thank you for all you love and support- your encouragement -
Monday, November 17, 2008
God sure does answer prayers
Well- I did not know what to say-when they said We have been talking and we are not sure what to do- we think this may not be a good place for him- They informed me they had been talking and such and the director honestly said she was not sure if she wanted him back- He is a good boy she said but his anger - I said I completely understand and I am thinking wow he is getting booted once again- said a little prayer quietly and the whole conversation switched to me pullin out the chart I came up with and came up with a plan and ideas for helping deal with his anger and it was great-
It is still touch and go but I am hoping this will be a breakthrough moment for him realizing that he is loved-
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Yesterday
So hopefully Lori will send me pictures of it so I can share (hint hint Lori)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Hurdles
Today’s Truth James 1:2 (MSG) “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that, under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
Friend to Friend Imagine that it is your birthday, and before you sits the most beautiful gift you have ever seen. You can hardly wait to find out what is inside such an amazing gift box, wrapped in gold and glitter. Everyone gathers to celebrate as you delicately undue the paper from the box. You lift the lid to find a note that reads:
Dear (your name here):
Happy Birthday! This year, you will receive tests and trials that will challenge you to your core and require incredible perseverance and resilience on your part.
The good news is that if you persevere, your faith and your character will be built up.
Love,
James
Would you rejoice in such a gift, or would you throw the box at the gift-giver?
I recently read an article about Lolo Jones, an Olympic Gold Medal hopeful.
Lolo grew up in a family that was homeless for many years. Lolo's father was in and out of jail and not in the picture most of the time, leaving Lolo’s mother to raise her and her four siblings alone.
Lolo’s story continued as the world watched her overcome her tough childhood through her love for running and hurdles. Due to her come-back attitude, Lolo was touted to be the girl who would live out the American Dream story, from rags to riches, from defeat to glory! Lolo persevered regardless of the odds against her!
However, in one moment, her dreams were crushed when she clipped a hurdle during the Olympic trials and went from 1st place to 7th place.
In less than a second, all that she had worked for, all that she had hoped for in her life was gone. In an interview shortly after her fall, Lolo made this statement:
"As I crossed the line it was very hard to pick myself back up," Jones said through tears. "It took about 30 seconds, but you know what? Today's hard and tomorrow's going to be harder. What can you do but try again?"
How many of us have felt like we couldn't pick ourselves up, that today was hard, but tomorrow didn't look much better?
The good new is that you and I know a God (or we are getting to know a God) that wants us to overcome every hurdle. He wants to heal every wound and help us walk triumphantly into our future!
So ladies, "what can you do but try again?"
Don’t let go of your dreams, God hasn’t!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Even though
My prayer is that my life's frustrations and how I choose or attempt to choose to deal with it will help someone- one person
Keep praying and pressing in for us- things need to turn around -God is in control and I know I am not alone
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A special Salute
I salute all of you in the armed forces -Thank you for allowing me to be Free
Monday, November 10, 2008
Your love lives inside of me..
I know today for Marcus is not what I would have planned but Lord my life is in your hands and so is his.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Even through....
I am not sure how to put it all together- the thoughts are running in my head but have not got it down on paper yet
The title- 2 part sorta- Fused for Frustrations and a Future-
Today has been one of those frustrating days - Marcus has had a bumpy ride today after such a good day yesterday- I was hoping this pattern would not continue- we usually have a bumpy rode after a good day on the weekend or something else that occurred. With God though I am learning to work through the frustrating days - how come Wedenesday the 19th and see.
God is good and so glad he never gives up on us!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Today was JBQ
Friday, November 7, 2008
We need each other
The 5 finger prayer method
I read this in my devotional this morning
It is sometimes helpful to have a plan to follow when praying. The “Five Finger Prayer” is a simple but effective pattern of prayer:
The pointing finger is next. Pray for those who instruct, teach, and heal, including teachers, doctors, and ministers who point others to God.
The tallest finger reminds us to pray for leaders – men and women in places of influence such as our President, business leaders, your boss – anyone in power.
The ring finger is the perfect reminder to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.
The little finger reminds you to pray for yourself.
(Author unknown)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Finally- Can we hear a SHOUT
Anyway- SHOUT OUT LOUD - we finally had respect and obedience today-
I am so excited and just can't hide it-
Responsible
THis morning he asked where his clothes are- I said you need to go pick them out- why- he needs the responsibility- why because maybe he will apprecaiate me more.
Just take responsibility for your actions andif there is a consequence then deal with it and move on-
Back talk - whining complaining-hitting causes for more consequences just don not do it.
Be responsible- yes this week has been a very bumpy one
THanks T at church Wednesday Night
Thanks Gina for your advice see you Friday
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Obedience...
Simple requests like bring your clothes to the washer or take out your garbage- is it so difficult-
How about go get your shoes on- it is time to go-no I am hungry - give me something to eat NOW- oh I do not think so. not with that type of attitude-
Is it really that hard to listen - the first time- I guess we are the same with God- I asked you to go pray for that person - this is the second time I am telling you- oh okay God I am listening
Does he get as frustrated with me as I do with Marcus- oh boy-
Forgive me God if I do this-
Help me today Lord with being obedient to your word and help me have a good attitude with Marcus cause right now I am very frustrated with him and you know the whole story-
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I received an AWARD- How exciting
Seven Things I did Before...
1.) I was a competitve swimmer and diver
2.) Played tennis in middle school ,high school and some in college
4.) I have been to Botswana and Zimbabwe
5.) Went to Victoria Falls- How beautiful
6.) I was the mascot for my high school my Senior Year and rode my horse on the field and about ran the football players over- it may have improved th egame ( sorry guys)
Seven Things I do Now...
1.) Pray
2.) Teach Sunday School
3.) Blog
4.) Be a mom- a single mom who adopted at the time a 4 1/2 year
6.) Appreciate my loving support group- family- friends-teachers - coworkers ( my church family is included in the family part)
7.) Fight for special needs kids
1.) Have a day to myself
2.) Get Married
3.) Travel the USA- we have a beautiful country
4.) Get another degree- counseling.
5.) See Marcus succeed in life
6.) Help others.
7.) Go back to Africa atleast one more time.
Seven Things That Attract Me to My Hubby... (well this can not be answered but this is what I would look for in a husband)
1. Loves God with all his heart-
2. Loves Children
3. That he is okay with a woman who is a leader.
4. Loves Animals
5. He is funny- and can make me laugh when I am down
6. Supports me in my goals and dreams.
7. Can love me and Marcus for who we are
Seven Favorite Foods...
1. Chocolate and PEanut Butter Ice Cream - YUMMMM!
2. Macaroni & Cheese
3. Adam's Enchiladas
4. Mashed Potatoes
5. Cabbage Rolls
6. Toms' Banana Pudding
7. Pizza
Seven Things I Say Most Often...
1. I Love You No matter what you do
2. God has a plan for you- you are a good person
3. Marcus calm down
4. Marcus - please et your anger under control
1. http://www.adaywithtoots.blogspot.com/
3. http://thediaperheads-kellyfamily.blogspot.com/
4 Lifetime Intimate Portraits
Sorry only have 4
Enjoy Ladies!