Happy 30th Birthday, Babe!

Wow! The big 3-0!

We've been together half of your life.
And even after all these years,
I've still got the biggest crush on you!
You're talented - amazing - hilariously funny - and MINE!I don't know what I'd do without you.

I wish for many more years together!
(at least another 30 or 40)
I hope you have a happy day!

Can't wait to party on Friday. ;)
Love you bunches!

October Recap - Nashville Part 1 - Sights

Just a few sights from our trip to Nashville.

Heading in ...Music and musical references are everywhere.Singing in the big microphone ... Our hotel:There's always a concert ...
This sign indicates Live Music every night.This is the Cumberland River which flooded
in Nashville's Flood of 2010.
And I believe that I overhead someone say
that the water reached the stadium across the river.Ernest Tubb Record Shop
Lots of interesting finds here.
Chris LOVES this shop.This was our 3rd time to visit Nashville.
And it never gets old.
We always find something new and fun.
More to come ....

Thanksgiving Day 2010

At Thanksgiving, as well as throughout the year,
I am thankful and grateful.
I attribute the blessings of life to God.
I know it all comes from Him.

Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

I appreciate all He has given.
I am thankful for all He has taken away.
And I am grateful for what He has left for me.

I Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

And what a difference a year can make ...
this year's Thanksgiving we are at home
unlike last year.

Psalm 126:3
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

wordless wednesday

Thanksgiving List

In just two minutes (I timed myself),
I composed a list of a few things that I am most thankful for ...

God (and that I know Him)
His mercy and grace
Salvation
Bible
Health
An amazing husband
My dog, Thumpy
Family -- immediate and extended
Friends -- near and far
My job and coworkers
House, car
My church
Food (including my favorites)
Necessities -- shelter, clothing, power, running water
Telephone
Music

Ephesians 5:20, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God
and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

A ThankFULL Heart

With Thanksgiving 2010 less than a week away,
my heart is giving thanks.
I have soooo much to be thankful for.
Counting all the blessings in my life
would take a very long time.

When I find myself complaining,
if I begin to think of all the good things in my life,
I quickly change my attitude.

Throughout my entire life,
God has blessed me immeasurably.
And, particularly in the last year,
God answered prayers for us in two 'big' situations.

#1
Due to the economy,
Chris' construction business experienced downturn,
which ultimately meant a loss of income,
but God provided other jobs for both us.
And jobs that we enjoy.
He made a way when there seemed to be no way.

#2
For six months or more last year,
I suffered with severe pain from gall stones.
The doctor suggested surgery. I put it off.
I prayed about it. Changed my diet slightly.
And since November of last year, I've not had any pain.

Throughout the Bible there are examples
of miracles and demonstrations of God's power,
but it's a different story
to experience it personally.
My faith has increased immensely.
I know and fully believe there's NOTHING God cannot do.
This Thanksgiving my heart is thankFULL.
Exceptionally thankFULL.

But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:57

Happy Birthday, A!

Today is my cousin's birthday.
And it's a 'big' one ... 3 decades. :)

A, I hope you have a happy birthday.
Age is just a number. (never mind that.)
Celebrate YOU, 'cause you're one special person!
I wish for you many, many more.
Love you!

Gentle Shepherd

I love to describe the Lord as my Gentle Shepherd.
A Shepherd who loves and cares for me ever so gently.
He understands me.
He knows all my faults and failures.
Yet, He still loves me.
He demonstrates His love even when I'm most undeserving.

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
he shall gather the lambs with his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
Isaiah 40:11

How thankful I am for the green pastures where He is feeding me,
the strength I've felt in His arm as I know I've been carried ...
right close to Him - snuggled in His embrace.

"Gentle shepherd, Come and lead us,
For we need you to help us find our way,
Gentle shepherd, come and feed us,
For we need your strength from day to day
There's no other, We can turn to,
Who can help us face another day"
-Gaither Music/ASCAP

just thinking

I anticipate having internet available at home next week. =))
Blogging regularly again may happen soon. YAY!
I failed to blog about several important dates.
I have a lot of 'catching up' to do on documenting memories.
I've missed sorting through and spilling out my thoughts.
Fast-paced continues to describe our life.
But, I'm trying more and more to live in the moment.
Trying NOT to focus on tomorrow or the next big event.
Realizing that today matters.
Every single hour counts.
And I desire to accomplish a mission with lasting effects.
God has given me this day,
these hours, these minutes, each second.
I do not want to waste what I've been given.

His love

The Lord often shows His love most when we deserve it least.