*seeking Peace in a storm

Conversations that occur at the lunch table at work are interesting most days. Recently the conversation took a little bit of a serious turn while discussing how much excess we Americans have in comparison to other countries. I couldn't tell you how we arrived at this subject, but many different opinions were expressed and discussed. And I gained knowledge and insight about a couple of my co-workers. Like I said, I don't know exactly how we got onto this subject, but when we dug into it, true hearts were revealed, and it broke my heart a little because these people are like my 2nd family, and some I consider friends. I do my best to live my life openly as a Christ follower. Ask anybody that I work with and they could testify to this. So when discussing the economy and being afraid of the government and what is happening and doing all the "I wish it would get better", "If we had a better leader", yada, yada, nonsense, I pretty much stand firm that: A)

A few nights ago I received a text from one of my oldest friends- oldest as in years of our relationship, not her age, lol. She was asking prayers for her health and for healing and relief from the pain that she is enduring. It was late, so I didn't call her, but instead I stopped right there and text-prayed with her. Typing that it sounds a little weird-ish, but, I am here to tell you that it was strong. You see, her and I don't speak often, and we don't get a chance to see one another often either. We live roughly 510 miles apart; one of us in the heart of Arkansas and one of us in the panhandle of Texas. On top of being so far away, we both have two kiddos and husbands that have crazy busy work schedules and life has just taken over. But do you know what we know? Anytime, day or night, rain or shine, we are their for one another. In prayer constantly. In thought daily. In heart always. Lifetime friends. I am so thankful for her friendship. Knowing

I have been trying to memorize two verses a month along with the Living Proof Ministries Siestas  and I have been having some issues staying on track. I did this the last time around and was so blessed by it! The verses that I memorized in 2011 are still with me and really have saved me on many occasions when I was about to make a choice---like 1 Corinthians 10:13 when I deal with temptations, or Romans 12:21 when I have a bad thought about a situation or person. This year my memorization has not exactly gone as smoothly and I am having to work at it a little more---chalk it up to my busy schedule and a little rebellious nature if you want to, but for whatever reason, I have been struggling. So the verse for the last two weeks in May and my first verse for June have come in the form of song! And I already have both memorized! I stumbled across Seeds Family Worship music about a year or so ago for my kids and once you hear a song 2 or 3 times, it is stuck! And that is great

I need to learn to pray again. Ok, so just typing that sentence kind of feels like a tiny burden has been lifted. Admitting that to the world makes it more real rather than like a little secret I've kept to myself. For a while now, I have just kept that one inside, behind a tiny black door in my heart, where only I knew about it...well, God and me. I am confident that my prayer life used to be in decent shape but these days, not so much. I send up some popcorn prayers when I hear of things happening around me, like my baby sister having tests run or the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. But I will sadly admit that getting on my knees or my face...wait...to be even more truthful, just waking up and starting the day with prayer and then ending the day with prayer, that doesn't happen like it should. I don't want to be on a strict prayer schedule. I don't want to make this about routine prayer or a checklist type thing. I need my prayer life to be my lifeline! I n

Is it weird that all I want for Mother's Day this year is a bottle of perfume (only because I have been out for probably over a year) and I want an entire afternoon with my family, cleaning the garage? :) Sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it, lol! I have always loved Mother's Day, even when I wasn't a mom yet. As a child, I loved to create a personal gift for my mom. You know the kind, a clay handprint, a painting of the sun and a rainbow, a macaroni necklace. Fun and simple, but so meaningful. As I have gotten older, I realize it isn't so much about the gifts as it is about feeling like your children really love and appreciate you. My kids are so little that I don't think they understand that yet, so I find those creative little gifts they bring home from school, daycare and children's church to be some of my greatest treasures. But as an adult, and a mom, I know what Mother's day is truly meant to be. My mom recently moved in with us for a few

"The unbridled beauty of a comeback lies first in God's grace; second, in the decision to accept that daily dose of grace; and third, in the gain of a clear perspective that keeps you steady in Jesus' palm."--Angela Naxworth, Womb Woven and Wonderfully Made comeback--A return to formerly enjoyed status or The act of making up a deficit The Free Dictionary by Farlex I am taking back my ground; Returning to my former state of joyful hope in the Lord and His Salvation and Righteousness! Not just returning, but with a new awareness and renewed spirit! He has freshly forgiven me today, saved me again and again with each breath that I breathe...each step that I take. NEW MERCY! mercy-- compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender: lenient or compassionate treatment Merriam Webster Dictionary When I speak that word, "mercy", something within me just bows down in worship and adoration. It is such a beautiful word-a beautiful picture