"A Taste of Grace"

I love the occasional rainy, overcast days, like this morning's. The kids are all still sleeping, snug and warm. I feel the warmth of God, family and this awesomely fashioned world I call home and real life. Sometimes I find a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth and  laughter bubbling from within.  I am so BLESSED to serve and love and feel my adoration to a really big God! It is so neat, I claim God as my Father and many times as my Heavenly Prince. Even though there are similarities, a daddy and a earthly prince aren't exactly in the same category! My dad is in heaven now and he was a really great dad! He took care of us, he spent time with us, he led out in family worship...  And  for 17 years now, I've been married to my earthly prince-my Mike.:) He's the love of my life, my best friend, the daddy of our 5 kids. And I'm continually filled with an excited anticipation of our life together!. So...with heartfelt reverence, I think of my Savior as my heavenly Papa and the Prince and lover of my soul. I've had a couple real heroes in my life and they are my dad and husband. And long long before I even knew there was a little boy growing up somewhere in the world....my little girl heart was completely filled with childish joy and adoration of my "daddy". He represented Christ, protector, provider and the one who loved my heart enough to protect it and guard it from intruders. In my little girl eyes, my daddy was my world! He was my hero-man! Then this little girl grew up and prince charming won my heart....That sweet part of my heart that God created for me to share with the man who would also portray Christ to me, protect me, provide for me.... It's all making more sense why God Himself is my Papa/Prince of my soul!! Jesus is also, SOLID ROCK, HIGH TOWER, ANCHOR, HEALER, NURTURER, REDEEMER....this beautiful list could literally go on and on and on.. I understand more clearly why my heart is filled with awe and wonder and I feel the joy bursting from within!! I am so excited that God changes lives! His Word is so precious...It lives and breathes. It heals and restores.It stretches and prunes. It doubles, triples many, many times over within the heart, intrinsic joy (you know, that inward fountain that keeps bubbling, that's not dependent on external circumstances ). God is faithful, merciful, full of compassion. And He's waiting and longing and drawing us to Himself..Such a sweet benediction on us. As I lighted some sweet smelling candles just now, giving that extra warmth and welcoming touch, on this beautiful overcast day, for our kiddos before I hear their pitter patter of footsteps on the stairs, I had to think, the candle of my heart is also glowing. Sweet sweet benediction-the Savior's song on our life. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  John 10:10b "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."



     "Jesus loved you so much that He died for you , so that He wouldn't have to live without you."

This one reminds me of the Cinderella story..Alaythia with
her Prince Daddy!

The man who holds her heart and life in the shelter of his love
and protection..her daddy:):).

Giggles, a  princess and her daddy...essence of sweetness.

A very sweet family friend captured these adorable,
 memories, unbeknownst to us, when  she was with us,
 taking our family pictures. It was a  sweet surprise! 

"Country Lanes, Butterflies, and a Love Story "

Watching the morning come alive has been a favorite of mine for a long time now...when? I'm not sure...But as a busy little mommy, who stays busy from son up till son down (and daughter!) I discovered that mornings are a great time of refreshment with my Saviour and also a sweet way to ease into the day.:) I consider the mornings that Mike and I can enjoy it together, priceless. Unfortunately with the hour he leaves for work that isn't so often. The sky still has a hint of pink and the fog lifting off the pond...who can not love all this?! The other week our little Alaythia came into the house carrying a butterfly that was dead..we marvelled at the beautiful colors..it was wonderingly mentioned that if any human even saw this beautiful butterfly when it was alive and flying around?! Living here in the country...well we knew there was great possibility no other human soul saw the splendor of that little creation as it flighted from one flower to the next. And then and there we were reminded that our Saviour received glory from it. He enjoyed His creation. The butterfly was created for His pleasure. And since He put so much beauty into something possibly no human would even see to enjoy...oh how much He must love us!! He also created us to worship Him. And He longs that we would. On those mornings that my sweet guy and I can enjoy a cup of coffee and spiritual sharing time together, he first likes to take an early morning walk down an old country lane. Surrounded by nature, it sets the perfect tone for worship...he noted that there along the side of the lane in all the brush is a philodendron plant. And again, we had to think? Who even sees this beautiful plant? It is an awesome thing to me that God takes a personal interest in each of us... And these bits of creation confirms to me the love of God for us. Matt.6 describes how Jesus clothes the flowers of the field and assures us that He will do much more for us...Two things in life are probably the most important and that is knowing I'm loved and cared for...first by my parents and now by the man who won my heart and became my husband. And God has promised His love and care..Is there anything greater than that?! Oh to have the Prince of my soul promise such...A love story? Indeed!!The purest and sweetest that can ever be experienced .:)


(Note:Thanks and appreciation to a botanical website I was able to find a photo of the philodendron.)

"Born the Second Time"

Michael, Age 10

Michael age 9 holding Alaythia.

 Michael age10

Making pizza age 9 

Michael almost 8, holding Harriston.

Bass angler age 12

Age 12, 7th grade

Age 11

Age 10

Age 9

Age 10

Baby Branson being held by Michael age 11.

Age 8

Age 9

Bartholomew (Michael) Age 9

Age 9

Yesterday marked a verrry special day in our little family. Our eldest son, Bartholomew (also known as Michael) asked Jesus into his heart, 1 year ago.  So yesterday we celebrated his Spiritual birthday. I love how Jesus calls it being born again.:) The first time our son was born was a deepening of our love.  And as he grows, we get to know each other better. What makes him smile, what he really likes, what he really dislikes etc....he in turn, as he matures, knows us better as his parents. What our heart is saying amidst our feeble attempts at explaining it etc...It's actually so beautiful. And to think after his being born again the second time, this time as God's child, he learns, as he grows into maturity, what His Heavenly Father's heart is...what gives His Heavenly Father joy and what saddens the Father's heart. But unlike his earthly parents, Michael's Heavenly Father knows him to perfection. It's actually so beautiful...Last night also found us on the final evening of a revival tent crusade. The message inspired and challenged us to allow God to stir His vision in our heart. A great way to end the day of Michael's birthday! A fresh challenge!! Thank you Jesus!! The crusade was from Sunday to Sunday. And oh, a blessing it was...a time of refreshment, of pruning, of being reminded of the things we really do hold the most precious...and that is our relationship with our King Jesus. The messages were Holy Spirit anointed and I found myself saying, "Yes! I want it!" Oh the joy that floods my soul! The most beautiful place I know is sitting in the Presence of our King! His words are so soft n tender. Yet clearly heard with the heart. And the Word of God becomes something living! And something life changing! The other day, in talking with a young lady, who just got her drivers license, she said she can't drive without smiling! Later, as I remembered her words, God blessed me with the thought of what it would be like if we couldn't stop smiling because of our life in Christ. It's like a bubbling brook but stemming from a deep well within! I mean, the joy just doesn't stop....the smile gets bigger and the laughter rings and the song is always there and the longing for more of His sweetness and love and relationship becomes an awe-consuming passion!! His joy and peace is limitless and so readily available. And to continually live a life that is poured out for Christ and rich in all that is truly valuable! And to have that passion and vision stirred within the hearts of our kids.:) Thank You, Jesus!!

Adventure

As I sit in the living room waking up, I soon see a flashlight bouncing off the ceiling and walls as Michael (Bartholomew)eventually makes his way downstairs. I remembered that he wanted to get up real early to fish in our pond. Being the parents of boys who like to fish presents simple opportunities to share the Gospel. As we told the boys, Jesus ,in His earthly ministry, spent a lot of time around water. Just yesterday as Michael prepared his fishing gear for some evening fishing, with his dad and brothers, at a nearby river, I came out on the back porch and said, "Hey, fisher of fish!" I kissed him goodbye and hugging him said, "Someday you will be a fisher of men." Exchanging smiles I went back inside. I love Mark1:17 where Jesus said, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."  Mike and my heart longs and prays that our children catch on to all the excitement and daring adventure that God's kids get to be a part of and it's not a dull life for sure!! I mean, when Jesus beckons us to wade deeper into the water and all I really want to do is lounge on the shore and sip iced tea,(how exciting is that? Really!) well....am I up for the adventure?! Webster's definition of adventure is: an unusual , stirring experience. With Christ, yes, definately!!  It means faith and fog and uncertainties. It means witnessing the power of an Almighty God. It means trusting what I can't see. It means resting in the Father's unique plan for me. It means for me to stop looking around at others "easy" life and say , "Lord, I'm ready for the adventure!! I'm ready to live a poured out life for You. I'm ready to feel the pain of others. I'm ready to weep at what is dear to Your heart. And to leap with limitless joy at all Your goodness and power!!"  But it doesn't just happen...it's everyday bowing in my King Jesus presence. Asking Him for the spiritual apparel befitting a princess. Asking Him to teach me how to walk with the integrity of a princess. Psalm 26:2,7,8,11,12 is precious indeed..."Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD."  It also means learning from Him how to speak as His princess daughter. I can't find my way on my own. I slip back too easily into a beggar's garments. But when I commune with my Kingly Father I truly find "His" joy in the moments of my life. Moments where I would react wrongly. Instead I have literally tasted the beauty when I surrender my self to Him and let Him minister to my spirit. I feel His freedom settle over me as a blanket and in that moment I realize nothing is worth losing what Christ has given me.

We Wish You a Verrry Merry CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I sit here in the early morning....the house is still quiet. The welcoming lights from the Christmas tree beckons me nearer into this whole Christmas celebration...I am surrounded with faith and family (my sister which is married to my husband's brother are at our house for the holidays with their four precious kids.) Oh the good times! I know it won't be long and this whole house will become alive as the kid's run downstairs to the smell of sausage, eggs and toasted English muffins..Course the savory aroma of coffee might draw the adults to the kitchen too. Both of my parents have finished the race God put them on in this life and are even now experiencing that "Gold Cup:). But I have to think how they left a precious part of themselves here with us. My daddy was an old drunk in his younger years but God changed his life and took resident inside him. My mom followed my dad that same night in her commitment to their Christ. I serve that same Christ now and because of the steps my parents took and the choices they made, spared me a lot of heartache (actually I never would have been born as my mother was preparing to leave my dad 11 years before my birth). But God seeks to save them which are lost! I Praise Him!! Christmas always increases the coziness of what I actually have in Christ. This time of year it's a treasure to see the kids' faces light up over and over again a they experience everything this season has to offer...stories, lights, Christmas cookie bakes, setting up our Christmas village, decorating the tree (even carrying the tree in the house is an awesome thing!! As they take turns heaving the 6 foot Frasier! Mommy even has to pose for the camera as they eagerly draw me into their excitement! The music and Christmas movies, candies~it's all fun!! The secrets too...just yesterday after Church Mike kindly stopped at the local Christian bookstore because our 8 year old Cameron, all on his own, thought of something for mommy...I know I will treasure it forever, whatever it is...I caught him smiling the night before and upon questioning him, he replied something like this, "I'm just thinking about the present I am going to get you." Now that is precious!! Jesus must do that often and if we would see His smile and ask Him about it, He would probably, thinking of the grandness and greatness of Heaven,  reply, "I'm just thinking about the present I have for you." This is something to get excited about!!! What if I met people in Walmart and they asked me about the contagious smile on my face and I reply, "I'm just thinking about the gift God has for you!" That would have to pique their curiosityy!! I love it!!!~Cause I love Jesus!! And I want others to know and love Him too!

"While I'm Waiting"

"Thankfulness"

I am thankful for the inspired Word of God. An unchanging God, who is still our
all in all and our everything we need in this our modern day...for our salvation,
and the promise of heaven someday...

...that my little boys have a daddy in their life story...

...for life in the country..

...family camping trips or other outdoor excursions...

...Christmas stories around the campfire on chilly nights...

...all my handymen in the household...

...that our boys love and dare to be boys...

...country girls...

...raising our boys to be men of courage...

...the smile of kids...

...the awesome sweetness of opportunity to raise our daughter to appreciate true
feminine beauty as God planned...

...big brothers who are protectors of their siblings...

...our kids...

...that God gave us a gift of each other...

...our wrestling boys...

...the laughter of a child...

...the warmth of home, of music...

...a basket of flowers...

...our daily bread...

...crisp mornings in God's outdoor sanctuary...

...nature...

...hot chocolate chip cookies, spiced candles...




...Christmas! Jesus' Birthday celebration and celebrating our love for each
other...

...Thanksgiving~a special day to express our gratefulness...




...kid's sharing a story...

...the gift of "Love"...and to be able to share God's love with you...
...and many, many more blessings!...

A little late for a Thanksgiving blog? I don't think so. After all, as we told our kids, Thanksgiving is a special day to remember all the rest of the year where we experienced thankfulness. And that it wasn't always for experiences that we would have chosen had the choice been ours. But where our will surrendered to God and we allowed Him to teach us how to have a thankful heart. It isn't hard to be thankful and really excited when life is going just as we would have it, but it's the trials that God sometimes ask us to walk thro'. When He says, "Can I trust you to portrait Me in this tough situation"? I want to be glorified says my King! Will you bring Me glory as you walk a path that will bring pain to yourself? Maybe it's rejection and our hearts ache within us...can I bring My King Glory due His awesome Name?! That is Thanksgiving to me~when I find myself thanking my God for the pruning He's done in my life. But when I try to measure the tough times on a scale with  the times of peace that is beyond our understanding and the joy filled laughter, I have to say our joy comes out on top. Thank You Jesus!! But sometimes it's choosing to be grateful when I'd rather sulk about something! When I finally tell myself, "I don't want to be strong. I want to go back to bed and pull the covers over my head". But I can choose in that moment to represent Christ to our kids looking on. I feel an urgency to pass the test. I sense the future of our kids at stake spiritually. Can I walk this path with joy? Can we portray to these lil' human blessings that God is not tuned out but possibly He's chosen us as He did Job, when He asked satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?" Now, before I go further, our life is not what Job experienced but we can still choose to respond in Job's fashion in whatever situation God takes us through. Our desire is to live a poured out life for our King who chose to make us a part of His royal linage. Wow! I thought of the song the other day, "I Can Only Imagine" and part of it says will we dance, bow in awe, etc when we see our Savior for the first time? Well my immediate thought was, I would definitely dance!! But.... at this moment I think I would bow in complete awe of the Saviour who is the very definition of "Love". However it's going to be we want our little family to be a part of the grand Heavenly celebration!!