Blessings!!!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5:18).

I love the Christmas season, and I must confess, that I even know how many days until Christmas (30 days!). I have started some Christmas decorating and I have even bought a few gifts. However, I like to make sure that I do not rush through the Thanksgiving Holiday. While the Bible tells us that we are to give thanks in all circumstances, many times I am guilty of not giving thanks like I should. I would like to take the time to blog about some special blessings in my life.

First of all I am thankful for my salvation. My mother took me to church and at the age of 7, I accepted Christ as my Savior. While I admit that I can't remember the exact day or the circumstances, I vividly remember realizing that I was a sinner, and kneeling at an altar and praying the sinner's prayer.

Next I am thankful for my husband. God blessed me with a wonderful Christian man and he has been my best friend and soul mate for 19 years. He is a great husband and father and always puts his family before himself.

I would also like to give thanks for Caleb, Joshua, and Katie Beth. God gave me 3 bright and healthy children with their own unique talents and personalities. Each day they bring me joy and I am so thankful that they have each made a decision to live for Christ. They are so much fun.  Here are some pictures from our Thankgiving trip last fall to Gatlinburg. They were being silly!

I am thankful for my Mom and sister, Tobye. Losing Dad in 2007 has  caused us to walk through a dark valley in our lives, but even in death, God was faithful, allowing us to not only witness Dad's salvation, but also his passing from this life into Heaven.


Here is a picture of me with my Mom, sister, kids, and my Grandma Marie, my only living grandparent who suffers from dementia. The next picture is of my dad. It is a blessing to know, that one day will all be reunited in Heaven. Dad has already received his physical healing, and some day Grandma will receive complete healing in her mind.

God has also allowed me to be a part of a wonderful, loving church. The Lord has put people in our path throughout our ministry that have loved us and held us up in prayer.

God bless you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

Girls' Jamboree 2009: On a Quest!!!!!

Each year our church attends the state Girls' Club Jamboree. It is an event for local churches to bring girls ages 3-18 for an overnight trip. This year's event was in early October.  We left on a Friday afternoon and loaded up the church van with 9 girls and 3 chaperones-- and lots of overnight bags and necessities. The campground is about a 2 and a half hour drive and the girls had fun chatting and singing on the way. That was what I used to love the most about church trips was riding in the van. I can remember all of the fun I had just traveling with my friends (Melody, Shelley, MiChele, Lynn, Jean, Tanya, Kim) just to name a few.

I appreciate my friends Karen and Ashely for going with me to help chaperone the trip. Eveyone is so busy this time of year and I know there were other things they could have done, but they gave of there time to help out. Thanks Ashley and Karen!

Here are a few pictures of us chaperones after the long van ride with a bunch of giddy girls!

That night before bed, the girls had a pajama pageant. They were quite the hams as they walked down the "runway" (orange carpet in the cabin). Here are some pictures of them modeling the latest in sleepwear fashions and accessories.

 

 

The next day the girls had a great time playing games, jumping in the inflatables, and just hanging out with their friends. An all girl band, "Seven More Years for Rachel" from Hot Springs led praise and worship during the church service. This group had not only wonderful musical talent but a great testimony for the girls as well.

 

There were even some teen girls that had some fun. This is Abby & Angel from Pathway Church of God (my home church). They didn't act like they were too big to participate at the Jamboree. They jumped in and had fun too. Don't they look sweet?

Below is a picture of Michelle Maggard, ACOGGCC (Arkansas Church of God Girls Club's Coordinator). She and the Girls Club Board worked hard planning a fun weekend for the girls. I would say that it was successful and that the girls (and us big girls) all had a great time!

 I am looking forward to futures trips with these girls. They are a wonderful group of kids. Some come from broken homes and have endured sad circumstances in their lives, yet they desire to live for the Lord. The theme for the Jamboree was "Quest". Our group made a banner called "On a Quest for God's Best". That's what we should all strive for in life.