Scrapbooking

I have had a bit of a lull lately in keeping up with my scrapbooking - so many pictures, so little time! Well, today, the girls and I made a "date" with my sister Paris to each do some pages in our homes and share the results so that maybe we could feel like we were together! I didn't work on any on my own, but kind of helped the girls with theirs so they can get the hang of it and start their own albums. We had a lot of fun and I am quite proud of their efforts! So, now I will get back to work on mine and maybe someday, I will be caught up! HEHE!

Valentine's Day

Our hosts for the evening and Mark and I at dinner! We are blessed!

Well, for starters let me say that my family is not really into celebrating Valentine's Day. We don't worship dead saints, it is another over-commercialized holiday to spend more money on useless things, and we truly believe in showing each other we care by doing loving things all year. HOWEVER, it is a fun time to do something really special for someone you love! So, with that in mind, I decided to make a special night for Mark. I had the kids involved and they were the "waiters and waitresses" for our "restaurant" at home. We set up a very nice table complete with candles and flowers. Caleb, our "host with the most", took our drink order and brought us sparkling grape juice. We started off dinner with a salad and then MaKenna told us about the special of the day - Parmesan crusted Tilapia, homemade Mac and Cheese and yummy green beans. We ordered the special! Holly was our kitchen coordinator and helped get the food onto the plates. Once the "ordering" was done, the children joined us for a nice family dinner together. Caleb said that we need to do this every year! They cleared the table and recommeded the strawberry heart shaped Valentine's cake for dessert. It was such a nice evening to just be together without the rush, money and commercialization that the world wants us to think today is about.

You never know who's watching

I had a humbling and eye opening experience the other day. While out shopping with the kids, we got into a very long line. Along came a man behind us, asking if this was the line. After telling him yes, he told me that he had been watching my family all through the store. Now, I must say that this made me a little nervous - a middle aged Spanish man was watching my family? Well, he went on to tell me that whenever he saw us, he could feel God's presence and that he was trying to find a way to talk to me about it. He asked if we "praised God" and I assured him that we did! He told me that he has been looking for a church for a while, being newer to the area. It turns out that he lives not 5 minutes from my church. When I gave him a church card, he got so excited and told me that he passes there every day and has felt so strongly that he should go there, but hadn't yet! He said that is was confirmation to him! We stood there and continued to talk about the Lord and how excited he was to find a church family. He came to both services today and prayed through at the altar call this morning and, as only God can do, it turns out that he is distantly related to a leader in our Spanish services and they had lost touch! Isn't God amazing? He orchestrated my whole day that day - I left the house 2 whole hours later than I intended and was frustrated about that - but God knew just what He was doing putting me in that store at that time! It was very humbling and thought provoking as well to realize that wherever we go, others are watching us and deciding whether we truly live for God or not. I want to live my life in such a way that wherever I am, others will see Jesus in my and want it for themselves.

Animal School

This is such a powerful video about appreciating the differences in our children and the unique talents and gifts that the Lord has placed in each one of them. May we always be sensitive to our children's strengths!

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A Little Background Info

On the chance that you have found us not knowing who we are or maybe we've been out of touch for a while, here's a little background on our family. Our family is a place where God is the center of everything we do and we live to serve Him in any way that He would have us to. Neither Mark nor I was living for God when we got married. One day, a friend told me about the grace of God and what my life would be like without Him. Thankfully, the Lord moved on my heart and I felt His Spirit tugging at me, knowing that my life was lacking something. Mark and I visited several churches before knowing that we were home at the Pentecostals of Apopka, where we have been for the past 15 years now! (And that friend who shared God's love with me so sensitively is still today my very best friend!!) Since then, we have had our lives change slowly yet consistently by submitting our flesh to His will and turning away from what the world calls normal. I happily give myself to Him, knowing that without Him, I am nothing. Quite honestly, it is often a daily process and renewal of His Spirit in my life - I am not perfect and never will be, but by His grace, I am forgiven when I submit to Him! It is liberating to submit your will and know that the Lord of all is in control of your life.

Over the course of these years, we have been blessed with 3 children. Holly is our firstborn followed by MaKenna and finally Caleb. Each of them is as unique as can be and I know that God has a mighty plan for thier lives. It is exciting to see that plan begin to unfold as they grow up. They are Bible Quizzers who spend countless hours memorizing God's forever settled Word, homeschooled from birth, members of choirs and bands at church and talented in countless ways. In spite of all their gifts, yes they do still have a tendency to behave as "typical" brothers and sisters at times!!

Mark and I are blessed to help lead 2 exciting ministries - Kids Connection, our Wednesday night children's church, and Junior Bible Quizzing. They are dynamic, inspirational and exciting ministries to be a part of. Working with children is a burden God put on our hearts many years ago and it is an honor and a joy that He enables us to do. We are blessed by being a part of their lives! Other than church, we love to just be together, whether playing a game, reading, watching a movie, going to the park/mall/Walmart/____(fill in the blank)! So, that's a little taste of who we are! Hopefully, you'll stop back soon and often.

Maggie

Even though we have had her for almost 3 weeks now, we still call her our new puppy! Maggie is a sweet mix of a Chihuahua, Dachsund and Cocker Spaniel! She was born on Thanksgiving Day and came to us on January 15th. She is quite entertaining and definitely fits in our family, though don't ask Sammy and Callie if they think so!

Productivity!

I love the feeling of accomplishing something - that wonderful end of the day, so tired you could drop kind of fatigue that only comes from working hard at something you love. Most days, I get that feeling just as a result of taking care of my children and husband, but today, I did some pre-spring cleaning and organizing and it feels great! So, I am about to drop, but my pantries are organized and my back porch is VERY clean! I lived the verse that says "Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might!"