Winter Wonderland in Oregon and Washington

"White Christmas"

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,

just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

and children listen

to hear sleigh bells in the snow...

...I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,

with every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright,

and may all your Christmases be white...

We're in the Pacific Northwest (OR & WA) visiting our families for the Christmas holiday. The kids had hoped for a "White Christmas", AND WE'RE GETTING IT! From the day we got off the airplane on Dec. 17 til now, we've experienced the "Arctic Blast" a weather system that has created havoc to wide spread areas all over WA and OR. As I type this post it's snowing outside adding more snow to the 3 feet of snow we already have! The kids are having a blast playing all this "white stuff", building snowmen, sledding, etc.

The kids having fun...

Teri is thinking she likes the snow,

but does miss her Corpus Christi 80 degree weather, too.

Kirk is busy shoveling out paths so we don't get completely "snowed in".

From our family to yours...

Merry Christmas!

Celebrate Jesus

This week I'm running crazy with "busyness"... Christmas activities grouped with regular life in general. My schedule and "to do" list is full of "this, that, and other stuff" keeping me on the go.

I love the Christmas season, but do get tired each year of how easy it is to get distracted by worldly Christmas traditions and distracted from why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. The enemy can't pull me away from my Savior, but he does what he can to distract me from Him.

I am constantly being reminded by my BFF, Jesus, that it's His Birthday we're celebrating, and as long as I keep Him at the center of my activities, that's all that matters. I like to do all the fun Christmas stuff (decorating, shopping, baking, sending Christmas greeting cards... etc), but as soon as it becomes overwhelming, stressful and a burden, I know I'm getting off track. When that happens, I hear Jesus whispering to my heart... "don’t get caught up in celebrating the celebration." and the Holy Spirit reminds me of the story of Martha and Mary (one of my many favorites Bible stories!). Martha was distracted by preparing for the celebration, while Mary was focused on who the celebration was for.

Isn't that what a lot of us end up doing?... being like Martha, getting caught up in preparing for the celebration? Christ wants us to slow down and give Him time... listen to His voice... experience His presence... celebrating Him.

I fall into the "Martha" trap when I don't stay focused! It's like planning a huge extravagant Birthday party for a friend and forgetting to invite them. Or worse, Inviting them, and then completely ignoring them, making the celebration all about the decorations, the food, how well it was planned, etc. It’s o.k. to have fun in decorating, planning the party, all that, but it's not o.k. to lose focus on who it's for or why the celebration is being done.

As I am riding on my whirlwind of a week, I will focus on being "focused" on Jesus and NOT allowing myself to get distracted (Hebrews 12:2). There's a lot of great things about Christmas, but I will remember:

The GREATEST part of Christmas is the first 6 letters- C_H_R_I_S_T

Prayer: Lord, Thank you that YOU are the best gift of Christmas... It isn't about the decorations or the "presents" , but about celebrating you and being in your "presence". Help me to Love and Give to my friends, family and strangers, the way you have loved and given to all. Help me stay focused on the "reason for the season"; keep me protected against the enemy's schemes to distract me from you. Fill me completely with the fruit of your Spirit, and empty me of all things that are not pleasing to you. I also pray this for any one reading this post, for my friends in Christ and my family! In YOUR precious name, Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

For God so loved the world
he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16 NIV)

Peanut Butter Fudge

I wanted to share a favorite recipe that my husband found on the Food Network in 2003 (credits below). It has become a family favorite since the very first time we made it over 5 years ago.

This "Peanut Butter Fudge" is "melt in your mouth good"! We make it at Christmas each year and often times give a plate of it as gifts to our neighbors. This candy is sinfully delicious and extremely easy to make!... so easy to make, it's almost embarrassing.
Hope you enjoy it!

Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients
1 cup butter, plus more for greasing pan
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar

Directions
Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes on high. Stir and microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar to peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon. Pour into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan lined with waxed paper. Place a second piece of waxed paper on the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool (at least 1 hour). Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Cook Time: 4 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 1 hour
Level: Easy
Yield: 64 (1-inch) pieces

Rated: 5 stars out of 5 174 Reviews
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2003
Show: Good Eats Episode: Fudge Factor

People in my Life.

I received an email recently that got me thinking about my current and past relationships/friendships... and actually brought me comfort as I thought about the many people who have come in and out of my life and touched my heart; some even for the briefest of moments (who I personally have not met except through the internet).

This email is a reminder that, God, in His sovereignty, brings people in and out of our lives for His specific purposes, and He uses you and me in others' lives in the same way. I am SO THANKFUL for each and every person God has allowed me to cross paths with and connect with no matter the length on time...

Here's the e-mail: (Thanks Milda for sending it!)

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person and appreciate the relationship for what it is.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed (either through prayer to God or from the yearnings of your heart). They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance, support and strength, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They are a Godsend. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then at a point, they are gone; this person is no longer a part of your life. Sometimes they move away with intentions to stay in touch, but they don't; the relationship fades and no longer exists. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. There are many things that happen to disconnect this relationship, but what ever the circumstance, their work is done and they have touched your life for a specific reason or purpose, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON. Your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh in the specific stage of life you're in; you can relate easily to each other because of so many commonalities. They may teach you something you have never known or done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. Lifetime people are the essence of family; these people love and give of themselves from beginning to end. Lifetime people are rooted deep in your life and no "storm of life" or circumstance can uproot your connection with this person. Thank you for being a part of my life. . . whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime, or all three bundled in one!


Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being my LIFETIME person and BFF! Thank you for bringing people in my life that have taught me, challenged me, encouraged me, and touched my heart. As I reflect on each person in my life, past and present, I see your hand prints all over the circumstances of them being in my life. Many of my "reason friends" have turned into "season friends", turning into "lifetime friends"; it is by Your will and doing I have been blessed with the many different relationships I have. As time goes forward, please help me recognize opportunities You present to connect with people, and ways to make a difference in others' lives, reflecting Your Spirit that is in me; whether it's for a "reason", "season", or "lifetime", I want to glorify your name and magnify your love towards the people in my life. In Your precious Name I pray~ Amen.

Our Family Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving in South Texas!

Not what Kirk and I (born and raised northerners) are used to! Something is just weird for us having weather in the mid 80's at the end of November... wearing shorts.... no signs of fall leaves, but instead tropical flowers still in bloom.

It's strange, but fun at the same time!

Here are some family photos of our Thanksgiving 2008.

Teri (me) waiting with Kirk for the deep fryer to heat up... Notice the flowers?

Kirk is the "master" at deep fried turkeys!

Andrew is helping cook the bird.

Jessie is a great little helper! mmm-mmm, candied sweet potatos!

Joe surprised us with a "flower" he picked from the backyard.

Getting our feast ready to eat...

Each person in our family wrote down three things they are thankful for. We went around the table and shared.

Kelsie had fun with Jessie and Joe by making a variety of Christmas decorations to use to decorate their bedrooms. What a GREAT BIG "SISSY" you are, Kelsie!

Our kitty, Mocha, hears a critter we have trapped in the wall... Not sure if she would know what to do with it if she caught it... don't really want to find out, either!

Thankfulness

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I love this verse (1 Thessalonians 5:18)!

It was one I memorized years ago, and meditate on frequently as God convicts me when I'm behaving unthankful OR when my attitude is filled with gratitude.

As we approach this "Thanksgiving" week,

I reflect on the many things I'm thankful for.

I challenge all my friends and family to do the same...

make a list if of ALL the things you're thankful for...

you might be surprised how truly blessed you really are; I know I was.

OUR FAMILY TRADITION:

At the Thanksgiving dinner table we go around the table and each person shares what they are thankful for...

... and, throughout the entire year, we play "hi - lo" as a family at the dinner table. This is a great way we share our day with eachother, expressing 3 "hi's" (good things) and 1 "lo" (not-so-good thing) about the day.

Happy Thanksgiving, EVERYONE!

(Thanksgiving family photos to follow)

Another weekend gone by!

Wow, where has the week and week-end gone! It has truly been a "blur" with most everyone in my house having been "under the weather" with some sort of illness from Monday thru Sunday (yesterday)... I was "down and out" yesterday with body aches and tiredness. And today, my oldest child, Kelsie, is staying home from school from being sick all weekend. Hopefully once she's recovered, we'll all be on the road to complete health again. As a mom, I feel so helpless when my family is sick. I pray for them, make them as comfortable as possible, and am extremely thankful for Tylonal and other pain medication products to help take the edge off.

As I was laid up yesterday not feeling well, I watched A LOT of HGTV. It was relaxing and a treat to "veg out" soaking in the different topics of home improvement... many of the shows I watched focused around "how to sell your house". I have to admit, watching these shows made me really inspired to get serious about "de-cluttering", updating certain areas, repainting, and "staging" my house. I figure if I start this process now, I'll be able to enjoy the fruit of my labor as the many tasks I need to do in the house will get done. As I begin the process now, the house will look great by summer 2011 when we will most likely be selling and moving away. Honestly, I'm ready to move away from here today!!! Corpus Christi just doesn't feel like home. We've lived in Texas 2 1/2 years and as hard as I've tried to make this experience in Corpus feel like a "home", it hasn't. HUMMMM, what's up with that? Well, being the expert "mover" that I've become (moving to over 16 addresses over the past 20 years; husbands' military career), I have the answer to "why this doesn't feel like home", but the answer is too long, that I will save it for another Blog some other day.

Prayer: Lord, help me be content right where you've put me. Help me understand that this void I'm experiencing of not feeling at "home" in Texas will serve your purposes. Thank you Lord for providing my every need and being my Everything. You are mighty and sovereign, Lord... I praise you and love you with all that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

SPIKE IT!

When you hear the phrase,

"SPIKE IT",

what do you think of?

Do you think of...

...Driving a volleyball over the net into your opponents face?

...Sneaking alcohol in the punch bowl or a soft drink?

...Creating a hair-style that stands straight up in a cool way?

...Maybe you're a guy, and "SPIKE IT" means using the remote control to change to your favorite TV "man channel"...


For me, a gardener, it recently meant pounding fertilizer SPIKES into the ground 2 feet from the trunk area of each tree and shrub in my yard.

This past weekend I SPIKED over 30 fertilizer spikes in my back yard getting my landscape ready for fall/winter. As I slammed my rubber mallet down multiple times with each spike, I pondered how the phrase, "SPIKE IT", means different things to different people. When considering the term SPIKE IT (or any word/term for that matter), a person needs to consider who's saying it, how they're saying it, and what circumstances surround them saying it. The terms' meaning is determined by multiple considerations that need to be thought through.

As I continued in my yardwork, I began to think about how, in the Bible, there's many places that can be misunderstood if factors aren't considered and thought through. There are places in the Old Testament that tells us to "fear the Lord" and people tend to take that phrase in the literal form... to be afraid of the Lord. Many of the Bible references to "fear the Lord" aren't saying to be AFRAID of God, but to RESPECT & HONOR Him in a form of reverence. For a long time, I was guilty myself of hearing the phrase, "fear the Lord", and thinking it meant I must be "fearful" and "afraid" of Him. That mentality kept me from a closer relationship with Him.

Another phrase is, "...I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." (Exodus 20:5- emphasis mine) Many think that God being a jealous God, means God is "jealous" OF us- he wants what we have; which is far from the actual meaning. The translation is from a Hebrew word meaning God is *focusing his desire for exclusive relationships. God being "a jealous God" means he wants FOR US what He has to give us... NOT He wants FROM US what we have. HUGE DIFFERENCE!

My point in sharing my weekend insights is to encourage you to think and ponder the different words and phrases in your everyday life and also those as you explore Scripture. Sometimes when you read a passage in the Bible that doesn't make sense, ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to understand. He will do this for you as you seek Him. (James 1:5) Also, take the time to look deeper into the who, what, where, when, etc; you'll be blessed for your effort to understand.

The ultimate "SPIKE IT"...

Thank You, Jesus!

* The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance

Sibling Fun...

On the way home from picking the kids up from their variety of school functions last night, the two older kids (Kelsie and Andrew) were reminiscing about when we lived in the states of Washington and Maine and experienced seasons of snow. Kelsie and Andrew miss the snowy weather... sledding, building snowmen, making snow angels, snow ball fights, etc. The younger kids (Jessie and Joe) listened with interest to their "snow" stories. Jessie and Joe have no clue what fun the snow is, since as long as they can remember we've lived in either Florida or Texas where snow just really doesn't happen.

As the reminiscing continued, Andrew announced, "I remember when I almost got hypothermia!". Jessie asked, "What is hypothermia?" With out missing a beat, Andrew responded, "It's when you pick your nose too hard and DIE!". I couldn't help to laugh at his quick humor. Jessie began to fill with fear thinking about all her "near death" experiences picking her nose. After my little chuckle, we set Jessie straight on what hypothermia REALLY is; having nothing to do with picking your nose too hard. Jessie was quite relieved.

Andrew has a fun personality and enjoys teasing, tricking, and joking with his siblings all in fun. I can relate, since I used to do the same with my younger sister, Traci, and brother, Curtis when we were kids; sometimes teasing on the verge of torment... "all in fun", of course.

Traci and Curtis... if you read this post, I LOVE YOU and hopefully my teasing, tricking, and "fun" joking have not permanently damaged you! ... Except for Traci's fear of spiders... sorry about that, Traci ; )

Mini Delights!

OMG! I am a person who falls into addiction pretty easy, and I HAVE A NEW ADDICTION!

Quaker

"Mini Delights"!

In my effort to eat healthier after just spending the last week on a Halloween candy sugar high, I discovered the greatest snack at only 90 calories a shot... Really good compared to a regular size candy bar that is 250-300 each.

As of this moment, my favorite of the "Mini Delights" are the "Chocolatey Mint" and the "Caramel Drizzle". MMM-MMM GOOD!

As I was on my way to my Beth Moore Ladies Group this morning, I was savoring a bag of Chocolately Mint thinking about the name of this product "Mini Delights". As I reflected on the "Delightfulness" of this low calorie treat, I couldn't help to think about all the other "delights" in my life. I am so thankful for the many "mini delights" I have (not specifically referring to this wonderful product, but to blessings in my life).

So, wouldn't you know, at the end of our Bible study session, we were told to go to Zephaniah 3:17, a chapter of the Bible I am not familiar with. I want to share how God turned a "Mini Delight" moment into a reminder of who I am in Him... who WE ARE in Him... Here's what Zephaniah 3:17 says (emphasis mine):

"The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing."

When I read that verse, the words "GREAT DELIGHT" jumped from the page to my heart! God takes GREAT Delight... not Mini Delight. WOW! I needed that reminder. I thought that was cool how God spoke this message to me having just pondered the mini delights (blessings) I am thankful for. Now every time I eat a package of this wonderful 90 calorie treat, I'll remember that I have my "mini delights", but, God will take GREAT delight in me... You too!

Mixed Feelings

We have a new president - Barack Obama. I have to admit, I have mixed feelings and I'm a bit bummed since I've been a McCain/Palin supporter. This will be an interesting time for America, for sure. As I reflect on the outcome of the election, I'm reminded that nothing happens that doesn't have a divine purpose; God is always in control. God's thoughts are not my thoughts and my ways are not God's ways... His thoughts and ways are always right.

SO, I go to the Word and find comfort to believe God and his providence.

"Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment," Daniel 2:20-21 (MSG) (emphasis mine)

"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." Romans 13:1(NLT) (emphasis mine)

"Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say". Proverbs 16:33 (MSG)

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for us, to prosper us, not to harm us, to give us a hope and future.

Let's all continue to pray for our country, pray for our military who defend our freedom, and pray for those God has placed in leadership. "In God We TRUST"

In a "FUNK"

The week started out good but by yesterday, somehow, I've ended up in a "FUNK". I'm feeling no motivation to do the things I need to do, the fun things I wanted to do (at the beginning of the week)... no motivation; What's up? It's NOT the weather... we're having beautiful weather mid 80's! ... I am really so blessed with family and friends... I have so much to be thankful for. Why am I in a funk? I need an attitude adjustment, for sure. I need to get motivated. I need to put good thoughts in my head and not think about past failures and hurts...

Prayer: Lord, today is the day you have made, help me rejoice and be glad in it! Help me fix my eyes completely on you... the victory I have in you is mine for the taking... release me from all the defeat I'm feeling because of my own inadequacies, failures, and past hurts. Release the grip the enemy has on my thoughts. Thank you for hearing my prayer and answering my request... In Jesus' name, AMEN.

It's a New Week!

For Today...

Outside my Window... Beautiful blue sky, cooler weather with temperature highs only to low 80's- and no humidity... a glorious day!

I am thinking... This week I really need to get serious about organizing for our yard sale we're having on November 1... I must get up in the attic space this week to "clean out" and I hope our mice problem up there is over! (more on that later)

Personal growth I'm focusing on... Still working on patience and contentment; an ongoing process for me!

I am thankful for... Definitely my family and friends!!! Also, the fact that no matter what men think they can do politically to America, God is in control and I don't have to worry... "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19; “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5; "...there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

From the kitchen... pumpkin bread, carmel popcorn balls, apple betty, made throughout this week...

I am wearing... t-shirt, capri sweat pants, & bare feet... just the way I went to bed last night. I still need to take a shower for the day and get out of my "jammies".

I am reading... The Bible, "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets, and am in a Beth Moore Bible Study called, "STEPPING UP-the Psalms of Ascents".

I am hoping... To get all the laundry caught up today (8 or so loads!), work on my regular routine of house-work, plan for our "Daisy Girl Scouts" meeting tomorrow, and GARAGE SALE organization!!!

I am hearing... the end of "Barney" on PBS (Joe is watching) & the clothes dryer running.

One of my favorite things... a vanilla iced coffee as an afternoon "pick-me-up". I have a great sugar free ice coffee recipe that is so yummmmy!!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Continue my search for a tattoo person (will check out a couple businesses this week), baking, and GARAGE SALE organization, of course!!!!

In search of a tattoo guy (or gal)...

The hunt is on to find a tattoo artist in Corpus Christi that can "re-do" my tattoo on the top of my right foot. Currently I have a small 1" cross that is as basic as basic gets. I'm hoping to find a Christian artist that can ink over my original cross with a bigger, more vibrant cross capturing the essence of the "steps of faith" I take each day as I "walk with the Lord" trying to "put my right foot forward" on His path of living by His lead. I hope to find an artist who can capture the power the cross represents to me in my life. For me personally, the purpose of my tattoo is to honor my BFF, Jesus, as my "Everything" and to hopefully have God use it as a way to share my faith with others (I wear flip flops & sandals alot so the tat would show)...

I visited one place today in town, looked at their work (portfolios), and although the guys were very friendly and eager to ink me, I will continue my search. I KNOW I'll know the person and place who will do the art when I find it... I'll keep ya'all posted!

Jessie turns 7 today!

Jessie's "Birth day"... October 15, 2001 (minutes old)

WOW! 7 years ago today our little

Jessica Caitlin Wymore

was born in Oak Harbor, WA

2008, Jessie, our sweet little 1st grader!

Corpus Christi, Texas

Prayer: Thank you Lord for this precious little gift you gave us. Jessie has been a true blessing to our family... our little angel girl. She has brought us much joy these past 7 years. Thank you! I pray that she grows to know you and love you with all her heart and soul as she matures into a young lady. Create in her a passion for your word that she may live her life for your divine purposes. Protect her from evil and guide her in all your ways. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Autumn

I love living in the south for the sunshine and warm tropical weather that seems never-ending. But I have to admit, having grown up in Washington State as a youth, and having lived in the state of Maine for a while, I miss the beauty of a true Autumn season...

I miss:

• Fall foliage (every shade of red, orange, gold, and brown you can imagine)
• Raking leaves in piles (& jumping in them!)
• The smell of fresh outdoors
• Crisp cool mornings (under 50 degrees)
• Apple picking (not from the local grocery store produce department)
• Picking pumpkins from the vine in a real pumpkin patch
• Hot chocolate
• Squirrels scurrying around storing up for the winter

.... Right now I'm getting ready to take my 4 year old, Joe, swimming; I'm battling allergies due to high grass, mold, and ragweed counts (like the ones in the Spring season); I'm wearing shorts and a tank top as it's going to be in the high 80's today; the air conditioner is running in the house; humming birds are buzzing by my front window looking for nectar from the red tropical flowers I have in my landscape; and I'll be drinking my "iced coffee" real soon for an afternoon "pick me up". These are all good things, and I am certainly not complaining. I do, however, miss a true Autumn.

My Family

Camping at Canyon Lake, August 2008

Kirk & Teri, Andrew (age 13), Jessie (age 6) Kelsie (age 15) and Joe (age 4)

Grumpy People

Have you ever noticed when you're around constantly grumpy people, their grumpiness tends to rub off on you if you let it? The more you're exposed to their grumpiness, the more you can become it? It's like getting cold or flu symptoms from someone who has a viral infection; you're first exposed to it, then it's contracted, then you have a full blown case of it, and then you potentially give it to someone else. That's how grumpiness works! There's grumpy people everywhere... in restaurants, at the grocery store, driving on the roads (it's called "road rage"), and even in the church. As much as we're exposed to it, we have to be careful not to let it infect us.

Most mornings I wake up to grumpiness. None of my kids are "morning people" so they most often start the day off not so good. Any little thing said or done to them seems to set them off, feed their frustrations, and perpetuate their grumpiness. I find myself turning into "monster mom" as their grumpiness fuels each others' and wears me out to the point of me getting grumpy. Yes, I am a "grumpy person" sometimes - more times than I'd like to admit. Today was almost one of those days while getting the kids ready for school. As I caught myself falling into the symptoms of full blown grumpiness, I stopped and thought... "What's the cure for this grumpy infection?"... I don't know that I've completely figured it out, but I do know the Bible has a lot to say about it. As for this morning, what worked for me... is to CHOOSE JOY. Just like grumpiness is contagious, I believe joy is also contagious. I didn't want the negative attitudes of other people dictate how my day was going to be. This was one infection I have complete control over ~ whether or not I contract it IS up to me.

Choosing joy is like an antibiotic to grumpiness. Much of the time joy is a hard pill to swallow. It's easier to be grumpy than joyful. Joy has to be a deliberate choice that's ongoing. Some life application cliche's that I actually practice...

• "kill them (grumpy people) with kindness"...
• "treat others how you want to be treated"...
• "make the first move to be the change you want to see in others"...
• "smile at others, say 'hi' to strangers, and make them feel special"...

And yes, I'm the girl driving down the road that smiles a friendly smile and motions a friendly open hand princess wave when the road rage guy flips me the middle finger... his grumpiness will not be contagious to me, I choose joy!

Improved Vision

I just read a devotional this morning (by Max Lucado) that included the following statement:

"As we get older, our vision should improve. Not our vision of earth, but our vision of heaven. Those who have spent their life looking for heaven gain a skip in their step as the city comes into view".

I pondered this statement and thought about how my physical eyes have become older, especially after I turned 40! My physical eyes have a hard time reading the small print on the back of a medicine bottle or the back of a food label... I probably need reading glasses. But my spiritual eyes have become much improved with clearer vision toward heaven just like the devotional mentioned. Thank God for that! I can't say I have spent my life "looking" for heaven, but I can say that in the past number of years as I've matured, I've gained new perspective on what is eternally important. Each day I try to keep my eyes focused on my BFF, Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of my faith. I try to invest in eternal things such as being the best wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend I can possibly be. How do I invest?... through giving my unconditional love, giving time and attention, through faithfulness, compassion, commitment, and humble service to others' needs. I want to be the person with a "skip" in my step each day as heaven gets closer and closer and I get older and older.

My vision for life is clear and simple: To Know God, Make Him Known, and to Make a Difference in the lives of others.

To know God and make him known, I hang out with him. I make a choice to include him in my day through prayer, his Word, Bible study, and living out my faith unapologetically. As far as making a difference in others' lives, in my current "season of life", my most important purpose is to make a difference in the lives of my children and family members. As time slips, each day melts into the other, I realize how important it is to do the things I am purposed to do with a sense of urgency, with the motivation and power God gave me to do them. My kids are growing so fast and before I know it they'll be all grown up. I must be deliberate each day on how I invest in them and not put off until tomorrow what can be done today to make a difference... oh how time slips by so fast! Will I have made a difference as time passes? I hope so. I don't want to look back on this season of my life and think about "would have, could have, should have"... Once the time is gone, it's gone; my would have could have should have's will be nothing more than missed opportunities.

Prayer: Lord, Help me make the most out of each day. Help me to have "eyes to see and ears to hear" as you give me opportunities to make a difference in other's lives. Help me recognize your will for my life, equip me to be your hands and feet in the lives of those people you have placed around me, and give me the passion to put my faith in action as you direct. Lord, help me be the person you created me to be. Take out of me any self-centeredness I have and replace it with Christ-like qualities to be Christ-centered. Thank you, Lord for hearing my prayer and being Lord of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Teri Wymore... it's blog time!

OK! I'm gonna start blogging! What a great outlet; also a great way to meet new people with my same interests and keep family and friends updated with life's "happenings".

This blog will be a place to record my thoughts, my life happenings

and my love for God.

Thanks for stopping by!