Happy Thanksgiving

I will be heading out to Dothan tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with my family. My kids went yesterday so I have had one whole day doing absolutely nothing. It has been such a nice little break for me. I have forgotten what it feels like to be by yourself. I wouldn't want it for long, but I welcome it now. I have been extremely stressed out lately and felt I was about to lose all patience with my kids. So my sweet mom and sister met me in Montgomery yesterday to go ahead and take them.
Anyway, hope everyone has a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving.
Natalie

The Look of Fall

These pics don't do justice to what it really looks like from my house. The tree in my neighbors yard is like blood red. Simply amazing. Again, I am really going to miss this view.

I need to sell this house

Alright all my blog reading friends. I really need ya'll to pray that this house will sell. We got some feedback and it seems that my driveway (it's pretty steep) is going to keep me from selling the house. I am getting so tired of trying to keep this house clean. Not to mention I only see my husband every two weeks. I'm also getting a little more irritated with the kids. They fight all the time (well, my older two) and it is driving me crazy. So please keep me in your prayers with that concern too. Thanks for praying.
Nat

I'm Only 34

I have to say that I have never been asked this question before.

Katherine and I were in the checkout line at CVS and I was telling her that I loved her. When the lady in front of me was done, she turned and asked me if she was my daughter or my, get ready for this one, my GRANDDAUGHTER!!!!!!!!!!! I looked at her and said, "my granddaughter? Do I look old enough to have a granddaughter?" She said, "you never know. There are a lot of young grandmothers out there." I'm sure there are, but I am not one of them. And I definitely didn't think I looked old enough to be one. I'm sure I embarrassed her, but I thought I'm only 34. Anyways, I hope when I do become a grandmother people will still be asking if that two year old is my daughter or granddaughter, because then I will at least think that I look YOUNG ENOUGH to have a two year old.

Just Another Birthday?

I wrote this on my birthday which was Friday but have just now gotten around to posting it.

I was praying this morning about how even though today is my birthday, it's still just another day like any other. No more special, no less special. No reason to make much of me. And this is what I heard the Lord speak so sweetly to my heart.

"Today IS a special day because this is the day I created from eternity for you to be born. Thirty four years ago, nine months after I knit you together in your mothers womb, I gazed upon you as your mother gave birth to another one of my much loved and treasured creatures. Not one day too early and not one day too late. This is the day your journey with me began. This is the day I said to all the hosts of heaven, "It's time." It's November 2, 1973 and today Natalie Suzanne Faulk will be born in Dothan, AL. I will watch her, I will love her, I will be her God and she will be my child. I'll never leave her, or forsake her while she is walking on that foreign planet. I'll keep her safe until I finally bring her safely home."

Now I look at my birthday totally different. Now I close my eyes and say thank you Lord for creating me. I don't know why He decided that I needed to be born on that day and in that year, but I know that He did so with a plan. It's the same with you. He planned from eternity to put you here at the exact moment you were born. So, the next time your birthday rolls around, remember it was no accident, no coincidence that you were born on that day and in that year. It was carefully designed by the Master.

A few More Pics

My Trick or Treat Peeps

Here are a few pics from last night. They had a great time trick or treating and it was Katherine's first time going. She had a blast. We have enough candy to almost fill a pillow case. I see some pounds heading my way.


Anna Blake as 50's girl
Davis as a hunter
Elizabeth the Spanish dancer
Katherine the Princess
My kids with two friends making silly faces

Sluggish Hearts

I just read something from John Piper's book "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" that I really needed to hear today. He says:

"It is true that our hearts are often sluggish. We do not feel the depth or intensity of affections that are appropriate for God or His cause. It is true that at those times we must exert our wills and make decisions that we hope will rekindle our joy. Even though joyless love is not our aim, nevertheless it is better to do a joyless duty than not to do it, PROVIDED that there is a spirit of repentance that we have not done all of our duty because of the sluggishness of our hearts."

Please tell me, am I the only one "who has a sluggish heart". Am I the only one who, at times, "does not feel the depth or intensity of affections that are appropriate for God or His cause?"
I have felt this way today and I have been miserable. It's during these times you don't want to read the Word even when you know that's the place we need to go to have our joy restored to us. I was riding in the car on the way home from the gym today asking God to fill my cup until it overflows. Out of a sluggish heart might I add. And this is what I heard in my heart.

How can I fill your cup when you don't lift it up? How can I fill your cup when you are not in my Word. How can I fill your cup when you aren't on your knees crying out for more? How can I feel your cup when you pout instead of praise.

And that is what I didn't want to do. I wanted to be filled without doing anything. But even in the sluggishness of our heart He will be faithful to us when He knows our hearts desire Him more than anything else. You may be at the point where all you can say is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" or "God, please change me" the way I have today, but when you lift your cup, even if you can't get it higher than your shoulder, God is faithful to fill it up when He sees your need for him and you humble yourself before Him.

Piper goes on to say that if the cheerfulness of obedience is not there, there are three steps we ought to take.
1. confess the sin of joylessness and acknowledge the coldness of your hear. (Psalm 61:2 My heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
2. Pray earnestly that God will restore the joy of obedience. (I delight in your will O God: Your Law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8)
3. God ahead and do the outward dimension of your duty in the hope that the doing will rekindle the delight.

I needed to hear this today because Satan has delivered several blows to me today. A blow of discouragement, a blow of defeat, a blow of joylessness. Not through anyone, but in attacking my mind. This really bothers me because I hate when I feel joyless in my walk with the LORD. And it never occurred to me that this is in fact sin since throughout scripture God commands us to have joy, hope, fear (of the LORD), peace, etc. He commands us to delight in Him. And strangely enough, confessing my sin of joylessness (not to be mistaken with unhappiness) made me feel more joy.

So even when we have no joy, we must turn to the Lord, confess our sin and seek Him out to restore the joy we are missing.

Views I'll Miss

The glory of the LORD revealed
I love the sun shining on the mountains
You can see waffle house and 459 from this one
Light shining through the darkness!!!!!!!!!!!
Taken from my dining room window

There are several things I will miss about Birmingham when we finally move to Savannah, but here is one of the things I think I'll miss the most. I took all of these pics from my house. They are from my dining room widow, deck , driveway, and front door. Do the ones of the sun coming through the clouds show the Glory of God or what. It was absolutely beautiful!!!
The little yellow sign in one of the pics is the waffle house at the corner of Morgan Road and Parkwood.

Glowing in the Dark

"When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. " Ex. 34:29

As I read this verse, I began to think about things that glow in the dark. Toys, pencils, stickers, t shirts, etc. And it hit me that in order for these things to glow, they must come into contact with light. And how do we know that they have come into contact with the light? Because they glow. No light, no glow!! And the closer you put the object to the light, the brighter it's gonna shine. WOW!! I think you probably see where I am going with this now.

As Christians, we have the ability and the command to glow in the dark. But ya'll unless we come into contact with THE Light, we won't. Jesus says that He is the light of the world. Jesus Himself has to shine through us for others to see. But if we never sit at His feet and learn of Him, if we never go into His presence in worship, if we never talk to Him in prayer, we won't shine. We were created for the glory of God. To let His radiance shine through our life. He didn't come and die just so we could live forever. He wants us to glorify Him. To "glow in the dark" for Him so that others will come to the Light. We can say that we love Him and serve Him. We can say that He is our everything. But when others look at us, do they see radiance because we live in Christ and His words abide in us? Let God search your heart right now and tell you if you glow when you step out into the darkness of the world around you. Does your face shine where other people can look at you and tell that you've been in the presence of the Living God? Sit at His feet until you leave glowing with the radiance of His Person!!

My Favorite Sound

I can't believe the sound I have been listening to all day. It's a sound I don't hear often or nearly enough. A sound I can't wait to hear everyday but rarely do. It's the sound I long for and have been for the past 11 years.

SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE

The kids were at school (well three of them) and my neighbor has had Katherine with her all day. Now that they are at home, the three younger ones are at my neighbors house and my oldest one is at a friends down the street. I can't believe how quiet it is right now. It just occurred to me that I can actually hear myself typing on the keyboard. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! But I'm sure this treat won't last long.

I know that once they are grown and gone, it will be reversed. I know I will miss all the noises they seem to create (which are many) but for now, I'll enjoy the silence.

I knew it wouldn't last long. Elizabeth just came in and the phone started ringing and my neighbor called to tell me that Katherine is being hard headed. So now, I have to go get her. But thank you Lord for refreshing me for those few moments.

Christian Joy

This is why I love John Piper so much. This is my desire. To see people fully satisfied in who He is so that their joy may be complete.

Can't Sleep

It's 2:45 in the morning and I can't seem to get back to sleep so I put on a pot of coffee and decided to write a post. Elizabeth woke me up around 1:30 crying so I put her in bed with me. Watching Cosby Show and Fresh Prince of Bel Air didn't help much either. Which by the way, I just love Will Smith. He is SO SO funny. The little tiny feathers from my down comforter under my sheets were making me itch and my hair moving across my face caused by the fan kept tickling my cheek and nose. And then of course my mind starts wandering from one thing to another. A house and car that need to be sold, Church, things I've learned during my quiet time, etc. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. My problem isn't usually getting to sleep, I seem to not be able to stay asleep. This is when it really pays off to be a stay at home mom. I know that tomorrow around 12, my tail will be in bed. Anyways, I did read something I thought was very cool in my bible the other day.

In Exodus 28, God is giving Moses instructions for the clothing of the priest. Verse 12 says, two stones are to be fastened to the shoulder pieces of the ephod "as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord." Then God tells him to make the chest piece and put four rows of gemstones with 3 in each row each one representing a son of Israel (Jacob). In verse 29 God said, " In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chest piece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord." The next verse I found comforting is in verse 36. "Next make a medallion of pure gold and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the LORD. Attach it with a blue cord to the front of Aaron's turban, where it must remain. Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on the forehead so the Lord will accept the people."

The Holy Spirit immediately made me think of Jesus who is our High Priest (Hebrews 8). Isn't it comforting to know that the Son of God is your High Priest and is in heaven pleading your case before the Father (Hebrew 9:24, 1 John 2:1) . Just like the earthly priest, He represents you before God. And not only that, He carries the weight of your problems on His shoulders, He carries your name in his heart, and you are always on His mind (look back at the verses above). WOW!! God is always thinking about us. Do you all realize the kind of God we serve. So Holy no one can look at Him and live, yet so personal that we hear Him whisper our name and bask in His presence. He sees and He always remembers you. Not a moment goes by that He isn't reminded of you and me. When we are too weak to pray, He does. When we want to give up, He fights for us. When the storms of life are raging, He's in the midst of it ready to calm it at the right time. When your walking through the fire, He's in it with you. Ahhhhh!!! It is so amazing to me that God loves us so much, He took His own breath and breathed life into our mortal bodies. And the whole time, knowing the day was coming that He would die for that very creature He made for His glory!!! And for that, He deserves all our praise and glory!! Remember, the christian life isn't about God making much of us, (although He does) it's about us making much of God. That's what we were created for. My prayer is that every day, you will desire Him more and more.

A Few Lessons Learned on the Journey

Here are a few lessons I have learned since following the Lord.

1. He will not give up on me.
2. He is faithful even when I'm not
3. His love is unconditional
4. Don't ever say you won't do something b/c chances are, that's what God will want you to do.
5. If you don't want to hear an answer that's different from the answer you want, don't ask God. (although I highly discourage you from this.)
6. God's will isn't always easy, comfortable or fun.
7. He demands my whole heart. (notice the word demands)
8. The Christian life is not about me, it's about God and His Kingdom.
9. Nothing in life can compare to the worth of knowing Him.
10. He really does speak to me. His sheep really do "know His voice."
11. He's a really cool father and friend to have. He's pretty 'hip'
12. He completely satisfies every need I have.
13. He knows what's best for me.
14. He gives me strength when I am weary and weak
15. He is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.

And these are just a few things I've learned thus far with a lot more lessons to learn. If God has taught you any lessons along the way, please share them with us. Your lesson could be something God wants to show others but you must tell it!! I stand amazed at who He is. Being football season, I started thinking of God in football terms. For example, He's my quarterback- he calls all the plays. He's my center- he "snaps the ball at the right time." He's the cheerleader (the male ones) He cheers me on in this game of life. He's the referee- He lets me know when I've messed up. He's the offensive line- He helps me score the touchdown. And He's on the defensive line - He blocks the enemy so I can win the game. Which is exactly why He told Moses I AM!!!!!

Back Home

Well, we made it back home yesterday around 3:30. The trip actually wasn't that bad. I do have to say that my kids were troopers on the long drive there and back. No complaining, arguing, saying it's not fair, etc. So maybe it does help to be positive. When you think negative you see only the negative, but when you think positive you see the positive.

Now, being there is a whole different story. We were so cramped in the one bedroom one bath apartment. And they were wanting to be entertained the whole time which was very stressful for me. Friday, I met up with a friend of mine at Bass Pro Shop with her four kids. So yes, we had eight kids between us two adults. One very stressed adult and one very calm adult. (I was the stressed one.) They had a stuffed snake fight in the toy department and then we moved on to the four wheelers and they "rode" for about 15 minutes. Fortunately, we left there before getting kicked out. I guess we saw it coming. But beware Target!!! They were just getting started. It wasn't really that bad. They actually behaved pretty well and our kids got along great. And me and six of the kids had a really good laugh when we started talking about the names John David "Booty" (i think that's how you spell it) and the football player whose last name is "Fagg" and the tombstone with the last name "Dumfart." I get tickled just hearing them say, "What if your name was Booty Fagg Dumfart." Or hearing them say, "Dumfart, table of six." "Miss Booty, your table is now ready." Oh My Gosh!!! Hilarious.

Trying to save money, we brought along the two dogs. But they actually ended up costing us more. Well, Lillie did. She chewed a hole in the carpet, chewed on a pen and ink got all over the floor, and peed on the carpet a couple of times. And if that wasn't enough, I forgot to put a diaper on Katherine the first night and she peed all over the bed. Plus she pulled some paint off of the drawer in the kitchen. Poor Blake!! We arrived to a clean apartment and left to a trashed one. But all is well.

Overall, the trip was a good one. But Lillie will never be welcomed back and I will have to prepare to entertain.

Off To Savannah

Well, today me and my 6wildhares are heading to Savannah and won't be back until Monday. I say six because I decided that four just wasn't enough so I'm bringing along the two dogs. I mean, I might as well be stressed to the max if I'm gonna be stressed. I might even decide to go west first before going east. The longer the trip the better. Six hours with the group just isn't enough. I'm thinking 11 or 12 sounds a whole lot better. I know, you think I've lost my mind and you are right. I left it at the hospital when I had my first child and have never gone back to get it. Why do you need a mind when you have a husband and four children that already know everything.

Seriously, it isn't going the be that bad. The kids are all going to get along great and the dogs are going to sleep the whole time. I'm also sure that Davis and Anna Blake are going to beg me to let the other sit in the front because they always put each other before themselves. And Katherine and Elizabeth are going the laugh the whole way. Not tears, no fighting, no back talking, no complaining and no hearing the words "it's not fair." (can you tell I'm calling things that are not as tho they are? I'll let you all know how it works.) Well, gotta get the troop off to school so I can prepare for the wonderful trip today. Have a wonderful, blessed, God-filled weekend.

The World Will Hate You

In response to a comment, I just want to say that as a follower of Jesus, we will not be liked by the world. As a matter of fact, Jesus said, "if the world hates me they will hate you. If the World persecutes me, they will persecute you." I actually pondered this question a couple of days ago when I began thinking about my quest for popularity among people. The Holy Spirit began bringing all the great men of faith into my mind. Paul, Peter, David, Moses, Noah, and the list could go on. As I thought about these men, I realized that they were not liked by many people. They were slandered, beaten, spoken against, imprisoned, etc. I thought of all they went through for the cause of Christ and that Jesus words proved true.

We spend so much of our lives trying to "make" people like us. Trying so hard to please others that we fail to please the only one who matters. I've heard it said, when we live, we should be living for ONE audience. I have learned to do that, I must continually ask God to renew my mind and keep me focused on Him. It's hard but with the power of the Holy Spirit, it is not impossible. When we stand before God on the day of judgement, our popularity among men won't matter. We won't be able to plead our case of being accepted by our piers. On the contrary, that might not be a good thing. I have this quote framed on my wall to serve as a reminder of what we should live for on this earth.

"May the final words you hear before entering into eternity be: Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

We should live in such a way that those are the final words we hear before walking into the eternal presence of our Holy God.

He Touched my Heart

I just wanted to tell all how the Lord really touched my heart yesterday through my children. We were listening to a song in the car and I looked back at Elizabeth and she had her eyes closed and her little hands raised in worship. It was the sweetest little thing. I could see and sense the sincerity in her as I looked at her. ( I would've loved to have stared at her, but the 4wildhares and their mom might have ended up praising the Lord in Heaven!!!) Anyways, when we got to where we were going she said she was crying as she sang that song because she could hear the devil telling her she didn't love Jesus. She said she was singing that song to the devil. The song says, "My Savior Loves, My savior lives, my saviors always there for me. My God He was, My God He is, My God He's always gonna be." And that my friend is what she was letting the devil know. WOW! And she's only 5.

Let me just say that Satan wants our children. I remember a few months ago praying with Katherine before bed just really asking God to bless her life and protect her from harm and evil. And then I sensed the devil just standing there waiting for the time he could get his hands on her. Let me tell you a sense of dread and urgency to pray for her came over me. It's like he couldn't touch her yet, but was waiting for the day he could. It brings knots to my stomach just thinking about it. We cannot take praying for our children lightly. Satan wants them. And he starts in the mind. Telling them they don't really love Jesus, etc. So one thing we must ask God to protect is their precious little mind and that they will realize when it's the devil putting thoughts in their head. And like Elizabeth, to tell Satan who God is and that He's always gonna be.

Now to how Davis blessed my heart. We were watching the video on my blog of the Revelation Song. About 1/3 of the way through, Davis let out a sigh. I thought he was getting restless b/c he was getting tired of it, but a second or two later, he dropped to his knees and put his head on the floor. When I asked him later what made him do that, he said, he was worshipping. Then it hit me that the sigh was an awe stricken sigh at the power of God. That is the place I hope he remains his whole life. Knees and face on the floor getting his breath knocked out of him as he considers the power of God.

Peter, do you love me?

I learned the coolest thing yesterday. It's the story about when Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. We all know that Peter did deny Jesus. (no, that's not what I learned! :) I am going somewhere with this!!) And the guilt he felt after he realized what he had done. But the sweetness and loving kindness of Jesus was evident when He asked Peter if he loved Him. Not once!!! Three times!!!!! I love that. For each time Peter denied Him, Jesus made a way for Peter to say I love you Lord. A devotion I got in the mail from Desiring God Ministries says, "It wasn't until later that Peter realized what had happened in that painful conversation on the beach. (Jesus asking Peter if he loved Him.) It wasn't that Jesus doubted Peter's love. Instead, he had allowed Peter to affirm his love for Jesus for each denial he had made on that terrible night."

That makes me fall in love with Jesus even more. He is so tender-hearted even when we fail. He didn't get angry with Peter. Hurt maybe, but not angry. He knew Peter was going to deny Him and He allowed it. But what amazing love He showed when He let Peter say he loved Jesus for each time he denied Jesus. I can just see the love and tenderness in His eyes as He looks at Peter and asks him the question, "Peter, do you love me?"

Revelation Song

This is a custom video to the one before. This one, in my opinion shows the power of God better.

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

This is such a powerful song. Our choir sang this in church yesterday and let me just say all one could do was lift their hands and tremble in the presence of God. Our God is so powerful. Holy Holy Holy is Our Lord God Almighty. I pray that He is your everthing and that you will Adore Him. This is what life is all about. Listen, worhip, enjoy and praise your God.

Another Proud Moment

Davis had to write about his hero for a school project he did about himself. Here is what he wrote: "God is my hero. He tells me good things to do like when I'm fixin to do something bad. He stops me. That's why he is my hero. He helps me a lot." It's short, but it sure makes me proud. God's faithfulness to bless my little effort is amazing. And if we all had that childlike faith. Lord, I pray that my children will have the kind of childlike faith you command us all to have. I pray that your words will hide deep within their heart so that when the enemy of temptation comes, they can fight with the Word. Give them faithful hearts. Give them the love you have for your son. And Jesus, help them to obey the Father they way you do. In Jesus name~Amen

The Suffering of Christ

If you have never visualized what Jesus actually did for us on the cross, here is a great picture of it. Let each word absorb into your heart as you think of the price He paid to redeem you. "Think of His lacerated back. Thirty nine lashes left little flesh intact. He heaves with His breath up and down against the rough vertical beam of the cross. Each breath puts splinters into the lacerations. The Lord gasps. From time to time He screams out with intolerable pain. He tries to pull away from the wood and the massive spokes through His wrists rip into the nerve endings and He screams again with agony and pushes up with his feet to give some relief to His wrists. But the bones and nerves in His pierced feet crush against each other with anguish and He screams again. There is no relief. His throat is raw from screaming and thirst. He loses His breath and thinks He is suffocating and suddenly His body involuntarily gasps for air and all the injuries unite in pain. In torment, He forgets about the crown of two inch thorns and throws His head back in desperation, only to hit one of the thorns perpendicular against the cross beam and drive it half an inch into His skull. His voice reaches a soprano pitch of pain and sobs break over His pain wracked body as every cry brings more and more pain." (excerpt from "Pierced by the Word" by John Piper.) And now think of the words He spoke. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." This is real. This is what He went through for you and me. The Bible says He didn't even look human. But yet so few of us actually gives our life completely to Him. We use Him to get blessings. We use Him to help us get what we want. But that is not what the cross was all about. He suffered so you and I could have a relationship with Him. So we could know Him. So we could walk with Him. So we could talk with Him. We were created for this. To worship and glorify Him. Anything He does for us after the cross is pure grace. Gosh He is so good. Do you really realize how much He loves you? If you haven't thanked Him in a while, get on you knees and give Him all the glory and honor and thanks that He alone deserves. And don't forget to thank Him for what He did on the cross for you and me. Amazing Love, how can it be that you my King should die for me.

Scripture Memory

Please click on the Internet Cafe in the right margin of my blog. John Piper talks about Scripture memory and steps for memorizing. It is so important to memorize scripture. Psalm 119 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." How do you hide His word in your heart? By memorizing it. Jesus also tells us to abide in Him and for His words to abide in us. How do we have his words abide in us? By memorizing scripture. God's word is our sword. To fight satan and his attacks, we must know the Word. Let's get busy memorizing. Our SS class is in the process of memorizing Psalm 119. We are currently working on 65-72. We do a set of eight every week. So, grab your Bible and join in. You won't be sorry you did.

Sermon Jonathan Edwards

"The redeemed have all their objective good in God. God Himself is the great good which they are brought to the possession and enjoyment of by redemption. He is the highest good, and the sum of all that good which Christ purchased. God is the inheritance of the saint; He is the portion of their soul. God is their wealth and treasure, their food, their life, their dwelling place, their ornament and diadem, and their everlasting honor and glory. They have none in heaven but God; He is the great good which the redeemed are received to at death, and which they are to rise to at the end of the world. The Lord God, He is the light of the heavenly Jerusalem; and is the "river of the water of life" that runs, and the tree of life that grows, "in the midst of the paradise of God." The glorious excellencies and beauty of God will be what will forever entertain the minds of the saints, and the love of God will be their everlasting feast. The redeemed will indeed enjoy other things; they will enjoy the angels, and will enjoy one another: but that which they shall enjoy in the angels, or each other, or in anything else whatsoever, that will yield them delight and happiness, will be what will be seen of God in them. " This is the way we, as Christians, should feel about God. He should be our "highest good." When we die and enter into eternity, it is God Himself that we receive. That's what it means to say that HE is our inheritance. Not the crowns or the mansions or being able to see loved ones gone before us. No!!! It's God Himself that will be our portion, our treasure, our bread, our crown. Search your heart for the answer to this question. Why do you want to go to Heaven? To not go to hell? To see loved ones? To get your mansion? Jesus said in John 17:3 ~ "This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." If your desire for eternal life is anything but God Himself, you need to examine the depth of your relationship with Him. He should be all we want in this life and in the life to come.

Proud Momma

Anna Blake had to write about herself in school and this is what she wrote. ANNA BLAKE Artistic, kind, horse lover, and funny Daughter of Natalie and Blake Lover of God, horses and chocolate Who feels artistic, shy, friendly, and special Who finds happiness in Jesus, horses and my family Who fears spiders, the dark, and making a bad grade Who would like to see Hanna Montana, a horse show, and Jesus Who enjoys horse back riding, going to church, playing with my friends Who likes horses, scarey movies and God Resident of Hoover, AL HARE This was so beautiful to me. And a testimony to Gods faithfulness. She has such a heart for God. She said if she could make one wish, it would be that she would never stop following Jesus. I just love my girl.

Satisfied in Him

I know I keep bringing this up, but God keeps bringing it up with me. He is really driving the point deep within my heart that nothing is more satisfying than Him. He is showing me that all of creation was created for Him and through Him not for us "to be made much of but for us to make much of Him." (from John Piper) It's all about Him. Everything is about Him. I feel like I can't say it enough. It is a shame to live our life with no purpose but to be happy within ourselves and living for our own pleasure. There is so much more to life than that. We should ponder the question, "why was I created? Why am I here at this time?" Do we really think it is just for us? If so, we are living a sad sad life. When we realize that all of creation is for the glory of God, our outlook on life will begin to change. You will have another goal to live for. An eternal goal. God is the true treasure we should seek after. We were created to worship Him. Look up in Exodus when Moses went to Pharaoh to give him the command to let the people of God go. Every time God speaks this He says, "let my people go, SO they can worship me." That's it. That is the true point of life. God wants us to worship Him. But why? Because He knows that worshipping and finding our enjoyment in Him is what truly satisfies us. Nothing else will. At least not permanently. When He commands our worship it's out of love because He knows the joy that comes from it. And in turn, we glorify God when we enjoy Him the way He created us to. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." (John Piper.)

Bear with me as I write these things. God is driving this point so strong in my heart. I truly believe that God wants His children to find their satisfaction and happiness in Him. And I fear that so many don't. God is huge. Nothing compares to Him. And ya'll, He is ours and we are His. SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!

Who Am I Casting Crowns

Wow!!! Simply amazing. Get out your tissue, you are bound to cry!!

LPL Providence RI

If you haven't had the privilege of doing a Beth Moore bible study, I highly recommend her. Notice the little girl at the end of the video in the braided pigtails and scarf in her hair. I could kiss her little face!! How precious. Also, listen to the song and worship your God.

I'm In Love with God

I just want to share my heart right now. Church this morning was wonderful and I experienced God in such a unique way. I felt His presence all over me and there is nothing in this world that could ever compare to that. I've had both. And I can tell you with assurance that nothing is more valuable than Him. Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than Him. I love Him with all of my heart and I want NOTHING to stand in the way of my relationship with Him. I want to be sold out to Him completely. I want every fiber in my being to belong to Him. I want His light to fill all the dark corners of my life. I want to shine as bright as the noonday sun. But not for me, It's all for Him. He is all that matters in my life. He is my everything.

The pastor charged us to be able to stand before God one day as an approved worker. I want to hear the words, well done, thy good and faithful servant. On that day, nothing else I had or did for my own pleasure will ever matter. The clothes, the shoes, the decorations; they are all nothing and they will all be gone when we stand before our God. If we really think about that I think the way we live and the things we spend our money on will change. We came with nothing and we leave with nothing. I want to live my life for things that matter eternally. I am a child of The Most High, God Almighty, the Ruler of this universe and He is on my side. That is where I get my identity from. Not from my possessions or even my relationships. My mind has been made up. I am His and His alone. I will talk about Him, I will learn from Him and my prayer is that my life will glorify him. He is the true treasure we should search for. The treasure that is more precious than silver, more beautiful than gold and more costly than diamonds. I'm done with the casual christianity. I Belong To God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Family Picnic

Elizabeth had her first kindergarten picnic today on the front lawn of the school. It was so much fun but let me tell you that it was hoooooooooooooooot!!! I felt sweat dripping down my back. Katherine kept telling me, " you wet." Uh, ya think?!!? it was only 100 degrees outside. Taking a shower before the picnic was such a waste of time!! Complaining aside, I had fun with my babies and created a memory for us all!! Here are some pics to enjoy.

Elizabeth and her BF Emily

E's class making funny faces. Her teacher is second to left on the top row!!

Class of 2020 ( I think)

Me, Elizabeth, and Kass. Wonder which one was being stubborn?

Don't Give Up On Me

These are the words to my new favorite song. It's on Billy Ray Cyrus' new CD called Home At Last. I'm not sure if it is original or if it is a remake. Don't Give Up On Me I fall down, I get up, Just a man, flesh and blood. So I pray, constantly, don't give up on me. I am weak, you are strong, I need your love, to carry on, Keep the faith, hear my plea, don't give up on me. I'm just a child there's so much I don't know. I'm doing my best to learn as I go. But I'm not afraid just as long as your holding my hand. Don't know what, you love me for, you deserve, so much more, I would die if you set me free, don't give up on me. When my best, ain't enough, when my strength, won't hold up, when I'm less than what I can be, don't give up on me. I'm just a child theres so much I don't know, I'm doing my best to learn as I go, But I'm not afraid just as long as your holding my hand. Keep the faith, hear my plea, don't give up one me. This is the song I've been singing for the past few years. Of course in my own way, but portrays exactly how I feel. I have been crying out with the psalmist in 119:8 when he says, "I will obey your commands, please don't give up on me." NLT

New Chapter

Well, Blake started his job in Savannah on Monday which is the introduction to a new chapter in our lives. Just last night we were talking about how things change so much throughout our lifetime. We are rarely in one place and sometimes it's two or three before you finally settle into a place to call home. Our first adventure was spending a year in Pensacola. We never really felt at home there b/c we knew we would be leaving after a year. We moved to Savannah and we were there 7 years. Once again, we packed our bags and headed to Birmingham where I thought it was for good. I thought this was the place my kids would call home forever. As a matter of fact, when the opportunity came to go back to Savannah I told Blake I wouldn't go for 500,000 dollars a year.

However, after many many prayers a lot of thought, and a lot of talking, I realized God had different plans. Let me pause here to tell you not to ever say you won't do something because that will more than likely be the very thing you will do. God has shown me this more than once and the last being that I am moving back to Savannah and let me add that it is for wayyyyyyyyyyyy less than 500,000 per year. Savannah isn't my top pick for places to live but the joy I have in knowing that I am doing God's will is more satisfying than getting everything I've ever wanted. He has a plan for my family in Savannah and I am so excited to begin the journey with them and Him. He is so good and I know that He would never ask me to do something that won't end up bringing me eternal satisfaction. So when you feel like He is leading you, go. God goes way beyond what we want and looks at what will bring us greatest eternal joy and Him the most glory. Sometimes God asks us to do things that at the time seems unfair or hard or unappealing, but He knows that our joy is set before us. And when we follow Him, He will reveal Himself to us in new ways. If Abraham hadn't obeyed God and taken Isaac to sacrifice Him, He wouldn't have known Him as provider!!!!!!!!! So, take up your cross and maybe your belongings or your job or your will, and let Him lead you into your promised land.

God Bless the USA

Just thought this was a great picture to go with my previous blog entry.

I don't even know what to call this blog. I guess there are really no words to describe the anger I was feeling today and have been feeling the past couple of days. It started when I was watching a cbs special on a group of mormons that still practice polygamy and how they could be arrested for having more than one wife. Then a couple of days later I was watching espn and how Michael Vicks is facing jail time for funding dog fighting. Don't get me wrong, these things are wrong and I don't believe in them, but here is what angers me. We are living in a wicked generation when we, as a government, say that it is a felony to fight dogs and be married to more than one person, but every woman has the right to kill her unborn child. Give me a break. That is so so backwards. So upside down. I don't even see how someone could make that "make sense" in their minds, and it angers me. We say it's wrong and should be punished to kill a bald eagle, but yet we say "it's o.k. to kill the child growing inside of you." That is so messed up and I believe that we as Christians should begin to take a stand for what is truly right. We need to put on our armour and stand up and fight for our God. It's time to get up and be counted.

It's time to get serious about God and advancing His kingdom. There is so much casual christianity these days that the "church" is losing it's power. I want the power that God offers and I want to be a voice crying out "prepare the way for the Lord." Because my friends, He's coming and I believe it's soon. The Bible says that our eyes are the lamp of the body. If you are looking at darkness, you will be filled with darkness, but if you are looking at light then you are filled with light. Luke tells us to make sure there are no "dark corners" in our life. I love that. What is lurking in the corners of your life. If there are spider webs, we need to sweep them out. If there is darkness, we need to let the Light shine on them.

God, let my light shine brightly for you and your glory. As bright as the noonday sun. Please begin to sweep out the dark corners and begin to brighten them up with your love and mercy and power. I want you to do great things through me to change this world we are living in. I love America and wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but I hate the moral decline of our nation. Revive us, O God and may we stand up as Mighty Warriors for you. May we say, "put me on the front line, because you are worth my very life if that's what you call from me." May our hearts be pure and our lives be Holy just as you are Holy. You are God and there is no other. Pour out your spirit on all peoples and bring a great revival throughout this land. And then let us be ready as the trumpet is being prepared to blow and we see our Lord and Saviour, our precious Jesus Christ coming down in all His Glory as King of all nations. We are your people and you are our God. Rain on us Holy Spirit, rain on us!!!

First day of School

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!!!!!!! :)

I cannot believe that it is the first day of school already. We got our kids off without much hassle this morning. Just me going SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH all morning so they wouldn't wake Katherine up.

I am now down to one baby at home with me. Elizabeth started kindergarten today. I can't believe that she is already in school. She has been so excited and counting down the days. She woke up with all smiles as they all did. Anna Blake was excited but nervous. She had butterflies in her stomach which reminded me of myself every year on the first day of school. I told her I always felt that way but the second day would be better. And Davis......... Of course he wasn't nervous. Not Davis!! Just calm, cool and collected!! And let me stress COOL!! Strutting his stuff b/c he was the only one "not nervous" about the first day!!! YEAH RIGHT He did get up without giving me any trouble. Blake took them this morning and I will be picking them up this afternoon. Tomorrow afternoon they will be riding the bus home (b/c they want to) which will be Elizabeth's first bus ride ever!! Well, better go get my reading time in before the Katherine wakes up!! Here are some first day pics to enjoy.

Working Through Me

As I was sitting and praying this morning I began to ask God to grant me my hearts desires. My prayer was, " God, I have a desire to do great things for you." Very quickly God responded with these words, " You don't do great things for me, I do great things THROUGH you." I stopped in awe and wonder and I began to ponder those words not because I didn't believe Him, but because I wanted them to sink deep within my heart. It definitely changed the way my prayer went. I have always gone about praying that God would allow me to do great things for him, but now my prayer will be," Lord, here I am, do great things through me."

We don't work for God. He works through us. And He will use anyone who is willing to be used. Let's cry out with Isaiah and say, "Here I am, send me."

Psalm 101 Pledge

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house
and liars will not stay in my presence.
My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked(the enemies of God) and free the city
of the Lord from their grip.

Psalm of David

I came across this chapter in Psalms during my bible reading the other morning and have began praying it at the end of my devotion time. I thought it was great and I plan to continue to do this on a daily basis and also turn it into a prayer for my children. I encourage you to do the same as we grow hungry for more of Jesus.

Sunday School

I had the privilege of teaching the Sunday School class again today for the third time. I always feel such a rush when I am done. It is so satisfying to do what God has called me to do, BUT I can't seem to get my nerves under control before I get started. I always pray before I get up there (even days before) but I am still so very nervous. I finally start to feel relaxed about ten minutes into the lesson and it seems to start going a lot smoother. Since this is what God has called me to do, I sure hope it gets better. It always seems to help me too when I tell the class how nervous I am. Strange isn't it.

Anyways, we showed the house for the first time today and the fella seemed to really like it. But I know from past experience not to get my hopes up. Plus, I am going to be so sad to leave that I'm not even sure I am ready for it to sell yet. No matter what, tho, I completely trust God to sell it in His timing. Well, my little Katherine just came in so my time of writing is over. Hope everyone has a great day.

Nice Day

It has been a really nice day today. Not weather wise, it is waaaaaaaaay tooooooooo hot. But my kids have been at my neighbors all day long. It has been so peaceful and quiet, something I haven't experienced in,um, about 10 1/2 years. No, I have had some quiet days but it has been a while. It is making me even more anxious for school to start. Just one more week and I'll just have one at home. I do have to say that I am so thankful God has not called me to homeschool anymore. We have been learning in SS that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied and I can tell you right now that I am NOT most satisfied homeschooling them. I'd better hush my typing because God seems to always call me to do what I say I will never do. So the lesson for today is, never say you won't do something. I mean, maybe even try a little reverse psychology on God!! LOL JK No don't do that I'm pretty sure He'll catch on and beat you at your own game.

Hope you all have a peaceful and quiet day. And by the way, I wouldn't be caught DEAD in a bikini!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Beach Trip

We just returned from the beach on Sunday evening and let me say it was an experience. The day we left started out good until I realized I couldn't have my morning bible time and immediately I lost all patience I had with the kids. Without saying anything they all stayed clear of me. Ill is not even the word to describe me. I did get better and I did apologize to them for being so ugly. And of course, they forgave me.

When we got there (it took us 5 hours since I went 30 min. out of the way) we went straigt to the RV we were staying in. One bedroom, one bath one couch, and one table for, um, six people. Need I say more. Just for visual effect, here is a picture of the RV (which belongs to my dad.) Needless to say, I learned to appreciate what I have and not complain about needing more space. We ate at cici's pizza and had only two accidents. Elizabeht spilled her pizza on the floor and Katherine spilled her drink. No major catastrophes. We left there and went on to the beach. It was 9:00 at night and when we left, my kids were wet and sandy. Something I did not want to have to deal with so late on the day we arrived.

Anyways, we had a great time. We spent Friday on the beach. Blake got there about 7:30 and we went to eat at LuLu's for dinner. WE waited two hours for a seat but the kids had fun waiting. They had games and volleyball on the beach for them to play. Saturday we went and ate lunch at Lambert's, "Home of the throwed rolls." The kids loved seeing the waiters throw rolls across the room at people. I caught two of them myself. After we ate we went to a place called the Track and rode bumper boats, go carts and some amusement rides for the little ones. WE had a really good time. We cooked out Saturday night and then crawled into bed for a good night sleep.

We went back to the beach for a couple of hours on Sunday. It was blazing hot so we didn't stay long. We left for Birmingham around 4 and finally got home at 9:30. Here are some pics of our trip. Enjoy.

Casual Christianity

As I was doing my Bible study yesterday morning God spoke to my heart saying that it was time for "casual Christianity" to end. It is time for us to cry out for God to set our hearts ablaze with the FIRE of His Holy Spirit. So many of us cry out to God for our nation and the things we see around us, yet our hearts seem so so far from the words we speak on our lips. There are way too many christians today who are too friendly with the world. We say we love God, but our actions show that we love the world more. We want to see God move in mighty ways, yet we sit back in our casual state as we wait for God to move before we move. Where is the discipline and passion of God's people?

Do we really understand the life we could have if we are Sold Out to God. Do we really understand if we get on our faces and tear our hearts out before the Lord instead of having a WWJD bumper sticker on our car that we would be so much more satisfied? Joel 2:13 says, "Don't tear your clothing in grief; instead, tear your hearts." That's what God wants. Our hearts, not our service. It's time to see the world for what it is and to see God for who He is. And when we do, we will see that there is no comparison to be made. So many people play the part on the outside, but their hearts are far form Him.

Until GOD'S PEOPLE get serious, and I mean really serious about Him I don't think our nation will see revival. I believe God showed me that two revivals need to take place. First, revival of the saints and then revival in our nation.

Amanda

There are only a few friends that God brings into your life for a purpose and one of those He has brought into mine is Amanda Taylor. She is the most humble, sweet, real and loving person I have ever known. She will be the first to tell you how much she loves the Lord, but she will also be the first to tell you that she is a sinner only saved by grace. I have seen her grow so much in the Lord and she is such an encouragement to me. I know that when I feel defeated, she is there to encourage me and lift me up. Without doubt, I always feel revived when I get off the phone with her.

She and I went to school together. We were good friends, but I never would have thought we would have stayed in touch the way we have. She was always closer to the girls she "grew up with" as I was the one who "invaded" the school in 8th grade. I always looked up to her. She was beautiful, had a wonderful family and everyone loved her. She was who I wanted to be. We had our rough times in school but we persevered through it all and now we are closer than ever. I can tell her anything and never fear that she will judge me or feel she is better than me.

Amanda, I love you dearly. God truly blessed me with your friendship. I am a better person for knowing you. You are such an encouragement to me and you have the childlike faith I long to have. Keep your humble attitude and God will do great and mighty things in your life. I am so glad to call you "my friend." And no matter where life takes us, you will never be forgotten. (PS I think you know what I'm talking about.) I love you much

Nat

Being Real

At the age of 18, God called me to full time ministry. I had no idea at the time what I would be doing but during the last two years He has shown me and confirmed His calling on my life which is teaching His word. But what I keep hearing Him tell me over and over is that I must be real. I must be real to all those I teach. I can't be untouchable. If I were, they would never be able to relate to me. I have my spiritual side, but I also have my fleshly side. I live in this world but I am not of this world. I want so desperately for people to be able to relate to me. I want them to know that God is my everything, but I also want them to know that I still struggle and have problems. Yes, I get mad at my kids and husband. And yes, sometimes I wish there were no one else but me. I get jealous of people and I sometimes wish I were the best at everything. But I realize that all those feelings are normal but feelings that only God can change. And I would never judge anyone for feeling "normal." What God has shown me is that He is the only true satisfaction in this life. ThAT He is the "manna" from Heaven. Nothing compares to knowing and loving Him. As the old song goes, " I LOVE TO LOVE HIM."

Calling the Stars

I was reading in Isaiah the other day and came across a verse that really made me marvel at the greatness of God. Chapter 40 verse 26 says:

" Look up and see: (the stars) who created these? He brings out the starry host by number; He calls all of them BY NAME. Because of His great power and strength, not one of them is missing." WOW When I read that all I could do was sit in wonder. If His stars are so precious in His sight that He calls them out by name to make sure that none are lost, How do you think He watches and responds to His own children? Just as the New Testament says, If one of His children wander away, He goes Himself to find them and carry them home. He makes sure that none of us are missing. Go out tonight and look up at the stars. And when you do, remember He calls them out by name to make sure none are lost. Marvel at His greatness. A greatness we can never even begin to understand. And then remember that the same One who created and loves these stars, loves you more!!! There is NOTHING on this earth that can satisfy you more than He can.

Skinned Knee

O.K. I had to laugh at my husband a couple of days ago. He was at work and he fell down and skinned his knee. That of course was not funny, but let me tell you what was. When he got home from work, he cut a big piece of gauze (in his defense, the "boo boo" was big) and wrapped his leg with tan medical tape. It looked like he had been to the doctor and had knee surgery. He did get a little mad at me because I couldn't help but laugh at him. For goodness sakes, we don't even bandage the kids up like that.

As if that wasn't enough, a couple of days later he opened up the fridge and some dishes I had put up there fell off and he tried to catch them. Somehow they broke before the reached his hand and he ended up with five stitches. Two on his ring finger and three on his middle finger. Now that is something I didn't laugh about. The taped up knee, yes but the stitches, no!!! As of now, we have had no more accidents and hopefully we'll keep it that way.

Is It Possible

I'm just wondering how possible it is for me to actually write any kind of Bible study when I have four kids with me all day long. I do get my Bible time and prayer time in but to actually sit and study in order to write, I have no time. Just getting on the computer and writing on this blog is hard enough. I have kids up and down on my lap what seems like all day. I love them dearly and my prayer has been that I will delight in every detail of their lives just like the Bible says God delights in every detail of our lives. However, there is still that longing to find the time to discover bible truths so that I can teach others what I have learned. That is truly the desire of my heart. I love the Lord deeply but I want to love Him more. That is another longing of my heart. I guess the number one longing. That I will be so in love with Him that all the things that matter now, won't matter anymore. I want him to be my number one. And I want others to experience the joy of knowing Him the way I have.

Freaked out

My heart is racing right now. I am completely freaked out. I'm sitting at my computer trying to print a sale brochure for my house when i feel something crawling on me. I look down and see only the corner of my paper and felt somewhat relieved until I spotted the huge nasty brown roach on my arm. No kidding, it was two inches long. Atleast. I screamed to the top of my lungs just b/c it made me feel better. Not really b/c it helped me out in anyway. I can tell you that the poor roach was a quick goner. He didn't have time to feel a thing. Now I'm freaked about sitting in my computer seat. Oh, I had to thump the leg out of my chair. Can you say gross!!! Anyways, I'm still wondering why God made such a nasty little critter. If anyone knows, please fill me in. Otherwise, they will still be at the top of my "bugs I hate the most" list!!!
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New to me

O.K. This seems to be the popular thing these days so I thought that I would give it a try. Not sure what I'll post or if I'll even enjoy it. I thing I will because I'm always wanting to "teach" the things I learn during my bible study time and this is a great outlet. I guess that is the teacher in me. I think I may start researching the armor of God to possibly write a bible study on it. Because I'm so impatient, the thought of it taking a long while intimidates me. We'll see! It will give me something to pray about and if God tells me to go ahead with it, I won't have a choice. He will only tell me to do things that will result in my joy and His glory.