Thursday, July 31, 2008

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am Thankful for:
Family
Friends
Spending time with Andrea
Forgiviness
A Heavenly Father that loves me just as I am
Cell Phones
My Mom who came to visit for a few days
Watermelon
For more Thankful Thursday's visit Iris at Sting My Heart!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Wordless Wednesday # 24

Andrea and friends at last year's Watermelon Party for Football players and Cheerleaders.
Me and my gang...is a great title for this picture. Great times ....Great memories.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Award!

I am so excited to receive this award from Amy at Sign Miracles and Wonders.
The Art Y Pico award is given to those who inspire others with their creative energy and talents in writing, artwork, design or contributions to the blogging community. It originated here
What is the meaning of the expression: And basically, ironically, it translates into a wonderful phrase in Mexico, “lo maximo.” LOL! It will never find its counterpart in English, but if it HAD to, it would be something like, Wow. The Best Art. Over the top. I got this infor off the Art Y Pico blog.
As a recipient of these awards, I have been asked to share each award with five blogs that bless me. I have chosen:
Christina @ All That Blog
I hope that each of these ladies are as excited as I am! There are so many blogs that I enjoy reading that it was hard to make a decision on which to choose. Congratulations friends!Your “official instructions” follow. Now go forth and share the love! To the recipients of the award...pick five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language. Name each nominee and link to his/her blog. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award.Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award. Post these rules.
Congratulations Ladies!!!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Friday's Quote

"The safest place to be is within the will of God"
Anonymos

Not my will but God's will. This is so hard sometimes. We want what we want and when we want it. Sometimes what we want is not good for us and then we realize later I made a mistake. I should have listened to God.
I pray for God's will to be done in my life...but do I really allow it to be done?

What about you ...do you allow God's will to be done or do you want it to be your way?

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thankful Thursday!




Today I am Thankful for:

Long soaks in the bathtub.

Laughter....Andrea had friends over last night and it was good to hear all the girls laughing and having fun...most of them will be leaving for college soon.

Radio that is playing in my kitchen

Books...I have read some really good ones this summer.

Dentist...especially Dr. Dreamy aka Dr. Thomas who performed a root canal for me on Monday.

Happy Gas...that the dentist gave me to calm me down. I hate to admit ...I am terrified of the denitst!

The dental assistant ...She was AWESOME..she could sense when I would get upset and calm me down.

Andrea

Joey ...he works so hard for our family.

Kids Kamp last week 16 children ask Jesus into their hearts!

All the volunteers who helped with Kids Kamp.

Friends who encourage me and pray with me. This includes Blog friends!!

Prayer Warriors

Answered Prayers

Butter Pecan Ice cream! Yum Yum!!!

Visit Iris at Sting my Heart for more Thankful Thursday!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

JESUS ... is HE in you?

That was the theme for our Kids Kamp 08 this year at Calera Baptist Church. I probably told you this before ....I am head of the committee of the children's team at my church. One of our responsibilities is to plan theme, t-shirt colors and design, get volunteers, live band, games indoor and outdoor, food and plenty of volunteers, etc for our annual Kids Kamp. The committee puts in alot of prayer, time and work. They are great to work with. They truly have a heart for children. This was our 15th year, however this was probably my 5 year to be involved and my 2nd to be on the planning committee. This is ALOT of work. BUT WELL WORTH IT!!

The children register. .1st -6th grade spend Friday and Saturday night and Day Campers are from 4 years to K. We have 3 boy and 3 girl cabins. The kamp is located about 4 miles from our church at Rolling Hills Camp. On Sunday we take the children to our church and have worship service where they all are on stage in their shirts and singing the songs we learned and motions ...they stay on stage during minister time and alot of them will go to sleep. They are so precious sitting on stage....it brings tears to my eyes each year when I see this.

Back to our theme.The front of shirt has our Kids Kamp with church logo & 2008 ... on the back of the shirt it has ... JESUS is HE in you... the color is purple with a lightning bolt in 2tone orange out lined in white and black. With big bold green letters going across saying JESUS...is HE in you.

At the bottom it has our scripture reference which is John 6:35 "Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

We had gatorade all over campus in coolers for the children to drink and we would talk to them about how it quenches our thirst and relate it to the scripture. IT WAS AWESOME! The children loved it and had so much fun. You can go to our website probably by the end of the week and it will have pictures of all that was going on and some of the leaders and children.

We have a slide show for the parents to see on Sunday when they come to Sunday morning worship to pick up their darlings. This gives them an opportunity to see how much fun we have.

It is also a perfect opportunity to witness to their parents. We had a family to get saved several years ago when their son attended Kids Kamp and when the pastor gave the invitation the father came forward and wanted what his son had recieved. WOW....God is so good. This family works in our church and Kids Kamp.

As some of you know .....on Thursday evening I got a terrible toothache. The pain to the point of tears. On Friday....I woke up to no pain and feeling good. Saturday evening toothache again. Some precious ladies found me an antibiotic to start and I had something to take for pain. I didn't have to spend the night this year ...but due to the fact that my neice was there ....I wanted to be with her(this was her 1st year to get to attend). I stayed...others tried to take me home ...but I refused. I can be stubborn sometimes. Anyway....I am so glad I didn't leave! Celebration on Saturday night was AWESOME... All 1st - 6th graders are in the gym and we are singing songs, bouncing around enjoying the time. Bro. Hal talks to the children about having Jesus in your heart and how you can invite Jesus into your heart. We bowed our heads to pray and while the heads were bowed he asked if you asked Jesus into your heart to raise your hand. Then at the end of service he told the children ... if you raised your hand when you get with your cabin leader tell them and they will bring you to the front as the other are leaving to cabins.


WE HAD 16 CHILDREN TO ASK JESUS INTO THEIR HEARTS! HOW AWESOME IT THAT!! GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!

Through the last months we (children's team) have gone through different things in our life ...times when we would want to give up or quit the team. Even this week with toothaches, husbands out of town, frustration, work, high levels of stress of planning and wanting things to be perfect for the children....you know last minute details. Because we keep encouraging each other and we would not let each other give up we allowed God to use us for these children! This is not about us this is about GOD! WE GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

Kids Kamp 08 is successful because of awesome volunteers who have a heart for God and love children. MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE GOD IS IN OUR MIDST. BECAUSE HE IS THE BREAD OF LIFE...WE WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY ....ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS BELIEVE AND HE WILL QUENCH OUR THRIST!

Example: working outside 96degrees...it is hot, you are sweating and your mouth is so dry. You are so thristy and all you want is a big tall glass ice water...you know when you take a drink you can feel it all the way down to your stomach...your mouth can't wait for you to quench the thirst. When you take the first drink....ahahah ...feels so good...wet, cold and just what you need.
That is how God is to us. Only HE can quench our thirst. (my pharaphase from Bro. Hal).

Is it worth it? YES 100 times YES!!! 16 children giving their hearts to GOD!

on a side note: Pray for me....I am going to the dentist tomorrow ....I am terrified of the dentist! Not looking forward to going....but can't handle the pain any longer. Also, pray for our team....each of us have things going on in our lives. Especially one who has a wedding in a couple of weeks. Her oldest is getting married and 2nd daugher is leaving the next week for college.
Talk about STRESS! She is stressed!
Thanks to those who prayed for my mouth ...I know God heard your prayers. For me to wake up on Friday with no pain and make it through most of the camp is an answered prayer!

Satan is roaming to and fro...seeking whom he may devour....GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME AND HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD!!!



A question....JESUS....IS HE IN YOU???

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thankful Thursday!





Today I am thankful for:

That I can cast my cares to my Savior.

Spending time with Aunts and Uncles from out of state that came to visit my Mom.

My sister who had a fish fry with the fish that she caught while on vacation on the West Coast.

Butterfinger cake....yum yum

My Aunt Sadie that lives in Florida staying a week to spend time with my Mom.

My Mom who always takes the time to talk to me.

Friends

My husband who tries to be understanding....while he is lost on dirt roads in Nebraska.

Answered prayers.

That in the midst of a storm ...God gives me peace.

All the volunteers who are helping with Kids Kamp this weekend.

We have 80+ children registerd for Kids Kamp.

The Children's Team that I am a part of who plans the Kids Kamp each year. This is a LOT of work and I am so thankful that our team works great together.

My neice Bralynn who has a birthday this weekend.

My neice Ashlynn who is getting to spend the weekend with me at Kids Kamp.

Andrea (my daughter) is going to work with Day Kampers this weekend.

Everyday with you Lord ...is sweeter than the day before. This is a song the choir has sang I think 2 times...But, this week I have been singing this as I get up. I am thankful for the choir and the director who bless my heart with praises each Sunday.

I am thankful that I have a friend in Jesus...I can talk to HIM anytime, anywhere and HE will always be there to listen. When I call on Jesus I don't get an answer machine or voice mail. HE is with me....therefore I am never alone.

For more thanks visit Iris at Sting My Heart

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Wordless Wednesday # 23





Friends....Andrea, Hillary, Alexis and Lauren have been friends probably since beginning of elementary school. In about a month they will be going different directions for college. They will be making new friends and moving on with life. I hope they will always stay in touch. True friends are not so easy to find.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Holding On...

Encourage Yourself

We all face trials and difficult seasons in life. The key to victory during these times is to stay encouraged. Although it's important to be lifed up by our friends, the best way to stay encouraged is to encourage ourselves!

For more visit with me today at: Holding on to the truth....

Holding on..
Darlene

Monday, July 14, 2008

SURPRISE!!

Today has been one of those days that you enjoy, but is tiring. I went to work at the church for a little while to help out with all the phone calls for Kids Kamp that will be this weekend. Went to lunch with a friend. Joey called and needed me to pick him up in Fultondale. Headed to pick him up and get to Hoover and he calls to tell me never mind! So, I head home and fill out some paper work for Andrea (college stuff) ....then I take the time to read my blog. I am so glad I did! I have received my very first blog award!! YeaH!!! I am excited.!!!! Cheryl from :Hope for Each Day has honored my with this award! It is called: Arte y Pico (meaning "Peak of Art")

What is the meaning of the expression: And basically, ironically, it translates into a wonderful phrase in Mexico, “lo maximo.” LOL! It will never find its counterpart in English, but if it HAD to, it would be something like, Wow. The Best Art. Over the top. I got this info off of the Arte y pico blog.

Cheryl is a SWEET GODLY WOMAN who has a heart for God! I met her through blog land . I enjoy reading her blogs and encouraging words. I visit her blog each day and encourage you to check her out at Hope for Each Day .You will be blessed!

As a recipient of these awards, I have been asked to share each award with five blogs that bless me. I have chosen:

Kimberly @ A Planting for the Lord
Deborah @ Bout Crazy
Lori @ Encouragement From My Heart
Krista @ Krista's Kronicles and Coffee Talk
Dee Dee @ No Greater Joy

I hope that each of these ladies are as excited as I am! There are so many blogs that I enjoy reading that it was hard to make a decision on which to choose.
Congratulations friends!Your “official instructions” follow. Now go forth and share the love! To the recipients of the award...pick five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language. Name each nominee and link to his/her blog. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award.Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award. Post these rules.

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Friday's Quote

"A rule I have had for year's is : to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. He is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is HE Himself we have."
Dwight L. Moody
1837-1899 American Evanjelist

HE is my friend. How about you..... Do you consider HIM your friend?

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Thankful Thursday!




Today I am thankful for:

Answered Prayers

My husband that works so hard to provide for our family.

Friends

Sunshine and the breeze across my face.

My Heavenly Father who never gives up on me.

Family

Unexpected phone calls from friends who you haven't talked to in a long time.

Visit Iris for more Thankful Thursdays at Sting my Heart.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Wordless Wednesday # 22

This is Andrea and her prom date Paul. They are good friends and I love this picture. It captures both of them having a great time and dancing.
Proms are so much fun. I was talking to a friend the other day...the subject of prom came up and how much fun we had. This brought back fun memories ....which made me look at Andrea's pictures again. Hope you enjoy the picture.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Have you killed someone today?

I got your attention with that one huh? Have you killed someone today with your tongue?

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Bound in one small group of muscles called the tongue lies an instrument with huge potential for good or evil, that build up or to tear down, to empower or devour, to heal or to hurt. It all depends on how and when the joining together and splitting apart take place. Our words can make or break a marriage, paralyze or propel a friend, sew together or tear apart a relationship, build up or bury a dream, curse God or confess Christ. With our tongues we defend or destroy, heal or kill, cheer or churn. And we, as women, seem to be quite talented at deciding when and where to wield this tiny sword.

James paints a poignant picture of the power of our words:

James 3:3-6 "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell"

We are shaped by words from those that love us or refuse to love us. We are shaped by the words of those who don't even know our names. It is the hearts cry of all mankind to be loved and accepted, and sometimes a simple words of encouragement can make all the difference.

William Barclay said, "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men's ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a tme a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man ( or woman) who speaks such a word."

Amazingly, our words have the capacity for both(encouragement or discouragement) and we are faced with the choice every time we speak as to which it will be.

Hebrew word for "mouth" is peh, is often translated "edge" Like a knife, the tongue has a sharp, powerful edge that can either be used to heal or destroy. Example, a knife in the hands of a skilled surgeon brings healing and life. But, a knife in the hands of a felon brings death and destruction. Like the surgeon we can study how to use our mouths to bring life to those around us. This is not easy...the tongue is difficult to control.

Words are POWERFUL!

Our words can spark a child to accomplish great things, encourage a husband to conquer the world, fan the dying embers of a friend's broken dreams into flame, encourage a fellow believer to run the race set before her, and draw a lost sould to Christ.



A careless word may kindle strife;

A cruel word may wreck a life.


A bitter word may hate instill;

A brutal word may smite and kill.


A gracious word may smooth the way;

A joyous word may light the day.


A timely word may lessen stress;

A loving word may heal and bless.

Author Unknown


Think about the words we use and how they affect others.
Which are you...the surgeon or felon?
So many times my mood sets what I say. Sometimes I am the surgeon ...but, sadly I feel too many times I am the felon. Unfortantely, I hurt the ones that mean the most to me with my words. I am going to work on improving this.
I am reading " The Power of A Woman's Words" By Sharon Jaynes.
The first 2 chapters are packed with so much information and encouragement. I just had to share with you what I read and what spoke most to me; also, how God is using the words from her book to make me think about what I am saying and how it affects others.
I just started chapter 3.
Words we use is a choice ....how it affects others can last a lifetime.
Join me today in chosing to be the surgeon with our words. This want be easy...but, maybe we will think before we speak.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

V8 Moment

Last Thursday on Thankful Thursday I said I was thankful for the V8 moment from God. Several asked, "What is a V8 moment"? So, I am going to explain what it is to me.

V8 is a vegetable juice that is suppose to be so good for you, especially for those who don't eat their vegetables. There is commercials out where you see different people getting tea, coffee, soft drink or something and then they see V8 juice and the raise their hand and tap their head on the side or forehead and say "Wow, I coulda had a V8". To me it means when we say "light bulb moment"... Like you finally understand what is going on or what someone is telling you. "I finally got it"!

Anyway, I try sometimes to come up with different comments. Sometimes they are just plain o' stupid and sometimes they sound good. LOL I ususally try these out on my friends and you should see their looks sometimes! Talk about funny!!

I have been praying for God to show me areas in my life where I need to work on or improve. For the last several weeks, different blogs that I was reading, scripiture, the word LOVE was coming up. I asked God if this was an area I need to work on and if so to give me another clue.

My friend Mitzi posted a devotion on Holding on to the truth...titled "I Am the True Vine". At the end she asked "Are you a dirty leaf in need of the Vinedresser to pick you up?Or..Are you a nice, full fruitful vine?" ***I encourage you to go and read the devotion ****
LOVE is a Spiritual Fruit!

What happened next is what just blew me away and made me realize "V8 moment" what God was telling me.

My friend Krista posted on Word Filled Wednesday -LOVE. She used 2 Corinthians 13:1-8, which describes love and she said "If God is love and we are to follow God's example in all things, then we are also to BE this verse". ***read this post too***

Be the verse means to BE LOVE! There are days that love comes easily other days ...well, let's just say EXTREMELY HARD!!

God has a sense of humor and I know he laughs alot....especially with me. How great that after I asked God to give me a clue that HE sent me not one but two! HE really knows me and how I have blonde moments. HE wanted to make sure I got it....and this is where the V8 moment came in. I finally got what God is telling me.

HE's still working on me. To make me the way I should be. It took HIM just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth, Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient HE must be. HE's still working on me. A song I use to sing as a child.

The Vinedresser is still working on me. HE is picking me up and washing the dirt off my fruit.

Have you had a V8 moment lately?