~Goodbye 2010~

I was that woman, but I am not that woman now! I may not feel royal and certainly do not look it yet. Nevertheless, I have been stamped with the mark and will never be the same again. When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. –my summary of some statements I loved in Hinds Feet on High Places

Another year is coming to an end. This year has brought many changes, as every year does. We have had highs and lows like everyone, but God has always proven faithful.

We moved into our new house and are daily working on making it our home. MaMaw and PaPaw had a hard time letting us go (the grand babies anyway). We are very thankful that they allowed us to stay with them while we searched and then built.

Our boys are growing too quickly for me. Seems like no matter how hard I try to soak in every moment, the moments slip away too quickly. They still amaze me in a million different ways and I love hearing how they soak in the things of God. Thomas constantly reminds me that it is Jesus’ way, not my way, every time we are at an intersection and Eddie ask if it’s OK my way. I say “It’s OK my way.” Thomas replies with, “No it’s not your way! It’s always Jesus’ way.” Zach is now singing with me in church. He loves it and even if he doesn’t know the song, he still wants to go up with me. Andrew dances at our feet, claps his hands and then raises them up in the air. I am standing on the promise that if we raise them up in the way they should go they will not depart.

I reflect back on 2010 and I see areas that I have failed miserably and areas that I have overcome with the help of Jesus. I have been considered rude at times, but God knows my heart and that I desire to see everyone walk into what God has for their life. Walking in God’s will bring true happiness. I am fully persuaded and stand firm on my convictions. I don’t feel like God wants us to continually put ourselves in situations where we are put down and run over. We cannot change people’s minds or make their decisions for them. We can live our lives as the best example we know how. What we give to God he works out for the best every time.

God has called some precious children home to be with him this year. We miss them dearly and are very thankful for the positive impact they had on our lives. God has blessed us with many AWESOME examples. We have more to go to heaven for and oh, what a reunion it is going to be! We do not sorrow as those who have no hope.

God has been moving in our lives this past year. I am so thankful for a home church that stands firmly on the word of God. We were blessed to be able to attend a camp meeting at Mt Airy, North Carolina. We witnessed a sovereign move of God and will be forever changed. Eddie received the Holy Ghost along with over 40 others. My husband then made a way for us to go to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee so I could attend a Ladies Retreat. God showed up in a mighty way. I went in one way and left with more hunger for the things of God than ever before. God is so good!

I’ve been asking the Lord what he would have me do differently in 2011. I want to know areas I can improve on that will benefit my relationship with Him. Not that I could do anything to earn his love, but I feel like his heart is touched when we put ourselves aside. He tells us to take up our cross and follow him. It isn’t always about what I want, what feels good or what’s easiest for me to do. There are some things that I feel like he has impressed upon my heart to do and I am going to do my best to follow through. More than anything in this world I long to please Him, I want my Savior satisfied with me.

I pray God bless you in 2011 and that you will have a desire burn in your soul to know Jesus in a way you have never known him before. I pray that Jesus be as real to you as the breath you breathe. May you become stronger in the Lord and grow in wisdom. I pray that no matter what 2011 brings that you will be amazed at the strength He gives you to make it through and that you get so close that turning back is not an option.

Open the eyes of our hearts Lord and open our ears to hear you. You are the one we desire above everything else. Lord, search our hearts and make us new; forever desiring to be closer to you.

‘The greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of the Christ- the more vital will be my relationship to Him.’ –W. Phillip Keller

‘I belong to Him simply because He deliberately chose to create me as the object of His own affection.’ –W. Phillip Keller

My Jesus, I Love Thee

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.