* some surprises *

I have been working on a few special posts ~ a contest, a challenge, something like that.  Anyway, I am sure you will all be happy to see what I have for you.  I don't have enough time right now to finish them, but I promise that they will be out in a day or so. 

Stay Tuned!

Cactus~ Just for fun!

Isaiah 48:21-22
And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

                                                                  

Matthew 4:4 (King James Version)
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Dragonfly~

 Here is my entry for Lulu's unedited photo contest :) 

Little Gifts from God~

I absolutely love my two little sisters!  They are both so precious, I don't know what I would do with out them!    I can't ever understand it when people don't want another sibling, though I will admit that I get into fights with them sometimes, I can't imagine life without each and every one of them!  We memorize scripture together, go out witnessing, swimming, or bike riding.  Who would I do it all with except my siblings!?  They are gifts from God! 

 This picture has to be my favorite! What picture is yours?  I am open for ideas on how to improve also!

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”"

Is he coming?!

When ever I look at this picture I can't believe how much Haley and Noela look alike!

"Aren't I cute?"

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I had done a whole photo-shoot a lot like this the other day, it was adorable!  I was just deleting the pictures that were not-so-good before I loaded them onto the computer when I accidentally deleted all the pictures on the camera.  I learned my lesson to be more careful when deleting pictures!

Friendship | Love | Loyalty

Proverbs 17:17~ A friend loves at all times.

  I Cor. 13:4-8 ~  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Hebrews 13:6 ~ So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Being Prepared~

Memorizing God's word is soooo rewarding!  I am working on Acts 3 (the story about the lame man at the Temple).  I have 3 verses to go!  We always have to be ready to share the hope that is in us (I Peter 3:15).   ~ Be ready to share a testimony, quote scripture, and encourage someone in need.  If we are ready God will give us opprotunities to use our skills for His Glory!   

 Great family examples of being ready~

A few years ago at a Father/Son retreat my brother Grant was asked by the director of Camp Barakel if he would be willing to recite the book of Jonah that evening during Chapel.  Since Grant had been practicing what he already had memorized, he was ready to encourage others in the Lord by reciting. 

Grant reciting the book of Jonah at one of our Dance/Scripture performances

~Photo by Vince~

Over time I have accumulated quite a few stories that I have shared at our Bright Lights group.  I keep all of these stories in a folder on my shelf so that when I have a chance to use them I can quickly find one for whatever subject I want. 

As some of you know, we have been in a few shows with a drama group.  At each of the rehearsals there is a devotional done by one of the cast members.  Last year I was able to share the story of Mr. Eternity with them because I had been ready.  

"It is a great feeling to be used by the Lord!"

1 Peter 3:15 (King James Version)

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

An example of NOT being ready~

Up above I used examples from our family's ministry, this is another example from our ministry about not being prepared. 

For awhile I depending a lot on Haley to get everything for me when it was time for dance class or a dance presentation.  I would be walking out the door and say, "Haley, did you get me a water bottle? ...Oh, did you get my whistle?"  Haley is a wonderful sister and she always would say "yes".   But, one time we arrived at our destination for a performance and I realized that I hadn't got my Irish whistle, as usual I said, "Haley did you get my whistle?"  This time she hadn't and I wasn't sure what I was going to do! 

We ended up finding it, praise God, but I needed to learn responsibility and not expect everyone else to do things for me. 

Icicles, Little Sisters, and Decorations~

                                         Silent Night,

                       Holy Night, All is calm all is bright!

 

Praise God From Whom all Blessings flow!

Noela enjoys having her picture taken!  She will sit still for me for quite a long time! 

I just love icicles, they are so pretty and delicate!

A snow fort that we made outback.  It is very amazing how well snow insulates the sound out!  Once a few years ago Mom whistled for us to come inside and even though the snow fort was right by the door we couldn't hear her from inside!

A Little Bit of Summer~

As many of you know Mom had our beautiful little sister on December 19th!  Life has been a great adventure recently with a new sweet baby sister in the house! 

Joshua 24:15

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.



2 Sam 5:10

He became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.