Favorite Foto Friday

Since our friend Sarah is still out of town and won't be posting today... I'm going to take this opportunity to share some pics of our beautiful new niece, Allie Grace. Oh, she's SO BEAUTIFUL!

Oh, check out the size of her daddy's hand as he holds her sweet little head. (It's in one of those pics)

MANY THANKS to Deja Vu Photography for allowing us to use these shots!


For more posts on this "FFF" hop on over to Sarah's place - Kiss The Frog 4 Me.

Thankful Thursday

For today's "Thankful Thursday" post, I'm THANKFUL for GOD'S WORD.

I found something yesterday that just blew me away! I know that I've already told you some of the AMAZING things that we saw in Brent's final days. My friend Iris also shared some of that last week. (I LOVE it when I realize how CLOSE GOD is and how HE reveals HIMSELF to us!)









Okay... so I was filling out a form and was using part of Brent's testimony. I went to his caringbridge journal history to confirm what I had already typed. As I was looking for the middle of December of 06, I found it. Something that gave me GOOSEBUMPS all over - and cry like a baby all at the same time! (This time it was tears because I was reminded how GREAT GOD's love is for us)

The "something" that I found was in a devotion that was posted at the end of an update just TWO days BEFORE he started having those AMAZING conversations with GOD. Would you believe that GOD actually told us this would happen??? I only realized it YESTERDAY! (The devotion is by Dr. Henry Blackaby.. I always attached them at the end of my updates) Here it is... REMEMBER, this was posted on Brent's caringbridge page just TWO DAYS before his miracle conversations would begin..... It was December 13, 2006 - TWO DAYS before Brent began to "Experience GOD" ....... LITERALLY.



God's Revelation Is His Invitation
12/13/2006

"Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets."
AMOS 3:7


"Christians spend much time talking about ""seeking God's will,"" as though it were hidden and difficult to find. God does not hide His will. His will is not difficult to discover. We do not have to plead with God to reveal His will to us. He is more eager to reveal His will than we are willing to receive it. We sometimes ask God to do things He has already done!

The people in Amos' day became disoriented to God and to His desires. God had revealed His will; the problem was that they had not recognized it or obeyed it. Amos declared that God does nothing in the affairs of humanity without seeking one of His servants to whom He will reveal His activity. Tragically, there are times when no one is walking closely enough with Him to be receptive to His word (Isa. 59:16; 63:5; Ezek. 22:30-31).

Jesus walked so intimately with His Father that He was always aware of what the Father was doing around Him (John 5:19-20). Jesus said that if our eyes are pure, they will see God and recognize His activity (Matt. 6:22). If we are not seeing God's activity, the problem is not a lack of revelation. The problem is that our sin prevents us from noticing it.

When God is working in your child's life or when He is convicting your coworker, He may reveal His activity to you. His revelation is His invitation for you to join Him in His redemptive work. Be alert to God's activity around you. He will reveal His activity to His servants. If your spiritual eyes are pure, you will be overwhelmed by all that you see God doing around you!"


Overwhelming????? I'd SAY!!!!!!!! We got to witness our precious son interact with his CREATOR just DAYS before he went HOME!




How COOL is THAT???



For more posts on this "Thankful Thursday" check out Sting My Heart

Word-Filled Wednesday

To see more on this "WFW" check out The 160 Acre Woods





Okay... now since I've not REALLY posted since my "Soapbox Sunday" post, it feels like it's been FOREVER! I've MISSED you guys and couldn't WAIT to get back online.

Now, in my time "offline" I've gotten REALLY behind on replying to comments. I'd still LOVE to respond to each of them, but since I've got such a slow connection, it may take a while. I think the easiest way would be for me to start today and work my way back. (It's just too overwhelming otherwise) THANKS for your patience with me, and PLEASE KNOW that I TRULY LOVE that you took time to leave such sweet messages.

In other "rambling news" I was FINALLY able to hold my beautiful new niece, Allie Grace. She's such a GORGEOUS little girl! Oh, I can't wait to see her again! (I snapped some pics of Gabe holding her and hope to post those soon)

Alrighty.. I'm going to sign off now. I'll check back ASAP. Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!

WHOOPS... I made a mistake!

I'd like to apologize for messing up our "Soapbox Sunday." I COMPLETELY FORGOT to change my settings on the comment section to automatically take the comments. What an AIRHEAD! (Yes, I know it, and own it- HA!!!)

Seriously, I feel TERRIBLE! My hubby was out of town and the boys have had me running in every direction doing sleepovers here and there. Today we were meeting at one of our friend's home for church and were having a picnic afterwards. I had to get everyone up and pack lunch to be there by 9!

Today was also Link's Mom's birthday. After getting home from church I started working on her supper for her tonight. It's been a SUPER FUN AND SUPER CRAZY weekend! (Oh forgot to mention that my sweetie came HOME tonight) I've not been online since early morning. PLEASE FORGIVE my absentmindedness???

Now, with that said I'd like to invite you to visit the ladies that posted on Soapbox Sunday. If we do this again maybe you guys would like to take turns hosting it? You can check in here on Saturday and see where it'll be for the week? I dunno, whatever works best. Until then, here are the posts. And again, I apologize....

Susan @ Forever His

Kelley @ Aroma of Joy

Katie @ He Brings Sunshine

Lori @ All You Have To Give





On a brighter note... I FINALLY got to hold Allie Grace! WOOHOO!!!!! Yep, I sat and held her MOST of the afternoon! I'll have more new pics to share soon. I said that was a "brighter note"... I meant it was bright because it happened in spite of me losing my MIND! O=-)

Soapbox Sunday (???)

Hello, Friends....

I'd mentioned earlier this week that I'd be posting on modesty. I'm WAY BEHIND on EVERYTHING I was supposed to do today, and honestly.. I'd not even started on this post until just now. I'm seriously starting to wonder if a Sunday "meme" was such a great idea anyway.

SOOOOO... with no pressure from me, if it's just too much and there are no posts with me on "SS" then I'll give up this idea. My heart was to have a day just to ramble about what GOD has been showing us, and I still want to share what GOD'S showing me. However, as a home-schooling mom, and a busy wife I know even the best of intentions can quickly become a burden. I sure don't want to do that to anyone.



Okay, on with the post...

We know that GOD looks at our hearts, not the "tent" we live in. However, the Bible tells us to make sure that we wear proper clothing.

JESUS said that if a man even looks at a woman with lust in his heart, he has committed adultery with her already. So, this tells us that tops that are too low, or shorts/skirts that are too short may tempt our male counterparts to "fall into sin." That doesn't only apply to "men," I've even seen our little ones (10 and 7 year old boys) "look away" when they see a female that's not properly covered.







It's kind of scary when we go shopping to see some of those new "barely there" styles, isn't it?


Now, here is a passage that gives us some biblical guidelines...



1 Timothy 2:9-10 (New American Standard Bible)

Women Instructed

9Likewise, I want (A)women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.




The dictionary gives this meaning to the word "modesty."

Main Entry: mod·es·ty
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'mä-d&-ste
1 : freedom from conceit or vanity
2 : propriety in dress, speech, or conduct






Okay.. that's all I've got. I'm PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DRAINED! Ha!! I hope you're having a great weekend. Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by. If you're posting on Soapbox Sunday just leave a comment and we'll blog-hop around - finding what GOD has shown each of us.

Then Sings My Soul - Saturdays

The video/song I'm sharing today is one that really makes me think. Yes, this song would be a very hard prayer to pray..










MERCY ME LYRICS

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty





For more posts on this "Then Sings My Soul Saturdays," visit "Signs, Miracles, and Wonders."

Favorite Foto Friday - Beach Pics!

Sarah didn't really set a theme this week, but since she chose beach pictures I thought I would too. These pictures were made on our first family vacation. (Can you BELIEVE that?? Look how OLD Brent was!) The boys absolutely LOVED the beach. We stayed in my aunt's beach house in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Gabe wouldn't go in the water.. Brent wouldn't come OUT. Precious memories! =-)

Gabe's chasing the birds.. LOL!



We couldn't keep Brent out of the water long enough to get many shots of him..























If you'd like to see more postings on this "FFF" visit Sarah at kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com

Thankful Thursday - Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants...

I chose to remember our local public school system on this Thankful Thursday. The East Webster Wolverines' support was AMAZING when we faced the biggest GIANT of our lives. (The possibility of losing Brent) The elementary students held a "Math-A-Thon" for St. Jude in memory of Brent. (I think I remember that some other local schools did too) There were so many sweet people getting involved in the fight and so much support, that it's just hard to remember everything. (Especially with all the mental burden we had on us at the time) Our community support was encouraging and humbling.

We remember hearing that EWHS prayed over the intercom each morning and always included prayer for Brent. (I could be wrong, I apologize if I'm misleading. We were in HEAVY treatment, literally battling for Brent's life when I heard this)

The football team dedicated their season to Brent... GOD blessed their hearts and gave them an AMAZING season. (I wish I could remember the wins)

One afternoon the football team made Brent feel VERY SPECIAL! They came over for a visit, hung out for a while, then surrounded him in prayer.











This pic was made inside the gym -





"FCA" (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) came to Memphis to visit us at St. Jude....




This is how they greeted Brent/us...




Giving him LOTS of goodies...





Brent with a few of his heroes...






After we recently watched the movie, "Facing the Giants" I remembered how selfish and prideful many young people can be. (I remember how it was when I was growing up)

Our young people were so selfless. They gave their time, energy, prayer, and support to a kid that didn't even go to their school. (Remember, Brent was homeschooled his entire life) I can't say enough about the blessings we received from them. They sure made Brent feel SPECIAL!

Those "big ole boys" honored us by being Brent's honorary Paul-Bearers at the funeral. They were with us from beginning to end and we love them for it.

Yes, today I'm incredibly THANKFUL for our community and the love and encouragement they extended to our family. We're SO BLESSED to be surrounded by so many WONDERFUL people.

I'd wanted to end by sharing a slide show FULL of pictures from "Brent Nason Day." Yes, that was declared a holiday here in the state of Mississippi. (September 30) Unfortunately, for some reason it WILL NOT load on here. If you'd like to see photos from this AMAZING day click HERE. There was also an article in a local newspaper. To read what they had to say about this special day click HERE. The captions on the pictures (slide show) were put there just days after they were taken. Madelyn Beamon (listed on slide as a survivor) is no longer with us. She too won her earthly battle and is now resting and worshiping at the feet of JESUS!



For more posts on this Thankful Thursday visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Word-FILLED Wednesday

WOOHOO!! I'm SO EXCITED! This is the first picture/graphic that I can honestly say is MINE! This photo was taken on the land that connects too ours. If you'll look on the sidebar you'll notice that Zach & Gabe were both photographed here. Anyway... Overlook me, I'm easily amused and am VERY EXCITED that I've finally learned how to make my own graphic. Okay... so here it is......








For more posts on this Word-FILLED Wednesday, visit The 160 Acre Woods.


On another note... There were a few ladies to post with me on Soapbox Sunday. After having had some tell me that they'd love to join but couldn't think of anything to post on, I'm thinking it might be helpful to use a set theme. Of course if you want to join and had something else in mind to post on, then go RIGHT AHEAD! I know that sometimes we get "writer's block" and it's just too much to have to think sometimes. LOL! (I know it is for me!)

Anyway, my friend Lori mentioned something she'd thought of writing on and I thought it'd be PERFECT for the first planned theme. SO, for this Sunday the suggested theme will be on modesty. I'll be basing what I write on 1 Timothy 2:9


1 Timothy 2:9
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes

Now, let me say before this even takes off that I'm NOT at all suggesting that we shouldn't "fix up." The idea I'm wanting to pull from this passage is being properly COVERED. I'll be posting mine sometime late Saturday afternoon, feel free to join in if you'd like. Just leave a comment stating that you're posting with us and we'll "blog hop" around seeing what each heart has to say.

I'd also like to state how thankful I was for the sweet posts this past Sunday. I hesitated on naming this meme, "Soapbox Sunday" because my intention is NOT to grumble or slander anyone. My desire is to talk about hard subjects (or whatever might be on your mind). It's ALL ABOUT bringing GLORY TO GOD! I can't wait to hear from you!

Tuesday's ~ In Other Words

The quote that Amy chose to share today is one by John Ortberg. I'm sure there will be lots of ladies posting with much more depth than mine... but this is where my heart is right now. Here's the quote....

We must assess our thoughts and beliefs and reckon whether they are moving us closer to conformity to Christ or farther away from it.

~ by John Ortberg ~



If we are to "reckon" whether or not our beliefs are moving us closer to becoming like Christ, I believe we should evaluate WHY we believe what we do. Is it because it's what the Holy Bible says? Or is it something that we've been taught? Perhaps a tradition or an act of following man-made rules? Let's see what the Bible says about following the rules of man...


Isaiah 29:13
The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.




Matthew 15:1-9

Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity

1 Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked Him, 2 “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.”
3 Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? 4 For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’[a] and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’[b] 5 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 6 In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents.[c] And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

8 ‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 Their worship is a farce,
for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’[d]”









So, if we're truly worshiping GOD in spirit and in truth, and our sacrifice is that of the heart.. then our worship is pleasing to GOD. If it's out of "habit" or just playing a game by someone else's rules then it's time to step back and learn WHO GOD really is and what HIS WORD REALLY says.

Psalm 4:5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,And trust in the LORD


Psalm 50:14
"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving And pay your vows to the Most High;


Psalm 51:15-17

15O Lord, (A)open my lips,
That my mouth may (B)declare Your praise.
16For You (C)do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
You are not pleased with burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a (D)broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.



I've truly come to believe that TRUE worship has MORE to do with attitude of the heart, than of any amount of "deeds" we can accomplish. Going to church won't save us, or bring us into a right relationship with CHRIST. It's COMPLETE SURRENDER to HIM, spending time in HIS WORD, and spending time in PRAYER that will make us more like HIM.


Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.


Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.


Deuteronomy 6:4-6
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,


For more posts on this "Tuesday's In Other Words" visit Amy at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31.