Valentine tribute

Happy Valentines Day!
I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children who are blessings from God.

I know that love is something that God has created and wants to share with us. That's why he created us! I am so glad He did. I have been given so many examples of love my whole life. My parents started it with showers of love and protection. No life is perfect, but mine was darn close! I didn't chose the family I have, God did. I thank him for that. I have memories of loving parents and friends throughout my life. I see life through that lens of kindness and protection. I have chosen my husband Hugh to continue the love and kindness the rest of our lives together.
When I met Hugh, I liked how he treated people. I like how he never took a dime for pitching lessons because he never had to pay a dime for his. I respect that decision. He is a great listener and storyteller. He makes me laugh. If Hugh doesn't know how to do something he finds a way to learn. I had an apartment building I bought right out of college and my father helped me take care of it. I could do some things, but I didn't know how to fix plumbing and electric problems which are the most expensive to fix! Hugh was willing to learn whatever it took to save money and keep the apartments running and rented! That is before we got married! All these things combined showed me the depth of his love and commitment to me. Because of this wonderful character he showed, I fell in love with him. There was just one thing. He wasn't really into going to church with me at the time. That mattered to me so I knew I had to start praying! I just started working for Sherwin Williams and now I am surrounded by Christians! I had to reevaluate my relationship with God and with Hugh. I wasn't keeping God first at the time. I find it providential that God brought me to a place where I was influenced by Christians everyday! I prayed for the right place where Hugh and I could worship and after a few rocky months, We found First Baptist Church and Pastor Elliott. He was the first pastor that made the gospel make sense to Hugh. Up to this point he was just going to church for me. I was blessed by God's answers to my prayers. His grace was beyond what I had ever seen. My faith grew and Hugh and I grew closer to the Lord together. I came back to Christ and Hugh found Him. That was the real beginning of our relationship. Then we got married 1 1/2 years later after Hugh finally got a full time teaching contract. We counseled with Pastor Elliot and got more involved in church and then after two years we started praying for children. This was a longer process than we wanted it to be and challenging to our marriage. God had a plan the whole time. We learned to focus on God and each other rather than our jobs and sports. After almost 2 years of trying, I met a new friend who told me to try eating strictly organic foods and clean my body of impurities. I did this and two months on this diet God answered our prayer we were pregnant with Kira. Well it wasn't but a short year later God gave us Derek out of the blue! God is always there and he works all things together for good. That trial brought Hugh and I closer and our faith continued to grow in Christ.
Hugh's faith grew like I had never seen any one's faith grow before. He was reading more and more books, and growing closer to God in knowledge and sincerity. He was influencing the kids at school daily and started a bible study for those kids that grew to over 40 kids! Again I was blown away at how God was using Hugh.

Softball was his life almost every summer evening for years. I have spent many hours at ball fields across the United States from Allentown, to Virginia to Seattle to New Mexico. He went without me most of the time after Kira was born and then Derek came along and He started playing closer to home. He was living his dream yet realizing what was more important to him.. his family. I could go on and on...

Life is good and God has never let us fall from His protective hand. God intends marriage to be a beautiful picture of His love for us. I love you Hugh very much and I fully appreciate your loyalty and devotion to God and our family. Thank you for loving me the way you do and seeing me for who I am. Thank you for all the roses left on my pillows and dozens through out the years. Thank you for the kisses everyday that say "I love you and I am here for you" You are a gift from God. I pray for many more years to come!

Its been a while..

Sorry it's been a while since I have blogged. I have been spending more time with my family than on the computer lately. They have needed it. I have picked up another day of work during the week so I can have Saturday's off now that Derek is playing basketball.

I have really enjoyed the Upwards basketball program at First Alliance Church. They focus on skill, but also on growth of christian character. The five year olds practice skill for the first 30 min and then they have a 5 minute bible story time. Then they scrimmage the other 5 years olds for the last 25 minutes. It is fun to watch them develop skill and be able to throw that big heavy ball all the way up to the basket!! I have to hold back my "pointers" sometimes and just let him learn! He is catching on fast and actually scored 2 points last week! Go Derek!

Kira has almost mastered a back handspring on the trampoline. She claims gymnastics as her sport. Writing and drawing are the next best things in her life.

We had a great Saturday out on the ice on the peninsula. The family had fun sliding around and plowing into each other on the ice. Kira brought a friend and had a blast! They were soaked and freezing after a half hour, but they said it was worth it!

Just a little update and all is well here. I am soo glad to see mostly grass outside and looking forward to temps in the 60's tomorrow!! YEA! The yard will be clean, but I am sure that the snow piled on the sides of the road will take a while to melt.

Coming soon a Valentines day tribute...

Prayer...

Prayer is not just something we do. Prayer is a mindset, an attitude, an atmosphere we create. As we learn to cultivate the presence of God, walking moment-by-moment with a conscious awareness that we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, a counselor who is always near, a teacher who is always speaking, every waking hour becomes a prayer.
It's been aptly said, "When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works." A discerning woman knows when to cease from human labors and fold her eager hands in prayer.

The purpose of prayer is to bring heaven's power to bear upon earth's circumstances. We can literally invite heaven to invade earth, declaring to God the Father, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then prayer becomes the bridge that links heaven and earth. But we must listen to those promptings.

As you spend time in prayer, each morning and throughout the day, take time to listen. If you have your notebook handy, write down what you sense God is saying and focus your prayer effort accordingly. Too many of us have a one-sided approach to prayer. Our total focus is upon what we want to say to God. Let your prayers become a two-way conversation and see what a difference it makes. Prayer can be the ultimate adventure. Or it can be nothing more than a glorified gripe session. The second approach will do you no earthly good; the first will bring down the power of God. Which do you prefer?

We can't solve all our problems without the intervention and revelation of God's power in our life situations. Our lives come from God and He wants to help us through everything! God's word is his power and our prayers invitite his power into our personal situation. God has revealed to me my mistakes and given me encouragement when I am under satan's fire. I can't live without that!! Invite God into your situation today!

A new year...

I woke up today and opened the blinds only to see the light of the sun shining on my face! It was so warm and beautiful I just stood there for a few minutes basking in its warmth and brightness! All I could think of was that Jesus Christ is the light of my life. I was reminded of His VAST love for me and that He chose me to shine His light on everyday! That is intimate and romantic!

I haven't blogged in ohhh what about a month - that is awful as I am inspired everyday trying to think of what I will write about. First I will catch you up. Christmas was very nice and the kids were blessed with many thoughtful gifts of which they played most of the vacation time.

I attended a funeral for a dear friend from college who died at 38 of colon cancer. He is with our RISEN savior Jesus Christ right now! He lived his life with a reverence for Christ every day. He fought the cancer until the end of his time here only to be welcomed in heaven by our wonderful creator who gave him a new and perfect body with no pain! Even though it hurts us when we lose someone close to us, GOD is still GOD and will continue to be faithful to provide all our needs. He works all things together for good!

I also celebrated 11 years with my husband on the 27Th! I am reminded of the love I have for my husband and the gift of his friendship that surrounds me everyday! I have been blessed with his insight into God's word. I have been blessed with two beautiful children who also have expressed interest in knowing our savior Jesus Christ! There is no greater joy than knowing your children are walking in the Lord! Hugh is a good father and husband who works so hard to provide and care for us everyday. He loves our Savior and tells people about HIM every chance he gets. I love you Hugh and thank God for the blessing of you in my life everyday! I know that your love will always be there even if we disagree. I know that you seek the counsel of God in every situation and I thank God for everything he puts us through to bring us into the people He wants us to be! I wouldn't change a thing in regards to what God is doing in our lives! As we are stronger for every trial and blessing he bestows on us! I love you will all my heart!

Reverence...

Today's Truth
Ephesians 5:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."


This story has sooo much meaning in my life right now and I want to share it with you!

"Mom, they were whispering to one another about the birthday party. They didn't want me to hear because I am not invited," my daughter said with trembling voice as tears filled her big beautiful eyes.

My heart was breaking in half as I listened to how hurt she was. "They are my best friends at school, Mom. Why would they not invite me?"

I reached out to hug her, our arms wrapping around each other tightly as she turned her soft tear stained face toward my neck. Sometimes there are just no words to make things better, so I cried with her. One week later, while driving our daughter to school, she asked her dad in a quiet voice if he would please stop at the grocery store.

"Why DaNae'? Do you need something for school?"

"Well, sort of."

"What do you need, honey, because we are already going to be late."

"I need to buy a balloon for someone who is having a birthday party tonight."

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Do you remember the girl who was whispering about her birthday party in front of me? Well, I want to take a balloon to school for her." I looked over at my husband and he looked at me, each of our hearts melting both with a sense of pride and of sadness. We knew we had to stop even if it meant we would be late. It was worth it!

Da-Nae' walked happily into the grocery store and in a few moments came running out with a huge grin spread across her seventh grade face. She was the happiest girl in the world!

She stooped to conquer feelings that could have been filled with anger and hurt. Some people might ask why she would make a fool of herself after being treated the way she was or how she could lower herself after what her friend had done to her. When Christ is the center of our lives, He empowers us to do things we could never do in our own human nature. She chose to stoop a little so she could rise up on a much higher level. She chose to reject her sadness about not being invited to the party. She reaped the blessings of stooping to conquer her emotions and blessed her friend in spite of how she had been treated.

When was the last time you stooped to conquer?

Wise Men or Kings?...

Friend to Friend

I had my kids ask some of these questions about the Christmas story.
Girlfriends in God has a great answer for them.

There has been quite a bit on confusion over the years about the "Wee Three Kings of Orientar." Who were they? Wise men? Magi? Kings? How old was Jesus when they arrived? Did they get there on Christmas night? Or was Jesus a toddler by the time they arrived? The rough and rowdy Herdsmen in The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever thought a ham was a much more practical gift than gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the wise men (KJV) or magi (NAS) who came from the east to worship the new King of the Jews. Traditionally they have been referred to as Kings, but nowhere in Scripture is that confirmed. We don't know exactly how many of them there were, but again, traditionally we've celebrated three, because of the three gifts.

Most likely, they did not show up in the stable at the advent of Christ's birth. Matthew 2:11 says that they "came into the house and saw the child," indicating that Mary and Joseph had moved from the stable. We're not sure how old Jesus was when they arrived. Some sources say He was approximately two-years-old.

Apparently, God did not think all these details were important, but He did give specific details about the gifts that the wise men brought for Jesus: Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Gold stood for the riches of a king. Jesus was the King of Kings. (Revelations 19:16)

Frankincense was incense used by the priests in the temple worship. Jesus would be our high priest who would go before the Heavenly Father and intercede for us. (Hebrews 4:14)

Myrrh was a perfume used in burial services, pointing to Jesus' death on the cross - a holy sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 5:8)

One way to emphasize the journey of the wise men is to place them a short distance away from the nativity displayed in your home. Each day, move the trio a little closer, until they finally arrive on Christmas Day.

Snow and more snow!

We did get a little break from the snow. Most of it melted from the last blast. We are getting another blast tomorrow! This is more snow in November than I remember for a long time.

Busyness has set in around here. Shopping the sales, clipping coupons and racing for the kids perfect gifts!

Well it's official! Kira got her ears pierced last night and is so excited! She is cottonball happy!(they have to be cleaned with antiseptic 3 x's a day for 6 weeks) She wore her hair in a ponytail to show her new earrings off at school today. We wanted to wait until she could take care of them herself. She has deemed herself responsible! She looks so grown up! She is now waiting for a stocking full of earrings!


I finished my Beth Moore study this week and I am soooo blessed by the depth of her study and clarity in the way she brought God's message of worthiness to my heart! . He gave us perfection in heaven! Everyday we go through the process of being molded more like Him. As christians, we are his tabernacle! He gets things accomplished in our lives when we submit our selfishness to Him. He fulfills like nothing else can!



A little note about a prayer... Hugh was on his way in the snow fall to help a friend who got a flat tire when he spun out on the Interstate. Meanwhile. I had just finished helping Derek finish his homework when a went into Kira's room...she was sitting on her bed praying that Hugh would have a safe journey!!! I have never seen her pray like that on her own just because she cared! My heart wells up with joy that her prayer was answered and that she thought to pray on her own!! She is my special girl brought to me by the grace of God!

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today was a good time with family on both sides. The turkey was delicious at both homes! I love the sweet potato casserole my mom makes and the pineapple casserole Hugh's Aunt Gina makes! I don't know why we only get once or twice a year! I guess that keeps it special!

I am truly looking forward to our sisterly tradition we have started about 5 years ago. My sister Heather hosts the "Christmas Cookie Baking Fest" at her house. We all make the dough of the cookies we want and bring them to Heathers and play awesome christmas music and have a blast remembering old times and making new memories with each other. It gets more fun every year because we add more kids to help! (Heather has been the one to do that lately). Kira is a big help now, she loves to roll the thumbprints and Derek, he likes to lick the frosting spoon!

I am so thankful for my family. They are the most important possession in the world! I cherish every moment I have with them.(even whem I'm tired and cranky). I am thankful for the new friends I have met at church. They have given me encouragement when I need it the most. God led me to this group of women at just the right time in my life and I say thank you to all of you for your prayers and support. Have a wonderful day and see Jesus working in your life today giving you peace and clarity in every situaiton. You will know what to do when He leads you!

Prayers..

Sometimes prayers don't get answered the way you want them too. They always come true the way God wants them too. It's amazing to see God's glory revealed in His way. It is always better than what I could imagine.

This emotion stems from a friend who seems to be losing his battle with cancer. He is 38 and has a wonderful family with 3 kids all dear personalities. I have learned so much from the strength his wife has shown through this whole process.

Looking at life with a positive outlook can make any situation brighter! Relying on God's strength and not our emotions is the only way to live!


My friend may be with the Lord sooner than I want him to be, but He will be in a place of perfect peace , no pain and all the love he could ever imagine! He professes a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knows of the Glory that shall be revealed unto him! We will miss him greatly if God choses to take him soon. His strength is perfect and I always have hope for a miracle!

Finally back up..

After a few days without a computer, we are finally up a running again. Apparently we had a trojan virus. Thanks to "Uncle Milty" ( Hugh's friend from work) we are back online! That is the reason I haven't blogged in a while.

I finished painting a countertop and backsplash today. Epoxy is rough stuff! I will have to take a lot of grapeseed now that this job is done!

Kira had a rough fall the other day practicing her backbends. She is almost there. She tried on her own without a mat and fell smack on the top of her head! She bit her tongue on contact so it looked alot worse than it was with blood in her mouth, her head and neck hurt too. We put ice on the neck and stopped the bleeding in her mouth and ten minutes later she was up to going to friend day at gymnastics! They bounce back so fast! I was nervous for a few hours after that and she was asking me "What's wrong mom?, Im fine!" Oh how I pray for their protection always and peace when accidents happen!

Winter has hit Erie!

We have been digging out of the snow yesterday and today and more is coming tonight! We have about 6 inches now. The good thing is the roads are fairly clear! This is the snowiest November we have had in a few years! The kids are loving the snow so far and have already spent hours sledriding! The next thing is tubing at "The PEAK"!

God Bless!