HIS sheep am i

Below is an excerpt from my quiet time this morning. It is an earnest cry of my heart to be found faithful.

The Good Shepherd:

Shouldn't Shepherds feed their sheep?

Destruction is certain for those who feed themselves but let their flocks go hungry.
The Good Shepherd, searches for the lost, tends to the sick, broken and bound. Ezekiel 34

FORGIVE me Lord for feeding myself, for getting fat and full
For sitting so comfortable.

YOU are The Good Shepherd and i am your sheep.
I can delight in your promises.
Your ways are not hard to keep.
Show me Lord your heart for your flock.
Teach me to fight and protect them from
The enemy who scoffs and mocks.

YOU are The Good Shepherd - Your sheep am i.
YOU searched for me when i was lost and alone.
YOU mended my heart and brought me into Your home.
YOU are The Good Shepherd who knows my name.
YOU will teach me your ways so i may shepherd the same.

Who are the sheep YOU are bringing to me?

Find me faithful to teach them to sing.
Find me faithful to teach them Holy toil.
Find me faithful to show them how to cultivate rich soil.

YOU are The Good Shepherd.
YOU are my King.
The sound of your voice I know
All i am, to YOU i bring.

Hope for restoration sounds too good to be true.
May I not grow weary in bringing this flock back to YOU.
YOU will lead me.
YOU will be my guide.
For i am Your sheep
Who walks by The Good Shepherd's side.

From The Heart Of A Child

As Ryan tucked the girls in tonight, he prayed a simple prayer over our 3 yr old, Katelyn. He asked God to protect her from the dangers in this world. Masie responded, "Dad, do you know what the most dangerous thing in the world is? It is following the path made by sinners".

Chew on that one for a while!

Stacy

Catching Up!

Well, Summer is in full swing at our house. School is out. As a mother with outside commitments, the change in schedule has had its challenges. Ryan and I tag team the kiddos- when he's home I work, when I work he's home. Thank goodness this is only for a short season. It's hard to have a good solid relationship when you see each other in passing. The great thing about Ryan is that he knows I can't function successfully without time with him. This morning before work our day started with coffee on the front porch just as the sun was starting to rise. Not a bad start to a Friday.

Our daughter, Katelyn learned how to swim without floaties last week. It is amazing that it only took a few short lessons with Ryan before she got the hang of it. It was so clear to me the influence this man has in the lives of our children. I am so glad that he taught her to swim. It built such huge trust between Katelyn and Ryan. She learned that when daddy says, "I've got you", he really does. Her confidence and smile just beam from her like the rays of sunshine we've been blessed with.

Masie was baptised this month. Ryan and I waited about a year after she "believed the free gift of grace and forgiveness" was for her. There are two things that indicated to us an authentic personal relationship with Jesus - the first was unprompted repentance. Not just, "Don't come out of the room until you tell me you are sorry". I have been so blessed when my 7 yr old on her own approaches me with a repentant heart over a sin she has committed against me or another. I can't imagine how precious this is in the sight of the Lord. The other sign of her own walk with God, is her willingness to obey His voice. Many times, Masie has acted on "promptings"...speaking a blessing to someone, coloring a picture for a co-worker of mine going through a tough time, passing along a scripture, spending her toothfairy money on gumballs for everyone but herself. We have witnessed amazing growth, maturity and love in this child's life. It was with great pride and honor that Ryan baptised her with many others at our church picnic.

Our son Gunner, is 18 months old now. Time goes so quickly. This lil dude has amazing blue eyes and it is a good thing! He would get a lot more spankings if those eyes didn't pierce your soul every time you looked into them. He is a very mechanical child, not interested AT ALL in anything resembling a toy. He wants ballpoint pens to disassemble, remote controls to remove the batteries, water spickits to turn on and off, dog water bowls to stand in, tractor rides with Poppy, TV to turn on and off, toilets to flush who knows what, cabinets to hide his shoes in...anything but TOYS. He is funny, full of personality, a total flirt and has stolen our hearts. How is it that he knows how to be tough? How did he learn so quickly that pulling Katelyn's hair is a quick way to annoy and harm his sister? How does he know when to raid the doll house and throw all the doll furniture out of its tiny home? Gunner has made our life very interesting, tons of fun and a little exhausting to keep up with.

Recently, I got news of being accepted to attend a "Writers and Speakers" conference in Colorado. I am so excited to see how God uses this conference to give me vision for my future, encouragement for the day and strength for great improvements. Sally Clarkson will be leading it in her home. There will be 30 other women attending the conference. I've been praying for the person that I get to room with. Leaving your children for any length of time can be tough - even exhausting just working out the logistics. I know God has a plan and that His fingerprints can be found in the details (just look around). I am looking to prepare for the conference by cleaning house spiritually. Taking inventory so to speak of unconfessed sin, unproductive habits, and what is God saying to me through His Word. I am looking forward to sharing this with you in the next few weeks.

Summer always has a way of flying by. May we not let time pass too quickly through our busy hands. Take time to play, to take a nap, to finish a project, to read a book. My goal for tomorrow is that I would be intentional at least once to ask each child, "want to play".

Stacy

Memorial Day: America's Most Expensive Vacation

As I was looking for a picture to describe my prayers for our Nation this one captured it the best...reunion.

There have been several "AWE" moments in my life time where it becomes very apparent to me how costly freedom is. The first was September 11th. I will never forget where I was when I heard the news. My country under attack. Do you remember how it felt to feel so completely vulnerable? So unsure of the future? I remember laying in bed that night wondering what if something terrible happened to our country while I slept. How different Sept. 12 was going to be. A fear pierced tender places in my soul that I didn't even know existed.

The day after 9-11, my cousin signed up to defend and protect his country. Growing up, I remember playing war with him, all his childhood camo gear, his "hide outs" from the enemy (me). He told me, "All I ever wanted to be was a soldier". He served 2 tours of duty in Iraq. He has earned 2 purple hearts. His future is forever changed because he rose to the occasion. I went to sleep 9-11 wondering if I would wake to another attack and he went to sleep preparing to attack. Do you remember 9-11? For his sake I wish you would.

Several years ago, I came across an article in Texas Monthly featuring a friend from high school. He was a paratrooper. I'd never heard of that branch of service before. They are the guys that jump from airplanes in the middle of the night and rescue our soldiers, his brothers. In his article, he reflected on the places his boots had taken him and how serene it was when his service time was up. How strange it must have been to pack those boots away. How does one return? How does one man or woman survive war even if they come away without a scrape? Reading that article, moved me. It moved me from being a safe, self absorbed and oblivious stay at home mom to being ever conscious of the gift freedom is.

Several "AWE" moments of freedom I have encountered have to do with the wives here at home. On Mother's Day, a few years ago, I was having breakfast at Jim's with my family. Sitting at a table not too far from us was a young mom of three little girls. They were all dressed lovely and eating so nicely together. My husband picked up the tap for her breakfast. She came to us in tears. Her husband had been deployed and she was here in San Antonio alone. There was no one to pat her on the back. No one to observe her daily sacrifices on the behalf of her husband, children and her country. There is a cost for freedom.

Laying in bed one night, I was reflecting on this cost. I was deeply moved over the war. How many days went by with out even acknowledging that our country was even at war? I was overwhelmed and deeply grieved at the thought of the soldiers returning home with war so intimately ingrained in them. Their return home from seeing and experiencing the gruesome, heart breaking victories and defeats. Was it possible to sit down at the dinner table and freely converse? Was it possible for them to sleep in their own beds and not feel like aliens in their own country? How do these soldiers return to work, pay their mortgage and deal with the everyday? I remember begging God for miracles. Not just that God would save physically but that He would restore them spiritually.

For my cousin, high school friend, soldiers now and soldiers then-

They have all paid dearly for a holiday we celebrate only yearly.

Our politians may take a vacation

But tonight I shed tears for our nation.

Mothers who's sons have not returned

Children who's father they yearn.

Heal us Lord. Ignite passion in our land.

We beg you Lord, for without You our Nation will not stand.

Thanks we give You. Let Freedom Ring.

It will be a miracle for a Soldier's return without war's sting.

It is for Freedom, the Soldier's have stood up and fought.

Forgive us of our selfishness when we have thanked their families not.

Let us extend our hand, offer to babysit at least.

Only You can slay this war's beast.

With a sling and stone You've brought giants down.

Keep our enemies far don't let our Nation drown.

We call out to You in our time of need.

Let our leaders run to You at brake neck speed.

Allow us as a country, one household to another

Stand in the gap - strengthen our brothers.

May we stand firm as citizens of the best Nation united.

INDIVISIBLE - Yet EASILY DIVIDED?

Show us how to mark out a strait path.

Let us grow Godly and divert Your wrath.

One Nation under God...the simplicity is true

Our Nation doesn't have a prayer if we don't walk with You.

This Memorial Day, in honor of Soldiers lost

We close our eyes tonight, safely do we sleep at Freedom's cost.

No payment here on earth can say thank you enough

But let us unite as the going gets tough.

Wasted their lives - let this never be

For it was for freedom-for you and for me.

May the Lord be close to the broken hearted and faithful to deliver those crushed in spirit. To the wives here in America holding down the fort - I say thank you. May you have peace that surpasses all understanding, may your burden be miraculously light and may time pass quickly. To the parents of soldiers past and present - I hope I never know the weight each of you carry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

God Bless America!

Stacy

Grief

Dear Readers, please listen to the advise given to me by a special woman who knows more grief than anyone should in this life time.

"There is never any thing your child can do that can't be forgiven. Don't give up on them!"

Lord, words I do not have
Prayers I know not how to pray
Answers to hard questions I don't know what to say
Heaven is a long time to wait
To see the one's we love at Heaven's gate.
In the mean time, until that glorious day comes
Renew. Revive. Reveal. Relieve.
Give this woman strength and courage to face another day
To ask for your guidance along the way
Show her what healing looks like
She longs to encourage others but isn't ready for the mike
Send her chosen people who will walk her to You
Only you know how to see her through
Free her from sorrow, deliver her from strife
You are her God, she is your girl
I know your hand is extended
May she take it and twirl
Dance over her. Sing her a new song.
When compared to eternity, time on earth isn't forever
Reunion won't be long....

Positive Parents Polka

Positive Parents Polka to the Rythem of Praise

If moma ain't happy ain't nobody happy! We as women are the thermometers in our home. If we are comfortable and inviting than the home is comfortable and inviting. If we are fussy, grumpy and bossy then our children will be the same. If we were are irritable at work we are likely to be irritable at home. If we are angry on the highway then we are likely to be angry at home. The black cloud will not go away on it's own.

This is the day the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice and be glad is a decision, an act of your will.

We have to make an exchange in our thoughts – the prescription for the grumpies is praise. We have to make and exchange.

Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice, in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident in all you do. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, what ever is true, whatever, is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -think about such things.
We have to take our thoughts captive and replace them. We can't allow the dumpster of our mind to fill with negative, destructive thoughts and not expect the stink to fill the nostrils of those we love.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to build a relationship with a sweet physician. She has two older girls and I pick her brain all the time regarding being the mom of two very different girls. As she was reflecting, she told me to use the video camera often because they grow up so quickly. As a side comment, almost to herself, she said,”looking back, I wasn't smiling in any of the videos”.

It is so easy to drown in the drudgery of everyday. There will always be messes, the toilet will always need to be cleaned, laundry will always be your enemy...but your children are only children once.

One of our favorite books is, My Moma Had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray. Following is a quick preview,

"My moma had a dancing heart and she shared that heart with me. With a grin and a giggle, a hug and a whistle, we'd slap our knees and Mama would say: "Bless the world it feels like a tip-tapping song-singing finger-snapping kind of day. Let's celebrate!" And so we did."

Do you know what happens when a positive parent dances? The people in their lives can't help but to dance too.

Jeremiah 31:12-13 Their life will be like a watered garden and all their sorrows will be gone. The young women will dance for joy and the men -old and young- will join in the celebration.

God has purpose for our polka...
Psalm 145 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your might acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
One generation will commend your works to another.

It is possible, Masie, will tuck her daughter in one night and say “God taught my moma to dance. She taught me to dance. And now my darling, I will teach you to dance".

You are what you think. You reap what you sow. If you plant an apple seed you will not produce oranges. If you plant bitterness you will reap bitterness. We have to take our negative, poisonous thoughts and replace them with thoughts of things pure, lovely and worthy of praise.

This video is a great example of practicing Philippians 4:8 (dance lessons)

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Many Blessings as you begin your week - may you fill your mind with things worthy of praise!

I love my God! I love my life! I love my husband! My Masie! My Katie! My Gunner! I love my job! I love the people I get to work with and for! I love my parents! I love their parents! I love my garden! I love my paid for car! I love my dogs! I love my Innocence Preserve! I love my Crossfit crew! I love my church! I love my Monday - my start fresh day! I love my health! I love my laugh! I love my bed head in the mornings! I love my Starbucks! I love my...you get the picture:)

Date Night

Date Night - a highly coveted, often talked about, rarely scheduled and crucial to any relationship.

Last night, Ryan and I joined several other couples for a fantastic dinner at Fralo's in Leon Springs. We ordered the Pesto Chicken for an appetizer - we loved it! We ordered the Mediterranean Pizza (you can get the crust gluten free but we forgot to ask for that:). Since we were feeling a little spunky we ordered our pizza it with anchovies. I loved it but Ryan thought them to be too salty. The atmosphere was casual, the weather wasn't too hot, the music was current and not too loud. The overall feel of the place was "hip"...you felt cool no matter your age. The oak trees provided breeze and shade. We were a rowdy bunch and had the freedom to be.

Laughter is a powerful gift. Often, I find myself too serious, too deep and missing out on opportunities to laugh. Well, last night, I laughed until my abs were sore. I think I was just finally relaxed enough from a stressful week to let go a little. It helps that the crew we were with last night exude happiness in their own lives and each have such solid marriages.

Ryan and I have been really growing in the area of communication. I don't know about you but this is a really tricky area to master. I am so a talker and he is so a processor. This week, Ryan was intentional to sit on the couch with me and allow me to go through the details of my day, voice my frustrations and road blocks that are in the way of my personal goals. He allowed me the opportunity to be real, vulnerable and completely a woman. I can't tell you how much lighter and loved I felt after just a few minutes of having his undivided attention. God totally knew what He was doing hand picking this man for me. I do need a listener and a fixer. Ryan can make decisions easily because he sees things so black and white. I on the other hand have way too many emotions to process through before I can remotely see light at the end of the tunnel. So, when I need a short cut, I always go to him. He gets to the point and has a way of bringing me along in a gentle way.

It is so on our radar to make "date night" a regular part of our week. We do have 3 small children and just getting away is never easy. We want our marriage to continue to grow, flourish, thrive. We can't count on the blast we had together on our date last night to sustain us for the long haul. We have to keep adding wood to the fire to keep the flames of our relationship burning. We will make "couch time" precious, sunrise coffee on the front porch regular and wine by the creek often.

Date Night is an idea that is lovely and true

With out it, we find our self burned out and blue.

Show us how to find time to play

Flirt and be crazy in love with each passing day.

In our old age, with decades in the past

Date Night will surely make our love last.

Teach me to plan, to pursue this godly man

To laugh out loud and have him catch me if he can.

I am his beloved and he is my dude

May I speak gently, not so often and never rude.

Teach us to love, to dance each dance

To sit the next season out - not a chance.

Fan the flames, get the fire hot

For no other, we are not.

Share with me your favorite spots around town.

Stacy