Frazzled Mom here....seeking P E A C E!

I read the passage below and had to explain my desire for peace.

It all began several weeks ago. I got into a car accident. All I wanted was a quick bite to eat during lunch and ended up not eating until LATE that night. I was at a red light and someone hit me from behind causing me to hit a truck in front of me. After hours in the hospital and still battling pain from the injury to my lower back....I lost my peace. I kept thinking that if only I waited a few minutes or if this person would've paid attention. I lost my vehicle..going on 3 weeks now. It's been hard to find my PEACE.

A few days later....my son that works 65 hours a week! Hard working young man.....was on his way to work at 5 am and 5 minutes after he left...he called freaking out. A girl ran a stop sign and he couldn't stop fast enough. He totaled his truck and her car. It wasn't his fault just like my accident wasn't my fault but that didn't make us feel any better. His body is still injured and so is his heart. He LOVED his truck. He worked hard for it and wanted to keep it for 10 years. In a moment...he lost it forever. He lost his PEACE. As a mother...I was beyond devastated for my son but so thankful he was alive. In a few days we lost both vehicles. It's been 3 weeks at this point and we are both still injured and we are both still wishing we had our vehicles but we're grateful to be alive! 

Our peace was gone...but only temporarily. We see the blessings that came from this terrible time...we are alive and things can be replaced. Peace was taken but not for long. When you are in the valley...remember the Mountain is ahead. When you are in the darkness...remember that joy comes in the morning. I don't always feel peace...honestly I struggle with it but when we know that God is for us, who can be against us?

Guard Your Mind 

I want your mind fixed on Me, My beloved. But I want even more from you. I desire great things for you, so I want you to guard your mind by making an "aware list"-all the things you watch, listen to, and read. Let Me show you the things that can carry you away from your calling and destroy your dedication to Me. Even your thoughts can be held captive by the ways of the world.

I want to protect you, but I will never force you to listen to My Spirit or make your mind dwell on what is true, pure, and right. The choice is yours, My love. You can have an abundant life, a blessed life-a life of influence for others to follow; or you can join the way of the world. I, your God, am asking you today to let your mind dwell on Me, and you will discover the kind of life you long to enjoy not only now, but forever.

Love,

Your King and your Peace of Mind

Emotionally healthy Christian seeks the same :-)

Emotionally Healthy Christian Seeks the Same by Rick Warren “The righteous choose their friends carefully.” (Proverbs 12:26a NIV) If you wait for the perfect wife or the perfect husband, it isn’t going to just happen. Let me tell you why: We’re all broken. That’s OK, because God still loves you. But you need to understand that anybody you marry will be broken. Everybody’s broken, but some people are a lot more broken than others. And you need to avoid them no matter how good-looking, rich, or nice they are. You have to figure out the emotional health of your potential partner before you enter into a long-term relationship. Why am I saying this? Study after study has shown that 80 percent of all separations and divorce happen because one or both of the partners are emotionally unhealthy. I’m going to give you a partial checklist of emotional health factors. These aren’t my opinion; this is what God says you need to avoid. Whoever you marry must not be nursing any uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 22:24 says, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person; do not associate with one easily angered” (NIV). Do you know why? Because uncontrolled anger reveals deep insecurity and low self-worth. Whoever you marry must not be stuck in an addiction. Proverbs 23:20 says, “Don’t associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food” (TEV). Only two things are mentioned here, food and alcohol, but there are a thousand ways to get addicted. Whoever you marry must not be harboring bitterness. Bitterness is like a poison — it eats you alive. Whatever you resent, you begin to resemble. To stop resenting; you’ve got to release it. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:15 “Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison” (GNT). Whoever you marry must not be selfish. Why? Proverbs 28:25 says, “Selfishness only causes trouble.” When it comes down to it, the number one cause of conflict in marriage is simple: selfishness. Whoever you marry must not be greedy. Proverbs 15:27 says, “Greed brings grief to the whole family” (NLT). If you marry a greedy spouse, you will be in debt your entire life. Whoever you marry must be generous and kind. The Bible says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV). And, “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves” (Proverbs 11:17). Whoever you marry must tell the truth. Proverbs 20:7 says this: “A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. Blessed are his children after he is gone” (GWT). Love is based on trust, and trust is based on truth. If you don’t tell me the truth, I can’t trust you. And if I can’t trust you, how can I love you? You might be thinking, “This sure is a long list, Rick. I’m not sure if I’ll ever find anybody who fits this.” Oh, really? I did. And you can, too. When Kay and I got married, Leonard Ravenhill, who was a great preacher of the previous generation, sent us a wedding card. I’ve never forgotten what it said: “God always gives his best to those who leave the choice to him.” I wanted God’s best in my life, and I got it. Talk It Over What are some other emotional health factors that you think God wants you to consider in a potential partner? How does selfishness cause conflict in a relationship?

Grace....undeserved...

Grace

Hi Folks!

I am reading this amazing book called ...."Living so that"

Although I have heard about grace, read about grace, I sing about grace, and know about grace. Reading this part of my book and high lighting it...underlining and re-reading it. I felt like a light bulb went off in my head.

I did NOTHING to deserve this grace and no matter what I have done wrong...I can still receive this GRACE!

So I'm picturing Jesus hanging on the cross..talking to the thief next to Him. Both are suffering and dying and Jesus says "Hey...don't worry about it. You'll be in paradise.. No you don't deserve it but I'm hanging here for you, dying for you, hurting for you....so that you may go to Paradise" The thief....probably talking to himself.."hmmmm what is He talking about?" I don't deserve Paradise! "Ummmm hey Jesus...excuse me...but did you hear me??? I'm a thief!"...(Jesus). "Yep, I heard you..your grace is not because of anything that you've done but what I'm doing right here, right now!".. (Thief) Uh, OK, thank you....I don't feel like I deserve anything good at this point, I'm ashamed of myself...not sure why you are dying for a sinner like me."

I could go on and on with the scenerio but as I'm writing and saying the thief's part....I could add myself in there..."Ummmm Jesus! Hey, do you remember that I'm a sinner? I've done some pretty bad things in my life. I've been so shamed by much of my past! Did you remember that? This grace stuff probably shouldn't pertain to me. I mean I had a child before marriage, I've lied, I've had some pretty rough years living for myself, I've failed in relationships, I was humiliated through sexual abuse, I'm broken, I'm scarred, and I've been rejected, I mean really???? you just WANT to extend grace to ME? How can I ever deserve this grace? What would I have to do to deserve it? I can't be perfect, it's impossible!"

Oh wait......I just read about it in this book....It is a FREE gift! Grace does not depend on what we have done..Phew! Good thing for me and most likely every one of us! It's because of what God has done for us.

(Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but know I'm found, Was blind, but now I see)

Thank you Jesus!

My new glasses......

A few days after my last blog....I found out that I needed surgery. I needed not just any surgery but breast surgery. Gasp! For years, most of my 40 something years...(keeping it real ;-)) felt that my appearance made me who I was. If people thought I looked good, then I must be a  good person, worthy of love. If someone insulted my looks then I must be ugly and unlovable. Pretty sad, right?

I really spent years trying to make myself acceptable to others only to find myself exhausted...worn out and disappointed. This lead me to make a "change". I thought that if I didn't have small breasts then maybe I'd be beautiful. Get the attention that would lead me to believe that I was beautiful. After nursing my 2nd baby...let's just say what little I had was gone! 

Fast forward 18 years---I had lumps found and made a decision to remove the implants while they cut out a lot of my tissue. Phew.  Ok, it was nothing nice! ;-). I am a few months post op and although I have my moments. I'm good! I look better than before surgery and trust me I'm not tooting my horn. I still struggle with my appearance but not like before. I want to be seen for my walk with The Lord not my breasts. I am wonderfully created (and so are you!). I need to throw away the lenses that I was looking through because they no longer work. I want to see through God's lenses....wow! If we could all see what he sees! Love who you are. Small breasts, big nose, skinny legs, scars all over your body, cellulite.  Ok so I just described myself. Lol. You can make your own lists and when you feel down. Put on new glasses!!

 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:19-23 NIV)

Quotes...oh how I love you!

MITO WEEK 2013!!!

Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week!

As most of you know...Mito Disease has affected my family in such a terrible way.
My son Devin was diagnosed several years ago with this terrible disease. He missed most of 6th, 7th, and 9th grade...all of 8th grade and now most of this 10th grade year. It is terrible. He is pretty much homebound this year too. Mito truly depletes your body of ALL the energy. What most people find as easy tasks are completely unbearable for Mito patients.

Devin wakes up every morning trying to live a normal life, eat breakfast, take a shower, go to school, hang out like most (almost) 16 year olds do. Not for my son, mornings are unpredictable. Showers are sometimes the hardest task, and by the time we leave for school...his energy is gone. Which means back to bed.

His friends are able to play sports which he was forced to quit. They are able to hang out at the mall, movies, parks, or at each others homes, but not for Devin. Thankfully he has the BEST big brother ever! He works 65 hours a week but spends every second he can at home and making Devin feel "normal".

I can't explain how necessary a cure is! I was also diagnosed a year after Devin with this same disease. Although I can do things that he can't, Mito affects everyone differently. It's still very hard to run an entire household on my own and some days feel too tired or sick to handle it.

Mito is linked to Autism, Cardiac disease, Liver disease, Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, so on and so on. This is not a disease that should be overlooked.

We NEED A CURE! I have boxes around our local area. The picture is of one of them that are helping raise awareness and raise money towards a cure. Although it will not be likely that you will see one of these boxes. It's only for Mito week! You can always go to UMDF.org and donate to the cause and most importantly PLEASE raise awareness! Help families like ours!
Every 30 minutes a child is born that will develop Mito. More children die from this disease than all childhood disease combined!

Help us CURE MITO!

Commitment

Very few relationships succeed by accident.

 

 

8 year hurricane Katrina anniversary.....

8 years ago today..Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Lives were lost, homes were lost, our daily life as we knew it was lost, but for me and my kids...hope was found, my faith was tested and strengthened, and I am so thankful for that. Just 4 months later, I was baptized and within a year all of my children accepted the Lord as their Savior and were all baptized as well! The thoughts of what we all endured during Katrina will forever be in my mind but the holes it left in my heart have been filled by the love, mercy and grace of Jesus!

What women want....

Bible in our house, Bible in our heart.

Happy Summer Folks!

I can't believe that summer is JUST now beginning considering how hot it has been for some time.

As usual, I've been busy...won't go into details but life is just plain busy! I have to literally force myself to take a time out and enjoy the journey.

 Lately, I have been reading novels instead of just Bible studies. :-) (They are still Christian novels though ;-))

I've been making an effort to meet my friends at least one night a week for a catch up, and taking the time to connect with friends and family more often even if it's just a quick text or email.

One thing that I feel happens when I'm too busy is that my prayer life and my walk suffers...

Just like a relationship with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, friends or children....you must take the time nurture those relationships by spending quality time alone with them...same goes for our walk with Jesus and our relationship with Him.

Today I received this by Rick Warren and what a great reminder of how we can keep our walk fresh and strong. I love the part about a Bible in the house is not going to bless your life, you have to have the Bible in your heart.

I have index cards in my purse and there are some scriptures that are vital for my life, that encourage me, reminds me of His love and mercy, His grace and His promises. I cannot make it each day without these reminders!

Thought that Rick Warren summed it up perfectly! Hope you find it as useful as I did.

.....til next time.....Shawna <><

The Bible says in Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (NIV). Paul is telling us to let the Bible take up residence in our lives in a rich, profound, and life-giving way.

So how do we feed ourselves on the Word of God and allow that to happen?

• Receive the Word with your ears. Commit yourself to go to church and listen to God’s Word being preached. 
• Read the Word with your eyes. As I said, having a Bible in your house is not going to bless your life. You have to have the Bible in your heart. 
• Research the Word with your hands and mouth. When studying the Word of God, keep a pencil in your hand. Write down what God teaches. Talk about what you’re discovering with other believers in a small-group environment.
• Reflect on the Word with your mind. Think about and chew on God’s Word.
• Remember the Word with your heart. You’ll rarely have a Bible with you when you need it. Commit God’s Word to memory.

Love never fails...

Hi Folks! Yes I am still here. :-)

May has been busy! My middle child turned 18! He also graduated from high school! Not only graduated but made the Honor Roll! My daughter turned 23! She made the Dean's list in college! My youngest child didn't have it so easy being that he's battling Mito Disease..however, I am going to say that we are VERY thankful that he was able to attend a good bit of school this year...more than last year! He was homebound all of last year but this year he made it the beginning and middle but had to stay home for the last 3 months of school. I am still so proud of how far he's come this year and we are praying and believing for a great next year. He has some online summer school that we are about to jump in to. Phew...never ending work!

So today I'm sharing a message from Max Lucado...about LOVE!  I LOVE love! Maybe it's because I associate love with ewwwy gewwwy feelings and Valentine's hearts...a hopeless romantic maybe..lol But love hasn't always gone the way I had hoped. So what is love after all? I know that is going deep, huh? lol
Hope you enjoy this message.....I know that God's love NEVER fails! How comforting!

LOVE THAT NEVER FAILS- Max Lucado

A love that never fails!  Hard to imagine, isn't it?  Has human love ever failed you?  I’m guessing your answer may be, “Yes it has—more times than I like to admit!” I Corinthians 13:8 promises that “love never fails!” Not God’s kind of love anyway.

I sense you may be so thirsty for this type of love. Those who should have loved you, did not.  Those who could have loved you, didn't  You were left at the hospital.  Left at the altar. Left with an empty bed.  Left with a broken heart.  Left with your question, “Does anybody love me?”

Listen to heaven’s answer:  God loves you—with a love that never fails.  Personally.  Powerfully.  Passionately.  God loves you with unfailing love!

And His love, if you’ll let it, can fill you!  Come thirsty, my friend, and drink deeply!

Royal Husband delights in your beauty.....

I wanted to share this great message by Sheri Rose Shepherd.

Things have been a bit difficult lately. My son is still just struggling so much with Mitochondrial Disease. It's heartbreaking and heart wrenching. Please lift my son Devin up in prayer as well as our entire family (mama included please). I know that God has the big picture and knows the outcome, it's just hard to remember that sometimes when everything starts crumbling around you. On a good note....we have some exciting things happening in May! My oldest son turns 18! YAY! My daughter turns 23! YAY! My son graduates High School! YAY! I have a Mothers Day! YAY! God will be with us every step in every way! YAY!  I just wanted to pass this message on from Sheri...it encouraged me today and I hope that it encourages you too. 

God bless <><

I Think You're Beautiful

 

My Beautiful Bride,

You are so beautiful to Me. I wish for one moment that you could see what I see when I look at you. When I gaze at you I see a treasure ready to be discovered, a princess ready to shine, and a bride ready to be loved. When I look at you... I love what I see!

If you could grasp how beautiful you are in My eyes, then you would never feel insecure again. The beauty I created you to be is a reflection of Me, My love. I created you in My image, so never doubt again that your eternal beauty is a breath of heaven!

Love,

Your adoring Prince   

~

"For your royal husband delights in your beauty; Honor him, for he is your lord."
~Psalm 45:11  (NLT)~

True Beauty......

If only we saw ourselves the way Jesus sees us and the way others see us.......

This is something that I've always struggled with, like most people. I think this is an amazing way to show the world that we do NOT see ourselves the way others do.

Have a great day! Reflect and embrace your beauty inside and out.

Be blessed,

Shawna

Love Languages.....

I remember when I first came to know the Lord- I kept hearing about love languages. What the heck is a love language? I know English and Pig Latin and that is IT!

So, I picked up the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Wow! I learned so much about me! I thought that I knew my wants, needs, desires, etc...and I did to some degree but I didn't really understand how people are so different. That just because I crave affirmations doesn't mean that everyone does. Or that just because physical touch wasn't as important to me that others may need it more than affirmations.

1. Physical Touch - this person feels love when others touch them lovingly.
   
2. Acts of Service - this person feels love when others help them out or serve them.
   
3. Words of Affirmation - this person feels love when others verbally approve or affirm them.
   
4. Quality Time - this person feels love when others spend time with them.
   
5. Gifts - this person feels love when others give them thoughtful things.

The book goes into great detail on each but this is a brief explanation. My languages have changed over the years. I do believe that at the tops on my list are definitely Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and Acts of Service,  I've always wanted to hear that I'm good enough, smart enough, pretty enough etc and I remember even as a child that if I received a gift then I must've been important or good enough. Unfortunately that is how I based my importance in life so when I wasn't having those needs met, I felt that I was worthless and not good enough. Jesus is the ONLY one that could fill those holes and needs...no person could.

So do I not need those because Jesus is filling me with His affirmations? Ummmm NO! I still need it from my friends and family but I am not dependent on them for happiness. Make sense? 

There are so many different love language books...5 Love languages for couples, singles, moms, teenagers, etc.

When we share our lives with people (husbands, wives, kids, friends) They also have love languages and they feel that they need certain things more than others...take the time to learn their language so that we can meet the important needs of others.

Ok so I'll wrap this up with this....I love affirmations! (Anytime you want to tell me something nice about me, I still love it :-)) I still crave Acts of Service.(Makes me feel so good when someone helps with my yard, garden, having dinner made for me and my family unexpectedly) then Quality Time (to spend time with me intentionally and my kids, it is such a sweet treat) and Gifts! Seriously who doesn't like a gift?? haha and then Physical Touch- it is on the last of my list but after years of counseling and lots of love around me, it really should be right up there at the top. 

If you'd like to come over and tell me all kinds of sweet things, help me clean the house, spend time hanging out, and bring me a gift......I'll give you a great big hug! HAHA!

Be blessed and be a blessing! Take the time to get to know the needs of others. 

Shawna

The Library Books of the Bible Broken Down

I used to lead a single mom’s small group at church back in 2007 and found this helpful for not only me but all of my ladies in the group. I just found it in my documents at work and thought I’d share. It makes a huge confusing Bible more understandable. 

The Bible is a library of books.  It contains 66 different books, which all together tell the story of God’s wonderful love for people.  It also teaches us how to live our life.

The Old Testament-

This testament is about how God created the world.  There are 39 books in the Old Testament.

The first 5 books of the Old Testament are

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

These are the Books of Law because they contain laws God gave to the Jewish people to keep them pure and holy.

The next 12 are

Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings,1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

These are the Books of History.

The next 5 are

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

These are Books of Poetry.

The last 17 are

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

These are about God’s prophets. The first 5 are “major” prophets and the last 12 are “minor” prophets.

Major is not considered more important..the books are just longer!

The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus.  It tells about Jesus’ life and teachings and how he was killed, buried, and how he rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. Also, that He’ll be back someday.  There are 27 books in the New Testament.

The first 4 are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are called Gospels. These are the greatest stories ever told. They are all the same story but told in a slightly different way. That are all about Jesus, His life and what He did.

The 5^th Book is the Acts of the Apostles.  It’s the historical account of the tremendous spread and growth of the early church. The church that began in those pages is still alive and growing today. (History of the Church)

The next 21 books are Letters… Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, and Jude.  The apostle Paul wrote 13 of these letters. They were written because people were confused about Jesus.

The last book of the Bible is Revelation.  This is the book of Prophecy. It was written to Christians who were facing great danger. The apostle John has a wonderful message. He told us Christians that we should expect hard times and trouble but we’d be winners in the end. He tells us not to lose hope because we will share in the final victory at the end of times because He’ll return for us! 

Don't let the size of the Bible overwhelm you...God's Word is powerful, Life changing, and Truth. God bless you all ~ Shawna

Nails didn't hold God to a cross....Love did!

Today is such an awesome day! Good Friday!  This is something that I wanted to share from Max Lucado. It says it all!

Six hours, one Friday.  Mundane to the casual observer.   A shepherd with his sheep, a housewife with her thoughts, a doctor with his patients.  But to a handful of awestruck witnesses, the most maddening of miracles is occurring. God is on a cross.  The creator of the universe is being executed.

It is no normal six hours.  It is no normal Friday.  Far worse than the breaking of his body is the shredding of his heart.  And now his own father is beginning to turn his back on him, leaving him alone. What do you do with that day in history?  What do you do with its claims?  They were the most critical hours in history.

Nails didn't hold God to a cross.  Love did. The sinless One took on the face of a sinner so that we sinners could take on the face of a saint!

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

from Six Hours One Friday

2013-Redeemed!

So HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm a little late but that's ok. What's the saying?? "Better late than never!"

I am THRILLED about this new year! 2013 screams all kinds of awesome things. New beginnings, New friendships, New classes, New gym membership ;-), New healthy menus for the family, New New New!

I absolutely love being refreshed. 2012 is gone! YAY! Sometimes I don't get as excited about a year ending...Some years were soooo good that I had wished I could've kept them longer. 1990, 1995, and 1997 were THE BEST! I had my babies and boy has time gone by way too fast! Some years were terrible and they couldn't end fast enough. 2012 was one of those years. From start to finish there were just bricks on top of bricks thrown on me. It seemed like I was barely getting by in the end. However, 12/31/12 I made it! I made it to the finish line!! YES!

This year I am focusing on one word all year! My word for this 2013 year is.....REDEEMED!



I am REDEEMED! I am so blessed that even in my stress, I've been REDEEMED, in my divorce...I've been REDEEMED, in my fears..I'm being REDEEMED, in my finances...I'm being REDEEMED. Yes!

Ok some days I say I've been redeemed, some days I say that I'm being redeemed. Every day is a new day and some days I need more of a reminder of redemption.

I have no idea what this year has in store for me, I don't know how it will end, but I know that through it all JESUS is guiding me, protecting me, directing me, and loving me. He loves every one of us! He has great plans for us and I cannot wait to see what He's doing in my life and my children!

Happy New Year Friends!

Wanted to share this from Max Lucado.....

God Uses People

Sinners, the ungodly, the imperfect, the fearful!  Why does God choose such losers to change the world? I’m thinking it’s because there’s a lot more of us to choose from!

God uses people to change the world.  Abraham the liar.  David the adulterer and murderer.  Are you getting the picture?  What they lacked in perfection, God made up for in love. How can God possibly use you to make a difference?  Look at those He’s already used and take heart!  Because you are imperfect, you can speak of making mistakes. Because you’re a sinner, you can give testimony to forgiveness.  God restores the broken and the brittle, then parades them before the world as trophies of his love and strength!  If God chose only righteous people, you could count them all on one finger—Jesus!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Yes, Shawna...ALL THINGS! Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV 1984)


I've read the scripture, I've recited the scripture and I've ummmmm failed at believing the scripture!

I'm supposed to give thanks in ALL circumstances? ALL? I mean every circumstance? Say what? But God you don't realize that a lot of my circumstances are very difficult..Yes, Shawna, I do!

I'm supposed to be thankful that my son Devin has Mitochondrial disease? That my son Brandon has bone/hip diseases? Not to mention any of my medical illnesses? Shawna, be thankful that I'm a great healer!

I'm supposed to be thankful for a painful relationship that ended? Yes, I'm molding you and preparing you for great things...you are my child and I have great plans for you! I'm also molding your husband that I'm preparing for you, Don't go out of my will and my timing.

I'm supposed to be thankful that my kids put the clothes ON the hamper and not IN the hamper? Yes, Shawna, you are blessed with a home and children.

I'm supposed to be thankful for hitting a pole and wrecking my car? Yes, Shawna, you are blessed with a car.

I really could go on and on, thankful when the dog leaves a nice big present right in my walkway? when I leave my leftovers in the car all weekend and the car smells baaddd? when my feelings are hurt? when I'm exhausted in the morning and would do anything not to go to work? when I'm running to work at 10:30 at night to print a report for my son that is due the NEXT morning? (nothing like kids waiting until the night before, right?) when I don't know how my finances will work that month being a single mom? when I feel lonely? when I feel overwhelmed? when....when....when....I mean, couldn't we all just keep on going??? BTW- God answered those questions too.

Yes, Shawna, give thanks in ALL circumstances! WOW God, Can I ever live up to your expectations?

Yes, Shawna...with Me you can do ALL things!

I'm so thankful this Thanksgiving! I'm thankful that I have 3 amazing children that know You Lord! I am thankful for my family and friends and so thankful for the struggles in my life. They've brought me closer to God, they've made me go before the throne and admit that I'm nothing without Him and that I cannot do anything without my Lord who gives me strength. 

Hope that you all have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm loving.......QUOTES!

I really am blogging still but I keep getting side tracked with life, kids, schedules, friends, and QUOTES!
With Thanksgiving coming up in a few days.. I WILL have a real blog before Thursday. :-)

Quotes, Quotes, and more Quotes....