Pure Delight...Our Snow Day!

Today is "Thankful Thursday" and I am so happy to participate. I am still rejoicing and thanking the Lord for such a fun, joy-filled snow day. The weather man was forecasting snow...a lot of snow....4-6 inches...yes that is a lot of snow in our area of Texas.

Hannah looked at me and said, "Momma, you're wearing your snowflake pajamas tonight, aren't you?" I smiled and said, "of course." My family teases me about my hopes of a white Christmas or a snow day whenever they see me wearing my snowflake pjs but I wear them anyway.

I not only wore them to bed that night, but I wore them outside to capture pictures of the white wonderland the next morning. I put my heavy coat on over it, so I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of the neighbors and topped them off with my snow boots....I looked lovely (yeah right!) or as Hannah exclaimed in pure sarcasm, "Momma, you look hot!" and then she rolled on the floor in laughter. Thank you, baby girl! Wanna see? No, not the whole ensemble, just the snowflake pj's because I snapped a photo of them...fashion at its finest around here:

The snow was so beautiful and so deep so I grabbed a ruler to measure:

My family was inside enjoying the warmth from the fireplace:

And texting and playing games. There is a new app on I-tunes called Words Free with Friends and my girls love to play it. I don't have the heart to tell them that it is really just Scrabble but in a cool new way to play it. They are gaining new vocabulary words and skills, so I will just make that my little secret. My 93 year old grandmother would be so proud. Here are the girls texting and playing...and might I add, looking hot too. LOL!

Mr. Incredible was working from home on his laptop and playing Words with Friends too. I was so happy that he stayed home with us! That is a first. Normally, he braves the weather (it's not like it happens very often) and drives to work anyway. Not this day, and that was pure delight!

When I was outside, I did see one of my neighbors, while I was looking oh so fashionable...but it was my dad, so I was okay. He has seen me look worse, I think....on second thought, maybe not my outfit was pretty horrendous. He has been battling bronchitis but thankfully is feeling much better today. I love having my parents as neighbors...what a blessing.

Look at what is happening in my garden:

I am getting so excited about gardening. This beautiful blanket of snow will provide much needed moisture for my vegetables and flowers....I can hardly wait.

After a yummy breakfast, I made some warm potato soup and begged my family (it really didn't take much begging) to come outside with me. I promised them that I would put on a more respectable outfit...and it worked. Here is Hannah making a snow angel:

And then the little angel got up and fired a snowball at her sister:

who was waiting with her own snowball:

Chloe, my parent's cat braved the cold to walk over and say hello:

My family built a snowman together:

We got a little creative with the hair and eyes:

My girls are beautiful...but the snow creature....I don't know:

It wasn't long before daddy started a snow fight. I had to remind him that Rachel had brain surgery only 3 months ago (another thankful Thursday item~she still is headache free!!!)so he gently rolled her in the snow as Hannah came to her sister's rescue:

He wasn't so gentle with this one...but she can take it...really, she can:

Look at her grab his leg!

I have many more photos; I took over 100 that day...but don't worry, I'm stopping here. It was a delightful snow day. One that will live long in my memory.

Thank you, Father for the pure white delight that blanketed our home and our hearts this week. You are so good to Your children!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday!

We have soooooooooo much to be thankful for, don't we?!

Today, I am thanking God for a dear daughter who took it upon herself to pull some very overgrown weeds this week. She knew this would help her momma and she did it with such a thankful heart. Thank you, Hannah!

When I see this pile of weeds, I can't help but think of the Master Gardener who prunes away the weeds in our lives. While it is so painful, the results are always for our good and for His great glory.

I'm thanking God for the beautiful weather we have been having.

The sun feels so good and I am loving walks with Mr. Incredible after work.

Walking together gives us precious moments to walk and talk about our days.

I'm thankful that Rachel is off all pain medicine and feeling very good. I'm so thankful for a loving church family, encouraging community, and all of you amazing bloggers who have so faithfully prayed for her!

My mom told me this story last night and I was so thankful to hear it that I had to share it with you too. A young man in our church made it through the first recession job cuts where he works. When the second cut came, he still had his job but a 65 year old co-worker did not. This young man went to his boss and asked to take the man's place. He felt confident that he would be able to find another job if they would please keep the 65 year old man on staff. His boss agreed. Isn't that amazing? I admire J's faith and trust in the Lord and his selfless act on behalf of his co-worker.

She told me another incredible recession story too.

Another young man, who will soon be related to another couple in our church (he is marrying their granddaughter this weekend) lost his job 3 weeks ago because the company he was working for had to scale back on employees, as so many are having to do these days.

Anyway, with it being 3 weeks before his wedding, he quickly found an in-between job while sending his resumes out to other companies. From what I hear, he is another wonderful, young man of great faith. Anyway, the Lord blessed him with another new, wonderful job that gave him a $1,0000 sign on bonus and he will be making $10,000 more per year. Isn't that incredible?

We may be in recession, things may look bleak to the whole world, but God is still on the throne. He has not forsaken His children; He will never forsake His children and we should be praising and thanking Him all day long. Don't you just love stories like these?

I do.

Whether we realize it or not, we have stories of God's faithfulness

to tell too and I can't think of a better time for the world to hear them.

What has God been doing for you this week?

Joyfully,

Kristi

For more Thankful Thursday posts, please visit here.

Thankful for Possibilities

Happy Thankful Thursday.

This week's theme is "Possibilities." Oh, I love this. How timely this theme is!

Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”’ ~ Mark 10:27

This speaks volumes to my heart!

Today I have renewed hope. We are praying boldly for a healing for Rachel like no other.

There is sooooo much to be thankful for. I will try to list only a few (but it's hard to narrow it down):

1. A new day...full of hopeful possibilities and new opportunities.

2. My sweet husband who went to Sams and HEB for me last night. You know he is the only man in the house and my grocery list had a few items that...let's just say...he wouldn't normally shop for. I know he was thrilled that the checkout girl didn't have to call for a price check over the loud speaker. :-) Thank you sweet hubby!

3. Hannah did well on her midterms...she actually studied hard for the tests. It's amazing the motivation that happens when a promise of a cell phone is given if she makes all A's this year. (You need to know that she is more than capable. She is in JUNIOR HIGH. Enough said???)

4. For my professors who were more than understanding about our circumstances and that I survived the first week of classes. It was better than I thought.

5. For an incredible school administration and a wonderful group of teachers who understand our circumstances and are praying right along with us.

6. For my dear family who has been a tremendous support this week. Everything from food, tp, phone calls, prayers, and tear gas/mace (I'll explain later).

7. For a phone call from a wonderful nurse today. We are trying something new and I just feel it in my soul that it is the right treatment. She confirmed everything the Lord was speaking to me about during the night. In this time of uncertainty and feeling a bit helpless she was encouraging and affirming in my care of Rachel. She told me that I was "an excellent mom" and that I was doing everything right. I cried. Thank you, Father!

8. For all of you who are loving and praying for us. There have been moments this week where I felt like I was hanging on by a small thread. You were there to offer prayer and encouragement and you stood in the gap when I felt helpless. THANK YOU!

Okay, I better wrap it up. My girl has bright eyes today and courage to try something new. Our day is full of possibilities! How about yours?

Joyfully,

Kristi

Please, visit Iris for more Thankful Thursday inspiration.

The Lord's Favor

Happy Thankful Thursday to all of you!

I couldn't let today pass by without telling you about what God did for us yesterday.

I have to begin by telling you that my mom sent me an email early yesterday morning. She said, "Blessings to you today and the Lord's favor are my prayers." The Lord's favor was upon us. Here is what happened:

A dear friend of ours called yesterday afternoon to give us contact information for a neurosurgeon. This isn't your typical doctor. Oh, no. This doctor graduated from Harvard and from an excellent medical school in Texas, he has been extensively published, is highly esteemed by his colleagues and patients, and has received many awards such as "Best Doctors in America in 2006."

I thought it was sweet of our friend to give us his contact information. Out of love for our daughter, I sent the good doctor an email and hoped that this VIP doctor, who didn't know us at all, would respond to my email but, I wasn't holding my breath.

In one hour I received a gracious reply from the doctor. One hour! I was overwhelmed to the point of tears. (Lord, you are just too good to us!) Not only had he heard about the doctor that we will see in the morning, but he added that he has heard good things about him and he recommends that we keep our appointment. Also, if we need another option or second opinion, he recommended 2 of his pediatric neurosurgeons and added that we could use his name as a reference.

I am almost overwhelmed again to the point of tears as I type this. I told my husband last night (If you are new to my blog, I refer to him as Mr. Incredible to protect our privacy...and because he really is incredible) that it feels like we are on the tiniest raft surrounded by water in a vast ocean. Believe me, I know that we are not in this alone. God's mighty hands are wrapped around our family completely and we know many of you are in this boat with us through prayer.

It's just the fact that we didn't know any neurosurgeons (I'm thankful there has not been a reason to know one as a doctor) and as any parent would, we want the best doctor possible for our daughter. Clearly this man is at the top of his field. For him to respond to my email in one hour just really blew me away. Isn't God amazing? Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Whether we get to meet this doctor on this side of heaven or not, he was a blessing to my family. One of our prayers in all of this is that somehow, with God's help and leading, He would use us in the midst of this to be a blessing to others too. Don't get me wrong...there are times I want the world to stop! But, I have learned enough to know that somehow life isn't always about us. We don't want to become so self focused that we miss the opportunity to share His love with those around us. Even in this season, we want God to receive much honor and glory.

I better get my sweet Hannah to school. Thank you for your prayers. Your support for our family is such a blessing.

Joyfully,

Kristi

P.S. If this is your first visit to my blog, welcome! You can find out more about Rachel's story in the previous 3 posts.

PPS For more Thankful Thursday lists, please visit Iris at Grace Alone.

Awesome Salvation Experiment!

Happy Thankful Thursday to you! I have been anxiously waiting all week to share this with you. I told you about our new children's ministry at church a few weeks ago. It's called Elevate and we use the ingenious curriculum from Ed Young Ministry.

I had six first and second graders this past Sunday and wow did we have the coolest of cool experiments. It is by far one of the neatest ways to teach children about salvation that I have ever seen. All six were wide eyed and amazed. I hope that they remember this forever, I know that I will. I had goosebumps upon goosebumps sharing it with them. I wanted to share it with all of you. Please, share this with children that you know! It is life changing!

Okay, you need 4 containers. I used 3 small mason jars and one clear vase. Fill one jar and one vase halfway with water. Label the jar with water: "Adam & Eve" and the vase should be labeled "Us." The second jar should be labeled "Sin" and be filled to the halfway point with Iodine. The third jar should be filled to the halfway mark with bleach and be labeled "Jesus." Here are pictures of the jars and vase:








I asked the children who was the first man and woman...they lived in the Garden of Eden? Adam & Eve...right! We talked about how the devil came into the picture in the form of a serpent and tempted Eve to sin. (I ask them if they know what sin is...can they give an example of sin...etc.) This is what happened to their life (which was pure and clean before) when they decided to sin:

(Pour the "sin" into the "Adam and Eve" jar.)

Because they decided to disobey God and sin, this is what their lives look like now:

Their lives are full of sin, not pure and clean anymore. Because we came after Adam and Eve, in essence we are their children, our lives are full of sin too. (Pour the contents from the Adam and Eve jar into the "us" vase).

Our lives are not clean or pure because we sin too. Ask the children what sins they have done before. (One little boy said he sinned because he poked his brother in the eye when his mom told him not to do it, even though his brother deserved it.)


Then we talked about how we want our lives to look like Jesus. We want to be pure and clean, just like Him. Compare the "Us" vase with the "Jesus" jar. They are different. Jesus was without sin.

I reminded them that Jesus is God's Son and that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

We talked about Jesus dying on the cross and that he didn't stay in the grave because He rose again in 3 days. If we admit that we have sinned, believe that He is God's Son and that He died and rose again to save us from our sins, and then if we choose to ask Him to forgive us and be our Savior, then He comes into our hearts, our lives. When Jesus comes into our hearts, we are clean again because we are forgiven. (Pour the contents of the "Jesus" jar into the "us" vase and watch what happens!)

Immediately, there is a visible change and that is how our lives look when we ask Jesus to be our Savior and to forgive us for our sins.

We look pure and clean, just like Jesus!

I have goosebumps all over again, just from looking at these pictures. I talked about the experiment in more detail and they had questions. It was one of those days where you just know that you are right where God wants you to be and you are joining Him in something too incredible for words.

My oldest nephew is still asking questions about becoming a Christian. He is so close!!! I told Mr. Incredible that I wished A had come to church with us. I wanted him to see this. Guess what? They met us for lunch and after lunch, Aunt Kiki got to show him the experiment from the back of her suburban! He was amazed by it too. I keep praying for that glorious day when I can call my little nephew my brother in Christ. We have been praying for this day since the day that He was born.

I hope you enjoyed this awesome visual. I didn't come up with it, but I just knew that I had to share it with all of you. Isn't it the coolest?

Joyfully,

Kristi

Thankful Thursday 10/16/08

I keep singing, "This is the day...this is the day...that the Lord has made...I will rejoice...and be glad in it."

I am taking my last Midterm this morning. It is in Modern Poetry. Poetry is really not my favorite, but I am learning to like it a little. In the spring, my advisor asked me why I had not taken a poetry class. I quipped, that I really didn't care for poetry, so I was saving it for last. He laughed and explained that poetry was his expertise. (Oiy! Insert foot in mouth!) I'm taking his class this semester. He is a wonderful teacher and I am really enjoying his class although it is difficult. I should be finished with his midterm by 11 and I will be thankful!

Speaking of thankful, you know all of my papers, all 5 of them, that so many of you generously prayed for? I made all A's! Thank you Father!

I'm halfway through this semester and I am thankful. It has been tough, but God has been so good.

I'm thankful for the lunch date that Mr. Incredible and I had yesterday. He took me to this romantic place called...are you ready for this....Furrs! I wish that I were kidding. He and I were the youngest couple in there, by far! He was giving me a hard time about balancing my cell phone, Rachel was texting me during her lunch break, and and trying to carry my big purse and my tray so he sweetly offered to get my silverware for me. Bless his heart, he spilled his red fruit punch all over his tray and they had to bring him another entree. On the positive side, the other diners felt more at ease with us after that, because they spilled their food too. Only, no one offered to carry Mr. Incredible's tray. (I'm giggling). We had fun just gazing into each other's eyes over Millionaire Pie (good stuff). Fun moments...at Furr's. And no, we don't go to bed at 7:00. :-)

Rachel and Hannah have both had a great week at school. I'm so thankful for my girls. They are such a blessing!!! The time is going by way too quickly. Only 5 more months until Rachel turns 16, be still my heart!

I better finish studying for my test. Thanks for dropping by today. May God bless you and keep you.

Joyfully,

Kristi

P.S. This is my 100th post! I can't believe it! I'm so thankful for blogging and for all of you that bless me by visiting my blog and for leaving such sweet comments. My cup runneth over with blessings!

Thankful Thursday 10-8-09

Wow! This week is flying by! While I have a few seconds, I thought I would share a few of the many things I am thankful for:

1. Report cards arrived today and both of my girls made straight A's!!! Woo hoo!!! We will celebrate with a movie or a special dinner this weekend.

2. Three of my classes were cancelled this week which allowed me extra time at home to do mom things like paint 6 signs for the Pee Wee cheerleaders. I always enjoy being creative.

3. My parents have been sick but they are both feeling much better. Mr. Incredible is sick too. I'm thankful that he was able to see the doctor today.

4. Tuesday night's pee wee football game was such a blast. My cheerleaders did a fantastic job and Hannah has really stepped up as the leader of the squad. Rachel and I are having fun coaching them. I didn't realize how much I have missed this.

5. My oldest nephew is asking a lot of questions about Jesus and salvation. We have been praying for his salvation since the day that he was born. This is so exciting!

6. A friend at school thought that I was 25! She couldn't believe that I will turn 39 next month. I think she must need glasses! :-) But, it sure made this girl feel good.

7. I LOVE our new children's ministry. One of the little first grade boys looked at me and said, "Mrs. Kristi...I love Elevate!" That was music to my ears. His brother just accepted Christ as his Savior this past Sunday. His mom said, I don't know what you are teaching but my son is listening. He just told his big brother that he was glad He asked Jesus into His heart because now he would have to be nicer to him. I laughed! Our lesson was on the Golden Rule...our motto was "Love God...Love others."

There are so many other things on my list. God blesses us far more than we deserve. I'm so thankful to be His child.

Joyfully,

Kristi

Thankful Thursday: I finished my papers!!

Happy Thankful Thursday to you! I am praising the Lord at the top of my lungs, can you hear me??? I just finished the last of my papers a few minutes ago. My three papers turned into 5 papers this week. I had forgotten about a couple of 2 page papers in light of the 3 longer, more pressing papers. I just have to say that God is sooooooooo good!

My husband really wanted me to go to Chicago with him this week on his business trip but I just knew that I would have no time to enjoy myself. How fun could a computer carrying, book stacked, neurotic over 5 papers, girl be? God knew that my time would be limited so He provided time for me write all 5 papers while Mr. Incredible was away.

I have tried so hard not to impose my studies on my family. So, I wrote between classes, I would jot down notes when a thought would hit me between commuting from home and school, and mostly late at night while the girls slept and then again in the wee hours of the morning.

I may have only had 3 our 4 hours of sleep each night but God certainly blessed this time. I didn't have to worry about inconveniencing Mr. Incredible or waking him up with my crazy writing schedule, I could simply sleep for a few hours, refresh my brain, and go back to writing. I missed him terribly, but I am certainly thankful for uninterrupted writing times.

I turn in the last two of the five papers today and I am so thankful! So many of my fellow students were sick this week. One day I had a girl on my right and on my left who were coughing their heads off. God has protected my health this week and that is much to be thankful for too.

I know this is long, and I am sorry. I'm still in writing mode. God reminded me last night that if I had gone to Chicago, I would have missed out on prime writing times that He planned for me but I would have also missed out on the delightful new girls that are on my Pee Wee cheer leading squad and the joy that they showed. It felt good to get out there with them and move and cheer and shout at the top of my lungs. God knew that Hannah needed her momma to be her coach again this year, even when I was convinced that I didn't have the time, and He knew I needed to get out of the cave (my office) and breath fresh air and get some exercise with the best cheer leading squad that I have ever been privileged to lead.

Oh, God is so good! He knows our needs before we even ask and He takes great delight in showing His children that He is all sufficient and He cares about every detail of our lives, even 5 papers.

I'm off to sleep for the next 3 days, just kidding! I'm headed to school to turn in my papers! Hallelujah! Thank you for all of the sweet prayers and encouraging words this past week!

Joyfully,

Kristi

P.S. For more Thankful Thursdays please visit here.

Thankful Thursday 9/24/08

Happy Thankful Thursday! There are so many things that I am thankful for! I'm thankful for a new day and new opportunities to praise and serve the Lord, and for the love and joy of our family and friends.

In order to keep this list a little shorter today, I still have 3 papers to finish, I thought I would show you a few of our favorite companions that we are thankful for.

This is our Bichon Frize, Tinkerbell.

I'm not so great at the Bichon cut, so we just keep her short. She is so sweet and beautiful and prissy, yet she LOVES to play in the mud!

Now, we have: Rachel's dog Lizzie and Hannah's dog Rocket. Lizzie believes she is in charge...and Rocket lets her be in charge. (Lizzie is a Chihuahua and Rocket is a miniature Australian Shepherd.)

Smile for the camera, Lizzie. Or should I say, "Sonreir para camara, Lizzie."

Okay, Rocket, you too!

They are our sweet companions who love to see us at the end of the day.

What are you thankful for today?

Joyfully,

Kristi

Thankful Thursday-Grace

I'm so thankful for grace! (I've watched Christmas Vacation way too many times, because I just relived that scene where they ask the Aunt to say grace for dinner and she says," Grace? Oh, she died 3 years ago!) I need to focus! I meant to type, I'm thankful for God's grace!

God's grace is unmerited favor with God. It's not deserved, not earned, and it is absolutely incomprehensible to my mortal mind. I shudder to think where my life would be except for His grace! "But by the grace of God I am what I am..." I Corinthians 15:10.

Oh, there is no good in me alone. The only good in me is Jesus Christ Himself who is trying daily to conform my natural self into His image. Some days are more of a struggle then others because I can be stubborn!

He lovingly bestows more than enough grace for the moment and I'm so thankful. I'm not sure that I will ever completely understand the mystery of grace on this side of Heaven but for today, I will bask in His glorious grace and thank Him for blessing me far beyond what I deserve. He is absolutely incredible, all together lovely, all together wonderful...to me...and to you!

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Romans 16:24.

Joyfully,

Kristi

Thankful Thursday 8/28/08

What a week this has been! I'm so thankful that the girls are enjoying their classes, that Hannah hasn't had a bit of trouble with her locker, and that I managed to complete all of my homework assignments for the week. And then there have been a few other moments like my keeping it real post.

I have to admit when I forgot to give Hannah her lunch money, when one of my professors ran 15 minutes late which made me late to pick Hannah up from school today, and when I realized that I have 15 books for 5 English classes, I started to freak out a bit. I've had moments today where the tears wanted to flow but I didn't let them because I simply don't have time for that! (I feel that I need to tell you that I am so thankful to be back in school. I really enjoy school! I'm not having a pity party either, I've got my big girl panties on~as the saying goes.)

I sat at my computer tonight to tell you all about Living Proof Live this weekend. I got to meet Big Mama and Boo Mama at the conference. I even have a picture to show you. But, instead God blessed me with a sweet word of encouragement and reassurance. Isn't that just like Him? Oh, He knows exactly how to get to this heart of mine. I so needed to hear this Word tonight!

He said, " It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.

Yes Lord, one day at a time. It's not my strength but Yours. You have called me here and You will complete the work that you started in me. I will not be consumed because great is Your faithfulness!!!

I'm so thankful for His great mercies. Lamentations 3:23 says they are new every morning. I've had moments this week where I have needed them every hour. Can you relate? You know what? He provided those new mercies. Instead of crying, He brought joy and laughter. (Okay, I'm crying a bit right now, but they are happy tears because I'm just so in awe of Him). When I brought Him failure, He provided a lesson that He is all sufficient. What a great God He is. I'll go anywhere He leads me!

I'm thankful that He is alive and active in me. I'll take weeks like this over complacency and just plain boring any day because He is showing me more of Himself, His power, and His great love. What a privilege to be His child-that is much to be thankful for!

Thankful Thursday 8/21/08

Today, I'm thanking God for our summer...for the special memories...joy and laughter...lazy days...going to movies...trips...adventures in teaching Rachel how to drive...picking up Hannah from basketball camp...hearing about Rachel's first mission trip to Arlington...the decision to stay at our home church...new blogging friends...A+ in Industrial Psychology...back to school shopping...watching the Olympics together...gardening in our vegetable garden...water gun fights...shrimp boils...wii tournaments...guitar hero...sweet memories to last a lifetime!

School supplies and new school clothes have been purchased, which means it's almost that time. Part of me is ready, part of me is not. Time for busy schedules and new adventures with the Lord. I'm thankful that this is my final Fall semester as an undergrad. It's my senior year in college-part of steps of faith in returning to what God called me to do years ago. Rachel begins her sophomore year and Hannah start junior high. Be still my heart!

Oh, there is so much to be thankful for. Father, thank you for the blessing of summer and for special memories with my sweet daughters and husband. Thank you for this season of rest. May we bring you much honor and glory this school year! You alone know what this school year holds. We trust you all the way. You lead and we will follow. I'm so thankful to be called your child. Thank you for the privilege and joy of being a wife and mother. You are so good!