Psalm 107

He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror.

365: April 26, 2015

God has been so kind to place two sweet and dear friends in my life, Jessi  Hunt and Jenni Dowling.  It all started rather simply. While working in Children’s Ministry about 11 years ago, there was this sweet young lady named Jessi Hunt, who would always pick up her brothers after the service. There was always a smile on her face, and a “Hi, Mrs. Brown” as she came to the door. I had heard rumors of this family with seven children, who all played the violin, Irish danced and their names all began with “J”.  We would chat for a little while about their upcoming adventures, playing at Busch Gardens, Music Camp, touring and the Tony Danza show.  No matter what the conversation was it would always point back to God’s goodness.

As the years passed our lives would intertwine through basketball, music camps, music lessons, and 316. While on their tour in 2010, we would Facebook chat, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning. I loved and treasured every opportunity to talk to Jessi and Jenni over the years. Their love for Christ and his people poured out of them. Conversations always brought encouragement on the faithfulness of God.

Jessi and Jenni have prayed for me and encouraged me during the darkest days of spiritual depression, and constant doubt over my salvation. They have been faithful to pray for my children when there has been spiritual dryness in their lives or when they are suffering. We have prayed together that God would make himself known to our youth group and church. We have prayed for the Spirit to pour himself out onto our families, our church and our teens. They have prayed over me for healing not only physically but healing in my anger over my father leaving when I was a young girl and how that anger was affecting my home and my relationship with God. 

And just recently they have been faithful friends who have upheld my children and myself in prayer during one of the most trying times of our lives. God was so kind to use them at the perfect time to send a text with a prayer, words of encouragement or scripture and I’m thankful for their willingness to just drop by. I know no matter what they are always a text a way and that they will pray and do battle for us.

I have learned so much from these two beautiful young ladies. They have shown me what the faith of a mustard seed can do. They have shown me and taught me about faith and the power of prayer. And they have encouraged me in the Word when I have been unable to read the Word on my own.  My life has been richly blessed by having them in my life.

Jessi and Jenni, I want to thank you for your love, support and friendship.  Thank you for taking initiative with me and my children and for not being afraid to make this older lady your friend.

To quote 1 Thessalonians 1:2 I thank God for you and continually mention you in my prayers.

365: March 15-19, 2015 "Will you trust me?"

As I sit here uploading last week's pictures, I come to the realization that I have not taken one picture this week. I've thought about it, even said to myself, oh I should capture this or that, but by the end of the day another day has passed without me taking a picture.

I was so excited to start my 365 project again. I sat and scribbled typed all the things I could capture this year. *sigh* There has been some major upheaval in our lives. These past two months have been a blur and the kids and I are on auto pilot.  It is difficult to capture life around you when the life you knew seems to have disappeared.

Do you know the song, All I Have is Christ? I have sung that song many, many times. I love this song and the lyrics. The lyrics that stick out to me the most are in verse 3...

VERSE 3

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You

I was always afraid to pray that verse. I have sung it over and over again, but every time I came to the part of using my life in any way the Father chose I would send a little prayer up, but don't really God. When we sang that song on January 18, I knew I needed to pray that prayer. And I told my Father, Yes Lord, use my life in any way you chose to bring my children 100% into your arms. Right after singing this prayer I made a video testimony of a dear lady at church who time and time again through trial after trial heard God ask her, "Will you trust me?" and time and time again she responded, "Yes Lord, I will trust you." As I listened to her testimony I was amazed how she continued to trust and how God continued to bless her and prove his love to her over and over again. As she spoke I told God, "I don't know if I could ever be like her. I don't have that much faith God."

Not more than a week later I heard God asking me those very same words, "Will you trust me?" and to my surprise I replied, "Yes, Lord, I will trust you."

God has proven himself faithful again and again and again. Even when it seems everything we know to be true has turned upside down, God has remained constant. He was shown his love and care through our tears and sorrow. He has shown us that he grieves with us and comforts us. Over and over He has sent a word of comfort through a friend, my mom, the current sermon series at our church, and even with the pages of His book falling open to the perfect chapter and verse.


I know that even through the suffering of this present time that God will work all things to his glory and for our good. I look forward to the day when we will look back and see how God used this time to draw us closer to Him. Until then, I will cling to His right hand knowing He will uphold us through the storm.  Yes Lord, I will trust you.

Pinterest, Parties and Your Precious Little Ones

I was talking to my friend the other day, she has three boys 6 and under (and one on the way...please be a little girl). I admire her so much because she is such a great mom. I tease her sometimes about her lack of social media and texting but that is the thing I most admire about her. You won't see her spending hours on Facebook, Instagram, blogs, or Pinterest. Why? Because she is spending time with her boys. They are playing outside, reading, running to basketball or soccer games or spending time with friends. 

We were taking about birthday parties, all three were born in the summer within about 6 weeks of each other and she was debating one birthday party for all this year. As she asked what I did when my kids were little, we quickly noticed how much things have changed. She was saying how birthdays are starting young with friends, their siblings and full families, bouncy houses, Pinterest worthy snacks, food and decorations.

If you are a mom who does and enjoys those things more power to you. But to those moms who are overwhelmed at the thought that your child's birthday won't find its way on Pinterest this is for you. 

First, take control of the outcome by offering choices. If you know your child is into super heroes, cars and sports offer having a party in one of those themes. 

Second, limit the number of guests. I think my sister gave me this advice, when they are five they can invite 5 friends, turning ten, ten friends. We did this until they were teens and it worked out great. It kept me from being overwhelmed with 20 five year olds plus all of their siblings. 

Third, KISS, keep it simple stupid. If you can buy toys to go on the cake as decoration do it! For super hero parties we had Spider-Man on a building cake. Star Wars: Obi won was fighting Jango Fett on the planet Geonosis. Horse party: a horse running in a meadow. Quick, easy and a present too!

Fourth, if you can afford to hire your babysitter or you are fortunate to have teens involved in your life, ask them to give you a hand. They are great at corralling, serving, and keeping the games rolling during the party.

Last, remember your child isn't going to remember all the tiny Pinterest details that you stayed up until 2am making (which unfortunately brought out ugly mommy the next morning), they are going to remember their friends, and the fun they had. They would rather have you enjoying your time with them than hiding in the kitchen adding individual petals to their flower garden cupcakes.