I Am A GOODWILL FREAK!!

Ok, my family and friends know that I have become a Goodwill freak...!! I can't help it! I love finding, what I think is, treasure!!

I have not put all my finds on here, but these are some... I put them on here mainly because I tried to send the pictures to my mom through email and it didn't work, so I told her that I would post them on my blog...

I am proud of my finds! I love it!

Tapestry $2.99


Napkin Holders .49 cents each


I needed some pretty water glasses for decorating a table at church and found these glasses... I went on half-price day and got them for .99 cents each!

Bottle

Bottle, Plate, and Box (I don't remember what I paid for each... But, not
more than $2.00...)

My mother-n-law bought the shelves $20


This bottle still had the price tag on... It was $14.99... Goodwill had it for
$6.00, but I went on Half-price day... $3.00!

My pretty rooster... No more than $2.00

This is a planter... It is extremely heavy... I got it for $3.99


Chenille curtains. They were still in their package w/ the price tag for:
$34.99 each... I got them for $1.99 each!


I love this wallet... It is brand new, and I found it still in the box with
the price tag.. The original price tag says $40.00... Goodwill was asking
$20.00 and I went to the half-price day today... $10.00!!

Pretty beaded lamp... $3.99


Gold charger: $1.99 each... Went to Half-price day and got
them for .99 cents each!

Blue bottles... The biggest one still had price tag on it for $9.99.
I paid $1.99 and the rest were less than that...



Chest: I think I paid $4.99


Red Bottles: Large: $1.99 Small: .99cents


Ok: I wanted to change out our bedding, and found the bedding that I
wanted at Target... It had all this stuff that you needed to buy
separate.. So, I left and prayed about it... The pillow in the middle was
$24.99 and the others were $19.00... Anyway, on the way home I decided
to stop by Goodwill... The targets around here send their damaged stuff, or
stuff that is out of season to the Goodwills... I found the middle pillow and one
on the right for $4.99 each (new!) So, I went back and got the rest of the
stuff! I saved $35.00!

Oh and I got the gold pillow shams from there for $1.99 each!

I can't help myself! I love to save money! It is almost like a challenge to me! I would still do this even if money was no object!

I AM A Christian...

By Maya Angelou
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering "I was lost.
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak.
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed.
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches.
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

I HATE FEAR!!!

Ok, I said that I was going to be transparent in this whole process of writing a blog, so that is what I am going to do...

The other morning my neighbor and I were having our usual counseling session... :) We get together most mornings and share our lives and what is going on... Anyway, I was telling her about how I have been struggling with fear soooo bad lately... I have struggled with fear the better part of the last 10 years, but it has just been really bad lately... She acted surprised... She said that I carry myself like I am confident! Now I was shocked!!! Because I am pretty much afraid of everything... I just do it afraid...

It is funny... I shared my testimony in front of 60 women, and had the same amount of fear when we had a couple over for dinner the next night.. I know... It is weird... I wish I could explain it.... Their is always this initial fear before doing something...

There are some positive things that have come out of this "struggle with fear." (Because, what the enemy meant for bad, God has used for good...)

- I definatly have more compassion for others who struggle in this way...

- I have to humble myself and ask for help, when I would rather not...

- I have to be transparent, when I would rather not...

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I LOVE HOW THE LORD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH A SONG

I was sitting here fretting over having to speak in front of a group of people... I do not like to speak in front of people... I was asked one time to do an announcement at church and I asked the lady if they had ever had anyone throw up or have diarrhea, because I might be the first... I do not know if I could be any plainer(?) about how I feel about it... :)

Anyway - I had radio coming in through my TV and these two songs came on while I was sending out a prayer request through email...

I am so thankful for music and how the Lord speaks to me through it... The words to these songs are awesome... I pray for strength and may it be my Lord and Savior that shines through...

Living Dangerously in the Hands of God


How easy Jesus is forgotten amid the comfort of our lives;
Our flames become a flicker and faith a brilliant disguise;
Our Sundays become a holiday they're an empty exercise,
And the cost of real devotion seems so foreign to our lives.
Oh, Oh to gladly risk it all;
Oh, Oh to be faithful to His call;
Abandoned to grace and anchored in His love,
Living dangerously in the hands of God.
Our Lord He is a hiding place His Word is strong and sure;
Though the storms may reach around me in His love I stand secure;
So let me live like I believe it, and though my faith is prone to fail,
Though I cower under trials by His grace I shall prevail.
Oh, Oh to gladly risk it all;
Oh, Oh to be faithful to His call;
Abandoned to grace and anchored in His love,
Living dangerously in the hands of God.
There's safety in complacency;
But God is calling us out of our comfort zone
Into a life of complete surrender to the cross.
To live dangerously is not to live recklessly,
But to live righteously.
And it is because of His radical grace for us
That we can risk living a life of radical obedience to Him
You've got to walk on,
For the Lord He walks with us;
You've got to walk on,
Though it costs you everything.
You've got to pray on,

"For the eyes of the Lord moved to and froThrough out the earth that He may strongly support those Whose hearts are completely His." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Oh, Oh to gladly risk it all;
Oh, Oh to be faithful to His call;
Abandoned to grace and anchored in His love,
Living dangerously,
Are you living dangerously,
Yes, we ought to be
Living dangerously in the hands of God.

(By Steve Camp)


You Are Not Alone

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone but you found me where I was hiding and now
I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name saying
You're not alone for I am here let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night and
I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life
You cry yourself to sleep cause the hurt is real and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend and everyone else long gone
You've had to face the music on your own but there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying You're not alone for I am here let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All your life Faithful and true...
Forever For my love will carry you....
You're not alone for I... I am here let me wipe away every fear...
Oh yeah My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest night
Your darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life All of your life

(By Meredith Andrews)

Running

I am so excited! A friend and I were talking after breakfast yesterday, and started talking about running... I told her that I love to run! She told me that she has run in a marathon! (WOW!) I told her that I have always wanted to... But I do not know where to begin... (When I run, I run/walk..) I walk for a little while then run and repeat..

Anyway - she suggested the Thanksgiving Day 5K Run... So.... I am scared, but I am going to do it! Lord willing and by HIS GRACE!

I know it probably does not sound scary to most, but I have never run 3miles!

I told Steve yesterday that I really did not know if I could even run a mile...

So, I got up this morning, prayed before I went out the door and took off... I JOGGED A MILE OR MORE! I could not believe it! I know it sounds funny, but I did not know that I could!

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me - Philippians 4:13

It makes me wonder what else I can do... I had a friend tell me in an e-mail this morning to: "DREAM BIG"... And I think that is how I am going to start living!

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Dream Big!

Tracy

Forgiven And Loved: By Jimmy Needham

Tell me I’m forgiven and free

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation

But I bought the lie I still have work to do

Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation

But there is no condemnation in You

O whisper to me now that it’s for real

‘Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal

Dirty deeds have done me in

O but that can’t stop the faithful friend

Giving mercy once again as You heal

Here it is I’m feeling it

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation

But I bought the lie I still have work to do

Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation

But there is no condemnation in You

O He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation

And His blood commands my guilt to leave

Now on Calvary I stand

Empty pockets, open hands

O there is no condemnation for me

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation

But I bought the lie I still have work to do

Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation

But there is no condemnation in You

Child, you’re forgiven and loved

Child, you’re forgiven and loved

Child, you’re forgiven

And child, you are loved

Child, you’re forgiven and loved

A Breath or Two

A Breath Or Two By Jimmy Needham

I think it’s terminal, this terminal I’m waiting in

Could use a change of scene, it seems

I’ve been repeating it

Another day, another plane, another same thing

Yesterday became tomorrow that’s the strange thing

Another string, another strum, another rhyme, another hum

I want to breathe in

I want to breathe in and out again

I’m tired of putting one foot in front of the other

I’m weary of where it leads me to

I’m tired of moving on from my Father

Make me rest my head, take a breath or two

Simply stated simple minded love for You

Has simply been completely complicated

And I’m finding this daily drudgery is finally catching up to me

It’s time for this abandon to make much of You and less of me

I want to breathe in

I want to breathe in and out again

I’m tired of putting one foot in front of the other

I’m weary of where it leads me to

I’m tired of moving on from my Father

Make me rest my head, take a breath or two

O for a slower pace

Moving at the speed of sound sounds like a race to me

O to be at ease

Moving at the speed of sound gets hard on the knees

I’m tired of putting one foot in front of the other

I’m weary of where it leads me to

I’m tired of moving on from my Father

Make me rest my head, take a breath or two

Daily Devotional

What’s Left?
Micca Monda Campbell

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Devotion:
Times are tough. People everywhere are losing their jobs, their homes, and their hope. If it has happened to you, then you know how devastating loss can be. You know what it feels like to be at the mercy of a job interviewer, or enslaved to a credit lender. It can leave us feeling less than.

Most of us seek identity in our jobs, dreams, talents, or peers. The people we love, the things we own, and the job we do often defines who we are. When we lose those things, we feel as though we have lost our identity. After that, what else is left?

The good news is—there is more left than we realize. This was true for Daniel after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The king ordered for some royal family Israelites to be taken into captivity. The order specified those who were attractive, smart, healthy, and who would make good servants to the king. Daniel was among them. They were also told what to eat and what to drink.

I imagine most the captives were distraught by all they had lost. They had been taken from their home, their land, and their people. But Daniel and his friends responded differently than most. They chose not to look at what they had lost but rather what they still had left.

Daniel had faith. He knew that the true King was large and in charge. Nebuchadnezzar may have been king of Babylon , but God was the King of Daniel.

Trusting God to work on his behalf, Daniel asked that he not have to defile himself by eating the king’s food. Despite the official’s hesitation, he granted Daniel’s request due to God’s favor.

As children of God, we do not have to lose heart or succumb to the world’s ways either. No matter what kind of situation we are placed in, God can make the impossible possible. The Lord also gave knowledge and understanding to Daniel along with his three friends. This caught the king’s attention. No one else in the kingdom could compare to these four. So, they entered the king’s service without violating their faith and remained there until a new king took the throne.

Unfortunately, everyone experiences times of loss—a job, a friendship, a dream. Even so, our worth and identity are not found in these things. Nor is it found in our failures or losses. Your value and mine is in God and the amount of faith we have in Him.

When we find ourselves in our own Babylons, let’s not look at what we’ve lost but at what we have left—our faith! It may be shaken but it can’t be taken. Faith, like Daniel’s, provides hope in a God who is large and in charge over every authority. That, my friend, is no loss. That is great gain.

Dear Lord, My focus has been on my circumstances instead of on You. Today, I chose to put my trust in You. I believe that You are aware of my situation and are working on my behalf. Fill my soul with peace and help me to rest in Your care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

MY NEW THEME SONG!!!!

I WILL NOT BE MOVED

by Natalie Grant

I have been a wayward child

I have acted out

I have questioned Sovereignty

And had my share of doubt

And though sometimes my prayers feel like

They're bouncing off the sky

The hand I hold won't let me go

And is the reason why

I will stumble

I will fall down

But I will not be moved

I will make mistakes

I will face heartache

But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart Many times before

My life has been like broken glass

And I have kept the score

Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed

That i was too far gone

My brokenness helped me to see

It's grace I'm standing on

I will stumble

I will fall down

But I will not be moved

I will make mistakes

I will face heartache

But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

I will not be moved

All the chaos in my life

Has been a badge of war

And though I have been torn

I will not be moved

I will not be moved

I will not be moved

No

I will make mistakes

I will face heartache

But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

I will not be moved

No

Daily Devotion

The Blessing of Giving
Wendy Pope

“In everything I did, I showed that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said,
"It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Devotion:
Giving is not always easy for me, is it for you? These ancient words from Acts are very difficult for this mind to comprehend. How can I be more blessed when I give than when I get? I am a girl, and in all honesty, I love to get stuff.

I must confess when God calls me to give; I don't feel like I am being blessed. Perhaps you have had similar experiences. The Lord prompts you to prepare a meal for a family who has been struck with an illness and after a long day at work, you are barely able to get yourself together enough to prepare a meal for your own family. Or maybe when you are physically exhausted and put out with your kids, He nudges you to go get your friend's children because she needs a break. No matter what the situation, when God calls us to give, we must obey and though it doesn't seem like something we want to do at the time, we come out on the other side of obedience being blessed. I can't explain exactly how it works, I just know that it does.

The Lord tells us through the prophet Isaiah that His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. In other words, He knows better. He sees the big picture. He has the master plan written and the only thing we need to be concerned with is doing what He asks of us, without compliant.

The meal He asks you to fix may interrupt or inconvenience your plan. You may want to question His reasoning when the Holy Spirit nudges you to take your rude co-worker out to lunch. You may be baffled by His suggestion to teach your child's Sunday School class so the regular teacher can have a break. Whatever our thought process may be at time, the bottom line is this: our decision whether we think it does or not, has eternal meaning. It means something to our eternity and to the person we are to give something to, or do something for.

Without Jesus in my heart, I would not have the ability to give to others. Basically, I am a selfish person. I remember reading today's key verse wondering, "What kind of blessing will I get for doing for others? Will it be money, a new car, or a finer home?" I am ashamed of those thoughts but they came from an infant Christian who did not understand the blessing one receives is a closer and more intimate walk with the greatest Giver who ever lived. I thankfully receive that blessing now.

Are you currently receiving blessings by being the giver that the Lord wants you to be?

Dear Lord, I need You to help me be the giver I should be. It is hard for me but Your Word says nothing is impossible for You. So Lord, will You please help me. Will you allow me to see the fruit of my obedience? I can't wait to receive and enjoy my blessing for giving: a closer walk with You. Thank You for every blessing You give me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

JOY= Jesus, Others, then You....

"Give up the bitterness, the anger, the sadness

for what isn't, that you wish you had. And embrace the gift of what you do have.
For therein

is really what you want more of:

Joy."

~Elizabeth Elliot

To the Women the Lord has Placed in my Life!

I have been thinking about how blessed I am to have the women I do in my life... I am so thankful that the Lord does not make us walk this journey alone.... He has crossed my path with so many amazing women... Lord, I don't deserve it, but I am SO THANKFUL!!

I found this poem online... I love what it says! AND I love y'all!

My Special Treasure

Author: Julie Carro

God gave a special treasure, to cherish in our hearts.

Not made of gold or silver, yet it lights up every part.

More precious than a diamond, its beauty can't compare.

To the joy of friendship, and the special times we share.

Each and every friendship is so priceless and unique.

It is comfort when we're lonely, and strength when we are weak.

It lends a loving shoulder, to lean our heads upon.

Through every joy and trial, it grows a stronger bond.

A gift of grace, bestowed upon us, by our loving God above.

To help us walk in unity, and be vessels of His Love.

Friendship is a blessing to join our hearts as One.

Helping out each other, to the glory of His Son.

So I take this special day to reflect upon the past.

My heart is filled with gratitude for friendships that will last.

To each and every one of you...

I wish that you could know, What words upon this paper can never truly show...

A heart that is so special, its warmth can flood a room,

To take away another's pain, and end a day of gloom.

Arms that wrap around us, in a hug that says I care.

Smiles that brighten up our days, because we choose to share.

My friend, you are a priceless gem, a special gift to me.

Your prayers, your love, your kindness, in my heart will always be.

So on this special day, in celebration of true love.

I want to thank you for your friendship, you are my treasure from Above!

A friend loveth at all times...Proverbs 17:17

The Mother I Want to Be
Glynnis Whitwer

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV)

Devotion:
I should have responded better. Patience and kindness would have been a more appropriate response than the unjustified annoyance that laced my tone of voice. In a regrettable moment of anger, I spoke words that left my son sad, and me wishing I could press the rewind button and keep my mouth zipped.

Unfortunately, I often respond better to the bigger challenges of parenting than the everyday frustrations. If you were a fly on my kitchen wall for a one day, you would wonder why a minor event sparked an annoyed response on my part. If your house is like mine, the answer is because that minor event actually happens frequently. Hence, I fall into the “If-I’ve-told-you-once-I’ve-told-you-a-thousand-times” trap of thinking, which doesn’t lend itself to much mercy.

When my patience wears thin, I find myself strikingly similar to the person spoken about in Ecclesiastes 7:9: a fool with a lap of anger. Unfortunately, when that lap is full, it only takes the slightest spark for frustration and anger to spill over onto some unsuspecting victims.
I know God is calling me to deal with this anger in a healthy and godly way. When my spirit is provoked, my first response should be to hold my tongue. While that doesn’t deal with the heart issue, it does keep me from speaking hurtful words that can never be withdrawn. But I can’t leave it there. I must address ongoing parental frustration as a spiritual issue and bring my concerns to God in prayer. I find that as I honestly confess my sin, the door is opened for God to bring His healing peace into my heart.

Anger over injustice is good. Anger over childish behavior isn’t. When I don’t confess my inappropriate anger to God, it just starts building up, making me a fool with a full lap. I’m so glad God offers me forgiveness when I mess up, and puts me back on the path of developing a sweet spirit of patience and gentleness within me. That’s the kind of mother I want to be.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me in spite of my weaknesses. Thank You for providing a way for me to deal with anger, and to become the kind and gentle woman we both want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sound The Alarm

Isaiah 43:8-13

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.

9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of them foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, "It is true."
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me.
11 I, even I, Am the LORD, and apart from Me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I Am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I Am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?"

BACK TO SCHOOL

YAY! IT IS BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!!!! Drakester and his friends were ready to go! It was a little chilly this morning...

It was a little weird with the house being so quiet, BUT I GOT OVER IT!

They had a great first day! Thank You Lord!

Wilderness

I found this excerpt online about being in a "spiritual wilderness"... (nothing increases your strength and your character like the wilderness does. That's why the launching pad for Jesus' public ministry was 40 days in the wilderness...

You may be asking, "What's wrong?" God's answer may very well be, "Nothing's wrong! Something's right!" He believes in you, He wants to build a warrior out of you, He wants to bless you more, use you more, make you more like His Son Jesus, but that will take the heat and the hurt and the stress of the wilderness!)

I have been in the wilderness before... I know that it is necessary, but sometimes I still cry about it... I know that the Lord is working things out in me, that I can't do myself... But, it can be scary sometimes... In this particular wilderness, I feel very alone... I am not even sure who I can talk to... In the past there was always someone I could talk to about it... Right now I feel like the Lord just wants me to seek HIM...

I miss Trent...

SONG: Praise You in the Storm

I was sure by now God, You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say Amen, And it's still raining

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain I'm with you

And as Your mercy falls I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to You

And raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain I'm with you

And as Your mercy falls

I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

Song of Solomon 8:5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?

LOVE

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a sounding piece of brass or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophesying and am acquainted with all the sacred secrets and all knowledge,and if I have all the faith so as to transplant mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my belongings to feed others,and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all. Love is long-suffering and kind.Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury.It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ...Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.--1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13