A living testimony

One of my 2009 goals is to read through the whole Bible with this bible reading track program I found. I decided to start tonight and had some heavy reading (Sunday-Tuesday)but felt good that I started. Once I got to Tuesday's reading it was Joshua Chapters 1-5.

Chapter 3-4 is when God gives directions for crossing the Jordan and divides the Jordan river so that the Ark of the Covenant and the Israelites may pass through. Once everyone passed over safely, God instructs Joshua to take 12 men and get 12 stones to serve as a memorial for when the the Jordan river was parted.

This would serve not only as a memorial but a testimony of God so that all the people of the earth might know the hand of God. The Lord had me stop and ponder about the 12 stones and I couldn't get the word testimony out of my spirit. It just kept sticking out like a bright highlighter. The Lord then reminded me of why we experience or go through different emotions, situations, circumstances, ups, downs, trials, hardships, victories, etc......So that we may share with others our testimony of God's hand in it all...of God's goodness, His mercies, His grace, His GLORY, His LOVE and kindess.

I just felt encougaged to be mindful of the importance of our testimonies. Some day there will be someone who crosses our path that needs to hear what we've been through, what the Lord has done for us. Our hurts could be someone's healings. Our past deliverances could open the door for a person to come to know the Lord and become free from bondage. God doesn't give us stuff so that we may be selfish and keep it for ourselves. Trust me He's dealt with me about hoarding all the words/revelations He gives me. They aren't meant to sit on a shelf and collect dust.

I just felt encouraged to encourage others to not hold back if God gives you something to say to someone, or an opportunity to share something that He's done for you. YOu have 12 stones deep within your spirit. I'm not talking about literal stones, I'm talking about a touch of God's hand on your life that has changed you.

We are a living testimony. Walk it out.

Just a typical photo opp

I guess you could say that's just how we roll.

This would make a great birthday present

January 17th.
Yes please
and thank you

21 Days of Engagement

Our church (Morningstar Ministries in Winston Salem) will be doing a 21 Days of Engagement with The Lord. Basically this means that we will be dedicating the first 21 days of January to the Lord by going through a spirit, body, and soul engagement with Him.

There is a journal that outlines each week then breaks apart further into days and what you need to be doing/focusing on that day. As our pastor says it's more of a preferment. I'm choosing to prefer God rather than food, or the internet, etc.

I am really looking forward to this engagement period and cannot wait to see what the Lord will reveal through the first 21 days of January.

Sock Monkey

I saw these at Target before Christmas and I have secretely wanted one.
Maybe for my birthday

Merry Christmas

Christmas eve at my parents house

Stuck

I'm not one to admit my lacking of creative ideas.
However, this go round trying to come up with something "clever" to handmake the fiance is harder. I've done it up big in years past that now I'm running slap out of ideas.
I've drawn him a picture the Lord gave me for him when we first starting doing Christmas together
I've made him altered books, tag books, picture frames, I painted him an amazing picture on canvas last year with a poem attached to the back (I think I outdid myself last year).

Hopefully the Lord will drop something down into my Spirit because we exchange tomorrow! EEEK. If you have any ideas shoot them this way.

I cannot believe tomorrow is CHRISTmas eve. I'm still trying to accomplish my goal of reading 30 books but I bought a Francine Rivers book entitled REDEEMING LOVE (the story of Hosea) and it's like 3 to 400 pages long.

Christmas Party

Christmas party festivities from Cities and the Lancaster house

goals from 08

One of my 2008 goals was to read 30 books.
I think I am close to 20.
I don't have much time to fit 10 more books in but I'm determined to try.
What's great is that since I'm out of school for 2 weeks I can sit back and curl up with a book and not feel bad about it.
Wish me luck.

Shiloh Pepin

is my new favorite kid.
If you watched the special about her last night on TLC you know what I'm talking about.

I'm in LOVE

..and it's one of the most beautiful things God has created. How lucky am I to be blessed with such an angel??

Wrapping presents..

So I have been buying Christmas gifts but haven't been motivated to wrap them. So it took me a good portion of yesterday (like hours) and this morning to finish wrapping the 30-35 gifts that had been sitting in my bedroom floor. I am still not finished with my shopping BUT I'm almost there.!

I think I could write a book

.....about what NOT to do/say/think/feel when it's that 'time of the month". I think I could gather some collaborative authors to help me co write it.

i think it would sell great.
Best seller actually.

This Christmas I'd like to go find all the cool Christmas light attractions (other than dear Tanglewood) and hit them up. (including neighborhoods)
I love Christmas lights.


Off to school I go for mandatory PTA. It's the Christmas program.

Back from the internet dead

I am finally settled and moved in.
I finally have cable and internet (after going 5 days without it)
I have the Christmas tree up and David put up the lights outside.
Now all I have to do is get my shopping done.

I made a list of things I was thankful for as I sat in the new house with just the radio, Josiah, and Jesus so I decided to post it once I got a chance.
A little late

Things I am Thankful for

My mother and father and their constant love and support
Family (grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles) even though I don’t get to see them often
My relationship with Jesus Christ and how it continues to grow and deepen
God and His unconditional love and mercies that are new every morning.
The Holy Spirit and discernment and promptings
David Anthony Hawk –my future. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today or where I am in life if it wasn’t for him
My Friends: from the besties to the basics they all have played a major impact on my life and continue to do so today
Ibraham Elementary School and the kids inside room 32. They teach me a lot about life, education, love, and myself.
God’s plans and timing: and how He worked out me moving out of the apartment and into the house just as the lease ran up. Praise the Lord
Josiah because he is like my “doggie son” and keeps me company and I just LOVE him
Art –the ability to make it and enjoying it
My dad’s photography and the engagement pictures he took for David and I
Theknot.com because it is VERY helpful for wedding planning
My future in laws because they are like my second family and help to hold me spiritually upright
THE WELL and the freedom to press into the things of God
Photography and people who are into photography
Being able to hear, see, feel, smell, touch, walk, talk, breathe, and live out my day to day walk healthy and whole
David’s creativity and thoughtfulness and how he proposed to me
My blogger and tumblr and the outlet to express my thoughts and feelings
Being delivered of past dependencies, addictions, and sinful chains and bonds.
Holidays and all breaks and related days off from schoolJ
Opportunities to sleep in late
LOVE and the ability to feel it and receive it as well as give it out to others