Baseball photos

I have been wanting to post some of the photos since the boys started baseball.  They are both so cute in their uniforms.  If you have some time, you should come out and enjoy a game with us. 

These are from Opening Day!

Finding My Joy (part 2)

I did not take this photo

 I wanted to give you an update on my Joy search.  Oh My Soul...  I feel like a weight has been lifted.  I feel as though I found out some amazing secret that everyone else should know.  I just have to say that I am getting my Joy back and it has been a wonderful week of rejoicing.  

This time of year can be very difficult for me.  Today is the second anniversary of Audrey's passing.  I could be sad and withdrawn.  But instead, I am so full of joy.  The day after I realized what my problem was, I woke up with a song in my heart.  I couldn't help but sing it. 

I still have moments of frustration and hurt.  I still can be cranky and in a mood.  But I feel a peace inside that only God can bring.  

If you are struggling with Joy, my advice is to seek God through His word, through listening to preaching, and through listening to some good uplifting music. 

Here something to get you started: 

1. I have found His grace is all complete,
   He supplieth every need;
   While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
   I am free, yes, free indeed.
   • Refrain:
     It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
     Full of glory, full of glory;
     It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
     Oh, the half has never yet been told.
2. I have found the pleasure I once craved,
   It is joy and peace within;
   What a wondrous blessing, I am saved
   From the awful gulf of sin.
3. I have found that hope so bright and clear,
   Living in the realm of grace;
   Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,
   I can see His smiling face.
4. I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
   How its waves of glory roll;
   It is like a great o’erflowing well,
   Springing up within my soul.

Finding the Joy!

 

I did not take this photo

Habakkuk 3:18 says, "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

And Paul writes, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God," in Act 20:24.

To say the least, I have had a JOY problem lately.  Things just seem so mundane and tedious.  I have seen my joy dwindle away for the past few years.  It is time I get that joy back.  And God is the answer.  When things seem out of sorts and you just don't seem to have the right attitude or feel like things are worth doing, turn to God.  He wants us to be Joy Filled.  He wants us to have joy doing things.  

Sometimes I know I get so busy I don't pay attention to what God has to say about things. I just think about all the things I need to get done. When this is happening on a continual basis, it is time to slow down and remember that God comes first.  He should not have to wait till we are no longer busy.  I know over the past few years, life has gotten so much busier.  Time is going by so quickly and if I don't start having joy in those everyday moments, life is going to pass me by and I will be a grouchy, cantankerous old woman.  

I do not want to be that way.  I want to find joy even when there seems to be none.  Just as Paul writes about his trials and troubles, he still found Joy in the midst of them.  I can do the same.  I know I can because Jesus saved me!  He paid my sin debt.  This world is not my home, I am just passing through.  I can have joy in the midst of my trials.  I can have joy in everyday activities.  I can have joy raising my kids.  

I choose Joy!  It is a choice we all must make.  No matter what I have going on in my life or around me, I can have joy.        

 Psalm 16:11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 

Well, It's been a few weeks.

It has been a few weeks and those weeks have been crazy with Baseball for the boys, doing photo sessions and church stuff.  Also my 30th birthday was 2 weeks ago (thanks for the condolences, but I am doing fine ;).  I have been babysitting and trying to keep up with house work.  It's a busy life.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I wanted to share a photos with you:

 I wanted to share that I got so much love on my birthday.  I was so surprised by the ladies of my church.  My birthday fell on the same night as the ladies Bible study.  They all sang happy birthday and had cards and gifts.  I am so truly blessed.  I love these ladies very much and pray for them often. 

Baseball Life...

In February, we signed both Thomas and James up for Little League Baseball.  It is a huge leap for us since we already have a fairly busy schedule.  We have been wanting to put them into some sort of sport for a few years, but have just been too preoccupied with other things.

It is so cute to see them interact with other kids and their coaches.  I am excited to see what this season holds and how much they grow in the next few months. 

Easter Sunday!

God works in such amazing ways.  Since I am usually in JR Church with Shaun during morning service, I take every opportunity to go to the altar when I am able to be in a church service.  Today was no different.  As I prayed, I always think about anyone in the crowed that day that does not know for sure if Heaven is their home.  As I sat and prayed that God would help me keep my focus on Him and to help me not get wrapped up in this world, a hand was raised, only a little bit above the crowed.  

Service had ended and I saw Pastor speaking to this young persons Dad and then Pastor shot straight over and asked if I could talk with a young lady.  I was so ready!

After talking with her and showing her the Roman's Road, she accepted Jesus as her Saviour!  Praise the Lord.  I am still amazed that God uses old sinners, Especially this one right here.   

Back to Blogging.

I will start with this photo.  I got all this stuff and one other frame (I gave as a gift) for a little over $3.  I love getting good deals and I love when I am able to get things for free.  

I got (2) $10 off $10 or more from Kohls.  I love Kohls, especially when they send out these coupons.  You can usually find some great deals on some cute stuff.  I like to see what I can find for others as well. 

We have been needing some new bath mats for the guest bathroom and we thought these would be nice. I also wanted to get a cute frame for a photo of Johnny.  And then I saw the little stocking for less than $0.40.  And you can never have too many hand towels for the kitchen.  :)  

I really love getting good deals.