An Interview with Grandad Owens-Part 3

8. When did you come to know the Lord?
I was raised in a Methodist church.  I came to know the Lord when I was 12 through the influence of a Sunday School teacher and my mother.  I was not immersed in baptism, though, until I joined a Baptist church with your grandmother in Gonzalez, Texas.

9. Overview of Life
I joined the service at the end of my junior year in college.  I was part of the Air Force Band and was stationed in Waco, Texas  for 3 years, 1942-1945.  My best friend, Leon, was in the Air Force with me.  We never got split up during our time in the service.  After I completed my time in the service, I went back to LSU and finished my senior year.  Around 1943 or 1944, your grandmother finished college at Eastman and began her first teaching job.  Her first job was in Port Arthur, Texas, and she was paid $1200 a year.  

When I finished my degree at LSU, we began looking for places to study for our masters degrees.  We looked into North Texas University but decided not to go there because they did not offer fellowships to married couples.  We ended up going to Baylor because they did offer the fellowships for married couples.  I began teaching as a Assistant Band Director and Mae taught some method classes. 

 In 1948, we finished our masters degrees and then moved to Gonzalez.  We were in Gonzalez from 1948-1952.  Your dad was born in 1950.  During our time there, I taught band and your grandmother taught choir and orchestra.  We moved to Marshall in 1952 and were there until 1960.  Barry and Tim were born here.  During this time, Mae stayed home with the boys. 

 In 1960, we moved to Amarillo and I began teaching band and orchestra at Sam Houston School.  Mae and I also played in The Amarillo Symphony.  We lived in Amarillo until 1967 and then got an offer to start teaching at some summer music camps.  Through our connections at these music camps, we were offered positions to teach at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX.  I taught there until 1981 and Mae taught there until 1979.  She played in a Faculty String Quartet during her time there.  During our time in Abilene, we left the Baptist church we were attending because we were hungry for the Word, so we started attending Abilene Bible Church.  We got involved in Bible Memory Association and we all started memorizing Scripture verses each week.  The boys memorized verses according to their ages and then a man would come over and listen to us recite our verses.  The Lord used that to instill the Word in us.  While living in Abilene, we began teaching at Interlochen, a music camp in Michigan, during the summers.  In 1981, I moved into full time church ministry at a little church in Abilene.  I was the music and education minister.  

In 1983, we moved back to Amarillo and I started working at Temple Baptist as their education pastor.  I would lead and coordinate Bible studies.  I resigned from there in 1988.  In 1988, I became the part-time education pastor at Trinity Baptist Church.  I did that for about 2-3 years.  Mae and I also got involved in children's work, where we would do backyard Bible clubs through Child Evangelism Fellowship.  Mae was very involved.  She did most of the teaching.  We would hold these clubs in apartment complexes around the city.  

Part 4 coming soon!

An Interview with Grandad Owens-Part 2

5. How did you meet Grandmom Owens?

I was good friends with Grandmom's brother, Leon.  We met in second grade and Mae was 2-3 years younger.  All growing up, I didn't pay much attention to Mae; I just played with Leon.  As we got older, Leon and I started playing trumpet duets and Mae played the piano for us.  We played these duets in churches, but it was not religious music at all.  It was polkas and fun music that we played for their special music.  When I became interested in Mae, it was very hard to ask her out because we had grown up together.  We never single dated.  We always dated in groups, 3-4 couples.  There was so much accountability-not like today where everyone single dates all the time.  We used to go to a root beer place a lot.  We would order one huge root beer and all put straws in it and it was gone quick!  We didn't think anything about it.  It was all fun.

6. Tell me about your proposal to Grandmom.

Mae was home from Eastman on a break and I was in the service, stationed in Waco.  Your Grandmom lived in Franksten.  I hitchhiked back to Franksten and asked her to marry me.  

7. When and where did you get married?

Mae and I married on July 14, 1945 at First Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas.  We have no pictures from our wedding because everything was rationed out due to the war and photographers were very scarce.  We went to New Orleans on our honeymoon.  We borrowed my dad's 1940 Ford and drove to Shreveport, Lousiana and stayed there the first night.  It cost $8.50 to stay in a hotel that night.  We then continued on to New Orleans the next day.  On the drive down, we used stamps for gasoline instead of money.  

Just as a side note, while I was visiting, I found one of my grandmother's old Bibles and in it, I found  letter she had written to my grandfather on Father's Day in 1988.  To capture the love they felt for each other, I thought I would share a quote by Helen Steiner Rice that was included in the letter.

"For love is unselfish, giving more than it takes, and no matter what happens love never forsakes. It's trustful and faithful and always believing, guileless and honest and never deceiving...Yes, love is beyond what man can define, for love is immortal and God's Gift is Divine!

My grandparents were married 54 years before my grandmother went to be with Jesus.

Part 3 coming soon!!

An Interview with Grandad Owens-Part 1

On September 19, 2012, I had the opportunity to sit down with my Grandad, Bill Owens, who is 90 years old and talk to him about his life.  Our discussion ranged from childhood memories, life's journeys through jobs, kids, and ministry, to favorite Bible passages, marriage, and parenting.  It was a wonderful time of learning more about my grandparents' lives and I am excited to be able to share what I learned.

1.  What are your favorite Scripture passages?
Isaiah 41:10-Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Proverbs 3:5-6-Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
I John 5:11-12-And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Matthew 6:33-But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Ephesians 2:8-9-For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
John 16:24-Until now you have asked nothing in my name.  Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 

2.  What is your favorite book of the Bible?  Why?  
Ephesians because of the promises in it.

3.  What are some fun childhood memories?
I was in a trumpet quartet and I took lessons from my band director.  The four of us boys were the band director's "pets."  We spent every Saturday practicing at his house and then we would hit the swimming hole for some fun afterwards.  I never knew any different than spending all day Saturday practicing and hanging out with my friends.  

Another memory was the Texas State Fair in 1936 in Dallas.  The trumpet quartet played 4-5 different shows and we were able to spend all day at the fair.  We ended the day playing at the "Streets of Paris," an open air theater with streets coming off of it like spokes of a wheel.  Some of the songs we played for our shows included, "The World's Waiting for the Sunrise" and "Roses of Pickerdee."  The songs we played were corny, but people enjoyed it.  We were not allowed to go down the streets coming off the open air theater because of inappropriate things going on.  

4.  Did you play any sports?
Yes, I played tennis.  My best friend Leon played also.  Every afternoon, I would play tennis.  At one point, I had a girlfriend named Virginia Andrews who played the C melody saxophone.  It was a huge saxophone and not many people played it.  Each afternoon, I would carry it home for her, then go home, get my bike, and go play tennis.  I went on to play tennis at LSU; however, I couldn't play until my sophomore year.  Freshman were not allowed to play.  

Stay tuned for more of the interview in a later post:)

"Praise and Thanksgiving" from The Valley of Vision

In preparation for an upcoming women's event at my church, I was reading through some of the prayers in the book, The Valley of Vision.  I came across this one, "Praise and Thanksgiving" and thought it perfectly described the heart of thanksgiving we should have for the many blessings the Lord grants us each day.

Praise and Thanksgiving

O my God,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

my heart admires, adores, loves thee,

for my little vessel is as full as it can be,

and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,

for adorning it, sanctifying it,

though it is fixed in barren soil; 

for the body thou hast given me,

for preserving its strength and vigour,

for providing senses to enjoy delights,

for the ease and freedom of my limbs,

for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;

for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,

for a full table and overflowing cup,

for appetite, taste, sweetness,

for social joys of relatives and friends,

for ability to serve others,

for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,

for a mind to care for my fellow-men,

for opportunities of spreading happiness around,

for loved ones in the joys of heaven,

for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express,

for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

Reflections from Romans 5:1-11

"The salvation we have in Christ is a 'many-splendored thing,' a diamond with countless brilliant facets."

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Romans 5:1-11

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.  

Spiritual blessings and gifts from God from this passage:

1. The justification that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Peace with God through Jesus Christ.

3. The grace of God, in which we daily stand.

4. Hope in the glory of God, now and forevermore. 

5. God's love, which has been poured into us through the Holy Spirit.

6. We should rejoice in times of suffering because it produces endurance, which leads to character, which ultimately leads to hope.

7. Christ died on the cross for unworthy sinners. 

8. We have been justified by the blood of Jesus Christ.

9. We have been saved from the wrath of God.

10. We have been reconciled to God by the death of his Son. 

The words of the following song seem appropriate in capturing the gratitude that should come to those who know Christ-"Jesus, Thank You!"

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me 

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end 

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

Lessons from Proverbs

For the past few months, my husband, Michael, has been going through a broad overview of the Old Testament.  A couple weeks ago, he went through Proverbs.  Seeing that it is a wisdom book, there are several truths that resonated with me.

1.  Be teachable-Wisdom isn't so much about what you already know as your humility in continuing to learn.
2. Fear the Lord-Live life in relation to who God is.
3. Wisdom is knowledge in action.
4. Wisdom comes from God.
5.  A sluggard is distracted rather than diligent; he wastes opportunity after opportunity.  He tends to want an easier life, rather than one spent on doing good.
6. The wise person sees life as an opportunity for displaying God through productive and meaningful work.
7. Proverbs is filled not only with the parents' provision of the children's practical needs but also the provision of the children's spiritual needs.
8. We must teach our children, which includes correction and discipline. (Proverbs 19)
9. Use your words carefully.
Proverbs 13:3-Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 17:27-Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 25:11-A word aptly spoken, is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
10. Wisdom is found through listening to the words of others.  Listening should be given priority over speaking.
Proverbs 1:8-Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching.
11. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord and is then displayed through right living before others through Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 1:7-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 24:3-By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
12.  Being a godly woman, wife, and mother (Proverbs 31)
"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." (31:10)
"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (31:28)
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (31:30)

Many things to ponder and pray over as I strive to live each day in the fear of the Lord.

*Many of these notes on Proverbs are from Capitol Hill Baptist Church.

God's Good Gifts-Part 3

"Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."  Hebrews 13:15

The past few weeks have provided an abundance of opportunities to give thanks, so here is my attempt to capture as many as I can remember.

81. For the Lord graciously providing a time for my parents, Nathan, and I to go visit my Grandad.  

82. For wonderful family friends who looked up flight information and provided buddy passes for all of us to fly to Texas.

83. For the Lord working out the finances for our trip and for keeping the expenses within our means.

84. Safety in travel during flights and driving time to and from Texas.

85. For the Lord allowing us to always get on flights, as we flew stand-by each time.

86. For my parents' help with Nathan all throughout the week.

87. For the Lord sustaining my Grandad so we could have a wonderful visit with him.

88. Watching Nathan clap his hands on command.

89. For the Lord graciously working out a time to interview my Grandad and learn about his life, relationship with the Lord, and marriage to my Grandmom.

90. Great coffee each morning that provided just the boost I needed.

91. Watching my Grandad laugh as Nathan repeatedly kicked his legs on the floor.

92. Getting to talk and get to know my step-grandmother, Bettie, better.

93. Watching my husband tear up as he read through a book of messages from friends, family, and church members that I made him in celebration of his 30th birthday.

Michael looking through his book of messages.

94. For Nathan flying so well on 3 flights!  he played, laughed, talked, ate, slept, and studied the people all around him.

95. Taking a walk with my dad and Nathan and seeing my grandparents old house-the one I visited all growing up.

96. Getting to have dinner and and enjoy a visit with my Uncle Barry and Aunt Francene.

97. Gift cards to Olive Garden so we could go out and celebrate Michael's 30th birthday.

98. Hearing my husband say that the book of messages and pictures he got for his birthday was the best gift he ever received.

99. Hearing Nathan say, "Uh-oh," after he dropped toys to the ground.  Initially, he mimicked me saying it after he dropped a toy on the floor.  Then, he started saying it on his own.

100. Receiving a Shutterfly photo book in the mail from fun summer memories.

101. Getting to skype with Dave, Anna, and Harper and watching Harper crawl all over the house, crawl all over the couch, and climb up on the couch all by herself.

102. Watching Nathan dance to his take along tunes.

103. Wonderful breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with Grandad and Bettie.

104. A fun outing to Chickfila with my grandparents.

105. Hearing my Grandad say he heard my grandmother quote over 500 Bible verses during their marriage.  It brought tears to my eyes.

106. Finding one of my grandmother's old Bibles, completely marked up from her study of the Word.

107. Getting to keep my Grandmother's bible and having the opportunity to learn more about her walk with the Lord.

108. Reading the sweet letters and funny stories people sent to Michael for his birthday.

109. A Chai tea after a 3 am wake up call and 2 flights with a sweet boy.

110. Seeing my husband in the airport after several days apart.

111. Coming home to my sweet dog Lacy.

112. Church people watching out for Michael while I was gone and taking him out for some good dinners.

113. Yummy, cherry/blueberry cobbler made by my Grandma Bettie.

114. Pretty Edible Arrangements to enjoy.

115. Hearing Michael preach the Word faithfully each week.

116. A new couple visiting our church.

117. Beautiful, cool 70 degree days.

118. Fun times and great conversations with my parents.

119. Watching Nathan prop up his feet on the same stool my Grandad was propping his feet on.

120. Arriving home to a perfectly clean house, thanks to my husband.

121. Fun birthday celebrations with Michael-pancake breakfast, singing "Happy Birthday" at church, sub sandwiches for lunch, and birthday cake.

122. Nathan burping loudly during a hymn sing at church and everyone turning and laughing.

123. Watching my dad and Nathan lying on their backs playing and talking on the floor.

124. Watching Nathan enjoy his first bath in the big bathtub.

125. Help carrying bags off the plane by a kind girl sitting next to us.

126. The Lord providing a rest area right when we needed it and beautiful landscape to look at and enjoy. 

127. Hearing Nathan say the new sound, "Na, na, na, na."

128. A great Groupon deal that will provide a fun family outing in the coming weeks to pick pumpkins and go on a hayride.

129. Watching my Grandad hold and enjoy Nathan, something I will always cherish.

"Beyond the tiny piece of horizon you can see from this momentary time and place-God's glory and grace will be seen even more brightly, as a result of your willingness to say with the psalmist, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth' (Psalm 34:1)." ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss 

30 things I love about my husband

Today, my husband, Michael, celebrates his 30th birthday!  In honor of the 30 years the Lord has given him, I have created a list of 30 things I love about him.

1.  His devotion and diligent study of the Word.

2.  His continual and daily pursuit of the Lord.

3.  His servant heart.

4.  The selfless love he daily shows our family.

5.  His patience towards me.

6.  The faithful prayers he lifts up for so many.

7.  His commitment to spread and share the Gospel every opportunity he gets.

8.  His faithful preaching and exposition of the Word each week.

9.  The way he plays and cares for our son.

10.  The priority he puts on family.

11.  His love for other people.

12.  How he serves and helps me around the house.

13.  The way he gently points out my sin.

14.  How he encourages me to love Christ with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

15.  The way he always makes sure my needs are met before his own.

16.  The way he strives for holiness in all he says and does.

17.  The way he challenges me in reaching out and ministering to others.

18.  His love for NBA basketball-something we enjoy doing together:)

19.  His desire to strengthen and refine his preaching by asking how he can improve.

20.  His perseverance when things aren't always easy.

21.  His commitment to truth.

22.  His laid back and easy going personality.

23.  His ability to calm me down and get me to see things in perspective.

24.  The comfort, compassion, and love he shows me when things are hard.  

25.  Listening to him read Bible stories to our little boy.

26.  His desire to see people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God.

27.  His wise use of the time the Lord gives him.

28.  His faithfulness to the task the Lord has entrusted to him of being a husband, father, and pastor.

29.  The order and routine he keeps in his life.

30.  His love for the Lord and desire to glorify him in all avenues of his life.  

Happy 30th Birthday to the love of my life, Michael!  

God's Good Gifts-Part 2

"Gratitude places us in close proximity to Christ, where we experience the fullness of His redeeming power and enjoy the blessing of His presence."

38. Chicken noodle soup when I am not feeling well.

39.  Hot tea to soothe itchy and sore throats.

40. A husband who helps around the house by doing laundry and washing dishes.

41. Time to read the Word and be refreshed for the day.

42. Safety in travel as Nathan and I went to Memphis and back.

43. Storms that bring more, much needed rain.

44. A fun day with Nathan running errands.

45. Watching Nathan's eyes grow wide and curious at the sight of a bouquet of fresh flowers.

46. Watching Nathan have fun playing with groceries-bread, frozen peas, Frito's.

47. Nathan contently sitting watching, talking, and yelling out as I get my hair cut.

48. New haircuts:)

49. Vinegar and hot water steamed in microwave that makes cleaning it quick and easy.

50. Beautiful, clear, cool, sunny mornings.

51. An unexpected trip to Memphis with sweet Nathan.

52. The fun of picking out fall decorations and decorating the house for fall.

53. The smell of pumpkin spice candles.

54. The aroma of banana bread wafting through the house.

55. A tree's leaves changing to a beautiful red color.

56. Sunflowers growing on the side of the road.

57. Endless fields of cotton growing.

58. Grass changing from dying and brown to a luscious green after a rainstorm.

59. Grass growing again from some much needed rainfall.

60. The conviction of sin, which refines and sanctifies, and reminds me of God's grace.

61.  Staying at home with Nathan each day and watching as he grows and changes.

62. Watching Nathan clap!!

63. Watching Nathan sit up by himself from a laying down position.

64. Hearing Nathan say "Dada, dada, dada" over and over again to Michael.

65. Listening to Nathan talk, babble, and say, "bu, bu, bu, bu" all throughout Target.

66. Having Nathan sit still and read with me for 30 minutes every day.

67. Phase 10 game night with Michael.

68. Free, printable fall art. 

69. Listening to others comment on how cute, adorable, content, and happy Nathan is-reminds me of what a gift his happiness and contentment is.

70. Friendly help from Chickfila lady in the mall-comes around serving customers as they eat.

71. Starbucks gift card to enjoy a tasty drink on the ride home from Memphis.

72. Doctrinally sound, fun, kids, worship music to listen to with Nathan.

73. Watching Nathan playing with books and toys, perfectly content.

74. Watching Nathan turn his head towards Lacy when I ask, "Where's Lacy?"

75. A husband who works tirelessly to serve his family, be there for others during the final moments of life, and who diligently works at his studies to finish a degree in Biblical Counseling.

76. A beautiful home to live in and make a "home" in every day.

77. Protection from bad storms over the weekend.

78. Hearing Michael greet Nathan each morning when he wakes up.

79. Having my dog Lacy snuggle up next to me and watching her tail wag excitedly when I get home.

80. Watching Lacy nudge or lick Nathan to check on him during family walks. 

James 1:17-"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." 

Signs of Fall

Crisp, cool mornings, beautiful sunny, windy days, pumpkin scented candles, apples, candy corn, leaves changing colors...all encompass the beauty of a season I absolutely love!  Towards the end of summer, I start itching for the beginning of fall.  It has become one of my favorite seasons.  I don't know if it is a favorite because it begins the countdown to Thanksgiving and Christmas, or because I get to pull out my fall decorations and transform the house, or if it is the fun of drinking hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, and chai tea (which is actually a year round favorite), or making an assortment of yummy breads, desserts, and fall soups, or enjoying the beautiful warm colors, but regardless of what it is or perhaps all of these things, I love this season.  When September 1st came around this year, I began the hunt for new and fun ideas of decorating the house and began pinning these on my fall Pinterest board.  Even though we were in our same home last fall, I was pregnant and so tired from working all day that only a few decorations made it out.  Now, this year, I feel like I finally got things the way I wanted and had so much fun in the process.  In addition to all the fun fall decor, it has been such a blessing to also continue dwelling on the many things I have to be thankful for as I dive into this fall season.  I am grateful to enjoy the creativity of such a great God who fashioned and created this season with all its beauty.  The following pictures are from around the house.  

The "Give thanks" art was also downloaded from Pinterest.  I will probably keep this up all year because it is such a great reminder.

Fall Message Board-This is a pinterest inspired idea.  I just got a pre-cut piece of orange patterned fabric and placed it in a frame I had around the house.  You can write on the glass with a dry erase or vis a vis marker.  Can't wait to start writing messages or possible meal ideas on it:)

Subway art found on Pinterest!

Leaf motif candles found at Hobby Lobby.

Love the fresh apples and pears:)

God's Good Gifts

In my daily times with the Lord, I have been encouraged to begin making lists of thankfulness-gifts from God, gifts from others, everyday "little" things I am thankful for and so on.  My goal is to cultivate gratitude in my life for the many gifts the Lord gives me.  I look forward to this each day, meditating on Scripture and then writing out my list for the day.  I have noticed a change in my attitude when I am feeling ready to complain or whine about something, the Lord reminds me of these verses and points me back to gratitude and what he has done for me.

Ephesians 5:20-"...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."

Psalm 107:1-2-Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 103:1-5-"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  

Here is the beginning of my list of thanks that I pray continues to grow and grow:

I am thankful for...

1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. A Savior, who has redeemed my soul.

3. Unconditional, never-ending, always and forever love from my Savior, Jesus Christ.

4. God's mercies that are new each day.

5. A beautiful, happy, and content baby boy.

6. A godly, selfless husband, who loves and serves me each day.

7. Godly parents who taught me the ways of the Lord.

8. The Lord's sustaining grace.  When I need rest, he always provides it.

9. Sunrises and sunsets.

10.  Daily, morning walks with my family.

11. My sweet dog, Lacy, who sits by me on the couch every day as I read and pray.

12. God's daily provision for our needs.

13. The gift of staying at home each day with Nathan.

14. The joyful laughs from my son as I tickle his belly with my head.

15. God's Word, which refreshes my soul each day.

16. Nathan's smiles and kicks each time I pick him up from a nap.

17. Family days in Memphis.

18. The encouragement and prayers of friends and family.

19. The opportunity to tutor a child in a subject I love, reading.

20. Michael giving up time at work to watch Nathan so I can tutor.

21. Daily sanctification in my walk with the Lord.

22. Nathan, who makes me smile each day because of the joy he finds in the smallest things-playing with a coffee cup collar, playing with the dog's paw, kicking his legs, pulling his colored rings off the stand, playing inside a box with different fabrics and materials.  

23.  Time to workout at the beginning of the day.

24. Saturday morning pancake breakfasts.

25. A rainy day that we so much needed.

26. Candles to perfume the house.

27.  The upcoming season of fall-my favorite!!

28. Opportunities to give to others-Teacher Survival Kits to all the elementary teachers

29. My niece, Harper Kate, who just turned 9 months old.

30. Consistent, uninterrupted times with the Lord lately.

31.  Sunday afternoon naps.

32. A Chai tea latte from Starbucks

33. Money to eat out every now and then.

34. Time to talk and spend time with Michael each night.

35. Watching Nathan try and lick a candle when I put it in front of his nose to smell.

36. Watching Nathan working so hard to crawl. 

37.  Catching up and talking with family and friends.

May God's good gifts continually be on the forefront of my thoughts!  "For the Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!" Psalm 126:3