Walters Pumpkin Patch

Hey there! With life this past year so turned up so down, out and around, I am so thankful to keep some traditions a little longer. One of those special ones, is a trip to the most awesome pumpkin patch - Walter's. We headed out yesterday with myself and 3 girlies and 3 friends and a large coffee (can I get an amen?).

God granted us perfect weather - cool but sunshiny! We had a great time and there is something so life.giving about nature and being outside in His world - just love it!!!

So, thanks for friends, thanks for the opportunity, thanks for the outside and the country and the Fall season . . .

Sidenote - my mom has been in the hospital 1 full week now - ugh. On the mend, praise be to God - she WAS a very sick person and she IS a very fortunate person; we are so blessed. God, please use what You allowed her go through to give honor & glory to the One who brought her through. Let our focus be not on what was, but what is and what is yet to come. Thank You so much--it is a gift and we love it:-)

Ryan was in Turkey, now in Italy; make him a man of integrity for You. Bless him, give him Your favor. Bring him home safely. And all God's people said - Amen!

Lord Jesus, create in me a new heart! I listen to people teach of Your works and Your ways throughout the week as I am driving or at work and I say (or shout depending on the mood) a loud Amen! Lord, crucify the legalistic, the fleshly ways in my life. Teach Your ways, show me Your paths, Lead me! Forgive me for my thoughts at times and help me to make them completely obedient to You.

Thank You for being who You are - a God too big for my small mind to comprehend. Thank You for letting me be a part of the process. I know Your will is going to be accomplished with or without me . . . so thank You for inviting me to join. I want to be a part; help me to humble myself so that You can use me.

I pray for YOur guidance; I ask for Your wisdom in finishing out this year . . . lead us to what You want us to do and how You want the birth of Your son to be displayed at Grace.

Thank You Jesus; be with us today. Let us give glory; for it is the day You have made! Praise & Honor & Blessing to You!

I love my children. I love my children. I love my children.

Every have those days, where you have to remind yourself, "Yes! I love my children." The past 24 hours have been like that at times. Kind of like, if I repeat it enough, my feeling heart will click back into beat and i will geniunely smile at them and clean up after them and want to love on them . . .

It has been a long 2 weeks - Ryan has been gone - but, thank You Jesus - He is back!!!
The volleyball team Ellen is on, won tonight - their 1st! Oh, how good that feels . . . and she had the opportunity to have the winning serves both games - Rock On Ellen!

Erin couldn't stand youth group last night (which I lead for her age) and is NOT going back next week. She called her sister a 'butt hole' and is having a very rotten attitude as of late. Rock Out Erin.

Emily has had vinegar in her system since 6:15 when she woke up because her friend, Avery, was coming home with us after school and then to Ellen's games together (in their cheer uniforms) and then to Cat Pack practice. Rock Chalk Emily!

Then, as I was driving to get Miss Em from practice, God showed me a most beautiful painted sunset! Truly, I just say in my car at the stop sign and thanked Him for the gift of life He has given me. Prayed for those I love and those I am going to love. Lifted up some personal needs of friends and the spiritual life of this community. Thank You Jesus for perspective.

So what if the game is lost, the attitude is ungrateful, the energy level is high . . . I am allowed these sweet things for such a short time. Help me to use the time wisely and focus on Jesus each day. In Your great name, LORD! In Your great Name!