How strong are you?

Why do we wait until our strength is depleted before we seek God?

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord...and in the power of His might."  Ephesians 6:10

As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.  We worry about our families as we manage our homes and assist our friends, churches, and communities.  We maintain busy schedules as we transport kids to soccer practice and school functions.  We cook, clean, work, and care for aging parents.  No wonder we run out of steam! 

Yet God wants us to rely upon His strength, not ours...to exchange our weakness for HIS power.  What are you waiting for?  Seek God's strength!


"He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,  But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:29-31

Presenting Jingle Bell...our little sneaky elf!

While we were on our way home from school Jingle Bell decided that maybe she needed to work a little more on personal hygiene...this is where we found her we we arrived back home! Sneaky!!!

Adversity makes you STRONGER...

Recently, I was sent a card from my dear sweet aunt and it reminded me of a very important life lesson.  Within the note, written in the card were these words..."A wise old man once told me that adversity makes you strong."  Since receiving this card I have read it over and over again.  That wise old man was one of the dearest souls you would ever want to know and I am proud to call him my uncle.  I miss him terribly and I think about him so often.  Reading that card put a smile on my face and in my heart because I could hear his voice saying those words to me.  The last few months have not been easy for my little family...in fact they have been pretty tough.  But, we are holding tight to God's Word and to the promise that He will never leave us!  The adversity that my family has faced over these last few months has made us stronger as a family and I know it is making me a stronger individual.

No one is exempt from problems.  From the palace to the poorhouse, men and women throughout the ages have fought and conquered adversity in their lives.

Queen Esther risked losing her only relative and her people.  Using her influence, she saved the Israelites from destruction.  Interestingly, the Jewish name for Esther means "Hadassah," which comes from the word myrtle - the tree whose leaves only release fragrance when they are crushed.

Are you facing adversity?  Perhaps your faith has brought reproach or daily struggles have robbed your faith.  Regardless, the scriptures ease the crush of adversity, releasing the sweet fragrance of God's overcoming power.

Scriptures dealing with adversity:

James 5:13 - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

 I Peter 1:7 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ


I Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christs sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Lord Send Your Angels...

When I'm alone and the light slowly fades
Cold with the night closing in
I know the shadow of almighty wings
Lord won't you send them again

 Lord send your angels to watch over me
I'm so afraid of the dark
Lord send your angels to watch over me
Wrap me in sheltering arms
Shield me, Keep me
Hold me safe in your arms
Lord send your angels to watch over me
Wrap me in sheltering arms

Sometimes the child inside of me cries
With fears of the dangers unknown
And questions with answers I can't seem to find
Then you send your angels to me

 

Lord send your angels to watch over me
I'm so afraid of the dark
Lord send your angels to watch over me
Wrap me in sheltering arms
Shield me, Keep me
Hold me safe in your arms
Lord send your angels to watch over me
Wrap me in sheltering arms

Blessings...even in trials

Today I am thankful for many blessings in my life...but one of the biggest blessings I have ever been given is my Gram!  Thank you Lord for allowing me to have the privilege to know such a remarkable woman and thank you for allowing me the years I have had with her... to make some lifelong memories that are precious!

Today marks the 4 years since I received a phone call telling me that she was in the hospital and had suffered a heart attack.  It was a shock and I couldn't quite wrap my head around the information I was hearing on the other end of the phone.  I will never forget that day and the sound of Pap's voice as he was trying to tell me what had happened.  I will be honest...I have never felt such an empty feeling as I did that morning.  I remember telling Pap that we would be there ASAP and I remember what he said just like it happened yesterday.  From the other side of the phone I heard..."I don't want to lose her Heather."  When I heard him say that...I remember the tears welling up and telling him that he wasn't going to lose her and everything will be fine.  I had to stay strong...but I am not sure that I convinced him with the quiver in my voice.

I remember immediately calling Shane and telling him he needed to come home.  Shane had just left for work and I was home with all three children when the call came.  He had not made it to the office yet when he received my call on his cell phone.  He turned around and headed back home.  We were on the road within an hour or two and headed toward Indiana.  Shane would probably say it was a record packing event for me and he had never seen me pull it all together so quickly.  I am sure that I was providing him with funny stories to tell later on about how frantic I was trying to pack our family of 5 ... including one precious baby boy!

Today I am choosing to focusing on being thankful for even the trials that we face here on this earth!  We ALL have to deal with trials!   We were never promised that we wouldn't face difficult times!  Each of us have our own weaknesses and deal with trials in different ways than another person might deal with them.   Trials on this earth sometimes are more than we feel we can bear...and without strength from God...I might agree with that statement.  However, I know that HE is watching over HIS children and HE is in control!   Do I always feel this way?  NO!!!!  I lose focus at times and I question things sometimes...do you?  However, it isn't long at all until God quickly reminds me that HE is in control and HE will not leave me in my time of need.

I am thankful for the last 4 years even with the difficulties that my family has faced.  I am thankful to God that he has allowed me to have more time with Gram and Pap....and because of that I am working to make sure that my 3 children make memories with them that are unforgettable and precious!

I am Bound For That City...

I am thankful for days like today that I am reminded of just how privileged I am to be a part of the West Hobbs Street family!   God blessed me with wonderful and special people in my life that have influenced me, helped me, loved me with all their hearts...and taught me that Heaven will surely be worth it ALL...and to stay focused on "the GOAL" no matter what circumstances I encounter here on this earth!  I am so thankful for everyone in my life...but especially for two precious souls that NEVER waiver and have always been constant in my life! 

 I am thankful for the peace and comfort I have knowing that no matter what this earthly life throws in my path...when this earthly life is over I will see them again in Heaven and...yes, IT WILL SURELY BE WORTH IT ALL!

When I think about Heaven and what it will be like....is hard to fathom it's beauty and just how magnificent it will be!   I want to be there when this earthly life has ended and I want to see my loved ones there with me!  God's love for me...in sending His Son to die for my sins...motivates me to strive to reach my goal of Heaven...but knowing that those I hold so close to my heart here on this earth will be there....makes it even sweeter to me!

"Knowing we can spend a life time reminiscing on the past, knowing I will see your face again where tender moments last.  It makes me want to go there knowing I wont be alone.  Knowing you'll be there makes it easy to go home."

 I have started my journey and

I am bound for that CITY....are you?

There's a city of light

Where there comes no night

For the sun never sets in the sky

In the Bible we're told

That the streets are pure gold

And a cool gentle river runs by

I'm bound for that city

God's holy white city

Oh yes I am I'll never turn back

To this world anymore anymore

No matter how rough may be the way

No matter how oft I stop to pray

I'm bound for that city

On that ever green shore

Little children will play

And our hearts will be gay

As we stroll through that city of gold

No more dying up there

No more sorrow to bear

And nobody will be feeble and old

I'm bound for that city

God's holy white city

Oh yes I am I'll never turn back

To this world anymore anymore

No matter how rough may be the way

No matter how oft I stop to pray

I'm bound for that city

On that ever green shore

No matter how rough may be the way

No matter how oft I stop to pray

I'm bound for that city

On that ever green ever green shore

I'm bound for that city

On that ever green ever green shore

I Choose to Live...

I don't about anyone else, but I forget many times to "choose to live"... or maybe it is not that I forget as much as I let other things cloud my thoughts on a daily basis.  I don't know of one single individual that doesn't deal with trouble and struggle in this day to day earthly life...do you?
Thank you Lord for the all good days and for the not so good days too!  Thank you for the life lessons we learn as we sometimes struggle to understand just why things happen like they sometimes do.

  
I know there are a lot of things, I've yet to figure out, 

but as I live I'm learning more of what life is all about

They say life is full of choices and you have to live with the choices you make.  

So, if I have to choose, here are some choices that I've made.

I choose to laugh instead of cry, 

I choose to spread my wings and learn to fly.

To love rather than hate, to see the good and not complain.  

I choose to take a chance and risk it all, get up again after a fall

I'm throwing caution to the wind.  I choose to live.

Everyday I make decisions, some big and some small.  

But, I'm glad I've made up my mind on the greatest one of all.

I gave my heart and life to Jesus

I have no doubt that he died for me

Since, I've been forgiven, I am living abundantly.

I choose to laugh instead of cry, 

I choose to spread my wings and learn to fly.

To love rather than hate, to see the good and not complain.  

I choose to take a chance and risk it all, get up again after a fall

I'm throwing caution to the wind.  I choose to live.

Thirty or forty, maybe even fifty years from now,

I pray the choices that I've made will help somebody in someway or some how

I choose to laugh instead of cry, 

I choose to spread my wings and learn to fly.

To love rather than hate, to see the good and not complain.  

I choose to take a chance and risk it all, get up again after a fall

I'm throwing caution to the wind.  I choose to live.

My Little Ray of Sunshine...

One of the best things I have ever done......becoming a Mama

When You Thought I wasn't looking...

Lately,  I have been thinking a lot about example and what kind of example I set...not just for my children, but for any person I encounter along the way.   I am striving to teach by example when it comes to my children.  Naturally, they are my first and foremost priority when it comes to teaching about serving God.

At the close of many days, I think about the example that I showed others during the day.  Unfortunately, there are days that I know I failed in setting the right example for my own children and others that I have encountered.  

I am so thankful that, even on those days that I mess up and many of my imperfections come to the surface, I serve a God that has provided a way for me to come before Him and ask for forgiveness and help to do better in the days to come.

  Around our house for the last few months, I have heard these words coming from the mouths of my precious children.

 "Serving God by serving others!"

  Nothing makes me happier than to hear those words coming from the lips of my children...because it reminds me that EVERYONE can serve God by serving others!

  WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING...

  

   (A message every adult should read, because children

   are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say!)

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my

   first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted

   to paint another one.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a

   stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind

   to animals.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my

   favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things could be

   the special things in life.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a

   prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always

   talk to and I learned to trust in God.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a

   meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I

   learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of

   your time and money to help people who had nothing

   and I learned that those who have something should

   give to those who don't.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take

   care of our house and everyone in it and I learned

   we have to take care of what we are given.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you

   handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't

   feel good and I learned that I would have to be

   responsible when I grow up.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come

   from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things

   hurt, but it's all right to cry.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you

   cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of

   life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and

   productive person when I grow up.

   When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you

   and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw

   when you thought I wasn't looking."

  Little eyes see a lot.

   Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle,

   teacher or friend) influences the life of a child.

   How will you touch the life of someone today?

 

Before I was a Mom...

       Three beautiful blessings, Three bundles of pure joy, Three precious hearts...that I am 

       privileged to call mine...

        Before I was a Mom...

        I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.

        I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

       Before I was a Mom...

        I cleaned my house each day.

        I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby

        I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

        I never thought about immunizations.

        Before I was a Mom...

        I cleaned my house each day.

        I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby

        I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

        I never thought about immunizations.

        Before I was a Mom...

        I had never been puked on.

        Pooped on. Spit on.

        Chewed on.

        Peed on.

        I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

        I slept all night.

       

        Before I was a Mom...

        I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests.

        Or give shots.

        I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

        I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

        I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

        

        Before I was a Mom

        I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.

        I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

        I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

        I never knew that I could love someone so much.

        I never knew I would love being a Mom.

        Before I was a Mom

        I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

        I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

        I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

        I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

     

        Before I was a Mom

        I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

        I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of  .         being a Mom.

        I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

                                        

         

Questions and answers...through the eyes of my child.

This edition is questions and answers from my kids in regards to me...stay tuned for the answers about Daddy.  So funny to read how they answered these questions and to get a glimpse of their viewpoints...I have typed the answers just as they wrote them because that makes it more fun.
  
What is the funniest thing I do?

Mallory:  laugh
Kennedy:  laugh
Parker:  say funny words like Goofy


What is my favorite TV show?

Mallory:  Reba

Kennedy:  Mr. Brown

How tall am I?

Mallory:  5'7
Kennedy:  5'3


What is my favorite thing to do?

Mallory:  play with us!
Kennedy:  love us!

What makes me sad?

Mallory:  when someone passes away
Kennedy:  when we get hurt

What makes me laugh?

Mallory:  when I cross my eyes and leave them like that
Kennedy:   when I do something funny

How much time do I spend on the phone each day?

Mallory:  20-45 minutes per day
Kennedy:  1 hour

Am I a better driver than Daddy?

Mallory:  Yes!!!!!  a million times yes!!!!
Kennedy:  yes

What do I do when you are at school each day?

Mallory:  clean the house
Kennedy:   watch Parker

What should I be famous for?


Mallory:  singing
Kennedy:  loving us!

Can it be?

It seems like reality really hit me this weekend when I looked at what my baby boy had written on the driveway with sidewalk chalk!!!  Is it really possible that this precious boy will start kindergarten in only five short months?  Surely not...or at least that is what my heart is saying!  

Parker wrote his name on the bottom.  I am not sure how or why...but this boy picked up a pencil after being shown one time how to write his name and wrote Parker.  I was in shock and still am in shock that he can write his name after only being shown once...and that was a while ago!  Saturday he was showing us again!  Daddy wrote the top name and Parker followed right along on the bottom copying what his Daddy had written!  Good job Parker-Man!!!

Conversations with my kids...

I have been using this awesome book called..."Scrapbook Shortcuts with Quizzes and Questions" over the last few weeks to spark interesting conversations with the kids.  It has been so funny to hear some of their answers!  I thought I would share a few of them here on my blog...they are pretty cute!

Who is the smartest person in your family?

• Mallory - Daddy
• Kennedy - Gram
• Parker -  Mallory

What is your Daddy really good at doing?

• Mallory - Science
• Kennedy - playing games on his computer
  
• Parker - working like a worker  :)

What can you do better than Daddy?

• Mallory - Grow hair on my head!
• Kennedy - Put my hair in a ponytail!
  
• Parker - Play 

What is your favorite song?

• Mallory - Just Keep Casting your Bread upon the Water
• Kennedy - Old Camp Meeting Days
  
• Parker - Jesus loves Me

What nicknames do you have?

• Mallory - Molly and Mal Mal
• Kennedy - Banjo Butt and Sis
  
• Parker - P.J...that's what Pap calls me!

The 10 Commandments of Life

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble;

it is a steering wheel that directs us in the right path throughout life.


2. Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small?

Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.


3. Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.


4. All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever.

If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.


5. Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!


6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says,

Relax, it's just a bend, not the end!


7. When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities;

when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.


8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?"

He replied: "Yes, losing your vision."


9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes,

when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.


10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.



Brighten someone's day...

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and

...leave the rest to God.

Happy 8th Birthday Special K!!!

Eight years ago today...I was holding a brand new bundle of joy in my arms, delighted that she was finally here...thanking God for his wonderful creation and that he was allowing me to be her Mama!!! What a blessing and a pure joy she is to me! Happy Birthday "Special K"! Love you to the moon and back!!!

Personalize a free photo slideshow

Why God Made Mama...

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:


Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger
parts..

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1.. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything
nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use
string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty
bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get
drunk on beer?
3! . Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and
YES to chores?


Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.. And my Mom eats a
lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him..
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a
goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the
bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than
dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at
work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real
power 'cause that's who
you got to ask if you! want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of
plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get
rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who
did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the
back of her head.

Things I have learned...

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet
of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my
day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one
of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have
the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to
be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold
and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on
summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer
it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything
we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life
so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants
to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are
only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to
surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a
smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with
them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take
the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock
elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her
one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender,
because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your
looks.

I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what
I do about it.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your
little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain,
but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.


I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more
things I get done.

"The Promise" By The Martins (2009)

I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home

I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight

'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise

I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried

'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

God Be With You Till We Meet Again...

We should all be thanking God for the blessing of knowing Will and Emily Haney! We don't always understand God's plan and the reasons for why things happen...but we do know that God is faithful! We know that Will is in a better place tonight and that he is in no more pain now...but that doesn't change the fact that he will be greatly missed here on this earth. Will Haney, along with his precious wife Emily, have enriched our lives and taught us many things over the last couple of years. I know that I can speak for me and Shane when I say that because of Will and Emily's battle with cancer...we have became more prayful, we have grown closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ, our faith and determination has become stronger, and we are more aware of the blessings God gives and more thankful for those blessings. Thank you God for the blessing of friendship and for the blessing of knowing that if we are faithful to You we will all meet again in Heaven someday.

In Everything Give Thanks

Most of us seem to remember to thank God for all of the wonderful blessings He showers upon us each and every day. However, many times, we neglect to thank God for trials and challenges that He allows us to experience in our daily walks of life.

God has never promised that life's road would be easy and many times we don't understand why things happen...but in all of our questions and in our trials...we can rest assured that God is ALWAYS with us and He is in control! Trials help us to grow and help to make us stronger...even when we don't understand why we are being tested.

In EVERYTHING Give THANKS!

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound "We Need Each Other"

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New year and a fresh start

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