Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns

Many of you know that I absolutely LOVE Casting Crowns.  They even rate higher on my favorites list above MWS - and that says ALOT!  They have honest heartfelt lyrics put to wonderful music.  And their concerts are just out of this world!!!  

This is another song that has touched my life.  One that I turn up annoyingly loud in the car...

One of my favorite songs from them is "Praise You In This Storm" - here is the official link to their website:  Casting Crowns  (Whoot Whoot!  I figured the link think out!)

Here is the link to the song:  Praise You In This Storm (hit pause on my music below) this is a link to a Tangle video (used to be God Tube) - if you search that website there are a whole bunch of videos out there where people have put the song to video.  It has touched many hearts.  Here are the lyrics:

I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

So while we go through the storms of life we are not alone.  Praise God for who He is and the Hope he give us in all things!

Sometimes He Calms the Storm - Scott Krippayne

I mentioned this song in my post yesterday.  It was stuck in my head all night - it has blessed me many times in my life through the thick and thin....I wanted to share it with you.  Click on the post title if you would like to visit Scott Krippayne's website.

Sometimes He Calms the Storm - click here to listen. (Remember to push pause on my music below)

All who sail the sea of faith 

Find out before too long 
How quickly blue skies can grow dark 
And gentle winds grow strong 
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul 
Still we sail on knowing 
That our Lord is in control 

Sometimes He calms the storm 
With a whispered peace be still 
He can settle any sea 
But it doesn't mean He will 
Sometimes He holds us close 
And lets the wind and waves go wild 
Sometimes He calms the storm 
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial 
That we pass through in life 
And though we're shaken 
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down 
On those who hold to faith 
A heart of trust will always 
Be a quiet peaceful place

Clarification...

Ok...I got scolded for my last post. Apparently it was taken that I am putting all trust in man and not in God - The PERFECT HEALER. I did not intend for it to be that way. I know God can heal in the blink of an eye should he choose. I know God is aware of Stellan and his heart as well of each of us - even down to the number of hairs on our head. We don't know why this is happening to baby Stellan, but I do know that God has a reason. I also know that God uses people in their jobs to help each other - as in the case of baby Stellan and his doctors. God can give the doctors the wisdom to figure out how to treat this baby - should he choose. It's hard for our minds to understand how he could not choose to heal him immediately or even after all of this. But God does not make mistakes and His reason and purpose may not be for us to see on this side of heaven. Same for 9/11 as well as any other situations that we can't grasp. So please know that I believe and trust God and his plan for each of us, thought honestly I may not understand. If you want to get a personal perspective on this - take a look at Stellans Blog and use the button that says "search my blog" - I couldn't say it better when it comes to staying strong in your faith in the storm.

Now that the air is cleared on that...

Operation "get your room cleaned" worked. Saturday (after we went to the movies to see Monsters vs. Aliens) he cleaned his room. And it was a good clean too! By 8pm it had passed inspection! He even vacuumed it - well, not that he had a choice! So last night was his "all nighter" to stay up as late as he wants. I think he made it till almost 5am. Michael let him sleep until 11am so he would sleep tonight. Oh and he leveled his toon on Wow to 80 so he is all kinds of happy.

I decided that I love my Q-snap. It is wonderful for the right size project. It was silly of me to think about using my 8x8 for my big project (which still only has 12 stitches in it) - but I used it for my second bookmark and it worked perfect. My stitches look great! I'm going to finish it this week and get it in the mail! I'm nervous and excited at the same time!

I made cookies tonight - yes Tammy, chocolate chip ones and they were good! A guy at work shared his ultra top secret recipe (butter flavored Crisco) and I can actually make them! I packed a few in Michael lunch for tomorrow. And we had Spaghetti Pie for dinner, Andrew voted that he likes regular spaghetti better.

That is it for tonight. I've taken my leg medicine and off to bed I go!

May God above give us His peace in the storms of life. There is an awesome song out there that has a verse like this "Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms His child" - May God hold us close and give us His understanding on things...or at least enough light for the step we are on...

Paging Dr. House....

I like the show "House" - it's one of those love/hate things - I hate the bedside manner of Dr. House, but he knows his stuff. He doesn't give up on things and he tells it like it is. He finds things out and fixes people. I so wish the Dr.'s for Stellan could just get a "flash" idea and get treatment for his little boy figured out. Please continue to pray for Stellan, his family and his Dr's.

It's Finally Friday!

Update on a few things on this end!

I want to give a shout out to Aunt Angi who actually WON TICKETS to Acquire the Fire event (BATTLECRY) for Andrew! Entering 25 times was apparently a GREAT idea! Whoot Whoot!! It looks to be an exciting and awesome day for Andrew and Eric. And they are going to be TIRED too!!! They have to be there at 7am to register and the event is over at 9:30pm. I'm debating on whether on not to let Andrew drive - we live so close and it would save on parking if I could just drop them off an pick them up. I'll probably take lunch up to them too since Conseco is waaayyy too expensive and when all those kids get to go to lunch everything downtown is going to be PACKED!!! So I might take their order and then take it up to them! BUT then again - with Michael at work that day it might be an awesome day for a road trip to go geocaching!!!

Work is finally getting better. Although I will probably go in this weekend to finish getting caught up, at least I can breath at work now. That is a huge blessing!

We had another great meeting for the next women's Great Banquet in a few months. Here is a tidbit that I came away with:

Through Christ - your debt of sin has been paid - Your debt has been canceled!
Through Christ - your slavery to sin has been broken - You are set free!
Through Christ - you are restored to your original Creator - You are a child of God!

Through Christ Alone we are who we are. Through Christ alone we serve and make Him known to the world around us.

It is only through Christ alone we have the strength to endure - the hope to live for and the peace that surpasses all understanding!! Amen!

Someone asked about the Great Banquet and what a weekend is like. I can tell you the purpose is to pull you out of the world for 72 hours. Thursday night until Sunday evening. No watches, no clocks. Just a room full of women (well, unless you go to a men's weekend then it is all men!) listening to talks, searching God's word for His will in your life! The talks are specific and meant to challenge and encourage us. The personal stories will uplift you and give you strength! The food is awesome (and lots of it too!!) - you will be cared for the entire weekend like you never knew. So many times we put others before ourselves and this is a time to pull away (yes, the family will be fine without you for 72 hours) and focus on YOU!!! Andrew broke his wrist on my Great Banquet weekend. Although Michael was frazzled, he was fine - they both were!! I'm blessed to have had a wonderful experience and I pray that God uses me to bless other that weekend!!

Andrew is officially on Spring Break! He is doing the vacation dance right now. Shame he is grounded from the computer, the 360 and anything else it takes to get him to clean his room!!!

Well, that is it for now. I just read an update on Baby Stellan and he is resting peacefully right now. They put a central line in so that should help with things as well. Please continue to lift them up!

(((HUGS)))

Sha

Baby Stellan

Please continue to pray for Baby Stellan and his family. His mom is weary, not feeling well and emotionally and physically drained. Praise God for her family and friends that are stepping up and helping especially with the other kids. Praise God for the thousands that are standing in the gap and lifting this family up to the throne of God!

Amen and Amen!

Blessings....

Thank you to everyone who is praying for baby Stellan.  He has had a rough day but seems to be resting right now.  Please continue to pray.

Someone at work asked me why I follow such depressing blogs.  I don't see them as depressing. Heartbreaking at times, yes.  But I also see them so full of hope and miracles and so many of these families have such a heart for God.  I pray that should we ever be in a situation similar to many of these families that I am able be as strong and to be able to share that strength with others.  In the meantime, I will thank God daily for my healthy family and friends.

So tonight I just want to  share a few of my blessings with you:

1)  for Michael - a man I don't deserve, a love that is true.  I couldn't ask for a better man as the father of my son.   My best friend - a man that loves to make me laugh and has taught me to laugh at myself.

2)  for Andrew - an amazing teenager with whom I have learned so much from.  He has made me stronger in my faith and more in love with his daddy.  His faith is strong, his heart is tender for others.  I couldn't ask for anything better!

3)  for my family - and there are enough of them!  Each one (although we have many moments) make me a better person one way or another.  Some are good at pointing out my weaknesses and others give me strength.  For each one I am thankful.

4)  for my friends - I have 4 really close friends that continually bless me.  Each one is in  my life for a reason - not just a season.  I pray that I am able to be a blessing to them as well.

5)   for a job I enjoy at a place I love to work.  For bosses that are true Christians - they walk the talk.  For coworkers that allow me to be me at work.  That I don't have a commute to work (sorry Tim, that was for you!)

6)  for Bev, Tom, Sandy and all the others that have had a huge impact in my growth as a Christian.  I am thankful that I am in a country where I can worship and share my faith with others without persecution.  

7)  for McDonald's cokes for $1.00.  Oh wait, that might not be a good thing!

So today as we part, I ask that you continue to pray for baby Stellan and his family.  May God give them His strength during this time.

Heavenly Father - tonight we lift up baby Stellan and his family.  Our prayer is for wisdom for the doctors and to give the family strength.  Send angels to surround the family and give them the peace that can only come from You.  May they continue to feel your Presence during this time.  In the love of your Son Jesus we ask these blessings for this family.  Amen Lord.

Pray for baby Stellan and his family..

Please keep baby Stellan and his family in your prayers. You can use the button above to read his story.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! (And a beautiful one at that!)

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Andrew ended up driving me back to Hobby Lobby to exchange my scroll last night...they didn't have a bigger one, so I ended up getting a wooden one. And it was on clearance. But once I got home I realized that it wasn't a split rail (on a split rail you slide the fabric in between the rail and then tighten and roll your fabric) - You are suppose to used tacks on this one. SOOO...I'm going to take it back too. But Hobby Lobby isn't open on Sunday's, so that is going to be something I have to do later this week. Rats. I might check Michael's as well.

Oh, I found some shiny floss (I think it is called light effects) so I am redoing the cross stitch I was going to mail out. I didn't take the other one apart yet - I want to see if I like this one first. Maybe I'm just delaying working on my big project...ya think?

Michael is the one down sick today - his kidney is hurting. Not sure what it is so we are pushing water and he is laying down. Popou called and asked Andrew to cut his grass - so he is heading over there to cut the grass. Andrew will enjoy having some spending money. Mike Express Car wash hasn't called back, so he is going to have to go back out and put out more applications.

It was my day to bring snacks for our Sunday School class - usually we just do donuts and stuff. But I made two breakfast casseroles last night - one bacon, egg and sausage and the other french toast. So we missed the first song in church because they wouldn't get done quick enough this morning when I baked them!

Church was good today - we are doing a year long study on Jesus. Today covered a bit about Spiritual Warfare and the impact it has on our lives, the lives of our children, our marriages....and we as Christians need to know how to fight that. They did a great skit at the end - when they have the sermon posted I'll try to get it all written down for you. It won't be the same as actually seeing it, but hopefully you will enjoy it.

Anyone watching March Madness Basketball? We entered the one at work (we aren't holding our breath on that one) and the three of us each filled out a bracket for home. The winner gets breakfast in bed fixed by the other two. I'll let you know how it is going after tonight!

OH! My lilac bush is getting green!!! I'm so excited. It's a transplant from the house on Bradbury street way back when we first moved in here! I've gotten blooms every year after the 5th year, but last year was the first year I had so many blooms my front yard and back yard both smelled like lilacs! And it's right outside my living room window so even my house smelled yummy!!!! I just hope we don't get a frost once it starts getting bloom buds!! I've got to find my camera and get some pictures of it!

Speaking of my camera...as soon as I find it I need to get some pictures of my Aida fabric I bought and get it posted on Ebay! I've got to get those auctions going so I can make up my money!!

May the God of heaven and of earth, the Creator who knew you back when you were formed in the womb, touch you today and show you His glory and love. May His angels surround you and fight the battles of the demons that are around us. May the Holy Spirit stir within you and continue to do a good work in you!

Love to all!

(((HUGS)))

Sha

Lazy Saturday

I hate "wasting" my Saturday's, especially when the weather is so nice. But I woke up this morning with a stomach ache and a horrible headache. Andrew wanted to sleep on the couch last night, so when Michael got up for work he chased Andrew to bed....our bed. So at 5 am, both Andrew and Cocoa joined me in bed. I was up at 7 am not feeling well. I got on the computer until Andrew got up at 9 and then back to bed I went - Cocoa came with me. I was freezing so I didn't mind sharing my bed with my little heater! It's now 3:30 in the afternoon and I'm just getting back up. Stomach is better (so far) but my head still hurts. Not sure what triggered it.

It was nice - after Andrew got up I told him I didn't feel well and I was going to go back to bed. He asked, "do you need the puke bucket?" (it's the bathroom trash can with a little water and pin-sol) - so when I got to bed he had the bottom of the bed ready for me - the remotes, my pillow and the puke bucket. I hope he is a gentle and compassionate with his wife as he is with me!

I did got to JoAnn's last night. Let me back up. This is a Q- Snap:

I have the 8x8inch one I think it is best for smaller projects. It allows me to work on a smaller area. It keeps my fabric snug - not so much on the one I just worked on...I think my fabric piece was too small. So I just used my hoop. My new project is MUCH TOO BIG for the Q-Snap so I went after a scroll frame. There was one I wanted but it was only at Hobby Lobby - So I joined the Hobby Lobby e-mail group and got a 40% of coupon (love it). So I came home with this:

I bought the 9x18 inch one, thinking I could fold my project a little at the edges and it would work. Not so much. It's not sturdy enough. So I have to return it today to get the biggest one. I almost got the wooden scroll frames, but the one I have, I tightened too much and broke it. This one LOOKS like it will work perfectly!

I also went to JoAnn's last night- my coupons expired today and I didn't want to waste them. I got two cross stitching books - and yes, I use my weekly budget money to buy them with the coupons! I might run out of gas by the end of the week...but I know how to budget gas! Friday when I got gas, I had 10 miles left till empty! Why, I could have gone back and forth to work one more time on that!!

I ALSO bought some Aida Cross Stitch fabric that Jo Ann's had on clearance - regularly $8.99 for $1.97. So I bought what they had left and I'm going to sell it on Ebay. That is what I was supposed to do all day today, but I wasn't counting on coming down sick. So wish me luck on E-Bay! I work on listing those tomorrow!

Papa called - he wasn't feeling well today either. We will probably head over there to check on him later. Not sure what is for dinner either. Not sure I want dinner. Saturday nights have become game nights for us. Last week we played Clue, Titanic (remember this from growing up guys?) -

We absoutely had a great time. After Titanic we played Mario Cart on the Wii. We've learned that time at home can be so much fun! We don't always need to go do and spend! Although there are a few good movies that came out this weekend and some more next weekend...so we will wait for the movies to hit the 5 buck club and movie night it is!

That is it for now...the boys are chomping at the bit to get on the computer. My plan is to get some toast in my tummy and let make dinner every man for himself tonight!

May the sun that you see, the birds that you hear the and flowers that you see blooming remind you of the Creator and His love for you!

(((HUGS)))

Sha

Who I want to be like when I grow up....

Not sleeping well lately so last night I came out to the couch so I didn't toss all night and keep Michael up. As I was dozing on the couch I started thinking about people who have made an impact in my life and what it is about them that I admire. I think this was triggered by our devotion tonight for the Great Banquet.

So a new part of my blog will be an occasional note about who I want to be like when I grow up.

My first person I want to be like when I grow up is my mom. Mom was a person who stood up for what was right. She defended the underdog. She loved with a passion. She was a good listener - She would take the time - be it when I went over or on the phone - to just listen. Her thoughts were well formed before she gave advice. She loved to do the little things (or not so little things) to help others. She gave of herself. Mom was a genuine person - more concerned about people and not things. She was an encourager.

It's been two and 1/2 years since we lost mom. My heart aches daily. I want to call her and chat - share trivial things that that she always listened to and somehow made me feel like it was important. Mom was a strong woman who overcame many obstacles. She taught me so much - that time with someone is worth more than anything - no matter what you are doing.

My last "good" memory with mom was about 3 weeks before she died. It was my turn to be at the house while Daddy was at work. Mom actually came out to the living room and we sat on the couch and chatted. She put my head her lap and rubbed my forehead like she used to do when I was little. She told me she would be with me in Hawaii (we will save that story for another time) - although we both knew what that meant. She called me Bitsy...for the last time.

So when I grow up - I want to remember mom and the many many things she taught me. I want to be as strong as she was. I want to be an encourager and a helper. I want people to feel like I did when I was with mom - that each moment spent together was more valuable than gold.

Tonight I want to offer praise to God above. For His love, His grace and His peace that has certainly gotten me though the last 2 1/2 years. I couldn't imagine losing someone and not knowing I would see them again.

Praise God for his sacrifice that gives us the promise of eternal life. May the love of God, the promise of eternal life and the comfort of the Holy Spirit carry you as you climb the mountains of life until you can rest in the valley once again.

(((HUGS)))

Mom's Bitsy

I'm back....

Well, as I was reminded today, it's been awhile since we chatted. Lots going on! First of all, the Bronchitis turned into walking pneumonia. I went to our new doctor on the 6th and with all the good drugs he gave me I'm feeling MUCH better now! Took awhile, but I'm on track to get healthy!

I completely enjoyed my two days off....although I'm still paying for it at work with my work load. I have YET to get caught up - and as frustrating as that is, I'm thankful to have a job at a place I love to work. Looks like I'll be going in this weekend to get things caught up. That is what I told myself LAST weekend, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

I did completely take out my cross stitch project and rework it. I have it finished and I'm almost ready to put it in the mail. I'll try to get a picture of it before I mail it. I sure hope she likes it. I started my big project - only about 12 stitches so far, but it's a start. I didn't realize how BIG it was going to be that is for sure! I am FINALLY going to use that 40% off coupon at JoAnn's this weekend to get a scroll frame. This will really make it easier to get good even stitches. Nice part is that I actually have TWO 40% off coupons....wonder what ELSE I can get!! Don't worry...I'm SURE I'll get a good buy!!!

My biggest news is that I'm going to be a part of the next Great Banquet at Southport Presbyterian church in May. I'm SO excited!!! I'm learning so much just in our weekly meetings - I know the retreat will be an amazing experience to be on the "other" side. I'll go into more details as the weeks progress. I know that there are some friends that I would LOVE to go through the weekend retreat, but I've been reminded how these weekends are God's weekends and the people He wants to be there will be there. So if I've been a pushy friend, please forgive me. But if you want more information about it.... :)

Andrew is doing well - report cards come out tomorrow. So we will see how much WoW (World of Warcraft for you Margie - a computer game) time he gets. He went to his first "party" last Friday - it was weird. He drove himself there and back. As nice as it was to have some time to ourselves, I sure was worried!! And I stayed up until he got back. He was home by midnight - I don't know how mom stayed up all that time waiting on us kids to get home!

Michael is good...unfortunately his hours have been cut back again. But we are again thankful that he has good job he likes. We will work through the hard times.

That is all for now...I've got lots of thoughts going though my head of things I want to "discuss" - but It's 10:27 Thursday night and I'm pooped.

So for tonight I pray that when we are apart that the Lord above watches over you with with a hedge of protection for your and your family.

(((HUGS))) until next time!

Sha

Dumb old Bronchitis!

Gosh, it's hard to get the computer from the boys! Well, actually I've been willing to let them enjoy it. We had good quiet weekend...I finally went to the doctor on Saturday and was diagnosed with Bronchitis. Hopefully with the medicine I'm on it will clear me up soon!

I was in the middle of outlining on my cross stitch and I found a miss stitch. I'm so sad. I could take just part of it out, but I've seen some other stitches that aren't as snug as I'd like, so I'm going to probably take the whole thing out and start again. I know...I know. Michael always says that no one will notice, but I will know it is there. Especially since it is a gift - I want it to be perfect. Which means I better get the move on it with my big project so that I can make sure it is perfect!

Andrew is doing amazing in school...it's a whole new world for him! I know he feels better about himself. Our program with getting to play WoW seems to be working!

I'm taking two days off this week from work. I really really need to get some time to myself. Thursday is supposed to be the nicer of the two days, so I'll probably take it easy in the morning and then go do some cache maintenance in the afternoon. Friday is supposed to be a little rainy - so that will be my stay home and cross-stitch day! I'm soooo looking forward to it!

Michael and I have been battling scores on Bubble Shooter. Right now, I have the high score of 73,000 - but I know he will probably beat my score tomorrow. Speaking of games...I'm going to try to get Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 for the computer! Then you won't here much from me at all!!

Walgreens and CVS are running specials on digital prints. So I ordered 20 from Walgreens for free and then 50 from CVS that I'll pick up later in the week! I picked all of our vacation pictures from Hawaii.

I came home from work today and Michael had dinner ready for me. What a nice nice surprise. I gave him the Woot Woot dance and kisses for the cook. Oh, I mixed a salad on Sunday so I could eat it all week. Well, I put it in my car so I wouldn't forget it this morning and it froze in my car last night. It was sorta ok for my lunch today - but I bet tomorrow it will be nasty. Boooo!!

I find myself missing mom more and more lately. Usually there is something that triggers it - a date, a smell a sound. There is a lady at Walgreens that reminds me so much of mom that I find it hard to go in there. One of these days I'm gonna ask her if I can have a hug. I miss my mom. It's so hard sometimes...I just want to hear her voice. :(

Well, that is it tonight. I've got an entire cross stitch to take out. Not too impressed with the Qsnap and my scroll frame is cracked (I over tightened it) so I need to find something to work. I DO have a JoAnn's coupon for 40% off...

Tonight I pray that the Lord of Creation touches your life and reveals Himself to you. In the sunrise, in the rain, in the birds and the blooms...Seek Him and go in His Peace.

(((HUGS))) to all!

Sha