From the Inside Out

I am reminded, just about every time I pray or open my Bible, about My Savior's everlasting mercies and grace. I am so unworthy of His amazing love...but yet He opens His heart to me every time I seek Him. I put Him on the back burner, 'forgetting' my quiet time for weeks on end, but every time I make the effort to put Him back in control, He NEVER ceases to amaze me with His peace and comfort He gives! Even on my best day, my effort are like filthy rags...All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away (Isaiah 64:6). But, He promises that if I just pray, he will hear me and answer me! If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:14-15)
I have probably talked about this before, but it just never ceases to amaze me, and I wanted to remind my friends and family that if you are dealing with anything, to remember to turn to our Lord Jesus Christ, and he will renew you! Take your struggles to the Cross...every day!

We sang a new song in church recently, and it really struck my heart. It has wonderfully true lyrics, and is just beautiful!!!! It should be playing as you read this, and here are the lyrics:

From The Inside Out
by Hillsong United
album: United We Stand (2006)

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Chorus 2x
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

He Asks, He Receives... subtitle: "Funny Face" :)

Well, while my brother was here (oh that reminds me...I need to post about Gator Country!)...uh...where was I...oh yes...he asked for more video on my blog! So, I tried to capture Emmalyn doing this hilarious funny face she makes...on video! Not easy, but after 3 or 4 attempts, this is what I got. Her mouth usually opens wide enough to stick a couple of hands in, but I guess trying this while she is eating, I got the "watered down" version. Enjoy!

A Tribute To Daddies!!!

Funny photo: My dad (on the right) and my husband.

(What is that about marrying a man that reminds you of your dad?)

“Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.” -Anne Geddes

“He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” -Clarence Budington Kelland

"One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be." -Anonymous

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."
-Proverb 20:7

Kris and I were both blessed with great dads, and I am realizing more and more how important the role of a daddy is in the home. I am so thankful we had good role models! Kris has learned a LOT in the last 16 months, and I am so proud of how he has grown. He truly is a great daddy! I know it is 4 days late, but Father's Day has me feeling especially proud of the father figures in my life, and grateful for the role they will play in Emmalyn's life as she grows up.

But even more, I am so very grateful for the example we have in our Heavenly Father! He truly never will leave us or forsake us, and I am overwhelmed with emotion and thankfulness that He has called me to Himself! Abba truly is an awe-inspiring daddy!!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." -Ephesians 1:3

Here are a few pictures of the wonderful Earthly fathers in my life...

My Daddy...aka, Grandaddy :)
Emmalyn's other proud Grandpa, Kris's awesome dad, Mike:
The WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, TERRIFFIC daddy of my child:
A bonus daddy picture too cute not to share!!!

Great Movie!

This movie was hysterical and you should go see it!!! Just thought you should know. :)

Finally, some pictures from my niece's visit :)

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I guess with the situation with my friend Jessica, blogging seemed less important. Please continute to keep them in your prayers, this will be a long trial, I am sure.


Well, she (I'll call her "B") was here for 2 weeks, and we had a really great time! Emmalyn and I spent the 2nd week pretty under the weather, but managed to stay busy enough to keep B entertained, I believe. I am trying to remember what we did, exactly. :) Oh yes, the first week, she went with me to MOPS, a playdate with my friend Lauren, and around town for fun errands, like Target. :) I am sure we did more, but my almost 30-year old memory fails me. :)


The second week, we went to a great splash park, but I managed to forget my camera. I promise it was adorable! :) I also got a fun little wading pool and slip and slide for them to play in in the back yard. (Well, the wading pool for Emmalyn...the slip and slide was definitely more fun for B.) We played around a lot this week, and generally had a great time!!! Here are some photos:

B and Emmalyn Dance "Under the Sea":

Jessica had her baby

I just wanted to let you all know that our friends Jessica and Josh welcomed their baby boy, Treyson Kemp, into the world yesterday at almost 3:00 p.m. He was adorable, and apparently looked just like his older brother, Luke. They had about an hour with him, and he went home to be with Jesus at 4:00 p.m. Jess and Josh are home now, and apparently doing pretty well. Please pray for this family.

Just Checking In

Well, the last week and a half have been busy, but mostly a lot of fun! I have had my beautiful 16 year old niece with me since May 30th, and we are having a lot of fun! Memorial Day was fun, and we have since been trying to keep busy around town. But for the last couple days, I have apparently come down with a bug. Kris thinks it might be Strep! So, I am now worried about getting these 2 beautiful girls in my care sick! Please pray with me that this passes quickly, I feel miserable! Please also pray that these girls don't get sick! She is really a lot of help with Emmalyn, and for that I am very grateful! I certainly will miss her when she leaves!

I will post more about the visit, hopefully with lots of great pictures, when I have more time and feel better!

But, Jessica has been going through a LOT the last week and a half...please go read her blog and pray for her!!! Please pray that she can carry this baby as long as possible, but that when God decides it is time to have the baby, that she will go into labor on her own and not have to be induced! Pitocin=yuk!!!