It's Back Tonight!!!

I LOVE THE OFFICE!!! I think it's the only show that makes me laugh out loud, sometimes to the point of tears. It's irreverant and inappropriate, but oh so funny!

Just What I Needed

Our friends, Andrew and Bullen, from Sudan came and spent this weekend with us. Yancy's family was able to be here with us to meet them too. Bullen and Andrew are such an encouragement to be around. They have suffered much in their lives, but they are filled with the joy of the Lord. You can't help but have a smile on your face when they're around. They have come to America to go to school and are attending Southern Union in Wadley, AL. If you are interested in helping support them while they're here, go to http://www.4cornersministries.org/get%20involved/donate.html. Make sure to write "Andrew and Bullen" in the comments section.

Wow... Still Waiting!

It seems like the answer to all of my prayers over the last year (really over the last 6 1/2 years) is wait. Wait?! I don't really want to wait! I'm tired of waiting! I feel like I have waited, and tried to do so with patience and joy and contentment. So, I'm not really happy about the fact that God's answer is still wait. I know that God has great plans for our family. I know He's going to bring us a precious, perfect baby. I know that He will sell our house. I know that He will provide a house for us in Huntsville. I know that Yancy and I will live under the same roof again for more than 3 days at a time. I know that God will provide a church and friends in Huntsville. I know, I know, I know. But sometimes I just don't feel it. But just as I'm writing this, I'm reminded of something I learned in a Bible Study once. I may have even posted about it before. (Maybe God's trying to teach me something, huh?)

God's Word is truer than anything I feel.
God's Word is truer than anything I experience.
God's Word is truer than any circumstance I will ever face.

I have to go back to what I know to be true about God in His Word because 1 Peter 1:25 says, "The Word of the Lord stands forever." So, what does God's Word say?

Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Isaiah 55:8 "My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."
Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires."
Psalm 113:9 "He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!"
Romans 8:35-39 "...For I am convinced that nothing... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."
Zephaniah 3:17 "...With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, He is a strong refuge. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him."
Jeremiah 32:17 "O Sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you!"
Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust."
Psalm 24:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."

Well, I'm feeling better already! I'm so thankful for His Word. The Lord does have a plan for me. He does love me abundantly and unconditionally. He is good. And He is worthy of my trust. I choose to trust Him... and wait!

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength!" Habakkuk 3:17-19

Bath Time

Charlie and Duke get a bath once a year- whether they need it or not! (Believe me, they need it!!!) They were actually very good for their baths, especially Charlie, and I'm wondering why I don't bathe them more often. They smell so good and look so shiny. Maybe I'll change the tradition from once a year to once a month. We'll see how that goes! Here's Charlie's pictures. Duke was not avaliable for photos, as he was hiding in an azalea bush, afraid he might have to get another bath.

BEFORE...
AFTER... I know I'm biased, but I think Charlie is such a pretty dog!