hope in a jar

My husband sometimes receives free Amazon gift certificates from time to time, so I decided to purchase something that I ordinarily wouldn't-- just to treat myself. I've heard good reviews about Philosopy's Hope in a Jar. It not only is a great moisterizer, but the message on the jar is a awesome daily reminder to me:

"Where there is hope there can be faith. Where there is faith miracles can occur"

Hope & faith tend to go hand in hand. And when we have faith, thats when miracles happen. I've heard many testimonies of miracles happen, because people have faith... & without faith... there is no hope. :) :)

Our Times are in His Hands

I came across this in my email today & it spoke right to my heart. Yes-- our family's circumstances are in limbo right now since my husband, Joel has become unemployed. It really gives me such a reassurance to know that there is no need to worry or set a time table regarding His new position. That new door of opportunity will present itself & will open in the Lords awesome timing.

With that said, I don't want to lose joy just thinking about what might or might not happen in the future. I may have goals and plans for our family, but the Lord is teaching me each and every day through setbacks that He is good & to wait on Him. :)


"At the end of each year, a calendar is like an album of little snap shots of were we've been & what we've done. At home, families are learning a simple rule, "Write everything down in pencil" One simple lesson a calendar can teach us that plans can change. Doctors appointments get rescheduled, dinner dates get cancelled & sometimes anticipated events don't work out.

Thankfully, that doesn't mean that our lives are out of control, that nothing is certain, and that there's nothing that we can trust in. But, God wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart, an inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands, a deep trust in His plans & purposes, and a thankful disposition that all that He allows.

He wants you to put your faith in Him, not in a timetable. He wants you to wait on Him and wait for Him. In His perfect way, He will bring everything together, see to every detail, arrange every circumstance, and order every step to bring to pass what He has for you."

-- Roy Lessin-- Co-founder of Dayspring cards.

The Wise Man Built His House...

We sang this song with the little ones as Joel & I served in Noah's Sunday School class today. It spoke to me as it reminded me of the verse in Romans "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind"

There is a big difference from being in the world than of the world. Yes, we can be friends with people in the world, but we are not to take part in the system of the World. To do so, we would be an enemy of God.

Of course, one thought lead to another & I was reminded of the song by Casting Crowns, called "American Dream". So many individuals put their main focus in life on their jobs, possessions, etc-- but unfortunately many fall deficit of spiritual fullfillment, all because their main focus is on something else. :(

I believe that there is no such thing as the "American Dream"--although it is perfectly okay to be blessed with nice things in our lives. I also believe that "The American Dream" is just apart of the world's system, but when you think about it, is it fullfilling when the storms of life come... and ones world comes tumbling down?????

::Walk Now For Autism Pictures::

Well, we did it!!! All 3.2 miles of it. Noah did really well, although he was a bit shy at first. There was about 500 people there. It was great exercise, as we walked 2 times around the track & through the town of Sumner. People were wearing group tee-shirts, plus we also earned tee-shirts of our own by raising money for Autism Speaks. For our group, called Noah & Co.-- I made these cute puzzle piece tags with Noahs picture on it, on a blue ribbon. A good friend of mine, Earleen, came & walked along with us. :) (Thanks again, Earleen!)

Austim Awareness signs were everywhere in the city of Sumner, people were so supportive & it was AWESOME just to be able to come together with the other family/friends to raise money for a great cause! :) :)

Why I love Starbucks

(Thanks Lori for posting this)

Autism Speaks has given Starbucks customers something to think about today as co-founder Bob Wright's reflections appear on Starbucks white cups across North America as part of “The Way I See It” program. Wright's quote, #264, urges parents to learn the signs of autism and act early if they suspect their child is experiencing a developmental delay.

The message appears on over 5 million venti-sized cups across the United States. “Starbucks offers a warm and inviting environment for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas over a great cup of coffee, which was the inspiration for “The Way I See It” program,” said Tricia Moriarty, a Starbucks spokesperson. “We are pleased to have Bob Wright contribute to “The Way I See It” in order to share his personal acumen with Starbucks customers.”The cup says: Every 20 minutes-less time than it will take you to drink your coffee-another child is diagnosed with autism. It's much more common than people think, with 1 out of every 150 children diagnosed.

Learn the early warning signs of autism and if you're concerned about your child's development, talk to your doctor. Early intervention could make a big difference in your child's future. Bob Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks, http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Starbucks customers can expect to find daily discoveries from numerous notables this year as part of the "The Way I See It " program, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, Yo Yo Ma, Arianna Huffington, LeAnn Rimes and Jodi Picoult.

For more information on Autism Speaks and “The Way I See It” program visit www.starbucks.com/wayiseeit and http://www.autismspeaks.org/

ABOUT AUTISM

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks has merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations.

To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

ABOUT STARBUCKS “THE WAY I SEE IT” PROGRAM

Starbucks' “The Way I See It” program was born in 2005 as a natural extension of the Starbucks Experience. In the age old tradition of the coffeehouse as an egalitarian gathering place where spirited conversation and dynamic debate are the norm, Starbucks hand-picks quotes for “The Way I See It” program which are guaranteed to inspire and promote thoughtful discussion.

Trust Him

I enjoy getting daily devotionals sent to my email box. I especially enjoyed this mornings devotional. It is a reminder for me to trust God & not our circumstances. This is refreshing to me, as my husband is currently unemployed-- but we continue put our complete faith in the Lord right now knowing that he is at work for us, getting ready to open the right door of opportunity.

When we do this, we find that blessings start flowing-- as I know that you can't release His blessings without putting your trust completely in Him first. Ive seen so many blessings flow in our lives... numerous to count, but we know it's not because of who we are, its to whom we belong to!

After all, faith is trusting in Him completely with our life's circumstances, whether it be our finances, relationships, health, etc.

"Trust Him"

Today's Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).


Do you need God's direction in your life? Often times, the Lord will instruct your heart to do something that's just the opposite of what your natural mind thinks you should do. It doesn't make sense, but God's principals are very different from the world's principals. In the natural, it doesn't make sense that if you are in need, you should give to someone-you should sow a seed.

But you can trust God's Word that says “what you sow, you shall reap.” You can trust that God's system is set up for your good. His system is set up to prosper you and not harm you. He wants to give you a future and a hope. As you step out and trust God and obey His word-even when you don't understand-He promises to direct your paths. He promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter every single day!

A Prayer for Today

Thank You, God, for directing my path today. Thank You for opening my heart to trust You today. Keep me close to You and teach me to hear Your voice so that I may please You all the days of my life.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

::7th Wedding Anniversary::

Today, my husband, Joel & I officially celebrate 7 years of marriage! We began our celebration early last night with a night out on the town. We started with a wonderful seafood dinner for two on the waterfront in Seattle--a present from Joels parents. :) (Thank you!)

The salmon was a delight to our taste buds, served along side of the asparagus, plus a Crab cake appetizer that was very well prepared without bread crumbs! We ended our dinner with a yummy chocolate mousse that was elegantly presented with purried strawberries. :):)

Afterwards, we drove to Key Arena to see Josh Groban in concert. (Joel entered my name in for a sweepstakes weeks ago & we were suprisingly blessed with a pair of tickets to the concert-- the night before our 7th Anniversary, too! Amazing how the Lord works... wink!)

The concert was just amazing!! I've watched Josh (Groban) perform on tv, but I had never seen him live in concert. It was truly spectacular! We were delighted with him being so personable & humorous with the audience; PLUS-- his vocals on his songs were so rich & amazingly beautiful. Such a blessing! :) (I think I have already been "Grobanized" LOL!!! Ive already downloaded songs from his "Awake" CD--so I can listen to them on my Mp3 player. :) :)

Josh opened the concert with this song & I would like to dedicate it to my love, my wonderful husband of 7 years today. Life may have thrown us a few curve balls in our circumstances.... but... Don't give up... you are loved (so very much)!!!

(This song also reminds me of what the Lord wants for us all... to move past our own circumstances, not to give up due to the weight of the world, but put our complete trust in Him always!)

Happy Anniversary!!! :) :)