Thursday's Thanksgivings

The day is almost done, but I did not want it to pass without mentioning some thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for time to fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Though we are commanded in Scripture to do this, sometimes I forget how much I need it. It is so necessary for our souls. We were not meant to walk through this Christian pilgrimage by ourselves. As the Body of Christ, we really do need one another. (Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24) I was reminded of that tonight as our family had some good hang out time with two precious families here in Tuscaloosa. Between the three couples, 8 children - age 7 and under - were present as well. So needless to say, having time to chat (believe it or not, we actually had time to chat! :) with these ladies, in the same boat as me, was much needed. My heart was refreshed and encouraged. (And both my children did GREAT tonight! An answer to prayer. You never know how it is going to go when you are out for the evening!) For this, I am very thankful.

As the Seasons Change

So does my little boy. He is growing so fast, and time is passing so quickly. If he only understood how much I love him. I treasure each day with John David. He is such a gift.

Thank you, Lord, for such a beautiful weekend to enjoy some special outdoor fun with my boy!

Scripture Memory Monday

What a beautiful Monday morning here in Alabama. I am so thankful for our God who is such a glorious Creator. The changing of seasons He allows is such a work of creativity and grace. I love experiencing the newness and the beauty of each one that comes and goes. What a gift. Thank you, Lord.

My goal for this week was to finish up the Colossians 3 passage that we have been working on. Because these verses are so familiar to most, I believe that we could indeed plan on memorizing the last three verses this week to finish up the chapter. (If you are tracking along here, go right ahead!) However, I think that I am going to take it a bit slower and really chew on verse 15 for the next few days.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in one body;

and be thankful."

Colossians 3:15 (NASB)

click here for ESV

Letting the peace of Christ RULE in my heart. . . Wow, what a difference that would make in my life each day! Dwelling in unity with the body of Christ - this is huge! And being thankful . . . for everything . . . always? Really? I mean, life changing!

Lord, please let your Word take root in our hearts and bring about change - real transformation - for your glory! How we long to be more like your Son. Thank you that You speak these words to us so that we may have life, life abundantly! (John 6:63, John 10:10, John 6:33)

More Birthday Wishes

Our family celebrates yet another birthday today...

The birthday of

Elizabeth Orelia Messer Pugh

My Granny

Granny - my Dad's mother - is a godly woman who fears the Lord and honors Him by serving others. She is a faithful prayer warrior, specifically on behalf of her family. The Lord has blessed her faithfulness to pray and to seek His face regarding the salvation of her children and grandchildren. Now that she has great-grandchildren, I pray that her prayers never cease! What a blessing to know that Granny is lifting each of her family members individually to the Lord.

Like I said, Granny is indeed a servant. Not only does she serve others through praying on their behalf, she also serves others by meeting their physical needs. Granny is a wonderful cook. We have always looked forward to going to visit Granny and Pop for many reasons; obviously not the main reason, but one that is near the top of the list, nonetheless, is Granny's cooking. Some good eatin' takes place around that south Alabama table! Besides receiving joy by cooking for her family and filling our bellies, she also is eager to do this for everyone she knows. I once heard it said, "I have never met a soul without a body." Granny has touched so many souls and showed them the genuine love of Christ by - very practically - helping satisfy their physical hunger.

Thank you, sweet Granny, for being such a beautiful example of loving and praying and serving. You are a wonderful woman, and I am so honored to call you my grandmother. Thank you for blessing others with your life.

Happy Birthday, Granny!

We love you so much!

Friday's Photo

Celebrating my little brother today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAMERON!

I was 3 1/2 when Kameron was born. When my parents came home from the hospital, I told them that I was sad that they didn't bring me a surprise ~ (they usually brought us back a little something when they had to be gone; and I am ashamed to say that my ungrateful statement is documented on a family video!) Well, Kameron turned out to be a pretty great gift himself!

We love you, Kameron, and can't imagine our family without you. We are so proud of the godly man that you have become. The Lord has gifted you in tremendous ways and is using you mightily for the furtherment of His Kingdom and glory. You are such a blessing to all who know you. I can't wait to see how the Lord continues to use you as He equips you for the work He is calling you to do. . . and in May, the work you will do alongside your precious bride.

I cherish you as my brother and my friend.

I love you so much.

Thursday's Thanksgivings

First of all, what a beautiful day it has been; for that I am very thankful.

Secondly, I wanted to mention how thankful I am for how we are seeing our precious John David blooming so beautifully. For most individuals on the autism spectrum, initiating interaction with others and showing affection are two struggles off of the long list of difficulties they face. Earlier this week, while lying in his bed and following through with our bedtime routine, John David put his almost-three-year-old arm around me and said words that I could only hope to hear. "I am hugging you," he said in a tender voice. (This was one of the first times he actually initiated a hug.) Then he said - unprompted and clearly from his little heart - "Mmmm, I love you, Mommy." Oh, at this my eyes poured and my heart soared with gratitude!

Thank you, John David. Thank you, Lord.

Scripture Memory Monday

I was talking with a friend yesterday who is dealing with a wounded heart and the need to forgive. While contemplating the circumstance she undesirably found herself in and experiencing hurt, anger, etc., this friend testified how the Lord recalled to her mind Colossians 3:12 that we memorized last Monday. However, she went on to memorize several of the following verses in that chapter, and I thought we would do the same this week. It is beautiful how the Lord is so faithful to bring to our minds His words of Truth that we need to hear, specifically in moments of weakness and temptations. And when the Holy Spirit speaks His Truth to our hearts, may we do our part in being faithful to head His words of Life and freedom!

"...bearing with one another,

and forgiving each other,

whoever has a complaint against anyone;

just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14 Beyond all these things put on love,

which is the perfect bond of unity."

Colossians 3: 13 & 14 (NASB)

ESV folks click here.

We will stop there for today, but I anticipate finishing out the chapter next week. Happy meditating!