tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74867539118282770202024-02-21T07:40:27.820-06:00Living On AssignmentJosh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-43093874076159509652012-11-09T16:56:00.001-06:002012-11-09T17:03:18.798-06:0030 Days of ThanksIt's that time of year. The time we focus on the things we're thankful for. We either cook yummy food or delight in the graciousness of someone's else's yummy cooking (thank God for moms and grandmas!) in the presence of the family God gave us. <br />
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I have enjoyed reading the daily words of thanks many people are posting on facebook, and I have to admit, posting daily on facebook is not my strongpoint, so I thought I'd list 30 days of thanks right here on the blog! So, here it goes:<br />
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1. Food to eat<br />
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2. A roof over my head<br />
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3. Clothes on my back <br />
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4. A family to serve<br />
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5. The Call of God to advance His Kingdom<br />
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6. The privilege of being born in the great nation we call America<br />
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7. Parents who raised me to know God<br />
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8. Ministers who poured into my life along the way<br />
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9. The privilege of prayer<br />
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10.The way God provides when no one else notices the need<br />
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11.The way God protects me & the ones I love<br />
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12.The adventures I've experienced in life and even the adventures still to anticipate<br />
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13.Laughter<br />
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14.Music<br />
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15.Dates with my husband<br />
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16.One on one time with my girls<br />
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17.A few favorite Bible Study authors<br />
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18.God's written Word and His revelation to our hearts when we uncover the mysteries that lie within<br />
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19.Hot tea sweetened with honey<br />
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20.Good ole' southern iced tea<br />
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21.Caring in-laws<br />
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22.Friends God has given us along the way<br />
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23.The baby we are expecting<br />
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24.The fact that my girls play together and are best friends<br />
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25.All the awesome recipes I've collected from other blogs!<br />
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26.Star gazing<br />
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27.Christmas, the hope of a Savior<br />
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28.The gifts God has given me, no matter how insignificant they may seem at times... He is GREAT <br />
in our weakness.<br />
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29.God's grace that is great toward me... completely undeserved<br />
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30.The Hope of Heaven<br />
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Maybe you are like me and there has been a time you read something someone posted on facebook that they were giving thanks for, and you thought, "That's great for them, but that's exactly what my life is lacking right now." Someone could have received a million dollars while you are struggling to pay the bills. It's tough to read about someone's awesome family when maybe you lost someone you loved dearly. I can give thanks for my husband and children, but I am completely aware that someone could read this who is single, or in a broken relationship. Maybe you long for children, but it seems like an unanswered prayer. <br />
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No matter how blessed we are in this life on earth, there is probably always some area that seems to lack in our life. Simply because on this fallen earth we are not living in the completeness of what God has in store for us. I say that simply to say, when my life seems to lack in some area, then sure, I pray and believe God to bring that thing about, and so often He does. I also remind myself that life on this earth is NOT IT! I am living for something greater. I am living for the day when God's Kingdom is all that prevails. No more sickness. No more death. No more pain. No more heartache. No more unfulfilled days. No more lack.<br />
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I have so much to be thankful for, but take it all away, and what is left is the hope of heaven! I hope that encourages your heart. It means everything to me!<br />
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<strong><em>"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Revelation 17:14</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name." Psalm 97:11-12</em></strong><br />
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Live for Eternity!<br />
~JillJosh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-11155572178487984362012-10-30T21:58:00.000-05:002012-10-30T21:58:25.220-05:00Living In God's Favor<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Alright. Some of you may remember a few months ago, I sent out a request on facebook for you to believe with me. There were three VERY specific things I was believing God for, and today I am finally sharing with you just what God is doing in our lives. So, if you are one who truly prayed for us specifically over that request, get ready to celebrate! However you want to celebrate. You can jump up and down in praise... break out the apple cider and pumpkin pie... LOL! God is doing great things, and we are so excited to give Him the praise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I actually took a break from posting on here, because I felt that a short break was needed, and looking at the last post, I wrote about perceiving our circumstances through thankfulness rather than a spirit of complaining. Over the course of the past few months, repeatedly I have felt from the Lord to find thankfulness in EVERYTHING, and that the more I am thankful the more He is able to bestow blessing and favor on my life. So, I find it so much like God to place on my heart to return to blogging, now that thankulness and obedience is reaping a harvest of His unmistakable favor in my life. And let me say this now.... God's favor is available to EVERYONE! It is just as available to you as it is to me. He is no respector of persons. He does NOT play favorites! However, there is favor that is available for EVERYONE to tap into.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There were three major areas of my life in which, I confess, I was doing a certain amount of complaining to God over. Through some unusual circumstances and an undeniable God moment in my life over the summer, God placed on my heart to sow seed money for three months. One month for each of my requests. And so, I did. And I have dark roots on this blonde head to prove it! A sacrifice I'd make again to see God's hand in such a way as I have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first month we sowed all our extra money asking the Lord for financial provision. Within one month's time, we received a 100 fold financial blessing from that seed. God solidified in our hearts through that blessing that He is very aware of our needs and is taking care of us. PRAISE HIM! It gets better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The second month we sowed all the extra money we had and asked God to bless us with another child. This is something we have longed for and have found difficulty along the way, so we cried out to God. About a month later, we conceived and are now 10 weeks!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-98e26S58oksbkBFuakKz1bSl0ei86wcaFXIUiH_Lw0ibQwo9PiR8sMJau5AKOEeVQUwwi1Xh9Eui_IXxHQ1P5G1cdj14rNHy6zUKLjzMKMfBEj_3ZbCbcLVZkvlEeQ5ZeRMFPOCH8A/s1600/296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-98e26S58oksbkBFuakKz1bSl0ei86wcaFXIUiH_Lw0ibQwo9PiR8sMJau5AKOEeVQUwwi1Xh9Eui_IXxHQ1P5G1cdj14rNHy6zUKLjzMKMfBEj_3ZbCbcLVZkvlEeQ5ZeRMFPOCH8A/s320/296.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You have no idea how exciting it was to go into an ultra sound and see a baby! In past experience, we had gone to find nothing at all... but Praise God! This time a baby! The heartbeat was like music!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you celebrating the goodness of God, yet? It's not that throwing down money gets us what we want. However, it is that when we combine thankfulness with obedience, the blessings of God are not hindered!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We sowed for a third time, and cannot yet share the details of our third seed. But can I say this? We are seeing God's hand all over again, and can't wait to share the praise report with you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those of you who knew we were seeking God, and prayed, THANK YOU! Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and pray over this precious baby we are already in love with! We want to believe God for you too! You can contact us by leaving a comment, sending an email through our website, </span><a href="http://www.josh-jill.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.josh-jill.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, or calling/texting. God is very aware of you, and He longs for His favor to rest on your life! Do you feel the favor of God is being hindered? Ask God to show you the right walk of obedience, and He will do just that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to leave you with an encouraging passage of scripture:</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potipha had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not conern himself with anything except the food he ate." (Genesis 39:2-6)</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Walk in God's Favor!<br />~Jill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-17190101652253994152012-03-26T11:02:00.000-05:002012-03-26T11:02:23.297-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the past two or three years I've experienced some circumstances in my life that definitely have not happened in the way I would have EVER planned! I've not blogged about them... maybe someday I will. Have you ever noticed that life can serve you bad deal after bad deal? Just when you get over one thing something completely different yet disheartening surprises you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In those times it's easy to begin to complain. Things aren't right. Things aren't fair. Does God even care? Complaining. I think I've been doing some of that. Not out loud so much, but deep down I've been frustrated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm so glad God doesn't give up on us when we are frustrated and complaining. He has reminded me the importance of a thankful heart. The importance of thanking Him in the trial, even thanking Him FOR the trial! This could be the very thing He uses to bring about a greater maturity and strength in us as well as something better for our lives than that thing we're so disappointed over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I read a couple of qoutes yesterday that grabbed my heart and brought me to repentance again. God's been dealing with me on this for a couple of months now!</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts." "A grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life." </span></em></strong>~Sarah Young<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wow. I would much rather perceive my life through a grateful attitude than a cynical, hurt, and broken one. How much happier my days would be, and how much happier those around me would be! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What about you? Has life served you some bad deals? I hope you find encouragement in this. It is not natural to be grateful. I think it's something we have to practice and practice until it becomes natural. It's something we have to constantly go to God in prayer over asking Him for strength and help. When our grateful attitude finally overrides the hurt, the questions, and the complaining we begin to find that our joy returns. That ability to truly smile and laugh return. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So that's my prayer today. Here are a few scriptures to ponder.</span><br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"And do not grumble, as some of them did - and were killed by the destroying angel." <br />
1 Corinthians 10:10</span></strong></em><br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" <br />
Hebrews 12:28-29</span></strong></em><br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4</span></strong></em>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-57888369265908702342012-03-12T09:56:00.000-05:002012-03-12T09:56:18.262-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Today I just want to type a passage of scripture that I hope will be an encouragement to you. My prayer is that God will help me to be obedient to His ways and His plans in every detail of my life! Pure obedience. That's what I'm striving for. The passage I want to leave you with is a scriptural blessing for obedience. Though obedience may seem to cost us much from an earthly perspective, it is really the way we gain an abundant and full life!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock - the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven."</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~Deuteronomy 28:1-7</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">That's just the first seven verses. There are seven more that follow that. Walk in obedience today! The blessing is far greater than the sacrifice!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~Jill</span></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-68299524347483198882012-03-05T10:29:00.000-06:002012-03-05T10:29:04.936-06:00Apply it to Me Monday.. Final Thoughts on Loving them Better<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Over the past week, I've had to hand some anxiety over to God and allow His peace to overwhelm my understanding, <em>or lack thereof.</em> While I've been in that process, I've thought how valuable of a lesson that is to teach our kids. <strong><em>Take your concerns to God. He will guard your hearts and minds</em></strong>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I began a 14 day challenge on ways we can love our kids better, and today I want to give it a few final thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ Teach them to take their concerns to God. A great way to teach that is simply to model that through some of your own siuations and concerns. Let God's peace be evident in you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ Find their interests and encourage them in that. Kylee wants to be a <em>"pet doctor princess" </em>when she grows up. She may change her mind several times between now and then, but we encourage it and let her take care of our pets. Both girls love to read, so we go to the library often so there are always fresh books around the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ I notice my kids get a big sense of accomplishment when I let them accomplish a grown up task. Kylee loves to help me wash dishes, and even though letting her help doubles the time it takes to finish, I try to let her as often as I can. It brings her a great sense of accomplishment. They both love to help cook, so I look for chances to let them pour, stir, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ Praise, Praise, Praise! Speak life over them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ Have a family devotion when you can. I've learned accomplishing that every night is nearly impossible, but make them meaningful and fun when you do catch that chance. The other night we made blue jello with swedish fish inside to celebrate Dr. Seuss day. We read "Red Fish, Blue Fish." After the Dr. Seuss story we talked about a Bible fish story known as Jonah and the Whale. It turned into a great talk on obedience... and it was FUN! Devotions can be meaningul and fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ One thing we do as a family is take walks together when we are home. It gets us away from chores and work life while we catch some fresh air and do something together. It doesn't have to take long, but is a very intentional way to be together as a family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ <strong><em>Last but not least, trust God in this parenting thing. We could come up with steps to take to raise 'em right all day long, but without God, it's all meaningless. He is our source of strength and wisdom. He gives it generously to those who ask. (James 1:5) So, when you are at a loss, turn to the One who brings peace in your anxiety, strength in your weakness, and wisdom along your unsure path. He loves you. O, how He loves you! And those sweet babies? He loves them too. He loves them enough to partner alongside you in this whole parenting thing. After all, He is the master parent! I don't know about you, but this mama is far from having it all together. I'm so glad I can rely on the ONE who does!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Jill</span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-1047370952225458122012-02-20T10:34:00.000-06:002012-02-20T10:34:59.425-06:00Apply it to Me Monday... 14 Days to Loving them Better<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandment to do them.<br />
Psalm 103:17-18</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the idea of blogging daily, it's just not a reality for me. I don't know how these moms with 10 kids homeschool, travel and speak publicly across the nation, keep a perfect house, and BLOG DAILY! They must be hiding a nanny and a maid in a closet somewhere! I say that to apologize for not blogging every day of my 14 day challenge to <strong><em>love them better</em></strong>. However, the challenge has been very near my thoughts and I have looked daily for ways to love my kids and my husband <strong><em>better</em></strong>. Today I will list four challenges that I've given myself, and hopefully one of them will resonate with you!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Honor God as an individual by keeping His commandments.</em></strong> The greatest gift we can give our children is a blessing that is passed down through our obedience to God. I want to be sensitive to the things He ask me to do and not neglect those things. If I violate God's law in some way I want the Holy Spirit to convict me and I want to turn away from it immediately. What a treasure for my kids to grow up and say "I am blessed because of the obedience of my parents!" Sometimes we need to get our focus <em>off </em>of what our kids' are doing wrong and ask God to show us what <em>we're </em>doing </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">wrong! Is there any area of disobedience?</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. <strong><em>Give our family the gift of TIME</em></strong>.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I had a favorite professor in college. I was privileged to take classes under him 4 or 5 times. Something he taught us in every class was how love was spelled... <br />
T. I. M. E. We</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> are living in a culture where we are overwhelmed with schedules, and honestly, social media is overtaking our time with family. A big reason I do not blog daily, even through a 14 day challenge, is because of the time it would take from a little 3 and 4 year old who want to read stories and play games. It's too easy to spend an evening with a quick meal while someone in the family chills out watching TV while someone else is checking out on facebook and twitter. The family is home together, but disconnected. I want to be intentional about the quality of time I give to my kids. I've learned I can be home with them all day, yet I'm so busy I'm not really with them. Time is a precious gift.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. <strong><em>Make my Marriage Priority</em></strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong>I've often heard it said that all a child wants is a mommy and daddy to love them. I think </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> that's true, but only partly. What a child really wants is a mommy and daddy </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>who love each other</em></strong>. A child's security is in the fact that things are okay with mom and dad. My desire is to model how to love through loving my husband. When they see a genuine love there, it gives them a sense of security that will carry with them throughout life. My prayer is that my kids will love and respect their father because that's what they see mom do!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. <strong><em>Make Meals a Ministry</em></strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong>Really, it doesn't even necessarily have to be a meal. I've never been one to have too much yummy stuff in the house, but I'm trying to do better. I've learned when my kids are upset or we are just not connecting well, the difference giving them something yummy can make! I know it sounds silly, but I'm amazed at how comforting and healing a cup of hot chocolate can be after I've had to discipline the kids. When the discipline is over, it's wonderful to follow it up with an act of kindness and love. I'm not saying we lessen discipline because discipline in and of itself is an act of love, and I'm not saying we follow up with snacks every time. I've just noticed the comfort it has brought to my kids when our day was really going sour. Hot chocolate and marshmallows speak to them like nothing else.<br />
Another thing my kids love that makes a fun dessert is strawberries and chocolate dip. Sometimes I will use that as a reward and sometimes "just because." When we give our kids what they love to eat <em>(and I'm not referring to McDonald's)</em> it can be a true ministry to them. Had a rough day with your teen? A trip to Krispy Kreme could be just the thing.<br />
Many times in the Bible we see Jesus minsitering to the disciples by <em>feeding them</em>. So when you take the time to cook that meal, or make a cup of hot chocolate, you are speaking love!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was our centerpiece the other night at dinner.<br />
The kids ate their vegetables in no time to get to this!<br />
They didn't like strawberries until I introduced them with chocolate.<br />
Now they are crazy for strawberries and will even eat them without </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the chocolate!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPQwxb9MtMCiCwksD1FAij4yO3RQfQRC3j5iOYy3fAyOecfjc-p8pA3nzdG20neQq9rSgYPoa9uTA8NystH3ZM4taNy0x4WZT_6n5oH3wTeUNaRoUy2XxWOaKvcamMJgRW7x8U2vR9O0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPQwxb9MtMCiCwksD1FAij4yO3RQfQRC3j5iOYy3fAyOecfjc-p8pA3nzdG20neQq9rSgYPoa9uTA8NystH3ZM4taNy0x4WZT_6n5oH3wTeUNaRoUy2XxWOaKvcamMJgRW7x8U2vR9O0/s320/001.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is Kylee taking a bath because it was so yummy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui5q5X0NW5W9Q6PlGj-6DRtnq3fs5qVqkdUg_gV_wiPi9RFqGZBTEJdrEiiFhL_C7q8IFReZvy25gqdO06UL0MJ62cnrVCckWAH9qp7Rby6mIJ7iM6YuibFq67nholvU2VJX92jmS568/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui5q5X0NW5W9Q6PlGj-6DRtnq3fs5qVqkdUg_gV_wiPi9RFqGZBTEJdrEiiFhL_C7q8IFReZvy25gqdO06UL0MJ62cnrVCckWAH9qp7Rby6mIJ7iM6YuibFq67nholvU2VJX92jmS568/s320/002.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've been on the challenge for 8 days! Six more to go! Hope you feel challenged and encouraged in <strong><em>loving them better!</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Jill</span></em></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-15785182230061905382012-02-15T10:07:00.000-06:002012-02-15T10:07:19.320-06:0014 Days to Loving Them Better<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Late Valentine's Day, Y'all! Yesterday was so out of the ordinary for me I never found a chance to get on here! So I'm going to post 2 ways today that I am challenging myself to love my kids <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">better</span></em></strong>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first is through <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">gifts</span></em></strong>. For Kylee, my oldest, that's her love language. She thrives on receiving a gift! Nearly every time I help her get dressed, she wants to know who gave her the outfit she's wearing. Every night when she chooses a toy or stuffed animal to sleep with, she will ask who gave it to her. If she receives some little breakable figurine, it goes on display for all of eternity and so help me God if I dare try to hide it from her. LOL! She LOVES gifts, and as her mom, I want to speak that language from time to time. Yesterday was the perfect day to gift my children since it was Valentine's Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had this waiting for the girls when we picked Kylee up from PreK.<br />
The flowers were from my sweet man.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlxDVWIFIIbZC5d9yy6Efi7WJ0nF0B316yeHdC37gHJFrLWVxJHafYUaGY-27Uk4eBf4mrZrB3ZtC8GVCMBb50OCELBDwevD5A-1dLQRiY8xDXGstTYGikWqnRkQ1XAwFQKzTfsx7lc4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlxDVWIFIIbZC5d9yy6Efi7WJ0nF0B316yeHdC37gHJFrLWVxJHafYUaGY-27Uk4eBf4mrZrB3ZtC8GVCMBb50OCELBDwevD5A-1dLQRiY8xDXGstTYGikWqnRkQ1XAwFQKzTfsx7lc4/s320/001.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn't take the greatest pictures, but here they are excited to open their gifts.<br />
Nothing fancy or too expensive, but just a little "I Love You."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXK0pOpX8MjAVTw2QsIyc2H-bFzpBIjdUtQ76gamT6FTdgODOg-6mZbv4uBZZojEAtkNblFOaC0C1K9SGVWsGPBSqRHgzAphzlVWbLU1iYj5RRj8AhLlCTVt0zkILxVppX4mV2is0ui0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXK0pOpX8MjAVTw2QsIyc2H-bFzpBIjdUtQ76gamT6FTdgODOg-6mZbv4uBZZojEAtkNblFOaC0C1K9SGVWsGPBSqRHgzAphzlVWbLU1iYj5RRj8AhLlCTVt0zkILxVppX4mV2is0ui0/s320/003.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gifts are a wonderful expression of love, especially if it is your loved one's love language. For me, one of the most fun times to give a gift is when it's totally unexpected. Not a birthday or Christmas, just an expression that some special person was on my mind!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My second challenge today is <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">touch</span>. </em></strong>I promise I'm not going through the love languages, although if you've not read the book by Gary Chapman you should! So often I rock my kids before bed because it's routine, it's a duty. I'm ready to get through the process so I can have some time. I am so blessed to have two sweet girls who long to be held and rocked and cuddled to no end, really. I don't want to be too busy to really pour that on in a meaningful, rather than dutiful, way. So today my aim is to minister to my children through touch. It may be a back scratch or a tickle attack. Whatever seems to be appropriate and speak to their hearts, I am going to be intentional with!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Heavenly Father,</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Help me to see the needs of my children and give me the wisdom I need to adequately fill those needs. Your word says in James 1:5 that "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Today I ask for wisdom. Help me to love my children and my husband <strong><span style="font-size: large;">better.</span></strong> From there help me to love my neighbors <strong><span style="font-size: large;">better</span></strong> as well!</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the Perfect Name of Jesus Christ,</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amen!</span></em></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Assignment,</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jill</span></em></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-51592909298988392232012-02-13T09:59:00.000-06:002012-02-13T09:59:47.265-06:00Apply it to Me Monday... 14 Days to Loving them Better<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <br />
Proverbs 15:1</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post about being <strong>INTENTIONAL</strong> in fulfilling our God given assignments each day. As a mom, one of those daily God given assignments is loving my children. It's a daily assignment, and some days it is all God even asks of me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was in a women's meeting a few weeks ago, when a precious woman shared about the fact that we love our kids, but sometimes there are ways we can<strong><em> love them better. </em></strong>When I look at the phrase <em><strong>love them better</strong> </em>I see the word <em>love </em>in a verb tense. It's not that we don't love them to our maximum capability already, it's just that sometimes in the whirlwind of life we fail to act on it in ways that speak right to our kids' hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Somehow that phrase resonated in my heart and immediately I prayed, <em>"Lord, I want to <strong>love my babies better!"</strong></em> So I've been looking for ways to do that and with Valentine's Day tomorrow, I feel God has given me an idea that will help me be <strong><em>INTENTIONAL</em></strong> about loving them better and I hope it will help you as well. Since Valentine's Day is on the 14th of February, I am going to take the next 14 days and post a way I am focusing on loving my children better that day. My prayer is that by the end of the 14 days I have discovered new ways to actively love my kids and that those things will carry over into the rest of my parenting days! So, if you're up for a challenge, I encourage you to come along with me. You may even want to leave some ideas of your own in a comment! I'd love to hear from you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, Day 1 for me is the challenge of using gentle words as described in Proverbs 15:1. When my children are angry at one another or at a situation I do not want to combat anger with anger. That never works, and is usually what I find to tear relationships apart. It's tough when my 3 or 4 year old is having a meltdown over something so insignificant.. it's easy to snap. So today I am praying that God will help me to not snap at my children. Rather, find ways to be gentle in word and action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whatever stage of parenting you are in, even if your kids are grown, there are still ways to <strong><em>love them better!</em></strong> How would God have you love them better today?</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Jill</span></em>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-40477511045658305952012-02-08T11:59:00.000-06:002012-02-08T11:59:04.807-06:00Giving Him our Hurts<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love that God loves me enough to take notice of every situation I go through... <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">no matter how big or small. </span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love that He knows right where to direct you in His Word... <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">even when you don't know you're being directed.</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I can be just this vulnerable on here, I 've carried some hurt, for well, quite some time. It's funny how <strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">little hurt + little hurt + little hurt + time passing + little hurt = BIG HURT</span></em></strong>. Is it just me, or does it work that way for some of you too?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This morning somehow all those little hurts opened right back up in my heart, and while I was tempted to ignore it and go on about my day, I felt impressed to stop right then and get in the Word of God. So, I opened up my devotional by Sarah Young, and my James homework from our Beth Moore Bible Study at </span><a href="http://gatewayshreveport.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gateway Church</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, and man, did God have a word for me! Love how He does that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, I skimmed my homework from yesterday and was reminded of a very comforting verse that meant more to me today than yesterday:</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you." Psalm 38:9</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From there I worked through today's lesson, and while I won't deliberate over all the details <em>(you would be reading all day), </em>I will say that the things that applied to what I was feeling in that moment were incredibly timely for me. Certain situations remain the same for now in my life, but I am comforted in knowing that God sees, cares, and sent a Word just for me! I can hand those issues right over to Him. He knows how to handle them far better than I.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As far as the situations? I know they can change because John 15:16 says this:</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What about you? Are you carrying hurts? Have you handed them over to God or are you trying to bear it all on your own? Can I challenge you to do this: Stop everything and go to His Word. He longs to speak to you there!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Jill</span></em>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-74440035916802460192012-01-30T10:20:00.000-06:002012-01-30T10:20:59.254-06:00Apply it to Me Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had an extremely busy but blessed weekend! Friday night we had a bowling night with our youth group, and it turned out to be a blast for the girls! Sometimes they get thrown into things they just have to endure, so it was good for this mama's heart to watch them have a good time with their buddies. With the bumpers and slide, they outscored me! <em>(For what that's worth!)</em> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNyNRkBcdSRbBLY2mafu2M1-jD4mAd8_Gh_dFBJ6ucUhnwEX0worbHVONyk7pLiUtoqIozIRy_fIv_kI-aXYCT4pbQe50DpEgXGRU9WravngDvjVZRTJg_z7zSlczEgc_Al2T_Xu1p8g/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNyNRkBcdSRbBLY2mafu2M1-jD4mAd8_Gh_dFBJ6ucUhnwEX0worbHVONyk7pLiUtoqIozIRy_fIv_kI-aXYCT4pbQe50DpEgXGRU9WravngDvjVZRTJg_z7zSlczEgc_Al2T_Xu1p8g/s320/006.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This morning I have been thinking about the fact that our blog is named "On Assignment." I woke up with a prayer in my heart to live this day "On Assignment" for the Kingdom of God. My heart cry is to hear His voice when He speaks and to have the strength and will to obey. I walk past hurting people every day, and I know at times I'm so busy with my own agenda, I do not even listen to what God may be speaking. I think we have to be willing to allow God to interrupt our agenda for His higher purpose. What may make us a few minutes late to work or an appointment could be a matter of Heaven or Hell for someone who is lost, or a matter of hope for someone who has lost all reason to live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matthew 28:19-20 says:<br />
<strong><em>"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commnaded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Those were Jesus' final words before He ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. He must have felt that was the most important thing for us as believers to remember. The thought of going into all the world can be overwhelming, so what if we just began with "our" world? The workplace, the grocery store, the neighbor, the man holding a cardboard sign on the street corner, maybe even the thirsty kid at church who can't reach the water fountain. What if we just became <strong><em>INTENTIONAL</em></strong> about our <strong><em>FAITH</em></strong> in every little detail of our day? I think "our" world would change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Something I have learned is this: I only become<strong><em> INTENTIONAL</em></strong> when I ask God to give me focus, to give me His eyes, and to make me sensitive to His voice. Out of all the nagging responsibilities I have to fulfill today, He has <strong><em>SOMETHING</em></strong> on His Kingdom agenda for me to do. He has <strong><em>SOMETHING </em></strong>for <strong><em>YOU</em></strong> as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So my challenge to you is simply to ask God to make you sensitive to His voice so you can be the very hands and feet of Jesus to someone today, and every day! <br />
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If you get that opportunity to be intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus to someone, we'd love to hear about it in a comment! That encourages us and other believers as well! So let us hear from you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Live On Assignment!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-89833681645833452012-01-24T13:47:00.000-06:002012-01-24T13:47:08.825-06:00Apply it to Me... Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I told you I'd post pics of our new bunny on here <em>(aka Lord Fluffy) </em>and I have realized that I have only taken a couple of vidoes, not actual pictures. After hours of trying to get the videos to download I finally gave up, and now I am very late getting this post up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In one of the videos, little Aubrey gets bitten by the bunny. Poor thing. I didn't think it was that big of a deal, until I saw the blood on her hands. Bunnies have some sharp little teeth apparently. She walked around nursing her little finger all day. And oh, if you dared to mention the bunny she got the most downtrodden little look on her face. I was afraid she may not recover from the tragedy, but she has gotten back out there to feed the bunny and has done great with that! I suppose one of the greatest lessons we can teach our kids is to overcome their fear, and get back out there to try again!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hopefully I will remember to take some cute pictures to share!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am going to share a verse with you today that expresses the hunger we have in our hearts for God. I long to know Him more in 2012 and to go deeper in prayer and in the study of His Word. This is a prayer I am sending out to my Heavenly Father today. Perhaps it is yours as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love 1 Chronicles 28:9. It says:<br />
<em><strong>"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your Father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.</strong> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">If you seek him, he will be found by you;</span> but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever."</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Is there a longing deep inside you for a sense of God's nearness? He is just a prayer away. He is a relational God who does not demand from us. Oh, but the moment we cry out to Him, He hears our plea and we FIND HIM! Like the caring father that He is, He meets our every need. Our only part is really to seek Him out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Live On Assignment,</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-8852806121576889922012-01-16T11:32:00.000-06:002012-01-16T11:32:34.775-06:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I wish I had taken pictures but I know some others did, so maybe they'll share so I can share with you later! Last night we had the privilege of watching our teens minister in the service through worship, drama, as well as sharing short sermons. We are proud of everyone of them. My husband said it so well last night, he called them a 1 Timothy 4:12 generation. It says this:</span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." </span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a word for our teens, but let's not overlook that it's a word for us as well. No matter how old I get, there is still a little part of me that feels insecure, inadequate, not good enough to do what this scripture says to do. I love the way the message puts it:</span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. 13 Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. 14 And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed — keep that dusted off and in use."</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This convinces me that this scripture is not age-specific but a message to all of us. Can you remember a time when you had an experience such as this scripture describes? Was there a time in your life when you received a call of some sort? Not everyone is called to a full-time ministry position, but God has something for all of us to do for His Kingdom. Do you remember that experience from your teen years when someone laid hands on you and prayed over God's purpose in your life? Do you remember the passion you had to impact earth for God's Kingdom? I love the way the message puts it,<strong> </strong><em><strong>KEEP THAT DUSTED OFF AND IN USE!</strong> </em>If it were only for the young, we would not have to keep it dusted off. When living "On Assignment" for God there will always be somewhat of a feeling of being young because God has a way of continually taking us down roads we've never gone before. We are in a state of constant growth. It's scary, yet exhilirating. When we see how inadequate we are, we see just how capable He is and realize it's Him working through us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, have you held back? Have you completely relinquished the gifts God once gave you because you feel your time is over or it's someone else's turn now? You couldn't be further from the truth! What gifts or ministries do you need to dust off today and get busy with again? I can guarantee, if you'll go for it,God will pour out such a blessing on your life that you can't contain, and you'll find that living in His purpose and for His Kingdom is the only way to truly live!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That scripture challenges me. I am praying and asking God to show me some areas of ministry that need "dusting off!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In others news, we got a bunny this weekend for the girls. Yes, we are crazy and yes, he will live outside. They named him "Lord Fluffy" after a cat in the Lifeway Gigi movies for girls. I am about to go get us all a Dr. Pepper and plan to let them sit and play with him on the trampoline while I immerse myself in my newest Beth Moore study! I'll have to take some pics of our newest family member and post later this week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We don't know everyone who reads this blog. Sometimes we wonder if anyone does LOL! We pray God's richest blessings on you and pray you are challenged this week to walk in that abundant life He has for you! Nothing less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Live On Assignment!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Josh and Jill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-87411039657467047242012-01-09T08:12:00.000-06:002012-01-09T08:12:11.556-06:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's a brand new year and with that often come new joys and excitements, and sometimes a new year can bring unexpected hardships. We all go through seasons. Some wonderful, full of joy and peace. Other seasons can leave us heartbroken and devastated, while still others simply require much longsuffering and patience. Whatever season 2012 finds you in, we pray that God blesses you and strengthens you beyond measure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are starting our BRAND NEW Bible Study today at Gateway Church on the book of James. I've been excited about this one for a LONG time, and by the grace of God I will do all 5 levels of this study! Those are: watching the video segments, doing the homework, writing out the book of James, doing the extra study, and memorizing the entire book of James! Wow! That's a lot, but I'm excited to see how God wants to use that to bring spiritual growth and change in me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I thought it would be fitting to read a little in James since, after all, I do have my work cut out, and I read a scripture that I knew would speak to those of you in a difficult season, so I think I'll just share it:</span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finsih its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:2-5</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you facing a trial today? I wish I had all the answers to life's problems, but I'm so thankful I know the one who does and I can go to Him for wisdom. Above that, I can simply trust His plan when life doesn't quite make sense to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love you all! Check the past few posts for pictures of the girls at Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-35841510770600553042012-01-07T22:31:00.000-06:002012-01-07T22:31:03.016-06:00Christmas Recap #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few last pictures of the girls at Christmas. It's just a portion of what we have, but you'll get the idea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kylee was wide awake and excited for presents!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aubrey seemed a bit sleepy. They are usually the exact opposite<br />
in the mornings! Kylee doesn't do mornings so much and Aubrey<br />
is usually our early bird!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDrdOCsYJvIp9zmQS1RdGDR3zSnA-su4TAmkoUwWmG6xE9kBD5xEUof2Db4st3w7ilHXznE2UN5IiajeMRbMVOq8X9HRsUJQEmM92fsWkYGf6OyCIKkd_vCxyIlA1UoghJPw306Qm95M/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDrdOCsYJvIp9zmQS1RdGDR3zSnA-su4TAmkoUwWmG6xE9kBD5xEUof2Db4st3w7ilHXznE2UN5IiajeMRbMVOq8X9HRsUJQEmM92fsWkYGf6OyCIKkd_vCxyIlA1UoghJPw306Qm95M/s320/IMG_4025.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgqiOw1FMxFniZYSUlz2yBfehZ9bYT4fmaDwM8mbBiZaK0tcVf7a9JwDFv6sjL6L3oqSS1Po4mCXPe9DQSH808wE1wJH6vltlA5Hr6bIGRdieUXZckxirJODGDsG_xEKlw1hKJGqEEJs/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgqiOw1FMxFniZYSUlz2yBfehZ9bYT4fmaDwM8mbBiZaK0tcVf7a9JwDFv6sjL6L3oqSS1Po4mCXPe9DQSH808wE1wJH6vltlA5Hr6bIGRdieUXZckxirJODGDsG_xEKlw1hKJGqEEJs/s320/IMG_4032.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the smocked dresses my mom gave them.<br />
I'll be tempted to let them wear them every Sunday!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoUxt-UPAKzkzKeqK72Cd60lnAg-HIQC5Bvwu13TP9iqAgfbyo2FIuUCNRDFhgzc-sgVbnD6b3-CLq9Nw_yQHPolmIG54mTfuDaVQW85QLeJmG05eHxzCRF9y_5VKkSI_dyqgdHAzFow/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoUxt-UPAKzkzKeqK72Cd60lnAg-HIQC5Bvwu13TP9iqAgfbyo2FIuUCNRDFhgzc-sgVbnD6b3-CLq9Nw_yQHPolmIG54mTfuDaVQW85QLeJmG05eHxzCRF9y_5VKkSI_dyqgdHAzFow/s320/IMG_4033.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A sweet smile!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKZk8Y2yvkMVDFYI-n6RR3M4Kdna5F6bR_jdWci5FNaJNkgM-13DPRGpUNcTlyCcO1ClDjD4aMVCDZU68Vm7EcceI81Xs4FeV0Qv-iibzKxKpX36ADKyxedSO07z-8G8SAuFF4IhvWKQ/s1600/IMG_4035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKZk8Y2yvkMVDFYI-n6RR3M4Kdna5F6bR_jdWci5FNaJNkgM-13DPRGpUNcTlyCcO1ClDjD4aMVCDZU68Vm7EcceI81Xs4FeV0Qv-iibzKxKpX36ADKyxedSO07z-8G8SAuFF4IhvWKQ/s320/IMG_4035.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">New appliances for the kitchen... oh yes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYbqldXAS7yzMIkw0KS14AiSMfKfrXm10bjfkfjSdgkbPQRVgIBajiXxncUxPTrwAJ3GyyhSJPAu4yctRC7_t9F68AOsgJLWZpg0sp6fKGJGz8bU5-Es6d3OfIjQhOSyUQRzWcl7d_kc/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYbqldXAS7yzMIkw0KS14AiSMfKfrXm10bjfkfjSdgkbPQRVgIBajiXxncUxPTrwAJ3GyyhSJPAu4yctRC7_t9F68AOsgJLWZpg0sp6fKGJGz8bU5-Es6d3OfIjQhOSyUQRzWcl7d_kc/s320/IMG_4036.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our fam... We need to take more family pictures.<br />
New Year's Resolution! LOL!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Urr_3vzk-riivWRJEjSJSv98ZzyMYm8g7Gn8VeR4sezDtxYhuSMaTuMa_WRWaHIlsUafdtnZxCDuaBFLN986DPJsarFbhsG2_bKouD5faNtb6MNo_MdgH4l2Hp2j0F7LAuDwRsqQg6Y/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Urr_3vzk-riivWRJEjSJSv98ZzyMYm8g7Gn8VeR4sezDtxYhuSMaTuMa_WRWaHIlsUafdtnZxCDuaBFLN986DPJsarFbhsG2_bKouD5faNtb6MNo_MdgH4l2Hp2j0F7LAuDwRsqQg6Y/s320/IMG_4041.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kylee and Aubrey in the bed they share at Grammy and Pawpaw's house.<br />
They each get to sleep with a gi-normous doll. They love it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0856LYNieM5rEYOxpnsveBLO2wd1-Akf_7vkOthHEijNh3uND_FAqMqFdtrE1V2rzV_1yB4iH6QLWDpPeqp2MmzaCs7gf-pkAIp9Viyx-hEHdAK1S4DVeKJjikca20-LQJxu4bHAr1h4/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0856LYNieM5rEYOxpnsveBLO2wd1-Akf_7vkOthHEijNh3uND_FAqMqFdtrE1V2rzV_1yB4iH6QLWDpPeqp2MmzaCs7gf-pkAIp9Viyx-hEHdAK1S4DVeKJjikca20-LQJxu4bHAr1h4/s320/036.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fun pic of Kylee and me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4V7u4YSXbksSIwkhCSkEYsASmzEI5N6urgDhHPEMViTBnLQ10F8v9iPhML0wYR6-aub7omdWoguonu_Wt0M3iLWdrXDUSKO1_g9mxZyOPqXCn-_VesRsHTmpGia45DZhrB7FZWILCWw/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4V7u4YSXbksSIwkhCSkEYsASmzEI5N6urgDhHPEMViTBnLQ10F8v9iPhML0wYR6-aub7omdWoguonu_Wt0M3iLWdrXDUSKO1_g9mxZyOPqXCn-_VesRsHTmpGia45DZhrB7FZWILCWw/s320/051.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you all had a very blessed Christmas! I can honestly say that what made Christmas special to me this year was not all the trappings, rather it was the very closeness of Christ in my heart! I'm so thankful He gives us a reason to live and celebrate life!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-20536144608922138242012-01-07T21:46:00.001-06:002012-01-08T15:04:37.976-06:00Christmas Recap #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day Kylee had her party at preschool and sang songs with the group was just precious and priceless to us! She LOVES preschool and was so PROUD that her family was there. We soaked that in, and prayed that she would stay that way! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here she is on stage in the very center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3jiKTm0bBs0Qfg94P7G02bVaLWaHH7QpIhv-wOfkICg5RGF1KHvUJN1gprNWLnJYYGx1Z9vBkc8qIA83v__cGJPXu_xxidCyK3wzwloBkOQ5q5sXCkH0pIXi9bUk2bGv1OZIOuAsr6Q/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3jiKTm0bBs0Qfg94P7G02bVaLWaHH7QpIhv-wOfkICg5RGF1KHvUJN1gprNWLnJYYGx1Z9vBkc8qIA83v__cGJPXu_xxidCyK3wzwloBkOQ5q5sXCkH0pIXi9bUk2bGv1OZIOuAsr6Q/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They had a book exchange with their classes after the program.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Kylee waiting patiently smiling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O7SLSoLsnZdm8Xt38STdqZx6FIxwzCcX-DlCjmz77GR1Vgtrx_BhGiumkctkIckbYnmegRd7Okniawe_0-1oa6xzvpX288wGlfNfqMn-U6HzV_3MuJfJhhf8TU3G8MjPk24a0GTll4s/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O7SLSoLsnZdm8Xt38STdqZx6FIxwzCcX-DlCjmz77GR1Vgtrx_BhGiumkctkIckbYnmegRd7Okniawe_0-1oa6xzvpX288wGlfNfqMn-U6HzV_3MuJfJhhf8TU3G8MjPk24a0GTll4s/s320/IMG_4004.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The book Kylee brought.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found it on sale, and let me say, I would highly recommend it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It teaches children the true spirit of giving and I would have cried </div><div style="text-align: center;">the first time I read it had I not been standing in the book aisle of Lifeway.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to choke back tears... it's that good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpIBeTG0exxj0diJJ7ttjImU_oQWke2KecnDd-NOOSTKiTZmAi3iNvq8pClE26tPsWJ8ZC1Ope8zTD66F7CdEoYn5szSDa-Ud68xpCpcJoHSVV99bBvuJCYl2aH1LM_rCqWcLqVcj_BE/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpIBeTG0exxj0diJJ7ttjImU_oQWke2KecnDd-NOOSTKiTZmAi3iNvq8pClE26tPsWJ8ZC1Ope8zTD66F7CdEoYn5szSDa-Ud68xpCpcJoHSVV99bBvuJCYl2aH1LM_rCqWcLqVcj_BE/s320/IMG_4006.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They drew Kylee's name very last, and she was so patient through the whole thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally opening her book:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdRYVRXFXg1ruqi7yVs8VM7XO6phs2Dt6mSnFrd2K1X988wWd0AplIUREw8Mko1Jp4NrdBIU0GnWdXP0PGLuPffv0nwZzw4Ga9NOtu1lIgTmZNNkHC9MHKm0kWH0M6gsXaOU6HG0Sa4Q/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdRYVRXFXg1ruqi7yVs8VM7XO6phs2Dt6mSnFrd2K1X988wWd0AplIUREw8Mko1Jp4NrdBIU0GnWdXP0PGLuPffv0nwZzw4Ga9NOtu1lIgTmZNNkHC9MHKm0kWH0M6gsXaOU6HG0Sa4Q/s320/IMG_4009.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSWvw2aJpWwOoTOMpEmDycrFj4G2vQXTBC-8LkrdMf4-Gh-AUc_ZOPPuTuK2U0U4IX55EZisuYSJnxsPBZgg72XrrJgILSmPBwOpoktbWGvRl182BRHM6RPCkuO8DNvnH9DmrFyoo5mE/s1600/IMG_4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSWvw2aJpWwOoTOMpEmDycrFj4G2vQXTBC-8LkrdMf4-Gh-AUc_ZOPPuTuK2U0U4IX55EZisuYSJnxsPBZgg72XrrJgILSmPBwOpoktbWGvRl182BRHM6RPCkuO8DNvnH9DmrFyoo5mE/s320/IMG_4011.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Icing a brownie..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnWDcULnQ_mAejuoBpIepOf85NWQR-oy7BX5glPygTNVT1BqplT2Z2PRdxTNgRBbPANrzSiB7Ip1bi0YE64ebTO7ZeawuXTGt7F7Dlsv2Mrrkydhw9r-EavN0vEEsqKduAAmq_REDM_4/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnWDcULnQ_mAejuoBpIepOf85NWQR-oy7BX5glPygTNVT1BqplT2Z2PRdxTNgRBbPANrzSiB7Ip1bi0YE64ebTO7ZeawuXTGt7F7Dlsv2Mrrkydhw9r-EavN0vEEsqKduAAmq_REDM_4/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Aubrey was a little lost for a while, until she found something to do..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoW752Ahtp8-TdqYG0sGS5VyrNsJ9GoqW2cDt6_uuZxE02oioyFwwtwz_ihKhtPOEM8uN-sL9Gt4SI821aekOBmxPp2Lw6cpPNLzhvVcm6y923Sv3dCQpBeV9oAoaQqAQR87BztzQl8o/s1600/IMG_4015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoW752Ahtp8-TdqYG0sGS5VyrNsJ9GoqW2cDt6_uuZxE02oioyFwwtwz_ihKhtPOEM8uN-sL9Gt4SI821aekOBmxPp2Lw6cpPNLzhvVcm6y923Sv3dCQpBeV9oAoaQqAQR87BztzQl8o/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our children are our heritage from the Lord! These are moments we cherish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~Josh and Jill</div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-19742936436243982012012-01-07T21:02:00.000-06:002012-01-07T21:02:02.001-06:00Christmas Recap #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Okay Folks! I know Christmas is long over now, but I'm still living in the memory of it I suppose! When we wanted to send out a Christmas card to our </span><a href="http://www.josh-jill.com/#/prayer-partners/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">prayer partners</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, we had not taken any Christmas pics, so I had to get a quick one myself. These are some pics of the fun the girls had taking pictures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They felt this was the best pose!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mPaz8uXOCA_LUIn-LUDVtBR56lO31nnpZyIfePuyFMAbxsE3NNqDAxtAwenYTSiRiYKxqO08B8kGZ3g7X6q0FD-Atje8HU1r_Xps_96y_rC0RnIbHTZNKKz5N9CyqX9CqXZLj9fkCW4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mPaz8uXOCA_LUIn-LUDVtBR56lO31nnpZyIfePuyFMAbxsE3NNqDAxtAwenYTSiRiYKxqO08B8kGZ3g7X6q0FD-Atje8HU1r_Xps_96y_rC0RnIbHTZNKKz5N9CyqX9CqXZLj9fkCW4/s320/001.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisQ6s8USKcqYdBfkTXOlpOW8oxYgQJ-2a4LOmXrtsYsNLpyN0rUJc9QYTZwCsFzcDDoB31lbOekqg-QUpAkGQ7rcr6uZitpaSv_w0i-jWX3vo4lvZyxS2fhkHeR07fwakeDcapENiYAA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisQ6s8USKcqYdBfkTXOlpOW8oxYgQJ-2a4LOmXrtsYsNLpyN0rUJc9QYTZwCsFzcDDoB31lbOekqg-QUpAkGQ7rcr6uZitpaSv_w0i-jWX3vo4lvZyxS2fhkHeR07fwakeDcapENiYAA/s320/002.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They were full of energy and silly as could be.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhXBB96BZG8b8GziRIHgaVF1yE8MF4O7KkAw9qnonYAGMZLceU-IcRJ8ZInk2Io0uKimVENevDkvWk-8hJmovHOErNIayUCTEYWzNX4-FgXyvI9WtmsUnpxRi_NNxg4541Xw24GGE1Jg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhXBB96BZG8b8GziRIHgaVF1yE8MF4O7KkAw9qnonYAGMZLceU-IcRJ8ZInk2Io0uKimVENevDkvWk-8hJmovHOErNIayUCTEYWzNX4-FgXyvI9WtmsUnpxRi_NNxg4541Xw24GGE1Jg/s320/005.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf4S9i7UdlhrAjQR6bmWE6DDR5NpmJobK1qGGEa7Es5Fu6ieDPjDb4RSi8y8d97bhMw6rr4IsDHhUc0KFfLQB4JTci_Qko3KIZXS1UfI6LDpe9Zxs_FAyQ1J93BRfT98sHcwIFVqgHuc/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf4S9i7UdlhrAjQR6bmWE6DDR5NpmJobK1qGGEa7Es5Fu6ieDPjDb4RSi8y8d97bhMw6rr4IsDHhUc0KFfLQB4JTci_Qko3KIZXS1UfI6LDpe9Zxs_FAyQ1J93BRfT98sHcwIFVqgHuc/s320/006.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I loved this shot of Kylee!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qbXK044REjuT7PAD-z4t-E5a41POe5L2O9qUr08gOckLKvJM5SIZp8Pcs-kzj7Q9rlBI07R1if2T28m7YIwN0OJfLjBa-d2MGgG-76bxvC0l79ZtYI_fwAHYvz_-qwl1duKPdeyYVh0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qbXK044REjuT7PAD-z4t-E5a41POe5L2O9qUr08gOckLKvJM5SIZp8Pcs-kzj7Q9rlBI07R1if2T28m7YIwN0OJfLjBa-d2MGgG-76bxvC0l79ZtYI_fwAHYvz_-qwl1duKPdeyYVh0/s320/011.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5JKjOk9GhYg78N6aZJrAM_v0vMFQYmAW5WZIwM5mfgJfUX2_YucsI0QO1hJWSzRNkSOUCqAwjAzTFmZ1CJNDSsj6ddT0MocHOPOmx19kvnAtQjKrpj51AWdYKO_z_h_xhcc3nca5VmQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5JKjOk9GhYg78N6aZJrAM_v0vMFQYmAW5WZIwM5mfgJfUX2_YucsI0QO1hJWSzRNkSOUCqAwjAzTFmZ1CJNDSsj6ddT0MocHOPOmx19kvnAtQjKrpj51AWdYKO_z_h_xhcc3nca5VmQ/s320/015.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And I loved this shot of Aubrey!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP2ZunLPxtWQyxmchuAR-wkutAAFsvp-E3TlOE6JUjw7BLVI4fkwDloH1gNq9YRU-2AnVVWKOpVNzlRjni6VxIWLQjwGPMgH37rElrX1SqNUwhGS3Q9sH9Gj0N3ukTStzloG0J7fzTro/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP2ZunLPxtWQyxmchuAR-wkutAAFsvp-E3TlOE6JUjw7BLVI4fkwDloH1gNq9YRU-2AnVVWKOpVNzlRjni6VxIWLQjwGPMgH37rElrX1SqNUwhGS3Q9sH9Gj0N3ukTStzloG0J7fzTro/s320/017.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This one too..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8F3HCZmmGQ5S2KJRQHBfIYCPQvVoy0wmHLUfSaPVYzq06Kco2rRJktLez1YrB8SSgradPggUyg9tmdrv3Ete_oUR-ZHpvyYIWWFl8vrpc0RcyW52BZCyj7OWeWiG6JqK1cfcEXjqgSc/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8F3HCZmmGQ5S2KJRQHBfIYCPQvVoy0wmHLUfSaPVYzq06Kco2rRJktLez1YrB8SSgradPggUyg9tmdrv3Ete_oUR-ZHpvyYIWWFl8vrpc0RcyW52BZCyj7OWeWiG6JqK1cfcEXjqgSc/s320/023.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They are the best of friends. Their kisses are too sweet!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAcIF6akKsW11DaDC5s8TcliXWZKQb9Jl_aj2M1D1G1CypVKSe1rP5aqphqrcfdUusSyvadFPzrEGeFY6AAdbHQF_rlqWXiTBiXNs_GGvY085LTBjfJQOFRcFkfsTqv5JceSIkuYCsvI/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAcIF6akKsW11DaDC5s8TcliXWZKQb9Jl_aj2M1D1G1CypVKSe1rP5aqphqrcfdUusSyvadFPzrEGeFY6AAdbHQF_rlqWXiTBiXNs_GGvY085LTBjfJQOFRcFkfsTqv5JceSIkuYCsvI/s320/028.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Singin' a song...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1xMugXZkfFbt331nQl5sR0VaVE1U3XUOeN0dNjYAnGl3dksSwAVXRCbcju1PXIt5hofSmmwZnvt8G63ca6DvvqsHgHtuwqCnbHAMWIy3sXejs4ElcIcdjk_g8SuLWvzWv8NF1tBEWAY/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="262px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1xMugXZkfFbt331nQl5sR0VaVE1U3XUOeN0dNjYAnGl3dksSwAVXRCbcju1PXIt5hofSmmwZnvt8G63ca6DvvqsHgHtuwqCnbHAMWIy3sXejs4ElcIcdjk_g8SuLWvzWv8NF1tBEWAY/s320/030.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_IgT7crds24As8lD68cuMsXdFmCGtdE2w34hFAzREyJbls1ze6olMaphjnoGJHqKjwlteVtXerv6LI9RZg47W927QfrRqrevxMqV3RvYg4M6dynfRjpvX2gYys7bgC7t7Gh2ki3wUGs/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_IgT7crds24As8lD68cuMsXdFmCGtdE2w34hFAzREyJbls1ze6olMaphjnoGJHqKjwlteVtXerv6LI9RZg47W927QfrRqrevxMqV3RvYg4M6dynfRjpvX2gYys7bgC7t7Gh2ki3wUGs/s320/031.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So silly!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzytifnrdD90ahnKR0Te1UOKXxuokw_VUQAdJA5p-V7jnVPt00cMPlXQVn5r_wvsFbQYXItPUpr6tq201JwGEpZ93ALBIonDfE06ZUa5xd3GhcCCxKuz-NhKXaDnv1EMo6NQXDtDs8lDg/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzytifnrdD90ahnKR0Te1UOKXxuokw_VUQAdJA5p-V7jnVPt00cMPlXQVn5r_wvsFbQYXItPUpr6tq201JwGEpZ93ALBIonDfE06ZUa5xd3GhcCCxKuz-NhKXaDnv1EMo6NQXDtDs8lDg/s320/032.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love these girls!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6q8vSGtTKP79vVzK6JjfcXeJHD3TNglKBovO9QJeW_Uh9VKgADNPLmdvV-s-1VOVnCPJ7qVv2lPrGiS8o4RTNgU5EMQwrTs8RG3bBTAeQtXfTmlN6p2hWQFWtUrrt4BbXJk9xvA9Ok0/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6q8vSGtTKP79vVzK6JjfcXeJHD3TNglKBovO9QJeW_Uh9VKgADNPLmdvV-s-1VOVnCPJ7qVv2lPrGiS8o4RTNgU5EMQwrTs8RG3bBTAeQtXfTmlN6p2hWQFWtUrrt4BbXJk9xvA9Ok0/s320/034.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">New Year's Resolution: Blog More. Seriously! We want to do better! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Much love to you and more posts to come!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span></div><div align="left"><span id="goog_742075404"></span><span id="goog_742075405"></span></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-4342978880517615132011-12-29T22:38:00.000-06:002011-12-29T22:38:06.236-06:00Christmas Recap #1<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You may have noticed, I've spent less time here:</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIKo41dJAyI7IgtWN_-YZfj9G4fMwpJYU1wo3zlENOXMEBs-fMCXx1j-dHB20jQvZWTLKdmpBe-WyV0z8_uKkhvB1gR3uc0PbkDiikwyU-mE2dPAlqomn2IAuhKT_anYAIIxnqxoabuk/s1600/blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol8skO0kI2XTEDgmcGlaWGWya3G2OT3jFq4Fir1Mk_IpgT7it3aJhGXSUIjLO8_jOLXR9LhYH8CsUC0mrc-f0O8zdS-HVNDkaxK5Zcvf7g8uGzqLEFYosHNeHsl4hkMtyCQBdANM3NSM/s1600/blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol8skO0kI2XTEDgmcGlaWGWya3G2OT3jFq4Fir1Mk_IpgT7it3aJhGXSUIjLO8_jOLXR9LhYH8CsUC0mrc-f0O8zdS-HVNDkaxK5Zcvf7g8uGzqLEFYosHNeHsl4hkMtyCQBdANM3NSM/s1600/blogger.jpg" /></span></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But I've been spending more time here:</span> </div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FYMl3RddxYyqd3TJ5rww8qeu0MeBxbs-IIc5dl7WF-JxZ01o6x_2QA5B0NU6JteMl0qB1i6Xx8FD2NL1Ttutz7b2oK2_JtTlj2ecyIWuFlf8BZtg4Z6w2GYYfd1uRsIg6MVrNaEl1O0/s1600/imagesCA0PHS15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FYMl3RddxYyqd3TJ5rww8qeu0MeBxbs-IIc5dl7WF-JxZ01o6x_2QA5B0NU6JteMl0qB1i6Xx8FD2NL1Ttutz7b2oK2_JtTlj2ecyIWuFlf8BZtg4Z6w2GYYfd1uRsIg6MVrNaEl1O0/s1600/imagesCA0PHS15.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have really missed blogging, and am hoping that in the new year I can manage my time a little better so I can keep in touch with all of you! I wanted to post some Christmas pics and realized I have too many for one post, so it's going to take two or three posts to get them all in! This was the night we made sugar cookies. Nothing fancy, but our time together was priceless.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
This is Kylee and Aubrey before we got started. <br />
They were so excited!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzAFdPsjbeg3bPtQyKoRiGHr6eUFCcCpaVXLOq17t1H-3hahDwE7nTgAaZetxe-iNiBQonwS-P8qbgQg1NVyI67lnDEZcQv6xKS-OF33Z96w-F2PgJ_uKkUACfLS4vPVRPxFrHnyxWL0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzAFdPsjbeg3bPtQyKoRiGHr6eUFCcCpaVXLOq17t1H-3hahDwE7nTgAaZetxe-iNiBQonwS-P8qbgQg1NVyI67lnDEZcQv6xKS-OF33Z96w-F2PgJ_uKkUACfLS4vPVRPxFrHnyxWL0/s320/001.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some dough rollin' action!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohnzZLKDRBv911uVz4XsngPGZoXCqL7amXTMUobc6aB42_ljn7yU_oAQhJL62ZRDRn0h0dJwP_-o3EOlRvg1rxA-0bPSH-0_UHFUPtblHvfoNfNTiJpq6-y3it-OUllcOMcZHPkkgBms/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohnzZLKDRBv911uVz4XsngPGZoXCqL7amXTMUobc6aB42_ljn7yU_oAQhJL62ZRDRn0h0dJwP_-o3EOlRvg1rxA-0bPSH-0_UHFUPtblHvfoNfNTiJpq6-y3it-OUllcOMcZHPkkgBms/s320/002.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There's just something about getting those hands dirty <br />
that makes life fun.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWEVmj6NZLTiTtnz7aF0BKwk2FbGSmhUDkhdKxNa9j23HI7aXBTCBEIzcQR10PWVFvTHg16mfZGkjrZ96ViwkUIzaz9Klm1GiRQP1QU5QUd7zgKu9PKCYgHZx5PjwzPPtsNaD19UnC8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWEVmj6NZLTiTtnz7aF0BKwk2FbGSmhUDkhdKxNa9j23HI7aXBTCBEIzcQR10PWVFvTHg16mfZGkjrZ96ViwkUIzaz9Klm1GiRQP1QU5QUd7zgKu9PKCYgHZx5PjwzPPtsNaD19UnC8/s320/003.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cheese!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3nZ9nf4xF27g15U8Pr6dshOg1ZSQmYL5syInmfC0Eo8_ztukY8VoPWX2tLWoS_Jbx2mhaM3pHIDQ1-45r2yDPIZXSzlsORFVFIyGJBD4Wwl28LPoXnLvbZ4G6eCRXEtJPgIhjltixcc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3nZ9nf4xF27g15U8Pr6dshOg1ZSQmYL5syInmfC0Eo8_ztukY8VoPWX2tLWoS_Jbx2mhaM3pHIDQ1-45r2yDPIZXSzlsORFVFIyGJBD4Wwl28LPoXnLvbZ4G6eCRXEtJPgIhjltixcc/s320/004.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It takes focus to make an awesome sugar cookie!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5qPgW3zKKLUOPB1z6YHLMoTYReSd_MjOQvV5_qEJPwbkX9DfedE1vQPmV9IhgMmEl4uFgd364jcS4tG5AQxZnoLga1XDX0RJozsVV6ikpr38M0TcNz3hXLuG7Vnyq6u9BUkPrUgvDck/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5qPgW3zKKLUOPB1z6YHLMoTYReSd_MjOQvV5_qEJPwbkX9DfedE1vQPmV9IhgMmEl4uFgd364jcS4tG5AQxZnoLga1XDX0RJozsVV6ikpr38M0TcNz3hXLuG7Vnyq6u9BUkPrUgvDck/s320/005.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Focus and Imagination</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qpU8JhwWGQnesMmgul3x-3tcq0SFHaZtRILlwBWj3pDWaFvfpfKm1wMBYGY8BAFhydBamWfgPHmLnWzLbPr2Tq7GlF4-ViUzZ8QpYZVVPMohu6CWWjGwT_vnQscbVjARI2BjXeZLN00/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qpU8JhwWGQnesMmgul3x-3tcq0SFHaZtRILlwBWj3pDWaFvfpfKm1wMBYGY8BAFhydBamWfgPHmLnWzLbPr2Tq7GlF4-ViUzZ8QpYZVVPMohu6CWWjGwT_vnQscbVjARI2BjXeZLN00/s320/006.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Okay, don't hate. You can definitely tell I did not go to<br />
Pinterest! However, we worked hard, and the kids had<br />
so much fun! </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV0Xk1fjoV-TtrtnX1cfrjgfuTMb8XoYFUpvfmQJBSg__iNm_v7sNV3gSzYoibB_F1DjKOX2_uhVxPD7k8-ClG1UZukFDXCXAOZuGorh90yy-7WkD3r_svM53G4KKcOdBYGKh9HWLXzQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV0Xk1fjoV-TtrtnX1cfrjgfuTMb8XoYFUpvfmQJBSg__iNm_v7sNV3gSzYoibB_F1DjKOX2_uhVxPD7k8-ClG1UZukFDXCXAOZuGorh90yy-7WkD3r_svM53G4KKcOdBYGKh9HWLXzQ/s320/007.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aubrey kept sneaking bites of cookie dough.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy48HNJKDpvIRpiKYm9ZDotPGN4F9Ch3DVeVcvCQ3u5rGzIbfR77gH-__e3BFdwLJE7AwDxy05bcAQY3RVJPltPIsb5kCAl6T6-zo_Pmfx0vOyCsV9Po43TwOEobiKIgzOj9DQN4ZTNQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy48HNJKDpvIRpiKYm9ZDotPGN4F9Ch3DVeVcvCQ3u5rGzIbfR77gH-__e3BFdwLJE7AwDxy05bcAQY3RVJPltPIsb5kCAl6T6-zo_Pmfx0vOyCsV9Po43TwOEobiKIgzOj9DQN4ZTNQ/s320/008.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We took baths and washed hair while the cookies baked, and <br />
yum! </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvK1DeCo3W1gHLbikgQ8Eg9GRieflPbI7F1dX_e-larN8AYb9M3cc16IQXmNsCBCbO0OOavwh8lmB9f-H9j4lgDy_adjP-qx74t9xCIbniPHvaH35RyYMZ-R1_vySjwQFTbxfVO99h2Q/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvK1DeCo3W1gHLbikgQ8Eg9GRieflPbI7F1dX_e-larN8AYb9M3cc16IQXmNsCBCbO0OOavwh8lmB9f-H9j4lgDy_adjP-qx74t9xCIbniPHvaH35RyYMZ-R1_vySjwQFTbxfVO99h2Q/s320/009.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pure Delight</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvPWZimHJIQgntm7Ldw0OA5l3ovu-dlvuJgWtiHML9AnVNOO20pEQMofV300r82skzpBXvS2PFXQa81JA0HAjrURdtMPyxPMFo9qWlL6CsBAxDKSw0htIJXYkBmVnSKnDsmp62M_byck/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvPWZimHJIQgntm7Ldw0OA5l3ovu-dlvuJgWtiHML9AnVNOO20pEQMofV300r82skzpBXvS2PFXQa81JA0HAjrURdtMPyxPMFo9qWlL6CsBAxDKSw0htIJXYkBmVnSKnDsmp62M_byck/s320/010.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Everything's better when you work for it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQHIFMP1O0cNBpwtwI7CEvxREpEq6EjadqTuyHJVc44XitXKUZVwRIWZBekjd2k3fM30G64pWWT-oSyHCOpeXXA7JXaTmemocpndj6j8jgRbAq10Qb2LO8DOm-6HRPngHloZYucKjalQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQHIFMP1O0cNBpwtwI7CEvxREpEq6EjadqTuyHJVc44XitXKUZVwRIWZBekjd2k3fM30G64pWWT-oSyHCOpeXXA7JXaTmemocpndj6j8jgRbAq10Qb2LO8DOm-6HRPngHloZYucKjalQ/s320/011.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL5i2tXLhiruovSqscXSO1ctvoFITBgHbVi3kehqnD73W1ffMFYiUc9coh1jSApn6n2H1_nOyUjPaK2bxekmh-AKUfU0_-99mp40K33MjUbrMW7Odion09hbl4BsQsAOUv1soqzW-5hA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL5i2tXLhiruovSqscXSO1ctvoFITBgHbVi3kehqnD73W1ffMFYiUc9coh1jSApn6n2H1_nOyUjPaK2bxekmh-AKUfU0_-99mp40K33MjUbrMW7Odion09hbl4BsQsAOUv1soqzW-5hA/s320/012.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, that's it for tonight! I'm thankful for every blessing we received and were able to give this Christmas. Most of all, I'm thankful for the Christ that we celebrate, and that He is ever so close to me. That is the greatest gift of all! We love you and look forward to sharing with you much more on our long lost blog!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>~Josh and Jill</em></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-12724018882470615732011-10-31T10:24:00.000-05:002011-10-31T10:24:45.123-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Did you know that God has designed specific types of communication to be used toward specific people? There are times for words of warning, times for encouragement, as well as times for helpful and practical words. The more we grow in Christ, the more He longs to use our conversation to grow His Kingdom. I'm memorizing this one with a prayer that God will use my words in the right moments in talking with my children, my husband, and anyone I come in contact with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." <br />
1 Thessolonians 5:14</span></strong></em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Precious Father,<br />
May you use my words for your purpose. Give me wisdom and discernment in my conversations. Discernment to see the need, whether it be for warning, encouragement, or help, and wisdom to choose words that you can use to further your Kingdom and bring people into relationship with you! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Jesus' amazing name... Love you so much!</span></em>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-21796456586641493062011-10-17T10:21:00.000-05:002011-10-17T10:21:53.253-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Y'all. I almost forgot to post on here this morning! I never forget on a Monday morning. I've been really excited about posting this scripture, because God really spoke it to my heart this week through a book I've been reading a book called <u>Sheperding a Child's Heart</u> by Tedd Tripp. So far I think it's a great read and it is really helping me to refocus some things in parenting. Every parent needs a boost like that from time to time. You can get burned out in your "home" responsibilities much like the way you get burned out at times in your job. I find an encouraging book filled with insight and wisdom can be a great motivator!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADvLh4OdIppUBSMbEfKWS8N5sN69DdomtfpPOKbV-C3VGMWMjrdp-OXctAML1FxQucPJDmBL1PWco6XhPs3jXfJbJvRFxgq1Z2fq4u4Fxk500Vw5aIkXjy91D9wMmzxjjkxGIhM3ZYZk/s1600/sheperding+your+child%2527s+heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADvLh4OdIppUBSMbEfKWS8N5sN69DdomtfpPOKbV-C3VGMWMjrdp-OXctAML1FxQucPJDmBL1PWco6XhPs3jXfJbJvRFxgq1Z2fq4u4Fxk500Vw5aIkXjy91D9wMmzxjjkxGIhM3ZYZk/s1600/sheperding+your+child%2527s+heart.png" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One thing Tedd Tripp emphasizes in this book is drawing conversation out of your child and really hearing what they have to say. In fact, hearing not only what they say with their lips, but hear what their heart is saying and finding the heart issues that need to be addressed, corrected, or even praised. <strong>This has to be the biggest challenge!</strong> Isn't it typical that we work to keep them quiet when they are little, then when they are teens we beg them to talk, and cannot understand where we went wrong?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a verse in Proverbs that addresses this very issue. I actually wrote it in my scripture spiral so I can memorize it and pray for the kind of understanding it speaks of.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>"The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."<br />
Proverbs 20:5</strong></span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Father,</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Help me to love and parent my children the way you love and well, even parent me. You are our Heavenly Father. You love our children more than we can even fathom loving them. Give me the wisdom and understanding in drawing out the deep waters of my little girls' hearts. Help me refrain from being the only one who is heard in conversations, but let me hear my children, so I can shepherd their hearts and lead them to You in every word and every deed. Make me the Mom you've called me to be!<br />
In the Precious Name of Jesus,</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amen</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-82751448675608681322011-10-11T20:17:00.000-05:002011-10-11T20:17:27.767-05:00Incase You're Wondering<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Incase you are wondering about the pages we have added to the blog, we want you to know that we will soon be doing some neat things with those! We want to expand the blog to really show the ministries in which we serve here in Shreveport so those of you miles away can feel plugged in to what God is doing here and have direction in how to pray! For those of you in Shreveport, well, hopefully this will be a source of pride and joy for you! We will have some interactive times here as well as let you hear from some of our incredible students from time to time! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So hang in there, and keep checking back for more PAGES!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because of Love...</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Josh and Jill</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>A little side note...</strong></em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><br />
</em>Speaking of incredible students, here our two of our beloved students playing with Kylee & Aubrey at the spray grounds today. Thanks Ashleigh & Carol for loving on our girls! I don't know what they would do without all the teenage love they receive! We feel so blessed!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7sPcn9fWRMNBEVUQxIcuLtb0nFdmnTJIRUxY1V_3uGz1djr71ugM_lpkiYYvFMx8owX_Fyw1DeaZjl-0AwF2-Rvzu9YMITV_s4aogzmh3FobyBDXh0wWBkBkK70wNnY2jYrl3s6S9u0/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7sPcn9fWRMNBEVUQxIcuLtb0nFdmnTJIRUxY1V_3uGz1djr71ugM_lpkiYYvFMx8owX_Fyw1DeaZjl-0AwF2-Rvzu9YMITV_s4aogzmh3FobyBDXh0wWBkBkK70wNnY2jYrl3s6S9u0/s320/047.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-7875621164881395552011-10-09T22:33:00.000-05:002011-10-09T22:33:56.289-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've had a passage of scripture on my heart repeatedly throughout the past week. In our society, it seems that more and more often children are seen as an inconvenience rather than a gift from God. It's easy as a mom to want that break or alone time so badly that I can forget to cherish the time I have with my children. How it must grieve the heart of God when we become so wrapped up in ourselves that we neglect the gift He entrusted to us. A young heart to nurture, love, care for, and protect. Not only has He entrusted this task to us, we only get one chance in life to get it right. There are no do-overs. Sometimes that overwhelms me, but it's in those overwhelmed moments I know I need to go to the Word of God and hear God's perspective and rely on His guidance. I love what it says in the Psalm 127:3-5:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward. Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. Happy is the man who has his bag full of arrows. They will not be defeated </em><em>when they fight their enemies at the city gate. </em></strong></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">(NCV)</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Message says it this way:</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Children are a heritage from God! A gift He must delight the most in giving. </span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Father, <br />
Help me to treasure my children the way you treasure them. Give me the strength to be diligent, patient, consistent, and loving. In the moments when I feel weary and even ungrateful, fill my heart with joy and gratitude for the precious gifts you've trusted me with. May the desires of my heart and the attitudes toward my children line up with your Word. Thank you for my children. They are the best gift I could ever receive!</strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One last thing...<br />
If you are a mom, a wife, or still single and waiting, I encourage you to stay strong in the 31 day "Make Your Home a Haven" challenge. Check it out </span><a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2011/10/sing-dance-smile-swoon-have-fun-in-your-home/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WomenLivingWell+%28Women+Living+Well+%29"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A few fall pics of my delightful gifts:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MIDX1DUUK-ZPZSK4KQAEtFP5nSyulF6BbazGA4lSNChgk6jeFHo67vHtEB_ISzS3NC4Dqd8dzmI0YoWTGcJH5U49HJU4fiwkpDmn1bDRQ7MKgkEXLbsDCKaklhDoe-JHsBhYvS0coiY/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MIDX1DUUK-ZPZSK4KQAEtFP5nSyulF6BbazGA4lSNChgk6jeFHo67vHtEB_ISzS3NC4Dqd8dzmI0YoWTGcJH5U49HJU4fiwkpDmn1bDRQ7MKgkEXLbsDCKaklhDoe-JHsBhYvS0coiY/s320/021.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3p9do8It5joZ4N60RtVEqxg9XCw5vex8FRu8ypOhKL_JushEIQcTaq89JCQYrnNZDbV3oKfVSWMwjwYJrv1Hj7AevOqOuT8MjPQD1r8uQLRJ6wEbunm9-wJg4KDNSaJPzLoYumxMZ28/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3p9do8It5joZ4N60RtVEqxg9XCw5vex8FRu8ypOhKL_JushEIQcTaq89JCQYrnNZDbV3oKfVSWMwjwYJrv1Hj7AevOqOuT8MjPQD1r8uQLRJ6wEbunm9-wJg4KDNSaJPzLoYumxMZ28/s320/018.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo7SF9c8AEC0vK8zo0vgRAuvg1woMPkyewIhfYmGxs_S39_uYT-AbSWUG5Y0ZxTzuwMTtRMqw53flFE4cIACBaYCbbLG4h6q3nr-rhrzn2yOMnGYI8xCzqD0X531DF6flt8PGWfgK1ME/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo7SF9c8AEC0vK8zo0vgRAuvg1woMPkyewIhfYmGxs_S39_uYT-AbSWUG5Y0ZxTzuwMTtRMqw53flFE4cIACBaYCbbLG4h6q3nr-rhrzn2yOMnGYI8xCzqD0X531DF6flt8PGWfgK1ME/s320/026.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim35LZr-7UVRpQay_DtJiEiYUyQDm7V3V77rh-qsI4CIP6Dixs9vkc9IMsxcML_tHpr07snShNu3Rkhsf3NOPdihWjIobKoLNWtutFOR1hSzRqvRncp54wbXU-wYLVVnS7_QJd6FWZ9VE/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim35LZr-7UVRpQay_DtJiEiYUyQDm7V3V77rh-qsI4CIP6Dixs9vkc9IMsxcML_tHpr07snShNu3Rkhsf3NOPdihWjIobKoLNWtutFOR1hSzRqvRncp54wbXU-wYLVVnS7_QJd6FWZ9VE/s320/009.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-67929040515555394652011-10-03T10:24:00.000-05:002011-10-03T10:24:29.022-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am going to be really brief on here today, as I so often feel I have to be! Life with preschoolers is busy, but wonderfully so!<br />
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I came across a scripture today that encouraged me. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the task of parenting effectively, being a loving wife, and influential for God Kingdom in the lives of others. Sometimes I really fear getting it wrong or really messing things up big time, especially with parenting my kids. Listen to what King David wrote in Psalm 25:14-15:</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">"The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them</span>.</span> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare."</span></strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Message translation words it this way:<br />
<em><strong>"If I keep my eyes on God, I won't trip over my own feet."</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I love that! I don't have to have it all together, I simply need to keep my eyes on Him! When my full trust is in Him, He will fulfill His very best in my life and will keep me not only from snares of the enemy, but snares that I might walk into on my own! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So if life seems overwhelming to you, I challenge you to take a moment to assess if your eyes are truly on God. If not, ask Him to help redirect your focus, and He will direct your path! (Prov. 3:5-6) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One last thing, today is the official start of the 31 day Fall Challenge: Make Your Home a Haven. I encourage you to hop on over to Courtney's blog at <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/">Women Living Well</a> and be inspired to make a little extra effort this fall to be the wife and mom your family needs you to be! There are many principles that can apply to men as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm lighting my candle, and commiting before God to make my home the haven He intends for it to be this fall!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have a WONDERFUL day on this beautiful October Monday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">~Josh and Jill</span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-81835103664973222802011-09-27T16:02:00.000-05:002011-09-27T16:02:16.340-05:0031 Day Fall Challenge... Making Your Home a Haven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm putting candles on my next shopping trip list. Lots of candles! Why? I read about a challenge called "Making Your Home a Haven" by Courtney at Women Living Well. The challenge is to create ways to bring peace and calmness into your home in the midst of all the hectic activity of school, extracurricular activities, jobs, and whatever else may be keeping your life tense. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Part of the challenge is to light a candle in your home every day. Each time you light the candle, pray for peace in your home. If you stay home, you may light the candle in the morning and let it burn all day. Others may start the candle at dinner time. The idea is to focus on establishing a peaceful and loving atmosphere at home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've heard it said before that women are the ones who set the tone of the home. That's not to say that negative tones are not ever set because of a husband's bad day or a child's wrong attitude, because those days will happen! In general, however, it's my job as the mom to set a peaceful tone in my home with my attitude and efforts to support my family. So I am thankul for this 31 day challenge to help me focus on making some improvements in that area.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lighting a candle is only one aspect of this challenge, so I encourage you to check out Courtney's post by clicking the link below!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW0avLWocdlDqrMY6S_DUvH9h0PPs-Ttckb3Ey05CuEaN5RmcaiEzp1-zapetkkhdJOhR0INrAemC2AuPoKTol-sTUXPPVPQIsos2I1lmFeFY7LjTp-vzY1hfkAWuyyxuts75O8CnucE/s1600/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven1-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW0avLWocdlDqrMY6S_DUvH9h0PPs-Ttckb3Ey05CuEaN5RmcaiEzp1-zapetkkhdJOhR0INrAemC2AuPoKTol-sTUXPPVPQIsos2I1lmFeFY7LjTp-vzY1hfkAWuyyxuts75O8CnucE/s1600/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven1-300x300.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/homemaking/making-your-home-a-haven-challenge/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Make Your Home a Haven Challenge</span></a></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-22966444860622491102011-09-26T09:52:00.001-05:002011-09-26T09:53:42.853-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are halfway through our "I Am Pure" series that we are hosting for the teen girls in our church on Saturday nights in our home. It's been so much fun, and so enlightening to look at sensuality through a biblical view point. It's an idea that God created, and His purposes in it are good. Our culture has distorted God's design for our sensuality devastating many lives and homes. I don't think anyone goes unaffected by the bombardment of images on billboards, commercials, and magazines, not to mention the internet. The pressure to conform to a certain image is incredibly intense on people of all ages, especially teen girls and young women.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many prophecies in the Bible that refer to the exact time we are living in today, and many prophecies of an even more difficult time to come. So how do we withstand the pressures of our culture? How do we raise daughters who are pure and unblemished by sexual sin? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daniel 11:32 says it best:<br />
<em>"With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, <strong>but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.</strong>"</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The answer is simply in knowing God, knowing Christ, knowing His Word. Our only hope for overcoming temptation and living lives pleasing to God is found in His Word. I love that the verse doesn't just say the people who know their God will barely survive. No, it says they will <strong><em>firmly</em> </strong>resist him. They don't just overcome, they pass the test with flying colors, and bring others along in the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God loves you so much, and His plans for you are good and perfect for your life. His boundaries are drawn for our good and our health. Are you struggling with temptation? Let me challenge you to open His Word and simply ask Him to help you know Him better. It is the only way we overcome. And oh, what a way! We can't rely on ourselves. Instead, we get to rely on Him and His goodness. What a relief!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God loves you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Josh and Jill</span>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486753911828277020.post-63737970789495412022011-09-19T08:57:00.001-05:002011-09-19T10:07:49.895-05:00Apply it to Me Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am going to keep this morning's post brief, because there is a website I would love for you to check out! It speaks for itself. Yesterday, we were privileged to have Theresa Flores as a guest speaker in our services. Theresa is a human trafficking survivor who was victimized right here in the United States. Her story is heart wrenching and yet such a picture of God's unending mercy and grace. Click on the link below to check out her website. Watch the video clip of her story there and learn about the S.O.A.P project and how you can be involved! </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themsevles, for the rights of all who are desititute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I encourage you to view Theresa's website with a prayerful heart. How would God ask you to respond?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeqbNn3Wp22SwxB7nlzEX4bZg1N0uxHUmybh_On0YK0XKOjOXROzaDYULDHkHVnnnq4tp1LK4VYpZw887SKaJGlk2DJEg4yZbAaKpv-Bfbw5Dl8VmjyLt1Zi871DYoJSvM4Bov9ZlzE4/s1600/theresa+flores.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeqbNn3Wp22SwxB7nlzEX4bZg1N0uxHUmybh_On0YK0XKOjOXROzaDYULDHkHVnnnq4tp1LK4VYpZw887SKaJGlk2DJEg4yZbAaKpv-Bfbw5Dl8VmjyLt1Zi871DYoJSvM4Bov9ZlzE4/s1600/theresa+flores.png" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.traffickfree.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.traffickfree.com/</span></a></div>Josh and Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477891468885615601noreply@blogger.com0