This morning, before I was even fully awake, I heard a whisper saying, "nothing is too heavy for me, take the weight off your shoulders and let me carry it". I got right out of bed, fixed my coffee, and began my quiet time. Determined today would be a good day.
Oh, how quickly that devil can sneak up on us when we least expect it. I heard the Lord's voice so clearly yet the devil began a war with me and I didn't even realize it. It's sad how often this happens. I am just thankful for being able to realize it and if my eyes are clouded, I am thankful the Lord sends people in to point it out for me (you know who you are!)
I have a love hate relationship with facebook. I have seen on facebook a few times over the past few days a story about a premature baby born who was "miraculously" brought back to life after being pronounced dead for 2 hours. The ironic thing is, a few of my friends never saw the post. That's how the devil works. He makes sure you see things that will upset you. He wants to kick you while you're down. I rarely look at the newsfeed on facebook but over the past few days, each time I did, that post was on one of my "friends" newsfeed. The devil knows what he's doing and unfortunately, way too often, we don't realize his deceit.
After an uplifting voicemail a few bbm's and messages, I was given a little jolt. THIS can't make this beautiful day go bad! I have 3 handsome little men staring at me waiting to learn something new today. I have 1 hottie of a husband sitting at work, working his bootie off so I can be here with these boys. I have family and friends who love me and pray for me daily. And best of all, I have a risen Savior who reminds me of His promises daily.

Summer Fun

Last weekend we were SO lucky to get a beach trip with some of our closest friends. We went to Myrtle Beach and had a GREAT time! We played putt-putt, played in the sand, swam until our fingers were wrinkly and just hung out! I couldn't have asked for better behavior from 5 boys (ok, maybe 7 boys) living in close proximity for 4 days! Here are a few pictures from our trip! We can't wait to go back!

Look at all the cuteness on this "mountain"!

This was about 5 minutes before the shark started swimming around them...*gasp*

The Duke's and the Parrish's

Water fun with my boys!

I believe these monkey's were separated at birth...LOL!

The Golden Rule

When I was little, the verse I heard the most was "do to others as you would have them do to you". Luke 6:31

I heard it at home, at school, at Sunday school, everywhere. It never came with much explanation as it explains itself. Treat other people the way you want to be treated. Did we always listen as children, of course not. As adults, you would think people would be a little more sensitive to this matter. Hmm, you'd think! It really makes me sad to see adults knowingly treating other adults badly, or at least not following through on their teachings.

Although, sadly, I can think of many examples, I will give you just one. My grandparents go to a small church. They don't have too many active members and the majority of them are older people. I went to this church when I was little and was married there. I love this church! Every Wednesday night, they gather in the fellowship hall for dinner. I think that's great! When we are in town, we go with them. Last Wednesday, we were there so to dinner we went. Grandma pointed out a man in line and commented that she was glad to see him. She told me he was homeless and comes to eat dinner there most Wednesday nights. They, of course, let him eat for free. I love that they allow this man to come here and eat as it may be the only full meal he gets each week. As everyone goes through the line and gets their plate, they find their table and sit down and begin to eat. This man gets his plate and sits at a table. No one sits with him. Other tables are packed. His table is empty. He doesn't seem to mind. But, I mind. My Papa gets his plate (he was almost the last one as he had been socializing) and sits with us. When he notices that this man was sitting alone, he left his family and went and sat with him. Not across from him but beside him. He sat and they ate and they talked. He didn't discriminate because this man was dirty. He didn't discriminate because this man probably didn't smell the best in the world. He made him feel welcomed and loved. This made my heart happy. I went over and met the man and talked as well. I found out he actually grew up near my grandparents. He was friends with my Mom. He said I looked just like her. He's just like you and me but sad (very sad) circumstances in his life caused him to end up homeless. We should love him just the same. We shouldn't judge him because of what he doesn't have. If you read just a little further in Luke, you will find, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven."(6:37) It's simple, we shouldn't judge others. We should treat others the way we want to be treated. Period.

Please don't misunderstand. The people at this church are wonderful, loving people. Some of which I have known most of my life. They have prayed for me, supported me and loved me through all major events in my life. I am just extremely proud of my grandparents for loving on this man each week and making him feel at home. I am proud of them for practicing what they have always preached! I am proud of them for following "the Golden Rule"!

Adoption Tees

These are the t-shirts we designed to sell and raise money for our adoption! I hope you like them! If you would like to purchase one, please send me an email (chrisjennjax@aol.com) and let me know what size you would like. Regular tees are $10 and women's fitted tees are $12. If you are having a hard time reading it, click on the picture and it should make it bigger!

So much can change in 3 months.
It's so ironic when I sit and look back and think about where I thought I would be right now. I can say I am happy because I am. But I am sad too. A little part of me died on May 2nd right along with my son. But, I am a better person because of it. I am not the same person I was then. But that's okay. That's part of the irony. I didn't think I would be able to say these things and truly believe them, but I do. A verse that has meant so much to me is Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."NIV My strength has been renewed through this storm. Renewed in a way I never dreamed but I thank God every day for that strength. When you think you have hit rock bottom, there is only one way to look, and that's up. I had heard that so many times but it takes on a whole different meaning for me now.