tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31434703176997156442009-07-01T14:39:18.928-05:00Kisses From HeavenIn His presence is fullness of joy....Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.netBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-50563171314248383572009-06-30T09:54:00.018-05:002009-06-30T16:31:55.825-05:00A Gift of TimeLast Christmas, our kids gave us a gift of time - doing whatever we wanted them to do around the house or in the yard for a full day. I was actually expecting a new grill for their dad....but somehow that got put to the side.<br /><br />So Mike and I are thinking of all the things that we could have the kids do for us. Thinking...thinking...thinking...<br /><br />Then Spring comes and brings us new revelation!!<br /><br />It was an "Aha" moment.<br /><br />We are brilliant! We decided we would have the family lay out fresh wood chips around the house and on our garden...which is massive. And since they complain about the most awesome paint job in the basement that was on the cutting edge of decorating in the early 90's, we would have them paint the basement. This was no small task. The main room is about 14 x 33 ft. and the stairway and the hallway too.<br /><br />We found a day that would work for everyone. They came ready to work and be a blessing to us. People are astounded when we tell them what our kids wanted to do for us.<br /><br />Here's some pics from the day....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Even with this load of wood chips, we ran out and didn't get the whole garden covered.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp-Z1jtWSI/AAAAAAAABAU/ybnGRI8dUPM/s1600-h/IMG_2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp-Z1jtWSI/AAAAAAAABAU/ybnGRI8dUPM/s400/IMG_2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353230089421936930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our son in law Jeff, was the master organizer.<br />Maybe it was because he was determined to not push a wheelbarrow like our son Jacob!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp9aafKieI/AAAAAAAABAM/VEVFsrPMXkI/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp9aafKieI/AAAAAAAABAM/VEVFsrPMXkI/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353228999823362530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Caleb (left) tells Jacob where to put the chips. Caleb is the younger brother and I'm sure he was in "power mode" telling older brother what to do! <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_EwFV5qI/AAAAAAAABAc/6GOSyXl9p-4/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_EwFV5qI/AAAAAAAABAc/6GOSyXl9p-4/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353230826686768802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is my darling of all time! 31 years of wedding bliss and blessing!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_LafY2FI/AAAAAAAABAk/yf881TAxllo/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_LafY2FI/AAAAAAAABAk/yf881TAxllo/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353230941149517906" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our daughter in love Kassi on her knees and our daughter Lydia who is leaving for Tanzania soon to help with worship at a women's conf.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_RXHuf4I/AAAAAAAABAs/wbE_78a6SDg/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_RXHuf4I/AAAAAAAABAs/wbE_78a6SDg/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353231043324182402" border="0" /></a><br />Our oldest daughter Hannah who is carrying baby #3. (Yippee!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_XHQ_acI/AAAAAAAABA0/6Jmpr0aoGpY/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_XHQ_acI/AAAAAAAABA0/6Jmpr0aoGpY/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353231142147287490" border="0" /></a><br />So as the girls are busy in the basement,<br />I took this picture of the guys<br />taking a break!! <br />Actually, in all fairness, the guys, or one of them, was installing a stereo in the boat.<br />So they say.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_2OStaGI/AAAAAAAABA8/6fOHk6Hgreo/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Skp_2OStaGI/AAAAAAAABA8/6fOHk6Hgreo/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353231676609488994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kassi is painting her little heart out!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SkqDioILZSI/AAAAAAAABBU/FF1hF-QoU9Y/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SkqDioILZSI/AAAAAAAABBU/FF1hF-QoU9Y/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353235737993766178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Taking a break....again??<br />That's our granddaughter Gracie in Caleb's lap and his friend Jenna who loves to help.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SkqAHGJ8qtI/AAAAAAAABBM/3wwwJjjN98k/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_2040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SkqAHGJ8qtI/AAAAAAAABBM/3wwwJjjN98k/s400/Copy+of+IMG_2040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353231966483032786" border="0" /></a>So there ya go. We're blessed!! The basement is gorgeous. The garden is beautiful. Mike took me outside early the next morning, with coffee in hand, to sit and enjoy the labor of our family.<br /><br />Blessings on your day.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-5056317131424838357?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-59167467258554398872009-05-28T08:15:00.003-05:002009-05-28T08:36:03.771-05:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sh6Okl5WQMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/n48RnskuNI0/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sh6Okl5WQMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/n48RnskuNI0/s320/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340862967407067330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">John 10:27</span><br /></div></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that God gives us ears to hear His voice. I believe that He's speaking to us more than what we actually hear. Maybe it's because as we know with our own children, we have "selected" hearing. Do we have the same "selected" hearing with our Father God?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">What do we do when God speaks very clearly about calling up a neighbor that doesn't know Him and ask them out for coffee? I ponder on that - over analyze those words - and come to the conclusion that it was just my own thought. Well, I can tell you this....I wouldn't have a thought like that on my own. It's Jesus in me that speaks to my heart in such a way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that God covers me in His grace and so tenderly speaks to me again. I'm continually learning to hear and obey....right now.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for my little granddaughter that had her ballet dance recital. She was so incredibly cute of course! As she's standing on stage after her dance, she spotted her fan club of our family, and as the other little girls trotted off, our little Gracie stood there grinning at us! It made a memory for sure!!<br /><br />I'm so thankful for the celebration of Memorial Day last Monday. It was a precious time of honoring those that have fought for our freedoms in this country.<br /><br />For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/05/thankful-thursday-gods-voice.html">Lynn</a>.<br /><br />Blessings!!<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-5916746725855439887?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-87981888509242903212009-05-06T16:40:00.005-05:002009-05-06T19:26:59.178-05:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SgID_LOPalI/AAAAAAAAA-8/LEhMFYxnfGA/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SgID_LOPalI/AAAAAAAAA-8/LEhMFYxnfGA/s320/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332829292639251026" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Honor your father and your mother, </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">that your days may be long upon the land </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">which the LORD your God is giving you. </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Exodus 20:12</span></blockquote><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We're honoring our moms today on Thankful Thursday since Mother's Day is coming up this weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for my mom. She's an amazing godly woman. She has always had a hunger for the things of God and for His Word. And she and my dad taught us the ways of God and the disciplines of living a life pleasing to the Father.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Mom has an incredible gift of hospitality. I caught it well from her. And for that I am so very very thankful. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">There's so many qualities of my mom that I could list....but the one that touches my heart was watching her go through the death of her husband of 67 years recently. She's very strong and</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> she hung on to the Father's hand through it all.<br /><br />Mom has risen up with a new grace to finish her own course with great joy. She's an example to me in every way. I love her dearly and am so thankful that God put me with the most precious parents.<br /><br />For more thankful hearts, visit<a href="http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/my_weblog/"> Lynn</a> who is hosting this month.<br /><br />Blessings and Happy Mother's Day to you!!<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-8798188850924290321?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-67453826831120705742009-04-30T08:22:00.006-05:002009-04-30T08:49:16.762-05:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SfmmLtI5NYI/AAAAAAAAA-g/w2rX6N22AyM/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SfmmLtI5NYI/AAAAAAAAA-g/w2rX6N22AyM/s320/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330474353995363714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. </span><span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-variant: small-caps; font-family: trebuchet ms;">God</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, your God, is with you every step you take." </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Joshua 1:9 ~ The Message</span><br /></div></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It's Thankful Thursday.....what a blessed day to give thanks!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the courage that God gave me through my daddy's last week on earth. God carried me and gave me His strength. It was a very precious time for us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that God has given my mom courage to go on and finish her course with great joy! God is so faithful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that in the midst of life and family and ministry, God gives us courage to walk in obedience and not worry about what others think. The important thing is to be obedient. Amen?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggy</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> friends. You are always such an encouragement!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/">Laurie</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> who is so graciously hosting Thankful Thursday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Blessings to you!!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-6745382683112070574?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-77203499788678276242009-04-24T07:49:00.003-05:002009-04-24T08:20:32.384-05:00Friday Quote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SfG16gAJxpI/AAAAAAAAA94/RcKCXu_Cdvs/s1600-h/My+mouth+if+filled+with+your+praise.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SfG16gAJxpI/AAAAAAAAA94/RcKCXu_Cdvs/s400/My+mouth+if+filled+with+your+praise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328239850783622802" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yesterday as we had lunch on the deck, we watched the buds of our crab trees swell in the welcome heat of the day. This morning, they are in full bloom. The fragrance fills the yard. The birds are singing their praises. The sun is shining, the sky is clear and the breeze is beautiful.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What more could we ask for? It's a kiss from heaven. One of those days you want to put in a bottle and save it for later. But since we can't do that, we'll bask in the glory of this precious moment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As my mouth is filled to overflowing with praise to my Father, for who He is in all His majesty and honor and glory, I breathe in His beauty and His love for me. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am overwhelmed by His presence. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And He is loving the fragrance of praise that rises before Him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Blessings to you as you declare His splendor.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-7720349978867827624?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-2707729079485576052009-04-22T07:53:00.002-05:002009-04-22T08:07:29.874-05:00True Meaning of Life!<h1 style="margin: 10px 0px; font-size: 22px;" title="today's Family Circus comic">Family Circus</h1> <p class="m0"> <small>By Bil Keane</small></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Se8ThqKK3fI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GoQdk5QEYjs/s1600-h/Family+Circus.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 344px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Se8ThqKK3fI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GoQdk5QEYjs/s400/Family+Circus.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327498353176141298" border="0" /></a>Blessings on your day!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-270772907948557605?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-70776917720611372652009-04-20T07:19:00.003-05:002009-04-20T07:29:59.510-05:00Cool Story<div style="text-align: center;" id="articletitle"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >This is a must read and see! </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Great story!</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" > Enjoy!</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />The Extraordinary Story of a Matronly Singing Sensation</span></div> <!--ARTICLEINFO--> <div id="articleinfo"> by Teresa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Neumann</span> : Apr 18, 2009 :<br />Collette Douglas Home - The Herald U.K.<br /><br /></div> <!--WORD--> <p><strong><em>Awkward, self-sacrificing woman with a dream blows the world away.</em></strong></p> <p>(United Kingdom)—I love great editorials. Follow the link provided at the end of this article, and you will read one of the best of the year.<br /> <br /> <em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 18pt; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><img src="http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/images/news/susanboyle.jpg" alt="Susan Boyle" align="left" hspace="20" /></span></strong></em></span></em>It was published in <em>The Herald UK</em>, by Collette Douglas Home, under the title <em>The Beauty That Matters is Always on the Inside,</em> and it's about <em>Britain's Got Talent 2009</em> singing sensation Susan Boyle. <em>(Photo: AP)</em><br /> <br /> If you haven't heard about Ms. Boyle yet, you are about to.<br /> <br />The matronly, 46-year-old choir singer recently blew her audience and talent judges away with her powerful, angelic voice, but not before first being openly ridiculed for her awkwardness and less-than glamorous looks.<br /> <br />Home's editorial hits straight to the heart of the matter; human nature's propensity to make fun of others, even for something as superficial as one's looks. While her opinion piece might cause us to reflect on our own <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fallibilities</span>, it is at the same time an extraordinary tribute to a woman whose humility and self-sacrifice is being spotlighted for all the world to see.<br /> <br /> Watch the <em>YouTube </em>video of Boyle singing by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk"><strong><em>CLICKING HERE. </em></strong></a><br /> <br /> And do read the article on Susan Boyle by <a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresopinon/display.var.2501746.0.The_beauty_that_matters_is_always_on_the_inside.php">clicking here</a>.</p><p>Blessings on your day!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-7077691772061137265?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-74497593826035984592009-04-17T07:14:00.002-05:002009-04-17T07:15:35.974-05:00Friday Quote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SehyxIn3reI/AAAAAAAAA9A/fB_jeTpZ8Lk/s1600-h/Success+in+God%27s+Kingdom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SehyxIn3reI/AAAAAAAAA9A/fB_jeTpZ8Lk/s400/Success+in+God%27s+Kingdom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325632747819478498" border="0" /></a>Blessings on your day!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-7449759382603598459?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-25449400017129754982009-04-11T08:23:00.002-05:002009-04-11T08:26:10.872-05:00Cool Story<div style="text-align: center;" id="articletitle"><span style="font-size:180%;">Schools in Virginia Now Required<br />to Teach Benefits of Marriage</span></div> <!--ARTICLEINFO--> <div id="articleinfo"> by Teresa Neumann : Apr 11, 2009 :<br />Lawrence Jones - The Christian Post<br /><br /></div> <!--WORD--> <p><strong><em>Would that every state have the courage and common sense to go on the offensive with such positive legislation. Kudos to Virginia!</em></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><em><strong><em><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><img src="http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/images/news/teachinonmarriage.jpg" alt="Teaching on benefits of marriage" align="left" hspace="20" /></span></strong></em></strong></em></span></strong></em>(Virginia)—Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has signed into law <em>SB 827</em> and <em>HB 1746</em> broadening the range of topics covered by the family life education curriculum in grades K through 12 to include instruction on "the benefits, challenges, responsibilities, and value of marriage for men, women, children, and communities."<br /> <br />The state's Family Foundation's 2007-2008 Marriage Commission had reportedly made the recommendation that positive aspects of marriage be taught.<br /> <br /> According to a <em>Christian Post </em>report, Kaine also signed legislation requiring local school boards to better notify parents regarding what is being taught in Family Life Education so that parents can make a more informed decision about whether their kids should participate in that class.<br /> <br />Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb was quoted as saying the legislation would help to reverse declining marriage and climbing divorce rates in the state.</p><p>Click<a href="http://christianpost.com/Society/Family_issues/2009/04/virginia-gov-approves-law-requiring-schools-to-teach-benefits-of-marriage-02/index.html"> here</a> for the rest of the story.</p><p>Blessings!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-2544940001712975498?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-81337443282825339572009-04-09T20:39:00.003-05:002009-04-09T20:45:32.953-05:00Friday Quote<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sd6jeQ2IciI/AAAAAAAAA84/zSGviQqLS1I/s1600-h/Copy+of+EasterFlowers-Blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sd6jeQ2IciI/AAAAAAAAA84/zSGviQqLS1I/s400/Copy+of+EasterFlowers-Blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322871549911921186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He came.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He died.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He was buried.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He rose again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He sits on the right hand of the Father.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He's coming again!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For His Bride.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Because He loves you and me.<br /><br />That's worth shouting about!<br /><br />Blessed Easter to you!<br /></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-8133744328282533957?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-24091659505822976802009-04-09T07:01:00.004-05:002009-04-09T07:17:41.937-05:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sd3ju335ygI/AAAAAAAAA8w/MsrefyEGgV0/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sd3ju335ygI/AAAAAAAAA8w/MsrefyEGgV0/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322660729033705986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><blockquote style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: center;">But thanks be t<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>o God,<br />who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Corin</span>. 15:57<br /></div></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the amazing celebration of life service for my daddy on Monday. God has covered our family in grace and victory. I will write a few posts on how God carried us during the last 2 weeks of daddy's life.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> All praise and glory to Jesus!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for this week leading up to the great Resurrection celebration. We have a new perspective with daddy at the feet of Jesus. Wow!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the outpouring of love that comes during time of crisis. It reminds me to be more mindful of others in those types of situations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the hope that we have because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that we can celebrate life in Jesus! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Blessed Easter to you all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/">Laurie</a>.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-2409165950582297680?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-32663080371516107872009-04-03T05:39:00.004-05:002009-04-03T06:28:54.692-05:00Friday Quote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SdXuPtkrXaI/AAAAAAAAA8o/7wVb5UV7zwY/s1600-h/Everyday+I+will+bless+Your+Name.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SdXuPtkrXaI/AAAAAAAAA8o/7wVb5UV7zwY/s400/Everyday+I+will+bless+Your+Name.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320420488506989986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Everyday and even every moment I will bless You O Lord. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It's a choice in my life to be as David in Psalm 16...to set the Lord always before me. That means to be mindful of Him....to be aware of His presence...to know that He is always with me...to keep my focus on Him and His amazing love for me...to praise His Name forever and ever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Nothing on this earth matters more than keeping our heart fixed on our Father. For that is the place where we find true life, peace and victory.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">May we keep our hearts in the place of blessing Him every moment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Blessings to you my dear friends.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-3266308037151610787?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-89595344177373936582009-04-02T07:15:00.000-05:002009-04-02T07:15:50.802-05:00Thankful Thursday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SdQJUKnm7aI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/WLULU3xh1ik/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SdQJUKnm7aI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/WLULU3xh1ik/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319887301883915682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Through whom also we have access by faith </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">into this grace in which we stand, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2</span></blockquote><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's Thankful Thursday and my heart rejoices in the hope that I have in my relationship with God through Jesus Christ!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for Hope in eternity. My daddy is getting ready to meet Jesus. He's a Patriarch of Faith in our family. God has given us a gift of time with him this past week. We are able to kiss him and tell him we love him. We tell him that he's been the best dad and grandpa. We thank him for telling us about Jesus and having a hungering for more of the Kingdom of God.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for this precious gift of time with my dad. I was able to spend some time alone with him yesterday. I read my favorite scriptures to him, and loved on him and thanked him and prayed for him. I sat there holding his hand, worshipping Jesus and releasing the angels to dance in the room and minister to him. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for my daughter and son-in-love and 2 of my </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">grandbabies</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> that came and cleaned my house and made supper for us. What a gift that they gave to us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that we don't go through something like this alone. The death of the righteous is very precious to God. God has His hand on each one of us and is giving us these precious gifts each day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that we will have an amazing reunion with my daddy again in eternity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the confidence and hope in knowing where I am going to spend eternity. If you are not confident in knowing where you will spend eternity, press the "ready" button on the left side bar. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/">Laurie</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> who is hosting </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">TT</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> this month.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Blessings!! </span><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-8959534417737393658?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-46394969432619712612009-03-19T06:36:00.004-05:002009-03-19T07:09:53.192-05:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/ScIukLRR8SI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/rnbiW_RUU38/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/ScIukLRR8SI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/rnbiW_RUU38/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314861709286043938" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17</span></blockquote><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the freedom that we have because of our relationship with Jesus. He has set me free from the law of sin and death. He has set me free from the fear of man and pleasing people. That is such a bondage to many. But the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we fall in love with Him. The more we fall in love with Him, the more we want to please Him and not others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that Spring is soon here. It's been teasing us a bit, but I'll take the teasing. My hubby and I ate lunch on the deck a couple times this week. Absolutely wonderful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for God's grace that flows in our busy schedules of life and ministry.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for our women's ministry this coming weekend. God is stretching the tent pegs and we are taking back what the enemy has stolen. God is ministering to women with His everlasting love and letting them know how valuable and precious they are to Him. You can check out Great Company of Women </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.livingwordchurchinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=27">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/">Lynn</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Have a hugely blessed day!!</span><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-4639496943261971261?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-40765521777981329962009-03-18T06:53:00.004-05:002009-03-18T07:02:05.135-05:00Cool Story<div style="text-align: center;" id="articletitle"><span style="font-size:130%;">Over Half of Remaining <em>American Idol</em> Finalists have<br />Sung in Church, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">and Three have Led Worship</span></div> <!--ARTICLEINFO--> <div id="articleinfo"> <span style="font-size:85%;">by Aimee Herd : Mar 18, 2009<br /><br /></span></div> <!--WORD--> <p><strong><em>"Lord, I will go as far as You want me to go."</em></strong></p> <p>An <em>AP</em> article on Tuesday highlights the fact that singers with a background in the Church make up a significant part of this season's <em>American Idol (AI)</em> contestants. In fact, prior to the Tuesday, March 17th show, "more than half of the remaining 11 finalists have regularly performed at places of worship" and "three of those 6 contestants have worked as worship leaders at their…churches back home."</p> <p>Zeroing in on finalist Kris Allen, of Conway, Arkansas, Derrik J. Lang—<em>AP </em>Entertainment Writer—notes that being on stage was not a new experience for the 23-year-old, but that "seeing the eager audience looking up at him reminded him of…going to church."</p> <p>"Kristopher was in a position where he was singing on a weekly basis in front of a large number of people," explained Brandon Shatswell, the executive worship pastor at Kris' church, adding that learning new songs quickly to use during a service helped to ready him for the competition.</p> <p><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><em><strong><em><strong><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img src="http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/images/news/dannyg.jpg" alt="Danny Gokey" align="left" hspace="20" /></span></strong></em></strong></em></span></strong></em>Another Christian on the show—28-year-old Danny Gokey—lost his wife when she died just a month before his<em> AI </em>audition. Gokey, who stands out with his stylish eyeglasses and husky voice, has reportedly worked for Faith Builders International in Milwaukee, and in Beloit, Wisconsin for 8 years. <em>(Photo: AmericanIdol.com) </em></p> <p>Stating that Gokey's fate on <em>AI</em> was in God's hands, Jeff Pruitt, Gokey's pastor described the music director's faith as he competes on the show. "Danny is in a place in his life that he is trusting the Lord with everything that's placed in front of him... He prays, [and] says, 'Lord, I will go as far as you want me to go.'" </p> <p>Another worship leader/finalist is Michael Sarver, who also works as a "roughneck" in the oilfield. Sarver leads worship at the Harvest Church in Jasper, Texas.</p> <p><em>To read the full AP article, click here - </em><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(0, 102, 153); color: rgb(0, 102, 153); text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/17/entertainment/e104959D60.DTL" target="_blank">Derrik J. Lang - AP</a></p><p>Blessings on your day!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-4076552177798132996?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-86540897328236687692009-03-14T08:16:00.002-05:002009-03-14T08:18:50.532-05:00Cool Story<div style="text-align: center;" id="articletitle"><span style="font-size:180%;">Alabama Pharmacist Initiates His Own<br />"One-Man Economic Stimulus Plan"<br /><br /></span></div> <!--ARTICLEINFO--> <div id="articleinfo"> <span style="font-size:85%;">by Teresa Neumann : Mar 14, 2009 : Connie Baggett - The Press-Register<br />http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/123667656434250.xml&coll=3</span></div> <!--WORD--> <p><strong><em>He asked only that his employees give 15 percent of their "bonus" checks to charity.</em></strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><em><strong><em><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><img src="http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/images/news/dannycottrell.jpg" alt="Danny Cottrell" align="left" hspace="20" /></span></strong></em></strong></em></span></strong></em>(Brewton, Alabama)—Pharmacist Danny Cottrell has received national attention for his "one-man economic stimulus plan" in the form of a surprise $16,000 bonus to all of his employees. <em>(Photo: Press-Register/John David Mercer) </em><br /> <br /> As reported in the <em>Press-Register,</em> Cottrell came up with the idea last month to give his full-time employees $700 and part-time employees $300, all in $2 bills, asking only that they award 15 percent to charity and spend the rest locally, particularly at shops downtown.<br /> <br /> One employee, Margaret Carter, was quoted as saying Cottrell has always been the best boss around.<br /> <br /> As for the pharmacist at the center of all the hoopla? He is on a missions trip to Mexico, far from the camera lights.</p><p>Thought this was a very cool story. It's always good to hear the good things about people.</p><p>Blessings on your day.<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-8654089732823668769?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-4185482805307085792009-03-06T07:11:00.005-06:002009-03-06T07:34:09.947-06:00Friday Quote<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SbEhIwJbZiI/AAAAAAAAA8I/tuf_qgc3acc/s1600-h/Whatever+the+mind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SbEhIwJbZiI/AAAAAAAAA8I/tuf_qgc3acc/s400/Whatever+the+mind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310061869893641762" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Colossians</span> 3:2<br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here it is in the Message Bible....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.</span>"<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Where do we put our eyes? Because where our eyes go, our heart and our mind will follow.<br /><br />I want my eyes to focus on Him. I love what David says in Psalm 16:8..."I have set the Lord continually before me...". I believe it's a choice that we must make moment to moment.<br /><br />When we have trials and struggles and temptations, what are we going to do with them?<br /><br />Are we going to try to figure them out ourselves?<br /><br />Are we going to act out our frustrations in the flesh.<br /><br />Will we walk in fear or will we walk in faith in God and His promises for us?<br /><br />Will we keep our eyes on the Lord and allow Him to use the situation or circumstance to mold us and shape us into the image of His dear Son?<br /><br />Lord, I choose to focus my eyes on You this day. I want the Fire of God to burn off those things that are not pleasing to You and draw me closer to You. Thank you for Your power and Your grace in my life to die to myself and live for You and You alone. In Jesus Name. Amen<br /><br />Blessings on your day!<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-418548280530708579?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-72383188327313414192009-03-04T21:16:00.003-06:002009-03-04T21:37:24.566-06:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sa9EStO3IgI/AAAAAAAAA8A/c2HRYmLhntc/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/Sa9EStO3IgI/AAAAAAAAA8A/c2HRYmLhntc/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309537573863367170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As Iris, who normally hosts Thankful Thursday, is taking a sabbatical from blogging, I want to say thank you to her.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We give thanks to God always for you all, </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">making mention of you in our prayers;</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">in the sight of God and our Father;</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Thess</span>. 1:2-3</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My life has literally been changed because of my connection with Iris and Thankful Thursdays. I have grown as I have focused my heart and my mind on gratefulness to my heavenly Father. God has opened my eyes to those little things that He brings across the path of my life that I used to take for granted.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So Iris, I'm so very thankful for you and the influence that you have had upon me and hundreds of other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggers</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I pray that God would bring clear direction to you and refreshment and renewal as you seek His face for the next step. And that He would fill you with all the fullness of His precious love and wisdom and understanding. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And as for being thankful for other things, I'm thankful that I celebrated my birthday this week and it was a precious time of friends and family loving on me. I am so blessed!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/">Lynn</a> at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Blessings!!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-7238318832731341419?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-46300082878870723002009-02-27T07:23:00.004-06:002009-02-27T09:39:48.703-06:00Friday Quote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SafpgMvXd_I/AAAAAAAAA7w/wGBFyalXm5g/s1600-h/Oh+how+I+love+your+law.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SafpgMvXd_I/AAAAAAAAA7w/wGBFyalXm5g/s400/Oh+how+I+love+your+law.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307467425264400370" border="0" /></a>The Word of God is becoming more and more valuable to me...for which I am very thankful. I asked God to increase my love for His Word. And of course He's so faithful. He put me in a situation for 2 years that taught me the life that is in His Word.<br /><br />I have learned that if we are not in the Word with our devotions or study time, or meditating on His Word , then we will be powerless in our lives. In these times ahead, we cannot afford to live life without His plans and purposes and His mighty power in our lives. In all our own efforts and strength, we are like a fish flopping on the beach gasping for air. Now that's a picture for you!<br /><br />We're familiar with the famous saying "What would Jesus do?". If we don't know what Jesus did on the earth, how are we going to know what to do in our lives also? Good point?<br /><br />If the Word of God is not priority in our lives, ask God to give you a fresh passion for His precious Word. He wants to take us deeper in Him.<br /><br />Blessings as you hunger and thirst for more of Him.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-4630008287887072300?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-6663656631473191062009-02-25T17:51:00.005-06:002009-02-25T21:24:31.768-06:00Thankful Thursday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SaXZtBHTDrI/AAAAAAAAA7o/fBobuYt9HP8/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SaXZtBHTDrI/AAAAAAAAA7o/fBobuYt9HP8/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306887103342382770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Come, let's shout praises to </span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >God</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">,</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Let's march into his presence singing praises, </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">lifting the rafters with our hymns! </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Psalm 95:1-2</span></blockquote><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the faithfulness of God! I am SHOUTING praises to the Rock of my salvation! So very grateful! So very grateful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful for the women's meeting at church last Sunday. I was the speaker and God gave me His words from His heart to minister to the gals. So many were set free of junk that's holding them back from soaring like an eagle. It was awesome!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">All glory to Him!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that God has all the wisdom we need to do what we are called to do in this life. We do not have to stress out and moan and groan. But put our complete trust in Him to carry us.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm so thankful that Spring is around the corner. I keep trying to keep it here, but the weather doesn't cooperate. We had a robin in our yard today. A sure sign of Spring. I get so excited for new life in the Spring.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://www.eph2810.com/">Iris</a>.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Blessings to you!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-666365663147319106?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-84675549763753888872009-02-24T08:21:00.004-06:002009-02-24T08:27:09.690-06:00The Red Envelope Project<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SaQCgeyElHI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ejASzaW3_dg/s1600-h/redenvelopelogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 52px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SaQCgeyElHI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ejASzaW3_dg/s400/redenvelopelogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306369017991435378" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >The Red Envelope Project<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><b>Washington, DC (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LifeNews</span>.com) --</b> Christ Otto has spent the past 21 years of his life in ministry founding churches and working as everything from a pastry chef and worship leader to a hotel clerk and vocal coach. Little did he know he would become best known around the country as the founder of the Red Envelope Project.</span> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Inspired during a prayer, Otto came up with the idea of sending red envelopes to President Barack Obama to protest his pro-abortion policies.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">As he tells <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LifeNews</span>.com, what started out as an email request to 120 of his ministry friends and supporters turned into a nationwide phenomenon that could result in hundreds of thousands of pro-life envelopes heading to the White House.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">"Three weeks ago I was doing my usual routine of prayer, Bible study, and quietly listening to God. Usually I begin the day with 'Lord, what’s on your agenda today?'" he explained.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">"That day, my mind wandered a little, and I imagined hundreds of red envelopes in the mail room of the White House. On the back, a simple message stating that each envelope represented an innocent life lost. I took that idea, and sent it in an email to my 120 ministry supporters. They in turn, sent it to their friends," Otto added.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">The rest, as they say, is history.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">There are now three web sites supporting the grassroots effort, countless blogs, and two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span> groups based on Otto's idea.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">"From the sketchy information I have found, I am estimating at least 100,000 have been sent so far," he said. "Who says one person can't make a difference?"</span></p><div style="text-align: left;">For the rest of the story go to .... <a href="http://www.lifenews.com/nat4837.html">http://www.lifenews.com/nat4837.html</a><br /><br />Blessings on your day!<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-8467554976375388887?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-224011528979037122009-02-12T07:10:00.004-06:002009-02-12T07:38:33.131-06:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SZQhBjqw5BI/AAAAAAAAA7I/UifZyKdomaI/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SZQhBjqw5BI/AAAAAAAAA7I/UifZyKdomaI/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301898971960108050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote>And live a life of love,<br />just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us<br />as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.<br />Ephesians 5:2</blockquote><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so very thankful for the precious love of God toward me.<br /><br />I'm so thankful that if we are encouraged to live a life of love then it must mean that we are capable of loving others and allowing His love to flow through us. I like the saying....be kind to one another for everyone has their own battle. Showing love to others can break down all kinds of barriers that hold them back from loving God completely. <br /><br />I'm so thankful for God's love and mercy that has carried us these past few weeks. We had a huge conference at our church last weekend with very special pastor friends from Nashville and also St. Louis that brought a fresh word from the heart of the Father for us. It took a lot of preparation and planning and running here and there....with no time for being here with you all.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for fresh breath from Heaven on our lives. God is so faithful to cover us in His strength. <br /><br />For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://www.eph2810.com/">Iris</a>.<br /><br />Blessings!! <br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-22401152897903712?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-65035199004118483912009-01-15T06:45:00.004-06:002009-01-15T07:11:22.134-06:00Thankful Thursday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8wJpsIDGI/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmPw2rc1dGQ/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8wJpsIDGI/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmPw2rc1dGQ/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291501029551508578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Let them give thanks to the Lord for His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lovingkindness</span>,</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And for His wonders to the sons of men!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Psalm 107:8</span></span><br /><br /></div>I'm so very thankful that we celebrated our family Christmas this past weekend. What a wonderful precious time that was filled to overflowing with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lovingkindness</span> of God!<br /><br />I'm so very thankful for our family and how God is working in them and through them. What more could we ask than that our children would follow hard after God and be significant in His Kingdom!<br /><br />Here we are with our new grandson, Jackson Thomas at 3 1/2 weeks. What a little miracle from God! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8wJpsIDGI/AAAAAAAAA6I/cmPw2rc1dGQ/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8zHRzG4JI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vhGCtB9JhG4/s1600-h/IMG_1643.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8zHRzG4JI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vhGCtB9JhG4/s400/IMG_1643.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291504287313485970" border="0" /></a><br />I'm so very thankful for our 3 grandchildren! Gifts from God that fill our hearts to absolutely overflowing with goodness!! Sam and Grace are brother and sister. Grace loved holding her new little cousin, Jackson.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8ykDjbd2I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/XYKQqxIvrU8/s1600-h/IMG_1641.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SW8ykDjbd2I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/XYKQqxIvrU8/s400/IMG_1641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291503682194208610" border="0" /></a>For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://www.eph2810.com/">Iris</a>.<br /><br />Blessings to you!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-6503519900411848391?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-48122883541162651132009-01-08T06:50:00.005-06:002009-01-08T07:11:33.247-06:00Thankful Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SWX287tvSyI/AAAAAAAAA5g/LkBaJqXod68/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SWX287tvSyI/AAAAAAAAA5g/LkBaJqXod68/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288904864098634530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><blockquote>And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.<br />For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.<br />And always be thankful. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Colossians</span> 3:15</blockquote><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so very thankful for the peace of God in my life...even in the midst of chaos. And as the verse above says....we must LET His peace rule our hearts...and always be thankful. Having a thankful heart in the midst of storms and chaos will help us to keep the peace of God ruling in our hearts. I'm thankful that God is in control!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so very thankful that God is bringing closure to the chaos. Seems like everything hit all at the same time. And God continued to whisper to my heart, "Be at peace, I am here." So after falling on my face in repentance for my hysterical whining...(I know you would never whine like that!) God has shown me His hand on my life and that He can handle it. Isn't that amazing!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm so very thankful that my mom's health is doing better and she's recuperating in the nursing home for a time. And also that my dad is happy in the nursing home and I'm hoping it will be a more permanent situation for him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We're celebrating our family Christmas this weekend! Since our </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandbaby</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> was due on Christmas Day, we set our celebration for later. We will all be together and enjoying our THREE grandchildren and our whole family. What a precious gift. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For more thankful hearts, visit </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.eph2810.com/">Iris</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Blessings!!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-4812288354116265113?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143470317699715644.post-9579684372248491532009-01-01T07:12:00.012-06:002009-01-01T08:02:21.911-06:00Thankful Thursday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SVzD2ESmyCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/TySNKNIyFN0/s1600-h/TTButton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SVzD2ESmyCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/TySNKNIyFN0/s400/TTButton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286315396258252834" border="0" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"></div></blockquote><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMary%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">The faithful love of the Lord never ends,</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">His mercies never cease</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Great is His faithfulness,</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">His mercies begin a fresh every morning!</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Lamentations 3:22-23
<br /></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> I'm so thankful that God gives us a new moment, a new day, a new year, etc. When we stumble and fall ~ and we will ~ He picks us up and gives us a fresh start. I love the new year! I welcome it with open arms and great anticipation of watching what God wants to do in my life, my marriage, my family, my church, my city, etc. etc.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SVzGWzpB9MI/AAAAAAAAA5I/XMJjFJaWypw/s1600-h/Jackson+2+weeks+020_edited-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2-Ukm08dsg/SVzGWzpB9MI/AAAAAAAAA5I/XMJjFJaWypw/s400/Jackson+2+weeks+020_edited-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286318157747844290" border="0" /></a>I'm so thankful for my little grandson Jackson who is 2 weeks old and an amazing gift from the Father.
<br />
<br />Here he is in all his preciousness! He's a very good baby!
<br />
<br />My oldest daughter Hannah spent 3 days with Jackson and his mommy and daddy, so I had Grace and Sam with me. Of course we had fun!
<br />
<br />Mike looked at me a few nights ago and commented...
<br />"Mary can you believe we have 3 grandchildren?" It's pretty amazing!
<br />
<br />I'm so thankful that no matter what goes on around us, we can live in the peace and the rest of Jesus. On Monday, I took my mom to the hospital because of pneumonia. My brother put my dad in the nursing home for temporary care. My sister, who is the nurse in the family...I'm the one that passes out at any sign of blood...was on vacation, my older brother was on vacation...and my younger brother was leaving for vacation the next day. I was feeling overwhelmed, yet God was gently tugging on me to come into His place of REST. Wow. It was a sweet time in the midst of some chaos.
<br />
<br />I don't know how people live these hectic lives without being in the hands of Jesus and holding onto His peace that passes all understanding.
<br />
<br />For more thankful hearts, visit <a href="http://www.eph2810.com/">Iris</a>.
<br />
<br />Blessings on your Brand New Day!
<br /><blockquote></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3143470317699715644-957968437224849153?l=mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com'/></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06000848679326465863michaelandmary@windstream.net5