Lipstick, Spurs and The WORD

OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!

2011-02-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I got to witness something I never dreamed

I got to see my 11 year old baby ROCK OUT in front of 800+ People!!!

Yes, I Did!!

Bound & Delivered opened at Kilgore College

for their Favs and Fames Show.

Not only did they play...they PLAYED PRAISE MUSIC!!!

Yes, at a school function...PRAISE MUSIC!!!!

Peyton and Austin Sang their Hearts out!

Derek Rocked the Drums!

Caleb Rocked the bass!

Josie Rocked the Guitar!

AND BRODY-MAN PLAYED WITH ALL HIS HEART!!!!!

At the close...Brody stepped out alone and played Revelation Song

Peyton was so anointed and I sat their with tears running down my face!

Crying, not only because my baby boy,

(who mind you quit baseball at age 6 because he couldn't stand

people cheering for him....too much attention !)...

My baby boy, stood there, all by himself and played the most beautiful song for my LORD;

Crying not only because I know that their before me stood proof of REDEMPTION,

GRACE & MERCY over my life;

Crying not only because I was witnessing my son's gift from our FATHER,

but Crying mostly because

I KNOW that MIRACLES DO exist

because their before me and around me ...

I was surrounded by my family...

The family I had longed for all my life

GOD had given me a beautiful family...

and not just any family..one that Loves HIM.

We journey together, scars and all, but we are all headed the same direction.

HOLY HOLY HOLY

IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

WHO WAS AND IS TO COME!

And the WINNERS ARE....

2011-01-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the Delay (I'm new to this!!!)

Brody wanted to be the "DRAWER" so here are the Winners:

The Winner of the Book INTERRUPTED by Jen Hatmaker is

DIANE D. !!!!! Yeah!Yip-Pee!

And the Winner of the Funky Scarf from The Junk Gypsy is:

ANGIE M.!!!! Your Gonna Look so Funky, Girl!

I'll be contacting you to let you know when you can expect your FREEBIES!!!!!

I hope each of you are having a great and restful weekend! Luv you bunches!

Friday Freebie!!!!!

2011-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday....which means today is LSW's first official FRIDAY Freebie!!!

Today I am GIVING-A-WAY a copy of the book I am loving:

INTERRUPTED by Jen Hatmaker

Even if you are not a "Reader", Even if you say "I DON"T LIKE TO READ", Even if you have no desire to stretch your mind......YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! (Also Jen will be at Crossbrand Cowboy Church on February 19th...can't wait to meet her!)

Also because I don't want you to get discouraged and think this not at all what I would hope to win (A.A.- yes you), and because this is LSW's first Freebie I am giving away this too:

A Pink Funky Scarf from The Junk Gypsy. These girls are from Little 'ol East Texas and they have hit the big time...check out their web-site and story and maybe some of their "JUNK"!

So how do you win?

Simply comment below and tell me

How do you plan on spending this cold, chilly weekend? And with who?

I'll announce winners Saturday Morning! Yes it's that easy! (make sure you put your first name and last name initial if you don't have a google account) .........

And one more thing:

"This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

Happy Friday, Sistas !!!!!!

Back in The Saddle....

2011-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Had the day off yesterday and spent most of the morning in the doctor's office. What FUN! No Huge Worries, but I am now on Blood Pressure Medicine! YIKES! I guess that could be a HUGE worry.

It shocked me. Ab-so-lute-ly shocked me!
You mean Me? On Blood Pressure Medicine?
Me? A mid-thirties, so-so healthy woman?
Me? I was so upset!

Thank goodness I had already started a diet last week. Weight Watchers will be my best friend from now on! I am also glad to hear I am not the only one on the new Program : check out Blooming On Bainbridge & TidyMom ! I know others are too...

It's Great to not be doing this thing alone!

Hopefully, In a few short months I'll be kissing those BP Pills GOOD BYE!

So....Hope you are all having a great week!

OH!!! One more thing. I will be starting a Friday Freebie this Friday January 21st. I'll be posting a Give-A-Way that day& I plan on having a GREAT Freebie for you to enter to win! So don't forget to visit LSW on Friday for your chance to win a Freebie!!!

Just'a Sing'n...Sing'n...

2011-01-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

CrossOver was the definately worth every anxious moment! We had a blast!

Brody was...well ...a little nervous. But he did Great! He actually out-played his Big Daddy! (Shh...don't tell B I said that, ok?)

There ya go..Bro..He finally came out of Hiding!

CrossOver ..... What are you waiting for???

2011-01-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight my husband and I have the privilege of worshipping at CrossOver Cowboy Church (I love that name!)

It so fits the theme God has placed on my heart this new year...Crossing Over.

Crossing Over.......

the colors of skin
the walls of economic status
the feeling of being comfortable
the idea "I" am the means to my Happiness and Joy
the barrier this world has placed in my heart that prevents me from being a true servant

I keep hearing the same voice in my head (& heart) that says, "Your joy is not found in the things you can accumulate. It is not found in the clothes you wear or the next home decor Pier One has on sale. It is not found in approval from your boss or your children. It is not found in the size pants you can squeeze into today. No. The joy I'm talking about can not be bought, earned or manipulated. It comes from the bottom of brokenness. It is given when you learn to die to yourself and rise up with a servants heart."
I don't know how this will happen. It scares me to death, but one thing I know....Life is brief, truly a vapor as scripture says, and I don't want to wallow anymore. I'm just tired and sick of myself and the value I have placed on things that will never ever satisfy.

This is my Verse for January:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me......; I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the LEAST of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Romans 25:35-36;40

So....Lord Help me...I'm ready to Crossover...even if I can't see the next step, Help me to trust your Lead...

Essential Reading for January: Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker

Tonight if you have no plans and want to challenge Mr. Freeze....Come to CrossOver at 6:30! Would love to see you!

It's Almost Over...

2009-08-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been quite sometime since I have posted..but with good reason. Great summer!
My Boys have had a blast, and are not ready to head back to the books!! But Learning calls!!!

Will give an update later..but Just wanted to let you know I am back and ready for FALL...

Bless you,

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-06-25T06:55:00.001-07:00

That is it in a nutshell! So, busy! But that is okay because I have been working on my summer "To Do" List and I must say, I have made some progress.

#6-I have 1 book down, Love Finds you in Miracle, by Andrea Boeshaar, easy Summer read! Read most of it while laying by the pool while the boys were swimming (#8)!

Now reading, The Line Series, Take One, by Karen Kinsgbury. I have never read any of her books, good read!

Now..what else....#9 is getting better. Hard a first, but sure seems to pay off, literally! Never realized how much $ I blew on things that were ridiculous.

#1 has not panned out yet. I have really tried, but man! IT IS HARD!

We will start our Bible Study this week and I am so, so, excited! I need it and I want it!

Hope your summer is going has planned. I hope you are taking this season to use if for what it was created for. Have fun! Enjoy this life you have been given! Spend time on things that matter...that really count! Make some memories!

Love you.

CONFESSIONS OF A SUMMERHOLIC....

2009-05-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Okay it has been 12 days I think since I posted last.....I knew this would happen! So, it is time for confessions:
Confession #1. I did not do Day 1 of the Shred until this Saturday.

Confession #2. I have not done it since.

Confession #3. I have no desire to do it again!

Now, that does not mean I am not going to do it again...I just have no desire! BIG difference, although my past attempts would prove otherwise.

What do I plan on doing about this, you might ask? Well, I have to look on the brighter side of things, and since the list above depresses me, I feel the need to make a positive list. Let's call this one:

WHY SUMMER MAKES ME HAPPY: (CAN YOU SEE I HAVE CHANGED THE SUBJECT COMPLETELY? NO, I AM NOT IN DENIAL!)

#1. Bright Sunny Mornings

#2. My boys are home.

#3. Fire Flies

#4. Late Nights

#5. My boys are home.

#6. Fresh Tomatoes

#7. Water Balloons

#8. Homemade Ice Cream

#9. Smell of Sunscreen

#10. Did I mention, my boys are home!

Let me just say, that come July, when my house has stayed in a consistent state of disorder, and my laundry is always overflowing from the variety of summer activities that seem to require constant wardrobe changes....I will want to revamp this list..and the #1 reason will be because MY BOYS ARE HOME! But for now...I am going to pretend like those things don't bother me! And let me add...who made the school calendar this year? To have to continue 9 more days after Memorial Day is just treacherous! My kids are about to lose their minds!

Anyway...what is your favorite thing about summer? Leave me a comment.

Okay...back to my depressive list...I AM going to continue with this weight thing! So many of you have commented about the last post. Girls, all I can say is, you are so not alone! This is something that many, many struggle with and we are not going to get this under control alone! I really believe GOD is preparing us for this summer study (I hope you are signed up). Christie has agreed to lead another class because so many have responded. Cheers to Christie! So, glad she has stepped up! Anyway, I think you will agree with me, the whole weight, food thing is really NOT the problem. It is a symptom of something much deeper. I am going to try to figure out what that is...are you along for the ride?

Want to know my goal for Summer 2009? To stop being in a constant state of trying to fix myself! To be at a place where I know my weaknesses, but still be in the process of working on them without being defeated because it is a PROCESS! To stop allowing "what is wrong with me, keep me from worshipping what's right with GOD!" (did you get the quote I sent, this line has been burned in my mind!) I just want to LIVE.

Don't think that is too much to ask...in fact I believe GOD is begging me to ask just that! I feel he is saying over me,

"AMY, would you stop all this frett'n and just LIVE?!!!!!"

"I have come that you (Amy) might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Abundant life..hmmm..now that's something worth chew'n on...

Day 1~(I'm going to regret this!)

2009-05-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't say anything yet~ I am about to put it out there and I know I am going to regret this! Kind of like Wynonna on Oprah...but somethings gotta give!

Here is what I am getting at...I am miserable! Absolutely miserable with myself! I have gained 15 of the 21 pounds I had originally lost, back! And my goal was to be at a good, healthy weight by summer, and I have blown it! To smithereens I might add!

What doesn't make sense is, I feel terrible. I have horrible heartburn (from stuffing my face), I can't sleep (from stuffing my face), I can't fit into anything (from stuffing my face), and I am so tired and exhausted all the time (Yes...from stuffing my face)! So, why do I continue to do the same things when I know it only makes me feel like...like....CRAP! You know the saying, "When you know better, you do better.", well that is a LIE! I know better but I am a far cry from doing better!

So, after being so miserable yesterday I decided once again I would try to get this FAT thing under control. Last night Brody and I headed to Target to purchase the 30 Day Shred. I made several excuses not to go, and one of course, was I was way too tired (go figure). And I didn't need to spend the extra money. I made a deal with myself, if it was too expensive I would not purchase it (sounds completely ridiculous considering I never say that when it comes to food!) But, needless to say..we headed off.

Lo and behold...guess what? Sale, Sale, Sale! Now I love me good sale..but when I rounded the corner and saw that all exercise DVDs were 50% off, I didn't run and jump with excitement (probably should have, could have started the burn right there). Yes, it applied to the 30 Day Shred...$9.99 mind you! I figure if that mean, hard, woman can whip a 400 pound man into shape, she may stand a chance with me!

Okay, so here is the deal...I am hoping by posting this that you will help me be accountable, and the fact that if I fail at it will bring even more guilt since I am stupid enough to post this, then I might actually stick with it. Stranger things have happened!

On a more serious note, I am really just trying to be truthful with you. I have a FOOD problem. A serious FOOD problem. My close friends know my struggle, but not everyone. I don't like to air it all, but so many of you have come to me asking for advice in this area (I have laughed with GOD on that one!) and confessing your desire to do a bible study on just this. Girls, it's time to BELIEVE that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It's time to give GOD authority over this area of our lives.

Enough for now...I have stopped several times and almost deleted this post. If I don't end it now, I might back-track. Just know, I am with you. I understand what this is like. Jillian Michaels may have the ability to kick my B-U-T-T, but My Redeemer has the power to transform my pitiful, weak, LIFE!

In just over 3 months I will turn 35. I have a check-up with my thyroid doctor the same week and he said, if I am not in better physical condition, he will put me on cholesterol meds at that time. And blood pressure meds might be next. Girls, that has my attention!

I'll keep you posted on "The Shred"...will do session 1 today..Please pray I don't kill over...if I do, just know I am in Heaven, sitting at my table ...probably eating!!! Hey, don't frown at me... He said it....

Isaiah 25:6
"On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines."

Hope there's Coconut Pie...

Love you, girls!

We Have Crossed the LINE....State Line that is!

2009-05-14T08:05:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful, powerful time we experienced in Texarkana Monday night! It was so worth the drive and the time!

My dear friend, Suni Hensley, did everything to make us feel at home and welcome. Those girls in Arkansas sure do know how to love and love you good! Great time, great fellowship and most of all Great Worship! (and their church is just beautiful!)

Something I have learned or starting to learn (& a dear friend pointed this out to me lately)...I may not talk to those girls everyday, or call them on a regular basis. And our paths don't cross but maybe 2-3 times a year, but we have a bond. A good, strong, powerful bond. They care about me, they love me, and most of all they pray for me. My needs. I have that with some sweet women at Bar None too...we may not be "close" as some might call close...but we are ....as my husband would say, we are TIGHT! We have the Sista-thang go'in on. And it is the the glue of Christ that has bonded us. We truly are family.

We share in each other's struggles and hurts even though we may not know every detail, God does and he "hears the needy and doesn't despise his captive people" (Psalms 69:33).

I have meet some pretty neat ladies lately and developed some long lasting friendships with them. To Him I am so grateful. We are the BODY of Christ. We are growing together and working together. To see it at work is amazing! To be a part of it is humbling! And to look back and see his Hand where He has moved, is priceless!

Love you, Girls!

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

What a great day! I have anticipated this day since last week! Why? Because, we are once again reminded the curtain was torn, the debt was paid and we can enter the Holy of Holies as sons & daughters of the Great I AM!!!!!

Take your need to HIM today! He can't wait to hear from you...he is waiting....

We want to See your GLORY!!!

2009-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I need to see it today...Many of my friends are in fierce battles right now. Lord I pray for your GLORY to shine! We want and need to see it!

"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk 3:2

A Must Read

2009-05-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Been following the mission trip to India, read this post from Angie Smith, and from LPM Melissa Moore..it is completely heart breaking and yet, eye opening. I could do more. I will do more.

From one Mom to Another...

2009-04-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

"Success is just getting the wash into the dryer before mildew sets in!"

Can I get a AMEN!!!!!

A "Little" Peace...I'll take "ALOT", Thank you very much!

2009-04-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

I heard this song several weeks ago and it continues to play over & over in my head. I usually take that as a spur from the Holy Spirit to think about what He is trying to say.

Some people try to listen, to the bottom of a bottle
Some people try to listen, to a needle in their arm
Some people try to listen, to the money in their pocket
Some people try to listen, to another’s arms

Some people try to find it with blind ambition
Some people try to find it where no one else has gone
Some people try to find it in the crowns of victory
Some people get defeated and lose the strength to carry on

You and I are not that different
We got a void and we’re just trying to fill it up
With something that will give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We’d give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior

Some people try to find it in the shadow of a steeple
Some people try to find it in the back row pew
Some people try to find it in the arms of Jesus
That’s where I found it, how about you?

...a void we're just try'n to fill up with something that will give just a little peace. Isn't that what we are searching for? A "little" P-E-A-C-E? When our marriage is crumbling, when our kids are out of control. When our income is stretched and it is still not enough. When cancer is rampant and sickness has no discrimination - We want peace and we grab the first thing that seems to give a "little". Anything that will just get us through the moment; To handle life and all that it throws at us, we settle for a "little" PIECE of anything ignoring THE PRINCE of PEACE of everything.

Well...I tell you, I have found that this little piece that promised BIG PEACE has left me empty, guilty, shameful and down-right miserable! I know the major players: alcohol, drugs, sex, money.

But what about the little "pieces" we really don't want to admit: Food, Shopping, (okay I'll be bold & say it) Smoking, gambling, etc...

We settle for any quick fix that will calm us, relax us, and motivate us not to deal with this thing called life. Do we ever stop to realize (and please know I am writing this for me, but if you can relate, even better) that we are robbing GOD from doing what he does best. HE IS THE PIECE THAT WILL GIVE THE ULTIMATE P-E-A-C-E!!!!!

Numbers 6:22-26

'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Father, you are the Prince of Peace. The knight in shinning armor that so wants to come and sooth me and comfort me. I ask for your forgiveness, Father, because I know many times circumstances have been orchestrated by you...and you have waited in eager expectation to come and meet with me. To save me. To hold me close and shower on me peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7). But I could not wait, so I turned to a quick fix. Oh, Lord, you are the only medicine that will cure my anxieties. Turn your face toward me and give me peace. You're all I need. Amen.

I just Love it!!!!

2009-04-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Just got this precious picture from my dear friend, Whitney! She is so gifted and GOD has great plans for her. She painted it all free-hand and it is just adorable. It is very big too and I can't wait to hang it the "the WORD room". It feel it is going to inspire me!

We have a very busy calendar for the next few weeks. GOD has been very good to us and is allowing us many opportunities to carry his message. It truly is amazing to see the doors he has opened and how he is orchestrating everything.

Psalm 100: Shout IT! Know IT! Claim IT! & Sing IT!!!!! And we all know what the "IT" is!

Easter...No other day like this day!

2009-04-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

I hope each of you had a wonderful, King-filled, Resurrection Easter! It was great here! We sang our socks off and GOD showed off!!!! All glory to him!

"Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is GOD. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalm 100

Praise HIM! Praise HIM!!!!

Sorry I am Late...

2009-03-19T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have not had time to get on here and post about our trip...I will tell more later...but here are some pics...

And They're Off....

2009-03-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Okay...so vacation time has arrived! YES!!!! I can't remember the last time I actually had 9 full days of no workie! My body needs it, but my mind needs it more! However there is one thing about the word "vacation" that seems to bother me...

The dreaded packing...

And More Packing..... And then there's Brody's idea of packing...

Now my travel necessities...

Yes, Brenda, that is your cookbook! I have always loved reading cookbooks...not that I cook alot but I'd like to think I am on the verge of becoming a little better!

Just a Reminder...

2009-03-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures one afternoon. The boys and I, along with my Mom, were riding back-roads (that's what we do in Texas on a beautiful Saturday afternoon) and we saw this in the sky. I am sure a jet blew it, but isn't it the coolest! The pictures don't do it justice because it was huge. I guess I just needed a Reminder that day- His Cross....my Freedom.
Anyway, hope everyone has a great day!

Too busy to Breath...

2009-03-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

That pretty much sums it up for me right now. I am trying to schedule a nap..but can't seem to find the time....

Tonight -trip to Tyler (finish last minute items for trip, and Dr. appointment), Wednesday-Church, Meeting (didn't I just have one of those?), Thursday- Hopefully pack, Friday- Finish packing and Saturday-7:30 a.m. departure to New Mexico! Did I mention I have to work everyday too!

So....nap, don't think so. It's funny because I have several girlfriends who are experiencing the same problem. Too busy, can't seem to say "NO.", always tired....so I ask, "What is wrong with this picture?". Aren't we all doing "good" things? Aren't they things that have to be done? I mean if we don't do them who will? Crazy, isn't it?

Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 9-13 says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: What does the worker gain from his toil? ....I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Matthew Henry said this, "We are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God's hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God's works. It is our business to do good in this life, which is short and uncertain; we have but little time to be doing good, therefore we should redeem time. Satisfaction with Divine Providence, is having faith that all things work together for good to them that love him. God doeth all, that men should fear before him.

I love that...Satisfaction with Divine Providence..isn't that what our bible study is about....Providence? So, with all the busyness and toil, am I doing them expecting to see God's hand in them, or am I just ready to get them checked off my list? I must confess the later is true of me. How about you?

Lord, I confess my busyness is too much. You have not designed me this way. You have not demanded a completed list, you have only asked for my devotion to you. That does not come from an over-scheduled life. Even though many are in your name, if I can't see your Hand in them (Providence) they are for nothing. You say in your WORD, satisfaction in my work is a gift from you. I ask for this gift. That you would give me wisdom to choose wisely the things that consume my days. They are numbered, LORD. I don't want to waste any. In Christ Holy Name. Amen.

2009 - Jesus Filled

2009-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Not that 2008 has not been an eye-opening year for me when it comes to my Savior. He certainly has showed off in a mighty way! But I am anticipating, welcoming, and thirsting for more of HIM in 2009.

I want to start this New Year off with this verse becomes it speaks volumes of what I feel he is saying directing to me:

Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Forget the former things....not that some amazing things have not happened and I shouldn't be thankful for them, BUT, I am going to miss the NEW thing if I dwell on what HE has done in the past. Those "past" things should push me to hunger for the newness of HIM. To want more. To thirst for more until I am quenched by the streams.

Going tomorrow to sing at the Rotary Club meeting. First opportunity of 2009. Lord, keep me focased on what you are doing, this new thing. No matter how small the group, or where I am called, it is all about you and this new thing you are doing.

Finally I have ARRIVED...

2008-10-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, Sista (maybe an occasional Bro.)! So excited about my new site and let me welcome you!