Happy Thanksgiving

Ephesians 2:4-9

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions... For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.

What greater gift is there? Just when I was as good as dead, on the chopping block, life flashing before my eyes, someone stepped in and gave me my pardon. And not just this, but He took my place. Because of Him I have a purpose in this world and a place in Heaven. This is my boast -- That I have received Grace and Mercy through Him. And that anyone and everyone is entitled to the same gift of life.

Thank you, JESUS!

tv with daddy

i don't do windows

this was the scene the other day in papa's office. as you can imagine, it got pretty wild and there were fingerprints everywhere! but it was fun watching them have so much fun together.

ana marie turns 2

my cousin, ana marie, turns two tomorrow! we had a fun party at titi jamie's house today. ana marie got lots of great presents -- a play kitchen, an easel, a tv chair, puzzles, movies, new clothes (let's hear it for hand-me-downs!) and bracelets. i had fun helping to break some of it in.

so happy birthday, sweet ana marie. we love you!!!

the birthday girl

the party table

how does this thing work?

ana marie's new chair

my cousin and me!

fun with blogs

Oh goody! Lauren tagged me -- She must have been paying attention when I said how much I enjoy these goofball games.

Here are the rules:

Pick the 4th picture folder on your computer.

Pick the 4th picture in that folder.

Explain what the picture is about.

Tag 4 blogging friends to do the same.

This is from our Nashville trip back in February. There are a great many restaurants that I love that unfortunately are not in spitting distance from Memphis and Jack In The Box is one of them. E. coli aside, they have the best Tacos this side of Mexico. And they come in those awesome little pockets so you don't get fixins all over your lap and floorboard when you drive. Those things must have an iron-clad patent, that's all I can say.

I could go on, but sufice it to say, this was (and always is) the first stop in Nashville.

Ok, I'm tagging...
Heather
Christina
Mikaila
Leah C

live like a queen

My MOMS group ended today. I will miss the time with my friends, both old and new and those made better through the experience. This semester we studied Jean Stockdale's "Live Like a Queen: A Study in the Life of Esther."

Here are some of my favorite moments from this study:

10. Hope is not a vague feeling that the future will be positive, but complete assurance of certain victory through Christ!

9. As moms, we tend to live rather routine, ordinary lives... If you believe that, you do not understand God's purpose and plan for your life! Every day with Jesus is wrought with opportunities, prospects, miracles and divine appointments.

8. Don't cheapen the cause of Christ with religion, ritual, rules - legalism.

7. God's not interested in a clean house, but a clean heart.

6. The Christian home is to be God's visual aid in the midst of a sin-sick world to demonstrate God's plan and purpose for the family... The husband will be a servant leader in the home; he will not assume the role of dictator. A godly wife will be a suitable helpmate to her husband and not strive to usurp her husband's authority. Both will be invested in living in harmony and helping his or her mate reach his or her full potential.

5. Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. Are you selfishly clinging to your "rights" or are you willing to serve?

4. The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes, Proverbs 21:1. There are no conditions on the spiritual nature of the person in authority.

3. On building character: It's more important to build [children] then to mend [adults]. - Truitt Cathey.

2. In prayer, Esther has carefully weighed the options. To shrink back in disobedeince is to cast herself on [God's] mercy. To boldly stand in obedience is to live in His grace.

1. Don't try to wear too many hats. The only hat we are meant to wear is a Crown of Righteousness which we will one day lay at Jesus' feet!

a princess party