It's already been a crazy year and six months have flown by since our last post. We've gone through winter and spring, losing my job, getting my job back, transitioning into middle school, and promoting to 4th grade! Our blessings are countless, and we are grateful for the air we breathe! We about to embark on a trip many only dream about!
For the next three weeks, we will skate across America. How did this trip come about? Well, I am just positive my friend in New York will want to move back to Texas with her baby very soon. I casually mentioned a desire to visit her while she is still there and two Rowdy boys said I was not allowed to go without them. So, our family decided we needed to go together and since we really couldn't afford to fly and then do much when we got there, it turned into our own little family adventure.
The next three weeks we will be stuffed in the little car for many hours and days at a time. We will be researching the hot spots as we go and stopping at many Skateparks to show off our skills and tell others about Jesus!
Stay tuned for updates as we go along. Also, pray for us as we want to be obedient to what God's got planned!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wow, It's been a while! Get this.....
Here is my most recent testimony of God's goodness!
Searching for words to describe the past year, I find myself speechless. For all who know me, you know this is next to impossible! Rarely do I find a moment to just be quiet. It seems these last few weeks, I have done just that. I have wanted to sit and write out a “testimony” for the Lord but I don’t want to bore others, yet, I can’t discount what He has done in my life and I feel responsible to let the world know of His goodness to us all!
On December 4, Shane roped me into volunteering for the Children’s Parade downtown as a clown. The week before, we attended “clown school” at Children’s Medical Center. Walking in the front doors, I instantly felt a since of gratitude and heartache. I saw the beautiful trains and scenery surrounding me and realized how the hospital masks the harsh reality of illness with aesthetically pleasing scenery. I thought of my own children and how blessed I am that they are healthy, happy, and here with me to live freely!
I woke up the morning of the parade to one of the most horrific dreams I have ever had. I felt like the Lord was asking me to be faithful to Him even if He stripped me of everything that mattered to me in this world. I felt He wanted me to see what is important to Him in my every day life. A verse from a song came to my mind over and over: break my heart for what breaks yours. The things in this life do not matter. My dad’s friend wrote a poem for him shortly before he died called, “What have I done with this day of Life”. Each day we wake up is a gift from God and we hear that all the time. I just felt like God wanted me to do something different with “this day of life”.
I was very disturbed by the dream and even cried a few times throughout the day when I thought of the pain it caused my heart. I can’t say I did anything different with that day of life. I really can’t. I talked to a couple of friends about it.
Monday night, we were in stop and go traffic and I ran into a woman. I felt terrible about it as I had just been rear ended in October. I assured her I had insurance and thanked God we were all okay. We exchanged information and drove off. Cars weren’t towed, ambulances were unnecessary, and everyone was safe. Of course, the dream I had was haunting me a tad. I really believed God’s goodness and mercy were following me. I truly believed He had protected us all.
On December 8, when we found out we had been burglarized, we were at piano lessons. My neighbors discovered the gate open and called us. We prayed for the robbers, we thanked God we were all safe, we prayed for our hearts to be healed from any losses, I thought to myself-it’s just stuff.
We walked in to find our house a mess. They took our trash out of the 50 gallon trash can to use the trash can to take all of our valuables and our dogs had made a terrible mess all over the house. I just kept thinking, ‘it’s just stuff’. I told the kids we would get everything back and not to worry. Seeing the broken window made us uncomfortable, but finding a glove in the living room that belonged to the “bad guys” creeped us out! My neighbors helped us throughout the entire ordeal. They stayed with me until the police came. This was very noble since it took the police such a long time!
The next morning, Dayne expressed sadness for the robbers. His heart was just broken for the people who would steal from others. He showed the wisdom of a real man of God . I was so blessed by his attitude. Later that night, he wept on the couch because of his own loss. He cried and said how bored he was because he would normally be playing this game or that game, etc. His 12 year old self was broken hearted, and it broke my heart too. I wanted more than anything to be able to give them back all they had lost. As Dayne put it, they took 3 years of Santa gifts!
The following Sunday night, we came home to find our oldest dog had passed away. I don’t know exactly what happened. It could have been old age, but she wasn’t very sick so I still wonder if she might have eaten something in the trash that she just couldn’t handle. I will never know, but I do know that I had two devastated children on the back porch. I laid my hands on them and just said to myself, “we are all still here”. I just kept thanking God for His provision and protection. We were all safe from harm. I did feel like I was being stripped of quite a bit and the boys were really enduring some hardships. A few days later, Cole gave us some great wisdom from the lord. He shared Romans 8:28. To be honest, I don’t even remember the exact conversation, but he assured us that God would use all this for His good for those who are in Christ Jesus! I agreed and believed it with him!
On Thursday morning, December 16, 2010, Psalm 23:6 was our “scripture of the day”. We read our daily scripture on the way to school everyday and this one we all had to critically evaluate: surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Goodness and lovingkindness? Not from our worldly perspective! This had been far from what we were experiencing! As a parent, I have to decode this scripture for my kids. Sometimes we read things that I just have to say-that doesn’t seem true in our life! BUT….this one made me think. What is HIS goodness? What is HIS lovingkindness? Is it things? Is it life-that we will live forever in this world? Is it “nothing bad will ever happen to you”? No! HIS goodness is His assurance that everything we have in HIM and through HIM is good. He is goodness. HE is lovingkindness. HIS spirit is what we truly desire and need. Wow! What a lesson I needed in life! I was able to see it so clearly this particular morning because I longed to believe His word. I was running out of stuff to hold on to! I have to know that when nothing else is pretty in this world, He is. He is precious to me.
That afternoon, I was asked to come by the office. My co-workers had taken up a collection for the kids and I. That sentence seems so small compared to the amount we received. I was absolutely stunned. Overwhelmed. Struck so emotionally sober. Grateful. Touched. Shy, even! Shy! I picked up the boys from the sitter and I handed Dayne the envelope. I asked him to count it for us so we could all know how much my work collected. I wanted them to see how loved I felt-how blessed and overwhelmed we were! BUT MOSTLY, THAT GOODNESS AND LOVINGKINDNESS SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE! Really! Now THIS is definitely His goodness to us! The amount of employees involved in this collection do not equal the amount given. They numbers don’t match up. There are so few workers for that much money. Thank you God. Thank you God.
The story doesn’t end. We went shopping that night, of course. We replaced the number 1 items the kids wanted back! We made a list of everything they needed to purchase and we set out to have the best shopping spree ever! Over the next few days, we picked up this and we picked up that, and I said, “yes” more times than I will probably say for the rest of my life.
A few days later, I received a call from a friend at work. She had something she needed to bring by. Her daughter’s work at UT Tyler had taken up a collection as well. They brought over the most personalized and precious items for my two boys and even a personal gift for me including giftcards and checks.
I don’t even know where to stop or finish. I just get overwhelmed when I think of these complete strangers that gave to us.
My kids and I are still processing the situation. I can tell you that my kid’s final testimonies have been this: God uses all things for our good for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:28. Their stuff is bigger and better than what they had before and they are shouting it from the rooftops! Now, I am not sure how this will all glorify the Lord, but I can tell you I have two very grateful children who are floating on God’s cloud today!
I want to remain a pure and sacrificial spirit for my King and I want to leave you with one last thing. Today’s sermon finalized my completely sold out heart for God. I received another confirmation from God today that He loves me. Our sermon at church talked about how the Holy Spirit will prepare you for upcoming situations and I knew from the first incident after my dream that He had done just that. I knew God had prepared my heart for what was to come. I also know why He did it. He did it because He loves me. You see, I know that He died on a cross 2000 years ago for my sins. I know that He was born of a virgin, lived a blameless life, and was crucified. I know He is historically the only man who has ever come back to life after three days. But for some reason, I admit it. I need more than that. I need a God who loves me so much, that I can see Him still loving me today. In my real life. This is what he has done for me in 2010. He shows me He loves me for me. Just as I am-a sinner, undeserving of all of His goodness, and still in desperate need of a savior every day of my life.
If you are reading this and you want that same God, ask Jesus into your heart right now. I am not even going to make you read special words or repeat anything. If you have been searching, then you already know what to say. Confess your need, welcome Him in, and live the life He has waiting for you.
Thank you to everyone who has blessed my life in so many ways. I confess, this testimony is one that I feel has been preceeded by many others, but God has finally prompted me to write it and share it. I love you and look forward to serving a mighty God that “restores all the locusts have eaten”! Praise Him!!!
In Him,
D
Searching for words to describe the past year, I find myself speechless. For all who know me, you know this is next to impossible! Rarely do I find a moment to just be quiet. It seems these last few weeks, I have done just that. I have wanted to sit and write out a “testimony” for the Lord but I don’t want to bore others, yet, I can’t discount what He has done in my life and I feel responsible to let the world know of His goodness to us all!
On December 4, Shane roped me into volunteering for the Children’s Parade downtown as a clown. The week before, we attended “clown school” at Children’s Medical Center. Walking in the front doors, I instantly felt a since of gratitude and heartache. I saw the beautiful trains and scenery surrounding me and realized how the hospital masks the harsh reality of illness with aesthetically pleasing scenery. I thought of my own children and how blessed I am that they are healthy, happy, and here with me to live freely!
I woke up the morning of the parade to one of the most horrific dreams I have ever had. I felt like the Lord was asking me to be faithful to Him even if He stripped me of everything that mattered to me in this world. I felt He wanted me to see what is important to Him in my every day life. A verse from a song came to my mind over and over: break my heart for what breaks yours. The things in this life do not matter. My dad’s friend wrote a poem for him shortly before he died called, “What have I done with this day of Life”. Each day we wake up is a gift from God and we hear that all the time. I just felt like God wanted me to do something different with “this day of life”.
I was very disturbed by the dream and even cried a few times throughout the day when I thought of the pain it caused my heart. I can’t say I did anything different with that day of life. I really can’t. I talked to a couple of friends about it.
Monday night, we were in stop and go traffic and I ran into a woman. I felt terrible about it as I had just been rear ended in October. I assured her I had insurance and thanked God we were all okay. We exchanged information and drove off. Cars weren’t towed, ambulances were unnecessary, and everyone was safe. Of course, the dream I had was haunting me a tad. I really believed God’s goodness and mercy were following me. I truly believed He had protected us all.
On December 8, when we found out we had been burglarized, we were at piano lessons. My neighbors discovered the gate open and called us. We prayed for the robbers, we thanked God we were all safe, we prayed for our hearts to be healed from any losses, I thought to myself-it’s just stuff.
We walked in to find our house a mess. They took our trash out of the 50 gallon trash can to use the trash can to take all of our valuables and our dogs had made a terrible mess all over the house. I just kept thinking, ‘it’s just stuff’. I told the kids we would get everything back and not to worry. Seeing the broken window made us uncomfortable, but finding a glove in the living room that belonged to the “bad guys” creeped us out! My neighbors helped us throughout the entire ordeal. They stayed with me until the police came. This was very noble since it took the police such a long time!
The next morning, Dayne expressed sadness for the robbers. His heart was just broken for the people who would steal from others. He showed the wisdom of a real man of God . I was so blessed by his attitude. Later that night, he wept on the couch because of his own loss. He cried and said how bored he was because he would normally be playing this game or that game, etc. His 12 year old self was broken hearted, and it broke my heart too. I wanted more than anything to be able to give them back all they had lost. As Dayne put it, they took 3 years of Santa gifts!
The following Sunday night, we came home to find our oldest dog had passed away. I don’t know exactly what happened. It could have been old age, but she wasn’t very sick so I still wonder if she might have eaten something in the trash that she just couldn’t handle. I will never know, but I do know that I had two devastated children on the back porch. I laid my hands on them and just said to myself, “we are all still here”. I just kept thanking God for His provision and protection. We were all safe from harm. I did feel like I was being stripped of quite a bit and the boys were really enduring some hardships. A few days later, Cole gave us some great wisdom from the lord. He shared Romans 8:28. To be honest, I don’t even remember the exact conversation, but he assured us that God would use all this for His good for those who are in Christ Jesus! I agreed and believed it with him!
On Thursday morning, December 16, 2010, Psalm 23:6 was our “scripture of the day”. We read our daily scripture on the way to school everyday and this one we all had to critically evaluate: surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Goodness and lovingkindness? Not from our worldly perspective! This had been far from what we were experiencing! As a parent, I have to decode this scripture for my kids. Sometimes we read things that I just have to say-that doesn’t seem true in our life! BUT….this one made me think. What is HIS goodness? What is HIS lovingkindness? Is it things? Is it life-that we will live forever in this world? Is it “nothing bad will ever happen to you”? No! HIS goodness is His assurance that everything we have in HIM and through HIM is good. He is goodness. HE is lovingkindness. HIS spirit is what we truly desire and need. Wow! What a lesson I needed in life! I was able to see it so clearly this particular morning because I longed to believe His word. I was running out of stuff to hold on to! I have to know that when nothing else is pretty in this world, He is. He is precious to me.
That afternoon, I was asked to come by the office. My co-workers had taken up a collection for the kids and I. That sentence seems so small compared to the amount we received. I was absolutely stunned. Overwhelmed. Struck so emotionally sober. Grateful. Touched. Shy, even! Shy! I picked up the boys from the sitter and I handed Dayne the envelope. I asked him to count it for us so we could all know how much my work collected. I wanted them to see how loved I felt-how blessed and overwhelmed we were! BUT MOSTLY, THAT GOODNESS AND LOVINGKINDNESS SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE! Really! Now THIS is definitely His goodness to us! The amount of employees involved in this collection do not equal the amount given. They numbers don’t match up. There are so few workers for that much money. Thank you God. Thank you God.
The story doesn’t end. We went shopping that night, of course. We replaced the number 1 items the kids wanted back! We made a list of everything they needed to purchase and we set out to have the best shopping spree ever! Over the next few days, we picked up this and we picked up that, and I said, “yes” more times than I will probably say for the rest of my life.
A few days later, I received a call from a friend at work. She had something she needed to bring by. Her daughter’s work at UT Tyler had taken up a collection as well. They brought over the most personalized and precious items for my two boys and even a personal gift for me including giftcards and checks.
I don’t even know where to stop or finish. I just get overwhelmed when I think of these complete strangers that gave to us.
My kids and I are still processing the situation. I can tell you that my kid’s final testimonies have been this: God uses all things for our good for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:28. Their stuff is bigger and better than what they had before and they are shouting it from the rooftops! Now, I am not sure how this will all glorify the Lord, but I can tell you I have two very grateful children who are floating on God’s cloud today!
I want to remain a pure and sacrificial spirit for my King and I want to leave you with one last thing. Today’s sermon finalized my completely sold out heart for God. I received another confirmation from God today that He loves me. Our sermon at church talked about how the Holy Spirit will prepare you for upcoming situations and I knew from the first incident after my dream that He had done just that. I knew God had prepared my heart for what was to come. I also know why He did it. He did it because He loves me. You see, I know that He died on a cross 2000 years ago for my sins. I know that He was born of a virgin, lived a blameless life, and was crucified. I know He is historically the only man who has ever come back to life after three days. But for some reason, I admit it. I need more than that. I need a God who loves me so much, that I can see Him still loving me today. In my real life. This is what he has done for me in 2010. He shows me He loves me for me. Just as I am-a sinner, undeserving of all of His goodness, and still in desperate need of a savior every day of my life.
If you are reading this and you want that same God, ask Jesus into your heart right now. I am not even going to make you read special words or repeat anything. If you have been searching, then you already know what to say. Confess your need, welcome Him in, and live the life He has waiting for you.
Thank you to everyone who has blessed my life in so many ways. I confess, this testimony is one that I feel has been preceeded by many others, but God has finally prompted me to write it and share it. I love you and look forward to serving a mighty God that “restores all the locusts have eaten”! Praise Him!!!
In Him,
D
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Christmas Season
We are so ready for the Christmas season...well, haven't shopped, ornaments aren't on the tree, but our spirit men are ready!!! The kids and I cut the tree down last weekend. We got it put up and lights are there, but the rest is unwritten. The tree is not what matters though....we have this season to be filled with God's love, gratitude, and passion for the One who saved us and gave us grace. Lord knows I have needed it this week! It seems every time we think we have something under control, we don't. But He does. Thank you God for your grace, mercy, pardon, and life you gave! We love and honor your birth this holiday season in a special way. We have come to know you in a deeper way this year and I have seen your children grow! Blessings to everyone this holiday season and may CHRIST be in your Christmas...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother May I?
Yesterday was the holiday where mom gets to manipulate the kids to the nth degree! Yep! "C'mon guys, it's Mother's Day"....."Just let mom nap"...."Pick up your rooms".....all that jazz. Funny story....this year I didn't have to ask or say anything. The kids are old enough now to actually be mindful and DESIRE to do things for me! I woke up sick so we did the best we could to go to church. I couldn't make it all the way through so we came home for a nap. They cleaned the car and were very quiet while I laid in the bed snoozing for 2 1/2 hours! Woot toot!! I woke up feeling ready to eat so as we traveled to our lunch in Forney, the kids talked sweet to me and just made me feel special! They were mindful to get along, love me, and just show me how special I am to them. We are all special to someone, but most of all God. I am so grateful to be a mom. Sometimes I still can't believe God trusted me enough with two! Wow! I know I need Him to help me raise them and I am so glad He does! God Bless!!!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. Once again, I vow to overeat disgusting heart candy. I will not have my annual date with the kids on Saturday because of DI along with the fact that they will be with their dad. So....I will spend the day with a good friend. One I love. Yes, she is a she! Nosie Rosie! As I was sitting here this morning, I was thinking about being a "fool for love". Reflecting on those who have been a fool for love in my life along with times I, myself, have been a "fool for love", I smile. I smile to think of how silly I've been. I smile with desire to be a fool again. I smile to reflect on the true love I've found in God! I smile because LOVE is GOOD! Years ago, I was cynical about this silly holiday and called it simply by it's acronym. Now, however, I see this day as a true extension of every other day of the year. It is truly a day to celebrate everyone you love. With or without romance.
The true reason for this post today-my sons. My heart flutters when I think of the fool's I want them to be ONLY for the woman God created for them. So, I am sending out this special Valentine's prayer for my sons and anyone reading this who has a son....God, I pray that you teach my boys how to love like you. I pray they love their wives as Christ loved the church. I thank you for the tender spirits and gifts they were each given so freely, and I ask that you teach me to guide and direct these gifts to honor and glorify you. I thank you for being the best father they could have, and ask that you teach them to be earthly fathers as they both desire to have children. Grant them wisdom and knowledge that only you can! Bridge the gaps for the mistakes I have already made, and for gaps I may leave in the future. Place a hedge of protection around them to protect them from the fiery darts and attacks from the enemy. Teach them to be warriors against the one true enemy and not one another. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me boys. Thank you for loving us and me enough to grant me this love for my boys. Happy Valentine's Day!
The true reason for this post today-my sons. My heart flutters when I think of the fool's I want them to be ONLY for the woman God created for them. So, I am sending out this special Valentine's prayer for my sons and anyone reading this who has a son....God, I pray that you teach my boys how to love like you. I pray they love their wives as Christ loved the church. I thank you for the tender spirits and gifts they were each given so freely, and I ask that you teach me to guide and direct these gifts to honor and glorify you. I thank you for being the best father they could have, and ask that you teach them to be earthly fathers as they both desire to have children. Grant them wisdom and knowledge that only you can! Bridge the gaps for the mistakes I have already made, and for gaps I may leave in the future. Place a hedge of protection around them to protect them from the fiery darts and attacks from the enemy. Teach them to be warriors against the one true enemy and not one another. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me boys. Thank you for loving us and me enough to grant me this love for my boys. Happy Valentine's Day!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Suckatash!
What does that mean you wonder? It's been a while. It's just my way of saying it's been quite some time since I've blogged. I talk about blogging. I have numerous places to blog. I encourage others to blog. I just haven't blogged myself! So the first thing I need to say is P.S. I like applesauce. That is Dayne's favorite saying. It's probably from a tv show. Regardless, he wants me to text it to my friends. Every time I am having a conversation via text, he says it over and over repeatedly. I desire to incorporate it into the conversation, but it just never seems to make sense nor does it seem funny to randomly sneak it into the message. So, here is the perfect place to release the urge...P.S.I like applesauce.
Work is good. The kids are great. I really just needed to express my true, innermost feelings.
P.S. I like applesauce.
DeOnna Gloria
Work is good. The kids are great. I really just needed to express my true, innermost feelings.
P.S. I like applesauce.
DeOnna Gloria
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