Plans for 2013

Another year is ending. I can't believe how fast they fly by. 2013 is upon us. Who knows what it will bring. (God does...thankfully!) 

I would appreciate your prayer, love, and encouragement as I strive to accomplish these tasks. 

• Give a senior recital in May
• Get my drivers license in the fall
• Exercise every day of the week but Sunday throughout the year
• Share God's love freely with the people I come in contact with
• Deepen my relationship with my siblings
• Grow closer to my Lord and Savior! 

 Lots of love to all my friends and family. See y'all next year. :)

~Madi

Merry Christmas!

If you look for Me at Christmas you won't need a special star -

I'm no longer just in Bethlehem, I'm right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me amid the celebrations - 

You'll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.

But if you take a moment from your list of things to do 

And listen to your heart, you'll find I'm waiting there for you.

You're the one I want to be with, you're the reason that I came,

And you'll find Me in the stillness as I'm whispering your name.

Love,

Jesus

Dogs...

Everyone seems to have a dog. It's pretty much just a given. :P I have never really enjoyed the creatures though. I usually spend a lot of time complaining about them to be honest with you. I mean, they stink, they get hair in your food (ALL your food), they get all wet and then come in your house and plop down like they deserve to be there getting your carpet all wet and stinking up the room, they bark at every car that drives by or every person that walks up the street, they get hair on your velvet skirt, and they eat the grossest things ever!!!! need I say more?

Today, I decided to stop my complaining and think about what I had to be grateful for in our dogs. (Yes, we have more than one!)

1. They are beautiful

2. When they look at you with those big sad eyes and you eventually give in and pet them they have really nice, soft, warm fur! (Although, I recommend washing your hands afterwards because for one, they will stink and two, you can never tell what a dog has been rolling in.)

3. They have a big bark and you know they'll protect you if it comes to that. 

4. They don't ask questions, they just listen. They don't criticize or judge you, they just listen and love.

So there you have it. I actually found something to be thankful for about dogs. :)

As if we don't have enough, we are planning on breeding our beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog sometime next year. You can look at some of her puppy pics here. I will post our website when it is finished.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I pray that this will bless you as it has me. Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

”Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make joyful noise unto him with psalms”. Psalm 95:2.

The first Thanksgiving proclamation by George Washington in 1789 is worth repeating today.

'Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and ­humbly to implore His protection and favor . . . Now therefore, I, do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the people of this country."

Since the first Thanksgiving Day, America has been greatly favored by God. We should pause to recount God's blessings to us and to thank Him from the depths of our hearts. We should never be un­mindful of God's great mercies, but always manifest a grateful spirit. True thanksgiving is not manifest in overeating and indulgence. It will hold more meaning and bring more joy to us and our children if we share God's blessings with others.
It was with this in mind that one mother suggested that the family prepare two dinners. The children were curious and excited as the second meal was packed in a basket and carried to a home where the mother had recently deserted her family. They watched in silence as their own mother arranged the table, then called the family in. The father with his children around him bowed his head and gave thanks to God. When the givers returned home, their own meal was eaten with genuine gratitude.

I know we are living during troublesome times, and there is much suffering and sorrow, but remember, back of every cloud there is a silver lining.
We have so much for which to be thankful. Our hymns of joy and praise should ascend to our loving heavenly Father this Thanksgiving Day and every day. The Lord delights to have us express our grateful appreciation for all His love to us.

“Happy Thanksgiving!!”

 ~ Lee Davis ~

A Good Reminder

"It is not the critique who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory or defeat. The joy of living is his who has the heart to demand it!"
-Theodore Roosevelt

I was reminded of this wonderful quote on Naomi Houston's blog.

I know I've definitely been guilty of being the critique one too many times. It makes you feel more powerful or smart, but it's just a masquerade to cover up your insecurity. It makes you afraid to go out and try new things because you're afraid everyone is going to be as critical as you. You really miss out. Trust me, I'm talkin' from experience. :)  Wouldn't it be better if we would just be encouraging to the people who are out there trying? I've also tried this. ;) This approach works the same way. You realize most people are very encouraging and don't want to see you fail, but will stick with you and help you succeed! Best of all...it makes you try new things, reach outside of your comfort zone to help people, and be a good witness for Jesus because He's the One we're really trying to please!