tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918121471226147652024-02-21T07:29:21.670-05:00Keeping up with the Hills"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Psalm 84:10Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-59234421831357261922020-09-14T15:11:00.003-04:002020-09-14T15:11:24.236-04:00What if...<p> I have trust issues. </p><p>With God. </p><p>Not always, but more often than I want to admit. </p><p>I find myself replaying or imaging a scenario in my head. Over and over. </p><p>Even, I find myself preparing myself for the worst possible outcome over something I am praying over. </p><p>I find myself in this place now. </p><p>We have a decision to make as a family. I have prayed and prayed and asked God to open or close doors in this situation. </p><p>My heart and head still have doubts. </p><p>It is almost as if I don't trust the outcome even when left in God's Sovereign Hands. </p><p>Can you relate?</p><p>These thoughts have absolutely consumed me the past few weeks. </p><p>What if we get it wrong?</p><p>What if the choice ends up a painful one?</p><p><i>What if...</i></p><p><i>What if...</i></p><p><i>What if... </i><br /></p><p> The doubts are never ending. The mind spins. The heart races. The worry consumes. </p><p>Yet, I know God goes before us. </p><p>He has prepared the way for us. </p><p>Why, then, is it so hard to just let it go and trust God?<br /></p><p>Why is it so hard not to become cynical and questioning and all things lacking faith?</p><p>This feeling, is almost like a mold over my lungs. It suffocates. It depresses onto the heart. </p><p>It is hard to focus on other things. </p><p>I am afraid of heartache. I know the reason for this constant doubting and upheaval of faith. </p><p><i> I am self preserving. </i></p><p>There. I said it out loud. </p><p>Actually, I am self preserving someone I care about as well. <br /></p><p>I cannot bear to see them/us have heartache...<i>again. </i></p><p>I am afraid. </p><p>I am fearful. </p><p>There. I said it again. </p><p>What if God doesn't bring good from this? What if His plan is to mold us and prune us...<i>again</i>??</p><p>We have been through heartache and we have been better for it. </p><p>But, can I be just really gut punching honest? I am not real happy with the thought of more heartbreak...even when it brings good fruit. It is hard. </p><p>It is really hard!</p><p>Heartache hurts. It scars. It leaves a hesitancy in your soul that whimpers when the thought of going near something again could possibly bring more pain. </p><p>I think of Jonah. </p><p>We are reading it now in our Bible Reading Plan. </p><p>He knew where God was calling him. </p><p>But, he did not want to go. </p><p>He ran. </p><p>And was even thrown off a boat into the belly of a fish. </p><p>He wanted to avoid the "Plan". God's "Plan". </p><p>I know how Jonah feels. </p><p>Often, I want to run the other way. </p><p>I want to hide in a bush or in the belly of a fish-- until God forgets about His "Plan" for me. </p><p>The problem is, He never forgets. </p><p>He knows what we do not know. He sees what we do not see. </p><p><b><i><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="hgKElc">"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8.</span></span></i></b> <br /></p><p> As I type this, a precious friend just sent me this text. I am going to copy and paste it for you to read. It overwhelmed my soul with Peace and I pray it does yours as well...<br /></p><p> <i>Aren’t you so thankful that God sees us and knows our hearts before we
even ask? And He lovingly hears and answers us over and over! He’s got
all of us. So thankful! Praying we all rest in His peace and trust Him.
He’s the best Daddy. He sees the beginning and the end and knows how it
all plays out. He is ordering our steps and we can trust that He has us.
He’s in control of each and every detail. </i></p><p><i>He is the maker of heaven and earth, and He cares about us and loves us
so much! Praying each of us feel the warmth of His love and comfort and
peace today. God, let us not be anxious or overwhelmed by our circumstances...let us
receive the overwhelming peace of Your Spirit in us. Breathe on us
today, Holy Spirit. Fresh wind. In Jesus’ name.</i></p><p><i> </i>This friend had no idea I was in the middle of writing a SHINE post, but God did. He knew we needed these encouraging words to spur us on. To remind us that HE SEES. HE KNOWS. HE CARES. HE GOES BEFORE US. ALWAYS. </p><p><i> <br /></i></p><p>we can trust Him, </p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>jill<br /><i></i></p><p><br /></p>Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-48363356559212803012020-09-01T12:52:00.004-04:002020-09-01T12:52:24.076-04:00Finding my way....<p> I find myself in a quiet house again. The boy is off at college. The girl begins her sophomore year of high school. </p><p>Looking back, I knew this time was coming...again. I just seem to never be ready. </p><p>When I was a little girl, all I EVER wanted was to be a mother. I had no desires to work outside of the home. </p><p>I would sit on that big yellow school bus watching mothers walk their children out to the bus stop in their house coats and huge mugs of coffee. I wanted that. Desperately. </p><p>Senior year, my high school counselor asked me what I wanted to "do" after high school. I looked down with cheeks blushing and found these words falling out of my mouth, <i>"Umm, well.....I want to get married and have children."</i></p><p>He told me he had never had anyone tell him this and then thanked me for being honest. </p><p>Those dreams never died. </p><p>God fulfilled them in His time, and I will be grateful until I breathe my last breath. </p><p>So, when I find myself in a quiet home....</p><p>I am unsure of how I am to feel. </p><p>He brought me here. I knew this was coming. I know He has plans for me after my children leave the nest...</p><p>But, I also feel unequipped for anything else. I feel utterly inadequate at attempting life outside of this house. </p><p>Vulnerable and honest and raw....and true. </p><p>If I let it, sadness will come in waves. I steady myself and swallow hard. </p><p>Every season has purpose. </p><p>I dig my heels in and repeat what I know is Truth. </p><p>He has a plan. He has a plan. He has a plan. </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">The heart of man plans his way, but the </span><span class="sc" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;"> establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9</span></i></b></span></p><p>Motherhood fits me. Like a well worn pair of shoes. I am comfortable here. </p><p>I know I will always be a mother, long after my kids begin new lives with new people. </p><p>But, it is the mundane. The chaos. The crazy. The carpools. The long waits for practice to be over. The constant tripping over big teenage shoes scattered all over the floor. </p><p>This is all I know. And have ever known for a very long time. </p><p>My prayer daily is. <i>"Lord, use me. Use any gift you have given me to serve others. I need to be used up."</i></p><p>He shapes our hearts. He chisels and He smoothes. </p><p>He wants us dependent on Him and Him alone. </p><p>I find myself immersed in the book of Daniel. I think of him often throughout my days. </p><p>He prayed. He prayed. And he prayed. </p><p>Lord, is this what you want from me?</p><p>I have time to do this. I <i>can </i>do this. </p><p>Perhaps these quiet seasons that come are for this very purpose. To pause. To pray. </p><p>We can be busy and still pray...</p><p>But, something happens in the spirit when our world is quiet. When the rhythm of life slows down for a bit and you can actually hear yourself think for once. </p><p>You hear things you could not hear before. You notice things you never noticed before. </p><p>So, I will be content here. I will steady my heart and I will trust in a plan much bigger than mine. </p><p>He is Good. He is Faithful. He is Sovereign. This, I know.</p><p>What season do you find yourself in at the moment?</p><p>What if we trust God here. What if we surrender it all to Him. The busy, the quiet, the lonely, the chaos...</p><p>Lay it at His feet and ask Him to lead the way. Ask Him to give us Grace and Patience and Mercy as we navigate this unfamiliar path. </p><p><b><i>"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. " Psalm 119:105</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>still tripping over tennis shoes, </p><p><br /></p><p>jill</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-12266525860559825412019-12-10T15:47:00.000-05:002019-12-10T15:47:16.201-05:00Here we go....again.....I sat in the yellow lighted room. Again, I waited.<br />
<br />
She took her test, and I sat with anxious thoughts.<br />
<br />
<i>What if she fails? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What if she is not ready?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What if I am not ready?</i><br />
I prayed silently.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later, she emerged.<br />
<br />
Big smile on her lips...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I passed, momma!"</i><br />
<br />
Presley received her learners permit to drive.<br />
<br />
I was LITERALLY just here with Joseph. 3 years ago, I sat in this same seat.<br />
<br />
Now, baby sister gets a turn.<br />
<br />
And, momma's heart prepares.<br />
<br />
High school, college, driving...<br />
<br />
How do people do it without Jesus?<br />
<br />
I will never know.<br />
<br />
Please pray for patience as we teach this child how to drive. She is a *little* more stubborn than her big brother. [wink wink]<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, her best friend, who happens to share her birthday, passes too!</td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-35266700391153356752019-09-20T09:48:00.002-04:002019-09-20T09:48:49.702-04:00Wide open spaces...Hello, friends and family.<br />
<br />
It has been a while.<br />
<br />
A long while.<br />
<br />
Joseph is in college. A freshman at University of Georgia.<br />
<br />
Presley is a freshman in highschool.<br />
<br />
Gulp.<br />
<br />
I have found myself in this quiet-er place. Deafening quiet at times.<br />
<br />
But, I am learning to live here. To enjoy it. To soak it in.<br />
<br />
To listen to God.<br />
<br />
To be still.<br />
<br />
To stop trying to fill the void.<br />
<br />
But, to instead be filled with Him.<br />
<br />
In searching for a hobby or two...I always come back to this place.<br />
<br />
To write.<br />
<br />
To pour out.<br />
<br />
To wring my heart of the words...the everything.<br />
<br />
It is my joy.<br />
<br />
It will always be.<br />
<br />
Remind me of this often, ok?<br />
<br />
My heart has been down over some things. I have struggled with the "why?'<br />
<br />
I have struggled with the pity party of "where are you, Lord??"<br />
<br />
Then, I sit on my back porch and see the birds playing and singing.<br />
<br />
The cool air hitting me in my sullen face.<br />
<br />
His reminder to me..."<b>I am here."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
He never left me.<br />
<br />
As I whine and mope and get caught up with the trivial things of life.....<br />
<br />
I look up at the giant sky.<br />
<br />
The expanse of His Creation.<br />
<br />
And I realize how small I am.<br />
<br />
How small these worries and concerns are.<br />
<br />
These anxious thoughts and this desire to control outcomes of people...<br />
<br />
How silly.<br />
<br />
I so often feel like King David felt...<br />
<br />
Spewing with faith and courage in one breath...<br />
<br />
Then. curled up in a ball crying and complaining in the next breath.<br />
<br />
Yet, God remains.<br />
<br />
He never leaves.<br />
<br />
He never will.<br />
<br />
Children will leave.<br />
<br />
Friends will leave.<br />
<br />
Husbands will leave.<br />
<br />
Yet, One thing remains....<br />
<br />
Jesus.<br />
<br />
There is beauty to behold. All around.<br />
<br />
Yet, we close our hands into fists and refuse to partake...in the offering.<br />
<br />
The offering brings the gift.<br />
<br />
The gift of gratitude and joy.<br />
<br />
But, we must unclench our fists...palms up.<br />
<br />
And receive.<br />
<br />
My dog is begging for a walk this cool morning...<br />
<br />
I need it more than he does.<br />
<br />
I need to be reminded of the vastness of His Creation....<br />
<br />
He is infinitely wiser.<br />
<br />
He is infinitely faithful.<br />
<br />
I will keep writing to remind myself.....<br />
<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-8713323881386019572018-04-22T19:19:00.000-04:002018-04-22T19:20:31.551-04:00Joseph goes to prom....Hi.<br />
<br />
So, a big thing happened recently...<br />
<br />
JOSEPH WENT TO PROM!!<br />
<br />
How can he be a junior? Can someone please fill me in. I cannot even bring myself to scroll my own blog to see pictures and read stories about him. My heart is just too tender right now.<br />
<br />
The days are long, but the years are short.<br />
<br />
Whoever said that phrase needs to be a gahbillionaire. Because it is so stinking TRUE.<br />
<br />
I mean, not only are my kids growing up, I am too. But, who has time to think about that when your KID/MAN is going to PROM.<br />
<br />
Okay, so I have pictures to prove it.<br />
<br />
I wanted to take a million more. But, it's not cool to be the mom-a-razzi around all of his friends. Apparently. [eye roll]<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rhQMHhYlFZbDcbVYwxWEeIejX-wFQQw1p7l_KlcZFBawzgZ5kYSm77h7_zYRSA6yV0xwd2d62SBXlrxTMicHx8c5i4eLuXdNyvnR6tKZH-MPd8mOJXKJcBvtb8fidIf_gwZR0kY9Gezc/s1600/IMG_5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rhQMHhYlFZbDcbVYwxWEeIejX-wFQQw1p7l_KlcZFBawzgZ5kYSm77h7_zYRSA6yV0xwd2d62SBXlrxTMicHx8c5i4eLuXdNyvnR6tKZH-MPd8mOJXKJcBvtb8fidIf_gwZR0kY9Gezc/s320/IMG_5033.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joseph and Lucia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2LiX9RsApH3s-HWNJPFdXUF6iBIDm4mEslAq5Kb7gTCdyz71ObfTIROioHcxrPbhwDcuOBTb0husLxlsNlCju-JxnHso1Cp4Fb1ANV-SU2Qr5e0KUqy44ynbVK3Noh50X2lF17QpWI-A/s1600/IMG_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2LiX9RsApH3s-HWNJPFdXUF6iBIDm4mEslAq5Kb7gTCdyz71ObfTIROioHcxrPbhwDcuOBTb0husLxlsNlCju-JxnHso1Cp4Fb1ANV-SU2Qr5e0KUqy44ynbVK3Noh50X2lF17QpWI-A/s320/IMG_5040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joseph and Presley</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_9oiRLdtkdkSAA_qFMZ0oKEHN4HAHVtLvNQ3mR-t11xRCM3dAv36ZWIwTGomWbuImhD4rHjjgkUiLS-0vNVqvk6hZD8v2EtNDF7RWBiyzZXvsMdjKBm6ZvFAhJqeLm0LC41hKYr746aA/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_9oiRLdtkdkSAA_qFMZ0oKEHN4HAHVtLvNQ3mR-t11xRCM3dAv36ZWIwTGomWbuImhD4rHjjgkUiLS-0vNVqvk6hZD8v2EtNDF7RWBiyzZXvsMdjKBm6ZvFAhJqeLm0LC41hKYr746aA/s320/IMG_5041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joseph and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRva2DAsxbYR2HxHDVn5i0NR7Cc6nLIXb2vEJz1ya9rv7LGSRopX8R4gBrVEXMLhmCUSQnHyVWWL1dtP40efB71wnEyKDqgNf95Vo8jh4SrlrzJCHscp_rB8fBsFeg2IRjzAPSkIjC1rW/s1600/IMG_5042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRva2DAsxbYR2HxHDVn5i0NR7Cc6nLIXb2vEJz1ya9rv7LGSRopX8R4gBrVEXMLhmCUSQnHyVWWL1dtP40efB71wnEyKDqgNf95Vo8jh4SrlrzJCHscp_rB8fBsFeg2IRjzAPSkIjC1rW/s320/IMG_5042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aren't they cute??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOOEAmm7RrBfBkNvdTBl75AkZeVTiiZiO9mFsg48QKM_Pwznumqzcjv_ifxDWrA4Y7s0ougiVg0XFUY-l_S__-Z6wAvdjKZ-VEHPbF9tSYoQGbzCEa-yv7ZNGiB_a5AocyI9yfPydQznz/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOOEAmm7RrBfBkNvdTBl75AkZeVTiiZiO9mFsg48QKM_Pwznumqzcjv_ifxDWrA4Y7s0ougiVg0XFUY-l_S__-Z6wAvdjKZ-VEHPbF9tSYoQGbzCEa-yv7ZNGiB_a5AocyI9yfPydQznz/s320/IMG_5043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lem, Joseph and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUJk4pSmCZ8_hdLZLs1_J2_Ua4hQwZtZKtWs-FHDGXzlWmZHfduswFyWFAkfEMp8YxTLKkudM3UEzUDnQf-597bLQHLgtOtFhAEWKsJ2zcFhA0j5qFodGV65tQpnP1DVuj6UVSKqyNgZ8/s1600/IMG_5044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUJk4pSmCZ8_hdLZLs1_J2_Ua4hQwZtZKtWs-FHDGXzlWmZHfduswFyWFAkfEMp8YxTLKkudM3UEzUDnQf-597bLQHLgtOtFhAEWKsJ2zcFhA0j5qFodGV65tQpnP1DVuj6UVSKqyNgZ8/s320/IMG_5044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Prom Crew </span></td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-78191904951859665382017-08-06T17:59:00.003-04:002017-08-06T17:59:55.847-04:00How can it be....This past weekend, Joseph turned 16. <br />
<br />
Honestly, I never thought this day could come. The early years were slow as molasses. The good kind of slow. The kind of slow that makes you think it will always be like this and it is just a wonderful little life. <br />
<br />
Then, they grow older and taller and bigger. <br />
<br />
The older they get the quicker the time goes. Middle school is a flash. High school is a half of a flash. [am I right moms of older kids?]<br />
<br />
As I watched my man-child blow out his candles, a lump formed in my throat. Tears started to swell. Memories of his first Winnie the Pooh birthday flooded my heart. <br />
<br />
How could this Winnie the Pooh loving baby be 16 years old?<br />
<br />
I quickly gathered myself before the last line of Happy Birthday. The last thing I wanted was for this party to be a sob fest about ME. <br />
<br />
I turned those tears into prayers of thankfulness to God. Thankful that we still had him to celebrate birthdays. Thankful that he is learning and growing still. <br />
<br />
Before the party, I gathered up all of his scrap books and memorabilia. <em>**Note to self: do not do this again right before a big gathering. especially if mascara has already been applied. </em><br />
<br />
Looking at those pages brought me straight back to those moments. Sweet moments. Hard moments. Laughing moments. Crying moments. <br />
<br />
As I turned the pages, I saw pictures of me in some of the photos. I am growing older too. It's not just the kids that are growing, it is us parents too. <br />
<br />
Growth is good. <br />
<br />
I would not trade my 42 years of life under my belt for a younger age. Truly, I would not. <br />
<br />
Change is certainly hard, but I believe life gets sweeter along the way. Some would argue with me. I understand. <br />
<br />
However, it has been my experience that my heart has softened along the way. I see things from a different view now. I'm not near as hard on myself. Or on others. I let things go a lot quicker. Forgiving has become much easier. Humility is easier to come by too because I have learned that I really am <u>nothing </u>without Jesus. <br />
<br />
Growing up is not so bad. <br />
<br />
My favorite part of growing up is taking littles under my wing and nurturing them to grow and thrive. I love little people. I love little things. <br />
<br />
Getting the chance to take care of, feed, water, and nourish little people is the greatest gift in the world....whether I gave birth to them or not. It really doesn't matter. They all need love and cherishing. <br />
<br />
As I kissed my newly turned 16 year old goodnight, I realized something. He would always be mine. No matter his age, no matter his location. He was mine. <br />
<br />
I thought about God. How He must love us. How He must cherish us, His children. <br />
<br />
No matter where we go, how far we wander...<br />
<br />
We belong to Him. We are engraved on the palms of His Hands. [Isaiah 49:16}<br />
<br />
As a momma, I get this. Oh, how I see God's love for us so much more clearly. <br />
<br />
My children will always be mine. Engraved on my heart. Memories etched in stone in my soul. <br />
<br />
Nothing can change this. Not time, not distance..<br />
<br />
Wanting them to stay little and turn back time is depriving them and me of growth. <br />
<br />
A tree is most nourishing when it is full grown. When its branches spread out wide providing shade for others. When the fruit it bears is ripe and sweet for others to taste and see. <br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong>They will be called mighty oaks, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3</strong></em><br />
<br />
I pray this scripture over my children. Lord, let them be mighty oaks. Deep roots and far reaching branches. <br />
<br />
We must water them though. Nurture them. Prepare them for full growth. <br />
<br />
That is our job. And, what an honor it is. <br />
<br />
<br />
still growing, <br />
<br />
jill<br />
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-35576289113532957452017-02-19T21:41:00.000-05:002017-02-19T21:46:18.908-05:00Oh, I have a blog....<br />
Well, here we are. February 2017. <br />
<br />
Whew. I think this blog goes back to 2008?<br />
<br />
So, going on 10 years. Crazy. <br />
<br />
Since I discovered Instagram, I don't post on here as often as I used to. Instagram is just so darn easy. <br />
<br />
I can take a picture and upload it straight there. It documents our life, kind of like this blog used to do. Well, and still does at times. <br />
<br />
But, I do miss writing. So much. <br />
<br />
So, I will try to write more. When I can. <br />
<br />
Joseph is in 10th grade. Gulp. <br />
<br />
Presley is in 6th. Double gulp. <br />
<br />
Raising teens and tweens is very different than raising littles. <br />
<br />
It was easier when the exhaustion was physical and not mental. <br />
<br />
My brain never turns off thinking about my kids. Their friends. Their school. Their safety. Their future. Whew. <br />
<br />
I try to remember to turn those thoughts into prayer. I am successful sometimes. But, I need to aim for a higher success rate. <br />
<br />
Here are some pictures I took recently...captures a little bit of our life. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Sa8JyFUL3BFPTeCBbBwV6g7tTL-zR682zJWThcbdRJS7cQPsSHUXw0XAGIpYQquI4fzqKmTXAJHymn12AdNByg4GyFA4pc3TSrBKHW83kFEiRvC8EPqiULDgf5pBfmN6MDl27Zrzcixq/s1600/IMG_0920+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Sa8JyFUL3BFPTeCBbBwV6g7tTL-zR682zJWThcbdRJS7cQPsSHUXw0XAGIpYQquI4fzqKmTXAJHymn12AdNByg4GyFA4pc3TSrBKHW83kFEiRvC8EPqiULDgf5pBfmN6MDl27Zrzcixq/s320/IMG_0920+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lem took Presley to breakfast for Valentine's Day</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohe2oeuZ1650qxCmlooLwBv1DzVBBM0gNB4YsrhwjIxjEZtXq5Yly1pAR0c7QI5XSslTApEJdfQmrbPZY2skAdWWQisAXKCuZXnsPn5eDFLHkHaj8a0VLDGyfJcOybh9Ai_-fth_9UiMB/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohe2oeuZ1650qxCmlooLwBv1DzVBBM0gNB4YsrhwjIxjEZtXq5Yly1pAR0c7QI5XSslTApEJdfQmrbPZY2skAdWWQisAXKCuZXnsPn5eDFLHkHaj8a0VLDGyfJcOybh9Ai_-fth_9UiMB/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then...he took me to dinner. Yippee!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM4EDMhePtd2E80UOdnXJ8hoM4eZRPn0sRmXTQsINdRscnwubS6b86t-SU-eSJ4ObmiKG5yZ4I8WUGDy3e4QpWhKFEgcmzdDAv7FuvkLLPfH5ZG68Rh9GT3uF4_02N9a6X-CLXtFp6JtS/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM4EDMhePtd2E80UOdnXJ8hoM4eZRPn0sRmXTQsINdRscnwubS6b86t-SU-eSJ4ObmiKG5yZ4I8WUGDy3e4QpWhKFEgcmzdDAv7FuvkLLPfH5ZG68Rh9GT3uF4_02N9a6X-CLXtFp6JtS/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I captured this on the way home from morning carpool. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I love how bright the sun was shining. And how the telephone pole looks like a Cross.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">I was praying over </span><span style="font-size: small;">a friend who's son was recently diagnosed for the<u> second</u> time</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">with leukemia. This scene was God filling my heart with HOPE.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmFUO-5VUOhXO9NIXqjYXVex5OnVcD4JoLbh1H5SMrDrdQOHXO2uxLB-QZfxNdJQawPeaxPxjKvzaeJX4O0BNJbU26hIqfFMkydnx00_Myzg8VmzYuTtc0NoVfX9rUHj-EgIVz6KfyVde/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmFUO-5VUOhXO9NIXqjYXVex5OnVcD4JoLbh1H5SMrDrdQOHXO2uxLB-QZfxNdJQawPeaxPxjKvzaeJX4O0BNJbU26hIqfFMkydnx00_Myzg8VmzYuTtc0NoVfX9rUHj-EgIVz6KfyVde/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is our Fun Friday picture. They don't like pictures anymore so </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have to put inanimate objects in front of them instead. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Insert a big parental eye roll.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnRGmgSUzkzsWWqUpuBMU_Yylc7elqhwo1A8Ol915CvPLB5mSL4z3qOgMOVgXxhY2AyIldI8Mt7UORjmnIgsCAQDBIWB9mx_fcy0qDtBwVmCFq-Si7DjeR37m2_dElNDMhOaaCoqErZ_/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnRGmgSUzkzsWWqUpuBMU_Yylc7elqhwo1A8Ol915CvPLB5mSL4z3qOgMOVgXxhY2AyIldI8Mt7UORjmnIgsCAQDBIWB9mx_fcy0qDtBwVmCFq-Si7DjeR37m2_dElNDMhOaaCoqErZ_/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I captured this today. Sunday after church at Scoops. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">More ice cream, yes.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-54653402025373142632016-12-05T21:22:00.002-05:002016-12-05T21:22:22.406-05:00Be still, Jill....As I sit here staring at this blank computer screen, I haphazardly look over to my left. Our Christmas tree is standing there. <em>Still</em>. Warm. Inviting. <br />
<br />
It's hard to look away. My eyes just want to engage in the beauty of this tree. No ornaments are even hung yet. But, it doesn't matter. She is glowing with colorful lights. Inviting anyone to come and sit next to her warmth. [yes, I do believe our tree is a "she".] <br />
<br />
There is nothing really special about this tree. Average height, average breadth. Yet, it is hard to look away. She's just quite a breathtaking sight. <br />
<br />
This verse quickly comes to mind, <em><strong>"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10</strong></em><br />
<br />
Yes, <em>still.</em> <br />
<br />
There's that word again. <br />
<br />
<em>Still .</em><br />
<br />
Rhymes with Jill. You would think I would remember. It also rhymes with my last name, Hill. A double reminder. Still. Jill. Hill. <br />
<br />
[God really does have a sense of humor] <br />
<br />
Yet, so often, stillness escapes me. <br />
<br />
When worries pile on, my mind is not still. <br />
<br />
When sickness is looming over a loved one, my heart refuses to be still. <br />
<br />
When finances get crunchy, and anxiety rises, I forget about being still. <br />
<br />
When my to-do list seems to never get done, frantic overcomes any sense of stillness. <br />
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When my children get on my ever last nerve for the 108th time in one day, my actions are anything but still. <br />
<br />
Why is it so hard to be still?<br />
<br />
Stillness takes surrender. <br />
<br />
A heart surrendered to its proper authority. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>Surrender your heart to God, <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-11-13">turn to him in prayer John 1:13-15</span></span></strong></em><br />
<br />
In this season of hustle and bustle, I want to be still. Really, I do. <br />
<br />
I want to soak in the joy of Christmas. <br />
<br />
I want to linger longer. <br />
<br />
I want to live in this moment with my family and my children. <br />
<br />
I want to be like our Christmas tree. Warm. Inviting. <em>Still</em>. <br />
<br />
Yet, so often get I can caught up in the wrong things. Worry. Fear. Anxiety. Busy. <br />
<br />
I need a reset. How about you?<br />
<br />
Instead of doing the usual crazy we are so used to, let's be<em> still.</em> <br />
<br />
I hear you laughing. <br />
<br />
It's Christmas, how are we to be still??<br />
<br />
Stillness begins in the heart. <br />
<br />
When our hearts are still and at peace, our bodies will soon follow. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>A heart at peace gives life to the body. Proverbs 14:30</strong></em><br />
<br />
When I had my first baby, I would go and sit at Lem's grandmother's house for hours with my newborn swaddle. <br />
<br />
Something about her house made everything better. It was<em> still</em>. <br />
<br />
Lem's grandmother was never rushed. I never felt like I was a burden to her. I always felt welcome. <br />
<br />
She was <em>still.</em> <br />
<br />
I think the elderly get it. <br />
<br />
They see the other side of this life in a whole new way. <br />
<br />
Time is a precious thing to the elderly. They know how short life really is. <br />
<br />
What if we slowed time down a bit this season. <br />
<br />
What if we created a space for us to be <em>still</em> and be with Jesus. Not because we want to "squeeze" our quiet time in, but because we <u><em>want</em></u> to be <em>still </em>with Jesus. <br />
<br />
Jesus stills our hearts. He pours peace into our worn-down souls. <br />
<br />
Do you know what would happen to my beautiful tree if I didn't water her daily? She would die. <br />
<br />
Her green branches would turn brown, and slowly she would wilt. <br />
<br />
The same happens to our souls when we don't take the time to be nourished with God's word. <br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1</em></strong><span class="p"><br /></span><br />
<em><strong>Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35<span class="p"></span></strong></em><br />
<br />
Let's be<em> still</em>. <br />
<br />
And, just like our Christmas trees, let's invite a weary world to soak up some peace, warmth, and stillness. <br />
<br />
<br />
being still, <br />
<br />
jill hill ;)Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-85860552425010350142016-11-29T20:52:00.001-05:002016-11-29T20:52:32.852-05:00Hi, my name is....Gosh, it has been a while. Hey, y'all! <br />
<br />
I have a feeling my voice is echoing and maybe two can hear it. <br />
<br />
Oh well. <br />
<br />
I am still writing on the SHINE blog from time to time. So, I haven't neglected writing all together. <br />
<br />
Sometimes it is hard for me to come on this blog site. I see the pictures of my "little" ones and it brings me to tears. They are not so little anymore. I don't have to heart to change out these pictures, so I guess they will stay. :)<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I love this season of life. My kids are a blast. They crack me up like nobody can, except that husband of mine. <br />
<br />
It's been a new place mothering tweens and teens. A lot changes in how I mother them. The nurturing doesn't stop, but I tend to be a little less in their faces. I find myself praying a lot more. Which is crazy because I thought I prayed a lot when they were little. NOTHING compared to the prayers I pray now. Whew. <br />
<br />
I pray for their school days. Their peers. Their relationships. Their teachers. Who they sit beside at lunch. All of it. <br />
<br />
All of those things are important to them...so they are important to me. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I cannot believe I get to be their momma. I sit back and look at them and I am just so amazed that God entrusted their little bodies and hearts to Lem and me. <br />
<br />
What was He thinking????????? just kidding. kind of. <br />
<br />
Oh y'all. I so want my children to love the Lord with every fiber of their beings. I want that more than anything in this world. <br />
<br />
I used to be on a mission to "save the world". Ha! It's hysterical. Really. <br />
<br />
My mission has narrowed.<br />
<br />
I still love telling people about Jesus, and blogging is an easy way for me to do this. <br />
<br />
But, telling my children about Jesus is a whole different thing. <br />
<br />
Here's why...It's not just telling them about Jesus...it is showing them about Jesus. <br />
<br />
Can I admit? That is the hard part. <br />
<br />
I mess up so many times! My SHINE readers never see my mess-ups...but my children do. <br />
<br />
They see the real deal me. <br />
<br />
I pray that God will help them to not remember certain not-so-great moments. Eek! And, honestly, I trust that He will. <br />
<br />
He loves them more than me. They will be fine. <br />
<br />
But..<br />
<br />
I want them to know that their momma loved Jesus. Even when I messed up. Even when I didn't show Jesus...my heart was beating for Him. Even in the crazy times. <br />
<br />
I don't live in guilt or regret...I know that the enemy would love for me to live there. <br />
<br />
I live in the great trust and faith that God works all of this life out for our good. Which includes the good, bad, and the ugly. <br />
<br />
There is nothing He cannot fix. <br />
<br />
Praise Jesus. <br />
<br />
I have dreams in my heart. I would love to write a book one day...I would love to talk to more women, one on one, and tell them how God's word and His Love can heal a broken heart. <br />
<br />
I have broad dreams. <br />
<br />
But, for now, my dreams are narrow. <br />
<br />
Zoomed in on the ones under my roof. For such a time as this. <br />
<br />
The time goes by so quickly. <br />
<br />
Enjoy. Savor. Soak up this time. <br />
<br />
Invest everything in your family...everything. <br />
<br />
This is contrary to what the world tells us...<br />
<br />
The world wants us to save some for the world! Hold on to yourself and don't lose yourself to your family! Hold onto your identity! <br />
<br />
I laugh at that because I don't believe in that philosophy. <br />
<br />
I say, lose yourself completely. <br />
<br />
In fact, go BIG, or go home. <br />
<br />
Go BIG in loving your family. Go BIG in investing every single word you speak to them. Deposit encouragement, words of affirmation, and more than anything...deposit God's Word into their hearts. <br />
<br />
They are listening. Even when you think they aren't. They are.<br />
<br />
The world will be effected by our children. You can bank on that. <br />
<br />
What we teach them, what we show them, what we speak to them...<br />
<br />
Will be poured back out. <br />
<br />
Our prayers we pray over them...<br />
<br />
they will come into fruition. He hears the prayers of the momma's. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>"He bends down to listen" Psalm 116:2</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
It is never to late to pour into our children. NEVER. <br />
<br />
As long as we have breath, we can pray over them. Teach them. Love them. Encourage them. <br />
<br />
God chose YOU as their momma. YOU are the chosen one. You are equipped, capable, and up for the job. God said so. <br />
<br />
So, when you mess up....<br />
<br />
get back up. <br />
<br />
wipe off the dirt. <br />
<br />
(my jeans are filthy by the way)<br />
<br />
and start all over again. <br />
<br />
It is so worth it. <br />
<br />
<br />
having the time of my life,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-7352025188044593532016-07-17T14:00:00.002-04:002016-07-17T14:00:48.691-04:00The Secret Prayer....My husband and I share many intimate conversations together. Things that we discuss just between the two of us that are special and treasured. We dream about our future, and the future of our children together. We express concerns and observations of things happening around us. This openness creates a secret and rare vulnerability between us that I cannot put into words.<br />
<br />
These talks are sacred between the two of us. Many of the things on my heart, I have never shared with another living soul. They are meant to be kept between the bond, the unity, and the love between the two of us. When we took an oath before God on our wedding day to be submitted to one another, our spirits became one. God sees us as one as well. <b><i>That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Romans 8:26</i></b><br />
<br />
Our prayer life is the same. When we approach the Father in prayer, it is a time of deep intimacy and lavish openness of our hearts to His. We express things, even if not spoken in words, they are expressed through the groaning of our spirits.The bible tells us in Romans 8:26, "<b><i>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Jesus teaches us about the power of prayer in secret. Not just prayer in secret, but the power of giving in secret, and fasting in secret. Take a look at Matthew 6 verses 6-18. Here's an excerpt...<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. </i></b><br />
<br />
<i><b>So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b> But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>When reading God's word, hang onto things you see repeated over and over again. Make note it it, and store it up in your heart. Like a good Father to his children, He reminds us so we will not forget.<br />
<br />
In my own personal prayer life, I have seen the power of prayer in secret several times over the last few years. Honestly, I didn't even realize the prayer was in secret at the time. These requests were just so deep and so personal in my spirit, that I kept them between the Father and me.<br />
<br />
One experience that I will share from a couple of years ago is that of a prayer over my husband. It was regarding a trip he wanted to go on with some friends. He would be gone several days and something in my spirit just was not at peace about it. I never told him my concerns. Instead, I took my concerns to prayer.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure why I was so hesitant about this trip for him, but I was. I asked God to grant me peace for him to leave if His will was for Lem to go on the trip. I also reached out to three friends and asked them to please pray for an unspoken request for me and my family.<br />
<br />
At the time, I wasn't sure of my motives for wanting him to stay home. I wanted to be clear the motives were not selfish, so I spared sharing the details with my praying friends. I just asked them to pray.<br />
<br />
About a month later, my husband came to me and told me that the trip he was planning on going on had fallen apart. Nothing was working out for he and his friends to be able to go.<br />
<br />
Bewildered, I gasped out loud.<br />
<br />
I could not even believe it.<br />
<br />
God had answered this prayer, and I knew it was only God that could have made the details come together for the trip to not take place.<br />
<br />
I never did tell him that I had prayed about that trip. The things that God had done were so personal and so intimate and so intricate, I wanted to keep it between He and I. Also, I did not want for one second for Lem to think that I had prayed him out of going. It would have put a shadow on future trips he wanted to take with the fellas, and I did not want the enemy getting a foothold there.<br />
<br />
I love when Lem is able to get away with his friends to hike and camp. I love it because he loves it. It makes him smile, and it makes him excited! So, not for one second did I want him to think that I had manipulated the situation for him not to be able to go.<br />
<br />
Another time that God answered a secret prayer was one I love to share to anyone who will listen. If you have heard it, I apologize in advance.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I was running out of my favorite skincare line. I had purchased it for myself from some money I had received for my birthday months before. I loved it so much and I wanted to order a whole new set! The cost would be...a LOT. Way over our budget. Especially for fancy skincare.<br />
<br />
I had rationalized in my head that I deserved to get it. I specifically remember thinking, <i>"This is the ONLY thing I splurge on. I deserve this for myself. Plus, I will save my husband on a face lift because my skin will be firmer due to this awesome skincare line." </i><br />
<br />
Eek!<br />
<br />
I logged on to the website to order this outrageously expensive skincare. I had everything I needed [wanted] in my cart online. I scrambled for my credit card to put it all on there, praying that the bill would not come for at least 30 days. I wasn't ready for a fight with the hubby any time soon.<br />
<br />
I began to type in the numbers, and I stopped. Conviction seized me. I couldn't do it. My husband had clearly marked our budget boundaries just that very week, and this was not even close to being in the equation.<br />
<br />
Shoot.<br />
<br />
I logged off of the site feeling sad and feeling sorry for myself.<br />
<br />
Silently, I prayed that God would forgive me for almost stepping into disobedience.<br />
<br />
Are you ready for what happened next?<br />
<br />
The very next day, a friend called me on the phone.<br />
<br />
She asked me if I would like a bunch of skincare that she had purchased a few weeks ago. She said she did not really like it, but she didn't want to go to the expense and the effort to send it all back. Plus, she knew I was a huge fan of that particular skincare.<br />
<i><br /></i><i>YES!! I would love to take this off of your hands!</i><br />
<br />
I was beyond elated.<br />
<br />
Y'all that afternoon, I went to pick up the skincare she had left in her car for me at her work. It was DOUBLE what I had planned ordering online the day before. DOUBLE. There were even some items that I wanted to get, but knew there was no way I could at that time.<br />
<br />
I was absolutely blown away. That big gold bag of skincare was a gift from my Father.<br />
<br />
He heard my secret prayer. I didn't even really ask Him, I just asked Him to forgive me for disobedience. Yet, He knows the desires of our hearts, doesn't He?<br />
<br />
I share these things to encourage you that the Father loves to lavish us. He loves to be one on one with you in the secret place of prayer. Just the two of you.<br />
<br />
In my case, those secret times of prayer have built my faith stronger. I think if I would have asked a lot of people to pray, I would have missed out on a chance in intimacy with my Father. In my flesh, I may have thought that it was certainly not because of my feeble prayers that it was answered. I would have not felt the same intimacy with Him, I believe.<br />
<br />
Please don't for one second think that asking for prayer or group praying is not powerful. It is!<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>However, I do believe that there is a time for intimacy as well. A place and time to pray secretly those deep groans and desires. He will lead us how to pray, and with whom to share our prayers, we just need to ask Him.<br />
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I have learned in these secret prayers with my Father, that He is most concerned about the well-being of my spirit. My faith and belief are of the greatest concern to Him. More than a prayer being answered, it is about my oneness with Him. The intimacy that develops when I share my heart, my desires, my confessions of sin, and my whole being with Him. It is the power of what happens during that process that ends up being the greatest miracle. The answer to the prayer is just the icing.<br />
<br />
What is it that you need to approach your Heavenly Father about today? Oh, friend, go to Him. Go to a secret place and pour your heart out to Him. Believe that He hears you. Believe that He will answer.<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>praying secrets,<br />
<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />
<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-46696356001540013552016-06-05T19:16:00.002-04:002016-06-05T19:16:51.812-04:00Jesus, Publix, and the Man-Child...The story I am about to share happened two and a half years ago. I shared it with a class I was teaching at the time, but have never written about it until now. In some strange way, I wanted to keep it inside of my soul. It was such a personal and life-altering moment that I didn't want to taint it by setting it free from my heart and mind.<br />
<br />
However, today, God reminded me of this story. I needed to hear it again. I needed to remember the lesson it taught me. I hope it will encourage you as well.<br />
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It was late Fall of 2013. I had decided to stop writing. I was tired. And burned-out. And kind of done with bible studies altogether to be honest.<br />
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I was teaching a SHINE Girls class at the time at my beloved church. I loved my time with those ladies, I loved them dearly. However, I was burned out. In every possible way.<br />
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At that time, I was writing almost every day and then leaving my house every Wednesday night to lead the bible study class. Of course, this was in between sports, kids, husband, and all the other stuff I had jammed into my agenda.<br />
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My cup had literally runneth over.<br />
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One afternoon during this burned out season of my life, I headed to the grocery store. It was a rare moment of alone time so I decided to drive and extra 10 miles to the Publix in the next town.<br />
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The drive to Publix was full of prayers, tears, and more tears. I talked to God the whole entire way to Publix. I poured my heart out to Him. I was frustrated. My writing had come to a halt, my desire to lead bible studies had diminished, my "purpose" seemed to have vanished.<br />
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The question I cried over and over to God that day was, <em>"What is my purpose, Lord? Why have you taken the desire to write and teach away from me? Have I done something wrong? Did I write, teach, or say something not in line with Your Word? Help me to understand!"</em><br />
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God did not respond. Nothing. Nada. Silence.<br />
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I finally pulled into Publix looking like a hot mess. Mascara running down my face. Puffy eyes and a snotty nose. Perfect.<br />
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Still having a conversation in my heart with God, I mindlessly grabbed a buggy. When I pulled it out of the stack, I backed right into a big black man.<br />
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He was standing right in the middle of the buggy corridor holding a small black comb. People were passing by him and staring. He was mumbling something that I couldn't quite make out.<br />
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As I tried to scoot pass him, he said clear as a bell, <em>"W-w-w-w-would you brush my hair?"</em><br />
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I looked behind me.<br />
<br />
Shoot.<br />
<br />
Nobody was there.<br />
<br />
He was talking to me.<br />
<br />
I finally got a glimpse of his face.<br />
<br />
He looked like a child in the face. The sweetest face you have ever seen sitting atop a massive 6'3 build.<br />
<br />
He looked like a man-child.<br />
<br />
Without even thinking, I took the comb out of his shaking hands.<br />
<br />
He bent down so I could reach his fresh-shaven head.<br />
<br />
I combed. And combed. And combed.<br />
<br />
Each stroke of the comb he smiled.<br />
<br />
I was lost in the moment with this man-child. Combing a perfect stranger's big, black, almost-bald head.<br />
<br />
A few minutes passed and a lady came and gently took the comb from my hands.<br />
<br />
<em>"Thank you, ma'am. He loves to have his hair combed. He is a special boy with special needs."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I immediately thanked her for giving me the privilege to comb her son's hair.<br />
<br />
Seconds later I walked off with my buggy and almost melted right then and there on that Publix floor.<br />
<br />
I had just had an encounter with Jesus.<br />
<br />
I could feel it all the way to my toes. His Presence was right there in the buggy corridor. Right there in those big brown man-child eyes whose head of hair I had just combed.<br />
<br />
Jesus was showing me my purpose. Just as I had asked Him.<br />
<br />
It's not about writing a good blog post, or teaching a good bible lesson, or memorizing a scripture a week. NO.<br />
<br />
He showed me that my purpose was to love His people. To not just know the words of Christ, but to be the hands and feet of Christ.<br />
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<em>To notice those in my very path. Even in the buggy corridor at Publix.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>To see what's around me instead of having my head down in my phone, or just wrapped up in my own stinkin' pity party. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>To have my spiritual eyes on at all times waiting for opportunities to comb a head of hair, or speak to a total stranger, or smile at the person next to me.</em><br />
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<em><strong>My purpose had diminished because I had forgotten that it cannot be found in myself. But in Him. In loving others. In serving others.</strong></em><br />
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To be ready and willing at all times to wash the feet, or comb the hair of another.<br />
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I was so busy trying to pump myself up with Jesus, that I missed the main thing: <strong><em>Being poured out. For Jesus. For a hurting world. For the man-child who simply wanted his hair combed.</em></strong><br />
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There is a story in the book of Mark that wrecks me when I read it. I want to be like this woman. I don't want to hold it in, store it up, and be bloated with religion...I want to give it all away for Christ's sake. Setting aside my agenda, my pride, my purpose...in order to live for His Purpose.<br />
<br />
Be changed by the "Poor Widow's" story:<br />
<br />
<em><strong><span class="text Mark-12-41"><sup class="versenum">41 </sup>Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24715B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24715B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.</span> <span class="text Mark-12-42" id="en-NIV-24716"><sup class="versenum">42 </sup>But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span class="text Mark-12-43" id="en-NIV-24717"><sup class="versenum">43 </sup>Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, <span class="woj">“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-12-44" id="en-NIV-24718"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">44 </sup><span style="background-color: yellow;">They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”</span> Mark 12:41-44</span></span></strong></em><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-44"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-44">She gave all she had.</span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-44"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-44"><span class="woj">She walked away with <em>nothing,</em> but left with <em>everything.</em></span></span><br />
<em><strong><span class="woj"></span></strong></em><br />
When I get confused on what my purpose is, I remember this day. The day that Jesus stopped me in my tracks to comb a man-child's head.<br />
<br />
Are you confused about your purpose? Look around you. Opportunities abound. Open your eyes, and see. Then give it away. Like the poor widow. Holding nothing back.<br />
<br />
<br />
finding purpose,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-67563734837877322272016-05-17T19:55:00.000-04:002016-05-17T19:55:09.095-04:00Goodbye School Year....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it is the end of another school year. Goodbye 5th grade and goodbye 9th grade. Here are a few memories from Presley's award night. I didn't have any pictures from Joseph's award night, because we were not sitting close enough to get good pics. And, well, he is in high school and it is kind of embarrassing to him to snap pictures like the crazy mad woman that I am. </div>
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Maybe he won't care next year. </div>
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This year has FLOWN by. Probably because we moved in December, and life got a lot crazy. </div>
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This has been a year of many changes. </div>
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After 3 1/2 years, Danny went back to live with his parents. </div>
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Joseph started high school.</div>
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We MOVED.</div>
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Whew. No more changes for a while, ok?</div>
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One thing is for sure...we are ready for SUMMER!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoPul3Ihf9MK967loxNecBTt5-B-ojwQrPJxPmOtMOQ82gabiUCd_2jijV_z7P1y7MThE8upEnnokpHsPDQ8n9FRjaYt-JnGd1tbrw2PUhQOBeOIABGxLH9QorwzEQmM-q17-xkTshmrb/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoPul3Ihf9MK967loxNecBTt5-B-ojwQrPJxPmOtMOQ82gabiUCd_2jijV_z7P1y7MThE8upEnnokpHsPDQ8n9FRjaYt-JnGd1tbrw2PUhQOBeOIABGxLH9QorwzEQmM-q17-xkTshmrb/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twinsies.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iXdG-mhhAbfts6iEl-bHtBi9UoHWTxLH7Cw8fWRMcMmTY241kDxOJQj15rvANAuz-czPs6K-IepD6ZiRkJxClub6hRIN9Ea6IuVkbX12XrpxsP_oYNk5gYHgF9n8NCq34dlo-ySxJGlh/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iXdG-mhhAbfts6iEl-bHtBi9UoHWTxLH7Cw8fWRMcMmTY241kDxOJQj15rvANAuz-czPs6K-IepD6ZiRkJxClub6hRIN9Ea6IuVkbX12XrpxsP_oYNk5gYHgF9n8NCq34dlo-ySxJGlh/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These kids. I love them all.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4RtcNVt3tdOgmQQMkcQ3ptoNxfiCTH5cdNUm4J4XQm5ZDHs22M956ZM0htYBRv80KKxNP6-DM2hm3HH7kGjMG22Ybxn_6umuL5N9NIQvH560kKCZzT42PtYlW5fRskcsXj27munaxmqL/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4RtcNVt3tdOgmQQMkcQ3ptoNxfiCTH5cdNUm4J4XQm5ZDHs22M956ZM0htYBRv80KKxNP6-DM2hm3HH7kGjMG22Ybxn_6umuL5N9NIQvH560kKCZzT42PtYlW5fRskcsXj27munaxmqL/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this face.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azIvfPZru1tCGeWIXtwhnPj2nKPruh7t_3ydMS_fPu12UI2axAHKua-1t7KAManmFxMqFPBEN_3ruWQLXy05JspsX1V6XdD5PF4s0i5iOxOcWRvcgqjyqGhl4UTpu2yeL2_7aNHXkVQ8/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7azIvfPZru1tCGeWIXtwhnPj2nKPruh7t_3ydMS_fPu12UI2axAHKua-1t7KAManmFxMqFPBEN_3ruWQLXy05JspsX1V6XdD5PF4s0i5iOxOcWRvcgqjyqGhl4UTpu2yeL2_7aNHXkVQ8/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A fun night!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUu4fO_0Zxf2ogMr_c7RMmcVHpbvgfnWk8-lRVTId5X1DmlkQ-dGU7Xoa8GlzyRbvEYU5KHJsgmUfO0lK7pA5gHFywptSxmk9YCL1eECRVbdbCS4br0wlcr-yA1BFQA-dPZI69gEgAHmL/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUu4fO_0Zxf2ogMr_c7RMmcVHpbvgfnWk8-lRVTId5X1DmlkQ-dGU7Xoa8GlzyRbvEYU5KHJsgmUfO0lK7pA5gHFywptSxmk9YCL1eECRVbdbCS4br0wlcr-yA1BFQA-dPZI69gEgAHmL/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheering on our girl!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc_R6CWMPewbhz26xHDfWZLhstDXZOKS4k5slhjck_ArG8Y2aTsAa3AciILOn0PIJ5RihABS9Wmopg0lgNVeZXTRkYSENK1kmfYvU8dtAaajSt7hm9-CAA_ApyaDM3LBapKWI1CRwD5jI/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc_R6CWMPewbhz26xHDfWZLhstDXZOKS4k5slhjck_ArG8Y2aTsAa3AciILOn0PIJ5RihABS9Wmopg0lgNVeZXTRkYSENK1kmfYvU8dtAaajSt7hm9-CAA_ApyaDM3LBapKWI1CRwD5jI/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proud of little sis.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxicWKM8WSNUGZJ9jEa80kfsTJqe5Am79pVRHtZTFLZeq_D-zP3q9onTpmMTw5qNUFodYlZ1XP06X-PhRZR3CgvpRRZ214vxccMGy7b5rCVYIE7E1xk9Yi9lgNIPlcVroSPPjuM7QYcDW6/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxicWKM8WSNUGZJ9jEa80kfsTJqe5Am79pVRHtZTFLZeq_D-zP3q9onTpmMTw5qNUFodYlZ1XP06X-PhRZR3CgvpRRZ214vxccMGy7b5rCVYIE7E1xk9Yi9lgNIPlcVroSPPjuM7QYcDW6/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Music Award, A/B honor roll, and Khan Academy award!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD8hh0dw1fYYH0pijP2AcKTTHfoUsqjcGIhlAOIy8Kg4sOLQpOSywmte53_igqPD_VGO43sbLCah4xaQfNnaNb8Teq7APYtcUIgf0fO2Qi2d9Cvso3TOv3Xu-xVwGBPsA-B407560lUq1/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD8hh0dw1fYYH0pijP2AcKTTHfoUsqjcGIhlAOIy8Kg4sOLQpOSywmte53_igqPD_VGO43sbLCah4xaQfNnaNb8Teq7APYtcUIgf0fO2Qi2d9Cvso3TOv3Xu-xVwGBPsA-B407560lUq1/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">True Presley form.</span> </td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-34335306645136096782016-05-17T19:18:00.002-04:002016-05-17T19:18:21.793-04:00Ce-le-brate good times, come on...Whew. Is it May, or is it May?<br />
<br />
I really think May is busier than December. For those of us with kids in school, it can become quite hectic. <br />
<br />
So, let's lighten the mood, shall we? <br />
<br />
This week in my county, it is our last week of school. Since my children started school over 10 years ago (whoa!), this has been my favorite week of the whole year. <br />
<br />
Over the years we have celebrated this week in many fun ways. Most of these ideas are from other mother's that I saw do them first hand, or ideas the kids and I thought up together. These are not very pinterest-y, but they are a whole lot of fun. <br />
<br />
Here are some of the things we do, or have done over the years to <strong>CELEBRATE</strong> this week:<br />
<br />
<em>Make a totally weird and different lunch than usual. Put random snacks in their lunch boxes instead of the ol' sandwich and chips thing. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Put food coloring in their bottled water--their favorite color. This may not be cool for "big" kids, so use discretion. ;)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Leave them a note each day this week somewhere in their book bag, folder, or lunch box. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Eat out one night, or three. You can make it really cheap. Look for cheap kids meals. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Cook their favorite breakfast one day this week. Let them pick the menu. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Same for dinner. Let each kid pick dinner and let them help you make it. OR, let them make it themselves. Warning: This can get crazy. And a tad messy. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>On the last day of school, surprise them with a Summer bucket. You can get a beach pail from the dollar store and put little things in the bucket that your kids would like. Crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk, bubble bath, candy, etc. Big kids like this too! Just use big kid items instead. ;)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Make a Summer bucket list this week with your family. Again, get a bucket from dollar store, and get clothes pins. Write activities to do this Summer in marker on the clothes pin, and pin it to the rim of the bucket. When you do the activity, throw the clothes pin in the bucket! Kids love this. Any age!</em><br />
<br />
Motherhood can be so serious at times. My hope is that my children will remember that life is to be celebrated! Every day is a chance to celebrate. To be thankful. To choose JOY. <br />
<br />
Joy is contagious. It affects all who enter into its presence. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22</strong></em><br />
<br />
Don't you love that?<br />
<br />
How do you celebrate? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
looking for clothes pins, <br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-82229936229445802412016-02-22T17:43:00.002-05:002016-02-22T17:43:53.272-05:00Don't give up little Momma....<br />
Every Sunday I teach a group of 7th and 8th grade girls at our church. It's the hardest thing I have ever done. By far. Not because <em>they</em> are hard, but because there is a pretty large generational gap between us. My comfort zone is women closer to my age, or older. <br />
<br />
I often wonder if these precious girls are "getting" what I am trying to teach them. These girls are very smart, and very wise. However, I still feel inadequate at times when trying to relate a concept to them. <br />
<br />
However, I am reassured by God's Word being the foundation of our conversations. His Word is transcending and relatable to all ages and generations. So, even if I blow it in my teaching, they will get it when the Word is spoken. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" Romans 10:17</em></strong><br />
<br />
As parents, I think we feel this way with our children at times. At least I do. <br />
<br />
When I speak to my 14 year old son, his response is not always what I want to hear. <br />
<br />
I often wonder if he thinks I am just talking to hear myself talk. He's a really good kid. He tries to listen. He really does. But half the time I think he's not really comprehending because his thoughts are far away. In teenage boy land. <br />
<br />
I have a choice. I can let this make me angry and yell at him for not listening. <br />
<br />
Or, I can speak in my normal tone and convey what I am trying to say as calmly as possible. <br />
<br />
Often I have raised my voice. However, I am beginning to see that I really don't have to yell. <br />
<br />
He is listening. Whether he realizes it or not. <br />
<br />
Our brains are pretty powerful. They can soak up information that we don't even realize they are soaking up. <br />
<br />
When my husband leaves the <span style="background-color: yellow;">TV </span>on at night, I will have dreams about the shows he is watching. I am not even cognizant or awake, but my brain is listening and taking it in. <br />
<br />
Crazy, right?<br />
<br />
So, why am I telling you all of this. <br />
<br />
Because, I want us to not give up as parents. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 4:9</strong></em><span class="p"><br /></span><br />
I want us to keep talking to our kids. Keep teaching them. Keep praising them more than we criticize them. Keep pouring God's word into them. <br />
<br />
They are listening. <br />
<br />
<strong><em><span class="text Deut-6-6" id="en-NIV-5093"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5093E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5093E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Deut-6-7" id="en-NIV-5094"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5094F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5094F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></em></strong><br />
<br />
Tape scripture under their beds. Around their bathroom mirror. Hide them in their book bags. Hide them in their diaper bags. Yes, even there. <br />
<br />
Even if your children are very young, God's word will translate to the language their little hearts can understand. Just keep speaking it to them. <br />
<br />
His Word is alive. It will penetrate into their hearts. Be patient and trust in Him to work. <br />
<br />
Do not lose heart, whatever you do. Every single prayer prayed on behalf of our children is a seed planted for a harvest one day. His Word will never return void. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
I love this scripture. No matter what the "outside" shows in the lives of your children, it's the inside that God is renewing. Trust Him to do this!<br />
<br />
Believe He will. <br />
<br />
Stake your claim on the promises found in His Word and pray it over your children. <br />
<br />
Ask God to <em>"hide His word in your child's heart".</em><strong> <em>Psalm 119:11</em></strong><br />
<br />
Never stop speaking God's word over them. No matter how old they are, speak it. Speak it daily. <br />
<br />
The more we repetitively hear something, the more we believe it to be true. <br />
<br />
<em><strong>"I will never stop praising the Lord, His praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1</strong></em><br />
<br />
Be a broken record of praise over your children. Let them know you mean it when you say that they are <em>"fearfully and wonderfully</em>" made.<em><strong> Psalm 139:14</strong></em><br />
<br />
Be your child's biggest fan. Not their worst critic. Let them feel safe with you. Not threatened by your judgement and critical spirit towards them. <br />
<br />
We will never as parents always get it right. But, we can love the living daylights out of our children even when we stumble and bumble our way about in this parenting world. A humble heart before the Lord goes a long, long way. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>He leads the humble in what is right, </em><em>and teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:9</em></strong><br />When we ask for God to lead us, He will. <br />
<br /><strong><em>"in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:6</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
I came across the following scripture recently when I was at a loss with one of my children. I needed wisdom and I just wasn't sure what the right thing to do was. <br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong>He tends his flock like a shepherd: <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-11">He gathers the lambs in his arms </span></span><span class="text Isa-40-11">and carries them close to his heart; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11">he gently leads<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18432D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18432D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> those that have young. Isaiah 40:11</span></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11"></span></span></strong></em><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11">And all the momma's said AMEN. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11">lead us Lord, </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-11">jill</span></span>Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-87449132350769846332016-02-21T21:10:00.003-05:002016-02-21T21:10:27.494-05:00Laundry and Jesus....I have to share with you an experience that I had yesterday at the Laundromat.<em> Experience</em> is the word I use because when I was telling the story to my fourteen year old son, he said, <em>"Mom, that's not really a story, but an experience."</em><br />
<br />
Don't you love being corrected by your child? So much fun. <br />
<br />
First, let me start by saying that we finally [finally!] got moved into our house. Whew. This has been a journey. A long one. <br />
<br />
Anyway, remember how I told you about my over-sized laundry room? If you forgot, see <a href="http://www.shinegirlsshine.com/2016/01/i-hate-laundry.html">post here.</a> <br />
<br />
It's bigger than my kitchen. I am not kidding. My kitchen is teeny tiny and this laundry room is ridiculous. Go figure.<br />
<br />
As we began to settle in a bit last week, our washing machine decided she was ready to retire. RETIRE. After only about 4 good years of service. FOUR. <br />
<br />
Who retires after four years? Well, she does I guess. <br />
<br />
The repairman came to try to work on her, but she was going to be more costly to repair than replace. So, we have a new one on the way. <br />
<br />
With that said, I have been without a washer for over a week. Make that going on two weeks. Yep. <br />
<br />
I'm all about a laundry strike, don't get me wrong. But, things start to get smelly after a while. Know what I mean?<br />
<br />
So, yesterday, instead of invading my sweet friend Kim's home, again, to do my laundry, I visited the local Laundromat, The Wash Rock. Catchy name, right?<br />
<br />
I walk in with a not-so-great attitude and my four loads of laundry. <br />
<br />
I felt like I was in a foreign land. I had no idea what to do. Which machine? There are so many!<br />
<br />
As I stand there with my laundry spilling out of my baskets, I feel people staring. Ugh. My new organic deodorant apparently is not working, because I am sweating like an elephant under circus lights. <br />
<br />
Finally, I meekly asked a lady how this works and which machine to use. <br />
<br />
She gladly showed me the ropes. I could have hugged her right then and there. Except I was holding smelly laundry and my pits were sweating profusely. <br />
<br />
I started my loads, and began to sit down to make my grocery list, catch up on emails, and write in my planner. <br />
<br />
However, before I could even sit down, my first load was done. Whew. That was fast. A little too fast. I was kind of looking forward to some "down time". <br />
<br />
It all went by so quickly! I now know why people use Laundromats. They are fast! You can also do many loads at one time. [Just be prepared to have a small fortune in quarters. Good grief.]<br />
<br />
As I was folding up my last load, I noticed a young man. He looked very thin. And very frail. <br />
<br />
He was no more than 25 years old. <br />
<br />
He was having trouble getting his clothes out of the washer. He had used an older washer I guess to save money, but it left the clothes soaking wet. Almost like it had not used a spin cycle at all to drain the water. <br />
<br />
As he took the clothes out of the washer, water was dripping everywhere. I could tell he was embarrassed. Their were a lot of people around. A puddle was forming at his feet. <br />
<br />
More than anything, I wanted to throw my laundry down and go and help him. I wanted to ask him if he had eaten, or if he needed clothes, or money for the dryer. I tried to think of a million scenarios to try to talk to him and offer to help. I prayed and asked God, "what can I do??"<br />
<br />
The scripture that the Lord laid on my heart was this,<strong><em> "Be still."</em></strong><br />
<br />
I wanted so badly to give him something. To help in some way. Yet, I knew in my heart that wasn't my purpose. God wanted me to <em>see</em> this man. God wanted me to <em>see</em>, because often I don't see. <br />
<br />
<em>Often, I am at home in my own comfy house, using my own washing machine, and my own dryer. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Often, I have my face in my phone instead of noticing those around me. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Often, I am too busy thinking of my "wants" instead of the basic needs of others. </em><br />
<br />
God wasn't trying to condemn me. No. <br />
<br />
God was using conviction to cleanse my heart. To not just cleanse it, but to break it wide open. <br />
<br />
To pieces. <br />
<br />
I will never shake this experience. This man. <br />
<br />
I don't know his name, but God does. <br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
God tells us in Isaiah..."<strong><em>See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands". Isaiah 49:16</em></strong><br />
<br />
Since seeing this man, I have prayed for him fervently. Not because I think he desperately needs my prayers, but because I desperately need to remember him. <br />
<br />
I need to remember this raw heart feeling. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Therefore, I will always remind you about these things--even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 2 Peter 1:12</em></strong><br />
<br />
It's not about a broken washing machine, but about a broken heart. A heart that notices others. A heart that decides to see instead of building a wall so tall around it that the view is blocked. <br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NIV-24049"><span class="woj"><strong><em><sup class="versenum">40 </sup>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40</em></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">We are surrounded by the least of these. Surrounded. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">However, before we can "do", we must "see". </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Our eyes have to be open, our hearts prepared for the mission he has for us each day. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">We must be in alignment with the Lord each and every moment. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">From the moment our eyes open, we need to ask Him to speak. To show. To teach. To convict. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Being in the will of God will always be about noticing and acting on the needs of others. Always. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">We need to look no further than Jesus for this example. Nothing He did was for Himself. Jesus spent all of His days seeing, hearing, teaching, ministering, feeding, and loving others. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Not a minute was wasted. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Let's follow Jesus' example. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Starting today, let's open our eyes. Open our hearts to a world that needs the Love and Hope of Christ. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">Who will you <em>see</em> today? </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">eyes wide open, </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40"><span class="woj">jill</span></span>Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-73805878082914204572015-11-27T21:49:00.002-05:002015-11-27T22:08:29.005-05:00Memory Lane....<strong><em>The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Psalm 115:14<span class="p"></span></em></strong><br />
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Every once in a while, I go through my pictures. It always stops me in my tracks. I cannot believe how fast time goes by. <br />
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It makes me realize a few things...<br />
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Life is precious. <br />
Life is fleeting. <br />
Children grow. <br />
Moments pass. Good ones and bad ones. <br />
Love can be captured in a picture. <br />
I have so much to be thankful for.<br />
God is good. <br />
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Here are a few I came across...</div>
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<span id="goog_95004718"></span><span id="goog_95004719"></span><br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-19511556040509853852015-11-05T17:03:00.000-05:002015-11-05T17:03:08.456-05:00Joseph's First Homecoming....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, if you have been following my blog since 2008, you know how this day must have felt for me. You know the tears I have cried over my kids growing up stages. You've seen it all splattered on the pages of this blog. </div>
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Well, guess what? God prepares your little heart for each stage. He really does! If you would have told me in 2008 that I would not have been a crying mess the day of my son's first Homecoming, I would have accused you of lying. </div>
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Joseph's first Homecoming was so much fun! We had no clue what we were doing, or what he should wear. Let me just say--things have changed since the early 90's when Lem and I went to homecoming. I mean, really changed.</div>
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So, after asking some of the parents with older homecoming age kids, we figured out the deal. Shew. Of course, this was after Mama Jane bought him his first suit. Oops. Apparently, suits are too dressy for homecoming these days. A jacket and khaki's are the thing. </div>
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Mama Jane, Joseph will wear his new suit to church every sunday and to every single holiday gathering. Okay??</div>
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Joseph went to homecoming with a sweet and beautiful girl named Lucia. She and Joseph have known each other for a very long time. Very cute little couple!</div>
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I will let the pictures do the talking from here on out...ok?</div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong>Joseph's First Homecoming</strong></div>
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<strong>October 17th, 2015</strong></div>
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<strong>Morgan County High School</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yzbgpv1kHnYKAU38p_-OyufZyPld6VTh4AI9JmVSBGPUjOwwrNqQdOFqlEUt533ZFg5qqdvuWcq5lfbNMS8To5I9QX-yD2V7z0xTUlWFfUk6PS9r0IiyEEhjXTrDq-D30b4LWtAo5heJ/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yzbgpv1kHnYKAU38p_-OyufZyPld6VTh4AI9JmVSBGPUjOwwrNqQdOFqlEUt533ZFg5qqdvuWcq5lfbNMS8To5I9QX-yD2V7z0xTUlWFfUk6PS9r0IiyEEhjXTrDq-D30b4LWtAo5heJ/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lookin' good, buddy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNCzYg0OdSi1P-D2gYXacOWmVfc-rUHTWLCGB3doN5GV0b3gyVhGNaCBooSN50lMuK3zsPpOiLhxmllkuulvD51o5020FFN63ZyD16jcT1BY5M14uqcrSvqZt9ZzFz88Fx3I9LR-jnasv/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNCzYg0OdSi1P-D2gYXacOWmVfc-rUHTWLCGB3doN5GV0b3gyVhGNaCBooSN50lMuK3zsPpOiLhxmllkuulvD51o5020FFN63ZyD16jcT1BY5M14uqcrSvqZt9ZzFz88Fx3I9LR-jnasv/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to snap pics of Lem helping out his boy--priceless</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuTdomBTUypL851R_lufKhBucvdPhRMNjZdR1yeEgx8TNWaESF8uevpGi-MzMO6el8JYxHCTVmFLeecD7DJaT3Nqi_ypgwRlIThAE3fLt9pL9zyeE2OMNqQYGJYT__x_H6GlQC2S4JhNy/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuTdomBTUypL851R_lufKhBucvdPhRMNjZdR1yeEgx8TNWaESF8uevpGi-MzMO6el8JYxHCTVmFLeecD7DJaT3Nqi_ypgwRlIThAE3fLt9pL9zyeE2OMNqQYGJYT__x_H6GlQC2S4JhNy/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">adjusting those suspenders...</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIrIZutfhnfrBAY-Hgf4DVOKInRkz96T-sJU_aC9s6VIfim2NAiDt08XpYtzAalRW6rpsE9px2TxHrYLbtP1sQJKUgf1MSbNtnT5cjuovlA-GzPv0KY_8cXQylwJF5dZqCU4QYXoNtJU/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrIrIZutfhnfrBAY-Hgf4DVOKInRkz96T-sJU_aC9s6VIfim2NAiDt08XpYtzAalRW6rpsE9px2TxHrYLbtP1sQJKUgf1MSbNtnT5cjuovlA-GzPv0KY_8cXQylwJF5dZqCU4QYXoNtJU/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThNHCc0PwxTo9NeCtebD2yI8xzYmRFk2s6yRwTVvHUoQfKmNHztkK8NzS6NNHQIN6Da64lUrYJ6k389Xu46fhjSVlzR5QI-Lr5WFs9eqdKlcW093a-klNIS_jf75GyMsym0OItXKfZD1L/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThNHCc0PwxTo9NeCtebD2yI8xzYmRFk2s6yRwTVvHUoQfKmNHztkK8NzS6NNHQIN6Da64lUrYJ6k389Xu46fhjSVlzR5QI-Lr5WFs9eqdKlcW093a-klNIS_jf75GyMsym0OItXKfZD1L/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">just making sure everything is good...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCIPxOzK801gP_MlHl1jW98x3E-FiBKJFKF5soXAgFFHEcfS6s6lMEoieqFFGqSZ_d78PUQOFtj63Y1Df1SaZGEzvrQbxxD3w754vxbf1nVOrMKS1U2N3wXwbl2yOFXKktnjqGhR1FZ4r/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCIPxOzK801gP_MlHl1jW98x3E-FiBKJFKF5soXAgFFHEcfS6s6lMEoieqFFGqSZ_d78PUQOFtj63Y1Df1SaZGEzvrQbxxD3w754vxbf1nVOrMKS1U2N3wXwbl2yOFXKktnjqGhR1FZ4r/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, I had to look cute too!! It's my first time being momma to a </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">homecoming boy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcGM3km78w63MXqZNc6TlTJVIoZJaRyHyrU2Of2t50m3czGALP1NJHr3LMeM7tJ6AFiRogXWnl0u81vadfxr86-QHdW_7FdB5g8exVwFumfEQEbKeUQrKV1SCXt4SyMqnPbBADAYsqVCn/s1600/DSC_0045-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcGM3km78w63MXqZNc6TlTJVIoZJaRyHyrU2Of2t50m3czGALP1NJHr3LMeM7tJ6AFiRogXWnl0u81vadfxr86-QHdW_7FdB5g8exVwFumfEQEbKeUQrKV1SCXt4SyMqnPbBADAYsqVCn/s320/DSC_0045-001.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Presley wishing her brother good luck!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukQTvIMwMvSf9WxOhvO3GuWMn6ouhEArreJgr9Ux2Ve__hegd6aQx9brdpQYwCA-LncN2VU_B7_aU5kp2G_j1yOHcLKCi65RaLMI7K7hxjFhlbJx6-x_8WhEmf1Hm3tuNncDw3vvGgqax/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukQTvIMwMvSf9WxOhvO3GuWMn6ouhEArreJgr9Ux2Ve__hegd6aQx9brdpQYwCA-LncN2VU_B7_aU5kp2G_j1yOHcLKCi65RaLMI7K7hxjFhlbJx6-x_8WhEmf1Hm3tuNncDw3vvGgqax/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the pretty girls</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KwUNakgoqgz3fuXA94faW-XA6DnVxsywm-0Jp_R8tHBBGk5jmhOQLwpfIHk4MCNbGoEMv7dD4dlFzbFFtqPPIUMybSix-j8ZBdyWkaRXJYRoL2McdWZbEQXr6KfSYFxdw9mambfsCcx_/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KwUNakgoqgz3fuXA94faW-XA6DnVxsywm-0Jp_R8tHBBGk5jmhOQLwpfIHk4MCNbGoEMv7dD4dlFzbFFtqPPIUMybSix-j8ZBdyWkaRXJYRoL2McdWZbEQXr6KfSYFxdw9mambfsCcx_/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Okay, stay with me here....it's funny</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oW0n7u1JXF0wV0-_LciDNN293sH1-j9yIwXke6qyezdHNpqTnf4oPVwYtrOCpQKBuR8G_1BvJO2cZS2kexFyZcxF0tOt277pM11iIAdInj7_7bPun54vmTxiCVRYalMbEytQKJy06AmP/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oW0n7u1JXF0wV0-_LciDNN293sH1-j9yIwXke6qyezdHNpqTnf4oPVwYtrOCpQKBuR8G_1BvJO2cZS2kexFyZcxF0tOt277pM11iIAdInj7_7bPun54vmTxiCVRYalMbEytQKJy06AmP/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joseph trying to figure out how to work this corsage thinghy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBG6rlSqCJhko4MnIL5VS7O1dLDH9dfFIhqZQO11udV9FKLY3O1MJC63KLHw5GXqvDfnIxBeNNP5c7tgSSVtEnJSZtqLPVYyhIeq8bGJS-ZLGRBwsy7CKTfe-rns1f3gzLjdx91qyKMu4/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBG6rlSqCJhko4MnIL5VS7O1dLDH9dfFIhqZQO11udV9FKLY3O1MJC63KLHw5GXqvDfnIxBeNNP5c7tgSSVtEnJSZtqLPVYyhIeq8bGJS-ZLGRBwsy7CKTfe-rns1f3gzLjdx91qyKMu4/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Okay, getting it figured out...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oRKdXLcbimg4bzAuUZp8MTWUMlr7OHtqWV33BPG-FrtC-LeRnIKYWFUdIXGgMZHenUOptdtMfEZW9lrrkJs-3VzsXtYIK6phuVC8Uf8bbNJedabxSnFXEVhefPhMK4MOH1uYAqQ9H8z/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oRKdXLcbimg4bzAuUZp8MTWUMlr7OHtqWV33BPG-FrtC-LeRnIKYWFUdIXGgMZHenUOptdtMfEZW9lrrkJs-3VzsXtYIK6phuVC8Uf8bbNJedabxSnFXEVhefPhMK4MOH1uYAqQ9H8z/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still working on it...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbbjr87161eSN2JxJkbPJ5ghovE72Fj2qVs5uZjajhgXeChsvAd-3vFMdw0m6qJuHh_ufqjdPy03aky95o1JTI9HbMs-aBE8eJoqMEYw4h7hBdHZlj_7XTEyjr5TcyDNmhMwhvZUpm8lf/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbbjr87161eSN2JxJkbPJ5ghovE72Fj2qVs5uZjajhgXeChsvAd-3vFMdw0m6qJuHh_ufqjdPy03aky95o1JTI9HbMs-aBE8eJoqMEYw4h7hBdHZlj_7XTEyjr5TcyDNmhMwhvZUpm8lf/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">GOT IT! As Lucia laughs..:)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcvYDUFmiVGS5wdizQjyu0jeNpErOQaPNdFxrG1H3O4tbfw_XWEf6sevOTbvj3lVU7SG69cRsCfrMIcOJA2LxGQ4k0XcWsH5L3QFceyx1_gw1xddHWqYYX3dau3PQjPEHyYGCz2Bz_xSP/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcvYDUFmiVGS5wdizQjyu0jeNpErOQaPNdFxrG1H3O4tbfw_XWEf6sevOTbvj3lVU7SG69cRsCfrMIcOJA2LxGQ4k0XcWsH5L3QFceyx1_gw1xddHWqYYX3dau3PQjPEHyYGCz2Bz_xSP/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSNGjBdBQCyIcwQnlY_xvV1WsyxcQhExhzS7iarvaD1BM14u7x8vB0cJMDU_kfkffmNUE2mPdZc1JsPHJyGL4yXfumL9eYyBLlnwA_RMD3VlbVZxptawqyAYCjuETFz7hhuREjHlj-t7m/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSNGjBdBQCyIcwQnlY_xvV1WsyxcQhExhzS7iarvaD1BM14u7x8vB0cJMDU_kfkffmNUE2mPdZc1JsPHJyGL4yXfumL9eYyBLlnwA_RMD3VlbVZxptawqyAYCjuETFz7hhuREjHlj-t7m/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZGnfltbxLmNJi8NHo59TFsBvXKWUhWUJyKiDAGAX2knG622Ok1ZMIuAXMpkNOP2SHFViYCc6eR66CUH3f7XUfCTpeKLw3z1LK24qZ2Tsy8Csy3P8KmhHQr0CRxTfuW03JyNjh-yiBZX7/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZGnfltbxLmNJi8NHo59TFsBvXKWUhWUJyKiDAGAX2knG622Ok1ZMIuAXMpkNOP2SHFViYCc6eR66CUH3f7XUfCTpeKLw3z1LK24qZ2Tsy8Csy3P8KmhHQr0CRxTfuW03JyNjh-yiBZX7/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now Lucia's turn to pin the flower...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tMIJapxM9CKvWZ_Qd0l95n1w-0bAPajJpT_AEajlzY64Xxuz5FQgjfryUWtD_LR-C51t4GeByS2TiXkF8B8f6v4VFHOPSCxLSTnAjsm9_u-8lQfkQbOHB3h_7cQQhiiO3Ns9R_wmu3f1/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tMIJapxM9CKvWZ_Qd0l95n1w-0bAPajJpT_AEajlzY64Xxuz5FQgjfryUWtD_LR-C51t4GeByS2TiXkF8B8f6v4VFHOPSCxLSTnAjsm9_u-8lQfkQbOHB3h_7cQQhiiO3Ns9R_wmu3f1/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Something cracked her up...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpE_d5z4WjYTsbIJllbMGiA591O1x5MwHJJxbwT2ENebnUhmzPgW-zuhfAFM6hHOh2CnJtozVQhsxNAYRsE4nfEtQ3-Nma2VAEYrWTKmposPfPqvnodIls63hOc7CQxe0MFnE8t04dO9L/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpE_d5z4WjYTsbIJllbMGiA591O1x5MwHJJxbwT2ENebnUhmzPgW-zuhfAFM6hHOh2CnJtozVQhsxNAYRsE4nfEtQ3-Nma2VAEYrWTKmposPfPqvnodIls63hOc7CQxe0MFnE8t04dO9L/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's taking a while...notice the boy in the background yawning...</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogICpgzojtK1ApRc6t0QIfKFkc-Ka-OMsopUrWfhavTDU092dVM75KNFqS6ArIK6O2GuMRvHFfVmBAEBdFz4SVtbX2YGoS3BflEdkgUvvVbBpjoHLfXQ4U2h4_ja-D_X0XFbFOdlnRMe/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOogICpgzojtK1ApRc6t0QIfKFkc-Ka-OMsopUrWfhavTDU092dVM75KNFqS6ArIK6O2GuMRvHFfVmBAEBdFz4SVtbX2YGoS3BflEdkgUvvVbBpjoHLfXQ4U2h4_ja-D_X0XFbFOdlnRMe/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...and a bigger yawn from boy in background...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OP400n2bFr_qNggTFbdmN_ghQAMldqUs3WtNhQx7Xdj9whBjOIirr8XbaKCDi3fbAcVSmsXnLhfZpXo6dRigJop1aestpAeqfnc5a1xbyrr_P-Y_iQ5S83ocLu7xskd-n0us92cDwBh4/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OP400n2bFr_qNggTFbdmN_ghQAMldqUs3WtNhQx7Xdj9whBjOIirr8XbaKCDi3fbAcVSmsXnLhfZpXo6dRigJop1aestpAeqfnc5a1xbyrr_P-Y_iQ5S83ocLu7xskd-n0us92cDwBh4/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Got it!</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixayilMFHNci85CsZh6JTx5CXE5ogokE6MkNUnDDhqU9vEoimddUhvaGfV27l-0Ikw2x1I_90FUaJzwdQBA2ZOky7jZd4CEkOZchpWESB12yxQDmG7EIVljmNO0avlObqNFEdCFUteNKz7/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixayilMFHNci85CsZh6JTx5CXE5ogokE6MkNUnDDhqU9vEoimddUhvaGfV27l-0Ikw2x1I_90FUaJzwdQBA2ZOky7jZd4CEkOZchpWESB12yxQDmG7EIVljmNO0avlObqNFEdCFUteNKz7/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now they can go and have fun!!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-79090107138291121912015-07-22T17:10:00.001-04:002015-11-18T10:33:01.438-05:00Divide and be Conquered....<br />
<span class="woj"><strong><em>“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." Matthew 12:25</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
The best way to describe it is a restlessness within my spirit. A severe awareness of some enormous spiritual warfare taking place in our homes. Right under our own roofs.<br />
<br />
We MUST do something.<br />
<br />
Do you know that the enemy's plan is to divide and conquer? Do you know that the best way that the enemy can spread evil and his plan is by first getting a foothold into our families? Once he divides us, he is more easily able to conquer us.<br />
<br />
Think about something for a minute...<br />
<br />
Are there family members in your life that you do not speak to? Is there division of any kind in your family? Do you see the enemy's tactic here? Divide and destroy.<br />
<br />
Jesus tells us this: <strong><em>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10</em></strong><br />
<br />
We must not be deceived any longer! We must open our eyes to the enemy's tactics and LIES. He is a thief. He is a liar. He is a destroyer.<br />
<br />
There's a war raging around us. A battle for our hearts! A battle for our loyalties! A battle of our marriages! A battle for our children! A battle for our families! We think the battle is overseas, so we worry, we pray, we fear the enemy coming here.<br />
<br />
The evil is here. Fighting to get into our homes. Dividing us even on spiritual issues. Dividing us on every level. How can we show love to a dying world when we cannot show love to those living under our own roofs? How can we show love to a dying world when we hate our neighbors?<br />
<br />
The greatest tool we have to fight evil is to LOVE like Christ. It starts here. In our houses. In our neighborhoods. In our churches. If we are not loving those around us, how can we ever love the world?<br />
<br />
I think we get it backwards sometimes. We want world peace, yet we live at war with our spouses, our children, our family members, our neighbors. This is contrary to God's will for us.<br />
<br />
There is a lack of love going on. We are becoming immune to our fellow brothers and sisters. We want to be right. At the expense of showing the love of Christ. If we are not careful we become Pharisees. Knowing the law, quoting the law, but forgetting the greatest command of all....to Love.<br />
<br />
Are we heeding this call?<br />
<br />
Or are we letting our flesh and pride win these battles. All the while the enemy takes on another win--another family.<br />
<br />
Another way the enemy wins is by distracting us. Distracting us from our marriages, our children, our homes. We are lured away, just like our sister Eve. The enemy uses different tactics to lure. He watches us to see what will draw our hearts away from home. Be sure that he knows you. He watches you, and he is always waiting for an opportunity to lure you away from your home.<br />
<br />
We must know what our children are up to. What are they doing in their rooms? Who are their friends? Who are they talking to and texting with day after day? The enemy is subtle. He will come in ways that we never expect. We must be watchful.<br />
<br />
If the enemy cannot get a foothold into our marriages, he will go straight for our children.<br />
<br />
We must stand strong. Be present. Be diligent and wide-eyed about the battle for our family.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13</b></i><br />
<br />
If you don't think the enemy is after your family, think again. He is out to destroy you.<br />
<br />
What do we do?<br />
<br />
Jesus tells us this:<em><strong> "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” </strong></em><a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Luke 10.19" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2010.19"><span style="color: #c67f2d;"><em><strong>Luke 10:19</strong></em></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pray like Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Love like Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Speak Truth like Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
Love is only powerful and effective when combined with Truth. Jesus was the perfect combination of love and truth. The Pharisees before him were bent on law, not love. Jesus came to fulfill the law with LOVE and TRUTH.<br />
<br />
We are not loving like Jesus if we are not speaking truth to those around us. Not the world's kind of truth either. Not truth's based on our opinions or on pop culture.<br />
<br />
God warns us in Revelation 3:16: <em><strong>So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.</strong></em><br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
Aren't we being luke warm when we insist on love without truth? Aren't we avoiding the truth to make a more comfortable path for us and them?<br />
<br />
God's Word is the only truth. Our opinions mean nothing. It's His Word that stands True. The only rock that holds. We must stop [myself included in a HUGE way], reading people's opinions and thought online. These words have the power to infuriate us or appease us. We must read what God says. What does God say about this? We are seriously misled when we jump on a bandwagon of hatred. This is not right, y'all. This grieves the Holy Spirit.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b> Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39</b></i><br />
<br />
Pretty simple here: Love God. Love your neighbor.<br />
<br />
We cannot sit idly by and water down His Word thinking we are showing love. This is not Christ-like Love.<br />
<br />
Are we loving each other enough speak truth? Or are we walking on egg shells around hard issues because we don't want to come across as judgemental.<br />
<br />
We are not the judge. God is the only Judge.<br />
<br />
<b><i>God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? James 4:12</i></b><br />
<br />
Our job is to love like Jesus. Speak Truth like Jesus.<br />
<br />
People want to hear truth. Our spirits were designed for God's Truth to resonate.<br />
<br />
Be clear that the enemy has all of our families on his target. He is out to divide and conquer. With lies. Big, seething lies.<br />
<br />
The good news is that <strong><em>"He who lives within us is greater than he that is within the world!"1 John 4:4</em></strong><br />
<br />
Love until it hurts. Speak the truth of His Word even when it's uncomfortable. They are not our words anyway, they are His. His Words will never return void.<br />
<br />
The battle belongs to the Lord.<br />
<br />
We can rest in that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-48753018604505122132015-05-14T22:25:00.000-04:002015-05-14T22:39:31.474-04:00Two are better than one....When my children were born, I began a journal for them. I would write them letters each time I had the chance to sit down. Which was very rare. <br />
<br />
I still write in these journals when I have time. Which, again, is very rare. <br />
<br />
Today I witnessed such love and friendship among my circle of friends. I was literally moved to tears over an act of love that was done for our precious friend, Erin. Erin's husband Chuck was in a terrible accident at work two weeks ago. Truly, it is a miracle he is alive. <br />
<br />
Chuck will be coming home from the hospital this weekend. Finally.<br />
<br />
On a side note, we are trying to raise 10,000 to help them in their time of need. If you feel led to donate any amount, please visit this <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/th6px4k?fb_action_ids=10205214840665258&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_ref=undefined&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B991339404209452%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22undefined%22%5D">Go Fund Me link</a>. Thank you so much. <br />
<br />
Erin's friends decided that we all needed to make her home "ready" for when they arrive. It was a beautiful sight to see my friends cleaning, scrubbing, folding clothes, vacuuming, and wiping down counter tops. A sight I will NEVER forget. <br />
<br />
Here we are...I promise I don't usually wear a dress when I clean. Although, I am a dead ringer for June Cleaver in this picture. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
When I pulled out of the drive way, I broke down in tears. I was literally broken by the love that took place in that house. <br />
<br />
I immediately thanked the Lord for friends like this. I then prayed that my children would be surrounded by these kinds of friends. <br />
<br />
Here is a letter that I wrote to my daughter Presley telling her the importance of friendship. I am definitely not an expert on the subject, but I have definitely learned some things along the way. <br />
Words will never be able to properly convey my heart, but here goes. <br />
<br />
Dear Presley, <br />
<br />
Today I witnessed a beautiful sight. I wish so much you could have been with me. I would have loved for you to witness such a gift of love. You surely would have never forgotten this day. I know that I never will. <br />
<br />
Here is my take away from today: <br />
<br />
Choose your friendships wisely. <br />
<br />
Pray for God to guide you to the right friends. <br />
<br />
Surround yourself with godly girlfriends. <br />
<br />
Be a good friend. <br />
<br />
Show up for your friends. [Even when you don't know what to say, show up anyway.]<br />
<br />
Make time for friendships. [you will need them one day.]<br />
<br />
Be a loyal friend. If you would not say something to your friend's face, then do not say it behind her back. This is HUGE. People will catch on quickly if you are always tearing down someone else. <br />
<br />
Be the kind of friend that you want in return. [enough said]<br />
<br />
Be an encourager of your friends. Always. No matter what. <br />
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Be an encourager of your friends marriage. NEVER dog your friend's spouse. Ever. Support your friends marriage every chance you get. Be very leery of a friend who sets you against your spouse. Dangerous ground. Very dangerous ground. <br />
<br />
Be a listener. Let me repeat: Be a listener. Don't hog the conversation with all of your stuff. Take time to hear your friend. You just may learn something by listening. <br />
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Pray for your friends. Daily. Cover them in prayer. Thank God for them and pray blessings upon them and their family. <br />
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Don't take everything personal. Really, it's not all about you. Be a big girl. Try not to be so sensitive to every little thing in your friendships. It's annoying to be so sensitive that people have to walk on eggs shells around you. <br />
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Encourage your friends to be friends with each other. This is the BEST thing ever. When the people you love meet other people you love, it just makes life FUN!!! <br />
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Love your friend's children. Take the time to get to know them. Talk to them. Look them in the eyes. The friends that I am the closest to, LOVE my children. This is so HUGE. When friends love on your kids, it makes for an even sweeter friendship. <br />
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Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. EVERY single time. This will give your heart so much peace. So MUCH PEACE. Never assume the worst. Ever. Give everyone in your life mercy. Endless mercy. Because you will want mercy as well. <br />
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Nobody is perfect. Not even you. Don't expect your friends to be perfect. They will fail you in this. And you will fail them. Be gracious and make it a habit to overlook their faults on a very regular basis. You will want them to overlook yours. <br />
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Support your friends. Be their biggest fan. Toot their horn for them. Tell the world of their gifts and talents. Everyone needs a friend like this. Even if you think they don't need another fan...they DO! Be their biggest cheerleader. <br />
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Do not ever be jealous of your friends having other friends. Encourage them in other friendships. Be glad for them. Nobody likes a jealous friend. <br />
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Jealousy will enter in at some point with certain friends. FIGHT against it with prayer. Jealousy will destroy relationships in one fail swoop. Do not let your friendships be taken down by this ugly green-eyed monster. Pray against a jealous heart on a daily basis. <br />
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When your friends find success, be happy for them! Be truly happy for them! Let them know how happy you are---and mean it!<br />
<br />
Call your friends back. Text your friends back. Even if it is just a short little message. Let them know they are important. It's rude and tactless to never respond. Try to be diligent with this. [I am still working on this too!]<br />
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Know your friends' birthdays. Call them or send them a card. Celebrate them! Don't you love to be celebrated?<br />
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If you are caught in the middle of a conversation where another friend is being torn apart, be brave. Speak up and take up for your friend. Silence is not always golden. You can still be kind to the friends that are tearing to pieces the other friend. Just let them know you do not want to be a part of this kind of conversation. Your friends will appreciate your bravery. And they will probably secretly hope to have your courage one day. They will also know and appreciate that you would take up for them as well. <br />
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Be leery of friends who always have a "secret" to share about someone else. They will be sharing your secrets too. Be careful. The bible tells us not to "throw our pearls to pigs." Take this to heart. Along with this, guard a friend who has entrusted a secret to you with your life. Throw away the key. <br />
<br />
Remember, friendships can go through seasons. Don't get discouraged if you find yourself a little distant or out of sync with certain friends. Don't focus on the distance. Focus on the ones you have right in front of you in that season. Seasons come and go. Enjoy each friend in each season. <br />
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Don't forget to LAUGH with your friends! Even in the sad times, find the JOY! God's Word says that a cheerful heart is the best medicine. IT IS TRUE. <br />
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Surround yourself with different ages of friends. Older ones, younger ones, and ones that are the same age. You will learn from ALL OF THEM. I promise you this! <br />
<br />
Have at least one or two friends that are mentors to you. Friends that you can learn things from in being a wife and in motherhood. Do not be intimidated by these kind of friends. Soak up every ounce of their wisdom on a regular basis. I cannot stress to you how important this is! Highlight this one!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, Presley. I am praying for your friendships. What a gift it will be to my heart to see you surrounded by godly girlfriends as you grow up. You can count on me to daily encourage you in this area. I will daily pray for you to be that kind of friend as well. <br />
<br />
I love you. So much. <br />
<br />
your biggest fan, <br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong></strong></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Two are better than one,<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-9">because they have a good return for their labor:</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-4-10" id="en-NIV-17392">If either of them falls down,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-10">one can help the other up.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-4-10">But pity anyone who falls</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-10">and has no one to help them up.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-4-11" id="en-NIV-17393">Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-11">But how can one keep warm alone?</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-4-12" id="en-NIV-17394">Though one may be overpowered,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-4-12">two can defend themselves.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-4-12">A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.</span></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><span class="text Eccl-4-12">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</span></strong></em></div>
Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-50094635152185507352015-02-20T21:28:00.000-05:002015-02-20T21:32:41.177-05:00Forty is the new....FortySo, this is the year I turned 40. I know, you are shocked, right?! ;)<br />
<br />
My friends hosted a wonderful dinner for me at Cafe Milano a week before my birthday. I was a teary-eyed mess. I blame it on 40 year old hormones.<br />
<br />
I tried to tell each of them how much they meant to me and how precious their friendships are to my heart. I blubbered my way through it as best as I could.<br />
<br />
Little did I know, that the following weekend, I would walk into my friend, Kim's house, and find ALL OF MY FRIENDS and their SPOUSES singing happy birthday to me!<br />
<br />
Yes!<br />
<br />
It was a HUGE SURPRISE. I still cannot believe that I had NO idea about this party. None.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, I was having a very emotional week. Shocker, right? I even texted Lem that week and told him that I felt like I had no friends and that nobody liked me. You know, typical mid-month hormonal crap.<br />
<br />
I do have the greatest friends. And when I feel lonely again, I will remember my birthday week and how much love I felt surrounded by precious people.<br />
<br />
40 is weird. It just feels weird to say. I don't feel 40. I guess none of us ever do.<br />
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However, there is so much good at this age. I feel comfortable in my skin. Like never before.<br />
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My marriage is stronger than ever.<br />
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My kids are such a blast at the ages they are!<br />
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Things that used to bother me, do not bother me.<br />
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I have a lot more grace than I did in my early thirties.<br />
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I have realized that life does not revolve around me and the way I perceive things.<br />
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I let things go.<br />
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My relationship with Christ is stronger than ever.<br />
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I don't feel the need to strive. To be liked. To be noticed. To be sought after. I am content.<br />
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Contentment is a gift.<br />
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I am much more thankful than I was in my thirties.<br />
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Each day is a gift. I see that now.<br />
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I have so much more grace for myself as well. I don't feel the pressure to be a certain size. I just want to feel good in my jeans.<br />
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Honestly, forty is good.<br />
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Really, really good.<br />
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Here are some pictures from my birthday. I have more to post, well, in another post. Stay tuned.<br />
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I apologize in advance for the overload of my face in EVERY picture. I wanted to capture every friend---uhhh, with me of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRTGYYnM0NGnXJljBxnllSwJfD5lu_Ee3bgu-RovNjjpzoQPBZwWyueBrHUZ4XAgSuHLZCGh5MFdFTMtH5Y1gAjsyBUsmnNW7Ah49SGTwp77C6fCZjOKVgvOtEo3QOLyLdql8Q1tjTaEY/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRTGYYnM0NGnXJljBxnllSwJfD5lu_Ee3bgu-RovNjjpzoQPBZwWyueBrHUZ4XAgSuHLZCGh5MFdFTMtH5Y1gAjsyBUsmnNW7Ah49SGTwp77C6fCZjOKVgvOtEo3QOLyLdql8Q1tjTaEY/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beth and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N7tzi-MZkYWsN_yZEY_q_6sJ2-FMQULeSbX4QfC7Ykj_DNF1wRinVBmayZn4rlg4G6KUgAL597nFVwzECwZcz2cKB5XSXUhKn2ZA8Wr5KRpJO_8i66V2WfrHUr1of0KAp1bgrQi-LRWK/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N7tzi-MZkYWsN_yZEY_q_6sJ2-FMQULeSbX4QfC7Ykj_DNF1wRinVBmayZn4rlg4G6KUgAL597nFVwzECwZcz2cKB5XSXUhKn2ZA8Wr5KRpJO_8i66V2WfrHUr1of0KAp1bgrQi-LRWK/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mary and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv130WiaMqsicGPj7h92eWIAZZwgsSkrBrTbnlU6f_Qgd_K-ABxxO2dvLn2Qf1j6sOVXtnl-Mt95RNjAvZIo3yL3zbzfKIvweU0Adw1hRRl0J3L71XN5ivKUrkB68LkdEbHD7aWPz53bve/s1600/FullSizeRender+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv130WiaMqsicGPj7h92eWIAZZwgsSkrBrTbnlU6f_Qgd_K-ABxxO2dvLn2Qf1j6sOVXtnl-Mt95RNjAvZIo3yL3zbzfKIvweU0Adw1hRRl0J3L71XN5ivKUrkB68LkdEbHD7aWPz53bve/s1600/FullSizeRender+(3).jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kelli and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuuFx1m9wxZaYnAgtHADRGYAeNQsbmyl3zg0Rg7-DjvpMWBWlTvuHjDogaaVRjOiad8uy3fb0o8omnaPdIhmFvwArrXdQM8nFvlnH7G3zVqubBe5X2FL_pQ9b9eAJddipWCLqQW_fsYJl/s1600/FullSizeRender+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuuFx1m9wxZaYnAgtHADRGYAeNQsbmyl3zg0Rg7-DjvpMWBWlTvuHjDogaaVRjOiad8uy3fb0o8omnaPdIhmFvwArrXdQM8nFvlnH7G3zVqubBe5X2FL_pQ9b9eAJddipWCLqQW_fsYJl/s1600/FullSizeRender+(4).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mom and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amberlee and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfEtvHeq4DOLhfVOT0UyFLgZDOzK5xtuYogAQDsCvGS-HceqA-6S-XsD9elZ59Q65KWtU91K0kPMnXYKODlORuZiOP-gbAToqQQSHEmUVFMkP4yUnPgn1qhPFtPD0uphkhT5lHFWihNOS/s1600/FullSizeRender+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfEtvHeq4DOLhfVOT0UyFLgZDOzK5xtuYogAQDsCvGS-HceqA-6S-XsD9elZ59Q65KWtU91K0kPMnXYKODlORuZiOP-gbAToqQQSHEmUVFMkP4yUnPgn1qhPFtPD0uphkhT5lHFWihNOS/s1600/FullSizeRender+(6).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Erin and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IIZPeMteY0Sq5skL_fM0qc7Ds113qk6pCJZWOKTYFJvsiUbvB1Ib-2ayctk25_1Gc1ICqP6_z62PXS083rNjUUASR58ZiHIma5TcbcWbrhZgIxtt7QAj783u80ftman0CmhywgpAdiBd/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IIZPeMteY0Sq5skL_fM0qc7Ds113qk6pCJZWOKTYFJvsiUbvB1Ib-2ayctk25_1Gc1ICqP6_z62PXS083rNjUUASR58ZiHIma5TcbcWbrhZgIxtt7QAj783u80ftman0CmhywgpAdiBd/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kelly and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvUnb1PuxeXf1YdZDiJForeIoY3Z9WIVZmnlGIMipzyjn1ZinaSpa6O2QJ0hyphenhyphenvo3F7-sElnebUEeGFXwZZDw9ix5pd4eZyCmlfpqlK2sNauMj9hqAYXCmFcvwyl5cHcye3xNXyBO1M9LK/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvUnb1PuxeXf1YdZDiJForeIoY3Z9WIVZmnlGIMipzyjn1ZinaSpa6O2QJ0hyphenhyphenvo3F7-sElnebUEeGFXwZZDw9ix5pd4eZyCmlfpqlK2sNauMj9hqAYXCmFcvwyl5cHcye3xNXyBO1M9LK/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lisa and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXS2ODtJoq3Jj9PhDqeoD8iwnox8nSqNy5QngzYS1nCfg3zFmgJSq-GyIZj7avluiV2X7g4yXAjxvO825uIbjA518Rn8lgBbq6AuMUu_jGTOwZiDOLAhINEjmAn7HOWbmtaNyS26reH8v/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXS2ODtJoq3Jj9PhDqeoD8iwnox8nSqNy5QngzYS1nCfg3zFmgJSq-GyIZj7avluiV2X7g4yXAjxvO825uIbjA518Rn8lgBbq6AuMUu_jGTOwZiDOLAhINEjmAn7HOWbmtaNyS26reH8v/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rebekah and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bible study girls birthday dinner!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45d4X0ljKZNxl4AEYl5uV4IjMBqA4cKsnN9Bmi_M-ndy5URvqtq-ZdhpsXY7RxCR81xq4UhXk4xw3mlrL5Kl_Ej9qOEhMnrtpO7O3KBMmw_iMHbp72rdGA84nMXWFzIvutB7ErNhkWie/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz45d4X0ljKZNxl4AEYl5uV4IjMBqA4cKsnN9Bmi_M-ndy5URvqtq-ZdhpsXY7RxCR81xq4UhXk4xw3mlrL5Kl_Ej9qOEhMnrtpO7O3KBMmw_iMHbp72rdGA84nMXWFzIvutB7ErNhkWie/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Mommy, make a funny face."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBJqJuBWjtsNm4WV3ZAw7qipW_JdlN6q_MxlqbFXWPpOaLM0hzK3QC9NenJ43mbfa3h_h-Y9BPQXdsoit5pbVpPnux8JndzN42DtNAYZ5MmyCqR0f4OM75DsE6Z1uvhju1O9ZowsBKieq/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBJqJuBWjtsNm4WV3ZAw7qipW_JdlN6q_MxlqbFXWPpOaLM0hzK3QC9NenJ43mbfa3h_h-Y9BPQXdsoit5pbVpPnux8JndzN42DtNAYZ5MmyCqR0f4OM75DsE6Z1uvhju1O9ZowsBKieq/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Presley and I enjoying milkshakes after our<br />manicures--on my birthday.<br />Manicure: Courtesy of my friend, Melissa. ;)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__3Nofjux1cHXXhbBd_9HEHqIjZKM6eXxaU5NlOqcTvt9B-Z17htBPKu8mWwGhVmt8EeRP3bl4wbKsQIjjlgKJDifgdAAF1FlsFPS92bAgIygAiArK8r2PK3MmIxNZJ_dPkMr5tTj7Ake/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__3Nofjux1cHXXhbBd_9HEHqIjZKM6eXxaU5NlOqcTvt9B-Z17htBPKu8mWwGhVmt8EeRP3bl4wbKsQIjjlgKJDifgdAAF1FlsFPS92bAgIygAiArK8r2PK3MmIxNZJ_dPkMr5tTj7Ake/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Presley brought me breakfast in bed. All by her precious self.<br />Coffee mug: courtesy of my friend Lisa. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And if you are wondering what is in the bowl, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">it's Greek Yogurt. With peanut butter. And honey. And blueberries.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The girl knows her momma well. </span></td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-37481427305778048732015-02-16T21:56:00.000-05:002015-02-16T21:56:06.544-05:00Help me with my kids please....As I finished the last chapter in Genesis, I closed my Bible and had a moment of silence with Jesus.<br />
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Tears flooded my eyes because I was not ready for this book to end. I had grown close to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The words on the pages of my bible came alive in my spirit and my heart.<br />
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With tears streaming down my cheeks, I prayed this prayer:<br />
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<i>"Lord, I want to be like them! Please give me a heart to follow Your commands. Not just follow Your commands, but to teach Your commands to my children. Lord, let my children love Your Word! How can I teach them to love Your Word? Show me, Father. I want them to crave Your commands and Your Truth more than anything in their precious lives. Please help me to teach them well, Lord. Not just by my words, but by my actions."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>I opened my Bible back up and started the book of Exodus. After reading two chapters, I wept to the Lord again. Y'all God's Word is tearing me up!<br />
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I am changed each time I read it. My heart desires more and more and more. His Word is Alive. It's true.<br />
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His Word is teaching me about motherhood. In a profound way. Although the Old Testament was written over two thousand years ago, it still resonates with us. Exactly the way God intends it to do.<br />
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Our spiritual ancestors are teaching us how to pray for our kids. How to teach our kids. How to live a life of faith for our children to bear witness to.<br />
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In a world that tries to annihilate our children daily with pornography, addiction, perversion, body image issues, material wealth, and so much more...<br />
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We are not left without a weapon to fight back! We have God Almighty on our side! NOTHING else can fight the enemy and his fiery lies like God's Word and prayer.<br />
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The two combined are the deadliest combination we have this side of Heaven. We must use them.<br />
<br />
<b><i>"..in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. " Ephesians 6:16-17</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><i><b>"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
For many years, my weapons sat dusty on a shelf. My Bible was never opened. Ever. My prayer life was stagnant, unless I was extremely desperate.<br />
<br />
His Word has changed all of this. His Word has taught me how to be equipped. Equipped to fight the battle the enemy wages against me and my family.<br />
<br />
Never again, will I be without my weapons of warfare.<br />
<br />
Our children are in the fight of their lives and they have no idea. The dangers are lurking on social media, in their schools, outside of their schools, everywhere.<br />
<br />
The battle is REAL.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. " 1 Peter 5:8</b></i><br />
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The enemy is on attack and we must learn from our spiritual ancestors.<br />
<br />
We MUST pray.<br />
<br />
We MUST teach them God's Word.<br />
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We MUST be diligent over their comings and goings.<br />
<br />
Who are they hanging out with? Who are their friends on social media? What kind of comments are they leaving on friends pages? What kinds of comments are being left on their pages?<br />
<br />
We MUST open our eyes. The enemy is waging war on the hearts and minds of our children. God has given us the job of protecting them, equipping them. If we don't, who will?<br />
<br />
Our churches are wonderful, but they are only an accessory to us in raising our children. It is not the church's job to be the sole care giver of our children's spiritual growth.<br />
<br />
It us up to us...the parents.<br />
<br />
We must quit being so defensive over our children, and scared of hurting their feelings when we tell them "no". We are not called to "make them happy", we are called to <i><b>"train them in the way they should go, so that when they are old they will not depart from it." </b></i><b><i>[proverbs 22:6]</i></b><br />
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We must come together as parents and support each other in this daunting task of child-rearing. When we see a child in danger, we must love the child and the parent enough to shed light on the situation. We must be able to talk to each other as parents and express our concerns over each other's children.<br />
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When we shut down and become defensive over our children, it blinds us to truth, and our children are left paying the consequences of our pride.<br />
<br />
Not sure about you, but pride went out the window when I birthed my first baby! Nothing brings us to the lowest rung of the humility ladder like our children. Just when we think we deserve a "Mother of the year" award, they will do something to knock that title right out of our prideful little hands. Oh yes. Every time.<br />
<br />
For the record, please always let me know if my children are in danger. Whether they are in danger of a bad reputation, poor character, or actual physical danger--I want to know. If you see my child or hear of my child doing something that could endanger them, please love me enough to tell me. It may sting and hurt, but I cannot help my child if I do not know they are in danger.<br />
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Our society and culture has spoken fear into the hearts of parents. Fear of "getting involved". Teaching us to just "mind our own business" instead of helping each other out when we are in need. Fear of being "too overbearing" or not "politically correct" as parents.<br />
<br />
This is contrary to God's Word.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>We must love each other enough to pray for each other. Support each other. Encourage each other. Speak the truth in love when needed.<br />
<br />
We must love our own children enough to open our eyes. Check their phones. Check their computers. Check out their whereabouts. Regularly.<br />
<br />
If they have a phone, Ipad, or tablet, remove them from their rooms at night. [I learned this from my pastor]. Put them in a place where they cannot access them. Our children may not like it, but one day they will thank us for it.<br />
<br />
Ignorance is not bliss when raising our children. Ignorance is dangerous.<br />
<br />
If we are too busy to do this, we are too busy.<br />
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God never intended for busyness to take the place of raising our children.<br />
<br />
He has equipped us with everything we need to fight the enemy as he battles for the hearts of our children. We must be prepared for warfare.<br />
<br />
A war needs an army. An army of believing parents. Standing together in the trenches, outside of the trenches, and equipped with God's Word and prayer.<br />
<br />
Even with standing on the Word of God over our children, and praying the daylights over them, our children may still stumble. And greatly.<br />
<br />
This is a call to persist. At all costs. Never give up on God's plan for your children. He can do mighty things with a mistake-filled life. Just ask Jacob, and Moses, and King David.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>"Instead of your shame you will have a double portion" Isaiah 61:7</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>As we fall on our faces before God and ask Him to help us in our parenting, let's remember to:<br />
<br />
-Pray.<br />
-Read His Word daily.<br />
-Pray for accountability in parenting--friends, family, neighbors. Others that can help keep watch over our children.<br />
-Ask God for wisdom in parenting. Ask Him all day long!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b><br /></b></i>Gosh, Genesis has taught us a lot, hasn't it?<br />
<br />
Let's keep reading,<br />
<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-59937527588788895272015-02-16T21:54:00.000-05:002015-02-16T21:54:01.216-05:00Our little stars.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Back in December my babies participated in a guitar concert at our local coffee shop, Perk Avenue. </span></div>
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Presley sang "We are never getting back together" by Taylor Swift. Joseph played his guitar to "Silent Night."</div>
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Needless to say, we were PROUD!!! Here are a few pictures of them and their supporters!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maw Maw & Paw Paw</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim & Aunt Angie</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anna-Joy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amberlee & Jordan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Presley and Mr. Kris [her guitar teacher]</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph plays Silent Night with Emily and Mr. Kris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">William, Aunt Jess, Uncle Rob, and Mama Jane </span></td></tr>
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<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-35834233876631620202014-12-23T20:46:00.001-05:002014-12-23T21:15:19.893-05:00A Christmas Story--well, kind of....This time of year holds many special traditions for our family.<br />
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One of them being Santa Claus pictures. Since my children were birthed, we have taken them to see Santa Claus at a local mall. I have 13 pictures proudly displayed on my kitchen counter representing each year the kids saw Santa. Until this year.<br />
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Let me explain...<br />
<br />
Monday of this week rolled around and I gasped. Literally, out loud, I gasped.<br />
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"We haven't had our annual Santa pictures taken! We must get to the mall now!"<br />
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The kids and I jumped into the car and drove the 45 minute drive to the mall.<br />
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My thirteen year old son was less than thrilled. I can't imagine why.<br />
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We walked right up to the picture line for Santa. I squealed because there was NO one in line. NO one. God had shone His favor all over us!! I just knew it!!<br />
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I proudly stood there with my children in tow ready for our annual Santa picture.<br />
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The [not so kind] elf man said, <i>"I am sorry, ma'am, but Santa is going on an hour break."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>In the sweetest voice I could find I replied, <i>"Oh, sir, but this will only take a second. My kids are big, they smile easily, and they will be done in just a few minutes. Simple!"</i><br />
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The elf man replied, <i>"Umm, no, I am sorry. You will have to come back, Ma'am."</i><br />
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My face started to get flushed. The back of my neck was starting to feel prickly. I could feel my emotions rising a little too quickly.<br />
<br />
<i>"Sir, I will buy the biggest package you offer if you will just let us get one quick picture!"</i><br />
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The elf man looked at me like I had totally insulted him. Well, I suppose I did.<br />
<br />
<i>"Ma'am, we only have one size package. That's the only package you will be able to get. Now, I am sorry. Come back later."</i><br />
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I felt like I was in a bad Christmas movie. You know, the ones where the Mother goes nuts over the smallest thing going awry? Well, yeah, that was me. The nutty, Christmas sweater wearing, Mother.<br />
<br />
My thirteen year old son took my arm and said, <i>"Mom, let's go. Please."</i><br />
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I lingered for a moment, hoping to catch Santa's eye. Surely if he saw how distraught I was he would offer to stay another minute and have one last picture with my oh-so-darling-children.<br />
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For a moment, I wished that I had re-applied my lip gloss and combed through my wind-blown hair. Maybe then I could have caught Santa's eye. [terrible, I know]<br />
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Santa wasn't budging. Neither was his elf man.<br />
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Off we walked into the bleak blur of hustle and bustle. Tears stung my tired eyes. I couldn't keep them from running down my face.<br />
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I failed. No Santa picture. No nothing.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure if I was more upset about not having the picture with Santa, or embarrassing myself trying to bribe the elf man. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I succumbed to the fact that this year we would have no Santa picture. Oh well. The world would not end.<br />
<br />
Until the next day...<br />
<br />
I had a revelation! There was another mall! I could take the kids to see Santa there! This time, I called the mall. They assured me that Santa would be there ALL day.<br />
<br />
He was. Until it was time for his break. The minute we walked up to see him. I am NOT kidding. The little elf girl told me to come back in an hour and a half.<br />
<br />
WHAT?!!!!<br />
<br />
I prayed for Jesus to take the wheel of my tongue. I had to bite my tongue down hard, and I mean hard.<br />
<br />
I walked off with my kids shaking my head in despair.<br />
<br />
We got half way to the car and I had an idea.<br />
<br />
We went right back to the Santa picture line where everyone had left for their hour and a half break. [good grief] I told my kids to sit right down in Santa's chair and I would take their picture. [I thought this was a brilliant idea!]<br />
<br />
However, my kids were too scared to sit in Santa's chair without him there. [I may or may not have rolled my eyes]<br />
<br />
Biting my tongue I replied,<i> "Fine. Just stand there and I will take your picture."</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>"But Mom, what if they see us and we get in trouble?"</i><br />
<br />
I responded, "<i>I DARE them to say something</i>."<br />
<br />
The kids smiled. The crazy momma [me] took the picture. And off we went.<br />
<br />
We got our picture. Just without Santa. [picture at bottom of post]<br />
<br />
I was happy. They were happy. It was a wrap.<br />
<br />
So, I learned a few things these last couple of days.<br />
<br />
One...take the kids to see Santa earlier!<br />
<br />
Two...I have issues.<br />
<br />
Three...I really should have better control over my flesh in times like these.<br />
<br />
Four....Praying saved me from making front page of the local newspaper for not controlling my emotions.<br />
<br />
Five.... the world will not end if things don't go exactly like I plan. In fact, it just makes for a better story to talk about next year.<br />
<br />
We will laugh about this, life will go on, and I will have picture to frame for my kitchen counter. It will just be Santa-less.<br />
<br />
That's okay. Christmas is about Jesus. The Joy He brings. The Peace He brings. Especially to a distraught Christmas-sweater wearing momma.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, friends!<br />
<br />
May His Love surround you and may His Peace cover you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11</i></b><br />
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Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-11532044954456549582014-12-01T19:11:00.003-05:002014-12-01T19:11:48.501-05:00You are Ten....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHWQz8Nai3D54bx8-M9_639Q4M8gwkRh0IY6836ImMfapIftkEk2JJ1LGVDJ4bJMvX4RDMn3V8X9ter3RMVvyijZXTbXurmy6w462INt055hXgotCkstkegAGgbY-ywDNCZkR2v_8_Syh/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHWQz8Nai3D54bx8-M9_639Q4M8gwkRh0IY6836ImMfapIftkEk2JJ1LGVDJ4bJMvX4RDMn3V8X9ter3RMVvyijZXTbXurmy6w462INt055hXgotCkstkegAGgbY-ywDNCZkR2v_8_Syh/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">a sweet cake for a sweet girl!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7cB_mT3xMy303noCN2neb0UfyglnAFl_xymeXWL8MBB43p9YQ3yLl4hTybLQzf_4bY2HSDkxw89p41FU8pFEie3JkYkz6UFgpPJCln7XYhoB29STXrXD3oBJATBNSuzpg8fIbchrwUTw/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7cB_mT3xMy303noCN2neb0UfyglnAFl_xymeXWL8MBB43p9YQ3yLl4hTybLQzf_4bY2HSDkxw89p41FU8pFEie3JkYkz6UFgpPJCln7XYhoB29STXrXD3oBJATBNSuzpg8fIbchrwUTw/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">admiring your yummy cake!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0eSw2sZk374FzofbU79WqSJ3AoWojbCLWQWW4HEIgvlqdl4ApljCwQpyW3xhAiSRA9NEVR5jZQXfZlP9qU9qCFMRmD8g8Roe6ZVLoXTcxbgWU51iOfJpxc1u65Dtvn506QvMNwj4P8ST/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0eSw2sZk374FzofbU79WqSJ3AoWojbCLWQWW4HEIgvlqdl4ApljCwQpyW3xhAiSRA9NEVR5jZQXfZlP9qU9qCFMRmD8g8Roe6ZVLoXTcxbgWU51iOfJpxc1u65Dtvn506QvMNwj4P8ST/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">a morning walk this Summer with you on St. Simon's Island</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8htaK3OA61oFGVcZjoH7KFLDfc1i6WT6UkuTWpL0CeLHK8gpHS2koxnSyEyX1D-O9b_yeMICODWHIy8EluQz1ctjKLYvMKgk0EoNOc6ys8ZaUHUqU5RJOVRpX4lgpquNNaBvVnwOycPpI/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8htaK3OA61oFGVcZjoH7KFLDfc1i6WT6UkuTWpL0CeLHK8gpHS2koxnSyEyX1D-O9b_yeMICODWHIy8EluQz1ctjKLYvMKgk0EoNOc6ys8ZaUHUqU5RJOVRpX4lgpquNNaBvVnwOycPpI/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">blowing out TEN candles as family looks on!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkdL-rJW1NHd7OWnC7jK6vkhFn5bP-OB_WZ1RvJCcHv-5xp5lxBHT_IcT6greC68p9TKVJMSbXE2kevQ79K4oR7yPkZmVTDFfjD2hyLP2NnLggx8RZI01nsI5TR3ZsVwRUUax2dhhmx5N/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkdL-rJW1NHd7OWnC7jK6vkhFn5bP-OB_WZ1RvJCcHv-5xp5lxBHT_IcT6greC68p9TKVJMSbXE2kevQ79K4oR7yPkZmVTDFfjD2hyLP2NnLggx8RZI01nsI5TR3ZsVwRUUax2dhhmx5N/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">celebrating at Mama Jane's with pizza and strawberry cake!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNMPIn74d1ZSUGkODL6kSBi18QUQy7VZK1a9XnFlfpDDmrEa7NmOBpiufMFPsmiCE9qt2xPrZVdobbEjYA08qptUulU98MMfNFJp5iNbPPspVAJ3XOnr-pcLF-n6kPgxyqsOx-qo5_AP8/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNMPIn74d1ZSUGkODL6kSBi18QUQy7VZK1a9XnFlfpDDmrEa7NmOBpiufMFPsmiCE9qt2xPrZVdobbEjYA08qptUulU98MMfNFJp5iNbPPspVAJ3XOnr-pcLF-n6kPgxyqsOx-qo5_AP8/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your birthday morning---you are TEN!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1Qp1mSjBNJLt4pF05Hip9pZX3CiKTn5cqJCucLwS1o4U4IoQi_OFf_fHsBE0to4JIsYSFUFD4RCaNvP1zom64k2klZtPcv0jTvhu6h1FN2viXRRzEOvoRvNIBLePWLHko5GTUZNFrt_m/s1600/photo+5+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1Qp1mSjBNJLt4pF05Hip9pZX3CiKTn5cqJCucLwS1o4U4IoQi_OFf_fHsBE0to4JIsYSFUFD4RCaNvP1zom64k2klZtPcv0jTvhu6h1FN2viXRRzEOvoRvNIBLePWLHko5GTUZNFrt_m/s1600/photo+5+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">checked you out early on your birthday!<br /> we were sitting in line at carpool waiting to get Joseph!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3p0QUiyuTpK4OSGyFNhLkU7cViL0m5PRZcWj83Zq_g1Z5AQpCx8TawhgDkAvQ2Lwhl6eyaphyC9y7b1w0rE953LhnVL3xg6HMib4hsdPtErqyv5iT-rijXHGJcxh8-0XliOMuJaG9ts4/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3p0QUiyuTpK4OSGyFNhLkU7cViL0m5PRZcWj83Zq_g1Z5AQpCx8TawhgDkAvQ2Lwhl6eyaphyC9y7b1w0rE953LhnVL3xg6HMib4hsdPtErqyv5iT-rijXHGJcxh8-0XliOMuJaG9ts4/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">my baby girl with curlers in your hair</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zlryLDLuLtxWKJzaoT53EktzElowz_5QOXAW9lDd0nLL7A9r0T70rfSXF02shPhbZms-AtE7tDEZgUvS_WF8hHfiv4eb8YfY9_xw0bmkVB3zmvCwAreAcw36o2_qqwIMJuORSOa5hm5n/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zlryLDLuLtxWKJzaoT53EktzElowz_5QOXAW9lDd0nLL7A9r0T70rfSXF02shPhbZms-AtE7tDEZgUvS_WF8hHfiv4eb8YfY9_xw0bmkVB3zmvCwAreAcw36o2_qqwIMJuORSOa5hm5n/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">the night before you turned 10!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Dear Presley Jane,<br />
<br />
As I type, you, Daddy, and Joseph are out having dinner with Maw Maw and Paw Paw. I am devastated to not be there. As you know, I woke up sick this morning. It started yesterday. You prayed last night with tears in your eyes that I would not be sick today--on your big birthday.<br />
<br />
I would give anything to be cooking your favorite meal, spaghetti, tonight. However, you know I will make it up to you as soon as mommy is better.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to take a minute and tell you how much you mean to me.<br />
<br />
You are the sunshine in my days.<br />
<br />
You were born on a cold December day, but you are absolute WARM SUNSHINE.<br />
<br />
The little things that you do, that make you so perfectly you, make me melt.<br />
<br />
Your toes are my favorite. I have been obsessed with them since you were born.<br />
<br />
Your dimple on the top of your left cheek. It is the most precious little feature I have ever seen.<br />
<br />
My favorite thing to do with you is snuggle in my bed. We love watching movies together while the boys are in the den watching sports. You are forever my girl.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, as a mommy, I feel guilty that I am not doing enough. I guess all mommy's feel this way sometimes. I constantly question myself and wonder if you know how much I love you.<br />
<br />
Do I spend enough time with you? Am I too strict? Too lenient?<br />
<br />
I am constantly trying to make sure I am a good momma to you.<br />
<br />
You will probably have these same thoughts when you are a momma. You can read this letter again, and rest assure that you are not alone.<br />
<br />
Your daughter or son will adore you. It's not about doing everything right, or being perfect, it's just about being there. A smile. A hug. A kiss. Encouragement.<br />
<br />
As a mommy, there are many distractions that are tempting to lure us away from our kids and our families. I can only imagine that by the time you are a mommy, it will even be much harder.<br />
<br />
Presley, don't let the world pull you away from the ones you love. It will try. Really hard.<br />
<br />
Pray to the Lord and ask Him to help you keep your life in proper order. God first. Your husband and your kids next. Nothing is more important than the time you are given to spend with your family.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wish I could just keep all of you in this house, and never let you go. I want to soak up every single ounce of you. I don't want to miss a moment with you.<br />
<br />
Daily, I pray that God will give me the strength to watch you and Joseph grow up. I know He will.<br />
<br />
However, even when you are grown, I will still have a very important role. Your mother. This job never ends. It's in full-demand at all times.<br />
<br />
I need my mother just as much today as I did when I was your age. Just in different ways.<br />
<br />
God created mothers to care, nurture, support, encourage, cheer on, listen, and talk to. This goes on your whole life! How happy this makes me!!<br />
<br />
Presley, I will make mistakes. I have made many already. However, I know that that's not what you will remember. You will remember the times when I wasn't trying. When I was just being your mother. Loving you. <br />
<br />
I am still in absolute AWE by the fact that the Lord gave you to us to raise.<br />
<br />
He must have thought we were the perfect family for you. How BLESSED we are!!!<br />
<br />
I love you, Presley Jane Hill.<br />
<br />
Happy 10th birthday, our angel.<br />
<br />
<br />
love,<br />
<br />
mommy<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-991812147122614765.post-13770391967910128422014-09-18T16:06:00.000-04:002014-09-18T16:06:19.726-04:00Because I need them....I have had some things going on with some very close loved ones. It's been hard.<br />
<br />
Today, I sat down and wrote down some scriptures for a friend going through something. As I was typing them, I realized God wanted me to know them too. He wants me to rest in them. Really, rest in them.<br />
<br />
He wants me to not just know them, but believe them.<br />
<br />
He is our Rock. Nothing else will hold, friends.<br />
<br />
We must trust Him with the details. Peace comes rushing in when we let Him do His thing.<br />
<br />
Insert your name, or a loved one's name in the scripture. It is powerful. See for yourself. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 3:18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense Proverbs 19:11 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" 2 Chronicles 20:17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Psalm 35:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness James 3:18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward if you listen to the LORD your God’s commands I am giving you today and are careful to follow them. Deuteronomy 28:13</span></div>
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Jill Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255570883307626200noreply@blogger.com0