And the Cheer Goes On...

The Christmas season may be over but the holiday cheer continues on in my kitchen. I absolutely love Starbuck's Christmas Blend coffee, so this year I wised up and bought a couple of pounds of this delicious bean before they took it off their shelves. I just finished the bag I purchased before Christmas and pulled out the current stock I had stored in my freezer. This load should last until March at which time I'll begin enjoying Yukon or Verona once again.

If you savor Starbuck's coffee what are your favorite flavors?

Joy in Trials

Laying It On the Line

When I began blogging one year ago I adopted four rules I promised the Lord I'd keep:

1. I would always seek to glorify Him.
   
2. Blogging would not be a forum to complain.
   
3. I'd seek to uplift my sisters in Christ.
   
4. The OLM blog would a positive and refreshing place to visit.
   

I've honored these rules even though sometimes life doesn't always run smoothly. As an example Jimmy has been in between jobs for three months, winter has us cooped up inside our home, the sun is scarce as hens' teeth, we've been battling the creeping crud (head and chest cold), I fell on the front porch after our last snow while taking Cocoa out to pee in the wee hours of the morning, and our lives have been overrun by puppies since Thanksgiving Day. Normal routine has been out the window for months and as one who thrives on structure, it's been difficult to handle at times. Perhaps you can relate.

Our most recent trial began when our puppy, Cocoa Bean, began having trouble after the last pup of the litter left. Though an angel during the day he would howl, whine, and bark in his crate all night long. Experts (the vet and Google) said it would pass after a day or two but after ten sleepless nights desperation propelled us to ear plugs and Tylenol PM. 

A couple of mornings ago I woke so tired and depleted I was in tears. I asked God what this little dog needed to be content at night and if it had been a mistake to keep him. That's when it dawned on me. Keeping him had not been a mistake. Cocoa has known our scent and touch since the day he was born and with everyone else gone, we are his greatest comfort. He simply needed us at night. 

With this in mind we decided to break the cardinal rule of dog care and let him sleep with us. Lo and behold we are all sleeping like babies once again. When Jimmy and Cocoa come to bed later in the evening, Cocoa races to my neck, cuddles up, and falls fast asleep. About 3 am he rustles around enough to let us know he needs to potty and then heads back to bed and sleeps till morning. Breaking the cardinal rule has brought great relief. 

Oh sweet ladies, some of you are going through much tougher circumstances and I want you to know that whatever you are going through you are not alone. No matter what image any of us project in a blog or in life, we all have hills to climb and valleys to endure. The good news is there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is never lost if you keep your eyes on God because He is our light. Trials will indeed come but each challenge serves to polish us into the image of Christ. Whatever you are going through God knows your pain and will provide you with the strength and comfort you need. Things will get better. You can count on it. 

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, 

for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

Lamentations 3:21-23

The Next Generation

God is at work in the next generation.


Jason Castro, American Idol contestant.

"O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." 

Psalm 78:1-4 

Can God Trust You to Wait?

Behind the Scenes at KY3 TV

Yesterday we went to Springfield, Missouri to visit our son Drew. He took us to KY3 Television Station where he works and gave us a tour of the studio. We met his co-workers, learned about television production, and took a few pictures. It was quite interesting to get a glimpse behind the scenes.

Drew in front of the camera for a change.

Putting on lipstick in the green room 

which is not green.

Just pretending.

After our tour we went to Lambert's Cafe "The Only Home of Throwed Rolls." To make it easy for the waitress we all ordered Chicken Fried Steak. (Really, it's just because the steaks are that good.)

Thanks Drew. We had a great time!

Automatic Paw Washer

Ever need something so badly that you racked your brain trying to find a solution all to find the answer in your own backyard? Well, I've been trying to think of another way to clean Ecclesiastes' paws before he walks into the house. Right now I wash each paw in his water bucket on the deck, then rinse it out. It does the job but breaks the back.

As with many inventions discovered by accident, we found a fabulous paw washing system the other day. Jimmy was playing with the dogs in the back yard and tossed a toy on top the pool tarp. As Ecclesiastes went to retrieve the toy, his weight lowered the cover below the rain swollen waterline, just enough to thoroughly rinse his feet. With a puddle of water following him where ever he walked, we were happy to see a new, fun, and easy way to wash Ecclesi's paws!

Ecclesi and the traveling puddle.

Cocoa Bean getting interested.

Cocoa Bean thinking of summer.

Happy Anniversary OLM Blog!

Today is the Olive Leaf Ministries' first year blog anniversary and let me tell you I remember the beginning as if it were yesterday. Not only was I foggy on what it meant to blog, but totally unsure what I would write each week. 

In spite of all the hesitations I committed to giving it a try...and whala...here we are a year later with a blog I absolutely love. I get to meet people from all around the world and share the good news of Jesus all along the way. It's a modern day tool I believe the Lord loves, when used for His purpose, and I look forward to many more years and new friends to come.

Blessings to all my blogging friends!

Introducing...Cocoa Bean!

Many of you have asked which pup we are keeping, so here he is...Mr. Cocoa Bean Douglas. For some reason he's the one who caught our eye from the very beginning and the more we get to know him the more convinced we are that we've made the right choice.

When the last puppy of the litter left, Cocoa Bean's first night alone without a sibling was a rough one. He whined all night long and nothing we did would console him. Today, after a long morning of cuddle time, we went to the pet store to buy his first collar. He enjoyed the trip but was shaking like a leaf by the time it was over. Once home he took a much needed nap.

 

Pray for Grant

Below is an update on Grant, the little boy on the bottom right column of my blog. His unknown muscle disease continues to slowly take his life and his time here on earth is coming to a close. Here is an excerpt of his latest update. Please keep him and his precious family in your prayers.

"Grant is still with us. He has had ups & downs. Lately, he has about 30 minutes a day where he gets a burst of energy and he plays and plays and then he gets a little crazy and very tired. At least he gets 30 minutes. There just isn't enough energy being made in his body.

Grant keeps telling us about the angels all around him. He says he sees them even during the day now. Watching him describe them is quite something. Although I do not understand what he is saying, the expression on his face is description enough. He looks at us questioning why we cannot see what he sees. I wish that I could. It must be spectacular. We just tell him, we don't get to see it yet, but tell us what you see. We've put some adjectives and descriptors on his communication machine yesterday so that we can understand what he is saying. Hopefully they will be adequate.

On a positive note, he used his (speech) machine a lot yesterday. He is getting over the frustration that it cannot read his exact thoughts and say them and is now searching through and trying to find the words to express himself. We are so thankful for it, especially as we know our time is short."

Psalm 91:11 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

Prayer Journal Offer

Pup-Up-Date

Through the weeks many of you have asked which pup we've chosen to keep and how the adoptions are going. Jimmy and I chose little "Cocoa Bean" and we'll have pictures of him this week after all pups are gone and the dander has settled.

Drew left for Springfield on New Year's Day and took the four remaining pups who do not yet have a home. I cried as we packed them up because I knew I wouldn't see them again. Drew was sad to leave part of the litter here and felt quite a bit of pressure to find good homes for the ones he was taking. They are all so sweet but he can't keep them in his apartment for long. All I could do was tell him to do what I've been doing since they day they were born, "pray for each pup as you hold and love on them and then trust God to lead the way." Of course I know they are just dogs, but they are also God's gift to us as companions and protectors. Because of this I treasure each and every one of them.

Once he left we had four pups left. One girl, Molly, left the next day leaving us with three. Monday my sister will take Pilgrim and Friday Natalie (Dani's speech therapist) will take her little cinnamon stick. Next weekend it'll just be Cocoa Bean left and oh how we look forward to a quiet home. It's been a labor of love but mama Douglas is tired! I haven't written a word on my current book project since Thanksgiving and just realized I promised several months ago to write a book review for another author and still do not have it done. It feels as though I've been on another planet and I look forward to coming back down to earth and getting back to work.

I will have pictures of Cocoa Bean by the end of the week and promise not talk dog talk again for a while. Have a blessed Sunday and may the Lord shine His light on you in a new life-changing way.

 

An Answer to Prayer

This week I introduced you to Natalie, Dani's long-time speech therapist. She has the patience of Job and is one of the most loving people you'd ever want to meet. Our biggest concern when trying to find homes for Lyla's nine pups is finding trustworthy people who will take good care of the dog we give them. As God would have it, Natalie was looking for a dog, a Lab to be exact, and low and behold we had just what she was looking for. 

The day after we had lunch she came over and picked out this little cinnamon colored pup. Here he is with a toy he will take home with him so he will have the comforting and familiar scent of his brothers and sisters.

It's so good to know our little cinnamon stick is going to a good and loving home!

Great Resolution

If you are looking for a New Year's resolution that is sure to bring you a blessing go to Beth Moore's blog and join the "1st & 15th Siesta Scripture Memory Team." Now, don't let the enemy intimidate you into thinking you can't do this, because you can. God promises that His word will never go out and come back void. This means you won't regret planting his word in your heart, so hustle on over and sign up.

Here is my memory verse for the first two weeks of January,

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, 

and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."

Hosea 6:6

(NIV)

What a great way to start the year. Happy 2009 dear sisters!

A Special Lunch with a Special Friend

Ever have someone in your life that was extra special and clearly sent by God? In our lives it is Natalie, Dani's long-time speech therapist and friend. Natalie worked with Dani for well over ten years and she and Dani became the best of friends.

About two to three times a year we meet for lunch to visit and catch up on things and it's always a super special time for Dani. Today we met Natalie for our annual Christmas lunch and gift exchange. Natalie gave Dani some beloved pink bracelets and decorated socks. (Natalie used to wear socks with fun designs which always caught Dani's attention. It's their special bond.) Dani gave Natalie dainty pink and brown polka dot Post-it Notes and showed her the new books her brother, Drew, bought her for Christmas.

Since Dani is so limited in her ability to communicate she has virtually no friends to play with. Such a dear friend and therapist is special beyond words. Thank you Natalie for all you've done and still do for our little Dani and thank you Lord for sending Natalie our way!

General Organizing Tips

Pup Update...

Drew, Lyla, and her nine pups came home this week for Christmas. He walked in with a television box full of rambunctious bundles of fur and the first words out of his mouth were, "Mom, I don't think I can take them all in the car again. Pilgrim keeps trying to climb out while I'm driving!" Thank the good Lord they all made it home safe and sound. 

Jimmy set up a live webcam for those interested in choosing a pup or watching the one they've chosen and while we were at my sister's home last night, we watched them sleep and play. Though seeing poo on a towel drove me nuts, because I wasn't there to clean it up, it was utterly amazing to watch these little guys from 45 miles away. What's even more astonishing is we can also watch them on Jimmy's phone via the Internet. I don't know what man will think of next, but I do know that all these modern marvels just make me love God all the more. After all, we were made in His image and no matter what new amazing gadget we may come up with, He is the great creator of all things and nothing man can ever come up with will ever match His wonderful glory and vast wisdom. He's named all the stars in the sky, knows the number of hairs on our head, lives beyond the bounds of time, and is far more creative than man will ever be. What a wonderful God we serve and what a privilege to celebrate the birth of His Son Jesus Christ during this holiday season!

The pups are four weeks old and totally weaned. Drew had to get back to work in Springfield, so he and Lyla headed back yesterday. The workload for him would be almost too much for him to handle on his own so we decided the pups should stay with us. Jimmy and I take shifts with their care. Last night he fed and played with them at midnight, then I woke to repeat the process this morning at 8 am. The procedure is always the same, they wake a bustling ball of energy, head for the cafeteria, make their way to the latrine, climb all over us for some lovin' and play, and then fall fast asleep atop one another. We have homes for five pups, two more potential takers, and two weeks to find homes for them all. One good thing about taking care of all nine is that it will make adjusting to Cocoa Bean joining our family a cinch. After all, what's one pup?

PUPPER CAM

Live Streaming by Ustream.TV

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I love how the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir performed this song and thrilled to have it on file to listen to whenever my heart desires. Take a moment to wish Jesus happy birthday, enjoy the music and lights, and have a blessed Christmas!



John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Holiday Bloopers

The "Passion" of the Season

I can feel Christmas approaching. The beautiful lights, bustling crowds, and passion for the season abounds. Jimmy and I witnessed some "strong emotion" just the other day as a young lady in the Target parking lot began yelling out her car window for another woman to put a coat on her child. We got in on the last half of the interchange, but apparently the mother couldn't get her child (about three years old) to wear a coat. It was indeed quite cold but mercy what mother hasn't gone through that? The young woman in the car looked like a college age student, so I chose to assume she had no children and is still idealistic when it comes to raising children. Perhaps one day she will understand how intricate, delicate, and exhausting it is to raise another little human being. Sometimes you just can't win for losing. 

Then, my sister and I bathed ourselves in the bustling crowds of Wal Mart as we camped in an immovable line for 30 minutes. It was noon on Wednesday and who would have thought they wouldn't have had more checkers on duty the week before Christmas. The human check out lines were so long they ran into the clothing department, so I told my sister I'd show her how to do the self check. I thought for sure it would be faster, but no. With a cart too full to abandon we stuck it out, but it wasn't fun. We had a wonderful visit though!

Then Jimmy and I went to the mall yesterday. We found cologne for our son, but not one single solitary thing for Dani. Do you have any idea how hard it is to buy for an Autistic child? It's beyond awful. I wanted knee-hi socks for her to wear with her boots, but all I could find were ankle socks. I've been to Wal Mart, Pennys, Macys, and Dillards looking for these silly socks, all to no avail. If Target doesn't pull through we are out of options. She has one thing under the tree and time is wasting! She loves candies and cookies, so I think I'm gonna buy a cookie mix and put it under the tree so she can bake cookies. She'll be thrilled but what an odd gift.

Drew has taken Lyla and her puppies home for the weekend. He just texted me and told me the pups woke him at 2:30am. He worked till 11pm last night and had to be back to work at 6am this morning. He has no idea how this is preparing him for fatherhood! He'll be back here with the pups Monday through Christmas Eve and we can't wait. After the clan left yesterday Jimmy went in to check on the pups twice, only to find an empty pen. There is nothing like having a hankerin' to hold a pup and having a choice of nine to chose from. Sometimes we just sit in the pen and let them crawl all over us until they fall asleep. It makes you feel so special. Since many of you have asked, Jimmy and I have chosen the dark brown pup (formerly Hoss) and his new name is "Cocoa Bean." We'll get him in mid January. 

How is your holiday season coming along? Do you have your shopping done? Who is hardest to buy for on your list and what are you looking forward to most? Dear sister, I pray you stay safe, warm, and happy. Above all let's love and pray for one another even when we think someone isn't parenting well, we're forces to stand in long lines, or can't find a gift for that special someone. May we never feel compelled to judge or condemn, but rather love one another with the love of Christ!

 

1Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."

Update: Found the socks. Target rocks!

Who May Approach God?

Psalm 24:4-6 

"He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob."

It's easy to get caught up in the concerns of the day and wonder where God is. Since God is holy and perfect, He never changes. We on the other hand continually flex and flow with the changing of the tides. 

Psalm 24 tells us precisely where God is and how we can find Him:

1. God is found among "clean hands" or guiltless actions.
2. God dwells among those with a "pure (sincere) heart."
3. God is repelled when we "lift our soul" to worship anything other than Him.
4. God cannot reside in a heart that "swears by what is false" or lies under oath.

In a nutshell, when we line our actions and attitudes up with God...He will be found. Like a magnet, all things pure are drawn to Him. Ladies, let that be us today.

"Dear heavenly Father, purify my heart, mind, and body. Sandblast the walls of my heart, removing all that is unholy. Fill me with your love and compassion and rid me of any wrong attitudes. Expose any false idols I may harbor within and lead me to your throne. Guide me in your ways and grant me the blessings of your righteousness,  for you O Lord are God!  Amen."

Jeremiah 29:11

More Puppy Pics

New Kitchy Floor

My Jimmy (who is handier than a pocket on a shirt)

finished installing our new wood kitchen floor

 just in time for my birthday today.

You did a fabulous job dear.

Thanks!

Mother's Day Out

We received our first snow of the season here in Kansas City, which allowed Lyla some time away from her pups.

Lyla

Lyla and Ecclesiastes

Have any of you received snow yet?

Holiday Organizing Tips

Various Sundry Saturday

I left the blog open for giveaway entries this week and things have piled up, so today is Various Sundry Saturday; a little of this and a little of that. 

NECK DIAGNOSIS: Did I ever tell you what was wrong with my neck that rendered me totally incapacitated three weeks ago? It's called "Acute Torticollis" and is basically the biggest pain in the neck a person can possibly have. It is a painful muscle spasm in the neck, similar to having a charlie horse in your leg. It's a pain I would not wish on my worst enemy, except maybe a terrorist. I hope in your lifetime you are aware of acute torticollis but never experience it for yourself.

ROCKS IN THE SINK: Jimmy, Dani, and I went to Best Buy the other day and upon arrival paid the restroom a visit. You're not going to believe it but all three sinks in the ladies restroom had about seven smooth stones, the size of the palm of your hand, placed in each bowl. As we washed our hands Dani looked at me and pointed into her sink as if to say, "Why are there are rocks in my sink?" I didn't know what to tell her, so I shrugged my shoulders and scrunched my mouth. On the way out the door Jimmy was passing by so I asked him if the men's bathroom had rocks in the sinks. His puzzled look confirmed it did not, so I grabbed his arm and said, "Nobody is in there. You gotta see the rocks in our sinks!" 

Now ladies, is this a new trend? Do you have rocks in your local sinks? I have never seen such a thing.

JEALOUS ECCLESIASTES: Ecclesi has been booted out of his bedroom and is kind of sick of hearing about the pups. To make him feel special Jimmy gave him a bubble bath and then he enjoyed watching me decorate the tree.

NEW BED FOR THE PUPS: The pups are trying to crawl and will soon be running around. Jimmy constructed their new home by laying down a plywood floor and putting up higher walls. Now mom and babes have a mansion.

The wait...

The move in.

And the Winner is...

I am pleased to announce Barbara as the winner of the Olive Leaf Ministries holiday giveaway. Barbara was the ninth blogger to enter the contest and since we have nine new puppies, nine was the number to be.

Thank you ladies for entering the giveaway. I look forward to doing this again soon!

Christmas Giveaway!

ENTER TO WIN AND TELL A FRIEND! 

(Giveaway ends Friday, December 5th at 6pm CST)

The Magnificent Nine...Day Two

Please pray we find safe and loving homes for these

beautiful creatures.

(Jimmy and I have one picked out. Any guesses which one?)

More Puppy Pics

Thanksgiving Delivery

Jimmy and I woke this morning to the sound of a newborn pup! Our son, Drew, found a lost Labrador Retriever on his college campus one month ago. He was unable to find her owner, so he decided to keep her. She was pregnant with a brood and blessed us with a beautiful litter of nine this morning!

Mama "Lyla"

Mom and pups are doing great. 

Lyla did a fantastic job delivering her babes and it was a marvel to watch.

What a Thanksgiving!

Coming Next Week...OLM Christmas Giveaway!

Mr. Snowman has a gift for you!

It's time for the OLM holiday giveaway and I can hardly wait! This is going to be fantastic because I'm giving away all my favorite things. Things that smell, look, and taste wonderful. 

The giveaway begins Monday, December 1st, and last through Friday, December 5th. Contest rules are simply, tell one or more of your friends and leave a comment. Simple as pie and just as tasty.

So, ladies start thinking about who you'd like to invite to the OLM holiday giveaway and come back next week ready to win. Until then have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

Thank You for Your Prayers

Ladies, thank you so much for all of your prayers. It's been a rough week but I am feeling much better. Dani is on the mend too. A good friend was checking up on me and asked if I was discouraged with all that was going on in our family. I said, "Not at all! I see God all over the place as He graciously provides for our every need." For example, there is no way I could have driven myself to the chiropractor Monday morning. My neck was so stiff and painful that dabbing tears from my eyes with a Kleenex triggered muscles spasms that sent me yelping in pain. Since Jimmy's job has him traveling out of town Monday though Thursday on a full-time bases, his being in between jobs was a clear blessing of provision from our mighty God who knew this would be a trying week.

I have to share with you how things went from bad to worse. Monday morning Jimmy took Dani and I to the chiropractor. I had to hold my head to keep it from moving so as not to trigger the spams. The doctor worked on me for 2 1/2 hours and adjusted Dani as well because she had quit eating and was constipated. Dani has always gotten instantly better after seeing the doctor but this day was not like any other. On the way home, as I held my head and yelped periodically, Dani began vomiting all over herself in the back seat. I couldn't even look back let alone climb back to help her. I just listened and wondered what else could go wrong. Jimmy had his hands full as things began piling up on him. After taking a quick glance back at Dani's mess, he turned back at the highway ahead and said, "This is a test." He was right and it was only the beginning. Before day's end she had vomited all over herself, the couch, Jimmy, and his laptop. 

Your prayers, however, got us on the mend. Wednesday we were all able to go to my sister's home to do a photo shoot for her Christmas cards. She lives on acreage and has three Silky Bantam chickens as pets. They are sleek and beautiful as far as chickens go. Jimmy got Dani to hold one and trust me that was a feat in itself. 

Then, I knew Dani was feeling better 

when she got into my make-up 

and used my cover up stick as lipstick.

It's so good to feel better and oh how I thank God for the health He's given us and the faithful and powerful prayers of the saints!

Blessings to all of you dear ladies and please share on this post any prayer needs you may have so we can lift one another to the throne of God.

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, 

God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 

1 John 4:12

Could Use Your Prayers

Ladies, we are falling apart here. I've had muscle spasms in my neck since 2am Monday morning and the pain rivals that of child birth. (It feels as though I've been in a terrible car accident.) To top it off Dani has been vomiting for some odd reason so she's a challenge in and of herself. Jimmy is home to help but the poor guy has his hands full. Please keep us in your prayers. I have nothing to do but pray so I'm praying for each of you. Hope you all are well and spasm free.

Gonna lay down now.

Little Boats Watching

Help a Starving Pumpkin

In the grand scheme of things this is not overly important but help...I'm running out of soap! Last Christmas I bought spicy holiday soap from Bath and Body to put in my pumpkin dispensers this year and I'm already out. I certainly don't have enough to last till Thanksgiving. Any ideas where I can find spice scented (red/orange) soap for my starving pumpkins?

New Glasses

It was time for Dani to get new glasses. She is 20 years old (I swear she's found the fountain of youth and won't tell us where it's at) and we wanted a newer more modern look, so off we went shopping for just the right frames. She doesn't look like she was having fun (it's the Autism) but she was very much looking forward to a new look.

Before

After

She is so proud of her new glasses that yesterday when we got in the car she immediately pulled down her sun visor to look at them in the mirror. When we arrived at Target she bolted down an isle to look at herself in the mirror. She's all girl.

Daddy's Nail Salon

Jimmy is between projects at work and as he waits for new work 

we enjoy our time together. 

Dani's been begging for Jimmy to polish her fingernails and

she not only got a polish but a full manicure!

The soak...

more soaking...

Careful cuticle care...

The polish: 

Revlon "Apricot Freeze" #630

all done...

Thanks Daddy!

Knowledge Transfer

What Happened Over Night?

Tell me. 

How does a child go to bed fine 

then wake up looking like this?

These were Dani's favorite M&M pants.

Let Us Not Grow Weary

Isaiah 40:31 

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint."

It's rare I have little to say but this week I have been virtually blogless. For the last two weeks our family has gone through a time of significant trial and grief that's literally surrounded us on all sides. Coming from nearly every direction it's been enough to make our heads spin.

In an effort to regain my balance I've fervently sought God in a new way and it's proven to be an opportunity for God to polish me into an image that greater reflects Him. Faithful to always teach new things, God has delicately drilled into my  heart Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship." 

While worship and sacrifice come in any variety of different ways, I am convicted to make a daily habit of giving up one thing for God each day. Whether it's a meal, time of recreation, or anticipated purchase, I will give up one pleasure each day and offer it as my spiritual act of worship. It's the least I can do for Him.

Dear sister, if you are going through a difficult time I encourage you to take a moment to worship God! Exalt Him for who He is and all He has done for you. No other person or pleasure will ever compare or satisfy. The world and everything in it will either let us down or lead us astray. Only God can provide the balance we so desperately need.  Hope in the Lord, renew your strength, and stand firm in Him! 

Your Fig Tree