Run With Sparkle

This week Nate & I celebrated our 15 year anniversary. What a special trip. It started with a beautiful card from Nate, who has learned how much I love cards & does such a great job at giving them now, which blessed my heart.  Then, we made our way to Hartville, OH to a beautiful bed & breakfast- Quail’s Covey. It was a delightful experience with exquisite dessert delivered to our bedroom each night & a delicious breakfast each morning. We enjoyed a hike around Quail Hollow State Park where we got lost & had to make our way to the road and walk back with cars swerving around us. What an adventure! Then, we enjoyed a day exploring Hartville; the quaint shops, the Hardware store, Winged Foot State Park, & a delicious dinner at Grinders. We enjoyed reading together, listening to Dr. Ury’s lecture online, & church & family planning. On our way home we went out of our way to see a Ford Transit.  I’m so grateful for this special trip and, more import...

These two pictures represent some major answers to prayer in my life right now. The first one is the beautiful red car in the picture above. Ever since I said “Yes!” to God and decided to have another baby, the faith walk has begun.  Again, we are at a place in our lives where we need another vehicle, but can’t really afford it on paper.  I know God will provide the right vehicle in the right way, His way, different than He’s done it before.  Bill & Marge showed up with this vehicle on September 25th this year and gave it to us. They said we could sell it and use the money to go towards a new van. God is beginning to answer our prayers! I have faith and will not waiver. “I will put my hope in God!” Psalm 42 The second picture is an answer to prayer that came on Wednesday this week. Last Saturday I was outside sweeping the front porch and I realized that Nate hadn’t bought flowers for our flower pots in a very long time. As I pondered this, I felt like the Holy Spirit...

With each of our children we prayed over what we would name them. Nate gave me very specific guidelines for the names of our children- biblical, Hebrew, Old Testament. Yikes! It seemed like such a huge task, but, I believe that God led us to the perfect name for each child. I have asked that the Lord would give me life verses to pray for my kids that go along with each of their names. Isaiah- Jehovah has saved Isaiah 6:6-8- Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”  Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah at PMBC this summer throwing a ratchet Moriah-  God is my teacher, the place where God is worshiped.  “This is what the Lord says: Because you have...

Eight years ago I asked God for a promise to pray for my husband, Nathan. This was the Psalm that He gave me. I haven’t always been faithful in praying for him, but the Holy Spirit has brought back the desire to pray fervently for my family, church family, & world. I’m so thankful. The Lord hears our prayers & over the years has made it so clear to me that He answers my prayers. I am without excuse to intercede for those around me. My prayer for Nathan... Psalm 89:15-18 “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. Psalm 89:20-34 I have found my servant David (Nathan).       I praise you for calling Nathan to be your messenger, your minister in this dar...

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Psalms‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This fall has been unusually hot & beautiful. 80 degrees everyday and shorts have spoiled me. The weather dropped to 50 degrees on Friday and it felt like fall. Saturday was cold & Sunday it warmed up again. Oh, unpredictable Ohio!  We had a wonderful weekend & and I was determined to stay positive through the cold. I’m thankful for the seasons, how my kids love the changing seasons, pumpkin spice, for good friends, & that my Heavenly Father doesn’t change through the seasons. I’m thankful that as the cold comes, the Holy Spirit will help me remain joyful!

“Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord. Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” ‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭4:1-8‬ ‭NLT‬ This morning as I read my Psalm, this verse, “Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord” jumped off the page. What are my sacrifices? In the Old Testament we know clearly which sacrifices God’s people...

I turned 38 last Friday. What a special day! Nate surprised me with Orange Leaf, my favorite frozen yogurt place, & a trip to Pittsburgh for Moe’s Mexican food, a Pirates game, & fireworks.  I am so thankful for these blessings pictured, but also my amazing friends & family.  I am 23 weeks pregnant today & so very thankful that the Lord has settled this “barren woman as a happy mother of children.” Everyday I am overwhelmed at God’s goodness, how He provides and takes care of me & even chooses to give extra special gifts above and beyond like birthday adventures.   Thank you, Jesus, for these 38 years.  With you in the lead I can truly say that I love getting older! Holy Spirit, with you continually working in me, through me, reminding me, refining me, softening me, & working out your salvation through me, I can say I’m better at 38 than I was at 28. I want to look more like Jesus at 48!