Princess Sarah

It has been so long since I took a moment to talk about God's faithfulness...but there has not been one moment that I haven't experienced God's faithfulness...

Today I am particularly aware of His faithfulness to/through a family from Metro Life Church, the Townsends. I have watched, from a distance, as God has been systematically transforming their lives with the Gospel.

In April their two-year-old daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with cancer. She is in the midst of her 54-week treatment program consisting of chemo and radiation at Florida Hospital. As I read Sarah's mom's blog today (Alisha) I was so overcome with God's faithfulness! His unending grace is abounding! His goodness meets them with the daybreak! Oh, what a mighty God we serve!

Lord, thank You for the Townsends! Thank You for the precious family they are! Thank You that I got to see Your grace and mercy poured out on their lives this side of heaven! Thank You for building my faith today by Your marvelous work in their lives.

Lord, please comfort each of them during this season. Please continue to pour out Your grace on them in this time when You are transforming them into the likeness of Christ at an accelerated rate. THANK YOU that You have chosen them for Your own! May they be instruments in the Redeemer's hand for many years to come! May they be known throughout the earth as Your vessels, to the glory of Your Name! Thank You, Father.

You can read more about Princess Sarah and her family here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewMyStory.do?method=executeInit

Thank you for praying for these dear folks!

Holiday Pictures

Here are David and I at his mom's house, kicking off our Christmas festivities...


Here we are at Castillo de San Marcos, aka fort in St. Augustine


Here are Brianna and Sydney...don't they look thrilled to be at the fort? lol

David cheers Brianna up... =D

The brothers Moore...


Brianna and Sydney rolling down a hill...David was already at the bottom...

The Bling!

Well, here it is! The long-awaited picture of my beautiful engagement ring! It's hard to get a good picture of it because the flash reflects off the diamonds. =D

Didn't my fiancee do a great job? Hee hee! It's still fun to call David my fiancee.

Our first two weeks of engagement have been fun! We got to visit family and friends over Christmas week, we renovated David's office, we visited two states other than Florida (including Alabama where I got my very first Auburn hat!), and had a day trip to St. Augustine with our best man, Sentell, and one of our groomsmen, David's brother Michael, and one of our bridesmaids, David's sister-in-law Angie...oh, and our flower girl - Brianna and her soon-to-be cousin, Sydney. We're tired!

Now you all know why I haven't made any updates to the blog...I haven't sat still long enough to write anything! lol

Anyway, here is the ring. We still don't have a confirmed date for the wedding because the church has been closed for the holidays. We are planning to have it in Orlando at Metro Life Church, and the date we are hoping to confirm is March 1.

That's really all I can tell you right now. We haven't even asked our attendants yet because we're waiting for the wedding date to be finalized.

Thanks for your excitement for us in this amazing time of our lives! We love you, our precious friends!

The story of our engagement...

On Tuesday, December 18, 2007 we were at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, one of our two favorite places to go. Standing between Cinderella's castle and Main Street USA, with Tomorrowland behind us David began an important line of questioning...

David: How do you feel about the Florida Gators?
Colleen: I HATE the Florida Gators.
David: Good. (nodding his head)
pause
David: How about the University of Alabama? Do you like them?
Colleen: Nope, don't like them either. (emphatic shaking of the head)
David: (nodding head, continuing to contemplate) University of Georgia?
Colleen: Nah...(with a wrinkled up nose)
more head nodding and pause
David: How about Auburn, do you like Auburn?
Colleen: I LOVE AUBURN! And as I told my friend, Jan Watkins, when we started courting, I've been a secret Auburn fan for years.
David: Good, good.
I am giving him my full attention.
David: Well, in that case, I have one more question.
David gets down on one knee and takes a box out of his pocket...and opens it to reveal my dream ring...
David: Will you marry me?
I looked right into his eyes and with a big smile said...
Colleen: I need more words than that...
As if he wasn't nervous enough, I ask him to give more!
David: Oh! I love you, will you marry me?
Colleen: Yes, David, I will marry you!

Before I could even hug him a very sweet couple stopped to ask if we had a camera for them to take our picture. We did, and they did, and above is the picture.

My sweet David, he started to shake like a leaf after the picture was taken. We were both SO in a daze...I think we wondered around in circles for a few minutes before we realized we needed to decide where we were going. We decided on the Haunted Mansion...and of course, our doombuggie got stopped - for several minutes - at the place with the bride holding a hatchet. David seemed a little nervous, so I assured him I do not own a hatchet. lol

After that we headed to our friends' house, Bob and Bonnie Anderson, to go out for dinner (which was planned before David knew he was going to propose that night.)

After dinner Bonnie asked us to come in the house so she could take our picture...we walked in to a surprise party! Most of my home group and a few other close friends were there to celebrate our exciting news and to toast our marriage, giving thanks to God for His kindness to us. We even had a toast from our friend, Rob Swanson, who has known me for 13 years, and David for 4. Rob shared how he and his wife, Lynette, have been praying for 10 years for God to bring the exact right man for me, and that they are SO glad that David finally "got it".

We all had a good laugh! It was a perfect evening!

A courtship ends...

Well, after two months David and I have decided to end our courtship...and start our engagement! More details to follow, but here we are moments after he proposed (on one knee) in the Magic Kingdom, sometime during the 4 o'clock hour yesterday...

Birthday pictures...

This was my AMAZING cake...notice the "boot"...We were at an Italian restaurant called "Buca de Pepos" (Joe's Basement). The food was great, but the company was even better! David's brother, Michael, took the pictures...although that means I don't have any of him to share with you!
This was me opening my new space pen...OH, by the way, I found my old space pen today! I was so excited!

This is a picture of David, Brianna and me.

This is a picture of me and my favorite girl! Isn't she BEAUTIFUL???

This is me opening one of my presents from Brianna...We love the "Love" movies! We can't wait to watch this new one!

Us again...

This is Angie (I love her!) giving Michael (her hubby) the "That's enough with the camera" look. Teresa (aka "David's mother" - I love her too!) is in the background.

Did I mention I had a great birthday?

My new space pen!

It may look like an ordinary pen, but it's not! This is a high-faluten space pen! This pen is designed for astronauts who have gravity issues while in orbit. You can write while upside down with this pen...you can write on a greasy piece of paper! AND, this isn't just an ordinary space pen (which I had and have somehow misplaced during the move), this is a multifunction space pen! You can use a black ink pen, a red ink pen, a pencil or a stylus with this baby! How you hold the pen when you press down the button on top determines which utensil is used. There are words written on different sides (you can see "stylus" above) and whichever one of the words is facing up when you push the button, that's what sticks out the point. It's ingenius I tell you!

Yes ladies, there are definite perks to having an engineer in your life. =D

It's my birthday!

Yes, today is my birthday...my 38th in fact. I love my birthday. There's really no reason...I just do. And, actually, I don't just love MY birthday, I love other people's birthdays too.

My day started with a phone call...from My Tracy who called me at 7am to sing "Happy Birthday" on her way to work. Tracy knows me SO well. (She's one of the two friends I used to develop the whole idea of "birthday week", which turned into "birthday month", and is lovingly referred to as "birthday trimester" by My David.) She knows my primary love language is "words of affirmation" and she excels at expressing (and helping others express) affirming words to me - especially on my birthday. Nothing like starting the day with warm fuzzies! =D

I walked out of my bedroom some time later - on my way to the car with my first armful of stuff that needed to come with us to Jacksonville today - and was serenaded again, by My Mary. AND, as I went out to the car there - written in blue on several of my windows - were smiley faces and "Happy B-Day Colleen!" Apparently the birthday fairies had come! (aka someone(s) with the last name Reel)

My mom called, My Tina called and sang to me, my brother Brian sent me a text, My Swansons called, I got an e-card from Jermaine and one of my Denises and a voicemail from My other Denise...

And tonight we're going to dinner with David's family...folks I love to pieces!

It's been a great day! I am freshly aware of God's love through those He prompted to speak words of love to me today. He is so good to me! I know I do not deserve all the love I am accustomed to having...but God obviously delights to pour it out on me...so I stand amazed and I receive.

Is there anyone on your heart today? Is there someone that the Holy Spirit just keeps bringing to mind? Pick up the phone and call/text, or send them an email. Just let them know you're thinking of them. You know it's true...just knowing someone was thinking about you changes your whole day. Come on, you can do it! Change someone's day!

Thanks to all of you who remembered me today! I am blessed beyond belief. Thank you for your faithfulness to listen to, and follow, the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Amazed by His grace,
Colleen

It is well with my soul...

Today is moving day! Well, at least the biggest part of the move...Tonight Brianna and I will be sleeping in our new home. I will be sleeping in my own bed after a month...I can't wait!

We are really excited about the new place, and living so close to the Reels...we love them! It is somewhat sad to leave this home though...it is where the Lord taught us to be homemakers...it's the first place in my entire life that I have really enjoyed living...And God has been faithful to remind us that all the things that made this home so special will go with us where ever we go...that HE will be with us where ever we go...

Still, there is turmoil that I am fighting back - seemingly each moment. God has poured out His blessing, providing more than ample help to get us moved this evening...now the panic is trying to set in that I haven't gotten enough done to accommodate the help I will have.

BUT GOD is my peace like a river, attending my soul. HE is worthy of my praise, even when I am a little stressed. So glad we have hymns like "It Is Well With My Soul"...several lines from this song are rolling around in my head, and I am SO thankful that I know enough of them to sing them to myself as I chip away at packing and preparing. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know; 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'

Lord, I thank you for my lot, I know YOU have sovereignly designed this lot for me. Thank You for knowing what is best...thank You for Your perfect timing...Thank You that You are faithful through it all...Thank You for Your abundant blessings and how thoroughly You take care of our every need. Lord, You are worthy to be praised!

Lord, I trust You to provide for ALL my needs today. I trust YOU to give me the strength to persevere. I thank You for my weakness Lord, because my weakness only more greatly displays Your strength. Be glorified in my life, O Lord!

It Is Well With My Soul
Music by Phillip Bliss, Words by Horatio Spafford

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know;
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

Tho' Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin - not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend-
"Even so - it is well with my soul."

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live,
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou shalt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Fern and Bamboo...

A friend sent this story to me today...

One day I decided to quit…I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality…. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

“God”, I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me.

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

“Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

“Don’t compare yourself to others.” He said. “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

“Your time will come”, God said to me. “You will rise high”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned

“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.

What an amazing perspective...I'm so glad the Lord made me bamboo! Lord, may I rise all the days of my life for the glory of Your Name!

Be Still and Know That I Am God...

Do the waves in this picture represent the trials of your day? Do you feel like there are circumstances in your life that are about to crash down and wash you away for ever? Today has been a day - for several of us - that has seemed like we are the man standing there about to be consumed...A day when many of us have been asking "God, what are you doing????"

Today, in my circle of friends, there has been a mother of five who was wheelchair bound, a woman scheduled for surgery for uterine cancer who might have to postpone it due to pregnancy, a friend worried that I was stuck in a ditch somewhere, a single mom who was laid off from one of her jobs, a mom of 3 who has already been feeling like a single mom while her husband has been out of town for 2 weeks - who had a computer fry while one of her precious children was using it - resulting in the electricity for the whole house needing to be turned off for the night, and a single mom who needs to hear from the Lord about a job, a relationship, a move, and any other number of things...

God, what are you doing? What do you want me to see? What do you want me to do?

I have been asking these questions a lot in the last few weeks...and I always get the same answer. "Be still and know that I AM GOD." I hear it in the still small voice that speaks to my heart, I hear it in the music that randomly comes on my Ipod, and today I "heard" it as I opened a box packed 2-1/2 years ago in Atlanta and pulled out and opened a devotional I bought in 1995 and NEVER once used. There it was, right at the top of the page..."January 1 Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

But Lord, I whine, don't I need to DO something???

As I was sitting in my comfy living room chair, whining to the Lord, the Holy Spirit began ministering to me. He prompted me to look up at the wall behind me...my favorite wall in the house...my navy wall. On my navy wall hangs MY picture. The picture that so captivated me that I stood in a shop in St. Augustine staring at it, mouth gaping open, while my friends continued down the street to other shops...the picture that I went to visit at the Christian bookstore for 2-1/2 months until God provided the funds for me to bring it home.

The picture you see above. A man is standing in the doorway and all around the lighthouse the waves are swirling around, about to crash down on the lighthouse and - it would seem - wash the man away forever. What is the man doing? Is he running for cover? No. Is he paralyzed by fear by what he sees around him? No. Is he holding on for dear life, bracing himself for the crashing waves that are seconds away from causing his demise? No.

He is standing, non-challantly, with a hand in his pants pocket, looking up to the sky.

He doesn't seem to notice what is going on around him. When I first saw this picture I wanted to yell "RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! YOU'RE ABOUT TO BE OVERCOME!"

But before those words could form on my lips the Lord pointed out something that I instantly wanted to be the theme of my life...the thing that kept me standing there, mesmerized, for close to an hour that day in St. Augustine...

His eyes were toward heaven...he was so fixed on the Lord that it did not matter what was going on around him...he was seemingly unaware of what was going on around him.
That was it...the cry of my heart..."Lord, may I be so focused on You that nothing going on around me would be able to distract me. Lord, that my eyes would be fixed on You..."
So, what do I do on days like today when the boxes aren't packed, the laundry isn't done, no firm plans have been made to move us to our new home this weekend, I have questions about what I believe, my friends are hurting - in so many ways, and I don't have a job.
I fix my eyes on YOU LORD! YOU are my strong tower. YOU are my fortress. YOU are the rock in whom I trust. YOU will not be shaken! YOU will not let me perish! Those who trust in YOU will never be put to shame!So Lord, I wait patiently for You. I wait for You to lead, I wait for You to guide. I trust Your Holy Spirit to reveal Your will to me.
Do I do nothing? No. I keep packing boxes, I start the washing machine, I keep my eyes fixed on You, I read Your Word, I sing praises to Your Name, I cry out for You to save me once again...I accept the dinner invitation offered by one friend while calling another friend to offer them help for tomorrow...I trust YOU!

Psalm 46 God Is Our Fortress
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. [1] A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,a very present [2] help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;God will help her when morning dawns.6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,how he has brought desolations on the earth.9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;he burns the chariots with fire.10 “Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Lord, I know the few people who I encountered today are not the only people who faced trials today. Lord, thank You that these are people You have placed around me to remind me of who You are. Thank You for Your faithfulness in each of our lives. May each precious soul I have mentioned know Your faithfulness in a new way. Lord, I pray that You meet each one of us where we are and comfort us. Lord, thank You for Your Word, that never changes. Thank You that it is living and active. Thank You that You have sent the Comforter to us. I praise You Lord for You are Holy! You are worthy of our praise! Nothing we are facing is too big for You! Thank You that You are our very present help in times of trouble! Lord, I wait with great anticipation to see how You will meet every need each of us has. Lord, may Your name be glorified in all the earth! Amen!

Joy in the Journey...

Well, David and I have been courting a week now. Boy, have I learned a lot!

First, I have learned a little more about how much God loves me. WOW. I am blown away by Him. The depths of His care for me seem endless...He so overwhelms me! (in a good way)

Something I have re-learned this week is that I am quick to forget that God cares about the journey...after all, it is the journey He has designed for me and He has a reason for it. Or millions of reasons! Only He knows.

The Scripture posted by my Uncle Bill has been ever-present in my thoughts the last few days..."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..."

"Waiting on the Lord" is how I want to be known.

That being said, I'd like to enlist the help of those who love and care for me.

To aid us in waiting on the Lord, and finding joy in the journey, not to mention guarding our hearts, would you please help us keep our conversations at the "courtship" level, and not encourage us to talk at the "engagement" level. Thank you so much for your help with this!

It is hard to wait and pay attention to the journey when you're excited. I hope it goes without saying that your prayers are greatly appreciated in this regard. THANK YOU for your faithfulness to our Lord and to us!

Even more amazed by His grace,
Colleen

Guess who's courting!

This evening I went on an outing with my long-time friend, David Moore. The purpose of the outing, to begin our courtship!

David and I met 6 years ago in Atlanta...we went to the same church, and he began attending the same care group as me. We've been good friends since the very beginning!

This evening we began by going to dinner, and once the waitress took our order David proceeded to tell me that he had spoken with my dad and asked Dad's permission to court me. He went on to tell me that my dad had given his permission, and then asked me if he may court me.

With joy overflowing from my heart I said "Yes" to courtship.

The "yes" was followed by David presenting me with a a small, rectangular, black velvet box . The box contained a silver chain and hanging from the chain was a beautiful silver oval pendant with diamonds around the face. I was so overwhelmed! How could I stand up under the AMAZING kindness God was showering me with! To have a godly man, who is one of my best friends, ask my dad for permission to court me AND give me diamonds???

It was so humbling! I can't even begin to understand why God is so good to me, but I am SO glad He is!

David and I enjoyed our time at the restaurant, although I barely ate anything...We went out for ice cream on the way home to a place that was my favorite growing up (Carvel)...then we went and picked up Brianna from my friend.

Brianna is OVERJOYED! Her Uncle President is one of her very favorite people! She and I were both smiling so much our cheeks hurt...yet we couldn't stop smiling! She took a picture of David and I to commemorate the occasion (above)...The picture below was this past Saturday at EPCOT...another fun time!

Our evening ended after the picture...David still had a 2-hour drive back to Jacksonville.

While many, and I do mean many, people have been wondering for years why we weren't a couple, it seems now is the Lord's timing for us. We are SO excited!

David, Brianna and I so need your prayers as we seek the Lord's will in this relationship. Thank you for your faithful friendship!

Amazed by HIS grace,
Colleen

A moment of reflection...

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy;
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

How this speaks to my heart today…

Ten years ago today I entered a new season of life. I became a widow. I was 27 years old, I had a 5-month-old baby girl, and the Lord took my husband home. I remember feeling like a hollow shell…somehow filled with peace, but hollow nonetheless.

I remember thinking how kind God was not to make Tony suffer another day, and to end my torment of wondering “when will he die”. I also remember thinking that if I wasn’t married within the year I would die. Not “I don’t want to be single more than a year”, but “I will die because I am not cut out to be a single person”.

God’s kindness has only increased with each day. Here I stand, a decade later, and the person I see in the mirror is not the person I saw that day. Instead of being hollow I am filled to overflowing. Instead of dreading the year to come I am bubbling over with anticipation of what God has in store. And I am more in love with my Savior today than ever.

As for Jeremiah 31:13, I am STILL a young woman, and I am moved to dance for the joy that God has placed in me. He has comforted me, and my mourning has been turned in to joy. I do not regret a single day of the last 10 years, I know that each moment was part of God’s plan to miraculously transform me…to teach me how faithful He is and will continue to be. Lord, please let this good work continue!

Yesterday a friend told me “faith” is a gifting of mine. That alone is a miracle! I was the biggest worry wart when I was a teen and into my 20’s. To be known as a woman of faith is HUGE!

I stand today in faith for what I once thought impossible. I keep my eyes fixed on the Lord to see how HE will make the impossible possible. I feel my face glow as I anticipate Him revealing the next step…I know that whatever it is, He will be glorified through my life and I am so grateful that He would use me, a wretch, for any of His purposes, let alone for His name to be glorified in all the earth! Oh Lord, how kind you are to me!

How about you? Are you rejoicing? Are you dancing? Does your mourning need to be turned into joy? Cry out to God for He is faithful! Whatever circumstance you are in, He is there…and He has a purpose for this season in your life. Be grateful for this time, it won’t last forever, but the fruit of it will!

During our time of worship on Sunday we sang a song that used to be a hope of mine…I have included the lyrics below. This time when we sang the song I realized the words I used to hope to be true in my life are now a reality of mine! Oh, how good God has been to me! I pray that if you are not in the place of these words being a reality in your life that God will bring you to that place! (I know He will!) Here are the lyrics:

So I’m lifting up my hands, I’m lifting up my voice, I’m lifting up Your Name, and in Your grace I’ll rest. For your love has come to me and set me free. I’m trusting in Your Word, trusting in Your cross, trusting in Your blood and all Your faithfulness. For Your power at work in me is changing me.

Amazed by His grace,

Colleen

It's Christmas in September!

That's what it feels like anyway...

As I type this a beloved aunt and uncle, along with their children and grandchildren, have all made the trek from Long Island to Disney World. We can't wait to see them. This is the aunt and uncle who shared the Gospel message with me through their words as well as their deeds. These are the cousins who have been more like siblings than cousins throughout my life, and their children like my nieces and nephews. We can't wait to see them all!

Why are we not out at the parks with them? Because, as if it wasn't huge enough to have them all here, God's blessings go on! At 5:42am my brother, Mike (aka Uncle Clem), is arriving from Las Vegas to spend the week with us also and we are at home preparing for his stay with us. How cool is that!!!

But wait, it doesn't stop there! It keeps getting better!

Uncle Clem adds a second driver to our car, so instead of going to Disney tomorrow we're making a quick trip to Atlanta to see my parents. (We haven't seen Pop since Christmas!) So we get to see Grandma and Pop, and the cats and dogs, AND even my brother, "Uncle Brian"! He's a standup comedian, and he'll be doing a show in Chattanooga, just an hour from my parents. Mike and I will be driving up to see the show, but Brianna will have to stay with her grandparents because she's not quite old enough to be at a comedy club.

After that we get to visit our old church and lots of dear friends, and even celebrate birthdays with my dear sisters in Christ, Tracy and Mary - with whom "birthday month" came into existence.

FINALLY on Monday we'll get to Disney and the NY relatives.

We'll have 3 days with them before MORE friends join us! On Thursday (9/27) our friends from Atlanta, The Coombs (Aaron, Shanna, Chandler, Carson and Dylan), as well as our friend from Jacksonville "Uncle President" (aka David) will be added to the mix.

The relatives and the Coombs will all be gone by Saturday, but Uncle Clem and Uncle President will be here through Sunday, when we hope they will go with us to church. We haven't been at church in weeks, and can't wait to be there on 9/30. As if salvation isn't enough God has so richly blessed us with SO MANY dear brothers and sisters, both natural born as well as adopted. HE IS SO GOOD TO US!!!!

I hope to post (with pictures) throughout the week and let you know how things are going!

1 Peter 3:1-7

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you [1] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

I have been thinking a lot lately about who I am...Who I am in Christ, who I was without Him, who He wants me to become...

As I search the depths of my heart I am amazed to find fruit of God's character there. I do not recognize myself...I am surprised to find that the me I knew for so long is no longer the me that I am now. And who I am now is not the me I am becoming because God is still at work!

Are you dizzy yet? Yes, I really do think like this! lol

I am truly amazed at the work God has done and continues to do in my heart. I see more and more that I almost can't believe is really there. I think it's that "imperishable beauty" I hear so much about. In ME!!! Isn't He amazing????

Oh me of little faith, I never thought it was possible! BUT GOD! But God in His goodness IS transforming me into the image of Christ. He is dressing me in robes of righteousness. He is preparing me for the great wedding feast. And, let's be honest, I hope He is also preparing me for a wedding feast here. While is has been the desire of my heart all these 10 years of widowhood (yes, on October 2 it will be 10 years!!!) to be married again "one day", I actually find myself having faith that "one day" may actually come sooner or later!

If you know me, you're laughing at me right now. I know you are! lol It's okay, I'm laughing at me too! How could I not expect "one day" to come when God told me it would??? But, there it is...I did not have faith for it!

Finally believing God will eventually make "one day" a reality is an example of me finally believing (in my heart) what I say I believe (in my head). I know, I know, it took me long enough! Well, better late than never! heehee

Marriage is only one area that God has given me faith for lately. I have more and more faith that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6) Again, things I have said I believe, but only now do I feel that I OWN them. Isn't He so good?

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to mold me into the image of Christ! Thank You for the trials and suffering that have produced good fruit! Thank You for Your great kindness to me! Lord, may I continue to submit myself to Your good work and see Your glory proclaimed in all the earth through my life.

In the meantime, I want to invest in who I am today...the bride of Christ. As the Lord has been so faithful to be my husband, I want to be faithful in being His bride. I found an excerpt from a book on the girltalk blog that I have already ordered from Amazon. I want to cultivate more of that imperishable beauty in my heart and this book seems to be a tool to be used toward that end.

Here's the excerpt:

“But sisters, the man who will make for you a healthy, tender, passionate, enduring, mutually fulfilling life partner is a man who prizes faith and integrity in himself and goes weak in the knees at your inner beauty too. This beauty ages well—it is an ‘imperishable beauty.’ It is this beauty that men see and appreciate as you grow through the seasons of life.” (p. 128, Doing Things Right)

I don't just want men to see and appreciate it, I want God to see and appreciate it. After all, HE is my faithful Audience of One. I want to do things right in matters of the heart based upon His Word for His glory alone!

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOZAFFA!

Today is Jozaffa's 6th birthday...that's right, he was born on the infamous 9/11 of 2001. I am so in awe of God's greatness when I think about the fact that while death and destruction was going on in one part of the world that this gorgeous, smart, amazing child was being born in another.

In God's kindness He allowed me to send Jozaffa a couple of little birthday presents. It turned out Pastor Daniel and his wife, Marlaine, were both flying to Haiti this week, and they said they would be happy to take the gifts along. Of course I also sent Jinette her belated birthday gifts too. I made them each a little photo album of pictures from our trip there in June, and then sent them each a bag of smarties, some matchbox cars and a bag of balloons for Jozaffa, a My Little Pony and some hair clips for Jinette, along with as much love as I could stuff in the package.

Last night on the way to ship the package Brianna was praying for the kids. (She is so precious!) What a heart she has for these children that she has never met. She was pleading with God to let both she and I go see them, and to "get them" soon. What an excited big sister she would be if God's plan is really for us to adopt them.

I continue to learn about God through the Haitians. Brianna and I were discussing the prospect of sending presents to J & J, and how the rest of the children would feel that they did not get anything. I asked about this when I was in Haiti. I was told the children rejoice with those who are rejoicing. They do not get jealous or begrudge each other, they understand that God gives as He pleases. Wow. What an amazing living example of Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Brianna and I were both challenged by this example, and by God's Word. How selfish we are to grumble and complain at what we do not have as if God owes us anything! Lord, thank You for Your kindness to use the Haitians to convict us of our sins. Father, please continue to show us our sin that we may continue to kill it and become more like Christ.

If you're reading this today, please take a moment to pray for the birthday boy. I am praying that he will know God's love for him, as well as God's pleasure in creating him, and that he will know Jesus as his Lord and Savior from this day on.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Latest update on Mom

I'm sorry! So many of you have emailed me asking for another update on my mom...She seems to be doing fine, at least as far as this health issue. All of the previous, ongoing issues are still a concern, and a matter of constant prayer, but best we can tell the latest hospital stay was stress induced.

My parents have received some very wise counsel from my brother, Brian, and they are now considering the next step. Brian counseled them to sell their house and move to one of the places where we (their children) live (Tennessee, Nevada or Florida)...we'll see what happens next!

Again, thank you so much for your prayer and concern for my family!

Update on Mom #2

Mom came home last night around 10pm. Best anyone can tell the pain was stress related (due to finances).

Please continue to pray for my parents as the Holy Spirit leads, obviously their greatest need is the Savior. As I'm sure each of has experienced, the Lord often uses the pressures of life to bring us to a place of crying out for His mercy. Lord, may they cry out soon!

This situation has given Brianna and I the opportunity to revisit what we know, and believe, about God. Brianna was sharing with me last night (before we knew my mom was released) that she is scared that she will lose Grandma, and that Grandma has not given her life to the Lord. We talked about how nothing a person does or doesn't do shortens our life, but that God has always known exactly how long He will allow each of us to live on this earth. And that we have nothing to fear because NOTHING can change the time and day God has already ordained Grandma's life here to end.

Brianna was comforted by this reminder that God "already knows". I am humbled by her example...I am challenged to ask myself if I am comforted just knowing God already knows _____. I can put so many things into this blank...How about you? In any given situation in your life are you comforted knowing that God already knows how He will rescue you from your circumstances, that God already knows if/how He will save your loved ones, that God already knows the plan for every minute of your life?

I got an email today from one of my best friends who found God comforting him in the wee hours of the night by a prophetic word from a few years ago. I know many of us can use to hear this today...may God's plan to be your Comforter bring you peace! Please let me know how I can pray for you today!

Brianna and I are continuing to pray for God to save Grandma, Pop, and several other family members, and we welcome you to join us!

Let's see what God will do!

Amazed by His grace,
Colleen

Word for today...
Are you complaining and grumbling about "where you are"? Then know that you haven't asked to see the good; I AM waiting to show you My glory in the hardship, but you MUST ask, for as certain as the circumstances you face look hard , know that ever greater and more certain is My Glory that will be revealed to you, in you and through you as you SEEK the good in every situation you face. Look for the good, for therein it lies.

Update on my mom...

Thank you so much for praying! My mom is staying in the hospital this evening...Her thyroid is severely out of whack and although the other 4 docs have released her, someone wants the endocrinologist to see her before her release.

My mom sounds much better than my dad, although I think Dad will make it through. =D

For those of you in Atlanta who have asked if there is anything you can do, feel free to serve however the Lord lays it on your heart. (Most of you know right where they live.) A friendly face and/or a yummy meal always do wonders!

Thanks again for praying! How I love to be a part of the body of Christ!

Well, I'm off to bed! I'll update tomorrow once I know if Mom's home or if they've found another problem.

Thanks again!