First off...this week I would like to offer a little Baby be Blessed toddler tote. This is one of the totes that I told you would be put in the shop over the week...is it Friday already? There are many more in the works which you will hopefully be seeing soon. It measures 10x9 inches (not including the handles) and is made from Amy Buttler cotton prints and vintage pink smooth minky. I embellished it with a little lamb with ivory ribbon bow and the scripture "The Lord is my strength and song" Psalm 118:14 The rules for the giveaway is the same as every week. Please leave your contact information in the comments under this post Friday-Sunday and I will pick the winner on Monday.
Secondly...I'm reading the Book A shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller (hence my last post). It is for sure the second, maybe the third time I've read this book. SO GOOD! This time instead to reading a good portion of it at a time, I've decided to read it one chapter at a time. I really want to ponder or chew on each chapter, allowing it to soak in so the Lord can speak to me through it. I plan on sharing a little bit of each chapter with you. Yesterday I read Chapter two: I shall not want. I love it! Keith and I live a pretty simple life, I wouldn't have it any other way. But I examine myself...am I satisfied with where I'm at? Satisfied with what I have been given for today? Today my answer is yes, but it is a constant examining of my heart and mind to keep that peaceful feeling. I can always say yes...but do I always feel it? Personally if I am too busy and I don't keep God's word flowing into me...I start to rot. =) At least I feel like I start to rot. I get bitter and sour with a poor me attitude. A worldly perspective sneaks in and starts to take over. I love Jesus, I'm a Christian, I go to Church, but nothing good flows out from me...rotting fruit on the vine. Nothing like God's word to knock that right out of you, and I praise Him for that. Starting and living each day with the right focus and attitude has been my daily choice. Some days I start out good and then disaster strikes. Praise God for His grace and Mercy! So here is a little section out of the chapter. I pray the Lord meets you exactly where you are today in your spiritual walk and speaks to your heart as He spoke to mine.
Despite an unparalleled wealth in material assets we are outstandingly insecure and unsure of ourselves and well nigh bankrupt in spiritual values. Always men are searching for safety beyond themselves. They are restless, unsettled, covetous, greedy for more-wanting this and that, yet never really satisfied in spirit. By contrast the simple Christian, the humble person, the Shepherd's sheep can stand up proudly and boast. "The Lord is my Shepherd-I shall not want." I am completely satisfied with His management of my life. Why? Because He is the sheepman whom no trouble is too great as He cares for His flock. He is the rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep-who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them....
In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are still not content with His control. They are somewhat dissatisfied, always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener. These are carnal Christians- one might almost call them "fence crawlers" or "half Christians" who want the best of both worlds.
So something for us to chew on...are we fence crawlers, who want the both of best worlds? Who always is searching and wanting more? The world is always telling us we need more. Do we? Or are we COMPLETELY satisfied and at peace in our heart with what we have been given. This goes beyond material things...I'm talking every situation as well. Every peak and every valley of our life. Lord...you ARE my Shepherd, and I shall not want!
Eleven years ago today, I became Mrs. Keith Thompson. It was the best day of my life! We both were just young pups yet...still wet behind the ears. Keith was 22 and I was 21. I look at these pictures and see us still as babies, but at the time of course we knew all and was ready to take on the world together...and that is what we have done!
Keith always likes to joke "Yep...Married 11 years, together for nine", since he was gone for almost two years with the Military. We've learned a lot over the last 11 years, especially through the two that he was gone. I know it sounds silly, but I praise God for those two years. I hope and pray that I fully realize now what the Lord has given me when He joined us as one.
It was a beautiful fall afternoon! All the weeks of planning came together into one wonderful day! It was so awesome this morning pulling out the old white album and fumbling through the dusty pages. Makes for a good morning cup of coffee. I see these pictures of us and then think of our four babies sleeping peacefully up in their beds. We didn't know the blessings that were coming our way!
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