//exceeding abundantly//

This is just another story of God's goodness...

My family {and lot of others} had been looking and praying for a truck to use for our building ministry. 

For over a year this went on...

and then one day my dad found a truck on Craigslist {which shocked me, because I was beginning to think Craigslist was only created for trouble and violence.} 

After conversing back and forth about the truck, praying about it, and going to look at it...

this truck became ours. 

It's a <<2013 Dodge Ram Cummins 3500 Dually>>

This truck was not what we were looking for and it's not what we expected we'd ever get in a million years...

but that's just how good God is. 

He provided the truck.

I love hearing my dad tell people about the truck...

he just starts bragging on God's goodness.

It truly is a blessing from our Father.

Every time I look at that truck I smile and I thank God for His blessing.

Since we got the truck this verse has been running through my head over and over again: 

Ephesians 3:20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

This truck is definitely above what we asked or thought!! 

God is so good!! 

//thankful for...//

Caroline, Blanche, Daniel, David, Grandma Ruby, and John 

...I am also thankful for old stoves, warm hearts, worn hands, twinkling eyes, and easy smiles. Folks who have spent their whole life loving their families, where sacrifice is never a question, but an immediate reaction whenever possible. People who have chosen to love others more than themselves, and to stop the world if a neighbor is in need. I'm thankful for neighbors and front porches and rocking chairs and the steady tick-tock of old clocks. 

{Christy Jordan}

//a s p i r i n g//

This apron was a gift from grandma to me just a few short months ago. She gave each one of my sisters and I an apron out of her apron “closet”. What a treasure that was for each one of us. 

As you can tell from the looks of this apron it has been well-used. Worn many times to cook up a mess of food and then serve with a heart full of love. 

I've been going through hope chest stuff lately. Seeing what I have. Seeing what I need. And as I look at each item in my hope chest {which is mainly kitchen stuff} I think and I dream.

I aspire to be like my grandma.

Oh sure she's aged now. 

But those worn out {hands}...

They're from cooking meals and serving others. 

That aching {back}...

It's from being bent over working in the garden. From carrying babies. From working hard. 

Those {wrinkles}...

why they're from laughing.

Those worn out {knees}...

that's from spending countless hours kneeling before her Father and bringing each family members name up before Him. 

Those weary {eyes}...

are from staying up caring for people, watching for people, crying for people.

That worn out {body}...

it's from spending her life poured out to make a life for her children. And her grandkids, and great grandkids, and great- great grandkids.

But that {heart}...

oh that heart. I think it's stronger and fuller now than it ever has been. Because her love just keeps on growing. 

You see that is why I aspire to be like her. 

Because what an amazing woman she is. 

{sorry this is a picture of a picture. It's my grandma feeding me and my cousin Jed}

Serving...always serving...

I hope to be the wife she was, the mom she is, the grandma she is...most of all I hope to be 

{the virtuous woman} 

she is.

  

//a list of R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S//

Just thought I'd share some things that I've come across, or have had shared with me over time, that I've liked and enjoyed!!! 

book {recommendation} 

//Out of Commission//

by Paul Chappell 

This book is about getting every Christian back to the Great Commission. I recieved it for Christmas and read it rather fast (for a person who doesn't like to read). It is published by Striving Together Publications. They have a lot of other good books on their website too! Definitely worth the money. Check them out!!! 

recipe {recommendation} 

//Cheesy Taco Soup//

 

http://iowagirleats.com/2013/01/21/cheesy-taco-soup/

This was really yummy. Just looking at the picture makes me hungry for it again!!! It was an experimental recipe, but it was definitely worth adding to my recipe collection!! 

video {recommendation} 

//The Spirit is Willing// 

By Eric Ludy 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=viyoljLicqo

Wow!! This is a great video to watch. It's about escaping YOU. Turning in your weakness to God who wants to help you. Rather then trying to describe it though, I'll let you watch it for yourself. 

Cd {recommendation} 

//Hear My Prayer// 

By Matthew Burtner 

From the Wilds music. My favorite song on this cd is {I Could Not Do Without Thee}. 

app {recommendation} 

//Voxer// 

{Liv, here is my nerdiness coming in to play on my blog--I'm reviewing an app!}...she said it would be really nerdy if I posted about an app. Anyways...this is one of my favorite apps. It's actually just a walkie talkie. I love being able to hear the voice of the person I'm talking to no matter how near or far away they are. To make it even better- it's FREE!!! 

sermon {recommendation} 

//In Everything Give Thanks// 

By Mark Herbster 

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=55142125235

A very good friend of mine recommend that I listen to this sermon awhile back. Since then I have listened  to it--multiple times. It is a sermon I go back to over and over again...and I know I'll always need the reminder to give thanks in everything!! Excellent message!!!  

random {recommendation} 

In closing there's one thing if recommend for you to do today and that is

//count your blessings// 

God is so good and I can truly say I am blessed beyond all measure!!!! 

// Senior Lunch and Recital //

I had the opportunity to head up a senior lunch and recital which took place on Tuesday of this week.

I coordinated with the head of our Senior saints ministry at our church and we began to make plans. We wanted an opportunity for our youth to be able to serve our seniors. 

The seniors we have at our church are true gems. Each one of their stories is a little different, but there is something to learn from all of them!! 

So on Tuesday we set up the fellowship hall for them and then the auditorium.

We served them lunch first {sorry I didn't take the time to take pictures of this part}...we kinda just let them mingle with each other for this part...

then we had the recital. 

Singing. Piano. Guitar. Violin. Cello. Trumpet.

 We also had one of the couples share their testimonies with us...

I'll end with a quote from each of them:

Don't ever tell the Lord what you don't want to do. Be willing to do whatever He wants you to do. {Mrs. Marilyn} 

The Lord always provided...ABUNDANTLY {Mr. Don}