...sparks are flying!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Wow! We are one week away from our 11 day family vacation - {I am prepared!}
We have been counting down the days since May! LOL!
This "autumn road" reminds me of what the view will be like in some of the states we will travel such as.....Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri....this will be a long trip at 3,5oo miles!

My plan is to check in daily in the evening with SP....it all depends on the internet availability......hotels, cabins, homes of family members...etc.
However...there is another way of "sparking"....this is through prayer. I most certainly will be in prayer for your needs as I have hid in my heart the challenges and needs of so many of my dear SP friends. So, I will be sparking you from a distance...lighting a Holy-Spirit Fire nevertheless! LOL!

******************************************
" A Word About Our Current Events"

I love my job.... I'm a home school teacher. We have such a joy-filled flexible week ...every week! Last Saturday, my 2 daughter's hosted a tea party with their friends.....it "sparked" the interest of the mothers of these girls to make this get-to-gether a weekly event - so tomorrow(every Wednesday) is our designated girl play day! I love the flexibility of our school schedule! Our children are involved at our church every Wed. eve with mission friends activities! They love it and they "spark" others with their own testimony! LOL!!
My son is genuinely glad to participate with his RA group(Royal Ambassador) at our church. I love to see my children grow in the Faith .....It is Magnificent! Praise The Lord! The Lord is doing a mighty work of revival in our church ...has for some time now!

{{{I see sparks flyin'! LOL!}}}
The hand of the Lord moves swiftly and obedience follows! This is a delight to watch and be a part of!

The Lord is doing a mighty work in my husband's life...Praise God! My DH was burdened to disciple the new believers in our church which are the fastest growing class!!! He is one of the teachers - a miracle in and of itself! God is reviving our hearts as one HUGE church body, and people have eyes to see, hearts to expect miracles, and the Faith to walk after God wholeheartedly!

Do you see the bonfire that we are headed towards? All of these sparks from individuals are lighting a Fire, and God is lighting His match! Wow!!
Thank You Jesus for choosing me to play a part in this movement! I am honored!

I pray that you come to expect Great things of God, that you have eyes to see His Majesty, and the Faith to follow when He calls you! He wants to do a miracle in your life! How does it make you feel that He is crazy about YOU!! LOL!! {He is!}
He so wants to show up in YOUR LIFE and SHOW OFF!!

.............here's my lighted match ~ Laura

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOYATLAST 9/30/2010 12:52PM

Girl, You're all sparked up! And I'm feeling it too. Go! Sparky McSparker! Report Inappropriate Comment

CONDACHE 9/29/2010 9:48PM

O MY GOODNESS! You are a homeschool teacher! Yes!!! I have decided to homeschool my children but I don't know where to begin. I have a ton of questions, well if you don't mind schooling me on homeschooling. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORTHWOODSMOM8 9/29/2010 8:26PM

WOW! I feel all alight!!!! :-))))) Thanks for this MARVELOUS post, dearest Laura! I LOVE the girl's day! Sounds DELIGHTFUL! Wish Mary could participate! In heaven for sure! Thanks for sharing your life! I LOVE IT!!! {{{hugs and prayers for a lovely trip and safe journey}}}} Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 9/29/2010 6:32AM

Where and when are you passing thru Maryland? Do YOu know I live there? sounds like an action packed trip. And much nicer weather to travel in than the summer---that is a perk with home schooling. One of my Spark friends just visited Mt. Vernon---they now have a basement tour to show people where one of the National Treasure movies was shot. That might be really interesting to your kids and that is a great place to visit to learn more of George Washington. Report Inappropriate Comment

DETERMINEDJANET 9/29/2010 12:03AM

Don't you love watching God's hand at work? I sure do! Have a great vacation...and yes, I love the homeschool flexibility as well. We actually have two trips coming up that begin in October. Our longer one will be almost two weeks to do mission work at Wycliffe Bible Translators in Florida. Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMAPPLE 9/28/2010 11:40PM

Have a wonderful spark-filled trip!! Enjoy your time with your family!! Stay safe, happy and healthy. Blessings ~ Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 9/28/2010 11:10PM

Thanks for sharing so many Sparks!! We need to remember there's more than one way to spread the spark, and that God is the ignitor!! Be blessed - and enjoy your special family time! Report Inappropriate Comment

PEPPERLEAH 9/28/2010 10:59PM

I am certain your vacation will be filled with endless blessings! I will be praying for you and your family as you are traveling! And I am so glad to read of all the blessings in your family's life! God is so good! Report Inappropriate Comment

Listen to the Voice of Truth

Monday, September 20, 2010

Thank You, Jesus, for Your forgiveness, Your mercy, Your grace!!!.... for the Power You give me through Praise and Worship! I know the enemy trembles in the Presence of Praise! Lord Jesus, You sustain me through temptation, through darkness and through the fire.....when all of God's people sing {{Glory}} to You, "You Reign"....the current circumstances amount to practically nothing.......nothing compared to Eternity! When I gaze on You and You gaze back - WOW! ....nothing else matters....

....sometimes life can be so hard....so challenging! ....sometimes I feel I am just one mistake away from You leaving me this way, but then I remember GRACE!! Lord, You know how much we can handle, and I trust Your hand...I do trust YOU with my whole heart. I draw near to You, Lamb of God ....and You draw near to me...

To be held by You is Incredible!! {{{Thank You Jesus!!! }}}
Let my life song sing of YOU!!!....sing To You! I turn to You and it is miraculous how the fire dissipates from my life.....You Are AMAZING! You give Beauty for Ashes! Thank You for holding onto me! I choose to listen to Your voice of Truth!
....Truth drowns out the lies of the enemy! Praise The Lord!

Please take time to listen to the message in this music...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV
6Y&feature=related

You may be walking through a dark place in your life just now. Look up and gaze on Jesus; He will gaze back -- I assure you! Let His gaze melt away the darkness leaving You with the glory of His powerful Light of Truth. ....just remember that when the enemy throws his darts, we must stand as a child of God, and in the name of Jesus, Stand! Speak the Truth out loud ...and Praise the Name of the Lord loudly.....the enemy will flee - trust me, he will! LOL!! Try it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CONDACHE 9/27/2010 10:31AM

Beautiful Report Inappropriate Comment

BELLACUDDLES 9/21/2010 2:20PM

I heard that complaining (if we do that and sometimes it is hard NOT to) it is the devil getting his way with us!! I love it when I refrain from any complaining.....even about the weather! Report Inappropriate Comment

DETERMINEDJANET 9/20/2010 11:28PM

One of my favorite songs these days. Thanks for reminding me of these powerful promises! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMAPPLE 9/20/2010 10:30PM

The Voice of Truth says Listen to My Glory...Do not be afraid. He is the Truth...we can believe every word that He has spoken through the Bible. Glory to God! Report Inappropriate Comment

ACG4CHRIST 9/20/2010 9:40PM

I praise God in the highest for His name is Holy and He is Jehovah. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is El Shaddi. Addoni. Jehovah Jirrah. Prince of Peace. Everlasting God. Oh Abba Father I thank you for sending me to this site and finding these teams who give you all the praise and glory for what is happening in there journeys. What an amazing and awesome God you are. How you bless us each day with your mercy and grace. I thank you for renewing your mercies to me daily. I thank you for showing grace when I have failed again. I thank you that your Word teaches me how to live and how to share your love with others. Father God be with each and every memember of this team and guard them from all attacks of the enemy this week. Put your hedge of protection around them. I praise your Holy name father. In Jesus name, amen. Be blessed this week my friend and what a wonderful blog. I am so inspired and blessed by it. Report Inappropriate Comment

BESTSUSIEYET 9/20/2010 9:01PM

Praising Him with you, for He is Great and Worthy to be Praised! Worthy of our Trust ... Worthy of our Lives! His Truth Reigns!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 9/20/2010 7:57PM

Such high praise reminding me I will outlast this attack! Report Inappropriate Comment

"Who Am I in Christ"

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I am a Child of God....a Princess, Chosen of God, set apart and set free! LOL!!!
I am Forgiven, Whole, Covered in Grace, Loved Unconditionally, Empowered to Live victoriously in this present darkness....... with my cup overflowing .....full of Joy!

......I am so thankful for YOU{{{ Jesus! }}} I praise You and Worship You LOUDLY!
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ - I am free because of YOU!

You call my name....You show off to me all the Time...Your laughter is Loud and sacred to my ears!! I love YOU! You know me and my identity is in You!
You are my Fortress, my Salvation, my High Tower and just a call away. You have never left me nor forsaken me......always been Faithful!

Thank You Jesus for surrounding me....it is Your Name that I hide in when I am challenged. I know I am secure. You have caused me to laugh in darkness and boldly approach Your throne. I am Unashamed....completely and without apology. You are So Generous ....I can never out give you! Your mercies are new daily to me. You arm me for war, and I don't look back once the fight begins as I know You win every battle! My confidence is in You!

Who are you in Christ? Please share you testimony, and declare God's goodness.
He is crazy about you !! LOL!! .....He truly is!
Let your Light shine before man that they might Know Who You are in Christ ...and that they might see Christ in you.

....just a thought........If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BBGOOGIN 9/17/2010 12:21PM

This is a day late but not too late for praise, is it?! I am the child the King cares for. Father, You are my burden bearer, the One upon Whom I can cast all my cares! You're Almighty and have a infinitely huge heart to carry everything that is not meant for me to carry. Thank You for your big broad shoulders! You're my place of Rest, the Secret Place, My Refuge, the Rock that is higher than I am. You're the Lifter of my head and the Grace that pours out to me in my weakness. You're the First and the Last, and all my days are hemmed into one place in your mind and understanding, all my days recorded ahead of time. The meaning of my life is in You and without You I am nothing and can do nothing. Thank You for creating me with the purpose of knowing Your love, Lord! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 9/16/2010 4:42PM

I am priceless to my heavenly Father. I am His trophy. His love pursues me and overtakes me. He snatched me from destructions. He put a ring of authority on my finger. He provides for me, sings over me and celebrates with me. He gives me secret things. He chose me for greatness. He equipped me. He runs to me. How can I do anything but love Him! Report Inappropriate Comment

CYCLINGSANDY 9/16/2010 3:51PM

I am a child of the King! He loves me so much, even though I am not worthy to be loved. I have been bought with a price. That price was God's only begotten son. That hits me hard. Could I have given my son to die for the sins of people? NO,no way! I love my son too much to want Him to die. Well, this is what God did for me! I know it grieved God to give His only son, but that was the plan. I will act like I belong to God. I will not leave to chance that others will not know that I am a child of God and He calls me friend! I rest on the assurance of God's promises daily. I cannot get through a single day without talking to my God. He is my redeemer, my comforter, my friend, the Alpha, the Omega, and the beginning and the end. He orders my steps and gives me life,even breathe. He gives me a future and a hope. He protects me from the evil one. He holds me in the palm of His hands. He forgives me even before I ask Him to. He always wants His best for me! HE IS MINE AND I AM IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is my God! Comment edited on: 9/16/2010 3:53:13 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMAPPLE 9/16/2010 9:19AM

Wonderful blog, Laura! It really made me stop to think of the attributes of God and how He has saved me from eternal damnation through the blood of Jesus. He has sanctified me and forgiven my sins, I am a new creature in Christ, He has given me a desire to draw close to Him and serve Him...I love Him with all my heart, mind and soul. He has healed me emotionally, physically and spiritually...He gives me direction and guidance and peace that passes all understanding..He provides for my needs, answers my prayers, enables us to forgive others. He delivers me from evil and won't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear...For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever! Thank you Jesus! I love you and your love endures forever! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLIE381 9/16/2010 8:47AM

Great Blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

NORTHWOODSMOM8 9/15/2010 9:24PM

OH, LAURA, I love your joy! This is what MOST blessed me the first time I read your page--the JOY OF THE LORD!!!! Thank you for your post! I am my Beloved's and He is MINE! His banner over me is LOVE. He will never leave me or forsake me! I am COMPLETE in Him! He is for me and NOT against me! He has called me by name and has written His name on my forehead. Called to be a pillar in the temple of my God. Taken to the SECRET place to abide in His presence forever and ever! Such knowledge is too wonderful for me! I CAN'T comprehend it, yet He wants me to be FILLED with that knowledge, ever growing in that love! Thank you for encouraging us to CONSIDER His love!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

VISUALLYRICS 9/15/2010 5:31PM

I love that TJOEYMO ....He is Wild about me! LOL! He is the Report Inappropriate Comment

TJOEYMO 9/15/2010 5:26PM

WOOO HOOO, my friend! I just HAVE to copy this and share it! I have a friend that just overflows in the joy of the Lord (don't you just LOVE those people)!? She always says, 'I can't help it, the King is WILD about me'! I love that. Thanks so much for this blog--it gave me goosebumps. I'm passin' it along! Amen and amen! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

ILOVEDOLPHINS73 9/15/2010 5:24PM

That was truly beautiful! I am His daughter, His meek & humble child, stumbling and fumbling, totally reliant on His grace and mercy. I am loved, cared for, forgiven, tenderly touched with His loving words through the Book of Life. I am a sister in the brotherhood of Christians. I will never forget the sacrifices that Jesus made on my behalf and strive to move in His favor, even in my mistakes. I am thankful for life, for second chances, for the opportunity to wear the name Christian through obedience of the gospel through baptism. I am so THANKFUL for all He has done and will do!! Praise the Lord for all who make the best choice in the world to become one of His. Report Inappropriate Comment

JODIRICHARDS 9/15/2010 5:12PM

I am Yours, Oh God, bought with a price, forgiven and free. Released from the bondage of sin and death, alive to help other captives like me become free. I am heaven bound and want as many who are willing to join me but utterly aware of the consequences of those that choose not too. I am dearly loved and protected. Equipped to fight the good fight. Blessed beyond measure! Thanks for the great reminder, wonderful way to start the day! Report Inappropriate Comment

1THING 9/15/2010 4:46PM

what an excellent testimonial tribute of faith and belief! I agree!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGDAD1211 9/15/2010 4:45PM

I am His son, His friend, His brother. He watches over me and protect me. He leads me and guides my steps. He is my strength ad my shield and without Him I am nothing. My soul will be with Him in Heaven because He died for me and shed His Blood for me. Thank You Jesus. I love you! Report Inappropriate Comment

appreciate your suggestions....

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

We are traveling 3,388 miles in October.....the going fuel rate cost is $2.35 - $2.60 all the way from Texas to Pennsylvania.....we get 17 miles to the gallon in our full size 2000 Chevy van....but I am told that loaded down with luggage, we will probably get 15.

I have "map-quested" our journey, and their calculated fuel cost is $450 round trip. Do you find Map-Quest to be a reliable site? I checked out AAA site and they said it would be $520 - $550.....for us, that is a difference we certainly want to be prepared for.

I am organized and prepared for the journey....just a few loose ends like this one need tying up...our trip will be from October 6th through October 16th.

{{ Any tips, advice or suggestions for me? }}

I Appreciate YOU!! ~ Laura

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOALIEGRANDMA3 9/14/2010 11:04PM

I would say it is better to error on the higher side than the lower. Go with AAA, or average the two. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVE2RUN4LIFE 9/14/2010 6:52PM

That's a lot of miles on the road! Are you visiting family? Report Inappropriate Comment

NORTHWOODSMOM8 9/14/2010 5:06PM

GOOD job, sisterlove, on being so PREPARED!!!!! You're amazing! I love it! If it were me, I would go with AAA's suggestions. :-)))) LOVE you, Susan P.S. WISH you were coming NORTH!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

fearlessly entering the Autumn season Strong!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

....It's been a little over a week since I last blogged.....

I am doing quite well. Yes, I really have found my groove because I can't wait to exercise daily now! I just LOVE Quick Firing to praise/worship DVD's!!! The fitness routines ROCK!!!!

I am thriving in my "no sugar" perspective...it's a strong way to enter the Fall season ....a season chalk-full of holidays with holiday foods screaming at me. LOL!
I am on day 18 today of the No Sugar Challenge. Faithfulness is paying off. I am able to attend numerous church potlucks, parties, lots of get-to-gethers and leave the sweets alone. For me it is just better not to touch it....it always gets me started..... I just despise feeling like I could eat a whole pan of brownies...I am not a one brownie kind of gal. I don't like that uncontrollable feeling. It's not worth it to me.

Last week I lost 3#, and I have held that loss this week. I hope to drop more soon!
I lost 1" last month, and really hope to drop more inches in September. I plan to!


My stats are:

*** Stats ***
Abs: 27.5"
Waist: 27.5"
Bust: 34.5"
Hips: 39"
Glutes: 39"
Thigh: 18"
Bicep: 11.5"


He learned discipline and obedience in the wilderness ~ Hebrews 4:15
.......sometimes this journey can seem like a wilderness, but be faithful and He will reward you openly! He gave His all for us!
....I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
Let's Do It, Friends!! You are worth it! I am worth it!

Let's Live out this Adopted Lifestyle with zeal and energy.....giving it all we've
got!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BELLACUDDLES 9/14/2010 2:57PM

Isn't it amazing how getting rid of the weight can give us sooooo much energy and zeal! May God continue to set your hear aglow, Laura! Love, Barbara Report Inappropriate Comment

MONSTERDECOOKIE 9/13/2010 3:12PM

Hi Laura, You are doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMAPPLE 9/12/2010 3:36PM

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Thanks for following up on my progress! We are victorious through Jesus! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 9/11/2010 8:43PM

You are inspiring me with the "no sugar" thing. I did that once with great success. Did not drink a soda for a year. I know I can "do it again"!!!! I have a picture of Jesus laughing. Never seen one like yours. It's all part of being human. Thanks for sharing your success. It's contagious. Love, Joy Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYBUSYMOMOF5 9/9/2010 10:44PM

So proud of you for sticking with the sugar fast & for the awesome weight loss. Still praising our Savior with you! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALLTHNGSPOSSBLE 9/9/2010 3:49PM

I am glad you found your grove and are not tempted by sweets any more. That is fantastic. I think that one would be really hard for me. You are doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVE2RUN4LIFE 9/9/2010 3:39PM

You are doing so well! Report Inappropriate Comment

SONYATAYLOR1 9/9/2010 3:28PM

You go girl!! Report Inappropriate Comment