The Porch

I have been looking for a good day to open the 29lincolnavenue Porch, and today is looking like a great day! The weather here, has been amazing, I have a great story to share with you compliments of my friend Michelle, and the grill is fired up! So, kick your shoes off, grab some sweet tea and pull up a rocking chair for some pre-summer fun!

First of all, I want to share with you the most amazing Grilled Chicken Recipe. I promise, this is worthy of your recipe book!

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
2 squeezes of honey from the cute honey bear bottle (about 1 tablespoon)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 oz each)

Combine everything except the chicken and mix well. Pour over chicken. Marinate covered in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Grill chicken until done.

While that is cooking, I want to introduce you to my friend Michelle. When I came across this story on her blog, Some Girl's Website, I actually laughed out loud. I love sharing a joy story with you to open Porch time. I want this to be a place where others can share their story. Some stories will be like this one - pure joy! Others, might be about a faith step or a lesson learned. Either way, you will come away feeling like you just had a great chat with a new friend! This story also fits perfectly because we are hooking up today with Robynn @ Our Homeschool Home for her Weekly Grill Challenge. Enjoy...


I Would NEVER Homeschool! But Celebrity School...

My boys and I were driving in the car on our way to enrichment classes the other day when my oldest one started telling me all about the race car he was going to have in the future. How fast it was going to be, how it was going to look, how he was going to drive it on the street, not on a track, but that he wouldn't drive crazy, and then he said the sweetest thing... "And Eli can ride in the back, 'cause he's my best friend." I thought that was SO sweet! And it made me so thankful that I homeschool... so glad that they have extra time together.

You see, I didn't start off wanting to do it. In fact, when people asked me if I was going to homeschool (because I was a teacher by trade and most of my church friends did) I would always answer, "Absolutely............ NOT!" There was NO way I would ever homeschool! I need a break!

Then, last year, a friend at church asked if I homeschooled and I said, "NO WAY!" Her response made me scratch my head. She said, "I guess God hasn't laid that on your heart yet." huhhh?

Now, I'm not one to say anyone "should" be homeschooling or not homeschooling... you know how I feel about "should-ing." I feel strongly that parents need to look at their children's needs and learning styles as well as their needs and parenting styles to make a decision on what's best educationally for their children. Every child and parent is different. But this is what happened to us....

After a long strand of things, which I just spent a lot of time writing but were all erased with the mistaken push of some little button, I finally decided to try it. I admit I wasn't fond of the idea. I couldn't even say the "H" word for the longest time. It wasn't until I was talking with one of my neighbors and mentioned the fact that my husband was quitting his corporate job, and we were going to be able to travel with his photography business, and because of that we were going to "you know, the H word," that I finally came to grips with it. She said, "That's what the celebrities do." Wallah! I wasn't "weirdo homeschooling" I was "celebrity schooling!" I know that sounds strange, but I had made homeschooling out to be something those weird people do with those weird kids... this new view helped me rethink the whole issue. My children and I didn't have to be weird to homeschool, and we didn't have to be weird because we homeschooled! It's too bad homeschooling carries such a bad rap.

Now that I do it... I LOVE IT! We have been able to take a two week road trip up to New York in the fall, several little trips here and there, spend most Wednesdays with Poppy teaching Social Studies (who is coming over in a little bit to plant a garden with the boys) and, most importantly, we've been able to "just hang out" together. All of this has fostered a wonderful relationship between my boys. Enrichment classes and Wednesday playgroup/Bible study helps me get the break that I need and him to get the socialization he needs. The rest of the time we are learning together, in a modified Charlotte Mason style.... a lot of life learning, some book learning.

Now, I am SO thankful we've homeschooled this year. People ask me what I plan on doing at junior high and I say, "I'm homeschooling this year (first grade) and we'll see what happens next." I have no plans yet. I did sign my oldest one up for a full day of enrichment next year at his wonderful little "school." But, I will play each year as it comes.For now, I'll press on with "pulling teeth" in reading in order to foster sweet relationships in my children with each other, their family, and God. I'm glad He did lay it on my heart! ♥

Btw, I write this knowing homeschooling isn't for everyone... but if you have an inkling of desire, I'd encourage you to consider it for just a little while. It gave me comfort knowing that most schools accept students at any point during the year (and it gave my son motivation knowing that... ;) ). I won't say it's easy, but I can now look back at this year and say it's been worth it!

Thanks Michelle for spending time on The Porch! Now, go visit her:
Blog: Some Girl's Website
Twitter: @SomeGirlsTweets
Facebook: Some Girl's Website

And, find some more great recipe's with Robyn at Our Home School Home:



Looking Forward,
Stacey

And The Winner Is....

Comment # 3 from Icitea....Clare! She blogs at A Teacup Of Wimsy. She is going to be taking this beauty to the beach this summer!



Special thanks to Tiffanie for making it all possible. Please visit her Facebook Fan Page and order one of her amazing bags!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Chair Time

When I was a little girl, I attended Vacation Bible School each summer in a non-airconditioned church that had the most beautiful stained glass windows I have ever seen. I sat underneath the colored light streaming in from the morning sun and said this pledge:

I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word.
I will make it a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path and
I will hide it's Words in my heart that
I might not sin against God.

I'm not sure I could write anything better than that today about why God's Word allows me to leave a legacy that will pull my children to Jesus. My legacy or story, is pointless without them knowing that the one thing that makes it possible for me to draw breath are His very Words that I read each morning in my chair time. His Word shows me the way. His word daily hidden in my heart keeps sin from taking too much territory.

My prayer is that I will allow His Word to richly dwell in my heart. That I will diligently seize teachable moments throughout the day to speak the Word to my children. But more than that, they will be able to read it in my face, see it in how I love their father, and experience it as I lay down my life and seek to be the mother He has called me to be. I have so far to go. More failures lately than victories. Gratefully, He is a patient teacher and class is always in session.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

"If you would follow on to know the Lord, come at once to the open Bible expecting it to speak to you. Do not come with the notion that it is a thing which you my push around at your convenience. It is more than a thing, it is a voice, a word, the very Word of the living God."
Pursuit of God, page 82
A.W. Tozer

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts...



#210 Love notes from my girls
found in just the right place
at just the right time.



(you are a great mom, and I want you to know that
even when you are mad at us, and we are mad at you,
you are the best mom we could ever hope for.)

Thankful,
Stacey

Tiffanie Totes Giveaway

I am so excited to celebrate you today with a super awesome giveaway! I have been overwhelmed by your support and encouragement over the past few months! And to say thank you I am partnering with my friend Tiffanie of Tiffanie Totes to give away the cutest summer bag ever to one lucky 29lincolnavenue follower!

Tiffanie started her business a few years back and it took off like crazy. It was so popular that she found herself sewing nonstop. This amazing mom of 2, set her business on the back burner to focus instead on home schooling her boys. I love that her heart is in the right place! Recently, she picked up her needle and thread again and began turning out items like this:

My girls would so love this!


Matching Mother Daughter Bags....can we say southern girls?


There are no words.....but sweetness!

So, you love her already and you can visit her on her Facebook Fanpage Tiffanie Totes right now! She would be glad to take your order for any of her awesome bags or accessories. Everything is custom made just for you! But, first you need to enter the giveaway! Here is the bag that Tiffanie will personalize for you if you win!

Isn't she lovely? Can't you just picture her sitting by your side on the beach?

So, here is all you have to do to win! Be a follower of 29lincolnavenue and leave me a comment. If you are already a follower, just say, "I want the bag and I am a follower." Or, "I'm a follower, pick me!" Something along those lines. If you are not a follower yet, here is all you have to do: See all the sweet smiling faces under the word follow? Click the "Follow" button and you can have your lovely picture there too! Once you are a follower, leave a comment below. The entry is the comment! Please, only one comment per person. Easy, huh?

The contest will be open until Monday April 26 at noon. I will Random.org to pick a winner from the comments left on this post. After that, I will put the winner in touch with Tiffanie and she will make the bag just for you!

Again, thank you so much for stopping by 29linolnavenue. I really do have the most awesome friends here. I hope that you are encouraged each time you visit and that you come back often!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. This contest is open only to those living in the US and Canada.

Sweet Deal

Girls, do you love a sweet deal?
How about shopping at home in your PJ's?
Do you like to give beautiful gifts that are unique?
Well, I just have to pass along a great gift idea that allows you to enjoy all three of these things plus the chance to win $400 to the charity of your choice & a $250 Visa Gift Card.

Curious? Well, meet Sarah Mae from Like a Warm Cup of Coffee:



She knows a gal who not only loves chocolate, but is ultra talented:



She makes these darling earrings:



And now for the sweet part: If you go here and buy a set of these lovelies for $10 plus s&h before April 30, you could win $400 to the charity of your choice and a$250 Visa Gift card for yourself! And that is not all...the extra cherry on top of this sweet deal is the winner will also receive a 2nd pair of earrings to give away or keep for yourself!

For full details, stop by and see Sarah Mae at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. And be sure to take a look around, she loves Jesus and good cup of joe... two qualities I find irresistible.


Have a great day,
Stacey

P.S. I picked the red pair!

Chair Time

I have been thinking a lot about stories. Specifically, the story my children will tell about me when they are older. The story they will tell their children. This is my legacy.

I am reading a book called The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. She says, "Other methods of influence - persuasion, bribery, or charismatic appeals - are push strategies. Story is a pull strategy." See I want to live my life in such a way to pull my kids to Jesus. Not push them. I want my life to draw them closer to Him.

So how do I do that exactly? This of course is the million dollar question and where I must face the cold hard truth. I can't just hope the story turns out in the end okay in the end. There is too much at stake. I have a part to play as well. God is the author, but He does require that I do my part. For me that means I am to pursue Him every day through His Word, pray like crazy that His story will shine through my life, and to be in a small group where I am accountable to others.

And when all that is said and done, I have to tell them, every day, all day long as we are "sitting in our house, walking along the way, when we rise up and when we lie down..." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). But with kids, our stories are told not only in our words, but in our actions. So as I am telling them the story, they are simultaneously watching it unfold before their eyes. My prayer is that these two versions of the story line up and will impress upon their hearts the image of Christ.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. For the next couple of weeks I will expand on this idea during Chair time. I would like to spend a week each on Bible, Prayer, and the power of a Small Group as it pertains to our Legacy: The Story Our Children Will Tell. If you have any thoughts, please leave a comment or join the conversation in the 29lincolnavenue blogfrog commmunity.

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts...


#197 A few more hours of sleep this week.
#205 Six months old today.

Thankful,
Stacey

Ultimate Blog Party 2010 After Party Post

I love people. I am energized by them. But, this past week I had the chance to meet so many people I could not keep up! Many stopped by 29lincolnavenue to say hello and to look around! I hope they felt welcomed and encouraged. Somewhere, they are all sipping their Coffee Awesomeness and trying to recover from all the partying!

I also had the chance to do some visiting of my own. I am amazed at the number of super talented and creative bloggers I found. I wanted to share 3 with you that I will be adding to my daily reading list.

1. Robyn at Our Homeschool Home is so fun. I have seen her around the blog world before. Isn't it nice when you keep bumping into someone and you finally realize, "They are the real deal!" and you take the time to get to know them? She is a delight. I like that she has a heart for her home and her family, she takes great pictures (I am so jealous) and she wears yoga pants and is not afraid to tell you about it.



2. Joy is truly that - a joy! She blogs at The Stay At Home Missionary and this girl has her heart in the right place! She knows her mission field, speaks the truth and she desires to encourage women. I want to be like her! And, she has the most beautiful family I have seen.

3. Finally, how could you not want to know more about Fishmama? Her blog is called, Life As Mom. It is such a nice place to visit because not only is it well organized, but Fishmama really wants to help moms in the journey of motherhood! She desires to bring joy into your life and has great ideas to make your life easier. Can I hear an amen? I know I'm preaching to the choir, but who really wants to help us out as mama's? Fishmama that's who!

I hope that you will take the time to visit these three lovely ladies and their blog homes. I know you will be glad you took the time! I am looking forward to the next few weeks and all that I have to share with you! The Porch will be open for some sweet tea and encouragement, I will be hosting a giveaway to celebrate reaching 50+ followers, and hopefully with fingers crossed our new blog design will be debuting soon! Meanwhile, join the 29lincolnavenue blog frog community! This is the place we can get to know each other a little better. It is super easy, just click on the icon, follow the directions and start chatting it up! I have started a few discussions so feel free to comment or start a new one!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

The Friday Five

The first time I saw Cece Owens was at a women's retreat our church sponsored about 5 year ago. She was speaking on the topic of home schooling. I remember learning a lot from her and being easily drawn in by her warm and gentle words. The second half of the talk was given by her teenage daughter, Molly. I was completely captivated by Molly and her maturity. She stood in front of about 50 or so adult women and spoke from her heart. And I thought to myself, "This is the girl I want my children to be like!" I knew two things for sure: her mother was very proud and that she had to be an amazing woman to raise such a well poised girl.

Cece and her husband, Dutch, have 4 lovely children - 3 of which are college age and beyond. She has home schooled her children for 21 years and is finishing well with her blessed caboose Anna. You can see a picture of her beautiful family below.

Part of Cece's story that truly amazes me is that she and Dutch were married for 3 1/2 years without children, divorced, and separated for 2 years and then remarried for 27 years. Cece is real, transparent and the perfect person for our Friday Five Woman of Inspiration! I am honored that she would take the time to answer a few questions for us!


WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I am third generation born in Orlando, Florida. I was born in Orange Memorial Hospital, now known as Orlando Regional Medical Center. I have lived in three houses my entire life and they are all within a one and a half mile radius of each other. To say Orlando is home sweet home would be an understatement.


WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I am reading Chip Ingram's book, Good to Great in God's Eyes. He speaks of ten practices that all great Christians have in common. With three of our four children either in college, married or living away, my sights are now set on the days God gives me and finishing well. For starters, I want to dream great dreams, pursue great people and take great risks. Some years ago I heard the statement, "The value of anything is the price it pays in eternity". My next "looking forward to" is just beginning to unfold but my desire is that it have the idelible mark of eternity.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR PASSAGE?

Isaiah 43:18-19
"Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth,
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert."

I believe we all have something in our lives that we need to leave behind. God's desire is that we no longer call it to mind or ponder the past. He longs to do something new as we ask! The last sentence of this scripture blows me away, "I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert". When is the last time you have seen rivers in the desert? Only God!

WHAT IS THE ONE BOOK THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU MOST OTHER THAN THE BIBLE?

I would have to say Oswald Chamber's devotional My Utmost for His Highest. I have devoured these daily devotions for years and without fail, God meets me in a new way, imparts a new thought or allows a new appropriation of scripture on any given day. One of my favorites is found on August 18th where it reads, "Discouragement is disenchanted self love and self love may be love of my devotion to Jesus--not love for Jesus Himself". When I feel discouraged I now ask myself if it is related to my love of self or God? Just a sampling of Oswald's words worth pondering.


WHO INSPIRES ME?
Transparent people inspire me! The older I get, the deeper my understanding of the truth that God is sovereign over my whole life. God is writing a story about each of us, a story to be read and told. Most books have many chapters, some encouraging and easy to read, others more difficult. Our journeys are full of mountains and valleys, successes and failures. Why are we more reluctant to speak of our failures as readily as we speak of our successes? Over 25 years ago, God impressed upon me the value of being transparent about a failure in my life. He taught me that it makes me real to people and gives other people permission to be real in return. As much as I resisted speaking about it, I now believe it to be the turning point in my Christian walk, It has been a process but I try to live my life caring more about God's reputation than my own. We are all insecure, afraid of letting people know who we fully are. I don't always win the battle with transparency but the masks I mastered many years ago are slowly being removed, allowing a life of authenticity and being real.

The Owens Family

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Stories

"Peter's mother put her arm around him suddenly, and
hugged him in silence for a minute.
Then she said: 'Don't you think it's rather nice to think that we're in
a book that God's writing? If I were writing a book, I might make mistakes.
But God knows how to make the story end just right--in the way that is best for us.'"

Taken from The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
page 243

I love a good read. I am especially touched when a book intersects with what God is teaching me . This passage from the Railway Children spoke loudly to me this week. You see, I have been thinking a lot about how stories connect us to others, make us real, and can have a powerful influence upon others.

Mostly though, I'm grateful that the author and perfecter of my story knows me well enough to pen a story that is just right for me. (Hebrews 12:2) There are a few things I would personally edit, but the power of a good book is that all the good and bad work together in the end.

What about you, read any good books lately that spoke loudly to you? Leave a comment below and tell us what story captured you heart and why. And be sure to stop by tomorrow for The Friday Five.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. Holley at Dayspring has an amazing series about the Story of our Lives. She blogs at Heart to Heart with Holley. You can follow along with this 21 day challenge by clicking here.

Chair Time

The truth is I am a fairly optimistic person. Lately though, I have been tired. You know the feeling. You are so tired you actually hurt.

Yesterday was a day. Let's just say that I had my limit. My 10 year old dissolved into tears over a timed math test and my 7 year old discovered how to make it snow in Central Florida. (hint: think styrofoam). I gave up and decided to head to our community pool. Physical education is a school subject after all! Besides, I thought a little sunshine might be good for me, too. Earlier, I had thrown up one of those prayers to Jesus, "Lord, Help me. I can't do this today. Send encouragement." Luckily, He delivers poolside.

I was watching the girls play another round of "Which mermaid are you?", and the lady who cleans the pool stopped by. This is what I have always called her. We struck up a conversation about the nice day and the lack of respect some kids have these days for public property. But then the conversation turned. She saw my sweet 6 month old and said, "Four girls, that is so great!" I was immediately encouraged because most people laugh or apologize to me for having four girls. As it turns out, she is a homeschooling mother of 5, and Her youngest is 17. Instantly, we had a connection. We spoke for about 15 minutes and my heart was lifted. When I left she said, "Keep going, it is worth it. And if you need a break, I live down the road."

I can't tell you how loved I felt. His great big love for me is wider and deeper than I will ever know. (Ephesians 3:18). Jesus knows when I need to be encouraged. He hears my cries for help. And He is willing to use whoever or whatever is available. Even pool cleaning ladies. Her name is Elaine. If I disappear for awhile, you can find me at her house.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. Technically speaking I was in a chair...this time it just happened to be poolside.

Words To Live By

The Nester is having a giveaway today in association with Dayspring. They are giving away beautiful signs called book crops from the Dayspring store. You can even customize your own! Here is one I would love to hang in my home:

So check out the lovely Nester and then hopover to Dayspring...they are quite amazing as well!

Looking forward,
Stacey

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 gifts.....
#188 Your speaking voice...
At times gentle so I have to be quiet to listen,
at times specific so I know without a doubt it is you,
at times bold so I know who You are....but You are always speaking to me.



#190 Posing with her Bible on Easter and learning to listen, too.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Ultimate Blog Party & Coffee Awesomeness

Have you ever decided very last minute to join a party? What to wear? What to bring? Well, I am meeting up with some new friends to join the Ultimate Blog Party sponsored by 5MinutesforMom. They have over 1,000 blogs connected to this crazy event that lasts a whole week. Fortunately, I can attend in my mommy uniform of a casual t-shirt, jeans, and flip flops! But when I thought about what I wanted to share with all the other party goers, I just had to grab what I had on hand! So, here is today's original post, but it is super for this party! It has a great party drink for all you late night bloggers! Check out the Coffee Awesomeness below! And, as you read further down the post you will notice a link to a great article written by Problogger. A perfect for a house warming gift for every blogger! If you want to learn more about me, you can click here! I hope you enjoy your visit can come back soon!




Congratulations! You made it to Friday! Now, here is something that will make your weekend! I call it Coffee Awesomeness....

Ingredients:
8 cups of brewed coffee
1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk

Directions:
Mix it. Chill it. Serve over ice. Yum!


Next Friday, I will have another inspiring woman for The Friday Five! Her name is Cece and you will be blown away by her wisdom! Did you meet Beth our first Friday Five Woman? You can Click here and read about who inspires her! Meanwhile, are you a blogger? I just read this awesome article at Problogger, and I want to share it with you! It is called 13 Quick Tips To Make Your Blog Stand Out From the Crowd. Read it while you are sipping your Coffee Awesomeness Saturday morning. My husband and I are hard at work on a new blog home for 29 Lincoln Avenue! I can't wait to share it with you. You are going to love it! More on that later! Thank you so much for spending time with me this week. I love your comments and appreciate you stopping by. I hope you were encouraged. Have a super weekend!

Looking Forward,
Stacey


P.S. The Ultimate Blog Party also has great prizes! If you are not linking up as a blogger to the event, you can be eligible to win the prizes by leaving a comment at the Ultimate Blog Party website. If I were to win I would love:

#31 $20 Amazon Gift Certificate
#32 $25 to Target
#39 Hilton Garden 2 night stay

Or any of these awesome prizes will do! #40,#56 #74,#97! All amazing items!

Relevant

"Tickets go on sale tonight at midnight," I said.
"They do? How many?" My husband inquired.
"Only 200." I replied.
"Buy one, I will make it work. I support you 100%."

And so began my journey to Relevant 2010, a Christian conference for bloggers. It will be held in Harrisburg, PA this coming October. The gals behind Relevant, Sarah Mae, Jessica Heights, and Dana Adams met through their blogs and in person at the Type-A Mom conference. Here is what they said about that meeting:

While chatting in a hotel room in the wee hours of the night, a spark ignited, and a simple conversation about the desire to attend a Christian women’s blogging conference soon turned into a heart fire of creating one. Such began not only a friendship, but a conference for women who want to be relevant in the larger blog and social media world, while also blessing their families and living a fully integrated life with their faith and family.

When I read this description my heart said, "Wait a minute that is me!" And apparently I began to talk about it to my husband. A lot. So much so, that he was willing to do whatever it took to get me to the conference. When I asked him why, he said, "This is the first thing in a long time you have been passionate about. And I want you to pursue it because it I think it will truly bless you."

One of the other things that attracted me to this conference is the amazing line up of speakers. First, they want to fill your heart with encouragement through the Word of God. Then they want to connect you with like minded women. Technology and blogging will be addressed of course, but it is not the only reason for the conference. There is a higher purpose at work here!

So with the Lord's invitation and my husband's support I'm going. And yes, you will probably hear much more in the days ahead about this giant leap of faith. I feel like Bob, "Baby steps on the plane....baby steps to the conference...baby steps to get my coffee mug autographed by Sarah Mae..."

I believe there are a few more tickets left for this one of a kind conference. If you are a Christian woman who delights in being encouraged, you blog or read any blogs (hint you are reading mine!), you secretly wish you could write like Ann Voskamp, or save money like Crystal Paine, or just want to sit near Kimba in hopes that some of her creativity will rub off on you.. then run quickly to The Relevant Conference website and buy a ticket. I know you will be glad you did!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. I am also connecting my post to Gather Inspirit. It's purpose is to encourage bloggers and has grown out of the Relevant community. They are featuring one Relevant attendee per day for the next 196 days until the conference begins. Today, it just happens to be me. How cool is that? Even if you are not going to join me at the conference, stop by Gather Inspirit, meet some awesome Christian bloggers and be encouraged!

Chair Time

Ephesians 1:18,19
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe..

I have been praying this for my husband for well over a year now. I love praying through these verses and asking God show him that there is surpassing great power toward him every day of his life...the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is my earnest prayer that he live in victory and not defeat.

Have you read a little book by Joseph Stowell called Simply Jesus? I've had it for some time in my guest bedroom. I thought it would be a good book to read to prepare my heart for Easter. The title is so inviting! Last night I read this awesome quote:

The Resurrection is at its very essence the ultimate victory over sin, death and hell. All the forces of evil spent their best efforts to permanently ground their Archenemy behind a massive, immovable stone--guarded by imperial guards from the most powerful empire on earth.
And then with

a word from God ---the merest breath--

death was defeated, and sin and the forces of hell no longer held sway. Jesus lives and in Him the power of sin is rendered weak and ineffective." p 61

Oh my that is rich! In Christ we have victory over sin - it is rendered powerless and ineffective. Hell no longer holds sway! Hell brought all it had to the table and it took one word from the Father and death and its vice grip was demolished!

Lord,
Thank you that the Resurrection means that there is surpassing great power for those that believe. That you desire us to live in victory - not defeat. May we rise up to meet that calling for the hope and glory of all that you plan for us this day!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts.....

#166 A beautiful spring day picking strawberries.

#167 Seven girls together having fun.


#168 Having sweet fellowship with a friend.

#169 Rejoicing that their mama, my friend Samantha is cancer free!!!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Easter

Looking Forward,
Stacey