The Woman Who Fears the Lord

An excellent wife who can find?
  She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
  and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
  all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
  and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
  she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
  and provides food for her household
  and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
  with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
  and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
  Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
  and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
  and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
  for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself;
  her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
  when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
  she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
  and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
  and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
  and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
  her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women have done excellently,
  but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
  but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
  and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverb 31

A Renewal Weekend at the Cove....

This past weekend, I surprised Steve with a weekend to the Billy Graham Cove in North Carolina. Steve is a big Voddie Baucham fan and enjoys his books and sermons. The man is very theological and biblically minded as he presents the true gospel. A favorite book of Steve's is Family Driven Faith written by Voddie Bacham. With the help of Nana, we had the opportunity to hear him speak all weekend. It was such a blessing from the Lord as we got to hear Voddie Baucham speak about turbulent times in the book of Daniel, and how to perserve the seed of Jesus Christ and to apply it to our lives today: trust the God of Heaven to govern the affairs of men, Live the gospel without fear knowing that God is faithful, Live the gospel with integrity that God seeks a pure bride, and share the gospel without fear and knowing that God will save man, are just a few highlights to apply to our lives today. I love having a fresh and renewed spirit and engaging in life long friendships with those who are passionate for the Lord and seek His will in ALL THINGS. We connected with two wonderful couples who we  have developed life long friendships with. We were able to capture one picture with one couple, Eric and Suzanne, who live in North Carolina and the other couple, Michael and Meghan, we forgot to take a picture with, but they live near our hometown, so we'll see them soon. This weekend was just a HUGE blessing and a reminder that we trust in the sovereignty of God.

Put Three Girls Together...And What Does That Spell....MEL

A friend of mine made these adorable outfits! I just love them, so much that I had a few more different ones made that you will see very soon on the blog I am sure! I just think they are way too cute! My precious little jewels! Or should I say...my little...mel...

Discipline or Not?

That's the question? The other day, the girls, "all the girls" had gotten in trouble and I called all of them to the couch to talk about the situation and intended to spank. Well, I could barely keep a straight face when they all showed up to the couch looking like this. So, I called back up, dad! Unfortunately, it did not help. We instead, laughed histerically and took their picture. No spankings here!

Field Trip...

Last night, we took the family including Nana to Lenior City for a delicious BBQ dinner and a yummy treat at Tic Toc's Ice Cream Parlor. This is a little town we discovered out of Southern Living Magazine. A favorite of mine! Tic Toc's is only open March through the middle of September. A great place to go! The BBQ place was nice too...The restuarant played old baptist hymns and girls loved that! They actually new some of the songs that we sing out of our hymn book at home. Great treat! Afterwards, we made wishes in the water fountain in the town square.

Happy Birthday Natchez...

Today is our dog, Natchez's birthday. He is one today! We got him last year at six weeks old to tag along with Steve hunting. Yes, he is our hunting dog-a good one indeed! Steve works with him everyday, training him, swimming in our neighborhood pond, watches dog videos to learn how to train him. What a sport!!! He is a great dog and is loved very much. We could not let this day go by without a party and singing to him. So, after lunch, we gather around the dog house and sang "Happy Birthday". Our neighbors probably think that we have lost our minds. I was able to find a party hat in my stash and a paper plate to put a treat on. Natchez is great with the kids and loves any kind of attention. Happy Birthday Natchez....

Goodbye Sara...We Will Miss You...

Our fish, Sara, died today. We have had her for three years. Who knows if it is a boy fish or a girl fish, but our family decided to name her, Sara. Of course, I had a bond with her. As much as a bond I could have. I was the one who cleaned her bowl once a week, feed her twice a day and basically took care of her. Sometimes, I had to remind the girls that we even had a fish. Maybe the fish was for my sake-ha! This past week she developed a whitish look about her that was not right! I knew then, she was taking a turn for the worse. I told the girls that Sara would probably be dying soon. Well, they talked to the fish and visited with her as much as possible. Am I crazy or what-this is just a fish I am talking about. But, we even had fish sitters for her when we went out of town. We were not about to let the fish die on us! I cannot even believe I am writing this much about our fish-she was part of the family! So, unfortuntely, we woke up this morning to Sara turned to her side-dead...So, like most people, we had a funeral for her. I put her in a plastic bag, each of the girls held the bag, said their goodbye's and Steve got the shovel and we buried her in the backyard. We said a little prayer, thanking God for the time we had with her.

Some Catfish Dinner...

Friday night we took the kiddos to a delicious catfish resturant that we have yet to discover until now. The resturant itself is only open on Friday's and Saturday's with reservation. Great place to take the family and have some yummy fish and fries and tea! We loved it and the girls ate every bite of it! Afterwards, we treated the girls to some sweet ice cream. Their favorite, vanilla ice cream with sprinkled m&m's on top. So good!

The End of Summer...

I officially think Summer is over on August 31st. September 1st, is the beginning of Fall. Yes, it is still hot outside, but just not the same as Summer. Yesterday's high was 78 degrees. For sure not as hot as we have been. Very nice! Well, the girls wanted to take one last advantage of our neighborhood pool before it closes this next weekend. We went at 7 last night and the water was a bit chilly! The girls could care less....something about being a kid, they have no body temperature to adjust to? They loved every minute of there last glory to swim for the year!