BUNCH OF ORANGES: "Have You Ever Had Jesus At Your Feet?"

Is it AUGUST???? It's flying by....where's it going???? Too fast!!!! I hope everyone is having their BEST SUMMER YET! I have been reflecting on our summer... it's been a sweet one! Just good 'ol summer fun with family and friends! It ain't over yet though!!! We are ready for one last summer BANG before starting back to school... but that will be for next time. :)

This time... Reader! Beware! I want to share a personal experience. Oh man...wiggle your bottom and get comfortable... Ready? :) I am sure many of you have done something nice for someone in need before eh? Yeah... it feels nice. I love to bring joy to others and sometimes they "really need some joy"! Maybe they had surgery or been sick or lost a loved one or need a meal because they are homeless or just need a day off from cooking? This summer I have tried to involve my children every time we "bring someone else some joy" It's been sweet and always makes ya feel good when it's appreciated. The kids feel good too.

One day we were driving home from dropping off a treat for a friend that had surgery and Emmie said, "Mama, Why is all this bad stuff happening, like people getting surgery, breaking their legs, that man dying?"

PAUSE!!!

Oh wait... yeah that's me... The one that is suppose to speak now and give my sweet daughter some kind of explanation and try to keep the car in between the lines. I think I started rambling... (some of you know... I am good at that) ... "Well, Emmie these are just things that happen on this Earth honey... nothing will ever be perfect here. People are going to get sick and die. We don't always understand why things happen but we know that God is in control and He's gonna take care of us." Oh wait... here I go... into my deep me... "That's why honey, we should never take a day for granted, we never know what tomorrow will bring. We should love one another and treat people kindly. I will never forget the day that PeePaw died was the saddest day of my life! I was in shock because it was sudden and it was scary."

INTERRUPTION!!!

Noah piping in, "Mom, Mom.... it's going to be ok though... you are going to see him again!"

SWALLOW!

Is my 8 year old son counseling me and consoling me in my "off track moment" I am having when I am suppose to be helping my daughter!

Well... that was a sock in the gut! Which brings me to my next sock in the gut!!!

Part 2... you ready? If you have read this far...don't stop yet... this is the good part!!! :)

JESUS WAS AT MY FEET!!!

Yeah that's right! You heard me! So it's Vacation Bible School Week at my church. Everyone is excited! We brought a load of friends with us! I got to do story time and see Gunner and Emmie and Jensie was across the hall in the nursery... all good? Actually... no. This gal needed some encouragement! I wasn't as excited about VBS this year because of an emotional scar I had. Only God knew.

But no way was that going to stop me! I wanted to be there for my kids! What I didn't know was Jesus was coming to me through much encouragement!!!

Encourager(s) #1 So who knew.. the first day would go so great and I would have little 3, 4 & 5 year old's on the edge of their seats with my "dramatic story-telling abilities" LOL!

Encourager(s) #2 One of my friends told me I was the best story teller she had ever heard. Gosh... ok... wow! Thanks! Ya'll make me feel so good! :)

Encourager #3 I am helping friends get to their car and one of my church friends who I don't know extremely well, don't see too often... pulls up and rolls the window down and says, "HEY! I have had this for weeks to give to you" (A thank you note for a gift and what... a gift for me?" I look down to see the most beautiful, pink, leather devotional book with the title "JESUS CALLING" on the front. Yep...He sure was calling me that day! Calling me, encouraging me...to Trust in Him! It is the best devotional book I have ever received in my life! My friend continues to sit there and pour her heart out to me in person of how much she loves me and how much she adores my genuine love and care for others and that it's inspiring to her!

All I can think of is Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." My new favorite verse! :)

OK SOMEONE PLEASE FREEZE THIS MOMENT!

She's had this for weeks... she's giving it to me on the VERY day I need the MOST encouragement! Don't even make me write what that day's devotional was.. and for the days after that to keep me going! There were other moments and things that happened that week to remind me... Jesus was at my feet. He was there... through many scriptures, many friends, devotionals and the sweet precious children at VBS. Although I thought my scar was healed and I was over it.... obviously I was wrong... but guess what... it didn't matter because Jesus was THERE! It makes me cry... so humbled to feel him with me at times like these. I never want that feeling to end...the closeness... the constantness of HIM being in control and for me to not worry or be discouraged by this world. He is a God of Peace and we can "Enjoy Peace in His Presence". You may wonder why I share this experience... well it's because when He's at your feet..you just gotta tell everyone! :) I was so encouraged and want to encourage you too! :)

Have you ever had Jesus at your feet? I bet you have! The real question is Have you ever "been Jesus" at someone else's feet? You never know when one act of kindness or just a simple smile and hello... can change the direction of someone's day or week. Go spread some joy so more people can experience Jesus! Happy Day!

Go get this book today... I started it in July but plan on restarting it in January and continue to read it every year. Very short daily thoughts and encouragement you will love to read!

Mermaids at the lake

Redneck slip in slide at the lake

I love this!

The boys of summer

LIZARDS!!!

Don't be jealous of my cup... Mason jar with a handle and a lid and a straw... plastic! Yes Way! You know you want one! LOL!

Not a bad view for the lake

6 of us went out to my friends lake house for a "Dog Days Of Summer Girls Trip" LOL! Love these gals... the other two were making a mexican take-out run! Fun Times! :)