Seeking Him

Hello All :o)
It's been a good while since my last visit to blogspot! Last week, Maleah had one of her tough weeks in the tummy department, but she's much better! Dillon, Maleah and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Kingston visiting family. Julian was visiting family in Texas; we missed him terribly! However, it was a fun weekend!! Maleah was feeling good; that makes all the difference. At times I'm envious of those mothers who have babies that just smile and coo and sit in their car seat- indifferent to the world! They are so calm and easy going. My Maleah is quite the handful, high maintenance! But I love her dearly and that spunky personality of hers too :o) Marriage is growing beautifully; God is working in our family in many ways. I am in need of a Mommy Son Date in the very near future! I want to spend some quality alone time with Julian. He helps me tremendously throughout the day, so I feel it's important to have fun times with him and I as well. I have many close friends who are expecting babies, MANY aquaintances who will be mommies too, and a few who desire to have children but are met with great difficulty! Let's just say our prayer list is quite lengthy for these special gals and their families! My heart is burdened with petition for them during this time. When you're growing up as little girls, your thoughts so often remark, "one day when I have a baby..." We take this time for granted as children. We think it will simply be when we are ready; however, God may have different plans for our lives. Because of this fact, Dillon and I tell our children, "If God desires to give you children..." This can be a painful and joyous time in life all to draw us closer to our Heavenly Father. We can do nothing apart from His mercy and loving hand. I am starting a summer bible study with some fantastic ladies over the series Seeking Him- Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. We will meet together starting next Tuesday! I already completed the first week, and I am loving the gems of grace God is showing me. I am tired of going through the motions. Yes, I am experiencing joy in my salvation, but so much feel more like routine than sincere devotion. Christians go through spiritual dry spells! I need the Living Water to quench this thirst! 


Here is an excerpt from my reading yesterday
"Revival is the sovereign work of God. He chooses when and to whom He sends it...'Revival is not some emotion or worked up excitement; it is rather an invasion from heaven which brings to man a conscious awareness of God.' " included a quote from Stephen Olford

So long Piper

We had to put our dog, Piper, down this afternoon... it's a sad time :/ It truly is for the best. Unlike many good reasons to put a dog to sleep (health or pain issues) Piper was a bully. He would try to bite people and just recently started to attack other dogs. He was running to our neighbor's land just to attack their one male dog, who is very small compared to his mid-size body, which is pure muscle. The only people he loved was our close knit family. He hated outsiders, even if we welcomed them. We lived in constant fear that he would attack family or friends, and anyone who came over was weary of him. But oh, did he love and adore Dillon, Julian and I. As soon as we would give him any attention, he rolled over to show his belly. Piper refused to even play wrestle or mouth on us. He only showed affection to us, and he was of course an amazing guard dog. Unfortunately, he was a huge risk for any one, and a liability for us. We have tried everything we can think of to keep him confined so others are safe. Electric fences (he doesn't mind the pain of getting shocked), tie outs (manages to eventually get loose no matter the kind we try), fenced-in kennels, and keeping him inside (as soon as we take him out to void, he bolts to the neighbors to get their dog...We sought the advise of many, and no one has any other suggestions for us. I know in my heart this was the right decision. It doesn't make it easier though... We'll miss our pup!  


RIP Piper 

Praising!!!

These past few days have been amazing!!! Maleah is now soothing herself to sleep 100% of the time :o) yaaaay! She is taking longer naps in her crib, so I am able to get ministry things taken care of (cleaning, laundry, cooking, bible study :) She is smiling a lot too; melts my heart! Yesterday, on our way to Dillon's show in Davis, Oklahoma she was in her carseat starring at her flower toy. I watched her with enthusiasm as she intently furrowed her eyebrows while reaching out her hand and hit it! I was so excited!! Initially, I thought perhaps it was an accident, a mere happenstance... But she repeated this game over and over! I am so proud of my little Maleah! She is holding her head up independently. At times she is a bit unsteady, especially if a nap is in the near future :o) But she's doing great! Moreover, during tummy time, she is holding her head up high and lifting her chest off the ground! Mama's milk is making her strong! haha!! Last night at the ministry event, I just held her in my arms (with the support of my fabulous sling!!!) and I looked upon her face, so peaceful and beautiful. I began to pray fervently with thankfulness for our precious daughter and wonderful son. At that moment, I glanced up to see Julian Cole at the front of the stage watching Dillon perform. Julian was captivated by the words- worshipping God where he stood! Tears formed in my eyes; I am so undeserving of God's mercy & grace to belong to such a wonderful family. It's days like these that remind me when the storm comes, the Son will bring warmth in days that follow.  




Fight the Good Fight of Faith Beloved