says it all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

happy mother's day!

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:28-30

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers in my life.

First and foremost is my own mom. Our pastor spoke today about the blessing of having a mother who wants her children to know the Lord, and I knew exactly what he was talking about. My mom not only had us in church every Sunday, but showed us how to actively participate in the church by her own actions. She taught Sunday school, led vacation Bible school and sang in the church choir. She has a deep faith that is the foundation of my own faith.

I'm blessed to have a mother-in-law that is like a second mom to me. I can't count the times she has dropped everthing to help me, Jon or the kids. I don't know many moms, let alone mother-in-laws, who would use their vacation time so their daughter-in-law could go on vacations, mission trips, women's retreats, or emergencies. Just this past week she stayed with Sophie so I could go be with my family in Greensburg. She always has a smile on her face and a hug to give. We make fun of her for this, but she cries easy too, whether happy or sad....but you know sometimes it's really nice to have someone to cry with.

I gotta add my Miss Joannie B. Her family has been so kind to let me "borrow" her on many occasions. She's just so darn fun to have around. She always makes me laugh, but isn't afraid to say it like it needs to be said either!

There's so many more moms...Mimi, Helen Marie, Grandma Campbell, Grandmother Sutton, Sharon, Rita, Marsha, Pam, Cindy, Linda, Leigh Anne, Lois....and LOTS more. All crazy, beautiful, funny, spirit-filled, love-filled women. My life is so much better because of them.

Today, though, my heart is most with all the women facing an incredible challenge this Mother's Day. My step-grandma (she's really too young for me to call grandma!!) Sharon, my aunt Marilyn, Kassie and Jessica are constantly on my mind as they rebuild a life they once knew. Please keep them in your prayers.

Have an awesome week!

Stay away from sunburns....and run to your mom!!

beauty for ashes

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
Isaiah 61:1-4

Virtually every Christmas Eve I can remember has been spent in the house pictured above. That house is my Grandfather's house. My father, uncle and aunt were raised in that house. My Grandmother battled cancer and then passed from this life into heaven in that house.

I spent 2 weeks every summer in that house growing up. And I'm sad. I'm sad for my family that has lost so much. I'm sad for all who have lost so much.

I'm also extremely happy and excited...because my grandfather, his wife, my aunt and uncle, my aunt's parents, my cousin and his wife and child, my step-aunt and her husband and small child all survived. Thanks be to God!!! I realize how easily we could be planning a funeral right now.

I just keep thinking about the verse above from Isaiah. Jesus has come to proclaim the goodnews. He will take all those ashes and make them into something beautiful.

All of you keep praying because those prayers are being answered. We've seen amazing answer to prayer.....and almost more importantly we have felt God's peace over all of us.

Note: For anyone reading this who is unaware of what happend....go to any major news site and read about Greensburg, Ks 5.04.07

let's pray

The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. Psalm 11:4
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:9

I'm sure you've all heard, read the news of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. What sadness fills our hearts. But the Word that came to me so strong was "God is still and will always be on His throne". We are blessed and cursed with free will. And that means some will use it to bring evil to others. But nothing and no one can take away our Father God or His love and mercies.

Let's all pray for our brothers and sisters who this day mourn the loss of a child, parent, sibling, friend, innocence. Let's pray that God's Word stands firm, " Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

six hours one friday

Six Hours One Friday is the name of a book by Max Lucado. It is about the last six hours of Jesus life. I read it a long time ago during lent and I've gotten it out this year. The book, and more importantly the actual six hours one Friday, have inspired me today.

Jesus died on that cross for you and for me. Not for "us" or a general description of a group of people. Jesus died on the cross for Karren Skelton and Jon Skelton and ______ put your own name on that line. I've forgotten lately that God knows me personally. He knows every hair on my head. He knows you too. He's not some big santa in the sky getting us out of jams or marking our name off a list. He's God, and He loves me and you. Intimately.

I love the group Third Day because they love the Lord. One of their songs is my favorite right now (as my "favorite" is always changing). I'm putting the words in this blog today. I hope you read it, I really hope you look it up and listen to it.

Thanks for reading this blog. I find myself wanting to say "sorry" if it isn't what it normally is today....but you know what....it is my blog....and I just can't help but tell you how much God loves you...you....you. Embrace that today and always. But don't be content to depend on my view point. As Max Lucado says, "Don't settle for a faith inherited from your family or borrowed from your friends. Their help is important and their teaching is vital, but you never know when you'll have to face a life storm alone. So be sure that your heart is safely secure in God."

Love ya!!

Stay away from whatever is holding you back......and run to God.

Love Song, By Third Day.....
I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.

I've never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of calvary

I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It can never be done

I've never swam the deepest ocean
But I walked upon the raging sea

Just to be with you, I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you, I'd give anything
I would give my life away.

I know that you don't understand
the fullness of My love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
how much that I gave you
But I promise, I would do it all again.

Just to be with you, I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you, I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
Just to be with you, Just to be with you

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Sophia's Dedication

Sunday, February 25th was Sophia's dedication at church. We had a beautiful day. Sophia had her 2 sets of grandparents, a great-grandfather, 2 great-grandmothers, an aunt and uncle, and 2 dear friends join her for the service. She was a very good girl (showing off for her grandparents I'm sure!) This was a time to dedicate Sophia to the Lord. As her parents, we dedicated ourselves to raising Sophia in a Christian home. The Pastor, Ryan, also asked the church to dedicate themselves to encouraging Sophia in her walk with Christ. Jon read the passage from Ephesians that I mentioned in the first blog and then he prayed an amazing prayer of blessing over Sophie. I'm really missing the words to describe the emotion of the service. I think because I was a little overwhelmed that we were actually standing there with a baby we've wanted for so long....that our dreams had finally become a reality. The passage from 1 Samuel 1:27 is running through my head, "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."

The day continued with lunch at our house with all our family. It was lots of fun and laughter. I think Sophie only stayed awake for about 30 minutes of her party though!

I've got to mention Evan's basketball game. E had a rec basketball game on Saturday...I think it should be called bafooball because it's a combination of basketball and football. There's always a roughing the passer and several clean blocks. I thought they would get killed because they were playing the best team and we were down a man which meant everyone would have to play the whole game. Needless to say, not much depth on the bench. Evan has been playing point guard and that is perfect for him because he is actually encouraged to boss people around! They lost their game, but it wasn't a blood bath. E had the most points for his team 8 out of the 14. Atleast they got in double digits. That doesn't always happen!

Better go for today! Hope all of you stay warm and have sunshine where you are.

Stay away from mean dogs and sour milk and run to March Madness and kid's rec sports.