and the first week is over

we are starting week two of school\

kenzie is adapting very well as always to going to school. i never have had trouble with getting her to go to school, it's her sister that i have issues with. maddie just does not want to go. we are making her ride the bus now because ryan needs the car some mornings, so i can't just take her. she doesn't like that and replies, "mommy i wanna hang out with you" it's hard, but it is what is best for her. she'll adapt to it soon enough (i hope) and hopefully she will start to love school the same way kenzie does...

sunday we took the kids swimming and they had a blast!!! was soo much fun! they love being in a pool...

and that's about the update for now.. more to come when i am happier... maddie had another morning of crying from the time she got up and she was still crying when she got on the bus... even made me promise to wait at the bus stop all day!!! wow she's a momma and daddy's girl!

Maddie meet Dr. Small...

I know I haven't been good at posting on a regular basis. So much has been going on, so I am going to try and post a little at a time til I get you all caught up.

First things first, Madison (aka Maddie) had an appointment with the eye doctor on Saturday. She was very excited to go. When we got there they did all of the normal tests (and let me tell ya, they can now take digital pictures of your retina!!!) That was sooo cool! Anyway, after the initial exam the doc said she would need glasses because she is far sighted. He decided to dialate her just to confirm that the script would be the correct one, so after 4 eyedrops, we were in the waiting room for 15 minutes. He confirmed and we were off to go pick out PURPLE glasses! She got them that afternoon and has had them on since!!!

dare I say she is beautiful? LOL

Anyway, more to come later :)

What a Week!!!

this week has been insane to say the least!!!

Monday: Both girls had their back to school physicals... Let me just say this: holy, KENZIE has to have a shotttt??? We weren't expecting Kenzie to have to have any shots, but we got through it... Maddie had 4 shots. They both are healthy! Maddie has to go back and have some warts frozen, which is not one of those days I will be looking forward to, but it's all in a day's Mothering right!

Tuesday: Preparing the girls for Meet the Teacher day took more out of me than I thought it would. I sort of took the day off of doing my long list of to do's to get Maddie mentally ready for what she was going to do on Wednesday.

Wednesday: Meet the teacher day at 2 schools. So, since the website said 830, we got at Maddie's school at 8am. No problem right? Wrong! They decided to wait until 9 to start and where they had the sign for the registration wasn't where the line was supposed to be so all of the ones who were there first had to go to the back of the line when we found out that it was the wrong place in the first place. Then we get to the Media Center and it was a bunch of chaos. We get her registered, head over to the bus line only to find out that they didn't have the hand written passes at the table and after waiting for what seemed like forever, we moved on so that we could finish up the rest of the centers we had to go to. Food and Nurtrition had some great information for us! Then PTA and volunteering and finally we go back to the Bus Line to find out they still don't have her pass, so I said, we'll come back after we see her teacher. Up to Mrs. Phipps room we go. We let her look around her room and talk a little with the teacher, and back to the bus line. We finally decided to come back one day later in the week since they still didn't have it together and we had another school to go to.

We get to Kenzie's school and were in and out in about 15 minutes! I love Meet the Teacher day at Kenzie's school. It's always been a breeze! So we go to the teacher who Kenzie is supposed to have only to find out that she doesn't have Mr. P, she has Mrs. Walsh again, but that's ok. She has done great with Mrs. Walsh for the last 2 years and she will do great again this year!!

Thursday: Ryan started working a new job and came home EXHAUSTED! And sunburned!

Friday: It was a crazy day here. The kids were missing their Daddy because he was at work for another LONG day. He's been leaving at 6 am and getting home around 7pm. Well, last night he got home around 9! And the girls had had enough of him not being here for them. So, they let him know it! We also went back to the school to get the bus pass that was supposed to be ready and wasn't. So we waited for them to make it out, which wasn't too bad because there wasn't the comotion of hundreds of families trying to do the same thing at the same time...

Today: Ryan is working again and I am taking Maddie to the eye dr. I'll post again after so that you can see what happens there...

is today over yet?

today has been a very busy day...

home made sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast... mmmm a family favorite here :)

put a roast and veggies in the crock pot while i was cooking this am...

grocery store...

walgreens...

target...

marshalls...

walmart....

back to school fashion show with the girls...

dinner with ya ya and pappy....

and now i have two sleeping angels... it's a great thing...

tired but wanted to sent in a quick update...

it's been a crazy busy day but a good kind of crazy

Praise You In This Storm w/ Lyrics!!

What in the world was that person thinking?

First, I want to say that I am so very happy to be back to blogging on a regular basis! It was quite a not so fun time of my life when I stopped blogging. I feel like by blogging, I can get a few things out of my mind that otherwise would just sit there.

So, anyway, most of you know by now that we got a new to us car in February. I love my little camry and I love it so much that I do not love the rear bumper right now! Ryan stopped in at publix on the way home and picked up a gallon of milk. Well, when he came out, he noticed that someone had rear ended our car AND JUST LEFT! So, now we get to replace the bumper to our car. It is still drivable, but it's just the point that when they nudged it, they didn't stop. They kept going and the dent in the bumper tells us that. Not to mention we have what looks like copper color paint and something black from their vehicle as well. So my question is this, what has this world come to that you have to hit someone elses car backing out and not stop. I don't expect you to tell me that you hit my car, but I do expect that you know how to drive otherwise you wouldn't be on the roads!

At any rate, I was ticked off last night but it's like this, Anger gets me no where. There's nothing I can do about it but plan on replacing the bumper as soon as possible. It just looks bad. I would like to get the car repainted anyway because the white paint shows EVERYTHING, but I don't know what the cost of doing that would be, so I'll be checking into it.

And so, here's the new part of my blog, I am going to try and share two things with you from now on. First a scripture to help with any feeling I may have had over whatever I am blogging about. Second a music video that will likely help me get through that situation, so, here's today's:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1: 19-21

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103: 8-10

And for song, I love this song, and we should all praise HIM in the storms of our life, so that is why I chose it for my song today. Yesterday's incident with my car was just a storm in my life and I should be greatful that no one was hurt.

(for some reason I can't figure out the embedding here today, but you can click on the link above and see the song lyrics as you listen to the song and when I do figure out the embedding I will put the video below)

The song is by Casting Crowns and is a great message!

Does Couponing Really work????

So, I've been thinking a lot lately. Not to worry, I know this is a real danger for me LOL! But seriously, I have been doing a lot of that and here's my thoughts. Many of you have probably heard of the tv show TLC's Extreme Couponing right? Well, I thought I would share some of our story as far as that goes.

While we do not live in a state that allows coupon doubling, we do get some great deals here in Florida. So great that I have been asked by my mom and her friend Bev to mentor them in couponing, therefore I am up for the challenge :) Now, basically, I want to share how I got involved and why. Then I will share some of my successes and how couponing really has helped us in the last few months.

First, I was one of those ladies who casually clipped coupons for years and never cashed in on ANY of the deals. Ring a bell? Well, I am hoping that at the end of this post I will have you interested in learning how to do it and do it well for your family. So, our background goes like this. I am a married stay at home mom. We have 2 beautiful little girls and times are tough right now. We all know that! So, in the beginning of the year, I got to thinking, what can I do as a stay at home mom to help make things easier financially. So the first thing I did due to my husband loosing his job and taking a cut in pay at the next one was (GASP!) apply for food stamps. Yes I said it! This to me was a huge insult that I had to even think about applying, however I really didn't see any other way to help our family out, so I went to the computer and applied. Low and Behold, we were approved and quick due to the lack of funds coming into our house. Now, this did help some, but I wanted more! Isn't that how it always is. We have what we have BUT WE WANT MORE! So, I ran across my church's bulletin and found out that later that month, there was going to be a workshop in the Ministry Center there on the grounds. That's awesome right? Well, this workshop cost $8.00. Where was I going to come up with that much money? This sounds like a small amount, but when you live paycheck to paycheck every penny matters. So I talked with my husband who agreed that it would be worth it to do the $8.00 and we would pray that it would pay off in the end. So I attended this workshop given by Kimberly of The Savvy Coupon Lady
What did I learn? Well, I learned that the deals I was looking for were at the store I had for so long BOYCOTTED because I thought it was too expensive! Publix is a great store and I can't believe I allowed our family to suffer by making them eat such lower quality foods! I learned that if I match coupons with the buy one get one free's that I can and do provide great food at a fraction of the cost. I also learned that even though there are so many out there hoarding the deals, you don't have to do that. I never in my life saw the mess that I saw on the above mentioned show! I was discusted! I haven't watched it since that first time! I will probably never again! See, there is a thing called ethics. This thing is one of the big things in the workshop. Yes, it is great to get great deals, but save some for others! Also, if you need a large quantity, (more than 10) the store manager is more than happy to fill out a special order and if they are running low or out of somethign, get a raincheck! It really is that easy.

Now for the fast forward, I have since that workshop saved HUNDREDS of dollars at Publix! Still wondering how I do it? Well, I have started a blog just for that, so head on over to CentSavers to find out more info on it. I am no where near as organized with it as Kimberly, but I do like sharing the huge deals you can get. If you want to do the step by step how to I suggest you go learn from Kimberly, but I will be trying to post a lot of how I do things on my blog as well. Kimberly is doing the match ups and I have not started that but hope to do so in the future.

And, why am I sharing so much? Because I want to see everyone save money and do it ethically. Also, there was a story on the news last night that really disgusted me! Why are people stealing newspapers just to get their coupons? This makes all of us look bad. :( Really, start small and then work up to what you need for your family. I started wtih 1 paper and my mother in law gave me the 2nd one I needed. Then as I can I buy 4 papers a week. 4 is my limit because even with just doing 2 I get AMAZING SAVINGS!

It's not uncommon for me to come home from the store with 60 plus dollars in savings! The other week I actually scored Splenda for free plus an overage! It is doable but just like everything else it takes work to do. If you think that you can get these deals immediately, please, just read my other blog or Kimberly's because it just isn't possible, you have to work up your stash and then take 1/2 hour before you go to the store to get the coupons you need and make your list. Simple!

My kids have never been happier with the choices they have for cereal and we have made a stock pile of it :) So, this week, we are at my mother in law's as they are out of town and we are doing a few things for them. I noticed they are out of a few things. I simply asked my husband to go home and "shop" in our stockpile! So I have been able to provide things for my in laws when before they were the ones helping us!!!

Feels great to help others!

busy momma

the last few days, i have been super busy! it seems like it never ends...

quick update:

kenzie's school didn't accept any children school choice applications. therefore maddie doesn't get to go to school with her sister.

ryan's schedule got changed YET AGAIN!

maddie is doing great! she loves that she has one tooth out! she is such a cutie

mom came in last week and we had friday to go shopping: here's what our day consisted of:

ihop
hospice thrift store
salvation army thrift store
usa flea market
mc donalds
photos
new shirts
school clothes
fun times with nana

it was a very busy day and we were all exhausted by the time it was done. i'll be editing and posting the pictures when i get a chance...

saturday and sunday have been equally busy. kenzie decided yesterday that she wants to tell me "mommy, for my birthday can we have a carnival?" really child.... good thing you are telling me in july and your birthday isn't til FEB!!! so i am holding her to it!!!

more details to come on that... and now my latest adventure, i have added a search bar to my blog! i'm excited about that for all of you :)

your attitude stinks

interesting title isn't it? well that's what i feel like saying to kenzie. sure, mommy was great when she let me go to orlando to see riley and shelby... but now that i have been home for a few days, mommy is the meanest person on earth and i don't like her so i am going to give her a really bad attitude from the time i wake up to well past my bedtime... it is getting old really quick, so guess what? KENZIE IS GROUNDED! from now until i find that she has started to regret being mean. no computer, no wii, no phone calls, no visiting friends, no visiting relatives, no surprises, no tv. all she is allowed to do is read her books and work on her math using our chalk board. (oh, and i forgot to add, NO DS!) she will learn one way or another that the way she has been acting lately is not something that she can get by with. i would ground her from her bicycle, but it wouldn't do any good since the tire is flat LOL i will be making her go outside and run laps about once every two hours starting now, so that will be a nice break. when she can be nice and get along with her sister without fighting then i might start to reward her with some of the things she is grounded from back. in the mean time, i am revamping our family rules as it seems this summer they have gotten thrown out the window as we go 80 on the interstate on our way home from orlando. anyway, enough rambling... i'll go to working on our family rules now.... i do not like blogging in a negative way, i just needed to get this off my chest.

sweetpea beauty-- veggietales

the girls and i watch veggie tales a lot, but it wasn't until Beth posted a video to facebook that I really connected with the one movie... and yes, i am still sobbing like a baby... here's the song:

Nichole Nordeman-- Beautiful for me. you can find it on youtube... it is a great message to all of us women... and just in the nick of time... as you read in my previous posts... i have been very down on myself, but i am trying to turn that around... once you hear the song, you will understand... see, growing up, i was made fun of and talked bad to all of my life, and it seems here lately, i can't find one good thing to say about me... this video really hit home... and i can't stop listening to it!!!

you make beautiful things out of dust

so, i have been struggling here lately with some internal issues of my own.... it always helps a little to blog about things when i am feeling this way, so i decided i would do just that... so anyway, i have been being very negative on myself because of several reasons, and then today, i just decided that it was time to come out of this funk, and turned on my favorite radio station JOYFM when I did, the song you make beautiful things out of dust was playing... This song really spoke revelations to me... Here are the words and then I will explain what I mean by it spoke to me...

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

so basically, here's what God spoke to me through this song, "GOOD COMES FROM BAD" this is so very true. I mean really, I totally believe that when he closes one door it is because he is preparing us for bigger and better things to come. However, I have slacked off on my spiritual walk and he is showing me that now... So, tomorrow, I will be going to church and attending womens in the evening. I can't wait because I miss the ladies so very much.

After that I got to where I was thinking bad thoughts about me. My weight, my eye, my hair, etc and I thought of this next song. It is by MercyMe and it is called beautiful. Again, here are the lyrics and then i will type a little about what the song said to me...

The days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful

I'm praying that you have the heart to find
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves
Enough to die

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful
You were meant for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You're meant for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His

when listening to this song, God said, "Daughter, you are BEAUTIFUL! I am the one that matters and I say you are beautiful. Don't pay attention to the flesh! I gave my son for you and I love you!" after getting this message, I sat here and cried because I know that it is a word from my Abba. He is always right! and I am HIS!

so from this point forth, I am going to make a consience effort to show that I am his!!!!

(just a little note, amanda, if you are reading this, please give my girls a hug and kiss for me I MISS THEM THISSSSS MUCH!)

Pappy's Angels

For Father's Day, Amanda did photo's of the girls with their Pappy! They turned out great! I thought as a way to share with you, I would make them into a Collage for the blog. Really nice I think. It is hard to believe looking at these how big the girls have all gotten! And even harder to believe that come next month they ALL will be going to school! Wow.

giddy girls

so it's been a while since i have posted, but i have good reason. my laptop isn't doing so well. i am waiting to get it fixed, so i use the computer when i can. the girls are getting so giddy! they are excited for a few reasons.

* they get to go see aunt amanda, uncle derrick, aunt taylor, riley, shleby, maggie and sam tomorrow.

* they both are getting giddy for school to start!

Madison is excited that she will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

Kenzie is growing so fast! I can't believe she is going into 3rd grade already.

* they both are doing a little practice math over the summer. they love it. No, maddie doesnt' quite get it but I am introducing her into the addition she will be introduced to in kindergarten. it will be good for her to practice and get familiar with some of the problems she will see in the coming year. kenzie however is doing good. she is great with her addition so far and although her subtraction is needing work, this is why we are doing this program. She has always been weak in the subject, but I am hoping that by having her do this, we will eliminate some of her struggles over the 3rd grade.

and that's about all i have for now... will upload some cute pics later :)

a quiet day

today is a quiet day. it's wierd really. not used to the house being so quiet. but with the girls on a mini vacation with yaya and pappy, it's nice! ryan is sleeping and i am putting around here getting a few things accomplished... gotta do what i can before the girls get back on thursday because we are goign to have max and cathy in town thursday and friday.... so i gotta get things done.

kenzie is doing well. she's getting so big! i can't believe how much she has grown... looking through old pictures really jogs the memory...

maddie is getting excited about going to kindergarten this year...

and ryan is snoozing as he has to work tonight... so things are just about the same...

i'm hoping to get some more couponing info together for you all in a little bit so i can post that..

Couponin' Cox's

So, with the economy being what it is, and me not working, I decided it was my job to try and save us as much money as I can, so couponing has become a major part of my job! It's amazing some of the deals I can get with doing this. For example, I am going to the store tomorrow for a few things and one of them is Crystal Light. We go through that stuff like crazy! Not only is it great tasting, but it also is a healthier alternative to koolaid. So, it's on sale BOGO (Buy one, Get one) and I have coupons, so I will buy 4. Here's the breakdown:

(4) Crystal Light-- 5.98
(4) $1 off 1 Crystal Light Manufacturer Coupon
(1) $1 off 4 Crystal Light Target Coupons

Total price out of pocket will be: 98 Cents~!!! That makes them 24 cents a piece. Not bad for a product that is normally 2.99 each! So that's a savings of 84% on one item we use all the time.

Now, with the TLC show Extreme Couponing, there have been issues of people going and buying the stores out of everything on sale. I want to take this time to clear up a few things.

* When I coupon, I only buy things I know I will use or can donate to our church's Food Ministry (Helping Hands)
* I get 4 newspapers a week. This may seem like a lot, but really, it isn't. When I went to a coupon workshop, it was suggested to buy 2 per person in the house and one extra. I don't do that. I want to make sure that we save money, but I don't want to seem greedy, so I settle for 1 paper for each of us.
* I do print some coupons online BUT it is only the ones I know I am going to use. If I won't use it why would I take it from someone who may need it? It doesn't make sense to me.
* I also shop around (compare the ads) Most of the time I end up at PUBLIX because they tend to have the better price (BOGO) and a great couponing policy.

i'll start adding a few tips as I can for couponing to this blog. It's really become a game for me and I really enjoy feeling like I am helping the family out by doing this. I have even gotten the girls into it and Ryan is getting aboard too.

the last note i want to leave you with today is this:

IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING MONEY VIA COUPONS, YOU CAN'T PLAY THE BRAND GAME! you will save more money by using the sales to your advantage. Once you have a stockpile you will be a happy camper!!!

quick update

hey all! i haven't dropped off of the face of the earth, but here's a quick update:

i got sick after that last post. i've been on the mend since... :)

we had maddie's 5th birthday at the beach (i am uploading pics later today if i can get them all edited by then :)

ryan has been working 12 hour night shifts, so sleeping for him has been the priority here as of late.

i have begun a few things... one group of my friends calls it the "weightloss wagon", i call it operation weightloss, and another group of my friends calls it "mission slimpossible" i love all three names, so needless to say, i am working on some really healthy options and perhaps i will shed some pounds and make my gerd/asthma better.

i also have been invited to go try zumba tonight. i am going to let you in on a secret, i am not really very pumped about it. i am worried because of my asthma, but that's ok, by going i can find out if i will like it as well as meet with someone about getting a membership at the y. i really hope we can do this as i would love to be able to take the kids to the y while ryan sleeps over the summer, then on the days he is off, we can all go as a family. also, kenzie wants to get involved in the soccer program there :)

other than that not a whole lot going on there

One of my favorite songs

In between challenges, while my layouts are drying, I thought I would play around here...

One of my favorite bands is Jesus Culture! Totally my music. Anyway, this is one of my favorite songs!!!

You won't relent until you have it all
My heart is yours

I'll set You as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love that is as strong as death
Jealousy demanding as the grave
Many waters cannot quench this love

Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one

Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one

What do I love about this song? The happy dance my heart does when it's on! It uplifts me even when I am depressed! I can praise this song at any moment in my day and it will do miracles in my soul! It is on my playlist at the bottom of my blog if you want to listen to it!!

Quick Quotes

I stumbled across this company blog not long ago and wanted to take the chance to let you all know the details. Quick Quotes has released a blog effective today. As a Scrapbooker, I am always looking for new and fresh quotes to use for some of my layouts. This blog will provide me with some new inspiration for my layouts. I hope you will jump over there and check it out. Also, if you choose to, they are having a give away! For the details, go here

Have a great National Scrapbooking Day!!!

just a few notes of how our week has been...

*ryan started his new job on sunday

*the girls have been status quo

* our tomatoes and sunflowers are doing great

*yesterday i woke up sicker than a dog.

*tomorrow is NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY so ryan is taking kenzie to his mom's house (maddie is already there) and i am going to attempt to participate in the events that are being held on scrapbook.com

* mothers day so far has been great. ryan gave me some scrappy supplies and kenzie made me a really cute pen that has flowers coming out of the top of it. it is stored on my desk in a little flowerpot she brought it home from school in. totally cute. she also wrote a story about me... i'll get it out of the car tomorrow and post it. I do have to say that her handwriting is improving so very much! she is reading up a storm and now we just have to focus on her mathmatics ability. i loved math, but ryan hated it from what i understand... kenzie doesn't mind it she just struggles with it...

and that is all i have the energy for tonight... must go watch gray's anatomy on the netflix and then to bed :)

Today's Sermon Notes

The Law of Priority

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well.

The word first means:
-first in priority
-order of importance

What are the priorities when it comes to families?

1. The LORD is always first
**Spending time with the Lord is vital**
-it keeps you in the spirit
-it changes your heart
-it gives you wisdom
-it keeps you in humility
-it keeps your speech and thinking in line
-it helps you follow the word of God

2. The family is second
-you are married to your spouse and not to your parents or other family members
-you are married to your spouse and not to your grandchildren
-even though the Lord is #1 in your life you are still married to your spouse

3. work is third

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15

For even when we were with you, we gave this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

-personal responibility and not entitlement
-we must all understand that marriage is not for everyone.

1 Corinthians 7: 7-8

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.

-Paul was single and it was a gift
-some singles have the desire to get married

2 things about this:

1. Remain Pure
2. Wait
-you do not look. you wait.
-no dating. just waiting.
"wait" is an action word wich speaks of serving

How can you tell who the right person is?
-it is a calling from the Lord
"call" an invitation that must be responded to

the definition of marriage is a MAN and a WOMAN coming to be one.
-give all relationships the test of time
-once married you are married.

There is a difference between joy and happiness

Psalm 144:15

Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

Psalm 148:5

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created

-happiness is based on circumstances, situations, feelings, pleasures, and events
-joy is a fruit of the spirit that grows as the believer grows and is not based on events, pleasures, or situations.

3 statements on this:

1. no one can make you happy except JESUS CHRIST
2. things will not bring you happiness
3. do not use the enemies language

This was today's sermon at my church and because I believe that this is a very important message to families, I decided I would start sharing the notes from our pastor on sundays. This is the first part of the series he has just started. If you ever want to tune in, please feel free to go to www.ccwc.org to watch our services live on Sunday mornings or Thursday evenings.