Tag Archives: hope

Take a Moment to Remember

25 May

I live with a constant reminder of how blessed I am to of been born and raised in a free country. It is an awesome responsibility to live in such a way that it is never in vain. I am so grateful for the brave men and women who headed the call and left what was familiar and comfortable for a life of upheaval and uncertainty. Today I pause with reflective prayer to honor those who gave their all…the fallen brave who courageously breathed their last breath defending the country and the people they so loved.

To the families who gather around a grave rather than a grill-my prayer is that our Heavenly Father will fill them with grace, peace, and healing. That they would find comfort in each other and that the sweet memories of their loved ones will sustain them until they are reunited in Heaven. Thank you, for your great sacrifice also!

Regardless of your feelings of the military, president, or war we are one family bonded by the American Flag and we should support our soldiers and let them know we appreciate them. A simple “Thank you for your service”, will really show that you stand united with them. Continue to pray for them, for their safety, for our safety, and for their families.

Pray for our wounded country. Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will help us to turn our faces to Him once again and that He will Bless and unite us.

Thank you to our fallen, to our veterans, and to those serving……..it’s not in vain!

I will leave you with a quote I found.

“Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you….Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.”

~Author Unknown~

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Photo credit, Google Images

Advertisement

I am my Beloved and My Beloved is Mine

23 May

12 years ago on a beautiful Colorado day I married my very best friend and the love of my life! I thought I couldn’t be any happier than I was at that moment but each year proves to be better than the last. We have been on such an adventure from births, deaths, illnesses, college, graduations, teenagers, moves, job changes, aging parents, and everything in between. With the constant changes of life, the one thing that has remained, is that we have clung to each other through all of it.  We have grown from a couple of crazy love-struck kids to a couple who are weathering the storms and enjoying every rainbow together. We have learned to appreciate that each day together is a gift.

There is no one I would rather spend time with or journey this life with. I am so blessed to married to a man of honor and integrity! A man who puts his family first and works hard to give us a good life. He is a man that I adore, respect and love! Without the grace of God none of this would of been possible!  I thank God for sustaining us and for constantly working on my heart as a wife. Happy Anniversary, Sunshine! Thank you for choosing me!

I would love to connect on Pinterest!

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

To All the Mama’s……

10 May
To all the mama’s who do this alone, to all the mama’s who chose life, to all those mama’s who chose to give that life to another woman, to all those women who wake to feel the sting of empty arms, to al those mama’s who never felt life grow in their bodies but love the children who grew in their hearts just the same, to all those mama’s who stepped in to raise another woman’s child because they were no longer able to, to all those mama’s who have angel babies, to all the mama’s who are caring for children with special needs, to all the ladies who don’t have the official title of mom but love just the same, and to all the people who think of their mama’s in heaven today………He sees you, sees every tear, and holds you in the palm of His hand. Today I honor you and pray that the love of God will bring you strength, comfort, and joy!
Happy Mother’s Day!
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
Let’s be Pinterest friends!
Find me on Facebook
Photo credit:[ 89studio] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

O Holy Night

24 Dec

~ O Holy Night~
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”. Hope, our great hope in Jesus Christ who came to the world in the most humble and lowly ways to be our sin bearer and to give us hope (Google Jesus and hope). When there seems to be nothing left to give, feel, or even take-we still have our hope in Christ and Christ alone. His mercies are new every single day! Amen!
“Chains shall He break,for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease”. He came to break the bondage of sin and Satan’s hold on us. There is a constant struggle of things that can hold us in bondage-grief, food, drugs, alcohol, p*rn, and just about anything else you can think of of this world. “For the slave is my brother” With Christ, you see a brother or sister in place where you might of just seen a prostitute, a drug addict, a beggar, a Muslim or Jew, or any other undesirable or different beliefed person we live among. To love them, so that even if they don’t seek or know Him, they will recognize Him in us.. Oppression of worldliness will no longer weigh me down in spirit and will cease to have any hold on my life.
Our Savior came to be the light of the world (John 8:12) and to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). Rejoice with greatness and gladness that our Savior lives and our Savior brings with Him hope and life.

Merry Christmas. May you be filled with renewed wonder about the babe in the manger who came to live among us and die for us.
I leave you with a few versions of my favorite song-take a minute to really hear the lyrics and see how it resonates in your soul.
http://youtu.be/4Zh-yR0pbmU
http://youtu.be/lKSknasrE3k

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

   Image courtesy of [dan ] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

A Letter to my Daughter…

13 Oct

The world will tell you that beauty can be found in a certain bra size or certain jean size but the truth is is that beauty is found in your heart size.  Let me be honest, you will be judged on these and so much more and it will sting.  The enemy uses those weak spots, those areas we are most conscious about to wiggle his way in and whisper destruction to your soul. Don’t be fooled or transformed by the vainness of the world but rather inspire true beauty even when it is hard or ignored or mocked.

Women, in particular, are digging themselves into pits so vast that they can’t find their way out. Their struggle to conform is killing them.  Maybe not always physically but emotionally. Searching for that one magic thing that will all of a sudden transform their lives from mediocre to magnificent.

It’s amazing the depths we will go for vanity or pleasure and how shallow our efforts are toward the Lord.  Proverbs 31:30 reminds women that our physical beauty will fail us all eventually.

We are so busy chasing someone else’s best 10 seconds that we lose sight on how terrific our life can be. Until we center our focus on the Creator and let Him lead us through the beautiful mess of life we will never find the magnificent we are looking for-it doesn’t exist apart from the Lord!

When you start to see yourself and your life through the eyes of our Creator you will be transformed by the marvelous creation you are.  It is then that you will truly see and understand your gifts, talents, and the greater purpose of your life.  Matthew 10:39  reminds us that if we are only concerned about finding ourselves first you will never will but if you pursue the Lord first you will find both Him and you.  So pursue the Lord with eagerness and expectation!

Fill those cracks and gaps in your armor with the life giving words of God and focus your efforts on becoming who He says you are!  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and hold you accountable.  God never intended us to make this journey alone.  Female friendships in the media are always portrayed as conniving, selfish and, jealous.  Women using and abusing each other in hopes of gaining power and popularity.  Don’t buy into the lie.  Sisterhood, when Christ centered, can be one of the biggest blessings of life.

It’s not always easy but with that foundation of Christ in place whatever the stumble, you have that compass always pointing you back to the arms of the one who makes everything beautiful….even the broken and messy.

 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

 

You can find me on Pinterest

 

“Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

It Also Looks Like This

30 Aug

I would like to introduce you to Thomas. He is the 8 year old best friend of my son Jacob and the son of my dear friend, Joelle.  These precious boys have been friends since diapers and are definitely two peas in a pod.  They love to be together doing all those neat things little boys like to do. They run, climb, and jump and when they have done all of that, they fall into a heap laughing like only innocence allows. No matter how much fun they have the same conflict always arises.  There is a constant disagreement with Thomas’s mind and his legs.  After a short time of boy play Thomas starts to get an all too familiar ache and stiffness in his legs.  He wants to keep going but his little body says no.  You see, Thomas was born with Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy to be exact.

When we think Muscular Dystrophy we automatically think of young, wheel chair bound, gravely ill, children or more recently, ALS, thanks to the recent awareness from the ice bucket challenge.  Becker Muscular Dystrophy usually presents itself slow and steady.  Thomas has experienced gradual changes in mobility throughout the years but the changes are definitely a challenge not only to Thomas but to his family.  Without a cure, his days of depending on his arms and legs are numbered.

Thanks to MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), they have been able to access state of the art services, help, and support they need to help Thomas strive. Great breakthroughs have happened thanks to the research grants and clinical trials and studies they have been able to fund.  The MDA association has given hope to families when all seemed hopeless.

This weekend, when you flip through your TV channels and see the MDA telethon, would you please take a moment and make a donation.  Even a small donation helps in giving hope to families like Thomas’s.

Our greatest prayer is that Jacob and Thomas can experience being old men together and that their laughter will continue to fill our lives for all of our days.

Jacob and Thomas doing what they do best!

Jacob and Thomas doing what they do best

I am inspired by this family’s courage, their joy, and mostly their faith. If you would like to learn more about MDA or would like information on how you can help just click on the link.  http://mda.org/  Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

If you make a donation we would love to thank you! Please use #mdaforthomas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

#mdaforthomas Becker MD awareness

Jacob wants a lab coat for Christmas so he can be the Doctor who cures Thomas.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Come see what I am Pinning

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Remember to Pray

4 Jul

Happy Independence Day!

I am reminded today to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous blessing it is to be an American. That despite all that seems to divide us here we are truly blessed to enjoy the freedom of difference.

We can easily take for granted that as Christians we can freely declare, worship, and proclaim that Christ is King without fear of persecution.

I am asking you, my brother’s and sister’s in Christ, to remember our persecuted brother’s and sister’s who are being persecuted but still hold fast to their beliefs no matter what the cost. I wonder if I would be so bold for Christ if under the same pressure.

Prayers for our soldiers who bravely give…… sometimes everything to protect the flag and country they love.

Have a wonderful celebration!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Come see what I am pinning.

 

 

“Image courtesy of [nixxphotography] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

 

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Alison’s Story

14 Jun

Alison is my oldest child. She was born severely premature and has some cognitive delays along with Cerebral Palsy.  Our church put on a special senior service for all our high school graduates.  The families had the opportunity to put together a display of photos and academic, sport, etc. accomplishments.  Our journey has looked different therefore trophies and other such accolades haven’t been a part of her life.  Alison decided to share her story because it is her greatest accomplishment. Our display was a modest piece of tag board with some pictures and her story. I am so proud of her and her resilience and positive attitude, she is my hero! With a little help from mom…here is her story.

MY STORY

My name is Alison Jordyn.  I was born October 31, 1995 at 7:51 PM.  My mom is Rebecca and she was just 17 and 24 weeks pregnant when I was born.  I weighed 1 pounds 12 Oz. I was born so premature that my eyes were still fused shut.  My mom told me what a whirlwind of doctors and nurses there were, all working hard and fast to give me the best shot possible.

I had open heart surgery when I was only two weeks old weighing 1 pound 10 oz.  From brain hemorrhages to dangerous blood infections I fought through each one becoming stronger each day.  My mom told me that she should plan on me being in the hospital for at least 6-8 months but since I am stubborn (I get that from grandpa) I decided 2 1/2 months was long enough.  One month and one day before my due date I was discharged weighing a hefty 4 pounds 7 oz.

When I was born they took my mom aside to prepare her for what life would be like for us.  Because of the grade 4 brain hemorrhage she was told I would never walk, that I would never talk, and that I would be plagued with illness, allergies, and asthma.  Fortunately, my mama has that same stubborn attitude as grandpa and me and never gave up hope.

I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was five months old.  Two months later I rolled over for the first time.  At ten months old I said my first word, “hi”.  On December 28, 1997, I took my first steps and I never stopped moving!  I am now 18 and still haven’t been plagued with illness, asthma, and allergies.

When I was in kindergarten my mom was taken aside again and told that I had learned all that I would ever learn. She told my mom that I was incapable of learning new things and maybe school wasn’t for me.  That didn’t stop us!  I have learned so much and I have accomplished and done more than anyone ever thought possible.  We wish we remembered her name because we would like to send her a graduation announcement 🙂

My mom says that I am proof that God is still in the miracle business.  With God, even the impossible becomes possible.

I know my accomplishments seem ordinary to most and that’s OK.  I don’t have many earthly awards and that’s OK too.  You see, my biggest accomplishment is that my life saved my mom’s life.  God chose to use a sick little baby to save my mom from a life of addiction and instead led her into a life of salvation.  Now that my mom knows Jesus my whole family knows Him.  It’s pretty cool to think that I am the reason my whole family will go to heaven.

I am excited for what the future holds because I know the One who holds it.  My future is bright and the opportunities are limitless and I look forward to seeing where my journey takes me……..because my story is just beginning!

Our display

Our display

Thanks for reading!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Come on over and see what I am pinning!

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

I Saw Faith

16 Sep

I held a woman today as she sobbed for her daughter who recently passed away.  I have not drank from that cup so I can’t imagine the debilitating pain of losing a child.  There is nothing, even with my very best intentions, I could do to ease the terrible ache in her soul.  I did experience something extraordinary in the midst of her pain.  I saw real faith.  Not the “God is good because life I going my way” faith but faith in the arena of despair.

This woman, in her profound agony, said “I trust in you, Lord”.  She is battered and beaten, breathlessly crawling her way to the throne to the feet of our Savior and she says in between sobs, “I trust you, Lord”.

Faith that doesn’t doubt God’s goodness but trusts that He is Sovereign.   Faith that says “I’m not OK”, but I will be.  Faith that says “Your will, not mine”.

I know grace is given in accordance to what we are going through but I am not sure if my faith is that unshakeable.

What I do know, is that today, in the brokenhearted face of a mother, I saw faith and hope and trust and Jesus.

Through all the pain and heartache, the victory is still ours!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Follow me on Pinterest

Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Talking to our kids about Boston

9 Jul

This was something I wrote and shared on our MOPS blog right after the Boston bombing. My thoughts on talking to our children about such things

It seems more and more we are having to be so deliberate to shield our children from never ending bad news. Shooting, war and now a bombing.

I still remember the morning more than a dozen years ago when I turned on the TV just in time to watch live as a plane took out the second tower. It was the first time I knew that I couldn’t hide the bad news from my then five year old, Alison. Minutes later my nightgown wearing barefoot daughter made her way sleepily to the living room. As she snuggled down deep next to me she knew that this morning was different. You don’t necessarily think when you are cradling your baby in your arms that one day you would have to explain evil to them. You are not prepared and I don’t think you can be. It is just one of those jump in head first and pray that what comes out is sufficient enough to be truthful and satisfying without ruining the innocence and wide eyed curiosity that only childhood can yield. How do you remind them the that here and now in my arms or at school or at grandma’s they are safe? I know we need to filter but most of the time it is unavoidable.

Several months ago. Another school shooting. This time it was Brouke’s turn to see what evil looks like. And now, an all American wholesome activity marred by destruction and devastation is plastered everywhere. The horror and destruction is all over the TV and on the lips of every adult.

It is a fine line and letting your kids steer your conversation will generally give you parameters to work with. Kids usually ask great questions and beyond what they ask is most of the time unnecessary. They will clue you in to what is in their heart and how much they can handle. With the little ones be selective, you don’t want to compromise their sense of safety. Older kids will be able to process more but all children will need extra love and reassurance. Speak scripture to them. Remind them not be worry or be anxious (Matthew 6:27) that God will deliver us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). Tell them that God will give them peace and that He is in control (Phillipians4:6-7). Remind them for every bad person their are thousands of good people. Let them get involved in making the world a better place by giving them opportunities to serve others and their community. It helps channel all their fears and gives them a sense of control over their environment. Mostly, trust your instincts. God gave you the children you have for a reason.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

%d bloggers like this: