The Battle

I woke up this morning and found that a battle was waging. A battle over my day. On this side of the arena we have Satan. In his arsenal he contains all my doubts and fears. Opposite to him is my Heavenly Father. His arsenal is to large to be fully comprehended, let alone mentioned. As my feet hit the floor, I could almost here the bell ring allowing the two to begin. Satan's biggest tool against me is "internal dialog". Boy, he was ready today. Fresh off of a great Sunday service, and ready for this new week, I was blindsided. Floods of self-pitying thoughts began. They all stem back to one general thought/feeling. "God, I have been so obedient lately, how come it is not being noticed." I have a "bully sin" just like we all do. I had committed this to Him and had followed, as of recently, so obediently. "So, why isn't anyone else complimenting and taking notice,especially those closest to me?" This continued as my morning got under way. The same "bully sin" that I had felt so encouraged about last week and had felt so content now that I was doing His will, was now all consuming. But then it happened, a blow to end this battle. This happened as I sat down to have my quiet time. About half way through I read this:

"I am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine...and the creatures of the field are mine. Sacrifice thank offerings to God... and call on me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will honor me. " (Ps 50)

I thought of how I was seeking praise for the sacrifices I had made. I had forgotten that those sacrifices were made to Him, not to others. So why was I seeking their praise? I was suddenly confronted by the truth that He does not need my sacrifices, but He does want them (because it is part of a better plan for me). So ultimately this verse is telling me I need to better learn how to offer my thanks to Him during the highs and the lows. And I can be comforted knowing "He will deliver me and will honor me".

This sudden "blow" did not mean that the war was over, but this battle had been won. Satan had lost!!! My day(s) belongs to Him and I had to share this as a praise to Him.

More Pics

Remember how I said I was obsessed?! Just a few amazing shots from today. Isn't the pic of Katie (Tiff's daughter) wonderful?!

Fun at the Arts Festival

Wow! What a fun day we had. This was the first year for all of us to go to the festival. Tiff, Mom, and I took all the kids and had a blast. First we stopped to eat. They have great food there. So much better than the fair.

Then Tiff took us over to a grassy hill for the kids to play on. After they had used up their energy, we headed to the Botanical Tube. They had a discounted price today, so being the "Sam's family" that we are, we took advantage of this. The kids had fun and were very patient as Meme and I took pic after pic (I am obsessed). It was a little steamy in the tube, so we stopped for more sugar, I mean, an icee drink. Then home for nap time.

I love spending time with mom and Tiff!! Wish Mandy could have come too. I hope the girls will grow up and be as close as we are.

Thankful Thursday

What I am thankful for:

1. I got to have lunch with my sis! This never happens. It was great. Yea, for grown-up conversation.

2. I don't have to cook tonight--Thanks Susan.

3. My awesome hubby. There is no one greater.

4. My amazing girls. I'm so glad I get to spend each day with them.

5. Air conditioning!! Nothing makes you love it more than when you loose it. Hope to get it fixed on Saturday.


What are you thankful for? I'd love to hear about it. Have a blessed day.

A Note From Bryce: Twins or Just a BFF

Lots of people ask if Sadey and I (Bryce ) are twins. It's makes me laugh because even my parents mix us up! Every time we try to answer, Sadey and I will say no at the same time. This probably does not help them think that we are NOT twins. Actualy, we're 18 months apart. We are more than just sisters, we are best friends. Sadey and I like a lot of the same things. Some times good things come out of it. The thing that really looks diffrent between she and I is my hair and my height. Sadey has gotten taller than me over the last 5 months! I love having this blog to tell what's going on with the Parker family,and I especially love having a big family with six girls!

It's a God Thing

"It's a God thing." This is a phrase that can be used somewhat casually these days. We see miraculous things happen, but never really stop and think about how God was in control every step of the way. If we did, we would get goose bumps every time. We would fall down on our face and worship Him. That is all we can do when we REALLY see the hand of God. That is all I could do today when I got a phone call from Scott that one of our bank cards had been stolen. Ok, let me back up and tell the whole story. About a month and a half ago, Scott said he wanted to pull our savings out of the bank and into an annuity. He sent the money to the new account, but the account was set up wrong.When he received a letter confirming they had received our check, he noticed they had set us up in the wrong account. Knowing how the market has done nothing but fall, Scott was in a panic to pull our money and get it into the right account. God had bigger plans. In the two or three days of the mix up, the market rose and we gained money. We could not believe it. But, God did not stop there. As I said above, today we found out our card had been stolen and our account drained. They only got away with a couple hundred, instead of all our savings. So, you can see how I could do nothing but fall on my knees and thank Him. He saw the whole picture. He cares for us, even when it seems like all is lost. I had to scream this from the roof tops. Well, maybe I will just blog about it, that's close enough. I hope you can see God moving and providing in your life. When He does don't be casual, BE RADICAL!

Monday Moment

Encouraging words for Monday:

Psalms 31:24

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart,

all you who hope in the Lord."

Go Jets!

Yesterday was a double header for Sadey's soccer team. They lost the first game, but won the second one. It is awesome to see her play. She plays with so much heart. I have really seen her come out of her shell. It is so much fun every Saturday to get to go out as a family and support her. After having three of the girls play basketball, we decided to have only Sadey play soccer this spring. Sadey is normally one of our more complacent girls, but sports seems to be a place where she can lead. It has also helped her to make friends. With Bryce and Sadey being only 15 mo. apart, they can sometimes act like twins, depending on each other instead of making friends. This has been amazing to see God mold her into a wonderful young lady. I know many people like to warn us of the teen years (especially with 6 girls), but I love watching them become godly young women. We are so proud of our sweetie. Plus, she looks adorable in her uniform.

Go Jets!!

Trying New Things

Ok, lets see if I can figure out how to add picts to my posts.

Yea, I did it!

I will post more, now that I can add picts.

Look at this cutie. This picture looks calm, but #5 is our crazy girl. She makes everyone smile!

Sorry, it has been so long since writing, but that will change now.