God is...

God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. God's word is alive & active in me.

A needed reminder for me today.

Our sermon on Sunday was from Luke 19: 1-10. I'm sure you know the story, Zacchaeus the tax collector who was hated by so many climbed up in a tree to see Jesus pass by. I wanted to share a few of my thoughts about this. First of all, it was a great message. We also had a wonderful dramatic reading. I loved it! If you'd like to hear the sermon go to www.northwebsterumc.org . It's worth a listen!

I wrote down a ton of notes, but of course, cannot find them... Anyway, here is what stuck out to me. Jesus was walking by... it was no accident he looked up in the tree. He knew that Zacchaeus would be up there. So, he looked for him and called him down. Now read the words from the Bible.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Notice anything special? I didn't at first. Until our Pastor pointed out that Jesus specifically called out Zacchaeus by name. He didn't just look up and smile, point to the man and say "come on down". He didn't say "hey you", or even "buddy... you up there"... He said Zacchaeus.

I have some friends and have known people in my life who are very good at using names in conversation. Now by this I don't just mean like once or twice, I mean like regularly. Let me give you an example

Friend : Hey Shannon! How are you?

Me: Good, how are you? We've missed you!

Friend: Shannon, I know. It's been so busy. But... (conversation continues)

Me: well, it was great to see you! Let's get together soon!

Friend: It was good to see you too Shannon. Have a great day!

Can you see how they do it? At first, it's a bit odd, maybe even weird, but then you like it. Why? Because it's personal and makes one feel loved and "known" you follow? I wish I was someone who did this. I have to work hard at remembering names and even use them once in conversation.

So, why is it so important that Jesus called Zacchaeus by name? Think about it... here was someone who was so hated by so many... and the person that everyone was waiting to see was walking by. And he calls out his name. It was no accident. Jesus did it for Zacchaeus himself and also for all those around. He wanted them to see that he was seeking not only the good, the rule followers, the loveable, but also the cheaters, liars, and the hated.

Jesus planned to call out Zacchaeus that day. He was specifically searching for him. And he's doing the same for us now. It doesn't matter if you are the good rule follower standing on the sides waiting for him, or if you are the lost who have to climb up in a tree because there's no place for you anywhere else. He came to seek and save us all. And the best part? He knows your name. He totally does. He came for you and me. And when he sees me, he'll say "Shannon, come on with me." He's going to say my name. And if I feel loved and accepted now by friends who use my name so well in conversation, I can't wait for when Jesus calls it out!. And you? He'll say yours too. He knows it already. He won't need reminded and he won't forget. You just wait and see.

Generations ....

Remind me of this with every decision. Generations will reap what I sow. I can pass on a curse or a blessing to those I will never know. Sara Groves "Generations"

I love Sara Groves. In fact, I need to get some of her music on my new ipod. Anyway.. I chose this chorus from one of her songs because I was reminded today about how my actions and words WILL affect my children. They are watching me. ( ok, Grace is, Graham will be soon!) Grace is even starting to copy me. The other day she was in the car playing a game that we play and I saw her take her fingers and wag them in the way I do when we play the game. She also told her 8 week old baby brother not to be bossy (wonder who tells her that often?!). Those are things she gets from me. That's ok..... I'd love her to learn to love to read from me, to get a sense of adventure, a love of traveling, even to share! Those are all great things.

There is something I hope and pray she doesn't get from me.... I desperately want her to have confidence in herself as a child of God, who was created by him exactly how he wanted her. I did not grow up with a lot of confidence. In fact just the opposite. I was so insecure and worried about my looks. I worried that my freckles were too many, my smile too gummy, my thighs... you get the picture. And of course, I'm guessing you could probably fill in one or two of your own... why are we like this?

The last thing in the world I want is for my daughter and/or my son to see me picking apart the body Christ gave me with insecurity. I want them to know that we were fearfully and wonderfully made. I want to pass along a confidence that I know whose I am. I want that to pass for many generations. So.. I need to start sowing now.. I'm going to do that by taking care of my body but not picking it apart piece by unlikeable piece, out loud or to myself.. I'm going to tell my children every day that they are loved by me and by God. I'm going to tell them that our Creator takes great delight in them, just as they are....

What about you? What do you hope to sow for future generations?

Pumpkins, Hats, MarioKart, Leaves

I decided to share one of my favorite parts of my life....being an Aunt! I am an "aunt" to several little peeps, but there is one who ranks higher than all of the rest.

Jackson...aka "Dude"

Dude is my brother's son and we have WAY TOO MUCH fun together. He is 8 and loves loves loves his Aunt Dina. Last Saturday we spent the whole day together. It was seriously one of the best days I can remember, very dear to my heart! We went out for breakfast, made Mariokart hats, played Mariokart, went to the Pumpkin Farm, and played in the leaves! I wanted to share some pics with you all....

Jackson in his "Wild Wing" hat (his favorite car in Mariokart)


The hat adds some height!


How tall is Aunt Dina?


Getting ready to go on a hayride!


Playing in the leaves!

God, thank you for this awesome nephew that I get to share life with. He reminds me often that I am loved and that I need to just be a kid sometimes.

Get Out of God's Way!

Hello friends! Just popping on the post a quick thought. At our house, we are preparing for a big week of activity, including a piano book graduation by Alex, Trunk or Treat at church, a karate tournament, Upward evaluations, and a trip to Disney World! whew! Lots of good things going on, but Mom is on overdrive trying to get things done. It's only by the grace of God that I am accomplishing this with little stress so far!

Anyway, something poignant from Bible Study this week--- Sometimes we get in God's way. We literally stand in His way of doing great things in our lives and our family's lives because we continue to live in '"the world" or according to what we want. Our own agenda, per se. Whether it's worry, sadness, disobedience, control issues, holding a grudge... whatever it is we are holding onto... it is blocking God's blessings. We need to have the courage to GET OUT OF THE WAY and accept God's plan for blessing our lives. Not dig in our heels and pout. He will forgive, He will bless, and He will be Himself-- utter greatness like no other.

Believe it, ladies. He will do it if you let Him.

"Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in Your sight, for You, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken." (2 Samuel 7:29)

It's A Girl!!!!

Our family has grown! A little over two weeks ago we adopted a great girl! Jet black hair, beautiful brown eyes, and a sweet personality to match! She is curled up on my lab as it type! So under one roof we now now have two happy parents, one 6 year old girl, twin boy/girl that are three, six year old cat, eight month old rabbit, and now a five year old Border Collie. Oh did you think I meant a child... Ha! I was trying to be a little tricky. Yes, we adopted a dog.

Zoe and I were headed to the store for birthday party decor and favors. When I got this feeling we should stop by the local animal welfare league. I had see a dog who could have been our previous dogs twin on their website. I quickly changed course and pulled in to the AWL. We walked in and located the first caregiver. They walked us back to the runs of dogs. Tails wagging, wiggly bottoms, and happy faces. The particular dog we requested to see wasn't in their run and the caregiver didn't work the day before so she wasn't sure if had been adopted. Before she want to learn more about the missing dog she asked us to walk another dog because the dog was potty trained and needed let out. How do you say no to that?! I couldn't! Make me think of all of those times I reallllly had to use the bathroom but for some reason or another had to wait. Well I wasn't about to be this dogs reason!


Zoe and I ventured outside with this dog named Glory. She went potty as soon as she touched grass. Poor thing really had to go! We then walked her around a bit. Then we saw a fenced in area with doggie toys. We went in and let her run. We had fun chasing her, her chasing us, and playing fetch. I ran through some simple commands with her. She knew all of them. I was perplexed. How is it a potty trained smart dog is at the animal welfare league. I leashed Glory back up and headed inside. By this time the dog we came to see never entered my head again.

I asked the caregivers about Glory and what they knew about her backround. Like so many of the animals they knew nothing. Glory was found with another dog. Both roaming the country. Both potty trained, spayed, and knowing commands. The caregiver explained it's getting more common to find these sweet dogs alone wandering. People are letting dog go free in the country. For many reasons I am sure, lost jobs, lost homes, etc.. All I could say is WOW. My heart broke for both dog and owner. You could you imagine... Openning up the door letting you dog jump out and watching it run as you pull away. Make my heart heavy just thinking about it!

The caregiver informs us the other dog has been adopted. As she reaches for Glory's leash I can't bare the thought of her being "locked up" again. I snap a few pictures with my phone, quickly send them to my husband, and call him. I don't like making quick decissions. I like to think thing through especially life changing ones like bringing home a dog. My husband didn't see a problem with adopting her. I explained to the caregivers and Zoe we would go to the store to do our shopping, then I would decide.

Zoe talked about Glory the whole way to the store and the whole time at the store. I finally gave in and went to the pet store. While we were there I call the animal welfare league and told them my decision. We pick out all of her things and headed to pick her up. We did some quick paper work and she was ours.

She has fit right in! We changed her name to Maggie. I feel very blessed to have her in our lives. We have thought about getting a dog for about four years but knew we didn't have the time to train one. We have been blessed with a dog that fit everything we wanted. I also feel she was blessed to receive a new home!

Quiet Time Plans Foiled

Hi everyone! I just had to pop on and share something funny that has happened to me. Last week on my blog post you may remember me complaining about needing an extra hour in the day for some quiet time with God. Well, I decided to be obedient to God's calling and MAKE some extra time in my day. Instead of sleeping those extra minutes, my new wake up time Monday morning was 6:15. Plan was set, ready to go. So I get up, shower to wake myself up, and sit down at about 6:40 for about 15 minutes of focused prayer time before breakfast. But what is that, you say? Two little pairs of feet running up the stairs? Okay, so much for quiet time. Back to the drawing board.

I thought, okay, I will get up at 6:00. So today, alarm goes off at 6, husband and I stumble into the bathroom, he gets on the treadmill, I hop in the shower. As I am walking to the table with my bible in hand at 6:30, what appears in front of me? A huddled mass in blue blanket. aka my 9 year old son. So a new rule was formed in my house: No kids upstairs until 6:45!!! I am determined to have 15 minutes of prayer time to get my day started in the right way.

I will keep you updated on my progress. I know as the winter months come upon us, it will be more and more tempting to stay snuggled under the warm covers. But I am choosing to obey my God, and He will reward me. I can't wait to see the fruits!!