The Word

I have loved watching God be who He is in His Word. As I read through Genesis this month I went through many thoughts as I read the adventures of God's people. I kept thinking, why did that happen that way or why would they do something so stupid & wrong! I am just thankful that no one is taking note of my life and shortcomings and printing them in a bestseller for the world to read. I watched scandals unfold, poor decisions being made, sinful people & faithful people, and God's hand at work ALL over the place. He is keeping His covenant in spite of us! Praise Him! There is NOTHING stopping Him from keeping His promises and keeping His covenants! I am so thankful for a faithful God. I am so thankful for a God who loves me in spite of myself!

Little Helpers

As our family did some outside chores the other day, Mama couldn't resist snapping some pictures of her fabulous clan!

Mama's Little Helpers

Luke pitching in!

Bentley wondering why everyone is working so hard!

I am NOT tired!

Yesterday Mama was ironing clothes and Hopie was finishing her homework. Hopie was insistent that she was not tired. Mama could tell from the whining tone that accompanied that comment that the opposite was true. Hopie refused to go lay down in her bed or the couch and Mama just kept on ironing. After a couple of songs Mama thought Hopie was awfully still on her chairs. Upon investigation, Hopie was indeed a sleep across three bar stools. But hey, she wasn't tired!

I did not just say that!

The Abshire home was having a tough day. Things were falling apart, children were falling apart, the house was falling apart, and homework time was falling apart. It just kept spiraling downhill. Mama tried to fix everything as it was coming at her, as this is her nature. For anyone who knows our Hopie, she can be very emotional. Upon being sassy to her Mama she was sent to her room until Mama could settle other things down and go talk to her. Abbie, meanwhile, is asking for food, dancing in the kitchen, whining for help with homework, and can't find a pencil, all at the same time. All the while, Luke is perched on Mama's hip taking it all in and whining for something too (but his excuse is he can't talk, so figure it out Mama). Hopie is trying to be patient for our talk and catches me at the wrong moment. She comes out of her room handing me Jesus and says "you need Jesus Mama"(see this post). In all the chaos, I take Jesus that she is handing me, which I took as an excuse to leave her room, and state, "that I don't need Jesus", referring to the statue that she is handing me. WHOA, that stopped Mama in her tracks, Hopie falls to even worse pieces because of how precious her statue is to her, and Mama falls to pieces because what just came out of her mouth is the farthest thing from the truth. Mama looked at Hopie and told her that yes, I did need Jesus. We all take a moment in an "Abshire huddle" and acknowledge our deep need for Jesus and forgiveness from one another. After many hugs and kisses and thank yous and love yous we regrouped by His grace. I was so thankful for Jesus gettin' in the middle of all this. The statue of Jesus sits in my kitchen now to keep an eye on me :), and remind me of my great need for Him in all things!

The Word

Reading in Genesis 11 the other day I was stopped at vs 4. It was a certain part of the verse that stayed with me that day, "let us make for ourselves a name". I could not escape that God wants to fill every empty place in this heart of mine. I don't want to be of myself but of Him. He revealed some places in my heart that He wants back and I gave them to Him. I was making a mess of them! I am so very thankful that He is faithful to reveal to this heart of mine who He is, how great His love & mercy are, and how intimate & safe He is.

Chocolate Moose Sighting

No words neccessary!

Neighbors Got Talent

We are so blessed to have fabulous neighbors. Our children have such a blast together and never cease to surprise us with what they will come up with. Tonight we (The Abshires & Stewards) got to attend the first ever "Neighbors Got Talent". As if that wasn't enough, Aaron, Elizabeth, & Matthew got to be the judges for this talent show that the children put together. The girls each did a routine to music that they picked and did a final number together. Sawyer was the DJ had a lot of pressure with those girls! As for judges, Papa was Piers Morgan (of course), Mama was Sharon Osbourne (and did a great impersonation of her), and Matthew was David Hasselhoff!!! We had a blast!

The Word

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many times I have read a passage that the Holy Spirit is ever faithful to teach this heart of mine. I recently started my Bible in a year reading and always look forward to Genesis. I was surprised at the things that the Spirit brought to me this morning. I have read through the creation story a number of times and it struck me just today that after each day of creation "God saw that it was good" yet after creating us "it was very good". That very had been all the other times but for some reason it struck my heart

in such a sweet way this time.

~ Elohim, thank you for creating me and seeing it as very good.

It also struck me that in Genesis 2:25 that the man & his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. It may sound crazy to you but I wanted that! I want to be able to stand naked in spirit before my God and be unashamed. I want to know & feel that I can stand, sit, sing, praise, or play before God. That He can see me exactly how I am (the mess and all), and I be unashamed in His presence. What an amazing place to be. I know it in my head, it is the 12 inch drop that likes to fool me into believing otherwise. I am His and He is my Abba ~ may I live naked in spirit and unashamed before you Abba.

Luke ~ So Stinkin' Cute

I haven't posted much lately on this little man so here are some shots that capture life with Luke.

Luke is ready to go play outside! What a ham!




All meals are a full sensory experience with Luke. Clean up aisle Luke!

Luke is stylin'!! That tongue cracks me up.





Luke is clearly an Abshire ~ his love for peanut butter is genetic proof!

Christmas 2008

Christmas started bright and early here at the Abshire home. The girls were so excited for Christmas morning. We enjoyed cooffe cake (Jesus' happy birthday cake) and presents. It was such a joy to see their faces. We enjoyed a visit from Papa Bill & Grandma Kay in the morning. The the Cavey Clan came for a Christmas dinner, presents, and a Christmas play put on by our very own Abbie Abshire. We had a wonderful day of celebrating our Savior's birth. A day filled with love, family, and memories.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.