IN ALL THINGS, WE ARE TO GIVE

THANKS

Thanksgiving was spent in our new home in Flower Mound this year. We just love our homey fireplace and await the cold nights this winter when we can use it.

New Adventure to wrap up 2011

Our new home in Flower Mound, Texas
The HUGE UHaul that carried our load

The boys hard at work

Just some of our stuff

Just about it...

Jason and I have always seemed to have a close walk with the Lord and it seems to reflect in our marriage and every day life. We have been so blessed to see His works in our lives and just amazes us at what He is able to do. As the Summer ending, we were not expecting the Fall season to bring us. How wonderful our God is. Jason and I both received offers to transfer out of Houston to the Dallas area at the same time with our very own companies. How often does that happen? Only when the Lord is in it, right? Much prayer was sought and direction asked over several weeks. Many prayer warriors joined in prayer for His will to be shown. Over the course of the following weeks, we could see His work at play. Everything had just falling into place. There are still some instances that we are waiting to come to an end, but we know if He could work everything else out so far, what's left is easy as pie and not to worry. So here we are...moving day...November 20, 2011

Teeth Pulled

On Friday, I had teeth and a wisdom tooth pulled. I was feeling down and couldn't eat much at all. My best friend and her family came to the rescue. Victoria came with homemade soup and lactose free ice cream. They stayed to keep us company as we played a few hands of cards.

This is Ollie, Victoria's new baby

New Me

A new me has transformed. Since my surgery in December, I have lost a total of 30 pounds. Maybe more but with muscle gain, this is a new me. I am now training for my first 5K race. Never would have thought that my neck and back would ever allow me to participate in a race of this nature. No, it's not a marathon, but from what I have been through, it is close...lol...With the weight loss, I have discovered that I am lactose intolerant. Dairy makes me sick now. The Dr. is doing a trail and error test and if the dairy free diet eliminates the nausea, then we are good. If not, then further testing will entail and gluten-free will be the next option. All in all, my latest obstacle is not getting me down!~

My newest find and love ~

Back to Schlitterbahn and Canyon Lake

After being to Schlitterbahn 2'wice this summer already, it was time to go back and take Nan. Nan and Grandad help out so much over the year with helping us with our precious boys while we work to supply for our family. They love it! As a reward this year, we took Nan with us to New Braunfels and showed her around Schlitterbahn. Her and Dad went with us a few years back and she was ready to go again. This was her vacation! While we were there, we took her to Canyon Lake. It was so peaceful. We had such a nice time.

Nan with her boys in front of CL

And we are off...

Andrew chillin after walking with Dad and Alex over the dam
Our family in front of CL

BBQ and Washer's at the Taylors

We had a wonderful time on the 4th over at the Taylor's enjoying some BBQ chicken. They introduced us to the game of washers. It was a lot of fun!

Mrs. Bobbie and Andrew

Jason playing Washers

Here I go

Bobbie, Andrew, Alex, and Souka

July's Events

Happy July 4th everyone. Today is the celebration of our country's start. Today, we live in the "free" country most of the time not thinking about what is to come or what is going on around us. Not a care in the world as Alex expresses that here in this picture. To be a child all over again and live life freely. Today, tomorrow, next week or even next year, enjoy the moment in life that we have as free b'c it will one day not be this way.

We had a great BBQ at our house this year for July 4th. Had some close friends and family over to enjoy some burgers and dogs along the side of peach cobbler and Blue Bell. Thanks to the Morris, Gilliam, and Addis Families for coming out for some fun!

The Morris Family

The Addis Family

My parents, The Gilliam Family

Obedience to Serve in His ministry

I have always known that the Lord would use me in His ministry, I just didn't know until just recently how He was going to use me. God opened up the door almost 13 years ago with Jason as I was able to lead him to know Christ just as we started dating. 5 years later in our marriage, Jason was ordained in ministry as a Deacon. Over the years, I have worked in the church as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, and church committees. Many doors opened for us and we obeyed. I just never had the peace as to how God wanted to use me. I love being on the computer and I love Facebook. However, Facebook posts aren't always lengthly enough for me to share God's word to the extent that I feel God wants me to. I began to pray and ask for Him to show me what needed to be done. He then revealed to me to start a ministry blog with the focus of sharing God's Word with the result in salvation. I battled the idea for months. I guess you would say that I didn't have enough guts to just do it. One Sunday in church I had enough of battling God and knew that I wouldn't win. I just let go and begin to listen. The name of the blog was given by God and the words that are typed I feel come straight from Him. Sometimes as I read over the blog, I don't remember typing what is there thus confirmation that it is the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I feel so richly blessed to be in God's word and able to share it so freely. I was telling my friend tonight that I may not know until Heaven but I have peace in knowing that as people read this blog, hearts will be encouraged, strengthened, and saved. That is my prayer. If I am not able to vocally get out and verbally share God's Good News by mouth, I can by computer. Please keep me and my blog in prayer as I listen for the wisdom that only comes from the Lord.

You can view www.savedthrugracebyfaith.blogspot.com

American Family 2011

We took some time on our Country's Birthday to take some updated photos of our family.

Alex has grown into a big 5 year old now. His world of creativity has expanded. His love that he shares with anyone he meets melts their hearts. What a blessing he is to know and to have as a son.

Alex thought that this would be a great picture idea. I was so proud of his inspiration and it is one of my favorites photos.

This picture depicts the difference in our two boys. Andrew is always trying to be so perfect at everything he does whereas Alex is fun and silly yet meaning to be serious. Andrew has developed into an almost pre-teener already. His intelligence seems to amaze his dad and I. There is nothing he can't do and won't do. He seems to push the limits. An amazing son he has proven to us he is.

Alex represents all of us in this picture as we salute to our country, God's Country, where we are a nation of being free. Happy Birthday America 2011. You make us proud!