Welcome Puppy!

Welcome to our family little puppy!

On January 15, 2014, we received this sweet bundle of puppy cuteness!  

                      

In my previous posts I shared a little about my other dogs, and if you know anything about me, I love Labrador retrievers!

Jake is now 3 months old and such a fun puppy!  

          He's soft and fluffy,

                  cute and cuddly, and

                           full of vinegar and energy.  

He's a handful actually, just like a toddler curious of everything, and getting into places he shouldn't be.  From feeding to potty training to 3 am wake up barking alarms he keeps me going.  Somewhere I find the strength to get up at that time and let him out to release himself, standing in the 20 degree frozen polar bubble that we have had the past 3 months and to continue to live and work without being completely exhausted!

Yes, he has his moments of accidents, just at the time I turn my eyes off him.  It reminds me of how I am with God...I take my focus off of Him and stray away from His word.  God, unlike myself, always keeps His eyes on me.  He knows my comings and goings and is watching over me and giving me strength just at the right times...(4 a.m. - the new wake up bark.)

2 Chronicles 16:9a says, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..."

With Jake I need strength; with God I've got someone to help me and lift me up when I am weak and have renewed strength.  I need to DAILY commit to Him my life and focus on Him.  For today, I thank you God, for this cute little puppy and for Your strength!

Blessings! 

Joani

Rooted in 2014

I am on a journey of growing closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

                             Let me tell you that it is AWESOME! 

I am growing closer and feel His presence more and more each day as I spend time in the word. 

At my church we are studying the book of Colossians are in a series called “Rooted in 2014”.

Colossians 2:6-7  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (NIV)

Some questions to think about:

Have I received Jesus Christ?

Where are my roots? 

                Who do I listen to?

Is my faith weak? 

Am I putting my faith in someone/ something else?                

Am I growing in my faith? 

                                Am I being strengthened spiritually?

Is Jesus Christ the center of my life and faith?

Am I more in love with Jesus?   

January is a month where people start anew; new resolutions, new diets, new exercise plans, new goals, new beginnings, new chapters in their lives and set goals.  My goals are more focused on growing in my relationship with Jesus, being rooted in Him, and learning more about Him.   I hope you join me on the path that leads to knowing him MORE.

Blessings,

Joani

2014 - Press On!

 Today is January 1, 2014 – Happy New Year Friends!

It’s been over a month since my last post because I have been “Crazy Busy”!  The Christmas season is always crazy busy for me!  You know all about the hustle and bustle of Christmas so I won’t go on and share mine, but I will tell you that I am pressing on towards the goal.

 I survived the busy-ness and even had time to enjoy the special moments with family, friends and church family.  From potlucks, to parties, to places, to preparations, to presents, I was able to PRAISE Him in all of it! 

Philippians 3:13-14 says,” Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I know that in 2013 God has richly blessed me with many things.  Yes, I had struggles and tears, but I am here to say God helped me get through it.  If you struggled during 2013, forget what is behind and press on.  2014 will be just as awesome if you and I can stay focused and continue to press on towards the goal.  To God be the glory!

Remember to take time to put God first in your day and you will be blessed.  I have been faithful by opening God’s word first before e-mail and facebook!  I hope you do the same!

God’s Blessings to you in 2014!

 Joani