What has happened to The Farmers Daughter? (Part deux)

(WARNING: Read at your own risk. You may want to take a break in between and drink some water. This is going to be a long post!. Just giving you fair warning.)

~ Continuation of part 1~

In November on Thanksgiving Eve, we were told that twins were going to be born into the family. I honestly couldn't believe it myself but, here is the proof:

 It is a complete miracle that my brother (who had the bone marrow transplant) and my sister in law were able to conceive twins. The doctors said that after they had Liam (the oldest) that they would not be able to have anymore kids (because of the kind of chemo my brother received). This just goes to show what GOD is capable of! Not only did He give us one baby but, He is blessing us with 2!!

We (well, they) now have: Liam (4 1/2), Benjamin (2 1/2), Emery Kate (1) and the twins Laila (Baby A) and Elizabeth (Liza) (Baby B) coming in March!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In December, my favorite sister and  my favorite oldest niece came for Christmas and we (and Grandma) took 2 mini trips. 

First, lets have Christmas pictures:

The Kirkland Children Offspring were very good last year

We all came back after the Christmas Eve service at my parents church to have supper on the farm

Doing what sisters do and photobombing!

 A non photobombing picture

 

Daddy .......

..... getting a clock

For Christmas, my sister bought everyone a book to read to the grandchildren

 Lia got a book (that she later told me she read in 2 days!!!). I can't believe that she did that. I definitely was not reading 400 page books when I was her age. Well, I probably was but, it took me longer than 2 days, I guarantee you!

 My sister wearing her fuzzy ball hat thing

Daughter looking to see what mother got!

Let's not leave the grandchildren out. They got a Mom (Amy) approved trampoline. The liner (net) is sewn to the mat so the kids won't fall out and there are no springs attached (which is awesome)!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mini trip 1 was taken to Henry County's only waterfall. I would tell y'all where this is but, I can't. Not only can't I tell you where it is but, I really can't tell you how to get there because I really can't remember! If you know of the location, please keep it to yourself. Here are the pictures:

I was a tad bit behind so, I decided to snap a picture of them walking 

So pretty!

Lia behind the waterfall

Anna and Lia

Anna and I

 

Dad and Mom

Dad and Lia. That girl will be 14 this year and she is already up to Dad's shoulders. The pediatrician told my sister when she took my niece (her daughter) to her 2 year old check up that by the time she was 18, she'd be 6"4'!!!

Mom and Lia

Lia and I

 The falls and I (oh, and Lia photobombing. I guess that this was payback from earlier!!!).

GO GO Gadget arms!!!

Well, I'm off to write part 3 (what?!?!?!) of "What has happened to the Farmers Daughter??" I hope that y'all had fun reading! I'll see everyone in the other post!

I'm having a hard time falling asleep ........

Have you really listened to the words of a hymn? I mean like really listen?? Sure, you know the words by heart and you could probably recite a song if I gave you the title. One sunday, I was sick and my voice was going and I could not sing so, I just listened to the words. and there is some powerful messages in those song lyrics! From know on, I'm not going to just sing a song, I'm going to actually listen to the words and I challenge you to do the same!!

Several months ago, our church sang a song at a host church (we combined our small church group with another one) and it has stuck in my head ever since. These are some really good lyrics!!

The music/lyrics are by Chris Anderson and Greg Habegger. The song is titled is "I Run To Christ"

 ~ Verse 1 and Chorus ~

"I run to Christ when chased by fear and find a refuge sure.

"Believe in Me," His voice I hear;His words and wounds secure.

I run to Christ when torn by a grief and find abundant peace.

"I too had tears," He gently speaks; thus joy and sorrow meet

~ Verse 2 and Chorus ~

I run to Christ when worn by life and find my soul refreshed

"Come unto Me," He calls through strife; fatiuge gives way to rest

I run to Christ when vexed by Hell and find a mighty arm

"The Devil flees," the scriptures tell; he roars, but can not harm

~ Verse 3 and Chorus ~

I run to Christ when stalked by sin and find a sure escape

"Deliver me," I cry to him; temptation yields to grace

I run to Christ when plagued by shame and find my one defense

"I bore God's wrath," He pleads my case; my advocate and friend

In Christ Alone

A friend of mine posted a video to this song on facebook and it got me to thinking.  It could not have come at a better time for me in my life. My life has been nothing but an emotional roller coaster. Emotional on so many levels. From still not believing that my brother has a son (I just can't believe it) to actually realizing that he is finally home (I still can't believe this either)!! I honestly thought that it would be smooth sailing from here. It's not. A friend told me that "What does not kill you makes you stronger." To which I replied, "Well, if that is the case then I'm a lot stronger than I was 3 years ago (when Will was diagnosed with CML).

Through God's faithfulness, we will get through this trial!! Please pray for me!! Thanks!!

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
 

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand

Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

Life's Ups ..... and Downs

My up moment: When my ex-boyfriend told me that he "tried" to love me, it was like a light bulb went off and I thought: I don't need a boyfriend anymore! I don't need the drama!! There is a lot of drama going on and I don't need a boyfriend in the mix!! Heck, I have school that I am trying to get done with and I have volunteering and I have work on the farm!!! Besides, I dont need a guy who "tries" to love me!! Either you love a person, or you don't!! I personally would love to have a person who loves me because he wants to and not because he feels like he hass to! Does that make sense??

My down moment: When I watch romantic movies ..... I start reverting back to the old me. I say: "I wish I had that" or "That is so romantic" and I start crying because I feel left out. I then start crying out to God and asking why!!! Why don't I have a boyfriend? Why aren't there guys lined up at my back door?? When I have a boyfriend why does he "try" to love me!! When is my time coming??

I know that I have said this before but, I just feel like the reason why I dont have a guy is because God is waiting on me to grow up just a little bit more.

My up moment: Its so wonderful that my brothers meds are working! He is going to lead such a healthy life!! Gee, I wonder when I will get to see him again .....

My down moment: WHAT??? His meds stop working?? He needs a bone marrow transplant??? Thank goodness my older sister is a match!! Will I ever get to see him again?? I'm so scared!! I don't want my brother to die!!! Lord, please take care of him!!

If only people really knew that I almost cry over my brother. No one knows how scared I am because I put on a happy face. There are times (like during prayer or during a church hymn) that I cry for him. I just want him better!! He wont admit it but, I'm sure he is suffering!

Philippians 4:6 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Lord,
Please continue to help me to not think about what I don't need right now! I know that I don't need one and I know that Your timing is impeccable and I also know that good things will come to those who wait!!! Please continue to help me be patient. Thank you for NEVER giving up on me!!

Lord, please be with my brother as he goes through this trying time in his life! Also, please be with my Dad, Mom, Sister and sister in law. Father, help them through this! Lord, be with me, here on the home front! Be with everyone that I care about, Lord. In your name I pray, A-men!!


Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope that it is not boring!!

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!!!!

Today in church, we sang this song. I stopped singing and I actually was listening to these words:

"Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be."

God's faithfulness is great!! Yes, we may have trials and tribulations (i.e: loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, surgeries, cancer (my brother in my case)) in life but, He in his faithfulness is right there in the midst of it with us!! Our God does not change and His compassion never fell us!! He will forever be faithful to us now as He has been in the past!!

"Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"

Every morning, we see new mercies!! Everything that we will ever need God has already provided for!! Great is God's faithfulness!!

"Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love."

Though our harvest this year may not produce very much (due to severe dry weather and little to no rain during planting), God in His faithfulness, mercy and love will provide through all of the changing seasons!!

"Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"

"Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!"

Yes, we may sin but, God pardons it and gives us a peace about it!! His very presence cheers us up and guides us (faithfully) on our way!! He lifts us up and gives us strength not only for today's cares and worries but for tomorrows also!! How awesome is that?? The blessings are enormous when we give God honor and praise!!

"Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"

Anyway, this is all that I took from this song. It touched me so much that I almost cried while singing/listening to it!! God is indeed a faithful and just God!!!!

I hope that I was not being to "preachy"!! If I was, I'm sorry!! WAIT, no, I am not sorry!! I'm glad because someone who might read my blog would love to have some encouragement!!!!