Hope

Psalm 33:20-21 (New International Version)

²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

Waiting. I don't do that well. Last week was a test for me. Waiting on doctors to return my calls, waiting on test results, waiting on customers to call back with orders etc.

I was very negative last week. I war fearful for my son. I wanted to badly to know that he was OK. Why I could not have faith that God was in control and that I was doing a great job is beyond me. I had very little hope. I doubted the doctors that I have trusted for over 5 years now with my little one. I doubted that my son was healing.

I doubted that I would have any orders so that my numbers would increase. I had no hope that the economy was indeed getting better - at least in our region.

God was testing me. By Friday morning I had answers. Mason was healing and responding. I had 5 orders come in and more to bid this week.

Rejoice - It took some time to let it hit me. In fact if I really want to be honest here I did not rejoice until Mason woke up with visible signs that he was better. I did not really rejoice about work until I talked to my husband about it Sunday.

I am ashamed of that. I think that all of the negativity that has filtered into my life the last few weeks has hurt my hope and my faith.

The key word in the verse above is wait. WE WAIT IN HOPE. We are in a world that is instant - e-mails, faxes, Internet, chats and more tools that we have gives us instant data and instant "answers" but God wants us to wait. Let Him be the healer. Wait.

Then He wants us to REJOICE because we trust His holy name.

I am thankful that I have answers and that I have been blessed. Yesterday I held my babe and cuddled with him. I was thankful that he was getting better and that God has blessed me now with 2 years of him. Yes, he turned 2 yesterday! I read heart-wrenching stories of mommy's that have to say goodbye to their babies so early. God has blessed me with this child for two years! Time has gone quickly - but I am so proud to be his mommy. I said a prayer last night for him and for other mom's that might be hurting. I hope we all realize that there is hope. We are blessed. God is GOOD!

Praying that all of you have hope in your dark times.

Love;

Amy Q

Pray for Stellan

UPDATE 3:30 CST:

According to MckMama Stellan is holding on for now. They MAY get to go home if his condition stays good and the SVT does not return. Please continue to pray for this little guy and his mama. I cannot imagine her feelings right now. She TWEETS fairly often to let everyone know how things are going and the last few seem to be positive considering what they have been facing.

Continuing to pray for them is all we can do for now.

If you drop by and do not know about Baby Stellan please hit the button at the top right of my blog.

I have been touched deeply by this story. It has changed my heart in many ways. Stellan's weak physical heart has made my spiritual heart stronger. I have prayed more - not just for him but for many. I have started a written journal that I read and pray over in the morning - this leads me into my own prayer time and reflections with God. Prayer changes things. I am a believer in prayer, but have not always been faithful. For about 3 months now I cannot remember a time that I have not prayed in the morning. This little book goes with me everywhere I go and I add too it as I need to . This could be more prayer requests that I come upon throughout my day - it has also become my PRAISE journal. It is not a big thing - just a little Memo book that can fit in my purse,pocket, or tote bag. I have been blessed by this book and this activity in many ways.

Stellan is not doing well and I asking that if you haven't already - please stop for a moment and whisper,shout, or cry out a prayer for him and his family.

Philippians 1:9-10 (New International Version)

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

Hearts

I am working on my heart. I want so many things spiritually and I try so hard to accomplish them and then Satan steps in and begins to tear me down. I get doubtful. I blame myself. I give up. I start again. i feel failures. I hurt.

It is a vicious cycle that I hope to overcome soon. I read a verse that I repeat a lot these days:

2 Corinthians 4:16 (New International Version)

¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

I am renewed day by day! I must not lose heart. I must keep trying to seek Him out and continue to grow. I am working hard at finding truths in my life and working on being Christ-minded. The world has changed me and I must allow God to change my heart. I have done things I am not proud of, I have let people down, I have been selfish, I have sinned the many sins that plague my life multiple times.

But I cannot loose heart. I must continue to work day by day with a renewed spirit and heart.

God blesses us with that renewal. God wants to work on me and you. We have to get over ourselves and quit trying to "fix"it or do it our way. God will do the healing if we let him. He is our Father, our Creator, our healer of broken hearts.

I pray today that God speaks to our hearts and continues to encourage us to seek Him and love Him - Wholeheartedly! He can mend the fragments and make us whole again. I praise Him for that!

Blessings;

Amy Q

Gods Rain

Here in the heat of Texas we have had torrential rains. Like 8-10" folks. Power-outages at our home lasted 16 hours. Flooding streets, muddy shoes, and deafening thunders shook my house. I had a lot of time to think and to be still. I had time to have personal worship with my King. I feel refreshed. I feel renewed. Was it a stressful time? You bet it was at times. Explaining to a 5 year old why we have not lights, hot water, or why we cannot open the refrigerator is not an easy task. Waking my babies up to take PJ's off so they will not be too hot was not fun either. Filling their time in the dark with raging storms outside the window was tough too. BUT - I was OK. I was refreshed and renewed!

I thought about the water that washes us clean. I reflected back to June 21, 1989 when I walked with my dad to the front of the church and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God who died for MY sins. I remember my baptism like it was yesterday - I remember how I felt as I came out of the water - refreshed and renewed.

God's rain the last two days has had me reflecting on His power to wash us all clean. I wanted to soak in it and feel the clean. I read a verse that I want to share:

1 Peter 3:13-22

13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[b]; do not be frightened."[c] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[d] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Just soak that one in. I have read it several times and really thought about how I want to apply it to my life.

I praise God for He is SO very good in my life. I am a sinner - but I am saved by His Grace.

I pray all of you are able to wash in God's love and grace tonight.

Blessings;

Amy Q

Give me Patience

1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 (New International Version)

 ¹²Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

This struck me this morning like a ton of bricks.  It was towards the end of my reading and I caught myself being hurried.  "Live in PEACE with each other....be patient with everyone"  I don't know about you but I have not done so well with these two.  I am an encourager, kind, loving, a helper by nature - but I do not live in peace all of the time.  I think of my mornings - If I wake up late it is RUSH,RUSH,RUSH - a lot of "hurry up!" and "let's GO" and "NOW" Not very peaceful or patient.

I get angry at work sometimes.  I want things done right the first time - because I feel that I don't have time to "fix" things.  I get frustrated when other people's problems become mine. I get selfish thinking "why do I have to deal, with ....?"  This cause a very un-peaceful and inpatient attitude.

And after work I find I am most at peace after the "get home, love kiddos and get dinner done routine - and we are all outplaying in the yard.  I relish the memories that we are making with our kids - playing a game of tag, swinging on the swings, digging in the dirt and playing kickball.  Hearing their giggles and laughter brings me peace.

My question is "why can't I look at those things and relish my morning times and look at the good in the people around me during my day?"   I need patience.I need to live in peace.  I need to focus on the good in all things God places before me.  I need to be aware of my words and my tone.  I need to look at others in a different light.  

I pray that God blesses you all and that you too may find Peace and Patience during your day today.

Love;

Amy Q

Wonder

Job 5:9 (New International Version)

 ⁹ He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, 
       miracles that cannot be counted.

Following the theme from Sunday's lesson at church I wanted to continue my thought of God's awesome power.  I am guilty of forgetting the miracle's that God has bestowed on my family and I.  I am guilty of not being thankful for all of the blessings that God has laid at my feet.  I get wrapped up in my "problems" and my selfishness that I tend to not look at the miracles and blessings as faithfully as I should.  I am challenged to look and stand in AWE of him and his wonders that HE delivers to me.  For just a moment I will stop and feel God in my life.  Right now I can hear the thunder and the rain approaching this little spot in God's universe.  We looked at that Sunday.  Pastor Brent showed us a demonstration on just how small we are.  We are a pinpoint in God's universe - yet He hears every thought, every prayer, every cry to Him.  He flows through our bodies wanting desperately to be proclaimed to all of His people. He wants us to stand in AWE of His wonders and praise Him.  I don't know about you but it has been a long time since I have done that.

I pray that each of you will take a moment and look at His wonders and praise Him.

Love;

Amy Q

June

Yesterday I went to church and we discussed how in this day and time we have begun to loose out "awe and wonder of God"  This touched my heart to its core.  I miss feeling at awe with God.  To soak his beauty up and wring it out to the people around me.  To be still and look at His wonderful Creation.  Pastor Brent talked about how in this "connected" world we have gotten disconnected with God's beauty.  When was the last time you looked up a t a night sky and felt tiny? We get so wrapped up in where we have to be, what we have to do, who we need to call, e-mail, text, chat or see.  We don't stop and look at God's creation and PRAISE Him.  

I am in awe today.  Today is a special day.  It is June 1st.  It marks a new month, new beginning, new sunrise and new sunset.  It is a beautiful day here.  

This morning I sat beside Abby's bed and looked at her sleeping.  Her soft wavy hair around her little pink face.  I listened to her breathing in and out.  She was so peaceful.  I then sang quietly - 

"you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray, you'll never know dear how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away"

How did my little sunshine go from this:

To this:

I am in AWE if God's amazing power to create such a beautiful soul who is 5 years old today! 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"

I ask all of you to stop and look at God's creation - and praise Him!!

Love;

Amy Quinn

Girlfriends

Today I went to a Spring Ladies Lunch at the church we have been going to for the last 7 months. OK I admit I was reluctant as this church is BIG for my liking and I know a few people and I confess that even though I like the church I picked it because of my kids - especially my oldest who needed a place to learn and grow in the Lord with kids his age.
I thought it was just lunch and fellowship. I was WRONG! They had a table decorating contest and I must say that there are some crafty folks at our church. The most important part was the speaker. She ministers to ladies about growing together and reaching out to other women. She talked about how much wisdom we have lost due to the fact that younger ladies do not fellowship with older ladies. She discussed the differences between the older generation and the younger generation. How the Internet and the "connections" are technical instead of personable. We have to adjust our styles and how we NEED each other. God instructs us to fellowship with younger and older women. We don't do that like we should. I have a few girlfriends that I know would do anything I ask - but I confess that I let LIFE and JUNK get in the way of that connection. I am going to challenge myself to try and seek out others to help me on my journey as well as others that I may also touch. I pray that you all have a great week! Call your girlfriend!!!

God is SO good

Hey! I just wanted to share with you that God is go good.  I don't have any amazing news or anything like that.  This morning I decided to sit outside and drink my coffee for a few minutes and I was blessed with so much of God's creation I can't explain it all.  I was able to see the sun creeping up through the trees.  I saw "our" bunny munching on our clover in the yard.  I took deep breaths and listened to the birds.  I said my prayers and thanked God for this day ahead.  Even though we get bogged down with all of the negative there is a constant - God works his wonders to bring about His beauty in this sometimes ugly world.  He is so powerful and brilliant! May you all have a blessed day!

Love,

Amy Q

In Awe

I am in awe today at this BEAUTIFUL day that is before me. I was able to cuddle with lil man this morning and witness his sweetness. He patted my face and said "my momma" in the softest voice ever. He is my inspiration today! I hope to reflect sweetness today in my words and actions. My children are each unique and I am blessed to have them! I also witnessed my oldest as he gently helped lil man in his jacket and tenderly coaxed him outside to get in the car - no harsh tones, no grumbling - just pure tenderness. (this is a big deal for my 14 yr old!) As I got princess ready she said "momma you are the prettiest momma!" I needed that! God speaks through others - even the smallest voices can be heard and appreciated! I hope that today you too will witness God's goodness through others.

Love,
Amy Q

Working

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”Colossians 3: 23, N.I.V.

WOW! I needed this one. If you have read some of my posts you know I work at our family business. I am in Sales. Until December 8, 2008 it was me and my boss Steve. He passed away that day. Now it is just me in charge of 2000+ customers and ALL of North Texas. (We had it split in 2 regions before) This has been the most challenging 2 1/2 months of my working life. I am handling it well I think - but my attitude towards this job has totally changed as well. I came across this verse last night. I have read it hundreds of times. I even memorized it as a child. But last night it hit me in the head like a ton of bricks. I have totally changed my heart towards this job. I have a gift in sales, I love people, I love to problem-solve. I am good at what I do. I know that this job will change eventually. I know that I have more opportunities now than ever to grow in this business. So now instead of being negative and "poor me" I will "work at it will all of my heart, for the Lord and not men"
I pray that whatever your job is - yes that includes the stay at home mom's - (THE HARDEST JOB) do it with all of your heart for the Lord!
Love;
Amy Q

Worries

Prayer request for me:
Pray for my grandmother who is in the hospital with blood clots in her lung
Pray for my parents who are on a cruise this week
Pray for my test results to come back cancer free!
Pray that this week I will focus on God's blessings!

It seems to come in waves. Big ones. You know when my parents leave for vacation they usually say - "oh we have taken care of everything - just keep things together till we get back"
Well they were wrong. Yesterday morning I received a call from my cousin that my grandmother was ill and had a blood clot in her lungs - the problem with that is that my aunt who is an RN and who has primary care of her is on the trip with my parents. Today at work the bottom fell out! Apparently my dad forgot about some important projects he was working on. Not to mention I find out tomorrow (hopefully) if my cancer is back. I will not be able to reach my mom for several days.
I am praying that God will work on my heart and my worries. I know His plan is the only plan for me. I know that He is in control - not me. I know that when I ask He will guide me. I know that I will get through this. I have a loving husband and many "sisters" to lean on. I have three BEAUTIFUL children that adore me and love me like no one else. I know that this is a trial that I must seek joy in.
Isn't it funny how we can KNOW all of this and yet we still worry and stew over things!
I pray peace over all of you and hope that you too can see God's many blessings.

Husbands :)

I love my husband! I love him! My heart and soul seems to burst when I think of him. He is my BEST friend!
Last night at MOPS we talked about husbands and their needs and the conversation could have lasted for several meetings, but it was a good topic to ponder. I have really been thinking about one question that came up - "if you were a man would you want to come home to you?"
Think on that! Some nights - probably NO. I can get VERY stressed out at times and so overwhelmed that I am not pleasant to be around. I don't know if that applies to any of you, but it does apply to me. I can be pleasant as well. For me I think that we have choices as to how we are going to be. I plan to make it a goal to CHOOSE to be pleasant towards my husband. When he gets home I want him to be excited to see me! God wants our marriage to be a BLESSING in our lives not a burden. He wants us to experience JOY and to have good experiences, to work together to make our HOME a haven.
I think too often I focus my time and energy on my children and the house that my husband gets sidelined. I think that if I were to turn the tables a little and focus more on him and what he needs from me I will become a better mom and wife. I will have more peace at home. I will enjoy my life more.
I know some of you may think - she is so naive! Marriage is not all roses and champagne! No it isn't, we have are struggles and our differences - but imagine if we as wives would focus more on his positives and not so much on the negatives; how our perceptions of our husbands could change. This in turn can bring so much positive energy to our lives!
I say all of this because I am not doing so well in this department. I tend to take him for granted. I tend to overlook his needs and focus to much of my energy on other things. This is not what I want for my marriage. I want to enjoy him fully, I want to lift him up , I want him to be happy and not fearful of my "mood" when he comes home. I want more from this marriage and I will lift it up in prayer and look at my actions and improve them. Our marriage is part of the foundation of our family - God first, then marriage, kids, family, friends etc. When that gets out of order - it can really tear apart our home.
I pray that you all will think of these words and say a prayer for your husbands today. Lift him up to our Father and bless him someway today!
Love;
Amy Q

Pray for America

Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.
1 Timothy 2:2

Max Lucado has a Pray for President-Elect Obama button on his web-site www.maxlucado.com. I encourage all of you to read the prayer guide and continue to pray for America and our elected officials.

This is a nice little guide to help us all stand behind our country - at least in prayer.

Have a blessed day!
Amy Quinn

Being Fearless

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalms 55:16-17


Fear is such a hard thing for moms I think. It works alongside worry. Those kinda go hand in hand. I have struggled with the two all of my life I think, but since being married and having children it has grown into a burden really. I get consumed with finances, children, health, work, my spirituality, my husband, my marriage, my home, my extended family and on and on and on. It is a constant battle to just let it go and give it to God. last night I was up late - trying to work on my "home" and it happened. Right there in my living room as I was picking up the toys scattered from the evening I knelt down and wept. I did no cry, I wept. My whole body was shaking and I could feel my heart purging all that was bottled up inside. And then I heard it - "tell me your heart" I went to the couch and prayed. I confessed all of those fears to my Father. I went to my bible and just opened it up and Psalms 55 was there. I read it over and 16-17 stuck out.
I call out and he hears my voice! I slept better last night than I have in weeks. I feel better this morning. I prayed again this morning for God to help me overcome this battle. Help me to be fearless. God is my hope! I appreciate the comments from before.
My prayer for you today is that you will open your hearts to God and let him take over the fears and worries of your life. The we will do this everyday so that we can enjoy the Peace the HE provides. Have a blessed day!
Love;
Amy Q

Family Trials

So, I am going to combine my devotional and my update into one.
We are all surviving I guess you could say. We had a MAJOR set-back with the city for our re-model. This has caused ALOT of friction around the house. I cannot do my laundry until the plumbing is re-done!! So the pile pile up and then I have to take them to the laundry mat all at once. This means that mommy is gone for a few hours. Not to mention how hard it is to do it all. My husband is trying to be positive, but that is not one of his better traits. On top of that my littlest has RSV. He cannot sleep laying down, so we have to hold him in the recliner all night. He has the coughing fits and that wakes him up several times a night. So mommy and daddy are TIRED and grouchy. AND then there is work. I told y'all before that my boss passed away. Well my work load has tripled! I have a huge mountain ahead and I am making it one step at a time. So, my sisters I ask that you pray for my strength to get through this time. We are all tired of the house being torn apart and the kids are ready for the work to be done so we can have a "normal" home again.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
I Thessalonians 4:11&12 (NIV)
It is so hard to be quiet sometimes! This verse jumped out at me. Especially during this LOUD time in my life. I am amazed at how many times this has happened to me. God wants us to only depend on Him - not others. I need to make it my "ambition to lead a quiet life" I want to shout - HOW God?? But I know the answer already - trust in Him to lead us the right way. What we are going through right now is not easy - but it could always be worse! God is right here with us. He will hold me up and make me stronger for this. (my dear neighbor said to me - "hey you said you needed some time to yourself and look you got it - 2 1/2 -3 hours at the laundry mat!) I had to laugh - but she was right. I have been able to work on my quotes and sales stuff, read my bible, pray, and get ALL of my laundry done at once - for a price! ( it is not frugel to go to the laundry mat!)
I hope this verse speaks to your hears and help you to be quiet for God. Only depend on Him. I pray for all of you to be touched by His love.
Love;
Amy Q

My Shield

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3

Have any of you watched the news lately?? I live around Dallas, TX and we have had a lot of HORRIBLE crimes and deaths in our communities. It gets so depressing to watch - which is why I try not to. Top off that with all of the crisis's we are having it is hard not to be worried or scared or fearful. Not to mention doubtful. I tend to worry as most moms do. Then I came across this verse. "You, O Lord are a shield about me" what a blessing! We have a shield of protection around us. This doesn't mean that trials won't happen - but it is reassurance that God is with us to walk us through those trials. The verse also says that God is the "One who lifts my head" To me this means that when we are down or not looking to Him, HE will lift us up and let us see His Glory!
I hope that this verse brings you peace during these rocky times. I pray that all of you will hold onto your "shield" and look UP!
Love;
Amy Q

Purpose

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

What is God calling me to do? What is HIS purpose for me? As I read this verse those questions came up. This is the time of year that I love. It is clean and new and I set my goals. My challenge today is to write the goals down and look deeply at them. Is this what God wants for me? I will pray over them and look at them on a regular basis instead of forgetting about them. I will focus on that purpose and try to listen to HIM direct my heart.
This verse is a powerful message that God does work for the GOOD of those who LOVE HIM. And I love Him! But, what works am I doing for the good of HIM?

I pray that all of you have a clean renewed heart and will have a blessed year.

Love;
Amy Q

New Beginnings

“Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.”
Lamentations 2:19a (NKJV)
I am reading an older book by Max Lucado called Come Thirsty. This verse was in my morning devotion and I thought - wow! How often do we pour out our hearts to God? I pray many prayers and as I have said before they seem to involve others instead of MY hearts desires, hurts, needs, etc.
Yesterday was a hectic day and I was working in the kitchen preparing a meal for my in-laws. My daughter (4) was right at my heals telling me all of her wants. It was driving me nuts! She finally pulled on my shirt and said "Mommy PLEASE listen to me!" I said "what is it that you want??" She said "I am sorry for whining so much, I just need a hug mommy." I then was washed with guilt. I knelt down and hugged her tight and said I was sorry for not listening to her and that I loved her. She scurried off and was busy playing and I finished dinner up.
Last night I thought of that experience. I am so thankful that I have a Father who is never to busy and ALWAYS listens and is ready with His hugs of Peace and Comfort. He will listen to my heart at all times - whining, crying, angry, sad, hurt, happy, joyous, thankful, and many more needs.
I encourage us all to POUR out your heart to God and accept His hugs.

Love;
Amy Q

Blessings

Today we had some wonderful news! My sister-in-law had her baby girl this morning! 8lbs 4oz, 19 1/2" long and BEAUTIFUL!! We went to Nac this past weekend to see my husbands family and Jamie was so ready to have that baby! Well they called this morning and Kimber Ashton was born! Mom and baby are good. We are so blessed!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

I needed this verse today! Sometimes I get wrapped up in the WHY'S and I don't look at all of the outcomes. I have been through so many trying things that most have not and in the darkest of times I would ask "WHY" Looking at it now so many GOOD things have come about. I can minister to many people who are going through tough times and show them that God does work for the good in us who LOVE Him. I love my God and yes my faith has wavered in some tough times, but He has BLESSED me more times over. I have grown so much in the last ten years! My family is stronger than it has ever been!
My prayer to all is to take a minute and Thank God for the GOOD in our lives!

Love;
Amy Q