Choosing Gratitude

I am currently working on the devotionals from the book Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Each day of the 30 day devotional we are to keep a gratitude journal. Today we were to make a top ten list of the things we are most thankful for. Here is an excerpt from today's journal:

Scripture Reading: Romans 11:33-36 “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! 34- Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor’ 35’Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?’ 36For from him and through him and to him are all things, To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Key thought or insight gained by Scripture reading in relation to thankfulness.
All things come from God, through him and to him. He does not owe us a thing! We have nothing to give Him that He has not first given us. And yet He gives to us. We should be thankful!

Responses to questions in devotional. What is my top ten from my lists so far of things I am grateful for:
1. Jesus Christ! Salvation and looking forward to a better place to live than this fallen world.
2. Husband that loves, cares for, provides for and protects our family. Grounded in the word and spiritually growing.
3. Health and ability to take care of my family, and health of my family
4. Scripture to guide us and point us in the right direction. That is the living, breathing, word of God that is truthful and relevant today as well as yesterday and tomorrow.
5. Friends and Family of Believers
6. Being able to stay at home and also homeschool my kids. Time and resources to invest godly values in my kids.
7. Being able to serve God in ministry and supporters that God used to provide a way to make that happen.
8. Electricity, Safe drinking water, safe place to live, vaccinations for kids, warm, dry house.
9. Freedom to worship and a local fellowship that is Biblically based as well as resources such as Wretched and WOTM!
10. That I am a work in progress, that God does not leave me alone or stagnant. That He is completing a work in me and through me that He set in plan before the world even came to be.

Write out prayers in response to study and meditation. Thank you so much for the refocus on the fact that all we have is from you and to you and through you. That there is nothing we have that is not from you, and that you do not give to us because we owe you something but because you freely give to us and love us, even beyond salvation. I thank you that I can rest in you that I am not left to myself to grow and live on this earth but you are the one, true God that is alive and active. That you are loving and trustworthy. That I can rest in You while I work to grown and learn. That you are working in me and through me, even through my mess ups and wrong choices and distractions.

What the Lord shows me about gratitude as I make this a focus of my thinking. Gives me a completely different perspective and outlook on life, but more importantly a proper perspective on God.

What heart issues need to be addressed, “triggers” to ingratitude that I need to watch out for: Judgementalism and my tongue.

What are some helps in becoming more grateful: Daily reading of the word and doing daily devotions

What are consequences of ingratitude and blessings of gratitude? The effect it has on me, and on how I treat others as well as how I effect others.

So there you go. Nothing that is earth shattering but what the Lord is working on in me through my devotions. And I am so thankful that He is working on me. I'd rather grow than be stagnant, and grow in gratitude.

My life.

I have so much I want to tell you. I have so much I think of when I cannot get to a computer and then when I sit down I can't seem to remember the details that I wanted to share, or the way I wanted to put them.

Right now, where I am. I have had several things that I have been praying for and about. Some I knew I'd have to put my seat belt on because I knew I didn't know what I was asking for but trusted God with the results.

I knew that I was losing my patience to easily. I was snapping at the kids, at my husband and looking for someone or something to blame when things did not go my way. Internally I was miserable and I am sure my poor family suffered from it. I was running on empty and had not gone to the source of Living Water. I did not appreciate things like I should. I did not see blessings as I should and I had a sense of entitlement. Now I tried not to be that way, but the little trickling of ungratefulness crept it's way in me and up from my heart and out of my heart into my mind and actions and out of my mouth.

Now this is not something that happened overnight. This is a while in the making. So what did I do? I asked for God's forgiveness. And asked Him to give me the strength and wisdom to turn from old bad habits and ways of thinking and turn to Him. I asked for Him to take my heart of stone and replace it with a heart for Him. I asked for Him to give me quick recognition of wrong thinking and habits that I am unaware of and enable me to change. I did not know where to start. I asked that when I was stressed and squeezed that instead of leaking bitter lemon juice, I would overflow with the sweetness of a Georgia peach out of a heart that was pleasing to Him. He has answered those prayers and is continuing to do so. So now let me give you some snapshots into my life this week to show you how blessed I am and completely grateful for.

This is my life. I neatly made bed (I love a made bed-especially one that my husband made while I was in the shower. He also got all the children downstairs and changed the baby's dirty diaper this morning. That is all a big deal to me for which I am very grateful for. The ribbon is what I bought in America to tie back the blackout curtains I bought there also, at less than half of what it all would cost here. I love simple, cheap ways of beautifying the home and making it home for our family through personal touches like ribbons and buttons. The children's books were on the bed from the kids. My favorite time of day is when we all sit down together in my bed or Griffin's and read. The Manna for Mom's devotional I have not started yet, but am really looking forward to. The Southern Lady magazines that Jenny Hodges mailed me when we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago. She mailed me a care package. I still love reading those 2009 catalogs. The Southern Lady magazine is just the touch I need from home, and also knowing that that is from a Southern Princess that has touched my life in so many ways. Thanks Jenny!

I love that I get to spend the day with my children. It is such a privilege to be able to homeschool. Everyone says how fast they grow up. I only have 18 years, Lord willing, and want to take advantage of every bit of it. From instilling Biblical morals and values in them, to just spending precious time with them that I cannot get back. I love that they have this time together too. Here is Emily wanting to be like her big brother.

I love that they play so well together. Well, er, most of the time. They love to cook and here they are out while Ludie is grilling dinner. Ruthie was going to grill with daddy, and put hers on the little grill, but I think Griffin enjoyed "helping her" set up her grill more than she did.

Look at her. How can you not love her. She has just learned to walk, loves her wellies and loves life fully with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Here are my two precious men, staining the pic nic table for me. It looks better than the day they brought it home! My love language is quality time followed by acts of service (re:from the 5 Love Languages book from Dr. Gary Chapman).

Thank you God for a wonderful family. And for opening my eyes to appreciate them.

What will I leave?

The following is my personal testimony as recorded in my will. I had to write my personal testimony that was requested so when I searched my computer, I found my will. So now, if you get to miss the reading of my will, Lord willing several years to come from now, you get to read it now....if you are interested.

Ever since I can remember I was in church. My first memory of church is as a three year old being in preschool on Sunday mornings. Throughout the years I was surrounded by precious teachers that taught me much about the Lord. I was also blessed by wonderful Christian parents that were faithful in bringing me to church. I thank God for that.

The Lord worked in my heart and life over the years to bring me to Him. At the age of eight in July of 1982 I realized that even as a child I had sinned and sin would separate me from Him. I already believed in Jesus, that He was born of a virgin, died for our sins, three days later rose again, and now is alive forever at the right hand of Father God. I loved God and wanted to follow Him. I asked God to forgive me of my sins and tried to do what was right, which is now what I understand to be repentance. By doing this as the Bible says, I was saved and knew that I would go to heaven when I died. I made this commitment public and was obedient to Christ through following this in believer’s Baptism.

Throughout my childhood I fell deeper and deeper in love with God as I studied His word, was surrounded by my church family that influenced me to a closer relationship with Him.

My greatest memories were going to our Wednesday night girls missions program, Girls in Action, and also going to the camp Mundo Vista (GA Camp). This is where I remember first having devotions. During GA’s we were required to memorize Scripture. This is Scripture that God would use throughout my life. It was during this time that God gave me a heart for the lost and for reaching the nations. I had no idea then the work He would do in my life and as I write now, knowing that this will go in my will, I am excited to see the work He will complete in my life.
When I entered my teenage years I made some bad choices. I based who I was on other people and not on how my Savior saw me. Because of those choices I suffered shame. I thought that as disappointed in myself I was, how much more would God be disappointed in me. I thought of Him as only judgmental and not also as loving. I did not understand how He could forgive me when I could not forgive myself. I was wrong. I realized my life was not going in the right direction and wanted once again to be close to the Lord. I started attending church again, and slowly the Holy Spirit worked in my life to teach me, guide me and grow me.

The largest times of spiritual growth in my life came through experiences in life where I came to the end of my abilities and strength and had nothing of my own to lean on. I was more willing to learn during these times. He taught me how to lean on Him, how to trust Him, and how He sees me. He did all this through prayer time, Bible Study, and wise counsel (being surrounded by more mature Christians than myself). God is a God of healing and restoration. He has not only restored me but also made me better than I was to start with, to Him alone is the glory!

God has blessed me with being able to marry the love of my life, Ludie Creech, Jr.. I have gotten to see God change him from a good man by worldly standards to a godly man when he was saved in 2002. He is a great husband, and father because the spiritual leader God has enabled Him to be. I have also been blessed with wonderful children here on earth and five more that are awaiting me in heaven as I write. My life is full and blessed only by the mercy and grace of our Savior.

I want to be known as a woman after God’s own heart. I want to hear Him say, “well done my good and faithful servant”. I know that without the redemption of Christ’s blood, my works are as filthy rags. I don’t want my Savior to say, if only you had trusted me more with finances, with your marriages, with your children, with your ministry. I want to give it all to Him because I know that it is in better hands, His hands, than mine. I pray that when you read this that you can testify that I have done this. Any sense of security other than our precious Savior is an idol and a false sense of security. I would rather live His plan than mine. His is better than mine.

I apologize for any time that I have ever acted impatiently or selfishly. I love you and that is not my heart although my actions sometimes show otherwise. I am not a perfect, wife, mother, grandmother or friend. There is only one perfect One, God.

I believe that as a mother (and hopefully grandmother), that I can have a tremendous effect on the generations to come. My goal as a mother is to be intentional in the way I live. That I don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. God shows us in His Word the effects we have on generations by our actions as shown through, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Ruth and many more. I want to teach my children at a young age that being a Christian is serving and giving as Christ did, and sharing Christ with the lost. Can you imagine when you get to heaven some day a person comes up to you and says, “I am here because you were obedient to share Christ with me”
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If there is anyone hearing this testimony today and does not have assurance that you will be in heaven someday, you can. You just need to simply believe on the Lord (not just in, but on-put your trust in Him, like you would trust a parachute when jumping out of a plane), and repent (turn from your sins and towards God). Don’t just be sorry for your sins, repent. Believe and repent. Then find a growing, Bible believing church and learn as much as you can so you can grow. May God bless you.

I pray that you have a heart for God and that because of what God has done in your life that I will see you and generations to come in heaven one day. I love you deeply. Rest assured that I am in a place where I have waited for, and I am joyfully in awe of my wonderful Savior.



“For we cannot help but speak about the things we have seen and heard”

Acts 4:20


“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me (Jesus) To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captive, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn. To console those who mourn in Zion. To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. “

Isaiah 61: 1-3

What I love about Ireland

Irish traffic jams (livestock in the middle of the road), Irish hospitality and time that people take for one another-they actually stop to talk to one another, Full Irish breakfasts, the beautiful countryside, the challenge of passing a tractor on a road big enough for only one car, being able to park and drive on sidewalks, people being more relaxed about things-which also drives me nuts at times but for the most part it is good for this wound up tight as a toothpick girl, the 2 euro store. Oh and almost forgot having a butcher! PS Griffin loves going with me to the butcher's shop. He wants to be an apprentice someday.

What I miss about the USA

Family, drive thru pharmacy and banks, mailboxes to send mail in instead of going to the post office and having to get out of the car to mail a letter, and one stop shops instead of shopping at 3 different grocery stores to get the right price or the right ingredients.

Had a mini-retreat today...at the doctor's office?

All the babies pictured above except for one were born within 2 months of each other!

Today I went for my first visit to the doctor for our 4th child. Whew! I always wanted a big family but we tried so hard for one and thought it would be a miracle if I were able to get pregnant and keep the pregnancy to full-term and now we are on baby #4! What a miracle!

Well today was the first visit to the hospital and everything went well. I have to admit. I was excited about having to spend 2 1/2- 3 hours at the hospital. I have started listening to podcasts of Nancy Leigh DeMoss's Revive Our Hearts Ministry (if you do not listen to this or know how to download a podcast you can go directly to the website and listen to archives then and there). These have made such a difference in my life as a mom, wife, Christian and just life in general. So I got to listen to 2 podcasts on the way there. Then I got to sit for 2 1/2 hours and read a book that I started when I was pregnant almost 4 years ago with Ruthie entitled Get Out of that Pit by Beth Moore. I am half way through it and plan, Lord willing to finish it this week.

THEN I went to Concannon's for a "roll". Which after you have waited that long at the doctor's office, then you deserve butter AND mayonnaise on your cajun chicken roll (basically a small sub sandwich).

Sidenote: I have come to love that about Ireland. Well 1: Butter on sandwiches, and coleslaw on sandwiches....and 2: The little hot deli's and sandwiches at gas stations or little shops.

Oh and one more thing I just love about Ireland, completely unrelated to the doctor's visit: You can park on the sidewalk AND drive on it. I don't think I could parallel park without doing that anymore. How handy!

So then after my indulgence at Concannon's (however I was disappointed they did not sell Nestea anymore, my taste of home-cold tea), I left and listened to 2 podcasts on the way home. When I got home I told Ludie I felt like I was on a mini-retreat.

Thank you to Ludie for being such a great husband and staying home with the kids! I love you! I can't wait for my next retreat.

Drinking from Dirty Water

I am really loving reading Psalm 23 and learning more about it as I look out my window at the sheep pastures all around. There are rolling green hills behind our house where we can see dots of white across them, that are the sheep grazing. If I ever moved from here I think it would be Heaven before I saw something as beautiful as this ever again. (Sidenote: we can also see Lough Ree "Lock Ree", which is fed from the Shannon River.).

I am learning more about shepherding from my local farmer friends and also more about the Great Shepherd. One thing about moving sheep is that they like to stop and drink water our of dirty mud puddles that may have parasites or oil from cars. The job of the shepherd is to keep the flock moving to a place where they are safe and have a place of rest and good nourishment. A good shepherd will take them to a place with fresh water, lush pastures and hopefully no predators (local dogs or foxes). Left to themselves though the sheep would follow each other, getting lost, eating grass that may have poisons or poisonous to the sheep, and drinking dirty water that may have parasites or just junk in it that is not good for them.

It reminds me that left to myself I will do the same. I will settle for less than what my Shepherd intends for me. I will fail to know of what I truly have available to me because of my ignorance and shortsightedness. I will partake in things that look and seem nice but in the end are not good for me and lead to consequences and enslavement instead of the freedom I have within His protection and guidance. I will not be nourished and fed and will be thirsty.

Lord help me to follow You. You are the Great Shepherd. You're ways are higher than our ways (Psalm 119). Help me not to settle for less but to abide in You by staying close through the reading of your love letter to us (Bible), and walking with you daily. I leak and need water. I am not perfect and need You to fill me. I need "water" to fill me from a source that is clear and clean and never runs dry. Thank you Lord that You are that source and give freely to all who truly seek You alone and for your grace to us even in our sin. In Jesus name, Amen.

By the way, my dirty water has been discontentment, pride, coveting, and anger. And that is just this week! Whew! But thank the Lord that He is faithful to complete His work in those who are His. I need a lot of work but I am thankful it is God that does it, because it is too big for me.

PS pictured it our friend Frank that is so kind to let us come to his house in lambing season. We actually got to see a lamb born which is shown below. They are a blessing to know. Frank is Irish and Tina, his wife, is from Burlington, NC!

Note; pictures are not posting. Will try later.