one year ago today ... I started my blog

The first resolution for the new year is to truly blog at least once per week in order to see the growth God has brought me through the entire year of 2010.

Scripture Memory #24

Psalm 18:20-24 The Message

GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to GOD's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways He works; I try not to miss anything. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.

Scripture Memory #23

Romans 4:20-21
New International Reader's Version

[I] keep believing in God's promise. [I] am becoming strong in [my] faith. [I] give glory to God. [I am] absolutely sure that God has the power to do what He has promised.

Scripture Memory #22

Matthew 9:22 (The Message)

Then He [Jesus] reassured her: "Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well." The woman was well from then on.

Scripture Memory #21

James 4:10 (The Message)

7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

Scripture Memory #20

Job 11:15-16 NIV

15 then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.
16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.

Scripture Memory #19

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we can give them the same comfort God has given us.



This is a repeat from #17 because I need it and haven't committed it to memory!

Scripture Memory #18

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

Scripture Memory #17

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

He comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we can give them the same comfort God has given us.

Scripture Memory #16

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Scripture Memory #14 and #15

Scripture Memory #15

Isaiah 50:10 NIV

Who among you fears the LORD
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the LORD
and rely on his God.

Scripture Memory #14

Isaiah 26:12 NIV

LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Scripture Memory #13

Mark 9:24

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "LORD, I believe; help my unbelief."

What a Weekend!

What a whirlwind of a weekend. We left Thursday at 6 PM to head to Illinois. We spent the night about 5 hours away. Then, drove the rest of the way on Friday. We arrived in Paris about 4 PM.

Mauri took the ACT in Terre Haute, IN on Saturday morning. She found out that they are an hour ahead of Illinois time so she had to be at the ACT at 7 AM not 8 AM. We were exhausted. She felt good about the test. I am so proud of her. Dad and mom took us to Indiana State University where she tested. Mom and I went to pick her up at 1:00 Illinois time and the anniversary celebration began at 2:00. They had a great turn out. I am proud of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. I've never known a couple make it 50 years. What an accomplishment!

Sunday we checked out of our hotel by 10 and headed to the Ford's house. We had lunch and visited until 2. We headed home shortly after and drove 7 hours to Forest City, AR. We spent the night in a very spa-like Hampton Inn. We left at 8:30 AM this morning to take the last stretch of our trip. Kim and Eric's family had to head home so they had 3 more hours after we arrived home.

Kimmy and Eric changed cars with mom and dad so we could take Mauri to see Ouachita Baptist University...Kimmy's alma mater. We got to mom and dad's about 1:00. We ate pizza, visited, and then headed home. We finally made it home around 3. Tonight, I went to my summer Bible study at 6:30. Mauri, Caleb and I ate at Amigo Juans. Mauri and I are home while Caleb went to spend the night with a friend. What a busy and different day. I was summonsed to jury duty but PRAISE THE LORD I do not have to report. I'm exhausted. I think it's time for bed.

Scripture Memory #12

Psalm 19:14 KJV

Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength,
and my redeemer.



I started my summer Bible study tonight at New Hope Baptist Church in Bloomburg. It is called Me, Myself, and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild. I think this is exactly what God wants me in this summer. It happens to be the same Bible study Beth Moore is doing with the siestas so I am pumped. God revealed so much to me tonight and it was only the intro. I am expecting great things from my Lord and Savior. Clean out my closets Heavenly Father.

What a Special Day in the Life of Our Family!

Today brings many incredible memories! Mauri turned 17 this morning at 9:55 AM. I am so proud of her. She is celebrating with friends this afternoon and then with the fam on Saturday.

Caleb is graduating 8th grade! YEAHHHHHHHH! I'm so glad this day has come. He graduates tonight at 7:00 PM. Caleb has overcome so many hurtles in his life. I am incredibly proud of him and all his accomplishments. This closes the book on many hardships and issues he has overcome. They are finally and totally completely 100% behind him.

Tomorrow is a new day. Praise the LORD! My baby will be a freshman. I hope he continually has hope in his future. His future is so bright and the beginning of high school gives him another opening to his future. His outlook is better than ever before. He is becoming a man. God is in control and we know that but more importantly Caleb knows that. He is focusing on his studies more than ever before. He's kept all A's and with only 5 B's his entire 8th grade year (2 - 88's and 3 89's). All of the rest of his grades were in the A range! :) He has signed up for a Distinguished Diploma as his goal for High School. At this time in his life, he still wants to be a video programmer or something to do with technology. I am so grateful for endings and beginnings. I am extactic that the last four years of schooling are completely behind him.

I am sorry the entire family can't attend his 8th grade certificate ceremony. My dad is ill with kidney stones and dehydration and might have to be hospitalized. My sister is at the Scrapbookers' National Convention in Dallas with some girlfriends. My mother-in-law has bronchitius. My sister-in-law is ill her lupus troubles. My brother is having to entertain big wigs who are visiting his district. I am so glad David, Mauri, and I will be in attendance. It's his big day and I don't want to take anything away from his day.

Scripture Memory #11

1 Chronicles 28:9
And you, my son Solomon (Caleb), acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

I'm "taking" this Scripture from my sister. It was her verse to memorize a few months ago. She said dad told her about this. I'm going to pray this over each of my children as well as myself.

Mauri placed 5th in feature writing :)

Welch hall where it will all happen on Monday! (Sunday night)


Monday morning rarin' to go...about to go to the coaches meeting at 11:15 AM

She's placed...enough said.

Mauri is nervously waiting. There were at least 350+ people in the awards assembly. I think she was more nervous getting in front of everyone than actually preforming at state!

5th place in 2A conference ... Mauri Sparks of Queen City

Mauri's at State - and we're with her!

Today is Memorial Day! Happy Memorial Day! I truly appreciate all the men and women who have fought for my freedom. Also, I am grateful for all who keep us safe each and every day. Something I take for granted all too often.

We are staying at the Radison Town Lake in Austin right on the river. We have the best view ever. We can see the bridge where 1000's come to see the bats take flight each evening. It was awesome to see last night. Caleb took a couple of great videos of the bat flight. There are suppose to be about 3 million who take flight each evening. I have no idea how they have that count but it's out there.

This morning I've been amazed by the Capital of Texas Triathlon right outside our window. Our view is perfect. We are on the fourth floor. On our bridge is the running portion across the river to the 2nd bridge which is on our right is the bicycling portion of the triathlon and in between the two bridges is the swimming portion. I've never even seen a triathlon except on TV. It is definitely inspiring. Maybe I'll finally try to get healthy and in shape over the summer. It will have to be a lifestyle change that lasts a lifetime.

On Saturday we drove to Tyler to shop and eat with my sister's family. We were able to spend the night with them and go to worship with them on Sunday morning. We ate a quick bite and headed to Austin. We arrived in Austin last night around 6:00. It took us an hour or so to actually find the registration for UIL. UT is huge. They need to put signs outside each and every bldg to make it easier on people when trying to locate something at UT.

Mauri is out her state compotition right now. David (her sponsor/coach today) and Mauri have a meeting at 11:15 AM. She'll preform first in Editorial Writing at noon. Second event is at 12:00 PM in Feature Writing. It lasts 2 hours.

Scripture Memory #10

Philipians 4:9 ESV
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we can give them the same comfort God has given us.

Scripture Memory #9

Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.

Psalm 4:8 NIV
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

John 14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

Easter 2009

The Sparks' Family - happily smiling together ... so much better than years past when poor Caleb was oh...let's say from birth 'til 7 years...Caleb would scream his head off for any picture just as my nephew, Ethan, below who is 31 months decided to do for the first time ever.














The entire McCarty clan...Grammy - my mom, Pawpaw - my dad, my sister's family...Kimmy, Eric, Even, Ethan, my brother, Kevin with his good friend, Duke --- the only one missing is my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law who weren't able to go out of town for Easter this year.









My sister's family: husband, Eric, 10 year old son, Even, and Ethan, 31 months.




all of the SPARKS for Easter

Scripture Memory #8

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 MSG

Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don't need me to tell you what to do. You're God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You're already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it. Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.

Hawk Nelson's lead singer singing to our group of teen's who went with us to the concert. There is a boy with an orange/black/white baseball cap on - that's our pastor's son...Mauri is to his left the one with a pony tail (the third one to his left).

The highlight of their night. :)



Jeremy Camp

wrappin' up a grand weekend

Last weekend so flew by...way too fast. Mauri went to a teen girl's retreat at Green Acres Baptist in Tyler, Texas by SAGE ministries. She had a great time. They left at 4:00 PM on Friday and returned around 9:00 PM Saturday. Then she had to be at church at 7:30 AM to practice for a sticks routine with Arise My Love. They did a great job. We went to early church to watch their performance, Sunday School, and left around 11:00 to eat lunch.

The crew (20 people: 5 adults and 15 students) left on the bus around 12:45 PM. We arrived at Centurytel Center at 2:10 PM, stood in line for 2 1/2 hours before the doors opened at 4:40 ish. We actually got to attend The Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour with Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue North, and a new group called Sidewalk Prophets. Addison Road was suppose to be there but the lead singer went into labor two days before our concert so I guess they had a good excuse to miss. That is why the new band came in their place. The concert was suppose to start at 6:00 but started at 5:40 instead. That was awesome. It wasn't over until 9:15. It was only a $10.00 concert. That was incredible for such an awesome concert. I had a great time and I think the kids had an even greater time. I am in awe at how God continually speaks to me no matter where I go and what event I attend. This was so good for me.

The coolest part for the kids attending with us is when the lead singer of Hawk Nelson came to the floor, walked across 7 rows of seats, and sang to our kiddos. That was amazing. David got it on camera and Tim, our pastor's youngest son, got in on video using his camera. Hopefully, after Caleb works on the video with Tim, I'll be able to post it on the blog.


Caleb had the math TAKS test today. He was pretty nervous. He doesn't think he did well, but he hasn't on all of the practice math TAKS tests this year. So I'm hopeful and prayed up that God helped in pass the math TAKS for 8th grade. He has to pass all TAKS test to promote to high school, so he is nervous about the testing. He already passed the reading TAKS and was commended with only missing two. Praise the Lord! He only has social studies and science TAKS left for this year.

We got Mauri's prom pics from the lady last night who took her pics downtown in Texarkana. That was great. I so enjoy looking at them. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out.

Mauri and Caleb both had friends over last night. Tonight though not at all -- too much homework. Mauri is working on her English IV research paper due Thursday night. Caleb has chapter 8 of his 8th grade English paper due tomorrow so he's been writing or editing his favorite education, a poem to about vacations, as well as had to locate and print out pics from his favorite vacation. He also has his 2nd presidents paper due next week so he had to work on that with dad tonight too. He also had to correct a science paper. I think they are both a little overwhelmed with classwork tonight to say the least.

I guess I've got my update complete now.

more Scripture --- it's so hard to just choose one

Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 49:16 NIV
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Proverbs 24:3
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.

Philipians 4:9 ESV
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we can give them the same comfort God has given us.

Jeremiah 32:7 KJV
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

Colossians 1:17 NIV
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Psalm 121:5-6
The Lord watches over you - The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

Psalms 51:10-12 HCSB
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me, Restore the joy of Your Salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.

Isaiah 41:9b-10
I said, You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

John 14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

Galatians 6:11 NIV
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

Psalm 70:1 NLT
Please, God, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 MSG
Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don't need me to tell you what to do. You're God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You're already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it. Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.

John 8:31-32 MSG
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."

Romans 15:13 HCSB
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Zephaniah 3:17-18 MSG
Jerusalem will be told: "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. "The accumulated sorrows of your exile will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You've carried those burdens long enough. At the same time, I'll get rid of all those who've made your life miserable. I'll heal the maimed; I'll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated they will be venerated. On Judgment Day I'll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You'll be famous and honored all over the world. You'll see it with your own eyes—all those painful partings turned into reunions!" God's Promise.

1 Corinthians 6:12 MSG
Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.

Acts 24:16 NIV
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Psalm 4:8 NIV
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Hebrews 12:1-17 MSG
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

1 Peter 5:6-11 MSG
So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
He Gets the Last Word
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Philippians 4:4 MSG
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

1 Chronicles 28:9
And you, my son Solomon (Caleb), acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

American Idol - David Cook

I haven't ever really kept up with American Idol since Mandisa days. It has definitely been a long time since that season. But, tonight I was halfway listening to it with David while selecting my 7th memory verse for 2009 when David Cook came on...and oh my goodness. His latest release is so my theme song for my husband.


Artist: David Cook
Song: Come Back To Me


You say you gotta go and find yourself
You say that you're becoming someone else
Don't recognize the face in the mirror
Looking back at you

You say you're leavin
As you look away
I know theres really nothin left to say
Just know i'm here
Whenever you need me
I'll wait for you

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

Take your time i wont go anywhere
Picture you with the wind in your hair
I'll keep your things right where you left them
I'll be here for you

Oh and i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

I can't get close if your not there
I can't get inside if theres no soul to bear
I can't fix you i can't save you
Its something you have to do

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me
Come back to me

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me


This is exactly what I've been needing to say to David, but I didn't have the words to say. I am so grateful God allowed me to hear this song. Even though David isn't "truly" leaving I think he has in many aspects. He's just not the man I've known for the last 25 years. I know he has to do all that he is doing to "find" himself. I just pray when he has found himself, he'll still want to be right here with us and finally comfortable in our home once again.

I also think this is a song God has sung to me throughout my life. God lets us go and He is waiting with open arms to hold us and state we've been inscribed in the palm of HIS hands all along. I am in awe of how God has allowed this secular song to speak to me and ease my heart from so much pain. God has also allowed Angie from Bring the Rain blog at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2009/03/canvas.html to speak to me today with her "Canvas" post. I love how God continually speaks to me and how He is overflowing me with blessings at this time.

Scripture Memory #7

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIRV

Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them. I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don't you see it coming? I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.



Thank you God for leading to this verse. I need it more than ever before.

the last few moments before friends must part

Growing into the best of friends over seven short days


around 3:45AM right before Matt had to leave to wake up his parents to head to the airport --- heading back to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs

Mauri, Matt, Jessica around 1 AM


Mauri, Matt, Jesse, Jessica, Caleb, and Tim around 2 AM before a couple of the guys have to be at home
Mauri, Macy, Jessica, Matthew Confair, Matt Rose
the week after spring break when Rose was in from the Air Force Academy

Prom 2009 - we stopped by for a few minutes - prom pics

Jessica, Caleb, and Mauri

Mauri and Caleb

Jessica and Caleb

Megan

Tianna
Mauri's best friend, Paige, and Jared

Prom 2009 - after dinner they stopped by the house

Prom 2009 - Mauri's preps

Prom 2009 - dinner at Zapata's

Prom 2009 - before dinner lots of pics

Ryan, Jessica, Mauri, and Jesse at a downtown park in the middle of downtown Texarkana

Can you believe it was going to be 30 degrees Saturday night? That's crazy. It was so cold. Poor girls would freeze for pics then quickly put on their coats to wait for the next pic.



Mauri and Jessica, best of friends, ready for a night of fun.





downtown Texarkana for pics before dinner


My beautiful daughter with her model pose...can you tell how bad the wind is blowing in this pic?


OK...so I didn't want Mauri to forget a single thing for her prom so I had them take a goofy pic in the bathroom.

Prom 2009 - They're on their way!