Heaven is for Real

Last Friday I went to a friends for fellowship and while I was there one of my friends recommended this book called, "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. It is not like one of those books that makes Jesus an Indian man and the Father a black women, etc etc. It is a story of a 3 and a half year old that has an appendicitis and while in surgery he visits Heaven. I know, it sounds crazy right, trust me, it is good. And I wonder why we can believe that John goes to Heaven but a three year old can not? Read the book, it is good, I had it read in two days. I have to say honestly that I did doubt this while I read it, but I walked away from the reading really excited about going to Heaven. And most of all wondering who will be there when I get there? Well worth the read. Tanya

Thought Life

Oh, this has been a really long week with my thought life. I have been running some past information in my head, dissecting it and moiling it over. It is about to drive me crazy. I have been reliving my past in terms of my thought life, but I have realized how I need to get some of those bad thoughts and old actions out of my life and hold on to the dear ones. I am not perfect, but that is why God gives up the full Armour of Him. So that we can equip ourselves with it and protect ourselves from the things around us.

I will be honest, this has been a week of baby steps also. I have a habit of jumping into things with both feet and then jumping right back out of it. Making all kinds of excuses and reasons to walk away from it. I do not want to jump into growth with God and then jump back out because I am afraid of change or lack of trust. I have realized that I need to take one step at a time. So, that is what I am doing, I am slowly giving it to God and releasing myself to Him. I pray for change and real fruit in my life. I do not want to go by the numbers or think that I am growing and in reality I am just running on a treadmill. Growth is needed and I do not want to look any where, but up. So, this is why I am covering myself with the Full Armour and going to pray without ceasing. This is the two areas in my life that I have not been diligent in. Please pray, not just for me, but for yourselves. We are to grow and produce fruit. Ask yourself if you are producing and growing. And no matter what, cover yourself with prayer, and protection. This is important: be in the word always and grow and know your savior. Starting now, the thought life is God's, because I am not strapping myself to more burdens. Tanya

Here are some scriptures to ponder on: Ephesians 6:11, James 1:6-8, Isaiah 55:2, 2 Cor. 10:5, Matt. 12:36, Eph. Chapter 4, Gal. 5:22, Heb. 4:12, 2 Cor 5:19, 1 Thess. 1:17 and John 3:16

Great Family Films

Jeff and I have Netflixs with instant play. I really enjoy it. The other night I was on You Tube looking at another Christian film when I ran across this one. I realized that I had this film in my Que on Netflixs. So, I went to watch it. It is about five people with really ruff lives and they get stranded in the middle of no where. But as God would have it, He opens a diner for them. This was such a good movie, the people have such hard questions for Him and yet he answers each one with love and grace. Well worth your time to watch, and for those who have some tough questions and are struggling with faith, excellent movie. Some of the cast consist of Jacki Velasquez, Bruce Marchiano, and Steve "Sting" Borden. If you have seen the "Matthew" movies, you will recognize Bruce Marchiano. Bruce portrays Jesus in the film. Very Good movies, except I would not try to watch "Matthew" in one day, very long film.

Our new little one

This is our little man, is he not precious. This is Jackson Abraham Comstock Gates, He weight 10lbs 6oz and 22 inches long. He is so awesome.





Here is mom, dad and Jackson.