Lately...

"Have you ever doubted my heart for you? Is that why you find it hard to ask for My help when you are in such great need? Have faith in your heavenly Father. Know that my promises to you are true.

If you ask of Me, you will receive. Not on your terms, but on Mine. If you seek Me you will find Me; I will come to you. If you knock, I will open the door for you. I have spoken; I have promised; I have invited you to come to Me. Now I am waiting your response.

I long to spend time alone with you, My beloved. Sometimes it is hard for you to be transparent with Me when others are around. So get away somewhere private, in your room or in a quiet garden. And when you come to Me in secret, I will demonstrate My goodness to you before many. They will know of My love for you.

If you wonder whether I desire to bless you, think about this; Even evil people know how to give good gifts to their children. So just imagine how much more I not only want to do, but also can do for you, if you will just ask Me. For I am your heavenly Father, the Lord, Who delights in those who put their hope in My unfailing love."

Ps 147:11, Mt 6:6, 7:7-11, Jn 16:23-24, 1 Jn 5:14-15

** From my Worship Bible**

Be Blessed!

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It has been a busy few days and I have not been feeling good because of all this medicine. I am so tired of this, you have no idea. I just want to be healthy again so much. I cannot wait to exercise again and not have this dark cloud constantly hanging over me. Hopefully, this will all be over in a month. Please pray that it is.

It is easy when you are in a trial to think everybody else's life is perfect and that you are the only one who is suffering. I know that is not true but it's a sneaky lie that you believe...

and then you feel isolated and withdraw from people.

BUT, we are blessed beyond measure and I am, by God's grace, persevering and moving on with life as much as possible.

I am planning a Fall Party for a million little kids in our back yard. I am calling it a "Fear Not" Party since there are so many things to be afraid of around Halloween. It is not my favorite

holiday. I do not need scary, fearful things. No thanks. There are enough real things to fear.

So, my girlfriends and I are planning this party. I want it to be like the little carnival in Pollyanna. There will be a beanbag toss, hayride, sifting for treasures in our sandbox, limbo,

cupcake walk, fishing for toys, costume contests and even a kissing booth for mommys and daddys (5 min max ;)).

If you live near Chattanooga and want to come, email me for more info.

tsblackiston@comcast.net

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We have been sticking close to home lately. Bubba had been sick, Lake's allergies are crazy and Reece had to get his kindergarten shots today. Thank goodness for insurance!!

Tim has had a few mornings off this week. I love being with him. I never get sick of him.

Last night I was home with the little ones sleeping while Tim and Reece were at church.

I found a box of keepsakes with a journal and pictures from our honeymoon and some cards he has written me over the years. I read and remembered... and cherished the memories.

Our honeymoon was amazing because we waited to have sex until we got married. We went to Maui where we stayed in a house on the rainforest side. It was just us and the Lord and it was absolutely magical. The house was on some cliffs by the ocean and there were horses in a grassy field next to us. Our bedroom had a glass ceiling and every night these big beautiful clouds would roll in and a storm would come and we could watch the whole thing as we fell asleep. The bright moon and stars were stunning because we were so far away from any city lights. I remember weeping during my quiet times on my honeymoon because I was overwhelmed by God's goodness to me.

We were so in love and checked-out that we actually missed our flight home by 24 hours because we got confused about the date we were suppose to leave. But hey, it all worked out and I got an extra honeymoon night in Maui. It was really funny because Tim is anal about arriving hours early for flights and when we got there, we were a whole day late. ;) oops.

We had such a great time.

It was more than the fairytale.... and it still is.

Sorry, I know I probably make you want to puke but I am still shocked by God's goodness in giving me Tim. Such redemption and such an undeserved gift. God has poured out blessing on my life since the night I gave my life to Him.

Anyway, it was a perfect time to stumble upon that box of pictures and remember God's overwhelming faithfulness to me as I struggle to hope that I will ever be completely well again. He has always been good to me and He always will be. I know that even this illness will be turned into something beautiful by those same nail-scarred hands that have given so many gifts...

healing or no healing.

"...he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory."

Isaiah 61:3

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We haven't really done anything picture-worthy lately but I took the camera along on a little walk before school this morning.

I love these two!


** A few out-takes**

:)

This was from last weekend. Check out Lake's face. I love reading all of your comments!! Thank you for caring about us.

Steph