This week got stared off with a 4 legged addition that I wasn't expecting.  She is such a little cutie and someone just apparently dropped her off down the road from us.  She is really thin, but cute and playful and LOVES to be petted or fed.  She comes in the house at night and sleeps in our utility room.  I just think she is so sweet, but she needs a new Forever home.  We already have 2 inside dogs and 1 outside to keep up with.  Here is a picture of this sweet girl.  We are calling her Miss Priss for now, becase she is so dainty and crosses her front paws when she lays down. 

Rebekah had her 1st Birthday party this Saturday and we had a great turnout.  We had chili and Elmo cake.  The cake was beautiful and it tasted great.  Rebekah got lots of new clothes, pajamas and a princess piggie bank, a ball tent, Cheerio's and a little stuffed elephant that holds a blankie (just like Rebekah does).  I have to show you a picture of the cake and the princess pig.  I just love them. Thank you Aunt Holly for the Princess Piggie bank and Papaw Ray for the cake!

I thought I would also share a few other things that have been going on with me lately.  I am reading about 5 books (no joke) and trying to dig deeper into my Bible study this year.  I'm going through a 1 year Bible (suggested by my friend Tammy) and bought for me by my precious Mom.  I just can't tell you how much of a blessing my Mom is to me.  We grow closer and closer every day.  I wish I had been wiser in my teenage years and not been so hateful to her.  Sorry Mom :(

I am reading through the Bible and doing a Genesis Bible study by John MacArthur.  So far, it is amazing and I'm really learning a lot.  I'm reading The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie OMartian and Peace With God, The Secret of Happiness by Billy Graham.  Both of them are excellent books.  I just hope I can get through them all this month.  So many things going on....  My next book is going to be by Pastor Greg Laurie (who's ministry I follow regularly and I learn so much from) and it is called Wrestling with God, prayer that never gives up.  I can't wait to hear what he has to say about effective prayer.  But more than just books and studies, God is really working in my life in so many ways.  I feel His closeness and His power in ways I could never have imagined.  When I stopped by a friends house today, I prayed on the way in that they would offer me a cup of coffee.  I know that sounds crazy, but they always have fresh brewed coffee on and the smell just makes me want to hit the closest Starbucks drive in.  Only there is not one close by.  As soon as I got in the house, her husband said, "Hey Shelli, would you like a cup of coffee?"  Ok, now that was an answered prayer, was it not???  God really cares about the small stuff too.

I've been having lots of gut issues since Rebekah was born and the Lord is really leading me to healing through a diet called the GAPS diet.  I am super excited to get started; I've already jumped in a little and can tell a huge difference in the way I feel.  Thank you Jesus for being the Great Physician.

I am getting tired and ready to check into bed.  I will try to post some more of the exciting stuff God is doing here in a day or two.  (Don't hold me to it; I am very busy following around a 1 year old!)