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Friday's Fave Five

1. The weather has been SO nice!!! It's been very Fall-like all week. My favorite time of the year along with Winter.
2. Fall candles. YUM! I have a Pecan Pie one that I am burning right now and it smells sooo good!
3. Pizza. We had take out pizza this wee and it was delish! I loove pizza! :)
4. Time spent with my Mama. She was down for a day this past week. We had a good time,as always.
5. Taking pictures. I love to take pictures. I got some pretty ones yesterday at my parents. 

Join us for Friday's Fave Five and Susanne@Living to Tell the Story.

Thankful Thursday

I think that Fall has arrived a little bit here in the deep South. This is my second favorite time of the year. I love the cool mornings with a gorgeous sun peaking over the clouds and buildings. I love the smell of fresh air. I love the smell of BBQ cooking for football on the weekends. I love how it just looks different outside. I am so thankful for Fall! I am so thankful for my God who created beautiful seasons of nature to amaze us with. The beautiful changing of the scenery is so astounding and speaks volumes of our God's majesty and glory. Who but our God? Wow. So what are you thankful for? Look around and I know you will find something.

Join my dear friend Lynn@ Spiritually Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday this month of October.

Friday's Fave Five

I love being able to blog a little more!! :) Join Susanne@Living to Tell the Story for a reflection of your week.

1. I got to crop all my pictures I was so behind on. I LOVE taking pictures and editing them. I have all of them caught up and I can do special touches to them now.
2. Caramel Frappe. Enough said. ;) My husband brings me them to me at night when he gets off,not every night,but boy they are tasty!
3. Hearing my boys say their verses. Daniel is really taking them in. Aaron repeats here and there. It makes me so happy. I want my boys rich in the Word of God! 
4. Cooler temps when I woke up this morning. We will be in the upper 50's this weekend at night,that is. Not even close to winter yet. :)
5. Meeting new people through my blog and Twitter. It's so awesome meeting ladies that love the Lord and share things for us all to be encouraged and challenged by!

I hope you all have a great weekend!! If I do not comment back on your blog,I'm sorry. I usually write and then have to get off to take care of the boys. 3 to be exact. :) One day I will be able to do more blogging though,right now I need to enjoy my babies.

Thankful Thursday

Join our host Iris@Grace Alone and share what you are thankful for this week.

I have so much to be thankful for everyday. I often forget that and I love this meme to help remind me. I am thankful for God's forgiveness. Oh, how I need it every day. I mess up daily and if not for His grace, well, where would I be? I thought I was good at extending that grace to others,until I have children. Why is that we get so much more angry at those we love for things they do? It's ironic isn't it? I have to ask God every morning and throughout the day to help me be gracious towards my children. It's hard to remember that when they knock something over time and time again after being told not to touch it. Or when you told them we cannot have a cookie until after lunch and they never hush about it and do not want to eat their lunch. Oh boy. That is when I forget how gracious my Lord is to me when I do something He asks me or told me not too. I'm not there yet in everything,but I am learning. I love my Lord and Savior Jesus for giving His body for a sacrifice and for God extending His grace to me on the cross.

Don't forget to read Iris' post and link up with us.

Sorry, if I do not comment. I usually right the night before and don't get to use blogger on my phone. 

Word-Filled Wednesday

Join Internet Cafe Devotions for Word Filled Wednesday. Share a verse with a picture that speaks to you.

1. We got a lot of rain this week and it has cooled the temps some here. I am SO ready for Fall!
2. My parents came by to see us yesterday. The boys had so much fun with them.
3. Getting up early enough to watch some news and get in the Word. I love having my quiet time!
4. Hearing my boys say their memory verses is so awesome!! We have learned 7 so far.
5. Being able to do some neat editing with my pictures o the picnik.com website.

Join us for Friday's Favorite Five and Susanne@Living to Tell the Story. It's a great way to look back on the blessings of the week.

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for the Law Enforcement officers.  They take care of things physically when we cannot and that I am so thankful for. We had an incident where we had to call them out yesterday. Creepy neighbor that pops up every time we are outside is not a fun thing to deal with. Knocking on my door over and over when my husband leaves and you wait till he leaves to do it is not fun either. I am glad we have law and order in this country. So many countries do not have that and they deal with more horrible things than we have to daily. Remember our men in uniform as they go out to fight crime in your communities.

Join Iris@Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday and share your heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday

Welcome to Word filled Wednesday  with Internet Cafe Devotions. Join us and share a scripture!

Becoming More Like Christ Through Your Children

I have been thinking a lot about my life now compared to my life before a husband and children. They look so different,but it's not in a bad way. I was so comfortable in my life prior to being a Mother. I really had no idea how comfortable either. I remember praying almost daily for the Lord to make me mold-able and mold me more into the image of Christ. Little did I know, He would do that with my children.

I stayed at my college Sunday-Tuesday and was home the remaining days of the week with my parents. I went to church every Sunday and every Wednesday. I always knew what to expect and it was very comfortable to me. We had powerful services where people cried out to God for many different things and I was being changed,but I was still comfortable. Does that make sense? I really didn't have many challenges. I did well in college,I had great friends,I had a wonderful family,and I lived monetarily comfortable. The biggest challenge was a test to study for or being afraid to do a drama on stage with the Joshua Generation. At the time,those seemed huge and to God they did matter. They did help mold me when I called on the Lord for His help and strength.I just had no idea that the "hard" molding would be after I had children. I don't say that in a bad way or a demeaning way. I love my children and I am honored God gifted me with them. I had no idea what Motherhood would be like. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very much awakened to my selfishness though. I learned to put myself last and my babies first. I am still learning that. I look back and think wow to have a test to study for again ha! I have to draw from Him every second of the day or I will not make it. Dependent? Why yes,very! Crying babies,fighting brothers,and a dirty house can get to anyone after a while. I am raising human beings! How can I not depend on God for guidance?! Though some days I long to be carefree young one again,I am thankful for the things God uses to mold more into His image. My boys are so sweet and loving. They sure aren't perfect,but they sure are my heart.

I have learned so much about how God sees me as His child by having children. I love my children even when they do wrong and when they do something I have told them not too. God feels the same about me. Nothing really can change how He feels towards me. He loves me with an ever lasting love. My children are not old enough to do something that would be so shocking to us as parents yet,but I can imagine my love would not change for them. I may be angry,upset,shocked,or even ashamed,but I will still love them. It's amazing how God uses our children in so many ways to relate to us. So God knew what He was doing by giving me children. I struggled with a lot as I grew up. I was also so shy,timid,and fearful. The Lord has delivered me from such things. It tries to rear it's ugly head time to time,but I know now I am loved by my Father in heaven. I don't need man's approval on my looks because my Father says He sings over me with His banner of love. I don't need to put my trust in lucky charms to ward off evil,I have the Word of God that puts fear into the powers of darkness. I don't have to feel unworthy or invisible I know God sees every aspect of my being and my worth lies in Him alone. My husband doesn't bring me worth nor do my kids. My Father's thoughts of me brings my worth. I am simply worth loving because He says so. Isn't that wonderful?! The passage in Romans 8 that takes talks about not being separated from the love of Christ has a whole new meaning when you know  your Father intimately and if you have children it sheds a new light on it also.

I used to think I had to be perfect in order for God to love me and this was when I was born again and seeking God. I wasn't in a sinful state. I thought I had to pray so many hours a day,read so many chapters a day in my Bible,and go to church every time the doors were open. In my new phase of life,God has been showing me that the apostles were by no means perfect. Peter cursed,Paul killed many Christians,and others did things that were not right in God's eyes. They repented for their sin though. They never were perfect as Jesus,but they never stopped seeing what they did as sin when it was sin. I may not can pray for hours without distraction or read 10 chapters of the Bible a day without distraction. I will get angry at my kids and yell. I will get frustrated with my husband and not tell him. I will get annoyed by having to pick up a zillion times during the day. BUT I have to continually repent for my thoughts and my words. I have to acknowledge I sinned and  look to God to help me not to continue to make the same mistakes over and over. My outlook on a Christian life has changed a lot in 6 years. God has opened my eyes to a lot of things I thought were true,that are not true by any means. He's showed me a lot through my children.

So what have you learned through your children? What has God taught you about Himself and yourself?


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 Romans 8:35-39

Friday's Fave Five

It's been awhile since I've participated in this meme. I'm glad to be doing so today!

1. It wasn't as hot as it has been this week. Fall is approaching,praise God!!
2. I got to make jewelry for 2 orders I had. I love making jewelry!
3. I got my grocery list for tomorrow finished Monday and my menu for next week done Monday also.
4. I have found a way to get back in the Word even with my boys up and I am able to actually take it in.
5. Enjoyed some college football last Saturday with my family. We looove it!

Link up with Susanne@ Living to Tell the Story for this meme. Share some of your highlights from the week.

New blog I started, From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. Check it out.

Thankful Thursday- Children

It feels good to post 2 times in a row for this Meme. It's one of my favorites! Iris@Grace Alone is our host for the month of September. Check her out and link up with us.

I am so thankful for my children. I never really wanted children. I was one of those that kids and me just did not mix. I was one of those that every kid I met got on my nerves somehow. I always wanted to be married,but without kids. I was also scared of the pain of pregnancy,labor,and child birth. Well, look at me now... 3 boys in 3 1/2 years. I will be honest and say I was not overly excited when I became pregnant with our first baby. I was scared out of my wits! I was thinking, 'What will I do with a child?' I mean we had no idea what to expect at all. God gave me peace and He instilled in me a heart for my child and now children. I would die for them if need be. I love them so much that sometimes it does hurt. After our first son Daniel, I was in love. Then, came Aaron and I fell in love again. Sweet smiles,coos,the smell,and not to mention the touch. Then, it happened again,I had Johnathan and there is just something so sweet about him. You know when you can just sense something about someone? That's how it is with Johnathan. He has a very sweet spirit. Sure kids can interfere with your plans in general and maybe even as a whole. I wanted to do a lot of things before kids,but now my desire is to stay home with them and teach them. They also can really get on your nerves,but don't the people you work with? You don't not go to work do you? Kids are just that kids,but so much more in God's eyes. My boys are so special to me. I stay tired,sleepy,and hungry some days,but one day they will be gone and grown or one day they may pass before me. So I am trying to learn to die to my self,this is an on going process too and should be for any Christian,kids or no kids. I am thankful God chose me to be their Mama and I pray I lead them in His truths.


Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3


What are you thankful for today?

New blog I started, From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. Check it out.

Word-Filled Wednesday

It's been a while since I have participated in a meme. I am getting the chance today though. Join us at Internet Cafe Devotions for Word Filled Wednesday.

New blog, From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. Check it out. Blessings!

MIA,but I'm here.

I've been MIA for sometime. Sorry lovely ladies that I am,but a house full of boys under 3 keeps me busy. I also stay at home,as most know,and my husband is a Highway Patrolman (State Trooper). His schedule is crazy and we don't live real close to family or friends to help out. Sooo that leaves little time for blogging and etc. I do have Facebook for any who want to look me up,Heather Mike Strickland is the name. I can keep up with family,friends,and blogging friends easy this way. I post a good big of pictures on there of our family. I love,love,love to write and read blogs,but right now I'm in a different season of life and I'm mostly okay with that. There are times when I just think why can't I do this? Why can't I do that? Why? Why? Why? Well, because I have a husband to take care of,house to keep up,and boys to raise.

I have also started a jewelry page on Facebook and working on getting a website for it. I learned to make jewelry in college and really didn't think of selling it,but now that I have a family I can help bring in income and make beautiful jewelry for women and children. It excites me! That page is called From the Hearth Jewelry by Heather . I also started a blog for those who may not have Facebook,it's From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. I love making jewelry and it's something that I can do without leaving home. I have a good bit already made up,but can make on order. I use Swarovski crystals and beads. They make nice gifts for sure! Sot that is what I have been up too. I hope all of you are doing well. I miss reading your blogs! Much love!!

Thankful Thursday

It's been a very long time since I have been able to participate. After Johnathan arrived,none of us knew what day it was. Newborns are so sweet,yet bring so many changes. I'm so thankful for the Lord. He really has done a lot in me through my pregnancies and births. He knows just what all of us need. I love Him dearly and I'm glad He loves me enough to want to change me into His likeness.

This is pretty late,but I don't have much time during the day to do this. I miss blogging and all you wonderful ladies. Link up with Iris@Grace Alone this month and be blessed!


I make jewelry and recently started a Facebook page. If you would check it out please. From the Heart Jewelry by Heather. I learned how to make jewelry in college,but didn't see iy as a talent,though my husband did. I am trying to help out anyway I can to provide for my family.

My Story- Pregnancy,Birth,& Labor

This is a short version of it all,but just a little testimony.

Our 3rd little boy was born June 29th of this year. He is so sweet. Thomas Johnathan Jackson S. was born that morning weighing 10 lbs 6 oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. He was healthy and perfect. It was my 3rd c/s after 1 failed VBAC. 

I'm a follower of Christ and know that God does know what is best for our lives,even though sometimes it's hard to cope with. I labored 42 hours with no medication with my first baby,it ended in a c/s due to complications with the baby's position and my body. I did all I could do,but it just didn't work how I thought. I was pretty upset after it all too. I also tried to breastfeed and did so for 5 months,but it was a struggle due to my body again. I felt as if I had failed as a woman,not giving birth vaginally and not being able to nurse my baby as long as I would have liked or thought I needed too. A year passes and God was working on my brokenness and trying to speak to me. I knew that He knew best,but WHY still is what I asked. I just wanted a normal,vaginal delivery. 
A year goes by and we find out we are pregnant again. This time I started reading up on a VBAC(vaginal birth after a cesarean) and wanted to achieve one. I exercised and watched my weight trying to not put a lot of weight on the baby. My first was 9lbs and 3oz. We thought if I could not gain,but the recommended 25 lbs maybe it would help. I worked my tail off trying to not take in so much sugar and starches. So the time came and I started labor. Things went much faster and we all really thought it would happen vaginally. Well, it did not. They discovered my pelvic bone was flat. That along with the size and position of the babies would make it near impossible to get them through the birth canal safely or at all. So after 10 hours we had another c/s. I was really distraught this time. I worked so hard only to get knocked down again. To me it was just something I was passionate about and still am,birthing naturally (which I did without meds both times) and vaginally. Breastfeeding did not go well again either. I went into depression after a week. I had never been that way. I wasn't crying all the time,but all I could think about was how angry I was at God and how much a failure I was as a woman. It was horrible. I joined a Bible study online on my blog and God really spoke to me and begin to heal me. After 8 weeks I begin to slowly let go of my expectations and my wants. It was so hard,yet so easy as my Savior called me to His will and His way. I would tell God whatever it is,just use it to bring Your glory. I was beginning to except that it is okay that I had that birth experience and to be grateful for the interventions I had. 

Another year passes and we are pregnant again. This time, I was scared. I wasn't sure if my body could do this again and I knew a c/s may be the first option. I've read up on it all and I know there are risks with both types of births. My Certified Nurse Midwife suggested a c/s at 39 weeks due to my history and how horrible shape my uterus was in just a year ago. My stomach muscle had torn and was totally exposed too,not that it harmed me,it just poked out. It was just b/c of the labor and big babies. I really did not want another c/s,but I also had to think about my 2 other boys and husband. I also had to remember that God knows best. We prayed about it and felt it was the best way to go. Only God knows why and I may never know. Through this last c/s I have learned to be thankful for grace and mercy. Where would I have been without the c/s? Those first 2 babies were not coming out vaginally. If the c/s were not possible,would I be dead? My baby dead? More than likely. I also used to look at my scar as shameful and regretting it. But I don't want to anymore. I want to look at it with grave,love,and mercy. I'm just a sinner saved by grace,who seeks to do the will of my Father. Jesus did not look at his nail scarred hands with regret or shame. He looked at them with love and compassion. He did what he had to do for us and I did what I had to do for my children. It's not been an easy rode,but He never said that the cross would not get heavy or the hill would not be hard to climb,just as one of my favorite songs says. He did say He would never leave me nor forsake me though. That, I know for sure. Through pregnancy and birth God has really drawn me closer to Him. He's humbled me and helped me realize He is the only one in control. I have to trust Him,who else am I going to trust? He has my best interest at heart. 

I just wanted to share my story. It may not mean much to others,but it sure means a lot to me. My God is faithful. My God is able. He's so gracious to me.

Pictures

My friend Amy,who took the maternity pictures for me, took these 2 shots on Sunday. I love them!! She is amazing with a camera! I want to have her take some more of the boys soon. Aaron was occupied so we didn't get one of him,but maybe next time. Enjoy!

Thomas Johnathan Jackson Strickland

Daniel Paul Strickland

Thomas Johnathan Jackson Strickland

Johnathan made his arrival at 8:54 a.m. on June 29th. He was 10 lbs and 6 oz and 22 inches long. He was a whopper,but a sweet one! We are both doing fine and at home. I have all 3 of my little loves and my big love surrounding me. Thank You Lord for my family.

Pictures!

These are some photos my friend Amy took in May. She is taking photography classes so I let her practice on me. She is a natural anyway,so I can't wait until she gets more knowledge about it all. 

These are photos I have taken the last month or so.

My love and myself outside playing with the boys.

                                                                Aaron being silly,as always.

Aaron smiling away.

My little Sheriff,Aaron.

Daddy playing with the boys.

They got into a little bit of mud with some friends. 

Aaron and Daddy.

Daniel the soldier and Aaron the Sheriff. Love the look on Aaron's face.

Papa handcuffing Aaron.

Daniel and Daddy looking good!

Sweet times.

My handsome Daniel Paul.

He loves building with his blocks.

He fell off his dump truck while playing. He's a trip.

Playing ball with Daddy.

Our little pitcher.

Mama and Daniel.

Our little Confederate soldier.

Aaron and Rocko.

Brothers riding Bullseye.

Love that grin!

My boys. All so handsome!!

Daniel and his I'm through with pictures smile.

38 weeks,this past week it was taken.

Watching some t.v. while Daddy naps.

He likes to push the trike.

Aaron and Daddy,too sweet.

Love this picture of them playing.

Aaron can push big brother around,it's funny.

Playing in the mud.

Aaron and cousin Savannah.

Playing some more in the dirt.

Love this picture!

Love this picture too. Uncle Wesley with his 2 kids and Papa.

Asher,my nephew playing.

The kids playing.

Landon,my nephew playing ball.

Love how the sun is in this one.

Mimi and Savannah,my niece.

Little Miss with her cup and purse.

Aaron figured out how to shoot water out of the gun,too cute!

Daniel took a fall ha! Aaron wasn't sure yet.

Playing at Aunt Haley's.

Swimming at Papa's.

Cousins,Daniel and Landon.

Marley,my niece, taking a slide.

Tabitha,my oldest niece,at Papa's swimming.

These are my boys,along with my brother's girls and boy and my sister's girl and boy. The time has really flown by. My boys are growing up too fast also. I love taking photos! This doesn't put a dent in what I take,but all I can share for now.