Sweet Memories

Me and My Sisters
On Tuesday I went to my mom's house and had a reunion. My sister Katie and her husband were there from Mississippi and my brother Jeb was back from North Georgia College. My cousins Megan and Nancy were back from U of Alabama and Ga Tech. So many people that I love so dearly were there, all under one roof, talking a mile a minute trying to catch up with one another. I sat and just simply delighted in being surrounded by so much love.

My sister Katie recently found out that her and Theo will be moving to Washington state near the Seattle area. Theo is a recent graduate from pilot training and will flying C-17's there. They will be in WA for three years. I grew up having an aunt and uncle in the Army and having to live far away places. Once a year we'd drive up to Myrtle Beach, SC and they'd drive down and we'd spend a week or two in paradise with my grandparents. One year we drove all the way to Michigan and another, all the way to New York to visit them. I can remember having so much fun and holding on to every moment knowing that once the trip was over, it might be a whole year until I got to see them again. I can't imagine how hard it was on my mom and my aunt having to be so far away from each other.

When I found out that Katie was moving to practically the farthest place away in the US you could get, all I could think of was, "There's no Myrtle Beach to meet them half way. How will I ever get to see her? What if she has her first baby and I can't be there?" So many selfish thoughts ran through my head.

And I heard God's sweet, calm voice say, "Do you trust me? Do you still believe I am in control of not just your life, but of hers as well? Did it happen by chance that they are going there? Was this the Air Force's doing...or Mine?" and my response to Him was, "Please promise me that You will let me go out there to visit and that You will take care of them (Don't you think He just laughs when we add conditions to our prayers?!) Protect Theo if and when he goes to fight in this war and give my sweet, sister a friend out there." I started right then and there praying for the friends they will meet, the house they will live in, the adventures they will go on. The world awaits them.

Then there is my other sister, Kelsey who is going away to college for the first time. She will be joining my brother Jeb at North Georgia on January 3rd. This is my sweet baby sister who loves to come over and read to Randol, she loves being the aunt that can quiet Will when he's crying or that Foster will run up too as soon as she walks into the door. She is the one who so graciously watches my children so my husband and I can have a date every once in a while. She spent the night at my house when Will had his tubes. We are 9 years apart, but I feel close to her, that age doesn't matter. This is the last of the Graydon girls to leave home. This will be hard on my mom. There is something special forged between women, we need each other. We are tied at the heart strings. It is a very special thing. I am so blessed to have the two sisters that I've got and to have such a wonderful relationship with my parents.

Me and my brother, Jeb
Now, moving on from my sisters, there's my brother Jeb. I have a feeling that him living four hours or so away at college may the closest he ever lives here. Being in the Army, he's hoping to be overseas and he's quite sure his feet will have to hit desert sand at some point. Jeb may be my younger brother, but he has always looked after me like an older brother would. He is so sweet and yet so manly all at once. (If that makes any sense!)

I look at my family and I can't help but wonder how different we'll all be in a year from now. Katie and her hubby will have been gone for 9 months, Kelsey will have been away at college for a whole year, Jeb will only have a semester left to graduate, Jackson (my youngest brother) will be in high school. I'll be watching my children grow older. Next Christmas, Will will be running all over the place, chasing his brother, and opening presents. In just a short year so many things will have changed.

This Christmas is extra special for me because for the next week or so, everyone will be home, tucked inside the house we all grew up in. I can't help but want to be over there visiting. I can't help but treasure every moment I have, sitting around the table playing cards or sipping coffee or watching movies together. The Lord has blessed me so much.

Me (pregnant!), Wesley's mom, Kim,
His sister Keri, and his brothers wife, Amanda

Looking at Wesley's family, its a totally different situation. All of his siblings live here within a 15 minute drive of one another. I always feared that my children would miss out on playing with cousins because I am so much older than my siblings...but the Lord answered my prayer in the form of Wesley's sister, Keri. Our children are very close in age and they play together all the time. While my family is scattering all over the place, Wesley's family is all joined right here in our home town. My sisters are all leaving, but Keri and Amanda are close enough to get together with once a week. I pray that our friendships will continue to grow. I am so blessed to have them.

Time changes things, nothing stays the same forever. We are always evolving, learning new things. One day I'll be looking back on the pictures I'll take tomorrow and think, "How could 20 years have passed so quickly?" Every day we are given, is a treasure, it truly is a gift to wake up every morning. Who knows what will happen in this next year, except God Himself? Remember that, when you start to get upset over your husband not taking out the trash, or your child not cleaning up their room. Remember that, when you look around your kitchen and see a huge mess or you look in your checkbook and see a small balance. Life is so much bigger than all of that stuff. Scoop up your loved ones, tell them how much you treasure and adore them. Never waste a minute to get to know them better. Store up your memories because when the moment is gone, the memories are all you will have left.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

~Proverbs 16:9

Wordless Wednesday:Will's 1st Christmas

Who Will You Listen Too?

The other day I was enjoying reading back and forth with Randol this cute little book, when much to my surprise the main character lied in plain black and white ink-I was shocked.

I digress, I recently found out that the 3rd book in every American Girl series is a Christmas story all about how the holiday's were celebrated in that time period. I figured that reading those books would be a fun way to do some research and see how our traditions have evolved over time. Randol LOVES anything American Girl, even though the only thing she owns by them, is their free magazine she gets in the mail periodically. The clouds parted and heaven shown down, as my boys both napped at the same time for the first time in like forever.

We were snuggled up on the couch reading this cute story about Kirsten and how her and her Daddy were stuck in a horrible snow storm that threatens their lives. (Real action packed you know). They start to think they are lost when Kirsten sees a big tree and realizes that the cave she sneaks off too, to see her secret Indian friend, is close by. After getting warm in the cave, her Father looks at her and says, "How did you know there was a cave here?" It then goes on to say that Kirsten didn't want to tell her dad about her secret Indian friend or how she sneaks away to play with Singing Bird without her parents knowing, so she tells her dad that she wandered off one day walking along the stream and that's how she found it. Her father then goes on to praise her for being a little explorer, but tells her not to wander off again. The chapter ends with her being rewarded with a piece of candy.

I looked at Randol and asked her what Kirsten did wrong. I was thankful to hear that Randol recognized that Kirsten lied to her father, but my head fell when she added, "But it was her secret friend, maybe her and the Indian promised each other they wouldn't tell anyone about their friendship." Then we had this long discussion about how a lie is a lie...blah, blah, blah. You know the conversation.

Later that night, I was telling Wesley about it to see what he thought. He handed me a section of our local newspaper. On the side column it was titled "Lying is American as apple pie". The small article was all about how lying is apart of our society and how everyone lies and its OK. These were two examples in one day that really opened both of our eyes to just how much satan has unsuspectingly dug his nasty head into society's way of thinking.

And we wonder why there are so many problems in our country! It really got me thinking about all the lies I have told in my life. I lied all the time to my parents when I was in high school (sorry mom and dad!) with a straight face and didn't blink an eye or think twice about it. It was those lies that got me into situations that I shouldn't have been in and left many long term consequences, some of which I still pay today. Something so small can turn into something so big. Isn't that how satan works though? He whispers these small things into our ears and we find ourselves agreeing with him. From the beginning of time he's worked this way, telling Eve, "You will surely not die!" (Gen. 3:3) and then goes on to tell her all the things she's missing out on by not eating from that one tree as she stands in a garden full of trees.

"It's OK, no one will ever find out!"
"Just one time won't hurt"
"Look at what she did, you're way better than her!" and makes us focus on others sins and not our own.

All of these little mind games he tells us, to try to reason our sin.
"You deserve to buy that new car" (even though you can't afford it.)
"It's OK to look, as long as you don't touch"-HA! How many affairs start by people "just looking"?
"Your husband will never know if you buy that! It's what you want, you deserve it!" (only now you will have to lie even more to cover up what you got).

On and on I could go...but what we tend to forget, is what man doesn't know-God does. We can't hide from Him or cover up anything. If we could, why would He have sent His son to die for all of those "little, petty sins"?

The REAL truth of the matter is that we WILL be held accountable on that day of judgement. A sin, is a sin in Gods eyes. He doesn't "classify" sin by saying one is greater than the other. One of the ten commandments clearly states, "Do not lie". It doesn't say, "It's OK to lie about this, but not about that". It says, "Do not lie"-plain and simple, clear as day. No questions asked.

As children, most of us had parents or grandparents or maybe a Sunday School teacher to teach us right from wrong. As a child, I knew when I got caught doing something wrong, my parents were going to punish me. As adults, who is there to hold us accountable? The law of course, but I don't see a policeman outside the doorstep of everyone who tells a lie. It would be impossible to have the manpower to keep up with such a job!

It is the Lord who holds us accountable through His Word and our conscience. The Holy Spirit whispers in your mind, "No, Back Away! Danger! It's not worth it!" That is the voice of God Himself who is telling you that. You have a choice, who are you going to listen too? Don't let satan take your heart captive over something so stupid and so selfish. It's just not worth it!

Stay in the Word, continue to seek His face and His guidance and let Him lead you. He will never trick you, never lead you astray or never let you down. Stay in His shadow and you will be blessed more than you can ever imagine.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers

and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

~Psalm 91:1-4

Super Fun Christmas Craft

Keri, (Wesley's sister) and I made these fun scented ornaments with our children last week. I must admit, I was surprised by how good they turned out! I am going to put one in each of the box of goodies for my neighbors. They smell SO good (like cinnamon). Wesley kept asking if he could eat the cookies, because that's what they look like! It's a fun craft for all ages, my niece helped and she just turned 20 months and Randol made them and she's 8! Pull up your sleeves and get ready to have some fun!

Scented Ornaments

1 Cup of regular applesauce (not chunky variety)

1 1/2 Cups of ground cinnamon

1/3 Cup of glue

Assorted cookie cutters

drinking straw

Colored Ribbon

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together ingredients. Form mixture in a ball, wrap in plastic and cover for 30 minutes or so until "dough" stiffens.

2. Sprinkle more cinnamon on a cutting board or waxed paper and turn the dough onto it (we skipped this step and it was fine!) Roll the dough with a rolling pin about 1/4 in thickness (if its thinner than that the ornaments will be too fragile). You can coat the rolling pin with cinnamon if the dough sticks to it.

3. Cut out decorative shapes with assorted cookie cutters. Randol and I used a toothpick to write out "2007" on them. (just another idea!) Use a plastic straw to make a hole through the top center.

4. Let the ornaments air dry, laying on wax paper. It took about 48 hours for ours to dry.

5. Once they are completely dry, tie a ribbon through the hole!

A Week Of Pictures

Wed. Dec. 5th
Here is my sweet Will after having surgery to get tubes put in his ears. God was gracious to have it go so well. And no...I did not plan for his pacifier to color coordinate with his hospital gown!















Saturday, Dec. 8th:
Don't laugh...this too could be your child should you happen to take a shower while your husband dutifully watches your children while he plays his PlayStation! That would be my mascara and eye liner he has put on all over his eyes. I NEVER knew he watched me put on makeup, usually he is running around and will be in and out of the bathroom. Here is proof...your children ARE watching your every move even when you don't think they are!

Tuesday, Dec. 11th

So the plan when my sister-in-law came over was to take a picture of all five grandchildren for her mother. Things don't always turn out the way you imagine them in your head!

Here was out first attempt as they all played on Randol's bed in a made up tent...it didn't go so well so we moved them to the living room couch...

This was the best one....

You know me, I thought, "Just one more picture!"

They didn't think I was very funny!

So if you've been wondering why I haven't been writing as much as I usually do, I apologize! Life has just taken over....

Keeping It Real

This is the time of year for buying things for the ones you love, baking cookies and seeing the excitement in your children's eyes. It can also be a stressful time of year, where we get so caught up in our "to do list" that we forget to sit back and enjoy it. It only comes once a year. This year, I have simplified everything. Usually, I spend days putting up Christmas decorations and hours upon hours finding that perfect gift. I bake and bake and then swear I'll never bake again! I spend the season in such a rush, trying to make everything just perfect. Come December 25th, I am exhausted, worn out and can barely muster up the energy to take down all the decorations I worked so hard in putting up, or eat the last of my goodies and clean up after the mess that was left behind from just one day.

This year, my attitude has been much different. This year I'm slowing down, doing a little at a time and not beating myself up for the things that inevitably won't get done. This year there is no snow village to grace my living room or angels and nativity to greet you as you walk in my front door. There is a Christmas tree with blinking colored lights and that is it. I'm not stressing over Foster breaking something that is precious or already thinking about how many hours its going to take me to climb back up into the attic to put the village pieces away. I have been baking, but a little at a time, I'm dragging out the yummy smells of my homemade goodies! I have realized that Christmas isn't about something to do or places to go. It's not about spending an equal amount of money on your children or worrying that your brother-in-law might not like the couples gift you got for him and his wife. It's not about addressing Christmas cards or making it to the next big sale.

Christmas is a celebration, its meant to be a joyful time. God in the flesh coming to earth, to save our weary, blackened souls. It is about the One true gift which is more important than any of that. As I look at Will, who is only 6 months old, I can't help but wonder, what was Jesus like as a baby? Did He have dimples or a bald head? Did He keep his parents up at night with an ear ache? Did he smile when Joseph walked in the room from a long day at work? Did he like to suck on his tiny toes and clap his hands? He was but just a tiny baby, like my own little man.

Randol and I watched The Nativity Story on TV the other night. I was reminded that Mary was only a young girl and that an angel came to her and asked her to do the unexplainable, the unfathomable. It got me thinking about how her parents and their small, tight, knit community responded to such news. If you saw a girl who was engaged and all of a sudden she was pregnant saying it was God's child, what would you think? I'll be honest, I'd be like, "Yeah right! We aren't stupid!" No matter how nice a girl she was, it would be hard to believe. Mary could have been stoned to death for such a thing, but she told the angel, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38).

WOW! I think I might have been tempted to say, "Thanks, but no thanks! Go find someone else!" Then I realized, I have said that to God before. Have you ever had a "Mary Moment"? A time you can think of in your life where God called on you to do something that was out of this world? An idea so crazy, you start to wonder if maybe you made it up? Something that goes against the grain of the world, but matters so much to the Kingdom of Heaven. It may be holding someone accountable for their actions, correcting a close friend or member of your church. Sometimes it could be something small like starting a blog or taking a neighbor to church with you. To the world it looks like no big deal, but to you, its putting yourself on the line and taking a risk (and God knows it) and He asks you to take the adventure with Him and let Him be your guide.

In those moments we are given a choice, will we be like Mary and say, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said," or will we choose to say no and miss out on so many of God's blessings?

This holiday season I need to,(as my friend Victoria says),"Keep the main thing, the main thing". That main thing is Jesus and my constant willingness to follow Him, no matter where He leads me, even when I do not understand or want to go, I am still called to follow.

How many things I might have missed out on if I was still trying to live up to a "perfect Christmas" (because there is no such thing!). Snuggling with my son in the wee hours of the morning, watching the colored lights dance along the floor; making cookies with Randol and letting her lick the spoon, singing Christmas songs and dancing around the house with my children in our pj's. Memories that would be lost if I was still running around trying to do everything.

As you rush from here to there over the next two weeks, remember to stop and thank Him for His gift. It's not about what you wish you had or what you need to go do, its about the blessings He's already given you and what He did for you on that "O Holy Night". There is so much to celebrate!

Super Fast and Yummy Fudge!

This recipe is SO easy and SO yummy that I have already made it twice this holiday season (I'm ashamed to say just for my family. We lap it up too fast to share :-)

Microwave Fudge (Sounds weird I know, but it is SO good!)
1/2 C Cocoa Powder
16 oz. Powered Sugar
1/2 C Margarine
1/4 C Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 C Chopped nuts

Mix Cocoa and powdered sugar in a microwave pan. Slice margarine on top. Pour milk on top of mixture, but DO NOT MIX!!!
Cook in the microwave for 2 minutes at full power. (I usually do it for one minute, check it and then for one more minute).
Add vanilla and nuts; stir well.
Pour into a greased (DO NOT USE BUTTER, USE COOKING SPRAY) 8 x 2 in pan.
Chill one hour. Cut into squares.

Yes, it is that easy! In a matter of minutes you can have yummy fudge! I have found that using Bonnie Bell stick butter works best for some reason. And do NOT cover it when you microwave it. It makes it really mushy and it won't harden.

Hope you enjoy! I am all about super fast, yummy recipes and this is a definite winner!

A Tribute to My Man

Today, my Beloved turns the big 3-0! Not so old I know, we're still a bunch of youngins' but it is a birthday to commemorate! I decided that in his honor I'd share 31 fun facts (in very random order!) that you might not know about my hubby!

1. He has no sense of smell-never has. When he was a kid he thought it was all in his mind. He would stare at something and think "smell!" and thought that with his mind, he'd be able to smell it!

2. He loves mustard, black olives and mushrooms.

3. The Lord of The Rings is his favorite trilogy.

4. He loves science fiction books.


5. He'd play Axis and Allies everyday if he could.

6. When he was a child he used to put salt in his little brothers milk. His mother never knew and always made Philip drink it! To this day, Philip doesn't like milk!

7. He had his own tree on the playground in kindergarten. His teacher would say, "Wesley, go to your tree!" His teacher retired after that year and he's proud to say it might have been because of him!

8. He loves green, mint chocolate chip ice cream.

9. He was a lifeguard for many years at the Windsor Park Pool.

10. He loves pie, not cake. Every year for his birthday he spends days trying to decide on what kind of pie he wants me to make him-this year its a peanut butter pie.

11. He loves him some great Georgia football!

12. He loves good, 'ole southern food like collard greens, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes and country fried steak.

13. When he was a kid and got in trouble he would love it when his dad sent him to his room. It gave him a chance to sit and read by himself. His dad soon figured this out, so instead he started making Wesley sit on the couch and watch Nascar-to this day Wesley hates Nascar!

14. There are two things he WILL NOT EAT, chunky tomato's and marshmallows...not even Rice Crispy treats or Lucky Charms cereal!

15. He doesn't drink coffee, but drinks a cup of hot, green tea at least once a day.

16. Changing dirty diapers grosses him out more than anything else in this world!

17. One of his favorite things to do every week is prepare for the Sunday School lesson.

18. He spent countless hours learning about diamonds and searching for the perfect engagement ring for me. Once he finally got it, there was so much going on, he wasn't able to find that "perfect moment". Finally, after two weeks of it burning a hole in his pocket-he asked me to marry him on my parents front porch at 2 o'clock in the morning as I told him goodbye for the night!

19. He loves to play board games of all kinds.

20. His ultimate dream and plan for when he retires is to write.

21. He hopes to one day go to New Zealand, like many other Lord of the Rings lovers and see the beautiful countryside that was used in the setting of the movies.

22. He does not like to hunt, fish or fix things like most men do, but he loves a great book and to throw a baseball with his best friend Seth any day.

23. He doesn't like any type of grape flavored medicine.

24. When he was a kid, his mother had a whole bag of M&M's in the fridge. One morning, he snuck the bag and ate the whole thing. He got so sick that he won't eat M&M's to this day!

25. His favorite color is royal blue.

26. At the young age of five, he told his kindergarten teacher he was going to be a lawyer when he grew up!

27. He calls Randol his Tator Tot.

28. In his second year of college, him and a friend went to go see the Return of the Jedi in theatres on opening day. When the famous light saber fight scene started playing, him and his friend got up and re-enacted the scene with their own light sabers! Much to their enjoyment the theatre crowd cheered them on!

29. He graduated Sum a Cum Laud from Mercer University for his undergraduate degree in History and Political Science.

30. He had always planned on going to the University of Georgia. He was accepted in high school, then decided to go to Andrew College for two years. He was accepted to UGA again, only he thought he wouldn't want to spend five years in one town. He figured he'd go to Mercer for the last two years of undergrad and then go to UGA for law school...only they didn't accept him a third time and he ended up spending five years in Macon, GA at Mercer! Life is ironic sometimes isn't it?

Stop and Smell The Roses

I took a small walk down memory lane today. It amazes me how small, little things can bring back such fresh memories. Yesterday we started putting up our Christmas tree. Today we finished by putting the lights and ornaments on the tree. My little walk started when I opened the ornament boxes. My family has this weird tradition of saving things that to any other person would appear to be trash, but to us-is small treasures. It is a running joke in my family that when you have something that you don't know what to do with, but you don't want to throw it away you-put it on your Christmas tree! We say it jokingly, but we all know we really mean it!

Now, I'll admit, a lot of this stuff doesn't actually make it on the tree, but there it is waiting in the ornament box! There was the ticket stub from Wesley and I's first "official date". There's the ring box that my engagement ring came in, the small card from when he sent me flowers for Valentines Day only to have them arrive three days later, but moments after my Gramma passed away (it was no coincidence, that was divine intervention :-) There is the whistle from Wesley's life guarding days, his ID card from when he took his Bar Exam. There are petals from his Grandma's casket when she died and then from a much happier event-my wedding bouquet. There are a few little cards my Gramma had written me on the outside of our presents through the years. One said, "Happy 1/2 birthday Randol!" from when she sent me a package in the mail when Randol was only 6 months old. There are the Elvis glasses that my Uncle Tommy loved. There is another little card from my sister Katie that she had sneaked into my suitcase when I went on my honeymoon. A favorite of Randol's is the note the tooth fairy left me for my first tooth-then there is the note she left Randol. Today Randol looked at them both and said, "I think she got a lot older because her writing is harder to read on my card than on yours!" I just laughed!

All of these things appear to be trash, old notes and photographs to anyone else walking by, but to me...they are little treasures of my heart that I look forward to seeing again year after year. As many times as I have opened that box, I'm amazed at the joy it brings me as though I'm receiving them for the first time.

This morning I read in Exodus about the Passover. The Jews were to put the lambs blood on their doorways so the angel of death would pass over their house. As many of you know, there is a long ritual that Jews still celebrate today. God said they were to do this every year to remind them of what He did. It reminds them of God's blessings and His mercy.

As I looked at all my silly treasures, they reminded me of God's blessings. Every word, every card or photograph reminds me of a happy time in my life. A time where God blessed me with love and comfort and mercy. As hard as it was to read my Gramma's handwriting on one card that said, "I love you super dooper much!xoxo" and the one she gave to Randol signed "Patches and Lucky" (my aunts cats), I was reminded of her love, of the way she always made me laugh and look to the brighter things in life. I was reminded that even though almost three years have passed since I heard her sweet voice, she is still here, right beside me. That I am thankful for.

In Saturday's paper, there was a black and white comic that said,
"We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way".
I can't get it out of my mind. I have no idea what blessings await my future. It is so hard to see past this day and this moment sometimes. We get so wrapped up in the day to day things that we miss His blessings and His purposes in between all that other stuff. Last week Wesley and I watched The Pursuit of Happyness. That man was as low as one can get. He had to sleep in a public bathroom-in a subway station-in NY City! He had no idea in that moment, that 26 years later he would become a multi millionaire. Talk about moving up the food chain!

This week as I look around me and plan out my day, I will try and remember to thank Him for the things I don't even know He is going to do; things He may already be doing, but I will not see for many years down the road. How blessed we are to be loved so much by One whom we aren't even worthy enough to kiss His sandals. I know that in the midst of my life will come heartache, but blessings can still come in those times as well. Looking back over my life, I have been through some rough stuff. I don't regret any of it because it was in the midst of the storm that I was able to praise Him and feel His Almighty presence.

As you start your day today, look around you and be thankful for all the things He has blessed you with. Then stop and thank Him for all the things He is doing right now, for such a time as this, things you cannot see, but are still there. It is having a truly thankful heart that will keep us grounded in what really matters this Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving To You and Your Family!

Lessons Learned in the Midst of Sickness

I confess, I am a horrible blogger this week! Thank you to everyone who keeps checking and having faith that eventually-I'll write again! My excuse for slacking off is two sick children. Any time I have away from them has been spent playing catch up. Catching up on laundry, cleaning, paying bills...you get the idea.

It was one week and two days ago that my oldest son first woke up with a small fever. I thought nothing of it because it went away after a few hours. Over the next few days we found out he had a double ear infection...Monday we found out that my 6 month old has the infamous RSV virus...and its gone on from there. Doctors appointments everyday, breathing machine every 4 hours, long, congested, sleepless nights and on and on.

Despite all the chaos, there are a few life lessons I have learned these last few days that I can apply to all areas of my life.

1. The world keeps on going even though your world is currently on pause. If it doesn't have to do with runny noses and chest congestion-I don't know anything about what has been going on in the news these last few days. I will talk to people and hear about where they are going for Thanksgiving, what they bought their child for Christmas...and I think-Thanksgiving...is THIS week? How can that be? I can't imagine getting to go shopping right now! You mean aside from the Wal-Mart pharmacy, everything else is opened...and on sale? And I'm missing it!?!

2. Enjoy the little time you do get by yourself. Like for instance, sitting at the Wal-Mart pharmacy for 45 minutes waiting for prescriptions. I decided to go grab a magazine and catch up on my celebrity news (real productive right?!?). Despite feeling a little guilty sitting there while my husband was at home with our sick children, I learned a lot of useless knowledge that I came home and shared with him. I enjoyed those 45 minutes instead of getting frustrated and wishing they would hurry up. I found myself almost a little disappointed when they finally called my name!

3. Don't wish your time away. In the wee hours of the morning as I sat on my bathroom floor, holding a mask with medicine steaming out of it, up to my sons face, I found myself thinking, "I will be so glad when this is all over and we can get back to normal!" As soon as the thought formed in my mind I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend of mine earlier that day. She was telling me how 17 years ago, her 3 month old niece died from the RSV virus. She was born in November, premature and died in January. Whenever I hear a story like that it stays with me and burdens my heart. I'm not worried about that happening to my son, but it sure made me realize how precious time is with my children-even at 4 o'clock in the morning. Instead of wishing this time away, I should be thankful for it. I need to hold my children close and love that they need me so desperately instead of wishing they'd sit by themselves. As the old saying goes-when you're sick, there's no one like your mama to make you feel you better! They instinctively know this-even at 6 months of age!

4. Coffee and peanut m&m's were made for such a time as this! I believe they are God's gift to help awake my senses and keep functioning. More importantly, to help with my patience and sanity!

5. Don't be ashamed to ask for help when you need it. Randol has been looking forward to not having school so she can play with her friends who usually have homework to do in the afternoons when they come home from school. She went to three different kids houses and none of them could play. They were either leaving for vacation or not at home. She came inside and started crying telling me how upset she was. I was in the middle of paying bills and trying to hurry because Will had started screaming. Foster starts pulling on my pants leg, screaming at the top of his lungs and before I knew it-I was in tears. I couldn't take it any longer-the crying, the runny noses, the cranky attitudes. And I was having a "guilty mom "moment. I knew I should have enough love and selflessness inside of me to grab up my children and hug them and kiss their tears away.

But I couldn't do that.

Not then.

I did the only thing I knew to do-I picked up the phone, called my husband-no answer. I called my mom-answering machine. I actually said out loud, "Please Lord, let someone answer!" I called Wesley back and he answered. By that time, I was in tears and couldn't talk. All I could make out was-"Are you going to get to come home from work early today?" I felt stupid. I should be able to handle my own children. But all I knew in that moment was-I needed reinforcements! It worked out where Wesley did get to come home early and go to the doctors office with me and the kids-what a blessing!

6. Just when you think you can't handle it anymore-you get a break. After hanging up the phone with my husband, the kids were still crying, but I felt a little better. I decided that it would be a good time to finish the movie we had started the night before. What would you know-in about 10 minutes the crying stopped and I was sitting in my living room watching a movie. I think the Lord knew-I'd had all I could handle! All I needed was a little peace and quiet-if only for a moment!

7. God is here with me and has never left my side. I have been slacking in my morning Bible reading. After going a few days without reading I picked it back up and what would you know, I could pick up where I left off and it was like no time had passed at all. His Word is there, unchanging and true whether we are reading it or not. He is here, whether we acknowledge Him or not. We have the power of the Holy Spirit at our fingertips, all we have to do is cry out to Him!

It has been a wild ride and according to the doctor yesterday, it may still be a while before my children are 100% better. The next time I feel like I can't stand it any longer-I may have to come back and read this post! I know that Lord has a reason for all things under heaven and I have to trust that He is in control. I am so glad I have reinforcements anytime-all I have to do is cry out to Him and He'll be there!

The Season for Giving

So...I applied for a job this week, a paying job I should say.

Why am I doing this? Wesley keeps telling me I don't need to get a job unless I want too. Here is my logical brain...we are SO in debt because of school loans, we are struggling to pay off a measly $4000 credit card debt, how will we ever manage $150,000 in school loans? And that's not including our mortgage. Surely I can help us get ahead somehow. Plus, aside from our tithe, there is nothing left to give back.

...OK, I'm digressing, thinking out loud and giving too much information. I am always trying to keep my eyes and ears opened for new job possibilities; anyway I can juggle homeschooling, raising three children at home...and make some extra income. I have thought about selling baked goods or crafts, selling stuff on eBay, maybe even selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I always read the classifieds thinking maybe something will catch my eye and I'll know-this is the job opportunity for me.

My aunt used to work for Hallmark when she had small children and she would restock their cards, set up displays etc. in the local stores. I went to Hallmark.com and what would you know-they are hiring a part-time card merchandiser. I thought-perfect! You make your own hours and work independently. I figured that I could go after Wesley gets home from work and on the weekends. So I revised my resume and tried to send it in-the whole time praying that God would close the door and let me know if this wasn't His will.

I go to complete my application/resume and the computer closes out the web page so it doesn't send. The next day I go back and the web site says "Sorry, we are having technical difficulties please try back later!" It said this for two days. I knew-this was God's sign. Every time I tried to complete my application, I was thwarted, an obstacle came within me and my chance to apply for this job.

...But I was still determined, still convincing myself that this could be what I've been looking for. Finally, two days later I tried again and my application went through.

Isn't that how we are? We pray, asking God's answer, then He gives it and it's not the answer we want, so we do our own thing anyway! When will we ever learn? I kept thinking, "Maybe I'm reading into it. If He doesn't want me to have the job then He'll make sure they don't call me or they will find a better candidate. I'll keep trying!" I am such a mess sometimes!

The Lord has always provided for me and my family. We live in a pretty nice house, have a closet with clothes and food in our pantry. We are far from destitute. Why am I so obsessed with these loans? Wesley isn't. He says that they will get paid off in time, not to worry about it. Maybe its because I'm in charge of paying the bills and I'm reminded every month of what a long way we have to go. Quite possibly its because I am a control freak and having to send our money into some loan company who constantly ups its rates without any warning, makes me feel very NOT in control. I want to send our money in to whom we choose-not these gold-digger-take-the-shirt-off-your-back-as-long-as-you-keep-paying-their-interest-rates, loan companies.

Over the last several weeks we have gotten many nonprofit companies asking for money to help with the holidays; The Valley Rescue Mission, Red Cross, United Way, Goodwill, Angel Tree. All good companies, doing good work and all needing help desperately. My heart is burdened to help them, but my checkbook says otherwise. I keep thinking-if I had a job, I'd have the money to give. I have prayed about this and you know what God told me?

Give what you can.

"What do I have, that I can give?" I asked Him. So, He showed me.

If you come to my house, you will see only one car parked in our garage because the other side is full of stuff. While we could have a killer yard sale, Wesley says he'd rather give it away than sell it. It was then that I realized, this is what we can give. I can load up my van with probably two or three trips and donate it to Mission Columbus. Mission Columbus is a local place people can go who have no food or clothing and get it for free. More importantly, it is run by a man who is the interim pastor at my church and who is doing his best to share the Gospel with those he comes into contact with.

My donation this year won't come in the form of a check or cash, it will be in the form of bags of clothes and toys. And that's OK. He has given me a way that I can still give. Isn't giving what Christmas is all about? God gave His Son to be the Savior of the world. That is the true meaning of Christmas, right? Is He asking too much for me to give of my time and stuff to try and give back just a little of the blessings He has given me? Absolutely not!

So, I'm not holding my breath about working for Hallmark. I'm pretty sure He has already given me my answer to how He feels about that. I want His best for my life-not my best. So often I forget that. I see an opportunity and think it will help fix whatever situation I am in, while really I'm only getting in the way. Wesley is confident and assured that there will come a day that we will no longer owe our souls to school loans. I have to believe that as well.

Letting go and trusting my future to the One I cannot see, but whom I KNOW is there. Why is that so hard to do sometimes?

As you approach this Christmas season, ask Him, what does He want you to give? To be used by God is such a powerful thing. I know without a doubt that He has a little girl about Randol's height, that is going to love the clothes she will be getting. I'm quite certain there is a small child who will love to play with some of our stuffed animals and blocks. My mind was so focused on what I didn't have to give, that I had forgotten what I could give. His ways are not our ways. All along, I have had a garage full of blessings that could be used for His kingdom.

Every one's situation is different, but our mission is the same. Go out into the world and make more disciples, whether that is donating money to a worthy cause, being an example to your neighbors or donating your belongings to those who are more in need than you are. Anything you do or say that shows others Christ's love-is fulfilling the Great Commission! This time of year, its hard not to look around and see how much God has blessed us. Good family, good friends, good food and good fellowship. Could I really ask for anything more?

PLEASE WATCH THIS!!!

My sister-in-law just emailed me this.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch this video until the very end.
It is only a minute or two long.
I promise you, it will stay with you for days to come...

Singin' in the Storm

I have come to the conclusion that sleep is no longer an option in my house. Last night I slept for 45 minutes straight before one of my boys woke me up. It was all down hill from there until 5:30 am when we were up for the day. As soon as one would get to sleep, the other immediately would wake up. This has been going on for a week now. Today at lunch Wesley said, "I can't even remember what a full 6 hours of sleep feels like-let alone 8 hours! We are doing good to get 2 hours of continuous sleep!"

It got me thinking, when was my last night of good rest? Isn't that how life is? You get in a rut and its hard to see out of it or remember what life was like before you got there. You start to wonder, is it ever going to end!

I jokingly talk about a "no-sleep rut", but on a serious note, it may be a financial rut or a relationship rut or an emotional rut...so many things that drag us down and threaten our peace. What do we do when we get down in that small valley? What happens when you feel all the light is gone and you are left in a cover of darkness? Then what?

Is it easier to praise Him when your life is going great or when its in the valley? Do you reach out to Him or shun Him, blaming Him for your problems? We all have a choice, and we all make one either way. Do you think He knows right where you are, at this given moment, as you read this? Does He know what is running through your brain RIGHT NOW?

I promise you He does. His word says He does, so it must be true. If He knows that, don't you think He knows what valley you're in right now? Better yet-He knows how you can get out of it. He can take that darkness and turn it into light. No matter how big or small-He knows and He has a purpose for it, even though you can't see it right now.

Last Sunday, a good friend of mine sang a Casting Crowns song called "Praise you in this Storm". I got chill bumps and had to fight back tears as I sang along. I went to YouTube and found the song with pictures from the war we are fighting right now. It reminded me of my Sept 11th post, talking about wearing the full armour of God. I have attached the video at the end of this post. As you watch it, think of your own battle. That's you in those pictures. You may not be wearing full camo and desert gear with a gun in your hand, but you have your belt of truth around your waist, your breastplate of righteousness and your shield of faith, "which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Eph 6:16) and most important, that is no gun in your hand, it is the Word of God, which is more powerful than any weapon.

As we are almost in the middle of November, I am constantly reminded of being Thankful. Holidays are special times for me and I really try my best to get my heart and mind into the reason for why we celebrate. I find myself being thankful for the storms in my day. We are to praise Him in the best of times...and the worst of times. How awesome it is to extinguish those flying arrows together, fighting side by side. You are not alone and He has not left you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and He'll help you win any battle.

How thankful I am to serve such a powerful God who loves me enough to send His Son to die for me.




Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Wordless Wednesday: This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made

Watching the ducks yesterday at Cooper Creek.

A Few Mere Words...

On Saturday, Wesley and I went to the wedding of a dear friend who has waited a long time for her prince. As I sat there watching the two of them say their vows and then the minister pronounce them husband and wife, I was struck by how short and simple it is to become married. What changed in those few minutes to bind these people to each other for life? The beautiful bride walked down that long aisle as a single lady. A few moments later, she walked down the same aisle on the arm of her beloved, now as a married woman.

They spoke a few words in front of a few witnesses and now they are joined, in the eyes of God forever...Just a few mere words...that's all it took...

Last night at bible study we talked about how powerful God's Word is. It is God's Word's that we use to fight our battle against this dark world that we live in. It is our only weapon...a few words will drive Satan away....

We need to learn to use that sword to prepare us for battle. Jesus combated temptation with quoting scripture...with using a few words.

When Jesus hung on the cross He looked around Him and said, "Father, forgive them for they no not what they are doing."
A few words and He forgave them...He forgave us.

A few words can change your life forever when you ask Him to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Your whole eternal future lies in just a few simple words.

A few words can rip apart a relationship, tear up trust and faith in a person.
They can shred your whole life long testimony in a matter of minutes.

On the other hand, a few words can heal a broken wound. Forgiveness is such a soothing balm over a ones soul, but how hard it is to say those few words.

A few words can make all the difference in every aspect of your life;
what you say at the cash register, how you greet your secretary, your tone of voice when you talk to your spouse.

Words are so powerful, a huge part of our fate lies in the things we say.

Can you believe she did that? I can't believe he said that!

Look at what she's wearing! What was she thinking?

Would you just hush your mouth?

What is your problem?

Did you hear what they did?

I would never do something like that!

She is so stupid!

Boy did she deserve what she got!

You are so beautiful! Thank you so much!

I don't know what I'd do without you.

You mean so much to me. You are special to me.

I am so thankful for you.

I love you. I hate you. I forgive you. I'm mad at you. I'm hurting. I'm sorry.

What words will you say today?

"But I tell you that men will have to give an account

on the day of judgement for every careless

word that they have spoken.

For by your words you will be acquitted,

and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:36-37

What a Blessed Sunday!

Before...

Talking with Pastor RoyceFeeling the Water

After
Daddy's Girl
The Two Girls

A Few Simple Treasures

When a few days have past since I last blogged, I start to get "blogger's overload"! I have too many things I want to write about that its hard for me to "choose"!

Today the Lord reminded me of a few very important promises He gives us in His word. The passages I read today in my Bible and unsurprisingly my daughters Bible study book she is doing for school, went together and the Lord hit me square in the face with some good stuff!

"...yet because of the man's boldness (persistence) he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Luke 11:8b-10

So often I pray for something, then check it off my list and keep worrying about it or letting it fester in my mind. We aren't supposed to do that, we are to pray persistently, boldly and keep knocking at heavens door. We are to keep asking until He gives us an answer. Now, just because you ask over and over, doesn't mean He'll say yes. It is important to note that! I have found that when He doesn't give me the answer I seek, its because His answer is better than I ever could have asked for. He knows and sees the whole picture, which I can only see today, this moment I'm in. I don't know what lies ahead tomorrow or in a year from now or in 30 years from now...but He does! He knows what bothers my heart, what disrupts my peace and I must keep praying about it. I am not to bear my burdens alone. How often I forget to do that!

"Let your eyes look straight ahead,

fix your gaze directly before you,

Make level paths for your feet

and take only ways that are firm.

Do not swerve to the right or to the left;

keep your foot from evil."

Proverbs 4:25-27

I know I talked about this verse not that long ago, but it crept up again this morning. In an earlier verse He says, "Above all else, Guard your heart..."(4:23). I must guard my heart and keep looking straight ahead. I can't look at my neighbor or what he is doing. I cannot compare my situation with anyone else. I must look ahead, keeping my eyes on Him because He has a plan, greater than I can ever imagine. If I guard my heart and daily, moment by moment turn it over to Him, He will show me what I am to be praying for, He will show me the treasures I seek. When you give your heart to Him, He helps you pray according to His will-not your own. That is so important, but so hard to do. It is also hard to take the "me" or the "I" out of my prayers and replace it with "Your will, not my own". Anything given outside of His will is second best, and who wants that?

"May He give you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed...

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of

the Lord our God."

Psalm 20:4 and 7

I remember learning this verse in Bible drill as a child. I fell in love with it. How many material things do I trust in, things I can see and feel. How often do I try and figure out a situation by looking at what is in front of me. Instead, I should be trusting in what I cannot see...in the God I cannot see, but know is there. I should trust in a name, a simple name that has more power than anything else here on earth.

I absolutely love the way He takes verses and passages of the Bible that I have read over and over since a child and He uses them in a whole new way. He unlocks secrets and treasures that I need in that moment. He is a moment by moment God, all we have to do is choose Him in those tiny moments! How blessed we are that He will speak so clearly to us if we earnestly seek Him and pray according to His will.

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Pumpkin

I Just Had to Share...

I woke up Sunday morning with expectation. It was Mission Sunday. What is Mission Sunday you ask? It was a Sunday devoted completely to the Great Commission. Our church didn't have Sunday school or split services. Our whole congregation sat together and then enjoyed a pot luck lunch afterwards. We had guest speakers from Uruguay and Montana. We have had a few mission teams go and help these missionaries. It was neat to see the faces of these brave men and women that I have heard about for so long.

My husband had to go to church early because he was in a short skit as a bum. It is never easy getting three children ready for church, but its even harder by yourself. Well I was proud of myself, not only were we all ready, we were ready with minutes to kill! Well of course my picture-mania brain kicked in as I saw my two boys wearing matching sweater vests for the first time and I thought, "I have time to take some pictures!"

As you can see, Foster was not up for sitting still, he never is, but especially when he knows we are about to go "bye-bye". That boy loves to leave our house and then he gets just as excited to some back home! He will clap as we pull out of the driveway and then clap as we pull back in! It makes me feel good to see how happy is about coming back to our home. Hopefully I'll be more successful at picture taking for Halloween!

It was a great Sunday. I needed to see my church family getting together and simply enjoying one another's company. So often we forget that we are a family, meant to love and serve one another. What an important role in the church! I was also reminded that we are all called to go and make disciples, preaching the gospel. So often we think that foreign missionaries are the only ones who have to do that. We also have that same calling, we are do to do the same right here in our own homes, with our neighbors and with the people we see at the grocery store. He has placed that calling in all of us.

I had another sweet surprise this morning. My sister-in-law called asking if I wanted to come over to see her new house and to let the kids play. Her family just moved here last weekend and are now within a 12 minute drive from my house (versus an hour and a half). Wesley had helped them move over the weekend, but I had still not seen the new house yet. Our children are very close in age with the exception of Randol.

Right now, she is still so young that she can still play and have fun with the younger children.

One day Randol will be like I was-too old to play, but not old enough to be a grown up, but still getting more privilages than the younger kids. I got to stay up late with the grown ups and eat ice cream. I got to get paid to babysit my little brothers and sisters and cousins. There will come a time where she will be "too old" to play. For now, I will savor her desire to read to them and play with them and show them new things. I will enjoy her childhood! We grow up too soon and time goes by too fast.

Today...I enjoyed Keri's company and my children simply being children. It is so hard to get wrapped up in the day-to-day things that we miss the little gifts in between. When Keri called this morning, asking if I wanted to come over, my first thought was, "I can't, we have to do school!" Then I remembered-I have no time limit and flexibility is a must! So...we put school on hold for the morning and worked until the late afternoon to make up for it...but it was worth it! How blessed I am that Randol was home and not in school so she didn't have to miss out on playtime with her cousins!

A New Focus

Saturday morning I went to an estate sale with my mom, sister and aunt. Though I didn't leave with anything I could hold in my hands, I sure came home with a lot of thoughts.

There was so much stuff there. In addition to furniture and pots and pans, there were books given at Christmas time dated in the 1930's. There were diplomas to Medical School and books given from a relative who attended Berry College in the late 1920's. There was a photograph of a graduating high school class from over 70 years ago. There were journals, piano music and Catholic prayer books. There was a local newspaper dated 1939, talking about some team who won a championship. There were baby booties that had clearly been worn. There were homemade crocheted pillow cushions and a gorgeous bedspread that was handmade.

So many things...all being auctioned off to a bunch of strangers who were foaming at the mouth to get the best price. They didn't look at this stuff with love, it was just material, something to grace their own home or to sell in an antique shop.

I could see my own life in the lady of the house, named Sarah. She had old, worn out cook books with an old obituary marking her place. There were gardening books telling her how to grow apple trees. There was an old parenting book. This woman was a mother and a wife just like me, only seventy plus years ago.

I can't help but come home and look around my own house. I have a lot of the same things she had, only much newer and updated. The things I hold close to me will one day be left behind, as I go on ahead. How many times have I wished for a new dress or a new car or a new whatever? How many minutes have I wasted in a store deciding on what to buy? So much wasted time when I could be doing something more useful. How many times have I gotten upset over something my chlidren broke?

As the old saying goes, there are only two certainties in life-death and taxes. One day I will die and all of my stuff will still be here. What will happen to it all? Will it be treasured and loved by a grandchild of mine or will it be auctioned off to strangers? If I really think about it, it doesn't matter what happens to it. I'm quite sure that the last thing on my mind as I sit at my Saviors feet and bask in His magnificent glow, is "I wonder what happened to all of my stuff!"

Eternity is what our real focus should be on; not on what we have or don't have. Who are you taking with you to eternity? Is there someone you aren't sure is a christian? Is there a close friend or family member who isn't saved by grace? Start praying that the Lord will open the door and you can plant some seeds. The fact is, one day we will all be gone and our stuff will still be here. What will your focus be today?

"As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and in its place remembers no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear him,

and His righteousness with their children's children-

with those who keep His covenant

and remember to obey His precepts.

Psalm 105:15-18

Risks of the Heart

We all have hopes and dreams. There are times we lay awake at night or stare off into space at the red light dreaming...thinking about something we've always wanted to do or places we've always wanted to go. Maybe its something that doesn't seem possible or probable....dream it anyway...God placed those longings and desires in your heart for a reason.

Don't be afraid to take the risks of your heart. Write that letter, make that phone call, book that plane ticket, mail off that manuscript. We only get one shot, one chance at this thing called life. Don't waste it because you're afraid! Remember, He didn't give us a spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

With Him ALL things are possible. Stay in His will, tell Him about your dreams, about what you "want to be when you grow up" (no matter how old you are!). He loves to listen to your heart.

Never stop hopin'...never stop dreamin'..and never stop prayin'...I promise you He is listening!

(look below the video for the words)




Anyway
Martina McBride/Brad Warren/Brett Warren (BMI)

You can spend your whole life buildin’
Somethin’ from nothin’
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

(Chorus)
God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good
When I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love ‘em anyway

(Repeat Chorus)

You can pour your soul out singin’
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway

I sing
I dream
I love anyway

His Sweet Smile

Yesterday felt like winter...not fall, but winter. Now, us Southerners LOVE the fall air. We shout with joy over feeling the wind blow against our faces and having a much needed reprieve from all the heat. But feeling so cold in your house you don't want to get out of bed or having to bundle your children up in jackets just to go to church-that we don't enjoy. (I know my Colorado relatives are laughing at me, as they prepare for a much colder winter, full of lots of snow! Love you guys!)

Last night, I had to find long sleeved shirts and jackets for my children and load them up in the mini van and set out for a night at church. As we drive out of the garage I notice the cold, misty rain falling down. I glance in the back seat and look at my boys as they are on the verge of battling another round of ear infections. At the stop light, the rain falls hard enough for me to turn on my windshield wipers. I started praying without even realizing it. Here was my conversation, "Lord, my boys have been in and out of the pediatrician's office every other week. It's cold and wet outside. (Like He doesn't already know this!) Please stop the rain so we don't have to get wet and then they get ..."

All of a sudden I stopped and realized what I was asking. As my husband says, I was being a "finicky female". For the last two weeks we have been praying for rain. Our lakes are drying up and the water supply in Atlanta only has 90 days left. My mother was telling me about somewhere in Tennessee, where the drought is so bad, they can only turn on their water for 3 hours a day and flush their toilets once a day...and here I am, asking Him to stop the rain so my already frizzy hair-doesn't get wet! Am I a spoiled little princess or what?

So, I backtracked, "Lord forgive me. How selfish I am to even ask you to stop the rain when we need it so desperately. Please send the rain! Send it long and hard and cold if you must, but send the rain and please forgive me for being so selfish!"

We are about to turn on the street that leads to our church...
Randol says, "Wow Mama, it's really starting to rain! I think we might have to get wet!"

Five seconds later...
I park my car, Randol and I both open the door and she says,"Mama look-it stopped raining! How did that happen so fast?"
I laughed right there, out loud. I knew He was smiling down on me!

I unloaded all my children-with the help of a friend...walked inside...looked out the window five minutes later...and there is a family, all with umbrellas over their heads, as the rain fell!

Now you may say it was a coincidence, but I don't believe in coincidences! I say it was a small gift from the One whom even the rain and clouds obey! Even the smallest of requests...no, even the stupidest of requests-He listens too!

The men were amazed and asked,

"What kind of man is this?

Even the winds and waves obey Him!"

~Matthew 8:27

Wordless Wednesday

Randol, amidst the clothes she recieved

from our cousins Tavi and Carly. Me and Will (5 months old)Foster (my little Superman)
watching the blessed rain yesterday!

No Empty Promises

Last week was a hard week. That's the only way I know how to describe it. By Friday, my heart had had it. One small event set me off and before I knew it, I was bawling, puffy eyes and everything (and I am not a crier!). My poor husband tried as he could to console me, but what I really needed was some good 'ole girl talk. Wesley finally looked at me and said, "Maybe you should go call Shannon and she can make you feel better." And that's just what I did.

And I felt better. Much better.

Wesley and I are sitting in a small valley right now, not in a valley of our marriage (thank goodness!), but in the valley of life and circumstances. I am amazed at how the Lord is using this time to bring Wesley and I so much closer than we have ever been. I love the way He continues to evolve our relationships into something greater than we ever hoped for.

We are waiting on the Lord, sitting, praying and soaking up the Word daily to see what He has next for us. A new job possibility has come up and we are waiting to hear back from someone. We both feel that God has amazing things in store for our future, we just have to wait on Him and on His timing. Why is that so hard to do sometimes?

This morning I was thinking about the whole situation and God asked me, "Will you love me any less if my answer is no?" I realized in that moment that I had been thinking of things as a done deal, I hadn't truly left them up to Him. I have to always remind myself that His ways are not our ways and that His timing is not our timing. He sees the whole picture, I can only see the moment I am in. And to be honest-I don't know if I'd want to see the whole future and know how it all turns out. What's the excitement and suspense in that?

In this waiting time, I have come to realize a few things I do know and that I can count on.

1.He has plans for our lives, plans to prosper us and to give us a hope and a future.
(Jeremiah 29:11)

2. His ways may not be my ways, but they are so much better than my ways! (Isaiah 55:8-9)

3. I am deeply loved and deeply adored by Him and He truly has my best interests at heart. (Psalm 103)

4. He knows the desires of Wesley and I's hearts. (Psalm 37:4)

5. He knows where we are financially and He is greater than our checkbook! (Job 23: 8-10)

6. We all have a mission here on earth, a role to play in this big adventure, we are just waiting on our next assignment. (Ephesians 1:11)

How blessed we are that we can continue to count on His promises. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His Word will continue to be a source of comfort and relief. I am so glad I don't know the outcome-but that He does. I am so glad I can give my life over to Him and let Him worry about it!

Anytime, Anywhere

The other night Wesley and I were sitting on the couch talking about our day. Somehow a recent political situation came up. I started telling him all my plans to make sure a certain individual doesn't get re-elected next year. He laughed at how hard I had thought about it. Then he told me that he had thought about it too and he had his own plan, but that it was much different than mine. I tried to figure out what he could do that I hadn't thought of. I asked him, "What is your plan?"

"P-R-A-Y"

That was his response! That was his big plan. He was going to pray about it and leave the end result up to God! I laughed at how stupid I had been. I felt a little ashamed to admit- I hadn't even thought of that or incorporated it into my plan!

How many times does life hit us where it hurts and we go about trying to fix it in our human capacity? And how many times do we fail? I tend to forget that I can approach the throne of God with confidence, anytime I want. I can unload my busy days and leave it all to Him to work out as He wills. Part of my humanly mind says," I have to do more than just pray." Then I think about it-who is it I am praying too? Is it some idol sitting on a shelf? Is it some human that will surely fail me? NO, it is my Heavenly Father, the creator of Heaven and Earth. The One who has my best interests at heart. How can I not approach His throne and then completely walk away-leaving it all to Him?

This morning I read in Matthew about the woman who was healed just by touching the edge of Jesus' cloak (Matthew 9:20-22). She knew that was all she needed to do. She didn't need Him to touch her or to even talk to her. He was so powerful that just by touching a piece of His clothing, healed her.

Then there was the the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus offered to go to his home and heal the man. The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed." (Matthew 8:8)

Think about what power that is-Jesus said the word and in a house a few miles away, a servant was being healed. He didn't touch him, He didn't even see this man, but the centurion knew how powerful Jesus was. He had faith that Jesus could do it.

Just as these men and women had faith to go to Jesus when they needed Him, we must also have the faith to go to Him in prayer and trust that He knows what is best for us. All our doing just gets in the way of His Almighty plans for our lives. How blessed we are that we can go to Him anytime-anywhere!

"Let us then approach the throne of grace

with confidence, so that we may

receive mercy and find grace to help us

in our time of need."

~Hebrews 4:16