I sat up until almost eleven last night writing a sappy post about how good Mark is to me and how much he provides for us... and how much he loves us... and how good a daddy he is... and how our lives wouldn't be complete without him... and when I got finished... I just wasn't happy... for some reason... I didn't think I needed to post it... it's erased now.
This morning at five.... he started talking... for those of you who are close enough to him to know that he talks continuously and NEVER SHUTS UP.... it was that type of talking.... I napped off and on from 5:00 until 7:00AM.... while he watched Napoleon Dynamite and laughed to himself and talked to Pedro....yes, my morning to sleep in and he is talking... when I got up... he started singing Happy Birthday to me... then when all three of us (who are not morning people) told him to be quiet... he started humming... reminding me of Snoopy singing.... awful....
So... I say all this to encourage each and EVERY ONE OF YOU to go to his facebook page and tell him Happy Birthday... and then text him... and then call and leave him a message.... and another little secret.... I know that since he got up at 5:00 AM he is going to try to take a little cat nap during his lunch hour.... I feel sure it will be the time that I need to dry my hair to go to work this afternoon... and run the vacuum through the den.... and make me a smoothie with the Ninja.... I also hope UPS delivers my textbook I ordered and he has to go to the door.... and a telemarketer calls to ask for money. I hope every bell and whistle on his phone goes off ALL DAY LONG!
Yes, I do love that man who has so many good qualities... but I am also blessed to live with an aggravating, picking, joke playing, annoying, forty-one year old man! Happy birthday... I love you today... but I don't like you!
But you are a great daddy!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Bloom Where You are Planted....
I feel sure the purpose of today's message in church wasn't where I am going with this, but I think it is perfect for my family and me right now. I'm sorry that I didn't listen much after this phrase was said, but I immediately began to think, to wonder, and to be thankful.
The sermon was an account of when Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree with beautiful leaves... but no figs. When He reached the tree, he said, May no one ever eat fruit from you again. (Mark 11:14). The fig tree wasn't ready when Jesus was ready to eat.... it would never produce fruit again.
And then the words were spoken... Bloom where you are planted... and I began to think....
I looked at my life and thought about the garden that I am planted in and what fruit I will produce. My first garden involves being a part of the educational society. There are so many weeds in this garden... deadly weeds that steal my desire and love for teaching and allow me to become overwhelmed with paperwork, following state mandated rules that make no sense, and learning about forty-two acronyms for things that have to be done immediately.... RTI, SLO, TKES, LKES, DOK, etc, and etc, and etc.... Now... I could focus on all these weeds and let them overtake me and my precious blooms, or I can cut those weeds back and focus on the sun, the rain, and dirt that I am planted in with my roots. Those weeds aren't going to go away... there will surely be more to replace those weeds that do get cut away, and I feel sure that for many more years to come weeds will prosper throughout education. My blooms are the children... what is right for them... what weeds do I cut and throw away... what leaves need to be pruned... the leaves may be green... but they aren't bearing fruit. Focus... it's all about focus... I want to produce good fruit... I do hope that I am a bloom... and not a weed in this garden of education.
Another garden that I am a part of is the little small town I grew up in... I'm here on a daily basis... interacting with all kinds of people. I try to go to every sporting event, every awards day, every performance that the students are involved in.... they are our blooms... we want a town full of beautiful flowers when they graduate... not a lot of weeds that overtake things and make them ugly. These little babies, who are sometimes much taller than me, need to know we care about them personally. One of my favorite memories from high school was a pep rally my sophomore year. All the teachers in the high school participated and made complete idiots of themselves. I loved it. We thought they would be so embarrassed because the game was to make them look like they were kissing. They were perfect! I knew then that they loved us. They also did Faculty Follies and poked fun at us and made us see ourselves through their actions. I can't tell you one thing they taught me... but they made me think that they loved me. When I came back home from college, when I had babies, and when I moved here... they still acted like they cared. This little town made me a bloom... I may be a weed in some people's eyes, but I'm trying to prune those weeds and produce some good fruit to follow in their footsteps. I want the children to be blooms in this town... I want them to know I care about them! I might try to prune them a little too much... but I sure do like when they come back after they graduate and ask my opinion.
The final garden... my home. The most important... the place where I am the true gardener, no matter what, and I can take a weed out quickly... and boy do they show up at our house. Last week Mark told me he didn't want KB to be a part of a pity party... and neither do I! I never knew how many people read this and how many would contact me... Now... I am somewhat leary of putting everything here because of that... but I will say that while we let a few weeds sprout up in the house that week..... we never let them take root and bloom. Many comments I would have loved to jump on and be negative in agreement with them... but we didn't... the cards fell where they did... and I have personally seen blessings already that make me sit back and giggle and say... I should have known you were taking care of us God... This morning in Sunday School we were asked if it was okay to ask God "WHY?" when things happen to us. I immediately knew it was absolutely fine to do that... Sometimes there isn't a clear reason as to why... and sometimes... it is very evident. I say all this... to say that no matter what weeds show up in my house... I have to concentrate on the fruit I am producing and cut the weeds out... As I sit here and type this... I have two beautiful blooms on my den floor doing research on Benjamin Franklin for a school report. They are sweet right now... loving... and helping.... I feel sure by the end of the night there will be unkind words, a hit or two, or maybe even a fight... but those two blooms... they are my fruit... I have to be rooted in good things to make them continue to bloom... If I let hatred, anger, bitterness, and any other emotion that might come along ground me... it will spill over to them.
I remember attending a church in Fountain Inn when Mark and I first got married. The preacher was discussing praying for children... he said the most profound thing... "Bathe your children in prayer... even before they get here!".... I never really thought about that until he said it, but it is so true... life is full of disappointments, defeats, desperate measures to get on top by others.... but if we focus on those and don't pray about them... they become weeds that take us over and consume the bad and good in our lives.
Tonight in church we listened to several questions that can be answered to make sure of salvation for those who are unsure....
Am I bearing fruit? What are you doing? What fruit are you producing? Are you grounded in Jesus?
Am I following Christ? Am I doing things that please Him? Am I following what He says?
Am I fishing for men? I am not active fisherman... or fisherwomen, but is the way I am living bringing people closer to Him or are people sitting back and saying..."She calls herself a Christian... but look how she is living!"
Am I faithful? For many years, I thought I didn't need to be at church everytime the door opened... Sunday morning was good enough... and maybe Sunday school.... but now... I am at the point that I want to know more and more... I'm hooked and want to know what the Bible says... life is so much easier now that I am faithful in attendance... and daily devotions... and prayer... I'm better on the inside for doing these things... but I am nowhere near where I need to be...
Am I repulsed by sin? Well... I think I am... there are so many things that I look at now and think I don't need to do that... and I did it once... I shouldn't have... I'm growing... and that is all in the plan... daily growth.
Am I depending on Jesus and Jesus alone to get to Heaven? Yes, I am. I know that He is the only way.
So tonight... I leave with this... I want to be a good bloom...from the tree I sprouted from... and I want to be a good tree for the two blooms I have in this house.... I want to be the best mama I can be... I want Ben and KB to look back and say that I gave them lots of things, but the most important thing I did was to give them an example to live by... what a task that is... especially when the world around us conforms to new trends and new ideas that aren't necessarily what needs to be done.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Let me bear good fruit... no matter what garden I am in... no matter the weeds around me... let me get rain, dirt, and sunshine in my life to make good blooms... and most of all... let me "Bloom Where I am Planted"!
The sermon was an account of when Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree with beautiful leaves... but no figs. When He reached the tree, he said, May no one ever eat fruit from you again. (Mark 11:14). The fig tree wasn't ready when Jesus was ready to eat.... it would never produce fruit again.
And then the words were spoken... Bloom where you are planted... and I began to think....
I looked at my life and thought about the garden that I am planted in and what fruit I will produce. My first garden involves being a part of the educational society. There are so many weeds in this garden... deadly weeds that steal my desire and love for teaching and allow me to become overwhelmed with paperwork, following state mandated rules that make no sense, and learning about forty-two acronyms for things that have to be done immediately.... RTI, SLO, TKES, LKES, DOK, etc, and etc, and etc.... Now... I could focus on all these weeds and let them overtake me and my precious blooms, or I can cut those weeds back and focus on the sun, the rain, and dirt that I am planted in with my roots. Those weeds aren't going to go away... there will surely be more to replace those weeds that do get cut away, and I feel sure that for many more years to come weeds will prosper throughout education. My blooms are the children... what is right for them... what weeds do I cut and throw away... what leaves need to be pruned... the leaves may be green... but they aren't bearing fruit. Focus... it's all about focus... I want to produce good fruit... I do hope that I am a bloom... and not a weed in this garden of education.
Another garden that I am a part of is the little small town I grew up in... I'm here on a daily basis... interacting with all kinds of people. I try to go to every sporting event, every awards day, every performance that the students are involved in.... they are our blooms... we want a town full of beautiful flowers when they graduate... not a lot of weeds that overtake things and make them ugly. These little babies, who are sometimes much taller than me, need to know we care about them personally. One of my favorite memories from high school was a pep rally my sophomore year. All the teachers in the high school participated and made complete idiots of themselves. I loved it. We thought they would be so embarrassed because the game was to make them look like they were kissing. They were perfect! I knew then that they loved us. They also did Faculty Follies and poked fun at us and made us see ourselves through their actions. I can't tell you one thing they taught me... but they made me think that they loved me. When I came back home from college, when I had babies, and when I moved here... they still acted like they cared. This little town made me a bloom... I may be a weed in some people's eyes, but I'm trying to prune those weeds and produce some good fruit to follow in their footsteps. I want the children to be blooms in this town... I want them to know I care about them! I might try to prune them a little too much... but I sure do like when they come back after they graduate and ask my opinion.
The final garden... my home. The most important... the place where I am the true gardener, no matter what, and I can take a weed out quickly... and boy do they show up at our house. Last week Mark told me he didn't want KB to be a part of a pity party... and neither do I! I never knew how many people read this and how many would contact me... Now... I am somewhat leary of putting everything here because of that... but I will say that while we let a few weeds sprout up in the house that week..... we never let them take root and bloom. Many comments I would have loved to jump on and be negative in agreement with them... but we didn't... the cards fell where they did... and I have personally seen blessings already that make me sit back and giggle and say... I should have known you were taking care of us God... This morning in Sunday School we were asked if it was okay to ask God "WHY?" when things happen to us. I immediately knew it was absolutely fine to do that... Sometimes there isn't a clear reason as to why... and sometimes... it is very evident. I say all this... to say that no matter what weeds show up in my house... I have to concentrate on the fruit I am producing and cut the weeds out... As I sit here and type this... I have two beautiful blooms on my den floor doing research on Benjamin Franklin for a school report. They are sweet right now... loving... and helping.... I feel sure by the end of the night there will be unkind words, a hit or two, or maybe even a fight... but those two blooms... they are my fruit... I have to be rooted in good things to make them continue to bloom... If I let hatred, anger, bitterness, and any other emotion that might come along ground me... it will spill over to them.
I remember attending a church in Fountain Inn when Mark and I first got married. The preacher was discussing praying for children... he said the most profound thing... "Bathe your children in prayer... even before they get here!".... I never really thought about that until he said it, but it is so true... life is full of disappointments, defeats, desperate measures to get on top by others.... but if we focus on those and don't pray about them... they become weeds that take us over and consume the bad and good in our lives.
Tonight in church we listened to several questions that can be answered to make sure of salvation for those who are unsure....
Am I bearing fruit? What are you doing? What fruit are you producing? Are you grounded in Jesus?
Am I following Christ? Am I doing things that please Him? Am I following what He says?
Am I fishing for men? I am not active fisherman... or fisherwomen, but is the way I am living bringing people closer to Him or are people sitting back and saying..."She calls herself a Christian... but look how she is living!"
Am I faithful? For many years, I thought I didn't need to be at church everytime the door opened... Sunday morning was good enough... and maybe Sunday school.... but now... I am at the point that I want to know more and more... I'm hooked and want to know what the Bible says... life is so much easier now that I am faithful in attendance... and daily devotions... and prayer... I'm better on the inside for doing these things... but I am nowhere near where I need to be...
Am I repulsed by sin? Well... I think I am... there are so many things that I look at now and think I don't need to do that... and I did it once... I shouldn't have... I'm growing... and that is all in the plan... daily growth.
Am I depending on Jesus and Jesus alone to get to Heaven? Yes, I am. I know that He is the only way.
So tonight... I leave with this... I want to be a good bloom...from the tree I sprouted from... and I want to be a good tree for the two blooms I have in this house.... I want to be the best mama I can be... I want Ben and KB to look back and say that I gave them lots of things, but the most important thing I did was to give them an example to live by... what a task that is... especially when the world around us conforms to new trends and new ideas that aren't necessarily what needs to be done.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Let me bear good fruit... no matter what garden I am in... no matter the weeds around me... let me get rain, dirt, and sunshine in my life to make good blooms... and most of all... let me "Bloom Where I am Planted"!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Earthquakes
I had just turned the light off in the office when I met Mark at the edge of the desk... he was looking for the phone charger.... at first I thought it was him trying to scare me... and then I saw his eyes and knew that it was something else. Ben screamed and ran to my arms...and I wanted to scream... I thought something was blowing up.... we ran to KB and and just watched each other.... it really lasted that long. Ben said he thought it was Mark making the noises (just like me) because he and KB had been laughing and playing while he was trying to sleep....
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the Lord of hosts in the day of his fierce anger. Isaiah 13:13
Our first reaction was to check facebook... for the next fifteen minutes we read from our friends all over the southeast that they had felt it too. Simply amazing that it could be felt that far... then we read and saw on the map that it happened right near Betty Carol's. Mark called to check on her and she was regaining appropriate breathing habits... scared her too! This morning I see it was a 4.4 magnitude and the epicenter was near Edgefield, SC. I can honestly say that I don't have to experience that anymore... once was enough for a lifetime... but it will come again.
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. Hebrews 12:26
This morning I read my usual devotion that gets me through the day until my 7:00 PM app pops up on my phone for another verse, but I was curious... what does the Bible say about earthquakes. I am learning the more you want to know... the less you really know. Of course I googled about earthquakes in the Bible and found lots and lots of verses.
And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. Matthew 28:2
So then I started playing the "what if" game... you know the one.... I decided that I think I want to die without the fear of something crushing me to death, or burning to death, or starving to death... I just want to die with no pain.... I think the best would be to just fall asleep and not wake up.... I also realized that I don't want my children to ever experience the fear that was in their eyes last night... I want them to be pain free as well.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. Acts 16:26
We all live a prison life... we are bonded by things emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We really can't release all these things and live a human life though. I grew up in Sunday School all my life. I remember several lessons, but the one that sticks out the most to me was the Sunday I sat with a group of girls (who were much older than me) and the question was asked..."If this were your last week to live~ what would you do this week?" When it was my turn, I said I would be nice to everybody, I would come to church every time the doors opened, I would read my Bible every day, and I would hope that I went to Heaven. Our teacher was quick to tell us that we don't know when we will go... only He knows. We should strive to live like that every week.
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:11
We have had an ice storm, an earthquake, and some have experienced "famines and pestilences" in the way of having no power this week.... I could go on and on about the verses that deal with earthquakes. But my eyes have been opened that I should pay attention to the signs. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. Revelation 22:7
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the Lord of hosts in the day of his fierce anger. Isaiah 13:13
Our first reaction was to check facebook... for the next fifteen minutes we read from our friends all over the southeast that they had felt it too. Simply amazing that it could be felt that far... then we read and saw on the map that it happened right near Betty Carol's. Mark called to check on her and she was regaining appropriate breathing habits... scared her too! This morning I see it was a 4.4 magnitude and the epicenter was near Edgefield, SC. I can honestly say that I don't have to experience that anymore... once was enough for a lifetime... but it will come again.
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. Hebrews 12:26
This morning I read my usual devotion that gets me through the day until my 7:00 PM app pops up on my phone for another verse, but I was curious... what does the Bible say about earthquakes. I am learning the more you want to know... the less you really know. Of course I googled about earthquakes in the Bible and found lots and lots of verses.
And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. Matthew 28:2
So then I started playing the "what if" game... you know the one.... I decided that I think I want to die without the fear of something crushing me to death, or burning to death, or starving to death... I just want to die with no pain.... I think the best would be to just fall asleep and not wake up.... I also realized that I don't want my children to ever experience the fear that was in their eyes last night... I want them to be pain free as well.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. Acts 16:26
We all live a prison life... we are bonded by things emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We really can't release all these things and live a human life though. I grew up in Sunday School all my life. I remember several lessons, but the one that sticks out the most to me was the Sunday I sat with a group of girls (who were much older than me) and the question was asked..."If this were your last week to live~ what would you do this week?" When it was my turn, I said I would be nice to everybody, I would come to church every time the doors opened, I would read my Bible every day, and I would hope that I went to Heaven. Our teacher was quick to tell us that we don't know when we will go... only He knows. We should strive to live like that every week.
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:11
We have had an ice storm, an earthquake, and some have experienced "famines and pestilences" in the way of having no power this week.... I could go on and on about the verses that deal with earthquakes. But my eyes have been opened that I should pay attention to the signs. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. Revelation 22:7
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Analogies~
I'm not sure if it is the teacher in me... the thinker in me... or just me, but I like to think that it is my heart. I love to look at situations and compare them to life. Whether they make sense to anyone else or not, they help me in whatever I am doing.
As I sit here in this warm house with hot coffee, a computer, and plans for a fun day, I can't help but think that there is a lesson to be learned by all this ice, snow, sleet, and freezing rain that has blanketed our area.
Life gets so busy... We only have four people in this house, but there isn't a day that goes by we don't have at least one place to go. I am not sure I have sat on my couch and watched a full television show since football season. We barely have time to sit down as a family for supper. Everything I read tells me that families who sit down to supper are better than those who do not... the number of nights per week that it happens varies, but we are lucky for one or two. This ice storm... makes sitting around and talking a choice.
The ice stops all activities, all quick stops to a store, all means of leaving the house.... And while it hinders our abilities to go anywhere... it is a nuisance (thank goodness we still have power)... and it causes pain and suffering for some... IT IS BEAUTIFUL. As I look out into the yard and see the ice covered from the recent snow this morning, I am thankful for the beauty of it. I find a peace in knowing that it will soon be over. I find comfort knowing that while I may not like the long duration of the ice and snow...it will go away soon and just be a memory. I also know that weak limbs falling off the stronger branches.... really needed to go.... it will eventually make the tree better.... I find myself truly worrying about what matters... do we have food, warm shelter, and appropriate clothing?! Everything else is meaningless.... Thank you Lord for taking the time to provide this "stop time" in our lives... for making memories, for resting, and most of all...for finding good in bad situations....
Analogies are used to make people analyze the obvious and compare them to other things... Kind of like a puzzle...Without a doubt... God knew about this ice storm coming.... and He did it just for me to compare life situations to the situations of nature.... it worked.
Pictures from yesterday's storm... a storm that turned out beautiful!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Life Goes On....
Today we celebrated Ben's birthday... Mark left very early for Atlanta... and I worked...I picked Ben and KB up from school and we headed to Augusta to get milk and bread MY HAIRCUT! I think everyone in Lincolnton was in Augusta tonight... I was there to get the mop cut on my head... Years ago when I tried to tell Tara what to do with my hair... she told me I should stick to teaching...and she would do the hair... Tonight when I sat down... she chopped my hair off... with a razor... She must have been mad at someone because it is shorter than it has been in a very long time... It's supposed to look like someone famous right now, but I don't get into the Hunger Games... so I don't know her name...even after asking three times! But, thanks Tara.... got stopped several times in the grocery store!
Ben got his present from us Saturday... he decided he needed a pizza sub from Subway and yogurt from the store next to Publix for his birthday supper... I love his simplicity! Seeing Ben and KB walk next door for their supper made me realize just how grown up they are.... Mama and I apologized many times for ruining his birthday spending it at the beauty shop and grocery store... He doesn't care... he isn't selfish like that... he said it wasn't his best birthday... but he was happy! Maybe the snow, and some four-wheeler riding, and a day out of school this week will make his thoughts change a little. Ben... you are so much like me in that respect... I don't have to have presents to open and things to make me happy... just a few kisses and hugs will do!
Katie Britt ~ she is in the "thinking" stage... I see her eyes staring in space... her wondering... and then she asks questions... I'm honest with her... I've always been honest with her... I tell her she can't sing... she really can't... I tell her to hold her head up... to smile... to bite her tongue... It's going to take time, but I know she is strong... and she will get better. Again... I can't thank those of you who have taken a special interest in her by sending a message, a card, or calling enough... I keep telling her how lucky she is that she is so supported. Being greeted at school this morning by caring adults made her feel so good... Each time she forwards a text from a teacher or shows me a note.... I cry tears of joy... It makes me see that my prayers have been answered... She needed that so much. I know she will continue to be special to others and they will give hugs, lend an ear, and give advice when I'm not with her.
Sweet, kind words tonight spoken to me in a grocery store aisle continue to awe me... when I told KB... she lit up... appreciates each message so much. She smiles when I tell her what people say... I think it comforts her...
Dr. Harrell spoke last night about Proverbs 16:1- To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
Many times in life we plan what we "would have, could have, should have" said... but this verse tells us that our wisdom in what to say comes from the Lord.... so many times I have wanted to be negative...and it is so hard not to be... it would be so easy to be negative... but through verses and pinterests quotes sent to me... I am making it through this... I will protect my child from the hurt as much as I can, but tonight I can honestly say... I'm glad this happened... I'm glad I hold her hand a little longer now... I listen more carefully... I hug her a little longer... and I sure have prayed for her a lot more! We are lucky girls that we have our faith.
Finally, as I looked up the verse in the Bible... I had to chuckle... at the bottom of the page where Proverbs 16:1 is.... I have doodled.... "Lord, make my thinker think right".... ain't that the truth! Go away Devil... I don't need you all up in my business! Tonight, I will sleep... I will smile... I will go to bed with much love in my heart and thankfulness for those who have been worried about us... We are good! We are blessed beyond what we could ever deserve! But most of all... we found the silver lining and we aren't going to let this cloud ruin a little girl's life forever!
Ben got his present from us Saturday... he decided he needed a pizza sub from Subway and yogurt from the store next to Publix for his birthday supper... I love his simplicity! Seeing Ben and KB walk next door for their supper made me realize just how grown up they are.... Mama and I apologized many times for ruining his birthday spending it at the beauty shop and grocery store... He doesn't care... he isn't selfish like that... he said it wasn't his best birthday... but he was happy! Maybe the snow, and some four-wheeler riding, and a day out of school this week will make his thoughts change a little. Ben... you are so much like me in that respect... I don't have to have presents to open and things to make me happy... just a few kisses and hugs will do!
Katie Britt ~ she is in the "thinking" stage... I see her eyes staring in space... her wondering... and then she asks questions... I'm honest with her... I've always been honest with her... I tell her she can't sing... she really can't... I tell her to hold her head up... to smile... to bite her tongue... It's going to take time, but I know she is strong... and she will get better. Again... I can't thank those of you who have taken a special interest in her by sending a message, a card, or calling enough... I keep telling her how lucky she is that she is so supported. Being greeted at school this morning by caring adults made her feel so good... Each time she forwards a text from a teacher or shows me a note.... I cry tears of joy... It makes me see that my prayers have been answered... She needed that so much. I know she will continue to be special to others and they will give hugs, lend an ear, and give advice when I'm not with her.
Sweet, kind words tonight spoken to me in a grocery store aisle continue to awe me... when I told KB... she lit up... appreciates each message so much. She smiles when I tell her what people say... I think it comforts her...
Dr. Harrell spoke last night about Proverbs 16:1- To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
Many times in life we plan what we "would have, could have, should have" said... but this verse tells us that our wisdom in what to say comes from the Lord.... so many times I have wanted to be negative...and it is so hard not to be... it would be so easy to be negative... but through verses and pinterests quotes sent to me... I am making it through this... I will protect my child from the hurt as much as I can, but tonight I can honestly say... I'm glad this happened... I'm glad I hold her hand a little longer now... I listen more carefully... I hug her a little longer... and I sure have prayed for her a lot more! We are lucky girls that we have our faith.
Finally, as I looked up the verse in the Bible... I had to chuckle... at the bottom of the page where Proverbs 16:1 is.... I have doodled.... "Lord, make my thinker think right".... ain't that the truth! Go away Devil... I don't need you all up in my business! Tonight, I will sleep... I will smile... I will go to bed with much love in my heart and thankfulness for those who have been worried about us... We are good! We are blessed beyond what we could ever deserve! But most of all... we found the silver lining and we aren't going to let this cloud ruin a little girl's life forever!
Ben turns Ten!!!
What a great year you had! I can't believe you have been here for ten years now! I checked into the hospital about this time ten years ago... I could have never dreamed how precious, how loved, and how much of a little boy you would be!
This year, you joined the church on your own accord... You are so curious... you questioned what all that was about... and you jumped right in... It makes my heart smile to see you working in your book about being a Christian and reading your Bible... I'm excited for you to open your present of a new Bible... one that you may be able to understand! I feel bad for the past year you have been reading a Bible that even I can't understand! Sorry about that!
I think looking back on the year, you would choose that Dabo Swinney Football Camp was your favorite! You were able to step out and attend a football camp with absolutely no one you knew... Looking back at the pictures... I tear up because I saw your love for that sport! I'm excited you want to go again this year!
Because of football camp... of course you felt the need to play football! I was 100% against you doing it, but when I saw you carry the ball for the first time... I knew it was what you needed... I knew it gave you confidence... I knew your little bitty self needed to feel good...and you did! I still think you scored that touchdown!
You have also become quite a businessman... you have been trading items in on other items since December.... We have quickly gotten rid of an excess in our yard... and yesterday... you amazed me that you would trade in two things to get one... Wow...it takes some people a long time to realize the benefits of doing that! I have a bone to pick with your best friend, Mayonnaise... again...too little for something like this...
Your personality... what can I say? You got it honest... You have a mama who loves to talk... a daddy who loves to make his point... you can't help it... the talks, the beatings, the threats... they aren't worth it... we all make mistakes and we all have to suffer the consequences... I have learned to bite my tongue... sign your slips for talking... and just thank God that you are spunky... With a classroom of boys... I expect nothing less....
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This year you have become somewhat peculiar about clothing... We can thank Hugh for introducing you to Vineyard Vines underwear... I still can't bring myself to pay $25 for underwear for a ten year old, but I don't mind paying the $6 on the half of half sale.... Your underwear costs more than mine... Really! I wish I could video you when you are walking around in your boxers talking about how soft they are...and how good they feel... I'm glad it only takes something like that to make you happy.
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Healthwise... you are perfect... except for the nosebleeds... they happen often... and they are bad... if I could get you on a schedule... it would be great... we have to wait to get it fixed during office hours... when it is bleeding... so keep taking care of yourself at night when it happens... I love an independent child!
For Christmas this year all you wanted was a set of red basketball shoes like Sis had from playing JV.... Jane was able to get them for you and of course this sparked a new interest in basketball... I can't wait to see how well you are going to be... One day when you read this... look up Spud Webb... I'll compare you to him! I love you though!
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Daddy and I like to pick on Jane, Butch, Mimi, and JMac... the best times are when you giggle...then come and sit by me and say, "Mama, it isn't nice to pick on _______.... they are old!".... Your love for your grandparents amazes me... you smile when you see them... you tell them you love them... you hug and kiss them good bye... you are truly a loving little boy inside that stubborn head of yours! I'm going to try not to pick on them anymore!
Finally, I thank God each morning that I have your sweet little blonde head in my life... you have taught me so many things... I pray you will keep your eyes focused on God and always know that if Mama and Daddy aren't there... God is watching you!
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Happy birthday Ben! I can't believe you are ten! Love you so much!
This year, you joined the church on your own accord... You are so curious... you questioned what all that was about... and you jumped right in... It makes my heart smile to see you working in your book about being a Christian and reading your Bible... I'm excited for you to open your present of a new Bible... one that you may be able to understand! I feel bad for the past year you have been reading a Bible that even I can't understand! Sorry about that!
I think looking back on the year, you would choose that Dabo Swinney Football Camp was your favorite! You were able to step out and attend a football camp with absolutely no one you knew... Looking back at the pictures... I tear up because I saw your love for that sport! I'm excited you want to go again this year!
Because of football camp... of course you felt the need to play football! I was 100% against you doing it, but when I saw you carry the ball for the first time... I knew it was what you needed... I knew it gave you confidence... I knew your little bitty self needed to feel good...and you did! I still think you scored that touchdown!
You have also become quite a businessman... you have been trading items in on other items since December.... We have quickly gotten rid of an excess in our yard... and yesterday... you amazed me that you would trade in two things to get one... Wow...it takes some people a long time to realize the benefits of doing that! I have a bone to pick with your best friend, Mayonnaise... again...too little for something like this...
Your personality... what can I say? You got it honest... You have a mama who loves to talk... a daddy who loves to make his point... you can't help it... the talks, the beatings, the threats... they aren't worth it... we all make mistakes and we all have to suffer the consequences... I have learned to bite my tongue... sign your slips for talking... and just thank God that you are spunky... With a classroom of boys... I expect nothing less....
This year you have become somewhat peculiar about clothing... We can thank Hugh for introducing you to Vineyard Vines underwear... I still can't bring myself to pay $25 for underwear for a ten year old, but I don't mind paying the $6 on the half of half sale.... Your underwear costs more than mine... Really! I wish I could video you when you are walking around in your boxers talking about how soft they are...and how good they feel... I'm glad it only takes something like that to make you happy.
Healthwise... you are perfect... except for the nosebleeds... they happen often... and they are bad... if I could get you on a schedule... it would be great... we have to wait to get it fixed during office hours... when it is bleeding... so keep taking care of yourself at night when it happens... I love an independent child!
For Christmas this year all you wanted was a set of red basketball shoes like Sis had from playing JV.... Jane was able to get them for you and of course this sparked a new interest in basketball... I can't wait to see how well you are going to be... One day when you read this... look up Spud Webb... I'll compare you to him! I love you though!
Daddy and I like to pick on Jane, Butch, Mimi, and JMac... the best times are when you giggle...then come and sit by me and say, "Mama, it isn't nice to pick on _______.... they are old!".... Your love for your grandparents amazes me... you smile when you see them... you tell them you love them... you hug and kiss them good bye... you are truly a loving little boy inside that stubborn head of yours! I'm going to try not to pick on them anymore!
Finally, I thank God each morning that I have your sweet little blonde head in my life... you have taught me so many things... I pray you will keep your eyes focused on God and always know that if Mama and Daddy aren't there... God is watching you!
Happy birthday Ben! I can't believe you are ten! Love you so much!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Follow up to Yesterday~
Yesterday, I cried because I hurt for my child... Today, I cried because of the abundance of blessings that I have been given...the love shown to KB and me are simply overwhelming.... I had no idea so many people loved my child so much and had precious stories of how big her heart is!
As of right now, my blog to KB yesterday has had 487 hits... a simple letter to a child who is hurting from a mother who wants her to survive disappointment by knowing that all things happen for a reason.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Today is my birthday... I didn't unwrap one present the entire day... but I have been given so much... I have read so many text messages and facebook messages lifting KB and me up in prayer...that no gift would have been able to touch my heart the way they have... I have always worried about expressing my faith for the public because I am such a sinner... I'm guilty every day by my thoughts, my actions, and my words. I would be the first to look at someone's blog and say, "Who does she think she is writing about God helping her... she does wrong every day!"... But today... I want to share my faith.
This morning was hard... it was hard to get up and know that I must go to church and smile... I'm so glad I didn't run from this situation... the old Britt would have been sick today... But God knew I needed to be in His house... to focus... and get back on track...As Dr. Harrell began his sermon... I knew it was just for me... I feel sure no one else got anything out of it... because I got so much! A story I have heard and read about many times was the topic. Luke 17: 11-19. The story of the ten men with leprosy... after being healed...only one came back praising God... he was considered a foreigner... My favorite of this passage is verse 19
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:19
That is so true... while it would have been much easier to let my tongue, my actions, and my thoughts control this situation, I find peace in knowing that my faith is making me well... and it is... there is a joy and closeness to God that I know is His plan... and His doing. It is through trials that we can show our truth faith or the devil's colors.... I hope and pray that KB will see that we get through this with our faith.
My devotion today was perfect for me...
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8
I have needed this so many times today.... messages of support and advice and stories of their own...each bringing sweet tears flowing... they reminded me that God would handle this... and He will... KB has been flooded with messages as well... she has shared some with me...people who took time to care about her... her feelings... her emotions... to see her smile today has brought me much happiness... she is doing great because I know that God has her in His hands... she trusts Him... and she knows that she will be fine. I ask God to guard her heart... and He will.
I ended the day with this message from tonight's service...
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Thank you God for providing me with family, friends, and a faith to get through situations that I become upset about... My faithfulness to your word the past few months has allowed me to grow...I have grown... I know the importance of being in Your house, listening to Your words, and trying to live a life of example for my children have made me deal with this in a way that is pleasing to You. The tears will eventually dry up, the story will be old news, people will forget... but my hope is KB will always remember to deal with situations in a Godly way, to gain rest at night because of doing the right thing, and to trust that every cloud has a silver lining!
Thank you again for the birthday messages... the kind words... and most of all... the prayers... as KB left the house yesterday morning... I reminded her of the prayer Mama taught me when I was in the 5th grade...
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that nothing can happen to me that you and I together can't handle... Amen....
What a beautiful prayer that she may always remember to say in good times... and bad.
As of right now, my blog to KB yesterday has had 487 hits... a simple letter to a child who is hurting from a mother who wants her to survive disappointment by knowing that all things happen for a reason.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Today is my birthday... I didn't unwrap one present the entire day... but I have been given so much... I have read so many text messages and facebook messages lifting KB and me up in prayer...that no gift would have been able to touch my heart the way they have... I have always worried about expressing my faith for the public because I am such a sinner... I'm guilty every day by my thoughts, my actions, and my words. I would be the first to look at someone's blog and say, "Who does she think she is writing about God helping her... she does wrong every day!"... But today... I want to share my faith.
This morning was hard... it was hard to get up and know that I must go to church and smile... I'm so glad I didn't run from this situation... the old Britt would have been sick today... But God knew I needed to be in His house... to focus... and get back on track...As Dr. Harrell began his sermon... I knew it was just for me... I feel sure no one else got anything out of it... because I got so much! A story I have heard and read about many times was the topic. Luke 17: 11-19. The story of the ten men with leprosy... after being healed...only one came back praising God... he was considered a foreigner... My favorite of this passage is verse 19
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:19
That is so true... while it would have been much easier to let my tongue, my actions, and my thoughts control this situation, I find peace in knowing that my faith is making me well... and it is... there is a joy and closeness to God that I know is His plan... and His doing. It is through trials that we can show our truth faith or the devil's colors.... I hope and pray that KB will see that we get through this with our faith.
My devotion today was perfect for me...
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8
I have needed this so many times today.... messages of support and advice and stories of their own...each bringing sweet tears flowing... they reminded me that God would handle this... and He will... KB has been flooded with messages as well... she has shared some with me...people who took time to care about her... her feelings... her emotions... to see her smile today has brought me much happiness... she is doing great because I know that God has her in His hands... she trusts Him... and she knows that she will be fine. I ask God to guard her heart... and He will.
I ended the day with this message from tonight's service...
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Thank you God for providing me with family, friends, and a faith to get through situations that I become upset about... My faithfulness to your word the past few months has allowed me to grow...I have grown... I know the importance of being in Your house, listening to Your words, and trying to live a life of example for my children have made me deal with this in a way that is pleasing to You. The tears will eventually dry up, the story will be old news, people will forget... but my hope is KB will always remember to deal with situations in a Godly way, to gain rest at night because of doing the right thing, and to trust that every cloud has a silver lining!
Thank you again for the birthday messages... the kind words... and most of all... the prayers... as KB left the house yesterday morning... I reminded her of the prayer Mama taught me when I was in the 5th grade...
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that nothing can happen to me that you and I together can't handle... Amen....
What a beautiful prayer that she may always remember to say in good times... and bad.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Perspective...
What an emotional day it has been... Of all your accomplishments and achievements, I have to say your reaction to today's events have made me prouder of you in defeat than in winning... The last six hours I have learned just how mature you are... just how much you have listened to me... and just how strong-willed you are! I'm so proud of you in looking toward the future already!
Again, this blog is for you to know how much I love you... I want you to remember this day.... I want you to remember it for many reasons... I want you to remember that when things don't go the way you want them to go... those who love you will be there for you. The number of people who have cared... we can't thank them enough! The phone calls, text messages, hugs, chocolate, and even a letter are way more than either of us expected... No matter how many times we said this would happen, we could never imagine the hurt or disappointment of that first hour... I love how we stayed in your room all afternoon... how we just sat quietly and thought... how we relied on each other... you are so strong... you have been my glue in this situation. If we don't learn anything through this except we have each other...that is okay... but we learned a lot more than that...
Relying on God in this has helped us both... with the hurt, the disappointment, and the embarrassment we may want to feel... we know that it was nothing you could have done to make Him any prouder...He still loves you...and that is all that truly matters.
As I pondered what to write to you tonight... I think God knew that it was so hard for me... my phone buzzed for the 100th time with a message checking on us and this appeared... I couldn't have said it any better... and I won't even try! I love you baby girl... you have made it 14 years without disappointment in your life... this was the first... but won't be the last... keep your eyes on God and just like the letter says... change your perspective when situations don't go as you planned... You are going to survive! I'm really excited about your future... you are truly bouncing back!
Emmie- thank you for your words... lots of sweet, sweet messages today... but you hit the nail on the head! We love you! I pray often she will be like you...
Again, this blog is for you to know how much I love you... I want you to remember this day.... I want you to remember it for many reasons... I want you to remember that when things don't go the way you want them to go... those who love you will be there for you. The number of people who have cared... we can't thank them enough! The phone calls, text messages, hugs, chocolate, and even a letter are way more than either of us expected... No matter how many times we said this would happen, we could never imagine the hurt or disappointment of that first hour... I love how we stayed in your room all afternoon... how we just sat quietly and thought... how we relied on each other... you are so strong... you have been my glue in this situation. If we don't learn anything through this except we have each other...that is okay... but we learned a lot more than that...
Relying on God in this has helped us both... with the hurt, the disappointment, and the embarrassment we may want to feel... we know that it was nothing you could have done to make Him any prouder...He still loves you...and that is all that truly matters.
As I pondered what to write to you tonight... I think God knew that it was so hard for me... my phone buzzed for the 100th time with a message checking on us and this appeared... I couldn't have said it any better... and I won't even try! I love you baby girl... you have made it 14 years without disappointment in your life... this was the first... but won't be the last... keep your eyes on God and just like the letter says... change your perspective when situations don't go as you planned... You are going to survive! I'm really excited about your future... you are truly bouncing back!
My Sis....
I have said it before...many times... but I never in all my dreams thought that I would have a daughter who would play a sport... I have to admit... I didn't dream big enough...
It all started with a few people who are very special to us...
This picture above has three very important men in KB's life... My daddy is in the center... Mark's daddy is leaning on him... and J Mac is kneeling with just a jersey on...
And then this picture has Mark... holding trophy and Jefferson holding plaque (her first love)....
What I never really thought about until this year... It's in her blood... she has the genes, not mine, to play... Betty Carol played too, but I can't find a picture of her!
I am so proud of her... so proud she got out of the box I put her in... so proud she isn't afraid... so proud she has confidence to do things differently than what I dreamed...
I'm also proud of the friends she has made.... Yesterday... after two years of playing ball, we WON!!! The best part to me... wasn't the actual win... but at the end when her entire bench was yelling for them to give the ball to KB and let her shoot... she never made it, but I had tears in my eyes to see what a true team is... how those girls didn't worry about themselves individually... but they were pulling for the team to be successful... and giving of their points for this little girl to get a chance... thanks girls.... You are the BEST! I look forward to many more years of this!!!
These are few shots from yesterday... It was a great season... I'm so proud of you, Sis!!!
Sweet Jessica!
Thanks Christie... you brought out something I could have never done! God puts special people in our lives and our children's lives for that reason...
Love the hand slapping...
Defense!!!
Varsity and Junior Varsity.... eating at Soap Creek!
These two... it's in their genes... Go BIG RED!
It all started with a few people who are very special to us...
What I never really thought about until this year... It's in her blood... she has the genes, not mine, to play... Betty Carol played too, but I can't find a picture of her!
I am so proud of her... so proud she got out of the box I put her in... so proud she isn't afraid... so proud she has confidence to do things differently than what I dreamed...
I'm also proud of the friends she has made.... Yesterday... after two years of playing ball, we WON!!! The best part to me... wasn't the actual win... but at the end when her entire bench was yelling for them to give the ball to KB and let her shoot... she never made it, but I had tears in my eyes to see what a true team is... how those girls didn't worry about themselves individually... but they were pulling for the team to be successful... and giving of their points for this little girl to get a chance... thanks girls.... You are the BEST! I look forward to many more years of this!!!
These are few shots from yesterday... It was a great season... I'm so proud of you, Sis!!!
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