Thanksgiving 2015~ It's in the Books... and Christmas is around the corner...

All good things must come to an end... and Thanksgiving break is over.  KB and I headed to Nashville last Sunday through Wednesday for her 16th birthday trip.  We had lots of laughs, lots of food, and made lots of memories.  I'm in a funk right now about taking pictures... and I hate that... but I promise to do better!  She can look back at Facebook and see the laughs!

Thursday we ate lunch at Mama's, Friday we ate lunch at Mimi's, and Saturday everyone came to my house to watch the ballgames.  Today- I took a well-deserved nap between two church services and almost finished decorating.

Tonight~  my children are decorating a gingerbread house that their elves brought them last night... I love that they giggle when we talk about the elves... it's okay though... they know how much I love them!

And this is what Christmas is all about... love... I'm so glad we are at an age that they know when to act like they have sense.  All those hundreds of candies and they are trying so hard to make this elf house precious.  

*I'm just rambling about religion on this next part... maybe they will look back one day and know that I prayed for them every day and wanted big things for them! 

Today at church we looked at Matthew 1.  I have read Matthew several times, but as our preacher stated... we usually skip over the first verses.  It's all about genealogy.  Verses 2-16 are all names listed from Abraham to Jesus.  Jesus really is a miracle... but God knew it from the beginning.  Tripp also  pointed out that many of the people in the lineage were not good people.  I wrote in my Bible that saving grace isn't passed down because of your family name.  It's all about my decision... I can't make my children's decision for them, but living in a way that is pleasing to God and being a good example is a good way to start.  Life sure is easy when God is the only person you have to please. 

Tonight we looked at the birth of Jesus... it was a controversial situation~  we know we would be the same way with Mary... "yeah, right... you are a virgin and you are pregnant... shame on you"... Mary had faith... she believed and relied on God to get her through the situation.  We should all have that much faith.  This fall I read a great book called The Women of Christmas... it is fabulous.  I've been in the Christmas spirit since I opened it.  Mary went through a lot... so did Joseph for staying with her.  I think they are perfect examples of a man and a woman who stuck with each other through thick and thin... which brings me to the miraculous part of the story... the birth... no science can explain... prophets told of the story from the beginning of time... and it came true.  All the stories match up... while some are hard to believe, we only need to rely on our faith to understand and explain.  I can't fathom everything that happened long ago, but I do know the spirit living in me gives me a peace and comfort like no other.  I hate that it took so long to truly know this.  

I'm reading a book now called Lazarus Awakening, One part of the book talks about when God talks to us.  I'm not sure that I can ever say God has spoken where I heard a voice, but I do know that I have feelings that I think God leads me in directions to think about.  A few weeks ago, our pastor made a statement at the end of church.  He told us to pray for those people we weren't exactly excited about seeing at church the next week.  I kind of giggled, but each morning that week, I wrote down names of people in my journal who got on my nerves.  My list was from work,family, and church.  My list was extremely long, and I decided that if anyone ever got my journal I would tell them I just felt led to pray for them... but in reality, I looked at each of those names and found that I was holding bitter feelings toward them.  And it was only hurting me... I prayed for my heart to get over those feelings... and to smile... be nice... and find comfort in also praying for them each day.... it was fun by the end of the week!  I think God told me to do it... He knew I was struggling with that.  I had also been writing in my prayer journal about a work situation... one morning I was very specific with my prayer and the next day I got my answer as clear as I could.  The entire time the person was talking to me all I could think was~ "God... are you serious... you just answered me and I didn't even think you were listening... I was just whining... and you answered!"... 

I needed that little boost of energy from God... I'm being even more specific in my prayer requests to God now... and just like Mary was told in Luke 1:37~ For nothing is impossible with God!  So those children decorating elves in the kitchen without fighting, and the husband who has helped me decorate for Christmas this year, and the daddy who is getting better each day... I know that God hears me... I know that he loves me... and I know that this Christmas is going to be great!  My hope is that no matter what gifts are given, or what parties are held, or what food is prepared that each day of this season is filled with a thanksgiving for a little baby born who gives me a peace, comfort, and joy like nothing else in the world.  

Katie Britt and Ben~  I want you to love Christmas for the real reason... I want you to hear the story over and over each year... and I want you to find something new each year in that story.  It amazes me that at 44, I am still listening to the same story and finding new peace, comfort, and joy from it each day.  

What a Blessing it Was....Fields of Faith

I started this post last week and never finished... I'm glad now!  

Last Thursday night I was exhausted and had almost talked myself out of going to Fields of Faith.  I really wanted to, but I think the devil was telling me to just stay home...it was for students...not really adults.  Christie called and asked me to take pictures, so I decided I needed to go... and it was a blessing... to say the least.  The crowd of believers who showed up at our football field were shown the love of Christ and how important it is to lean on Him when you need it.

It warms my heart to see the age range and variety of people who love to come and hear a few verses of scripture, testimonies, and music.

We never know when our light will shine... this wasn't an event that was mandatory... it was those who truly wanted to come and be blessed.

Parents, students, faculty, and Lincolnton / Washington citizens who wanted to see what "Fields of Faith" was all about.

It was also a special time for parents to be with their children... and watch them sing, pray, and hear their faith...

The praise band was made of sweet, sweet boys!  I love that they don't think that it is weird to sing for Jesus... to love Him... and to use their musical talents to touch others.

This one here did a great job!  He gets his musical talent honestly!

Coach Campbell came out for the event too.  It was a special night for many reasons, but he was kind to come hear one of his fellow coaches give his testimony.

Our emcee of the night... I would let her come and live with me.  She is sweet, kind, and smart...all packaged into one!

His story was perfect... of Peter having to trust in Jesus to walk on the water.  I'm sure at 15 this child knows more than I'll ever know... but his smarts include the knowledge of Jesus Christ... and that is the most important message that can ever be given.  His honesty, his message of us all going through storms, and his truth that all we have to do is stick our hand out~ like Peter~ and Jesus will save us is worth more than ever knowing those physics formulas!

The man of the night... Coach Ellis... I was introduced to him at my house.  He and Daddy were the best of friends.  They played golf together, they went to Georgia games together, and more than once... they would sit in our den and watch movies.  He was a part of our family.  As I grew older I had him as a PE teacher.  He would listen to our problems, solve our problems, and he helped us through those middle school years of being crazy!

I loved her message too.  She talked about being so busy... and yes, we are... but we have to rely on God to take us out of that whirlwind and pull us through whatever we are planning!  It's His plan... not ours.

I love this boy!  He is funny, kind, and was so openly honest with his message.  Keep following the Lord, young one.... you will go far!

Part of "Fields of Faith" is to have student athletes speak.  This young man talked about all the trials he has been through and his main message was to "just pray"... and he is so right.  Ask God for anything and it can be done.  As he walked off the field last night, I wanted to give him a big hug... he has played a fine game of football for LC this year... he should hold his head up!

Coach Ellis gave the main message and brought me to tears many times.  I never knew his story, but I knew he was special.  I think the most important statement of the night was when he discussed being a part of 13 state championship games and winning 9 of them... he said the joy of those winnings can't even touch that of seeing young men come to know the "Lawd"!  And that... is why I love this man so much.  He doesn't yell at our football players, he doesn't call them names, he doesn't yank them around... He uses his kind voice, He lets the Light of Jesus shine through him as he teaches and models to these young men how to act, how to play, and how to win and lose.  He is a true blessing to our program.  I watched as every player and coach looked to him last night and he kindly spoke to them during a difficult situation.  My prayer is that he will still be here to coach when Ben steps on that field.  I find comfort in knowing that if Ben never plays a down of football, he will have a Godly man standing on the sidelines to be a role model and mentor... and to be a part a team with him coaching will be all he will ever need...  Thank you Coach Ellis for your heart...

Sweet, sweet boy.... I know this morning is hard for you.  You remember the message of last Thursday night... you remember that no one blames you.... football is a team sport and win or lose... we should do that as a team.  You are a phenomenal athlete... and while last night didn't go in our favor... the town of Lincolnton loves you... you take this storm... and hold out your hand... Jesus will help you through it!  I appreciate your character... your love of Jesus... and I'm proud to say that I would love my little boy to be just like you one day....

To end the night, the band played as the audience came onto the field...

Thanks to all those who came to make the Fields of Faith a success...

I'm so glad I decided to get off the couch and go... It was a special night... I can't wait to be there next year.

I lied today....

So this picture was taken when he was 16 months old... and she was 6.... it's been nine years... but I remember that day like it was yesterday.  We were making a picture for the football program in Lincolnton... and we didn't live in Lincolnton.  Ben was being Ben and didn't want his picture taken... those curls are killing me... those feet I could eat up... and those blue eyes make my heart smile... If you know to look for it... he has a goldfish in his mouth.... it was the only way to keep him still.... but today... this post isn't about him... it's about her... and a lie.... This week I told her I wanted to get a picture of her and Ben together with the cheerleading uniform/football jersey on.... so I could have a picture of both of them in their outfits... and do a remake of this picture above... it sounded like a good lie... and it was....

Well... part of it was true... I did want a remake of the picture... it isn't very good, but it wasn't really my focus... so I just faked it and told them that was good... and let's do a few more...

The reason... because I want to capture this moment in time and remember it in detail... and I want this for KB to always have to look at... to know how I feel right now... and to tell her how proud I am of her!  She is so excited about life right now... and especially that Monday... on her day off from school... she will be checking something off her list of yucks in life! 

 These were just some candids we did while waiting on Casanova to get his shirt tucked in... his hair smoothed... and his socks off... May you always smile like you are smiling in this picture!

 And this is my girl.... a beauty to me on the outside... but sweeter on the inside... for many reasons...

 she asked me last week in the car about getting her a devotional book... Really?  When I was fifteen... I thought I had done enough because I went to church on Sundays... I love that when I walk in her room her Bible is open... I love to hear her music in the mornings... she isn't anything like me... and that's good...

 But the real reason... the reason I needed to capture this moment... is that when she looks back at the pictures here...and sees the pimples... the braces... the stick straight hair... I want her to know that one day those things will be gone...and she will still be beautiful...

 She's so excited that the braces are coming off Monday... and I wanted a picture of her with them on... one last time... it's amazing how much she has changed in the last few years... it brings tears to my eyes... this moment of her life is going away... no more braces! 

 And this throw away dog... that she loves... and Chevy loves her... I hope you treat those patients of yours one day the exact same way... I hope you will always see the good in bad people... like you have done with this dog... and say, "Mom... she can't help it!"....

 And then he came back... so devilish... and looking so big... I'm so glad to have you both... and that I can enjoy life with both of you right now!  I was a little sad that I didn't get a Fall Break because I had to work... but lazy Friday afternoons, Michelle's Pizza, Ice Cream Parlor, Netflix, Playstation, and blogging... we are as content as can be... just waiting on Daddy to land from California so I can sleep tonight!  Thanks for being appreciative children of doing absolutely nothing but sitting here with me...

 I think you both have potential to be devils... you both make me laugh... even when I want to hurt you! 

 And goofing off is your favorite... even when I want you to be serious...

 I love your smiles... your hearts... and your sweetness... My heart was so happy this week as we walked out of Ben's game... in midstream of conversation, Ben just yelled across the parking lot at one of his teammates and told him he played a good game... I'm not sure the little fellow even played a lot... but he smiled when Ben spoke to him... wouldn't it be nice to hear a kind word every day from someone?  I need to follow my children's example... they teach me every...single...day....

 

 When you tell him to sit up... he looks corny... Let me stop and say that I hope this isn't a downhill road from here that he is going to start acting like Mark in pictures! 

 LC~ Represent~  Sweet babies! 

 Here's that fake smile again... but I love him! 

 And then the sillies again...

 And the one where let's be stupid so Mama will get frustrated with us! 

Sis and Boo.... wow... you sure have grown in the last nine years.  10th grade and 5th grade... can you just stay little forever... just the age you are now... no matter how sassy, or hateful, or even rude you can be.... I see so many good things in you right now!  I'm being selfish, but I wish I could get that life remote and put it on pause right now!  So, yeah, I wanted to remake the picture from when you were little... but I really wanted to have one last photo session with those braces on!  Love, Mama

~Trouble~with that capital T

*One of those posts that I'm not proud of, but I want Ben to remember... to look back one day and think about this as a learning experience.  

Dear Boo~ 
I knew this day was coming... the day that my heart would break because you got in trouble at school.  I get calls from the school all the time, so I was not prepared, or afraid, or scared when I got a message to call.  I can't imagine what parents feel like when they know they are calling for something bad... I guess it's a normal thing for me... but when I began to hear the story I was mixed with emotions.  Thank goodness I had Butch and Jane in the car with me!  One of them for you saying you would never do anything like that, the other saying you did it without a doubt....It left me in silence!  I wanted to strangle you for doing something that you know better than to do... I wanted to cut you for scaring the lights out of another child... and I wanted to cry for you not telling the truth.  Yesterday afternoon was a hard one for you... you were stripped of life... no PlayStation, no football, no phone, no "nothing".... and it was much harder on me than I think it was on you.  As sweet and innocent as you looked writing letters of apology to everyone involved, I still was so mad that I couldn't even talk to you.... and embarrassed...and just hurt. 
Your record of being good in school ended yesterday... but your daddy and I both warned you!  Like a lot of parents, I thought about blaming everyone but you, but I knew... I knew in my heart that you did it.  What good does it do to blame anyone else?  None... As I told you... I speed most of the time... and one day it will be my turn to get caught!  You got caught! 
This morning I spent a lot of my devotional time praying for my heart... to get over the embarrassment of my child misbehaving, the hurt of you not being honest, and the disappointment of your behavior.  I asked God to show me quickly the good that would come from this.  I know children all over have done so many things worse than you, I know parents have been disappointed in their children's decisions, and I know that life goes on.... this will pass and things will get better.  I prayed for you to learn a lesson, to never put yourself in a situation that you have to lie, and to be mature enough to put yourself in the shoes of others before you do and say things.  In all honesty, I know you didn't mean for your actions to come out the way they did... but they did.  So.... you have to suffer the consequences! 
Your punishments are involving every aspect of your life.... personal and school.  I don't want to go through this again...so maybe if we are hard on you... you will think before you do something else!  In addition to having to write letters apologizing, your hardest moment was knowing you had to tell your football coach what you had done.  I'm proud of you for being a "man" and doing that.  I'm proud that you haven't asked for your PlayStation, phone, or a friend.  I'm proud that you helped me clean the house this afternoon and never once complained.  I'm proud you are almost finished reading your book.  I'm proud that you know better...and you admit it!
God has shown me how to treat you... I disappoint him, I hurt him, and I'm sure that he would like to "cut" me daily.... and for that reason.... I'm much better tonight.   If he can forgive me for disappointing him... I have to forgive you.  It's getting easier now... I've even been able to laugh about it now that you have told your real side of the story.  Not that it makes it any better, but I feel sure that your sister will be trying a new trick in the bathroom at the high school tomorrow... and I'm not going to be one bit surprised when the elementary school calls me again and says you have specials detention in the office.  At supper tonight, you were kind enough to inform us all that you actually enjoyed sitting in the office and would love to go back again.  You enjoyed being in the know of everything going on in the school.  I think it's quite sad that I'm in negotiations trying to reward you now with a visit to sit for awhile in the office if you can behave for the next few weeks... Dear God... you have a funny way of getting points across. 
So... this is the first "big" trouble you have been in... I know it won't be the last.... and one day I'll look back at this post and wish that the only thing you had done was this.  Finally, I love you... no matter what you do... you are my baby boy... no matter how mean, and scary, and silly you can be.  I hope you know that I love you with all my heart... I want you to be perfect...and I want you to know that when you make a bad decision... fess up... tell the truth... be honest! So I'm going to hold my head high... and hope you learned a lesson... and try my best to smile even though my heart hurts when I think about it. 

I love you, Boo!

Mama~

Labor Day 2015

Nineteen years ago, Mark and I were introduced to a couple who had just moved to Greenville.  It's amazing how much they mean to us today!  If anything ever happens to me... Kathryn knows to come to my house and clean it before anyone is to enter!  We have been friends for so long that going to visit them is like going to my Mama's house... we rearrange furniture to suit our needs, we eat what we want, and one of us likes the beach... and one the pool.... but it's okay!  We snack all day.... we love a dip... and we love a good restaurant.  This weekend was a much needed getaway! 

 I took this picture as I was coming on the island at the tollbooth... we have many stories that we could tell about how Mark doesn't do well at these, but I like to think of this booth as entering a small piece of heaven... going on island time means sleeping when I want, eating everything in sight, and doing only the necessary things to function in life!  I love when Kathryn invites us to come see them! 

 Someone has had a rough week!  She was supposed to be going to the beach with a friend, but she called me Thursday afternoon in a panic.  What I thought was going to be a small procedure turned into a big ordeal... I had to go to a conference in Perry, and I got a call from Sis telling me that she couldn't be near the sand, or get in the ocean, and she had to soak her feet twice a day.... she was so upset!  If I had known that... I would have taken her! 

 She decided she better stay with her mama and let me take care of her.... how much fun can you have at the beach when your feet look like this?  Bless her heart...

Mark sent me this picture as they were driving to meet me... with First beach trip she is driving to... won't be long she will be going by herself and staying at the Dolphin... Michael Cartledge and I did it... But we were saints and model members of society.  I'm going to let SisandBoo figure out who is telling a lie here... So... I guess the good in this little procedure is Sis got ice cream all weekend... and she got to drive to the beach! 



Friday night we headed to a little dive... that was DELICIOUS!    I was happy to be reunited with my family.  We have been apart for almost two weeks... back to back conferences that I had to be out of town for.... Ben had a haircut while I was gone, Sis got her toes fixed, and Mark survived two weeks without me at home! 

 Saturday morning after our breakfast, we headed to the beach and the pool... I came back in time for the Clemson game... and a few appetizers... okay... a lot of appetizers!  Football Saturdays are the best!  Free eating! 

 We were so busy.... and you can tell Stan and KB were tired! 

 Bless her... she has had a rough start to school... hard classes... late night studying... cheer practice that stresses her out to tears some days.... and then her feet being out of commission... but she sure was sleeping good!  My favorite was Saturday night when Kathryn said she was going to take her bath.  I said I was going to bed... KB said,"Mama, Kathryn is coming back when she gets out!".... in other words... don't go to bed yet... that's rude.  I quickly told her that I knew Kathryn well enough to know that she was done for the night... and we wouldn't see her anymore!  KB also looked a little surprised when I told Stan I was ready for my nap!  She completely understands me.... and I love that about her and Mike... they let us do exactly what we want! 

 Someone (named Mark) got the bright idea Saturday afternoon that a banana pudding would be delicious... well... Mike couldn't get up out of the chair fast enough to go get the ingredients!  We all had some, and then after supper at Red Fish we had another helping!  We played Big Brother to see where we would eat!  My place didn't win.... and I can't even remember what it was now!  Must not have been important! 

 Ben loved the banana pudding... I'm thinking I should ask for the recipe, but then again... I think I will just let him think that Kathryn is the only one who knows how to make it!  Ben and Ellie spent their weekend in the pool...and on Minecraft.... they were speaking a foreign language to me!  Not a cross word between them... I hope they will always know that the four adults sitting with them this weekend will always take care of them no matter what! 

 Mimi sent us a message that said she needed to see us!  We sent her this picture!  We shopped a little at the outlets... or a lot... depending on if you are Mark or me.... We left this morning thinking we would be home  by lunch... but those new outlets in Savannah were calling our name... Toe surgery girl had to have a few new things for the fall... and of course, Boo had to have a new Clemson shirt.  I love these little trips to HHI.  When I grow old, I hope it's on that island that has so many sweet, precious memories!  Summer is over... I'm weigh a lot more than I did this time two weeks ago... and I am depressed that I can't go back to HHI until April... but I'm going to focus on the positive.... football is in the air...and my children are nestled and snug in their beds under our roof.  I'm not sure I say thank you enough to God for giving me great friends, sweet children, and complete satisfaction with the small things in life.  But... thank you God... I'm beyond blessed, and I know how lucky I am! 

Last night we went back to Marley's... our favorite little ice cream spot... not necessarily for the ice cream, but for the outside games!  Sometimes it makes my heart hurt to see how big she has gotten, but she is always willing to sit in my lap and give a hug!  Sis- You look precious in your glasses... someone is inevitably going to call you a nerd... and that's okay... I do it all the time!  But you are my beautiful nerd... who needs a little help seeing!  I think you look just like Emmie...and as long as you continue to act like her... I'm good!  Wear those glasses with pride!  Your late night reading since you were four with "Do you like my hat?" and "Up, up and away" probably caused a little stress on your eyes!  But... it's okay!  You make me smile!  Thanks for wanting to take this picture... next time... let's make my legs a little skinnier... Find the ap!  

Love, 

Mama  

Writing in the Margins is okay... and a little football... and a free book!

This blog is written in mixed up order of the title:

So.... there was a football game last night... and even though it's been 27 years since I had on a cheerleading outfit, I was just as excited as those girls last night!  It's just something about seeing the red and white, the fans all pepped up, and the Red Devils dominating the field that sends chills over me.  I think the best part about my night was realizing that I wouldn't rather be any place in the world... my entire family sitting and enjoying what we love best... to beat Washington.

I didn't think I got a picture of Thomas and his you know what last night... but I did!  He told me  he wasn't sure he liked me taking pictures of that! 

 Our boys were really fired up last night! 

 The cheerleaders about to take the field.  They looked good too... and I'm a very honest person... I would say if they didn't! 

 There's my Sis! 

 Baby Thom warming up... he played Thursday in the JV game... but I missed him from being in Athens this week.... more on that later! 

 I love that KB had no idea how to do any of this a few months ago... and now she is doing things that I never dreamed of...

 Holding for the kicker... got that part he doesn't want me to show again! 

 Hunka Jim and I Will Cut You in the same picture!  Love them both! 

 Getting ready for the National Anthem...

 A little devil posing for the man from Augusta Chronicle who looks just like Marcus Spratlin to me! 

 Here come the Devils... for the first time in a few years, I wasn't nervous.... I had a feeling we were going to win... I think someone said we would lose by 10... not last night..... I don't like to talk ugly about other teams (well... not in public).... but their personal fouls helped us so much.  Don't take cheap shots... especially not right in front of the referees! 

 #truth.... we shut them down! 

 Love this picture!

And a little prayer before the game never hurt anyone! 


If you just want football talk... stop here... 







For almost a year, I have been reading different books in the morning to go along with my devotional.  It's true that the more you learn.... you realize the less you know.  Every few months I go on Amazon and look for books that I think would be good for me to gain more knowledge about the Bible.  A few months ago this one came up, and I think it was written just for me.  I love it.

I love to write... and doodle... and take notes.  It's true... I'm an engaged learner... If you don't have my attention... I don't learn anything.  I often take notes in church... in my Bible... and on anything I can find to write...

I already did many things this book suggested through the Bible Study, but I learned so many things that I'm sure someone else might read and think... Where in the world did that come from?

The book is about margins... and how important they are.  Writing in the margins is like having a conversation with God... writing your thoughts, your fears, your happiness... anything you want that connects you vertically with God... One story in the book is about a man who died of cancer... his family picked up his Bible and gave it to the pastor to see if anything he had been writing in it could be used at his funeral... it was filled with wonderful conversations with God... his children's names... and special events in his life.  How wonderful is that?  I have no doubt that death of any of my family members is going to be hard.  But somehow... I think I would find comfort in seeing their thoughts on a page... but more importantly, I want my children to pick up my Bible one day and say, "Wow, Mama is in Heaven... and there is no doubt... look at how much she prayed for us, look at how much she worried about us, and look at how much she relied on her Bible to get through tough times, and look at how many times she wrote about knowing that Jesus was the answer to anything that was wrong or right."  Some may think of it as a diary, but it isn't... it's your fears right there by God's words that let everyone know you rely on Him. 

Many people have made the comment that writing in the Bible is not good... I always felt that until a few years ago when I just thought I needed to make comments about what the preacher said so I wouldn't forget the great points.  One of the sayings in this book is a "Dirty Bible, Clean Heart".... in my words I wrote.... "Mess up your Bible to clean up your heart"....

Another point from the book that I find eye-opening was the verse from Leviticus 23:22- When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  Leave them for the poor and the alien.  I am the Lord your God.  

Leaving room for things to happen in the edges of your life (your margins) is important.  A few years ago, I had to have a plan for every minute of every day.  I would plan weeks in advance and always have something to look forward to when I was doodling on paper!  I'm not sure when I decided that it was okay not to have plan... to sit at home sometimes with just the four of us... to eat at home.... and to watch television together.  We probably don't watch the best shows we should, but we do get a few giggles out of many things we enjoy doing as a family.  I'm so glad that I can now take this verse and put it to even better use.  If you fill your time, If I fill my time, with something every single minute of the day... I leave no room for others to benefit... I love sitting down with friends and talking about what I'm reading... I love telling them about what I find each morning in my Bible... and I love getting private messages on Facebook telling me how much someone loves to read my blog.  I falter... every single day.... but I still get up the next morning and ask for forgiveness... and try to remember throughout the day that I should do better.  I think my biggest problem is my tongue... I could say "I can't help it"... but I can... I should wear earplugs every day... that would help a lot... throughout this Bible study... I have written in my journal "Keep your mouth shut!".

This Bible study was in parallel to me reading Proverbs this month... I read a chapter a day that goes along with the day of the month... throughout my reading of Proverbs this month....I have written over and over... "discipline children"... and "be careful what you go around".... It's so easy to slip... it's so easy to go back to old ways... it's so easy to cave into peer pressure... yes, at 44 there is still peer pressure... "I want to do what they are doing, I want to go where they are going, I want to have the best pictures on Facebook that make everyone jealous, I want to buy everything I see, I want to eat everything in sight, I want, I want, I want".... but at night... when I go to bed... none of that gives happiness and joy.  I've learned that over the past few years....

I'm finished with my Writing in the Margins book for now.  I'd love to loan it to someone else who might be struggling and need a little time with Jesus... I have a few notes written in it, but not many... I wrote my notes in my journal.  I'd like to have it back though... for one day... I hope that KB and Ben both read it... and then pick up my Bible and see the notes... the notes I have about them in my Bible... and know why I write what I write! 

Finally, I got the best compliment yesterday morning... I have been in Athens all week at a conference.  As I was talking to Mark, he told me that he wanted me to know that if anything happened to me... he was going to get Rachel or Amanda to come and live with him.  It was too much work to get both children where they needed to be... he didn't know if he should let KB go where she wanted to go... he had to make sure a volcano was built and would erupt... he had to take cookies to KB at school... etc, etc, etc.... I told him I knew what hard work it was... and I hated to break it to him, but I was going to be traveling this coming week too for three nights... He immediately responded with "I'm traveling too"... I asked him where... and he said, "I don't know yet, but I can't do this again... it wears me out!".... I love it... and him... for being a good daddy and trying!  When I got home, I asked him if he could understand why on the nights he is traveling and calls me... I am not all into sitting down and chatting for thirty minutes about his day... there isn't time... there is too much to do.  I don't know how single parents make it!  My hat's off to you!