Not-another-thing-to-remember

The heavens declare You are God and the mountains rejoice!

2008-01-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

There's a particular Christian song that I absolutely love to sing and I often wonder what it must look like for the mountains to rejoice, but then I see something like this and think to myself, "they look as if they are rejoicing!" The chorus says:

The heavens declare You are God
And the mountains rejoice
The oceans cry "Alleluia"
As we worship You Lord
For this is our song of love.

I miss singing this song with my dear friends from our praise team at our former church, but I also love where God has brought us. There's just nothing quite like this in Texas! On Sunday afternoon, after walking outside of the chapel to a gorgeous day, the kids and I went sightseeing and played in the snow. These are some of the pictures we took while out enjoying God's magnificent creation.

It's a NEW year!

2008-01-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

...and with it comes new opportunities, new adventures, new friends, new challenges, new _____________(you fill in the blank)! I'm still thinking it should be 2007, that it doesn't seem possible that 365 days flew by. It made its mark on my life, but I still can't believe its gone! The biggest/most challenging (yet rewarding) changes would be that my husband became a Chaplain in the Army after being pastor for seven years of a church we helped start, moving far away from friends and family, and our son joined the Air Force. Most of my journaling on those topics can be found at www.militarychaplainswife.blogspot.com. I'm not sure what 2008 holds in store for me and my family, but I look forward to whatever the Lord wills. I know there will be change and times when life seems difficult...because that's just the way life is...but I still live in anticipation of a new year and all that it has to offer.

I give God praise for all that He has done in our lives in 2007. I could never have imagined it would turn out the way it did, but as I flipped the calendar on January 1st I quickly looked back over 2007 and felt blessed. God has been good! He IS good...all the time!

Wow!

2007-11-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's the strangest thing to go back and read about the beginning of the journey we are on now. It's not always easy, but I never doubt that this is what the Lord's will is for our lives. I'm grateful the Lord has brought us here. Why? Because He has a plan and a purpose and that's what matters most. I haven't journaled here in a long, long time. It's fun to go back and read old journal entries. It did my heart good to read some of the things I had written so long ago.

Postings HERE are few and far between!

2007-07-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

I don't really post here very often anymore. I guess because most of what I am about these days seems to have a lot to do with where the Lord is taking us and falls more under my blog: militarychaplainswife.blogspot.com. I don't want to forsake the other things that happen in my life, but I see how so much of what is happening, and has been for months now, is to prepare me for the years ahead.

A few Sundays before Kevin left for training, a friend at church said it really hit her one day about the reason God must have given us twins. These two boys will always have each other no matter where we go. They've always been best of friends. Isn't it awesome to take a look back and think about the many ways God works to take care of his children, to prepare us for what he desires for our lives?

If you stumble upon this blog, just know it may be a while before I post on this site...but feel free to check out the other. I'm usually posting on that one!

All grown up!

2007-05-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today we had a wonderful graduation party for our daughter. She will walk across the stage tomorrow, even though she actually completed high school early and has been in college. I am so proud of her and the wonderful young lady she has become. I feel very blessed to be her mom!

How do you see God?

2007-05-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

This precious little girl standing in front of my husband at his commissioning service, giving him a card, thinks he is God. Her mother used to tell me what she would say, but then we started to hear it for ourselves. She's never been able to convince her otherwise...

Here's a few of the things she has said that keep us all laughing...it's so cute!

One Sunday she and her mom were walking past "Pastor Kevin" (that's what she keeps telling her daughter) when she told her mom she was going to say hi to God. My husband, not hearing her say that, asked her, "How are you this morning, little girl?" (as he patted her on the head). She ran back to her mom and said, "God talked to me!"

A week or so later I was walking by, with my husband a few steps behind me, and heard her tell her mom she was going to say hi to God. I just giggled and watched as her eyes brightened as she approached him. This time we filled my husband in on the news that she thought he was God, to which he replied, with a laugh, "I wondered why she always looks up at me that way!"

Still, no matter how much anyone tries to tell her he's not God it doesn't work.

A few weeks ago, her older sister came back in after church had dismissed and wanted to know more about what it meant to be a Christian and asked Jesus into her heart. I was out in the hall packing away some things when someone asked her where her older sister was. To which she replied, "Talking to God!" It was so matter of fact...

Knowing we are leaving soon, the mom has tried so hard to help her understand that he is not God and a new pastor will be coming in soon. All of us hope she will soon understand so she doesn't think God is leaving her...what a terrible thing that would be!!

Last story I have. This Sunday she saw my husband, Army uniform and all, and asked him "How did you get here?" He replied, "in my truck!" With her eyes as wide as could be and an expression that would melt your heart, she replied, "YOU have a truck?"

She is so cute and I only wish you could see her face in this picture. As you can see, she melts his heart!

Way to go, Karl!

2007-05-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my son passed his physical entry test into pararescue. Now all we are waiting on is the MEPS eye doctor to get back and look at his eye and, hopefully, he will be accepted into the Air Force on June 7. He's so excited and training hard every day. As his mom, it's exciting to see the determination he has. I know he will be a great soldier and make our country proud!

He and his dad are training together every day. It makes me smile and cry all at the same time. They are great, godly men and I just can't help but think about all the people they will impact in the years to come. Though it makes me extremely sad to be losing them in some sense (now I have to share them a little more), I am happy to see God at work in all our lives. He's sending us on a great adventure for HIM and HIS glory. How can I argue with that?!

This is a picture of my husband (middle), his brother (left) and Karl (right).

It was taken at our farewell party last week.

Treasured Moments

2007-05-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here with my oldest son's head on my shoulder. I love that he's never been too old to love on his mom. Yesterday we were at my in laws and we were relaxing on the back porch when he crawled up in my chair and laid his head down on me and just sat there for about 30 minutes. I cherish those moments...especially now that I know it can't be that way forever. He's my first-born and I've loved every minute of the last nineteen years of raising him. I couldn't feel more blessed that God chose me to raise him!

In just a few short months he will serving in the Air Force. I'm so proud of him! I know this is something he feels very strongly that the Lord would have him do with his life and I admire him for making the choice to follow wherever the Lord leads. His home-made card to me thanked me for supporting him and all I could think was no, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to love on and support you. He's such an awesome young man and I don't for one moment take for granted the relationship I have with him.

I will miss him more than words could ever express!

Karl, thank you for being such a wonderful son. For being such a joy to raise! You make me so proud and I love you more than you will ever know! I know you will have a HUGE impact on those you come into contact with in the military. Thank you for being a willing instrument to be used in God's hands. I pray He will guard your life and bring you joy and happiness in your new adventure.

Go to my new Blog

2007-05-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

www.militarychaplainswife.blogspot.com. I posted this morning!

Too much going on to write...

2007-05-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

When I think about writing there is just too much to write about and my mind is mush! So, I'm sorry, but I won't be writing much today either. My daughter told me I need to be writing more, but I think it will just have to wait. I'd like to create a new blog soon to journal more on the new experience of being a chaplain's wife so once I get to that I will get the word out.

UPDATE on "A special bond"

2007-04-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Praise God! Today my twins came home both having received Commended Performance on their taks tests!!!! If you read the first story you'll know why it means so much to us!

Praying for my oldest son

2007-04-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

My oldest son has decided to go in to the Air Force. He would really like to be a Pararescueman, and is taking it very seriously. He has already begun to train even though it may be months away from testing. I've never seen him so determined and excited, and, because of that, I will support him 100%.

Sure, it's never easy to let our children go, but knowing this is what he really feels he's supposed to do with his life makes me feel good. In fact, I'm completely at peace about it...something I never imagined I would be. I'm very close to my kids and though I hate the day is coming soon where we will live far apart, I'm so happy they are happy.

Because he will have to perform so many difficult tasks that have to do with swimming, I've made it my goal to get up early in the morning before work and go swim and pray for him as I'm swimming. I love the fact that we can communicate with the Lord even while exercising. It really makes me pray very specifically for him and his endurance as I'm struggling to swim harder and faster than my body wants to go.

I'm so proud of you, son. Keep up the good work and the tough training!

2007-04-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

It's a little after 1:00 in the morning and I'm sitting outside by the fire at my parent's house on the lake. I'm here because my mom is having a ladies retreat this weekend. Tonight was really good and I've been very blessed by being here. It feels good. I was so worn out that I almost didn't come, but I'm so glad I did.

After everyone went to bed I felt drawn out here to sit and pray and think, and later on went in to get my computer to sit and write out my thoughts.

This is a very different time in my life. It's exciting, scary, emotional, tiring...all sorts of things...but one thing I keep hearing over and over is "Do you have faith in me even in the tough things...are you going to trust me?" And I respond, "yes, Lord!" I truly do trust him - I just wonder what it is all going to look like! In 6 months what is my life going to look like? What's it going to be like for our children that we are leaving behind in college? We are so close and I just can't imagine not having them close by! Lord, this is going to be tough. I know it! But, I TRUST YOU.

Over and over again I think about these things.

Tonight we talked about laying down idols; anything that could take the place of God in our lives. I don't want anything to do that. I want to be in the center of God's will and following His plans for my life. I want to trust him and allow him to be in control of my life. More than anything I want God to be number one...to hold that special place in my heart, and to love Him like nothing else. Sometimes that's hard!

It's hard when I feel like I might be abandoning my kids...
It's hard when I don't know what it's going to look like...
It's hard when I feel scared...
It's hard when I feel sad that I am moving so far away...

BUT...

I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength! He is my God, my King, my Savior, my everything, and, even though I don't know where this path is going to take us and what the future holds. I am going to trust Him and not make any idols for myself...not my husband or kids or anything. I want the Lord to have first place in my life and I will let Him lead.

You two make me...

2007-04-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Smile!Proud to be your mom!

Laugh!

Miss you!

And wish I would have been on this crazy road trip with you!

Will you respond like the soldier?

2007-04-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:33-39)

My prayer today is that anyone who has not believed in Jesus, who doesn't understand that He is the Son of God, would realize that he truly is and place their faith in Him.

Jesus, thank you for dieing on the cross for our sins, for giving your life so that I can experience eternal life. I look forward to the day when I will see you face to face. My life is forever changed because of your love - the love that took you to the cross when you didn't deserve it.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believe in Him is not condemned...
(John 3:16-18a)

Chaplain Burton's Wife

2007-04-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today Kevin was officially sworn in to the United States Army. (On May 20th there will also be a commissioning service and swearing in at our church.) I thought it was so sweet when he called to ask me if I was certain I was willing to do this. He said he just wanted to be sure I hadn't changed my mind because there was no turning back once he was sworn in. How could I change my mind? It wasn't my will to change! I will follow you to the ends of the earth, my love! You follow the Father wherever He leads and I'll be there right by your side!

Last night we were watching a war movie, and I've gotten to the point where it's a little difficult to watch them because I know one day he very likely will be in a similar situation and I just can't wrap my mind around it. Then I think about all the soldiers who need to know Jesus, or need encouragement as they walk this path of faith, and I allow my own feelings to take a back seat. This new journey is so NOT about ME, or even Kevin for that matter...it IS so about GOD and what HE wants for our lives.

Almost every day I wonder what this new life will look like...what will it be like to be a Chaplain's wife. I pray God fills my heart and mind with dreams and plans that bring glory to His name. I pray for wisdom and strength to be the wife and mother He called me to be. I know it will look a bit different then it does right now. I work a full-time job, apart from my ministries at the church, and my husband has taken on a lot of responsibilities here at home for the last three years, but I know being there for my boys will be very important in the months and years to come so I am asking God to show me more of His will and prepare me for what lies ahead. I have visions of ministering to other women and children who are in the same boat. I pray for opportunities to continue to use the gifts God has given me or for Him to replace those passions with others. Whatever He desires for my life...

God, whatever you desire for my life I'm willing to do. You are my Rock and my Provider and I trust You with my husband, children and my own life. Thank you for leading us in a new direction. Thank you for filling our hearts with new dreams and the opportunity to serve You!

A special bond

2007-04-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Two little twin boys - one worried about his TAKS test tomorrow, the other wanting to see his twin brother succeed...

We were driving back from the store tonight when Darby and Dillon began to talk about the TAKS test being tomorrow. Darby shared his concerns, and Dillon talked about what a mess it would make of the summer for him if he didn't pass - thinking that would motivate him!

We got the groceries put away and I began to straighten up the house when I heard Dillon giving Darby tips and helping him to prepare for the TAKS. It was one of the sweetest expressions of love I've ever seen between the two of them! I was so proud of Dillon for wanting to help Darby succeed. They are more than brothers, they are friends! They have a special bond and I feel blessed to be their mom and watch them grow and mature.

God gives us so much more than we ever deserve, and I thank Him for the blessing of raising four beautiful, loving children. I couldn't go to sleep tonight without telling this story of these two special boys.

Bless them as they take their tests tomorrow, Lord. You are our strength and we give you all the glory!

Old Journal Entries

2007-03-23T20:50:00.003-07:00

9:00 AM Tuesday, October 17, 2006:

We're at a chaplain and wife's retreat. The BGCT invited us, even though we are just exploring what we feel the Lord is speaking to us. I have about three hours to myself while Kevin is being certified in a marriage counseling class, so I'm about to head out to this little pond that has a gazebo in the middle of it and spend time with the Lord. It's so peaceful and sits just about 30 steps outside our hotel room.

We are having a really good time. We met a couple that is going into the army in January. They are really nice and it's been good to get to talk to others who feel the same type of calling on their lives. I can't help but wonder if we will end up on the same base some day...

Last night was totally a God-thing. The man who was going to speak didn't show up! It was so funny...he had it on his calendar for next Monday and Tuesday. After we all laughed about it for a good while, one of the men in charge said, "Well...does anyone have this burning desire to preach, or share what God has been doing in your life?" To which, one chaplain replied, "I just came back from Iraq and would love to share about that - I even have pictures!" I told Bobby, the one who has been working so closely with us, that it wasn't an accident that the preacher didn't show up - God had something else he wanted us to hear!

Before leaving for the worship service, I laid down on the bed in our hotel room and began to pray, asking the Lord to show us more of his plan, to lead and guide and reveal more of himself and his plan to us. As the man spoke and showed us pictures of how he ministered to the men in his camp, picture after picture of him sharing the gospel with them and baptizing them, and pictures of their chapel -which was an old train on the outside but benches full of men on the inside, and pictures of outside chapels in the middle of the night because that was the only time these men could have church, I was completely overwhelmed by God's still small voice that said so softly to me, "This is what it's all about."

Then other men shared of their experiences, one in which I will never forget. He told of a Muslim family (a mom and her daughter and her baby boy) that had been shot and how he was in the hospital ministering to people when this family came in. He said the mother couldn't hold the baby, who was fine, because she was injured, and the sister couldn't because she had been injured, but all he could think was he needed to pick up this crying baby. So, he motioned to the mom, asking her if he could pick him up, and she motioned back yes, so he walked around the hospital, bouncing the baby on his shoulder til he fell asleep, and then continued to minister to other people with this baby asleep on his shoulder. He said he just couldn't put him down. He said it hit him that here he was, an American, Christian chaplain, holding a baby from a Muslim family, wondering if one day that child would know that when he was a baby his family was injured in a war and an American, Christian chaplain picked him up and cared for him. We never know the impact we could be having on others - just by showing love to them...Christ's love which compels us to do things that we would never think about doing ourselves. Touching people in the midst of their pain...in ways that we cannot do if we aren't faithful to do whatever it is God calls us to do.

I am in awe of God's power this morning. I know that no matter what...if he calls us to go this route, or if he tells us to stay, we are going to be faithful to whatever HE leads us to do. I don't know what the future holds for us, but I am excited about the possibilities! We've seen growth at New Life, and we've experienced wonderful things with this body of believers, and whatever God's will is for us is okay. I felt God had begun to bend our hearts to this crazy idea, but I also told Kevin it's not about where we go or what we are doing because it's not about US, it's about HIM (God)! He agreed!

God is good and I just praise Him for this opportunity to experience Him in a new way this week.

4:30 PM Tuesday, Tuesday, October 17, 2006

God has a real sense of humor! When I was spending time with him, out at the pond this morning, I ended up in 2 Corinthians and I just laughed out loud when I read 2 Corinthians 5:13 where Paul said, "If we are out of our minds, it's for the sake of God..." I told Kevin later about it and said "I'm going to make that my motto for this whole adventure!" When someone doesn't understand why in the world we would do this, I can just reply with scripture!

Old Journal Entries (2)

2007-03-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

November 16, 2006:

God is good! Here's a few of the ways He worked in Kevin's life today:

1. When they measured Kevin, he said he stood as tall as he possibly could, and he measured one inch taller than he's ever been before, which made his max weight 205. When he got on the scales he weighed 201...which would have made him one pound over had he measured at exactly 6 ft...the same height he's been since high school.

2. He was concerned about his blood pressure being high, like it is every time he goes to the doctor since he gets anxious about it. He said this sweet little old lady was taking his blood pressure and the first time it was too high (so he told them all about how he's been tested a few times before and this always happens, and then when he relaxes it goes back down), so she came back in and asked him what he was going in to the military as, to which he replied, "a chaplain" and she said, "well honey, then just pray about it!" So, of course, he did...and the second time it was still a little high so she said, "well, we just won't count that one", and tried again...this time it was perfect!

3. His hearing has been bad for a long time, but today it was perfectly fine...a miracle for sure!

4. He was the only one in his room that passed...and all the other guys were 18 years old (but terribly unfit). He said there were two buses full of 17/18 year old boys that pulled up and he was standing in line talking to them, until they asked him what he was in for, and then they escorted him to another part of the room, that had nice chairs -- unlike the plastic chairs for the enlisted people, and to the front of the officer's line. He said that made him feel bad. I imagine many will appreciate that about him when in the field...not pulling rank.

He was encouraged by a guy that was there re-enlisting as an officer, who asked him what he was going back in for, and when Kevin replied he told him how much it always meant to all the guys when chaplains were with them in the field.

We are very excited, and looking forward to February, when he the board will decide whether to allow him in to the military! I knew God would perform miracles in Kevin's life today, and we are just praising Him for hearing our prayers, and for just being God and working out His will in our lives.

Life is changing...

2007-03-21T16:50:00.001-07:00

It's not every day that someone in their late 30's would tell you they are going in to the military, but that's exactly what my husband will be doing! After much prayer and seeking the Lord's will for our lives, my husband responded to the call to be a Chaplain in the United States Army. He will attending a three month Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course in South Carolina, and then we will move to Fort Lewis, Washington State. I think we are still a bit in shock that this is really happening!

Sunday was one of the hardest days of our lives as we informed our church, where he has been pastoring for almost seven years. It was very sad, but we knew God was with us and the love and support from our congregation was tremendous! We have a very loving fellowship and will miss them so much. We are ALL walking this path by faith and trusting God to work out His perfect will for all our lives.

Some days it doesn't seem real that we are packing up and selling our home, leaving our two college age kids, leaving our families, church, my friends at work and moving far, far away. ONLY God could get us to do that, trust me! So many thoughts and emotions flood my heart and mind. I often wonder what it will be like, then other times I am pinching myself to see if I am awake!

I am tired. We've been working hard to put our house up for sale. We put the sign in the yard last night so I guess it's official. We've worked late into the evening every night, but tonight we are taking a break since I'm taking the day off tomorrow to work on the house. My friends at work took it pretty hard, as do I when I think about leaving them. I thank the Lord that I want to cry when I think about it...some people would jump for joy to leave their company, but I count it a blessing that I have had such a wonderful experience working for an awesome company. I pray I can continue to work remotely in some capacity.

We feel very blessed to be serving the Lord in this capacity, and ask for your prayers as we step out in a new direction.

Please pray

2007-03-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours will be having a brain tumor removed on Thursday, and we are praying for the miraculous. On Wednesday they will do one more MRI to mark where they will go in and so forth. Pray with us that the tumor is GONE when they look. It would TRULY be a miracle. It's rather large and will be a very difficult surgery. Through research on the internet, he was convinced his symptoms were from a brain tumor. Praise God, the doctor listened (a little) and, to make him feel better, did a MRI and found it was truly a tumor. Several doctors said they wouldn't touch it, but the doctors at MD Anderson gave them hope.

We've already seen many answered prayers throughout the last few months. One being, we prayed the exact day they wanted the surgery to be on - March 8 - would be the date and God answered their prayers. We will be leaving on Wednesday to be there for the surgery on Thursday. I would appreciate if everyone who reads this would be in prayer for him every day this week. His name is Sean.

I am very close to his mom, dad and wife and ask that you pray for them as well as the time draws close. They are members of our church and we have been praying diligently about this, and already praise God for the answered prayers. I praise God for their strength and how the power of God is evident in their lives. It has touched everyone at our church, and allowed us to experience God in a new way. We are praying with all our hearts for God to heal him and, if he so chooses to use the doctors and carry them through a different route, we will still praise Him because His will is best. We pray for God to be glorified in Sean's life and those in his family this week.

Thank you for praying!

2007-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today, my husband and I have been married for 20 years. That's 7300 days. Wow! I still can't believe it's been that long. I thank the Lord for bringing us this far and pray there will be many, many more days to love on each other.

Today my husband needed to work, since we were gone a few days, so the twins and I have made this our day to spend time together. We've been painting for hours, and just enjoying our time talking and encouraging each other. They are both good little artists. I'm impressed! I'm painting a sunset by the beach, and made my husband a special glass box with beach sand and shells we picked up off the beach. I hope to finish the painting before he gets home, and hope it turns out nice.

Well, back to painting...maybe I'll post a picture later...

Random thoughts on South Padre

2007-02-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Sandy beaches with shells EVERYWHERE, picking up shells until the bag is full, searching for one that looks so different, doesn't have to be perfect, the prettiest ones have flaws, I love walking along the shore with the love of my life, I've dreamed of this, talking to the old people who seem to have done this for years, finding jellyfish, they look weird, hearing my husband talk about this wonderful creation from God makes me smile.

Eating great seafood in restaurants near the water, watching the sun go down from the window, watching people scramble to get a picture of it before it goes down, one family didn't make it because their little boy didn't want to, us not caring that we didn't get a picture but just happy to be there watching it.

Sea turtles, hurt, being cared for, something interesting about them, they seem to have personality, the twins would think they are cool.

Fising in the bay, baiting and dropping a line anywhere from 8 to 50 or 60 feet, my husband excited about the new adventure, hoping he catches something, listening to the captain tell stories, too many stories, shouldn't we be quiet so the fish don't hear us, wish he'd just be quiet, sweet old people on the boat all the way from Nebraska, happy husband because we are fishing together, I caught a fish - the only fish, small and pure white, waves are high and I'm praying I don't get sick, dolphins, we see lots of them, wish we could get closer, gotta come back when it's warmer and the fish are bitting, the kids would love this, I miss our kids, I think we both do, we'll have to bring them here in the summer.

Shopping is fun, cute clothes, neat stuff, what do we get the kids, so much to choose from, wow, a shark in a jar, wish we could take liquids on the plane, the twins would love that, shells everywhere, clean not sandy, I like the sandy ones that I can pick up myself, our daughter could really decorate her living room with everything I see, she would love this, and this, and this, our oldest son would go nuts over the tons of board shorts, bathing suits for $7.99, wish I had brought another suitcase!

Beautiful lighthouse, are we going to climb up? I hope not, oh good, not today.

Nice hotel with jacuzzi in the room, lovin' it!! Wireless internet, oh good, I can relax and write, if I had more time I'd really write, it's beautiful here, the company is the best part, love that man!

Husband resting because he can, I'm not going to wake him, though I'd love to go shopping, we'll go again soon, he looks so peaceful, not a care in the world, this is wonderful, relaxing, all I hoped it would be, wish we could stay longer, wish we could just fly the kids here and stay a while, it's good to be away!

Celebrating 20 Years of Marriage in South Padre

2007-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are having an awesome time celebrating our marriage of 20 years here in South Padre! A cold front came through -- in South Padre that is -- but that's not putting a damper on our fun. Once we got off the small plane (which about freaked me out) we were thrilled to be here, cold weather and all.

We've been praying for warmer weather since we were dieing to grab a blanket and sit out by the gulf and watch the sun go down this evening. We did pick up shells for a while this afternoon and plan to go back tomorrow. It looks like we'll at least be in the 60's tomorrow. Yeah!!!

We went shopping this afternoon (the prices are great before Spring Break...) and had dinner at a restaurant on the water. That was fun!

I still can't believe we are celebrating 20 YEARS!!!! We pray for many. many more...

Thanks, mom and dad, for watching the twins for us! We love you!!

Sweetness

2007-02-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as I was finishing up my bucket of love for my husband, one of our twins sat beside me wanting to add his own thoughts. He insisted that I end with the 100th point being that his dad was a bucket of love.

Bucket of Love

2007-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

This week there was a lady who called in to the radio station to share her best gift ever to her husband. She said that even though her husband was not the real sentimental type, she made him a bucket of love, 100 little pieces of paper in a bucket stating reasons why she loved him, and, years later, he still gets it out and reads them. I wanted to do the same, but when I saw other people blogging this same sort of idea I thought it would be a lot easier to type it than write it, so here I go...

100 reasons why I love my husband:

1. He is a man after God's own heart. Definitely #1 for me.
2. He's a Jesus freak...not the kind of person to scare people off, but his love for the Lord is totally evident.
3. He is an absolutely wonderful husband. This week we celebrate 20 years of marriage, and he loves me unconditionally and expresses it every single day.
4. He's a great dad to our four children, and always wants the best for them...even if it requires him to be a little tough with them (something I'm not the best at sometimes).
5. He doesn't care what people think about him (in a good way, not a prideful way). He's secure in who he is in Christ.
6. I'm his very best friend. I know that I come first when it comes to people (I love that God comes first...which makes him an even better friend).
7. He's a good friend (and my very best friend).
8. He makes me laugh.
9. He's a good singer. He doesn't think he has a good voice, but he REALLY does.
10. He is sexy! I know I shouldn't probably be saying that about my pastor, but hey, he's my husband so I can. LOL!!!
11. He's humble. He knows that what he has and the things he is able to accomplish come from the Lord.
12. He loves people. If you put him in a large crowd, the strangest people in the room will somehow make their way to him...and he'll talk back. He doesn't just run off.
13. He's sincere.
14. He doesn't act fake or try to be something he's not.
15. He works hard. When he was seven years old he started roofing houses and he learned to work with his hands and not be lazy.
16. He's a great hunter and fisherman. He'd be able to provide for us if something went wrong and there wasn't a way to buy groceries.
17. He wants to snuggle with me every morning. I know I'm the most important thing at the beginning of his day.
18. He loves the outdoors. I love that he loves God's creation. He always talks about the fact that God created such a beautiful place.
19. He's strong. Definitely a manly man!
20. He doesn't just read his bible, he studies it. Even long before he was a pastor, he loved to study God's word.
21. He's cool. Our kids got a dad who's not embarrassing to be around...okay, well, maybe sometimes...like when he tried to wear his camo to our daughter's school talent show -- of course, it was a joke (she was glad to see him change)!
22. He loves adventure. When he was in the military, we couldn't wait to hear where we would move next...we miss that!
23. He sees the positive in difficult situations.
24. He genuinely cares about people and where they will spend eternity. His heart breaks for those who don't believe in Jesus.
25. He's honest with me about everything.
26. He's not a sport's fanatic. He likes sports, but he can miss games and not even think a thing about it.
27. He'll watch chic flicks with me, not because he likes them at all, but because I like them.
28. He takes me shopping, even if he doesn't feel like shopping.
29. He likes me in sweats and no make up.
30. He's sweet. He does things just because. In December he had flowers delivered to me at work with a note that said, "Have a good day. I love you!"
31. He’s the spiritual leader of our home, and he doesn’t take that lightly. He looks out for us and cares about our walk with the Lord.
32. He’s my high school sweetheart. He was popular, I wasn’t, but he fell in love anyway.
33. He cares deeply about me.
34. He appreciates modest women. I love that he never looks twice at another woman.
35. He’s faithful.
36. He’s trustworthy.
37. He loves me just the way I am.
38. He never tries to change me.
39. He loves me enough to say the tough stuff.
40. He’s the real thing. When he stands up to preach, he’s himself – no change in his voice or anything like that.
41. He doesn’t pretend to know it all. If he’s not sure of the answer, he’ll seek to find it.
42. He takes care of my needs.
43. He takes care of our children’s needs. When our older two were looking at colleges, he was right there with them, helping them to get all the work done to get into college.
44. He’s handsome. Absolutely beautiful eyes. They make me melt.
45. He’s brave. He spent seven years in the military and went to several scary places like Croatia and Bosnia.
46. He loves God and country. He’d die for our freedom.
47. He’s forgiving and doesn’t hold grudges.
48. He loves his family. He is very close to his mom, and his brother is one of his closest friends.
49. He’s considerate of other people's feelings. He sees when people look like they feel left out and he’ll walk over to talk to them.
50. He’s very wise. God has given him wisdom and understanding beyond his years.
51. He's a great preacher. And, no, I'm not barn blind.
52. Babies are drawn to him. I think it's so cute how babies just stare at him sometimes. I always wonder what they are thinking.
53. He took such good care of the twins when they were so tiny and fragile. He was the one who got them to sleep through the night when I couldn't take it anymore.
54. He takes his boys hunting and fishing with him, even though it takes a lot more work on his part.
55. He's witty. I wish I was!
56. He loves my parents. I think it's sweet when he tells me to call my parents to see if they want to go eat dinner or says we should go see them when we haven't in a while.
57. Sometimes he only wants to spend time with me and our kids. Some people might think that's unsociable, but I love that no one else has to be around to make it exciting!
58. When the kids might say something to me that he thinks is disrespectful, he will tell them that. He cares that they respect me.
59. He puts others before himself. I notice this a lot when we are in a crowd or at a social. He dislikes it when people rush to the front of a line.
60. He guards his eyes by being cautious of what we watch on T.V. or what movies we see.
61. He helps me clean the house. Sometimes I come home and the laundry has been done and the whole house vacuumed.
62. He cooks! I love that he can do that, and does. I love to walk through the door and smell dinner cooking after a long day at work.
63. He's a GOOD cook! My favorite thing is his fried fish!
64. He takes me out to dinner because we're both too tired to cook sometimes.
65. He takes me out on dates. He even flirts with me!
66. He doesn't have to be entertained to be happy. Just sitting around doing nothing is okay with him.
67. He has a hard time surprising me. He gets too excited and gives me gifts early, or gives me hints so I figure it out and he can then give it to me early.
68. He likes to take me somewhere nice for our anniversaries...even if all we can afford is a night away in a nice hotel.
69. He prays for me.
70. He prays for our children and for their future mates.
71. He prays for other people. When people ask him to pray for them he does it.
72. He tells me I'm beautiful, scars and all...
73. He loves old people. I think it's neat how he loves to hang out with those much older than him.
74. He thanks me for things I do for the church.
75. He tells me he's proud of me.
76. He cheers me up when I'm down.
77. He comforts me when I am hurting.
78. He listens to me and is always there for me.
79. When people hurt my feelings he feels my pain.
80. He cares about the "little" things in my life. He ask me every day how my day was.
81. He tells me he loves me and to have a good day every morning.
82. He calls me all the time. Our kids say we're worse than teenagers.
83. He would sit on the phone with me for hours. If we're in seperate cars, he'll call me and talk all the way home to me.
84. He says "I love you more" when I tell him I love him.
85. I can't recall a day where he didn't tell me he loved me (unless there was no possible way to call -- which in that case, he would write and tell me).
86. I know he means it when he tells me he loves me.
87. He misses me, even if we've only been a part for a few hours. He loves to spend time with me.
88. He WANTS to take me hunting. One of these days I'll take him up on it again. The last time I went and actually sat in a tree with him was almost 20 years ago. I love that he at least wants me to go with him.
89. He makes me feel safe.
90. He's a dreamer. (I wish I were more of one.)
91. He tries really hard to take care of me when I am sick. I know this doesn't come easy, but he tries.
92. He's smart. I wish I could recall the things I read and study like he does.
93. He's good with his hands and can build just about anything. He built our very first house when we were married. I'd come in and he'd be putting sheetrock on the ceiling all by himself! My mom was always impressed that he could drive in a nail in one of two hits.
94. He's not afraid to stand up for what is right.
95. His faith in the Lord is strong.
96. He's not afraid to share his faith with anyone.
97. He's a great story teller. I love to hear him talk about crazy things he did as a child.
98. He has good genes...four good lookin' children to prove it! :)
99. He's loveable! It's easy to love him!
100. HE is a bucket of love...overflowing!!!

Thank you, babe, for 20 wonderful years of marriage. I thank the Lord for giving us each other and I can't imagine my life without you! You are my hero and my dream come true...

Time with the College Kids

2007-02-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'm at UNT spending time with my daughter. Her oldest brother couldn't stand that he was missing out on the fun so he drove from his college in Commerce, straight from work at the movie theatre late last night, to spend time with us. We stayed up until 3 something in the morning...I'm not used to this college life, but I did okay. Payback though...I made them get up early with me...early for them anyways...9:30 a.m.

I love this part of my life. I didn't quite know how I would do, or how I would feel, but I'm happy! I enjoy being a college mom...visiting my kids in their own apartments, and meeting their new friends and seeing how much fun they seem to have together. Everyone seems to be doing good with the adjustments. The twins are enjoying the house to themselves, and even help clean the house every day. Our son will transfer to UNT in the summer so we're all really looking forward to having them at the same college! He doesn't care a whole lot for Commerce, and I can't blame him. College life seems a lot more exciting in Denton!

Well, we're off to BJ's to eat what my daughter says is the best pizza around...we'll see!

Clean, Clean, Clean

2007-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get in the mood to just clean and clean and clean, and you can't stop? That was me this weekend. I cleaned every room in my four bedroom/2 bath house, including the garage...and it felt good!!

More than cleaning the physical house in my life, it's been important to me to clean the spiritual house within me. Just as I walk around my physical house looking for what needs to be cleaned, I've allowed God to walk around the rooms of my heart and clean it up...

The commitments I made at the beginning of the year is where it all began. As I've spent more and more time with the Lord, I've found that cleaning the rooms of my heart has been very important in my walk and desire to grow closer to the Lord.

Just as I often put off REALLY cleaning up my house - the areas that just aren't any fun to clean - we can do the same thing with our spiritual house. Have you ever had someone show up at your house unexpectedly, and you ran through the house stuffing things in the closets or under the bed? Do you realize we can do that same thing with God? He shows up at the door of our heart, and we tell him, "hold on just a minute" and we frantically shove the things that we don't want him to deal with us about to the bottom of our heart.

BUT, you know the feeling that follows getting your house clean? That feeling of accomplishment? Or, how you wish people would unexpectly show up now that the house is clean...that they would have seen it clean not dirty? Nothing compares, not even the cleaning of our physical houses, to being right with God, and allowing Him to clean up the rooms of our heart. I can't even begin to explain the joy and refreshing that has fallen on my life as I've surrendered everything to the Lord, since I've allowed Him to walk through my life and say, "Laura, you should look here and under here and do some dusting here."

Today in worship I felt connected to God in such a way that had he taken me to heaven in that moment I might not have even noticed. My heart was completely full and I was crying out, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY", and there was absolutely nothing else sharing that spot in my heart during that time. He had my whole heart. The house is clean, and though I might have to clean it again tomorrow, I thank the Lord for today and the time in His presence. I thank Him for knocking on the door of my heart, and for loving me enough to help me clean up the dirty spots in my life. I thank Him for loving me even despite the dirty carpet or dusty shelves, and, for many years ago, washing me white as snow!

God's Gift to Me

2007-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's often said that our children are a gift from God,

but what about our parents being a gift to us?

* * * * * * *

I think my parents are a gift to me. I treasure and admire so much about them...

Their love - not only for me, but my husband and children, and their love for mankind. My parents are both actively involved in missions, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They want others to have the same hope they have. Their love for each other. I'm so thankful that the Lord is in the miracle business and that years ago when the love seemed to grow cold, God restored what Satan tried to destroy. Their love for family. I have three brothers. We're all married and there is a total of 12 grandkids. One for every month of the year! All of us know their love, and have great love for each other.

Their strength - My parents have gone through a lot this last year with my dad contracting Malaria, having knee replacement surgery, and now, just recently, finding out my dad has Malanoma cancer. Just this week the doctors removed an area on his arm, and now we are praying he is well so they can go to India and preach. Where does the strength come from? I think this scripture sums it all up - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

Their wisdom - Their wisdom is not their own. It comes from the Lord. I love that when I ask for advice (or even when I don't and they give it anyway) that they are concerned about what God would say about it. They give advice that is grounded in the Word, and they lead others to make wise choices. They share their experiences with others, in hopes that they will make the right choice in marriage, in finances and so forth.

There is so much more I could say, but first and foremost, the thing I treasure most about my parents is seeing first-hand their love for the Lord. It is real, and their relationship with the Lord is evident to all who know them. They are faithful to share the gospel. They are faithful to the reading and studying of His Word. They are all the things listed above because of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. HE is their hope and strength and he makes them wise. All the things they gain from knowing Him overflow into their relationship with others, and I am blessed beyond measure to be their daughter and have the relationship I do with them.

Absolute Time of Refreshing for Me

2007-01-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been absolutely WONDERFUL, and exactly what I needed! I actually feel like I've been on a retreat.

With such a busy week behind me, I felt like it would be like most weekends, where I scramble to catch up on all the things I haven't been able to get done during the week here at home, and then before I know it, it's Monday morning, the alarm's going off at 5 am, and it's back to the office. But it wasn't like that at all.

The days seemed to be longer than most...With time to sleep in, lay around if I felt like it, spend quality time with the Lord and in His word, spend quality time with my husband and children - giving them plenty of attention and affection, blog (something I only seem to do when I have enough time that it doesn't make me feel like I'm taking away from something more important), and even read through most of a brand new book I found. I found myself thinking today, "I feel this smile on my face - it feels good!" (Not that I don't smile, just that I don't usually notice it like that!)

My husband is a pastor so we thought long and hard about whether we should cancel church or not on Sunday. We wanted to be sure our people were safe, but, at the same time, be able to open up the doors for corporate worship. Several called from the church Saturday night, asking what we planned to do, but we couldn't give an answer. Sunday morning the roads were clear, and we rejoiced to be in the house of the Lord! We were glad we did not act too quickly (especially when visitors showed up!!). It was a wonderful time of worship, and God's message to us was very powerful. In fact, many people talked of conviction and just how powerful the sermon was. God was faithful to show up and touch our hearts!

I don't want to give credit to anything but God in regards to this weekend. He has done a work in my heart, as I've asked Him what He desired for my life this year and truly began to seek Him with all my heart, more so than ever before. I also don't think it's by chance that just last night I picked up this book off our desk, The Slumber of Christianity; Awakening a Passion for Heaven on Earth. A very precious man gave this to my husband as a graduation gift in May and he brought it home the other day. I saw it laying there and I just so happened to pick it up and start reading it last night. I couldn't put it down. I'm caught in this question - have I been in a slumber? - and God is showing me what my heart is desiring to know -- TRUTH. I don't have the whole picture, just pieces of the puzzle, in my quest to know more of God and His desire for me, but this caught my eye on the front inside cover of the book, and I felt compelled to read more.

What if we're missing the point of our lives here on earth? - First question to hit me!

Then this:

I'm simply saying that the prevailing teaching of Christianity has become preoccupied with finding true pleasure and happiness and purpose on earth rather than the age to come. (Page 10).
The gravest concern we now face is the fact that our hope for the afterlife has slipped into slumber.
Our hope of heaven has fallen asleep. And when I say heaven, I mean Christ in heaven, for He is the Light of heaven, of the afterlife, of all the glory that awaits us.
We are more interested in the pleasures of this life than the bliss of the next. (Page 11).

I found myself asking God - are you trying to tell me something?! I feel like I must be in a bit of a slumber. Then, immediately, I prayed...God, get me out of this slumber...show me more...speak to my heart...I'm listening!

Maybe God has me blogging this to speak to the hearts of other Christians out there who might be asking the same questions now??...I don't know. I don't even know how to end this, but I felt compelled to write it. Only God knows how this ends, but I'm up for the journey to know Him more. I pray others out there are on the same quest. May God do something in all of our lives this year!

2007-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, and a hymn of praise to out God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40: 1-3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love. I love to worship You, and lift up Your name. You are my Redeemer and my Rock!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sanctity of Life

2007-01-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

This was our twins 11 years and 2 months ago.

~~~~ ~~~~

I had originally typed something else here, but as I typed, the thought came to mind that today (or sometime this week) is National Sanctity of Human Life Day. When I was trying to verify the day, I came across a website that literally broke my heart. I saw pictures of aborted babies not much smaller than my twins in this picture, and I just cried. It was horrible!!!

As I looked at the photos, I cried for all those children who were taken before they even breathed their first breath, and were given the chance to make a difference in this world. I wondered how many preachers and teachers and great, godly leaders were pulled from this earth.

I don't know what else to say, except, if you are contemplating abortion, PLEASE DON'T! There are people all over the United States who want children, but for some reason or another can't have them. If you think it's no big deal, check out a couple of websites when you type in sanctity of life on google, and find someone to help you make the right decision.

...written in love

----------------------------

I added this after the original post, as a comment back to someone, then realized it might not be understood to come from me so I wanted to add it here:

My heart also aches for the women and teenagers who were deceived and told that was not a life inside of them, or who feared what would happen if they continued to carry the child so they just gave in, or were forced by their parents to abort their child because they were so young, or who just didn't know any better...AND, my heart rejoices for the women who've sought forgiveness and have found restoration in Jesus Christ, and are willing to share their story with others, in hopes that they won't make the same mistake.

2007-01-13T17:17:00.000-08:00

I pray this year, for my own life, will be one of growth. I spent a lot of time today with the Lord, asking Him to show me areas in which I need to grow. As I sat still before the Lord and thought about what I wanted for my own life, and asked Him what He desired for my life, one thing stood out in my mind; would I fail to keep my commitments?

It's never easy to share our faults, or the areas in which we know we need to grow, but I'm drawn to share a commitment I've made to the Lord and the fears that come with it, for the glory of God.

We all have areas we need to work on in our lives, but I find myself asking this question: Why do we fear sharing our commitments, and the struggles we face keeping them, with others? God knows us better than anyone else. He knows our struggles and failures and, yet, He still loves us.

Natalie Grant has a song - The Real Me - and as I listen to the words of that song I think, "does anybody see the real me?". God does, I know, but I don't want to hide behind anything, so I'm laying down my pride to share this with whoever God desires to read this and use it for His glory.

One of my most important commitments I've made this year is to spend 30 minutes with the Lord every single day. (Yep! I'm a preacher's wife, a youth and music minister, and I've never been faithful on a DAILY basis to make time for the one who gave His life for me!) It's a huge commitment, I know, but I know God is calling me to climb higher and go deeper in my walk with Him. I can think of numerous times when I felt the Lord calling me to get alone with him, and I'm ashamed to say it, but sometimes I pretty much just said, "Not right now, God." The very one who loves me more than anyone, and desires the best for my life, has heard the words, "I don't have time for you" come from my heart.

I don't ever want to be someone who lives behind a mask. I mess up...sometimes really, really bad, but I want people to know the real me. Why? So that they feel comfortable enough to be real with me, and so that those who are struggling in their own lives know that others out there struggle, too. Sure, we as Christians are called to live holy lives, and that truly is my heart's desire, but there are times I'm disobedient, and stubborn, and just plain lazy, and I don't want to break my commitments, but I do. I WANT THIS YEAR, AND THE REST OF MY LIFE, TO BE DIFFERENT!!

Mom, Dad, 3 Brothers and Me

2007-01-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2006

Reading through the bible in one year

2007-01-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

This year I commited to the Lord that I would read through His word in one year. It's been exciting! Though I am reading scripture I've read many times before, it always amazes me how I can read it again and not be bored and gain new insight. God's Word is ALIVE and ACTIVE!

My husband is also doing this, and our twins, who are 11 years old, wanted to do it as well. It was neat to hear one of them say to his dad that he was commiting to read through the bible this year, and to see them take it so seriously.

Many in our church made this same commitment, and I can't help but wonder what will happen if we are all faithful to reading, studying and applying it to our lives this year. I think it's neat to know that others are reading the same scriptures I am each day, and to know that He is touching their hearts through the reading of His word like He is mine. Maybe not in the same way, but in some way!!

Get in the Word, if you aren't already. Allow it to speak to your heart, to soften your heart, to show you great and mighty things. God speaks through His holy bible. Don't let it get dusty on the shelf this year! You'll never regret giving anything to the Lord -- even your time!

Thank the Lord for hearing our prayers

2007-01-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

My dad does have Malanoma, but the doctor said if you're going to have it this is the best form you can have. They should be able to remove it all, and not have to have radiation. They even think he will be able to go to India, if the surgery goes well. Praise the Lord! When my dad first told me the doctors thought he had Malanoma, he seemed more concerned about not getting to go to India to share the gospel with people than he did about having cancer.

I thank the Lord for His unfailing love and compassion on us. I can't imagine not having a relationship with the Lord. How aweful that would be to live a life without hope!

Thank you for praying!

Prayers for my dad

2007-01-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you read this blog, please stop and say a prayer for my dad. He has a spot on his arm that is most likely cancer. We'll know more next week, but for now we're just praying for a miracle - that it's not as it seems.

Thank you for praying!

Go Light Your World

2007-01-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

To my daughter -

It's January 1, 2007 and so many things are going to be different beginning today. New adventures, new challenges, new house, new friends...

I am so excited for you, but at the same time sad that I won't be able to see you every day. I'm not really sure at this point how well I will handle that, but I know you will be happy and that makes me happy! Your dad and I are SO PROUD of you, and know you will do very well living on your own.

This picture always makes my heart well up with emotion and joy because I see such passion and love in your eyes, and know God has great plans for you! Keep living for Him and giving Him your life to do what He wills. Continue to lead others to Him and live a life that lights this world!

I love you and will miss you terribly!

Mom

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a wonderful year and that you make resolutions that matter! If you are a Christian, I challenge you to make resolutions that will have an eternal impact. Share the gospel with those you come into contact with, study God's Word more, spend more time in prayer and listening to the Lord...and whatever else the Lord might lay on your heart. Make 2007 all about Jesus!

Life Changes

2006-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Life as I know it is changing ever so quickly. Imagine spending the first day of the new year moving your only daughter off to college! Last night we finished packing up her stuff and I jokingly (okay...with a little bit of seriousness) asked if she was sure she was ready, and told her she could stay if she wasn't. To which she replied, "I'm ready for this mom."

I know she is -- the only question is AM I? I think so. I feel good about it. I just can't believe it's time to let go of TWO of my four kids. Where did all those years go? It just seems like yesterday that I was rocking them to sleep, or, in her case, spending days in the hospital hoping she would one day be a healthy child. God has been good, and just sitting here reflecting on that very time in our lives takes me straight to the mercy seat of God! He was faithful! He is faithful! He will always be faithful!

The most awesome thing about being a mom who has a personal relationship with God is knowing that my kids are not my own. They are on loan from God and he is watching over them...more than I ever could!

My son's heart

2006-12-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

I love the heart God gave my son (well, all my children to be exact). I love his creativity, and his sister shared this with me today.

A poem my son wrote -- from God to Satan.

He’s MY servant.

He’s MY son.

He said starring straight into his eyes, those eyes of evil will soon cry.

My flag he flys.

He’s not yours for the taking.

No, you see he’s mine.

You can’t shake him, you can’t break, he’s strong.

This road he’s been walking, its been long.

Oh yes he’s hit ruts, but remember he’s strong.

Right from wrong he distinguished.

Your flames he extinguished.

You can’t trick him, you cannot break him, he IS strong.

This beat that you play, he’s heard it before.

Floor by floor he has heard it through and through.

He knows that its you.

He’s seen it in their faces.

From his thoughts he erases, the hatred he sees.

Through his eyes I am looking, I see his good deeds.

Hungry mouths for my love, he feeds them.

As they long for my love, I will give them. He feeds.

He’s My servant

He’s My son.

You can’t have him.

This battle I’ve won.

All in all you’re just tired.

You can’t handle the truth.

But I’ll give it to you.

You gave it your best, the best never rest.

But remember who your dealing with.

Through his veins, my blood’s pumping.

In his heart, in his chest.

He beats his breast, with great fury, he’s ready.

He’s taken the challenge, he knows what’s ahead.

So get ready, he’s coming.

Here he is, right on time.

Draw your sword if you’ll fight him.

Here he is, bring it on.

But remember dear Satan.

He’s MY servant.

He’s MY son.

Beautiful Colorado

2006-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

The snow is falling and the whole earth around me is white.

I hear echoes of creation calling out God's name.

How wonderful to be on a mountain and to experience all the Lord has created.

As the snow falls, I am reminded of just how awesome God is,

and how we should stand in awe of Him.

2006-12-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Today my daughter and her boyfriend are celebrating one year together...and it looks as though there will probably be many more. Today, as the celebrate having found each other, I celebrate their commitment to purity and to living a life that pleases the Lord. I pray they will be strong in their commitments, and that one day they will have a wonderful life to share together in marriage, if it's the Lord's will.

This picture was taken on a mission trip to Africa this past summer, and I can't help but wonder what the Lord has in store for them. Even if it's not God's will for them to marry...their lives have been touched by the blessing of knowing each other and being best friends. He's a wonderful guy who cares deeply for her, and does wonderful things for her, and it's a blessing for us as parents to know she's with someone who cares more about his relationship with God than anything else (which is evident) and values purity in his relationship with her.

I pray God's richest blessings on them both today.

Best of friends...

2006-12-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

This is my daughter and two of her favorite people to hang out with...her boyfriend and her soon to be roommate in college. I am excited for her and the friendship she has found in them both. When they are together I literally hear laughter almost the entire time. They are all precious kids! We are blessed when we find friends that are there for us the way these three are there for each other. It's a blessing watching her grow up and make good choices with her friends, and a blessing to watch her have so much good, clean fun with them.

2006-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

I love how my pastor is so hands on!

(I'm proud to be his wife.)

2006-12-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

Friends help friends rack leaves!

I took all the boys around the twins age and we loaded the truck with bags of leaves for hours! They had so much fun...and I got some great pictures!

2006-12-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

See all the bags of leaves in the back? It only took most of the day...

2006-12-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

2006-12-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

This is our cat, sleeping peacefully under the Christmas Tree. He's been sleeping there for hours now. Some people have cats that play with the ornaments...our cat just sleeps under the tree!

Almost Christmas

2006-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Where did November go to so quickly? I still can't believe it's December and we're nearly half way through it! A week from Sunday we'll be on our way to Colorado. Seriously, that just doesn't seem possible.

This is a very busy time at work...especially today. Man! I'm glad it's Friday and I'm now home sitting by the fire and enjoying the rest of my evening. I can't wait for my week vacation in Colorado, and then several more days off for Christmas and New Year's! My company gives us two days off for each so I only have to go to work two days the week of Christmas. Yeah!

I've been reading a really good book - Practicing His Presence - and I love it. It has inspired me to give God more of my day, more of my mind and more of my attention. I'll be sure to share more when I finish it, but for now, I'll just say it's been wonderful. I've also been reading Mere Christianity. It's a tougher read, but I like it. I hope to have them both finished before Christmas and go searching for another good book to take to Colorado. Last year I did more reading in Colorado than I normally do, and I enjoyed it. In fact, one day I sat by the fire in the lobby at check-in and read an entire book. For anyone who knows me well, that's not something I normally do!

I plan to have the same motto as last year in Colorado - go to relax and make it a vacation! With my work schedule, I decided last year it was more about going to enjoy myself and not wear myself out.

Well, I'm tired and ready to head to bed!

Turkey Hunt...

2006-11-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Fun...

2006-11-26T17:11:00.000-08:00

My crazy teenagers

2006-11-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day we go turkey hunting (fake turkeys, of course) and we always get some great pictures of the fun! These are my two oldest...acting crazy as usual!

2006-11-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have so much

to be thankful for...

and YOU are one of them!

2006-11-18T09:37:00.001-08:00

"And, in fact, He shows much more of Himself to some people than to others-not because He has favorites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition. Just as sunlight, though it has no favorites, cannot be reflected in a dusty mirror as clearly as in a clean one." C.S.Lewis, Mere Christianity.

Song from the Lord

2006-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was spending time away with my daughter and I woke up one morning and began journaling. The next thing I knew I had a song in my head, not one anyone had written but one the Lord had given me. You won't be able to hear the melody, but here are the words:

Help me, Lord, to seek Your face.
Help me, Lord, to not disgrace
The very one whose life He gave
That I might live my life by faith.

I sang it to our praise team the next day and they loved it so we sang it altogether. Then as we were singing, our pianist just started playing it. It was so beautiful with all the harmony! The next Sunday I was typing it on PowerPoint so we could sing it in church and this verse came to me. It goes like this:

Give me strength to turn to You,
To seek Your will and live for You,
To walk by faith and not by sight,
To live a life that shines Your light.

As we sang the second verse, I looked over to find one of the ladies on our praise team crying and immediately knew why the Lord gave me that second verse that morning. God never ceases to amaze me. He meets us right where we are at just the right moment.

Thank you, Lord, for your love. Thank you for putting a song in my heart! I give you all the praise! Thank you for music and the joy that comes from praising You with singing. You alone are worthy of praise and you alone put a song in my heart. I want to shout it on high that YOU ARE MY GOD AND KING!

Go see Defeating the Giants!

2006-11-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

The actors weren't that great, and they didn't spend millions making it, but if you can get past all that and hear the message in it you'll be blessed! We ALL have fears we need to face, and to realize that absolutely nothing is impossible with God...this movie was a great reminder of who God is and the love He showers down on us. I don't want to say too much about it since I'm not sure who's seen it, but I do want to encourage everyone to go see it!

Praise the Lord...in all circumstances...when you don't have answers to why things happened in your life...when you're not sure why He's not answered your prayers the way you want him to...when you don't feel like it because your life seems to be the pits...when things just don't make sense...when you're happy and all is well...

Trust the Lord and place all your faith in HIM! Love Him no matter what!

Daughter/Dad Moments

2006-10-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was writing about moments with my daughter. This weekend I'm writing about moments with my dad! There is a saying that comes to mind a lot when I am with my dad, and I recall even buying him a plaque when I was young that said it too, and that is, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad." My dad is very special. He's always putting others before himself, and so when I get the chance to do something special for him I enjoy it.

On Monday my dad had knee replacement surgery. This makes the second time in just a few months that I've had the opportunity to help take care of him (first one being when he had Malaria back a few months ago), and I count it a blessing. It's not every day that I get to do pour blessings of care upon my dad.

On Tuesday it was difficult to watch him be in pain. I knew the pain was so much more greater than he was letting on, and I finally told him he needed to make a little more noise since the nurses weren't the best at taking care of him. In fact, it even scared me to leave him alone. They'd step on his toes, move his leg way too fast, and all the while he'd just bite his bottom lip and grunt a little.

Last night he came home from the hospital and today is doing unbelievably well. We woke up to an absolutely beautiful day and this afternoon took a walk outside and rode his golf cart around a little. We laughed as we saw his neighbors coming down the road because he had made the comment that people would think he was weird if they saw him in his white tights (he has to wear them to guard against blood clots). The men were looking at his leg so I decided I'd just let them in on the news that he had knee replacement surgery on Monday. Of course, then they were in shock that he was out and it was just Saturday. God's healing power is amazing!

My dad worries that he is being a burden. I've not once thought of it that way. I'd say it's a blessing. Blessings come in many different packages, but the ones I love the most are those that involve people! My dad is very special to me and I am so glad I've had this time with him.

Mother/Daughter Moments

2006-10-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend my daughter and I were blessed by my mother-in-law with tickets to the Revolve Tour and a night away in a fancy hotel. It wasn't that the tour was so great, but more about the time we got to spend together alone, even in the midst of thousands of girls.

There was a particular break where I can't even explain it completely, but God just touched both our hearts at the same moment and, with tears streaming down our face, we just reached over and held each other. It was as though our hearts were full of love for each other and God just wanted us both to express it in that moment. I realize that my little girl has grown up and soon will be on her own and I feel so much joy for the lady she has become.

Twice during the tour they asked who came with a friend, and we both yelled out without a second thought. Though I take my responsibility of being mom very seriously, and know the importance of being a mom and not just a friend, I felt blessed to know she considers me her friend.

We laughed, we cried, we talked about her future, we shared our hearts with each other, we loved on each other, we sang together, we had fun together, and so much more... It was wonderful!

What if you were standing before God?

2006-10-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don't believe there is a God, and maybe you don't believe in heaven or hell. What if you're wrong? What if you died today and you were standing before God and he asked you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What do you think you would say? ...I've lived a pretty good life...I never killed anyone...I go to church?

Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."The bible tells us how we can know that we will one day be in heaven with Jesus! Do you want to know more?

Romans 10:9 says that if we confess with our mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved! Romans 10: 10 says, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Knowing of God and believing in Him are not the same! You must believe...yes, that takes faith. I know...we can't see God, but we can't see the wind either, yet we know it's there, right?

My prayer for you is that you sense God calling you to Himself and that you will take that step of faith right now! It's as easy as learning you ABC's. 1) Admit that you are a sinner - we've all sinned...ever told a lie? Then you've sinned and the bible tells us that if we break even one part of the law we are guilty of breaking the whole thing! 2) Believe - Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, died (for your sin and mine) and rose again on the third day! And 3) Confess that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Tell God how you feel right now and give him the opportunity to change your life. Ask Him to take control of your life.

Do you know that if you asked Jesus into your heart then you are a new creation! The bible tells us that the old is gone and behold all things are new! Isn't that great news!

Now, if you've gotten this far and would like some help in your new found faith, send me a comment and I'll be glad to help!

A MeMe

2006-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Paulette to write the first thing that came to mind with the words below:

1. Cherish

I cherish my relationship with the Lord, my husband, my kids and my family. They mean the world to me!

2. Laughter

I thought about true laughter, the kind that makes it hard to breathe and your stomach hurt...my last golf cart ride through the woods (the story can be read on a blog below).

3. Praise

Praise the Lord! He is good! His love endures forever! I can't imagine what my life would be like without the Lord. I love to praise Him with singing.

4.Thanksgiving

A time to thank the Lord for all he's done for us. A time to spend with my family. A time for my husband to hunt and spend time with his family and our oldest son (one of those areas where not everyone understands why I would be okay with this, but a time I know is special for them and perfectly fine with me! For all those ladies out there that never let your husband do something he loves to do without giving him a hard time - give it up! You'll be blessed for not being a nagging wife!!)

When all you can do is laugh, LAUGH!

2006-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my sister-in-law (Charlotte), Paulette (who most of you who read my blog know) and I went on a ride on the golf cart because Paulette wanted to. There we were, riding along, talking about how relaxing and nice the ride was, when I said, "Hey! Let's take this dirt road." So, we did!

To make a really long story short, we ended up LOST in the woods (on about 15 acres), making our own trails, trying anything and everything to make it back before dark. We laughed, and laughed and laughed. It was so much fun! I have not laughed that hard in a long time. I hope we didn't mess up my dad's golf cart...I know we knocked down a few small trees (carrying a few back with us)...oops! Unfortunately, Paulette and Charlotte had to walk quite a ways when we hit the hills because I was the only one brave enough to go up those steep things (hahaha), not really...

We scared my mom when we didn't come back for such a long time, so she came yelling. We could hear her, but before I could stop Paulette she started screaming "HELP US!" That's all my mom heard so, as the grandkids put it, "she was panicking!" She'd say she wasn't, but if you saw what we saw as we came out of the woods (YES! We found our way back all on our own!) you'd believe the grandkids over granny...EVERYONE in the family was piled in the surburban to come find us!!! I'm still laughing...

Thanks for the laughs, girls!

Letting go, and letting God...

2006-09-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

This week I was insulted and it really bothered me. If fact, I've thought about it a lot over the last few days. This morning I woke up early, wanting to spend some time with the Lord. Guess where he ended up taking me in his word? To a scripture that says, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." I started out in Proverbs and ended up over in Romans, and in His gentleness, God said to me, "Give them to me, let me have those insults, you don't have to carry that around with you today!" So, I did. I pictured myself with a cloth bag, taking those insults and placing them in the bag and laying them at the feet of Jesus, thanking him for bearing my burdens, watching him pick them up and throw them over his shoulder.

Thank you, Lord, for carrying my burdens today...

2006-09-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful in the eyes of the Lord
Loved unconditionally
Eternally secure in Christ
Saved by the grace of God
Sanctified by the blood of the Lamb
Endless joy in Jesus
Delivered from my sin

Monday Madness...

2006-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

Running out the door, trying to beat the traffic, I looked down to see that a few of my toenails needed a touch up so, I grabbed the polish and hit the road. Once at work, I went to the restroom, opened the bottle and began to paint. One toe, two toes, three toes...OH NO...the bottle hits the floor, flops like a fish (back and forth, back and forth - "stop! please!!!" I pray.), spraying the walls, splattering ALL OVER the floor and making the biggest mess I've ever seen. "This has to be a nightmare!" I tell myself. Nope, not a nightmare, it's real! "Do I leave it? I can't! Others might...I can't!" I think those same thoughts over and over, very quickly...then I make a very embarassing call to the office maintenance, telling them what happened and that I am headed to the store to get polish remover to clean it up...all the way wishing I could just hit the rewind button and go back to bed! After 45 minutes of cleaning, it looks pretty good! Still wishing I could go back to bed though!!

(If you didn't notice already, it only took me two days to write this...haha!)

My Husband, the Great White Hunter

2006-09-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

My husband is going on his "dream" hunt to Wyoming!

He'll carry a 60 pound backpack up a 10,000 ft. mountain, where he'll hunt for his "dream" buck! Everything he will need for 10 days is in this backpack (hopefully, anyways!), including his tent, sleeping bag, food, clothes, camera (video and snapshot), range finder (hope it works and he doesn't get lost in the wilderness!), gun and whatever else he could get in there. He is so excited!!

I hope he has time of his life!

Need prayer?

2006-09-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

We all have times when we need someone to pray for us! Maybe you're one who doesn't share the difficulties in your life with others, but sometimes wish you could just open up...Let me pray for you! Send a comment with your prayer concerns and I'll pray for you! If you want others to pray as well, let me know and I'll publish the comment.

Update on Divine (Lunch) Appointment

2006-09-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

The lady I asked to eat lunch with me a few days ago came to our church today!!! I was busy getting things ready for our service so I didn't notice her come in, but as we were singing the first song I looked to the back and there she was. I had prayed earlier in the morning that God would speak to her heart and she would not fear coming. She told me later that she wasn't going to come because her son was sick, but her son told her she should go. Before she left she told me she wanted her son to come with her next week! "Yes! Next week...that means she wants to come again!" was running through my mind as she walked out the church doors. Praise the Lord! What a blessing it is to see God at work in her life...

In Honor of a Great Man

2006-09-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

My husband turned 38 today and I just wanted to tell the world that he is a wonderful man! He's the love of my life, and my VERY best friend in the whole wide world. I can't imagine my life without him! He brings great joy to my life and makes every day special!
There is no one else quite like him...

He's an awesome husband, father to four beautiful and wonderful children, friend, son, son-in-law (the only one my parents will ever have since I'm the only girl in the family!), pastor, preacher, teacher, and man of God! (I guess I should add hunter and fisherman too...haha) The world is a better place because he is in it!

He is a mighty man of God, and my hero! I know there are very few men who truly walk the walk so I know how blessed I am to have him as the spiritual leader of our household!

God, bless his birthday today. I ask that you would give him a long life here on earth and that you would watch over him every minute of every day. Guide his steps and bless him for his faithfulness to you and to me. Put people in his life that encourage him, and give him strength for the things that you call him to do. Thank you for such a wonderful husband and life-long friend. Amen.

Divine (Lunch) Appointment

2006-09-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today for lunch the thought of going to the Black Eyed Pea came to mind so I went, not knowing that thought must have certainly come from God. As I was walking up to the door, I noticed a lady by herself, walking up to the door also, and the strangest thing happened - the thought came to mind that I should ask her to eat with me! I immediately thought, "no way, that is weird...ask a stranger to eat lunch with me? She'll think I'm crazy!" I walked through the door and again came the thought, "ask her if she'd like to eat with you!"

hmmm..."Okay, that is not me...God, is that you? She'll think I'm crazy, I can't do that!" Then the hostess asked, "how many?" and I said, "one", then he asked her, "how many?" and she said, "one", and before I knew it, I said to her, "unless you'd like to join me for lunch." To my surprise, she replied, "I'd love to!" And so began something I'll never forget. I can't explain it any other way then that God wanted me to reach out to this lady today. It's a long story, but we just talked like we had known each other for a long time, other than the get-to-know-you questions. We both have 17 year olds that are a day apart. Her son wants to go to college where my son just started to college. Weird, I know! Then after sharing with me that she made a really tough decision yesterday and was doing what she knew God wanted her to do years ago, she asked me, "where do you go to church?" I told her all about our church and she plans to come on Sunday. She said she's been out of church for years due to a falling out with her mom, and she would love to come and bring her son with her. I was so excited when I left there...actually I was so excited the whole time because I knew after just a few minutes that God had totally orchestrated the whole thing, and I was extremely blessed!

2006-09-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Creation calls out Your name, O Lord.

It speaks of Your beauty and majesty,

Your power and glory,

Your creativity and compassion,

Your ever-present love.

It whispers Your name in the wind,

and echos Your power in the storms.

It shouts "God's real!" in the lightening and thunder,

and shows Your mercy in the gentle rain.

Laura Burton

A day away from the office does the body good!

2006-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

For two days this week the three men I work for are out of town, and last night I decided to email one of them to ask for the day off since they were away and I REALLY needed to give my home some attention. I was so thrilled when he replied, "Sure, have fun! :)" I must say, they are a joy to work for...always grateful for the things I do and doing nice things for me!

I decided not to tell my husband until he woke up and turned over to find that I was still there at 6:45 a.m., and it has been a wonderful day. I've been cleaning the house while listening to one of my favorite praise CD (Jari Kobe) and just praising the Lord all the while, I had lunch with a friend and my husband, and just stopped to write for a little while and read my bible. It's hard for me to take time for myself, it doesn't come real naturally for me, but over the last year or so I've realized it's important and good for me.

I love, even if it's just for a few hours, to just get some time to myself. It's sort of strange, but when I do I sense God more in those moments. I think more clearly, and am able to love people more. I think when we're tired we tend to forget what is important to us, and focus too much on ourselves and our wants...when the remedy might just be taking time for ourselves. I know it seems contradictory, but, think about it, Jesus was busy...busy loving on people, healing people, teaching people, and so much more...but he also took time to rest and spend time with the Father. We can learn from him even in that!

Thank you, Lord, for a special day!

Satan's Schemes

2006-09-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday morning I arrive at the church by 8:00 a.m. to set up the powerpoint for our praise team practice. This morning I was so happy to have everything set, only needing to turn on the projector, but when I moved the mouse to bring the computer up nothing happened. After seeing that the monitor ON button was lite, I looked down under the desk to find that our computer was missing! I couldn't believe it! With all the expensive equipment in our church I have no idea why only that was taken. I know that Satan would have loved to get us in an uproar and mess up the worship service, but God was in control. We quickly pulled together to make other arrangements with my laptop and within 15 to 20 minutes we were up and running again. The strange thing is...I almost left my laptop at home since I didn't really need it, but something told me to take it (I'll give God the credit!), and when I walked into the worship center I immediately felt this anxious feeling and began to pray, telling the Lord, "I don't know why I feel this way all of a sudden, but please help me this morning," while I walked to the front to turn on the amp, then to the back to turn on the sound system and then over to where the computer sits. Little did I know what I was about to encounter!

As we prayed together before the service it hit me - There was a spiritual battle taking place this morning, and God was victorious! No, we didn't get our computer back (though we are praying whoever took it will return it!), but it didn't stop us for one minute from doing what the Lord called us to do today. In fact, it made us more aware of satan's schemes and his desire to try to distract us or keep us from worshipping God. But, you know what, satan lost that battle and God was worshipped today...not because we had powerpoint and a sound system and music, but because our hearts' desire was to worship the Lord today!

Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy, O Lord!
To receive glory, glory and honor,
glory and honor and power.
For Thou hast created, hast all things created,
Thou hast created all things.
And for Thy pleasure, they are created,
Thou art worthy, O Lord.

God created us for His pleasure! Worship Him...even when things don't go the way you plan.

My sweet twins boys!

2006-09-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

BeforeWe're about to go get their hair cut here (their choice!)

2006-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

After

They cut their long hair off today...

God is good!

2006-08-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Today my son called (a few times) and everything is going good. He ran into a friend that he met this summer and they had lunch together and he introduced my son to all his friends. I could hear the happiness in his voice! Later, he called his dad to tell him he was bike riding down a country road and saw five or six deer (of course, they both thought that was too cool!) so I'm sure he'll be out riding a lot! It's a blessing to know all is going well! Thanks to everyone who has been lifting us up in prayer!

2006-08-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well...my son is on a new journey. Yes, the tears are flowing! My prayers go with him. In fact, the Lord is right there with him. What peace that brings to my heart. As I began to type God sent a little angel my way to kiss me on the cheek and hug my neck (my youngest son, one of the twins). And a few minutes later he sent another little angel my way (my daughter) who did the exact same thing...God knows just what we need at just the right time!

I just cried and cried this afternoon. I know it will get easier...for the days when it's not, I pray for strength!

What are you doing to reach out to the lost and hurting?

2006-08-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of a Protestant Prayer Rope? Probably not! Most people haven't, because it's not really something you see out there anywhere...until now! A friend of mine, who is a member of our church, began to pray that God would use her in whatever way he wanted to, and after seeking the Lord's guidance on how she could share the gospel and reach out to people this idea became a reality. I would love to share more about all the work that went into creating the material that goes with them, so if you are interested in hearing more about it, please let me know. My main reason for this blog is to share a piece of her life with you and what God is doing. I asked her if I could share this story that she shared with me a few days ago because it meant so much to me to hear her share it! God has given her a passion for the lost and a way to reach out to them and it is REAL and EVIDENT and I just love to hear testimony after testimony of what God is doing through her obedient heart. Here is what she wrote:

I gave away another prayer rope today. I was up at Whole Foods doing my grocery shopping and I was about done, headed to the checkout lines and this guy comes flying around the corner almost bumping into me and I kind of jumped. He said “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” I just sort of smiled or nodded my head and went on to the check out line. Moments later, he comes along and gets in the line next to me. I’m just standing there and he is fanning himself with is hands and he smiles and says “I need some of your calmness to waft over here to me.” Well, that’s my cue. I smile, nod, and start digging though my purse trying to have a real quick conversation with God about which color to give him. I was pretty much directed to just grab the one on top. He was about to move on to unload his groceries when I pulled out the prayer rope and handed it to him and said “Here. Maybe this will help.” He was so surprised, and pleased. After he checked-out he came around to the isle where I was still unloading my groceries and gave me a hug and said that was just what he needed today. Pretty cool huh?

Thank you, friend, for seeking the Lord and asking Him to use you to reach the lost, and for giving a reason for the hope you have! I love you! :)

Obedience or Sacrifice

2006-08-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

I guess I never really thought about this much, until today - whether God wants our sacrifice or our obedience - but when I was reading 1 Samuel 15:22 it says, "But Samuel replied, 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams.' " You'd have to go and read all of the story to really gather everything about Saul, but in God's word we see that God was very angry with Saul because he was disobedient. Sure, he saved some of the best, saying he was giving it as a sacrifice to the Lord, but God commanded him to do otherwise, to destroy EVERYTHING, not just what he thought he should destroy.

I think we all do this from time to time...what we think would be a good enough sacrifice to the Lord may only be a partial sacrifice (if that is even a sacrifice at all). God requires it ALL in order for it to be a sacrifice. In other words, a sacrifice that cost you nothing isn't really a sacrifice at all, right? The sacrifice is, many times, in being obedient - you may have to sacrifice something in order to be obedient, or like Samuel (the one who confronted Saul about his conduct) you may find out that obedience IS the sacrifice. Samuel was faithful to God and did all that God asked him to do in speaking to Saul about what he had done. It could not have been easy for Samuel. In fact, scripture tells us "Samuel was troubled and cried out to the Lord all the night" (1 Samuel 15:11b)

In my own life, there are times when I think I know what I should do, but then I find out that was MY way, not GOD'S way. Why did I do it then? It seemed like the right thing to do (there wasn't anything morally wrong with it, or it was a good thing to do). Saul's argument was that he went on the mission God assigned him, and he destroyed everything but that which was devoted to God, but it wasn't what God required. Or, an even tougher one to admit...because I wasn't in tune with God. Sometimes I just don't spend the time with the Lord that I should and it's like when you're driving along, listening to your car radio, and you begin to hear static or part of that station and another one, the music just isn't coming through as clearly as it once was. That's usually two of the biggest reasons for me.

After thinking about Saul and the actions he took that were disobedient to what God asked of him, here are a few questions to ponder: Are we obedient even when it doesn't come easy or make sense to us? Are we obedient even though it doesn't seem like the way we would do it? Are we obedient when it's not what we want? Those are the very times we see God show up and we step out of the way and let him work. Saul missed that blessing by not doing exactly what the Lord told him to do. I can count numerous times when I felt so out of place or thought to myself "this is not how I would do it" or felt unworthy to be doing what God had asked me to do, but EVERY TIME he was faithful to work through me because I was obedient. Plain and simple. God desires our obedience - not our knowledge, not our status, not even our talent - just our willingness to do whatever it is he ask of us!

Today (and everyday) I want to be like Samuel, obedient and faithful to the Lord. God, use me today to bring glory to your name. Help me to be obedient!

Psalm 23 came to mind this morning...

2006-08-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

(I trust You, Lord, to supply all my needs because I know You are watching over me!)

He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

(What a peaceful place to be! Thank you, Lord, for providing refreshment for my soul!)

He guides me in the path of righteousness for his name's sake.

(I am so glad Your guidance is there to do Your will...I could not do it on my own. I want to bring glory and honor to Your name!)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.

(I have nothing to fear for You, God, are with me every step of the way, through the good times and the bad. I am comforted by Your authority in my life and the guidance You give me!)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows.

(Thank you, Lord! I am blessed!)

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

(I can have complete confidence in You and Your plan for my life! You have come that I might have life and live it to the fullest, and I praise you for that this morning!)

Today's Blessings...just to name a few

2006-08-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Being able to get up when I felt like it, then go down to the lobby of the hotel and have a really nice, free breakfast (with my husband beside me)!
Receiving two comments on my blog - one from a long time friend and one a complete stranger, but both encouraged me!
Being able to spend the day alone with my husband!
Having the opportunity to just do whatever I felt like doing (like not work, not clean house, not cook, spend time with the Lord, Blog, watch a movie while laying around at a nice hotel...
Having the opportunity to just spend time chatting with my son over pizza and Dr. Pepper.
Feeling tremendous love and support from my husband!

I thank the Lord for the blessings in my life this day!

A new chapter in our family history book...

2006-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we arrived at Texas A & M Commerce with our oldest son. This will be his new home for the next four years or so (unless he decides later to go to another college, of course). I never knew how difficult it would be to watch him tell his brothers and sister good-bye. As I watched him wander aimlessly around the house I knew in my heart how hard this truly was for him to tell his sister (and good friend) good-bye before she left for school. In a strange sense I felt blessed...blessed because I'm sure there are many kids out there that head off to college and could care less about telling their siblings (and parents) good-bye.

We arrived at his apartment here on campus at 10:00 and 10 minutes later there were 6 girls helping us unload the truck. I stayed near the truck so by the time I made it into his apartment everything was in his room, with no room to spare. It took us a little while to figure it out, but by the time we got done it was completely different than originally set up and he loved it! I wish I had brought the camera so I could have taken a picture...

My husband and I are staying in a nice hotel across the street for a few days. We decided a long time ago that we would take this time off to be with our son and help him to adjust to this new season in his life. I know...everyone has their own ideas and thoughts about how it should be done, but we are following the Lord's guidance on this...he knows our son better than anyone else. Yesterday we got him moved in, shopped for other needed items, bought books (expensive!), toured the town and campus again, and then looked for churches in the area and had dinner at Red Lobster. Afterwards, he wanted to get online to look up some of the churches he thought he might want to visit, so we did that. Then he and his dad went back to his apartment for a while to raise his bed, and I stayed here at the hotel to just relax and sift through the emotions I was having. When he left our hotel room, after bringing his dad back from his apartment, I was a little shocked that I cried, but it's okay...I'm just going to allow myself to "feel". Two things I love about staying here is it has allowed us to love on our son and give him undivided attention when he needs it - helping him to feel more comfortable in his surroundings, as well as a chance for my husband and me to go through this experience in our own way, and just love on each other through it all.

We all write our own chapters, everyone does things a little differently, and one thing that I've learned over the years is you have to follow your heart. My heart tells me this is beneficial to my son and he is being blessed by our being here, allowing him to move into this change slowly. Today, he is writing his own chapter as well, as he's spending the day with hundreds of other freshman going through the same thing. Our prayer for this day is that he will find many wonderful people who will become very close friends one day, and that he will feel more secure with the changes taking place in his life. Though I still see the "don't go yet" in his eyes, I believe it will soon change and I will see the "I'll be okay, it's okay to go now", and we'll head back home to continue adding new chapters to our history book.

I've been tagged...

2006-08-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

1. The Book nearest to me?
My bible
2.Stretch out left arm what do you touch?
A hymnal
3. Last thing I watched on T.V?
Steel Magnolias - that was the last thing I sat down to watch a few days ago.
4. Without looking what time is it?
2:00 p.m.
5. Now look and tell what the actual time is
2:56 p.m. Man! Saturdays go by way too fast!!!
6. With the exception of computer, what do you hear?
The T.V. My husband laid down on the couch to take a nap with the T.V. on...no idea what is on, just hear it!
7. When did I last step outside?
An hour ago. My husband and I went out to lunch - just the two of us!
8. Before this survey what did you look at?
Praise music. I lead worship at our church.
9. What are you wearing?
T-Shirt, capri pants and flip-flops.
10. What did you dream last night?
Leaving my son at college (which is what we will be doing in one week) and not wanting to let go when we hugged good-bye, crying all the way home...it felt so real.
11.When did you last laugh?
Today!
12. What are on the walls in the room?
Candles, that I recently hung to surprise my husband when he returned from his mission trip to Peru, and a picture with flowers.
13. Seen anything weird lately?
Everyday! This world is full of weird people...lol!
14. What do you think of this quiz?
Just hoping someone reads it...
15. What is the last film I saw?
Taladagan Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. I was disappointed!
16. Tell me something we don't know.
I guess that would depend on who was reading this! Paulette, who tagged me, knows a lot about me...not sure what she doesn't know.
17. Do you like to dance?
Yes. I'm not too good at it though. I love to watch people who can really dance (as long as they are modest and not doing some of those sick moves I see on T.V.)
18. President Bush?
What about him? I must have missed part of the question. My daughter met who she thought was President Bush a few weeks ago in Midland at Rock the Desert, and my husband talked to him on the phone - but when we saw the pictures we weren't convinced it was really him! This guy looked a little too chunky!
19. Imagine your first child is a girl.
I love that my (only) daughter was second. I love that she has an older brother who can watch out for her!
20. Imagine your first child a boy.
Well, no need to imagine...I got that! And then, my third and fourth were boys too (that came at the same time!) Lots of boys in this family!
21. What would God say to you at the pearly gate?
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter in, for great is your reward!" because I've placed my faith in him and He is my Lord and Savior!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...

2006-08-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life just doesn't make sense to us. We don't understand why certain things happen in our lives that bring us sorrow or pain, and we may never know this side of glory, but I want to encourage you in the Lord to trust Him! We live in a fallen world, and because of that we will all experience difficulties, some because of choices we make or the choices of others, but there is someone who is always there for us, and that is Jesus Christ. The bible tells us that we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with us...praise God! The bible also tells us that greater is He that is in us (believers) than he that is in the world! Take heart! The victory has already been won! Our Warrior has conquered sin, and death, and He is in control! His plans are to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future! Take that to heart today. Trust God, not man (that includes yourself) and let Him have his way in your life. You can't go wrong if you entrust it (your life, all your circumstances, your children, whatever it is for you today) to God!

2006-08-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

Psalm 40: 1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, and a hymn of praise to out God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

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There is no greater joy than knowing God. He will forever change your life!
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My baby girl turns 17...

2006-08-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

My daughter turns 17 this Sunday...wow, slow down life! I am so proud of her. She is a wonderful daughter who loves the Lord and strives to live for him! It's only a few short months before she too will go off to college.

I love you, my sweet daughter! Keep living for the Lord and loving life! You are a light in this dark world and I am excited about what God has in store for your future. Continue to seek God's will for your life and you'll never go wrong! I LOVE YOU! Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter. I love all the long talks and good times we have together. Don't grow up too fast and enjoy your last few months of high school! Happy 17th Birthday!!!

Who's Your Favorite Blogger?

2006-08-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

If you stop by my blog, let me know who your favorite blogger is, and why (feel free to put more than one if it's too hard to decide)!

A new season

2006-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

In just a few days my oldest son will leave for college. I can't believe it! It's one of those bitter-sweet moments in life when you want to hold on to them like they are babies and at the same time you know it's time to push them out of the nest and watch them fly on their own. We've talked about it a lot lately and I know he's excited, and fearful, and uncertain of what life will be like on his own...all the same things my husband and I feel as well.

There is this amazing new song, called Find Your Wings, that describes my prayer for him (as well as my other 3 children), and the chorus goes like this, "I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams, that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things, I'm here for you whatever this life brings, so let my love give you roots and help you find your wings." The first verse pulls at my heart everytime I hear it, and really expresses what's on my heart. It says, "It's only for a moment you are mine to hold. The plans that heaven has for you will all too soon unfold. So many different prayers I'll pray for all that you might do, but most of all I'll want to know you're walking in the truth." Isn't that so beautiful?! It comforts me when I hear it, reminding me that God will be watching over him when he leaves home!

My Hero

2006-08-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is my hero!

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He's strong in the Lord, faithful and true!

He lifts my spirit when I'm feeling blue...

He's kind and compassionate, full of love.

He's the one God gave me, a gift from above!

He's a preacher and teacher and so much more.

He's the love of my life, the one I adore!

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This isn't typically how people see him (in a suit), but I thought he looked so handsome in it so I wanted to post it!

A time of reflection

2006-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

For two weeks my husband has been in Peru ministering to the people and sharing the gospel with them. During that time, I've been here at home ministering to the people God has put in my path. It's been hard, challenging, enlightening and, above all, a God-thing!

When my husband left for Peru I was sad, wishing I could go and minister with him and do something exciting. Little did I know, God had plans for me right here. Several people in my life are going through very difficult things and when they called on me to help I was completely available to go be with them, or allow them into my home. It gave me time to spend with people who just needed someone to be there...something that normally doesn't come very easily for me with a family of 6, a full-time job, as well as the ministries God has me involved in at our church...so I count it a true blessing from the Lord.

Often times, my heart is pulled in many directions with the many things I have going on in my life, and one of those heart strings is sometimes pulled but not responded to like I should, leaving me feeling like I let friends and family down sometimes. This week God allowed me to minister like my heart was telling me to, even working out all the details to allow me to do so. My parents asked if my kids could come spend the week at the lake with them, and my bosses were wonderful to me when I needed to leave work early one day, and everything just worked out completely!

Another awesome thing about the last two weeks is the time I've spent reflecting on my marriage and what God desires for our lives. I often find myself asking God the same thing, "change me!" Not externally...what passes away...but change my heart, make it more like Christ. One of those areas would be in how I truly show my husband love and respect. For some time now I've felt convicted about how I speak to him or nag him about things, and during this last two weeks God has shown me the areas I need to work on and the courage to say okay, Lord, I'll take action and do something about it. I'm so excited about learning how to love my husband more, in a way that he needs to be loved, not how I think he needs to be loved. I've asked God to show me and help me to hear and respond.

Just this morning, as I was spending time with the Lord he took me to Proverbs 31 and, verse by verse, we conversed about me as a wife and how I could work on certain areas. It was amazing! I then felt God's leading in sharing all the Lord has shown me by writing a letter to my husband...nailing down I was willing to take action and do what the Lord has shown me I need to do. I am excited because I know the Lord is working in our lives to draw us even closer to him and to each other.

Thank you, Lord, for two special weeks in my life...first of all, for your love and protection, keeping us all safe while we were away from each other, and for time to spend with those who needed a friend, for time to spend all by myself (allowing me to look deep into my own life and your will for my life and my marriage). Thank you for a wonderful, godly husband whose heart's desire is to know You and make You known, and who loves me unconditionally and shows me every day how much I mean to him. Thank you for all the many, many blessings in my life!!

Answered Prayers

2006-07-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few weeks ago my daughter, her boyfriend, and my parents all went to Africa on a mission trip. Upon their return my dad came down with Malaria, the worse strain you could have. He was very sick and in the hospital for almost a week. I've never seen him so sick (which is what everyone said), but PRAISE GOD he is well again and almost back to full health.

There were a few things that came to mind every day while he was sick: 1) I can't imagine what my life would be like without my dad! He is a wonderful man and I love him very much. 2) I wanted to help him. He's always been there for me and I wanted to be there for him. There's something special about taking care of someone when they are sick. It hurts because you can't make them well, but it draws you closer to them because you are putting their needs above your own.

One day was especially meaningful to me. While my mom went to the doctor, to make sure she didn't have Malaria, I sat with my dad. As he slept, I prayed for probably an hour that God would heal him and bring my dad back to full health. During that time God brought to mind how much my dad always does for everyone else and the love he has for people. I knew God would heal him, but I was grateful for the time to sit and pray for my dad and be able to experience taking care of him for that short time. (Later I joked with him about God preparing me for when he gets old...he didn't think it was very funny I don't think! )

I thank the Lord for answering our prayers and taking care of my dad. I also thank him for the time I had to just sit with my dad and care for him.

Sensing His presence

2006-06-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

This week at work I had a lot of very important items to take care of. I knew in my heart the only way I could get through it was to daily give God my day and ask for His will to be done, for His strength, and for His peace in my life.

Every morning I would get up very early to pray about the things that I had to accomplish and, praise God, every evening I would spend time reflecting on how God had answered my prayers and thanking him for His presence. I know there is NO WAY I could have accomplished so much without him.

On Monday morning I had prayed specifically about three things, and Monday evening I was writing "Answered prayer" next to all of them in my prayer journal! Tuesday it was two things. (Well it started out with two things and by the time I ended the day it was much more - since I came out to get in my car around 7 pm and had a flat tire! There God provided a man to change the tire for me -- I thought everyone was long gone by then, but to my surprise I found one person to help me!!) Wednesday it was one or two things, and by yesterday evening I thought to myself, "how do people make it without God!"

I know where my strength comes from and I praise God for being there for me, day or night, at home or at work, any time, any place!

Africa Update

2006-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

We heard from our daughter yesterday and she is having a wonderful time in Africa. This makes her 3rd year to go, and it's different every time. This year they are in Uganda, and it is a lot more primitive than originally thought (no hot water or electricity). I can't wait to hear more about it! Lots of "hut to hut" evangelism and over 300 people have given their life to Christ! I'm sure they are having the time of their life telling others about Jesus. They said most of the people there have never seen "colored people," as they refer to us. I bet it is very exciting to be ministering to them! She will be home this week and I can't wait to hear all about it!!

Okay, okay...

2006-06-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to think about something to write about...I'll just sit here and type whatever...

I'm planning to sleep in tomorrow for the first time in...I can't remember when. Sleep in? What's that? I forgot what that is, it's been so long!

We took out twins to see the movie Over the Hedge tonight, and it took me back to when they were years younger. It was a good, clean movie so that was a plus, but not the best movie in the world. The animals were pretty hard on us humans! Pretty accurate in how they described us and food though. It was nice to just sit there...

Our daughter (and my parents, and her boyfriend) left for Africa today. They are somewhere in the air as I write. I wish I could have gone with them, but it is sooooo expensive! I love that she is able to go though. Someone at work today was shocked that we've let her go three times now, especially at a young age. They asked, "Aren't you scared to let her go?" At which I replied, "She's in good hands, God's hands!" I love that she goes and is getting to experience the joy of sharing the gospel! Everytime she leaves I wonder what God has in store for her in the future.
Please pray for them for two weeks with me, and for the people of Africa who don't know Jesus.

Lord, prepare the way and soften their hearts. May every person they come into contact with give their life to You...and may everyone who comes to know You share You with everyone they come into contact with and may Your story and Your glory be known and never cease to be shared. Lord, I pray that for all of us that call You Lord. May we be faithful wherever we are to share You with the people we come into contact with. Soften OUR hearts to Your will and may Your will be done in our lives every minute of every day. Amen.

After graduation thoughts...

2006-06-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's over and we're turning a new page in our lives. Every once in a while, like last night driving home, I cry a little. It was a wonderful graduation and I loved watching our son walk down the aisle with a huge smile on his face, excited about the moment. Just one hour before he said he wasn't nervous, but his dad and I knew better...(that's why we were breaking into his truck afterwards because he locked his keys in there...nah, he wasn't nervous!) The funny thing is, I guess his dad and I were sort of nervous for him or something because I don't really remember him walking across the stage, and his dad asked me if they said his middle name!
I couldn't be prouder and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our son! Thanks family and friends for being a part of that very special time in our son's life!!! It was wonderful to have you all there with us cheering him on!

My son, the graduate!

2006-05-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Words can't even begin to express how I feel inside as I think about the last 18 years with my son. I am more than proud of him, I am overwhelmed with joy that he has chosen the better things in life and knows the peace that comes from living a life for Christ.

I've watched him grow from a small kid who was quiet and a bit shy, to a young man who lives his life in such a way that it speaks volumes to those who are around him. The one thing I read over and over and over in letters from his friends was that he shines for Christ, that he lives for Jesus, that he cares about others, and everything was encouraging to read and know that he had truly been a light in this dark world in his school. How ironic is this...my children have been in public schools most of their lives (only one year in private school while we lived in Germany), and I am so excited because my son will get to graduate inside a huge church! I think it's so cool...What better place could there be to get to graduate as a believer!!!

Eighteen years of my life I've poured my heart into raising him, and tomorrow I will watch him walk across the stage and receive his high school diploma...child rearing for one of four is over...he is a man! He must make decisions on his own...some of which I know will be difficult, but I have complete confidence in him! For example, yesterday when he was given $250 instead of $25 at the bank and, after realizing it, took it back and let them know they had made a mistake. Boy was the teller happy to see him!!! She didn't even realize she had done that, but later that evening she would have! He came home with a mug full of candy and said to his younger brothers, "This is what I got for $250.00." Also informing them that someone got to keep their job today! To God be the glory...

I never in my wildest dreams really thought this day would come so quickly. I guess you never REALLY think about your kids growing up and becoming adults...you just sort of know it in the back of your mind, but it just doesn't "hit home", if that makes any sense at all. I guess we keep it tucked so far back in our mind that when the time comes to make that transition in life it sort of catches us a little off guard. I know the "hitting home" is happening to his dad and me, and I just thank God that, even though we don't know what the future holds, we know who holds the future!

Son,
As you graduate I pray God's richest blessings on your life! You are my hero today! I love you! Thank you for making being a mom so special and for all the years of wonderful memories...As I look back over your childhood I can honestly say it has been WONDERFUL!!!
All my love,
Mom

Four Generations

2006-05-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

My daughter, myself, my mom, & my grandmother...

Though I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with my mom, I loved that I was able to spend the day before with her. My mom said she hasn't spent Mother's Day with her mom since I was little and I know it was very special to her to get to do that this year.

Thanks for the laughs!

My Daughter & Me

2006-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I love her so much, and I love having the relationship we do.

My mom & Me

2006-05-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

I love you!

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Thanks for loving me!

2006-05-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to his grandparents, my son got to drive a "dream car" to prom. He was so excited! He said he felt like James Bond, as he headed out of the driveway to pick up his date.

Thanks, Granny and Pops!!!