Day 19

This October has been a challenging month on it's own, but especially to add blogging daily. It has been a good month so far just very crazy.

Today is definitely not October 19, like it should be; it is October 27. Today seems like it is important, but I cannot for the life of me remember why this date stands out. I hope I am not forgetting someone or something important. Time will tell! LOL.

This has been a busy week thus far. I can't remember all that happened last week, so you get the juicy details of this week. :) 

So since October 8 our fridge has been dead... D--E--A--D!!! The repair man came this week and tried to revive it. No such luck. Today we get a call saying the paperwork from the repairman came through and they will go with his suggestion of purchasing a new fridge for us. We have appliance insurance by the way. In another 7-10 days we will have a new one. Did you hear that? In another 7-10 days! Am I complaining? I might be only because it is very difficult living out of a cooler for a month. However, it is what it is!

Hurricane Matthew is still a very real nuisance. I guess you can get that understanding from the info above. We did get the check for the damage for the car (from the recent hurricane). Daniel has an appointment for repairs beginning of next month. The week we move. HAHA! The week previous to that, Nov. 4, we should get a check for the damage to the house. Then we can do what needs to be done there as well. Today a neighbor called to ask if she was seeing things. I asked why and she said she thought she saw a tarp on our house. I laughed and said yes she was correct. Such a sweet lady.

It would be so much easier to leave our home in the woods if our neighbors weren't so awesome. Since this storm our neighbors have come to help or made sure we knew they were there if we needed them. I know troubles make the best come out in most all people. Our little community is amazing and we will miss them.

About the house in Savannah... we got word from the bank all is a go now it is passed on to the next stage, the underwriters. We are going to schedule another appointment with the home inspector to make sure all is a go after the minor repairs were made. I really can't wait to get in the house again. 

My sister (in-law) is just as excited as we are. She can't wait to come help me set stuff up. She is amazing. We will be using mom and dad's dining room table (her table) till she needs it. We have not had a family dinner around that table in well over a year. It is time-- and just in time for Thanksgiving.

Another thing today was saying good-bye to one of my favorite people. Pam is relocating to Florida. She has been been blessed by God to be able to purchase a home and a car not to mention she will be able to keep all her dogs. She has 3 that she promised her mother on her deathbed that she would look after Ruth's babies. This is something that has bothered her quite a bit... thinking that she would have to dishonor her mother's dying request. I am very proud of her and know she will be an awesome blessing to others that cross her path in Florida. We will miss her terribly, however, I see trips south in our future. :)

One last thing then I will sign off. I was running a bit late on my own schedule that I set myself. The dog wouldn't eat or go to the bathroom. My son was still very asleep and had a difficult time getting him to hear me as I said I was going to help Pam today. So even though I was 20 minutes ahead of my previous day's planned schedule I was behind mentally for today. I know, I'm strange! AS I traveled and listened to the radio I saw blue lights and red lights on both sides of the road. I began to understand why my planned schedule was lagging behind. If I had been on time I would have been in a serious accident and possibly dead. It's these times that I greatly appreciate God intervening. That sounds like I am glad it was someone else and not me. Not at all, What I mean is if it were me to hit the truck that was hit it might have been worse and someone die. One never knows what is around the bend. 

I have enjoyed this blog challenge and know I have been blessed by it. Sounds funny. I believe tomorrow I am going to take a few minutes to write about my devotion from yesterday. We will see.

Until next time. I'd say tomorrow, but I can't promise that. :)

Day 18

What a day this has been. This past month has been full of these kinds of days.

This week was to be more "normal" and get back to the schedules we had before the hurricane and all this house stuff. Funny thing is, I can't remember life before all this. I know we had class and had a full day of stuff daily, but of what.

We started out the day right, with God. That is a must daily. If no God you shouldn't even try because you are already defeated. After that we ate and started class. Civics has been interesting since this 2016 election stuff began. What is awesome is Austin has been reading about the process and seeing how the current political parties have not been exactly going by the book, especially the current administration. However, I will not go there.

We close out the day today with MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Austin loves it and does an awesome job at it. Master Doug says he needs to get meaner because he knows what what he is doing with the moves.

Another thing I forgot to day was the endless conversations with my current insurance company and the future insurance company. Trying to get the car quote right and the house quote discounted. Hard thing having a house too old for other companies to look at, but in the end I think it's worth it to have a house you love and can't wait to get there.

Another amazing day down in the books. God is awesome and so faithful.

Until tomorrow...

Day 17

Happy Monday Y'all!

Today was good and relaxing in a way, but mentally challenging. We are still in the middle of buying a house in midtown Savannah. That means that we are having to look into home insurances that will insure a home built in 1926. UMMM... we found one company! And that company is NOT our current home insurance company.

Our church ladies group had our monthly meeting and it was good. Our pastor's wife was hosting; her theme was the harvest. Of course she was not speaking of the fall harvest, but the soul harvest.

It was a good time spent with my sister as well. Getting to know her better since her return home has been such a blessing. She is a beautiful young lady full of God and much talent. We continue to talk of the goodness we all are sharing with the family back home. Austin is getting to know his grandparents as well as his aunt, which is more like a twin, and his uncle.

Well, I guess I better get for now so...

Until tomorrow...

Day 16

What an awesome day in the Lord! He shows up and fills to overflowing.

After an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during worship Pastor preached on Joy (Jesus, others, you). Where do you find joy? Hopefully, in our Savior Jesus Christ. However, we can find joy in simple daily things as well. He shared of being in the hospital and all he could think of was a banana popsicle. In those moments that brought him joy.

I love nutty bars, my all time favorite little debbie snack. I remember in jr high for lunch, every day, I would get a burrito with chili & cheese, nutty bar, and red slushy. Oh that was a treat.

My husband, 3 children, and 4 grandchildren are a joy. To see them smile and hear their laughter. My parents and in-laws are a joy. We are friends and they can teach and have taught me much.

God is faithful. Tonight we did not get a sermon at church. God moved and changed it all up. We sang, had testimony, sang some more, then anointed people... it was "lit!" Inside joke between the youth at church and me. So silly! In the end we also had a reception for one of our dear sisters as she ismoving to south Florida. Sigh, she will be missed and dearly remembered.  We lovd you, Pamela!!!

What will this next week hold for us? Not sure, but I know who holds my everyday... God! And I trust Him more everyday.

Until tomorrow...

Day 15

Today we celebrate! Our sister turned 20 on the 6th of October. Our original plans were to have a party last Saturday, but Hurricane Matthew had other plans.

Daniel is grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, Mikaela is making chili, and we have chips, drinks, and desserts. Pumpkin pie and cheesecake are the special treats for the occasion.

UPDATE...
We found a house that we loved in Savannah and put an offer on it hoping to get it. We were informed October 12th that we had a binding contract and closing was on November 11th. YAY!!

Day 14

Oh Happy Day! Today we cut the 50+ft Magnolia down and it fell correctly. We almost got it all cut up and cleared out. Now we just have the bottom half of the trunk to process. We will have to wait till possibly Monday.

This weekend we have our sister's birthday and a dinner for a church member since she is moving to Florida next week.

So, I guess I need to update on my progress to a healthier me. The hurricane displaced us and I was not able to pick my own food. With that being said I have gained some weight back and I feel it in my  breathing, but all is not lost. I still have the desire to get this done. Once we got back home and the power came on we found out that our fridge was DEAD! It is not easy using a cooler and replacing the ice daily as to not lose the heavy cream and mayo.

It sounds like these last days have been nothing but torture, however, they have been nothing but blessings. God has shown such goodness to us. God is very good.

Day 13

Last night was our first night back in our own beds in a week. It was so good. We all fell fast asleep within moments of covering up.

My husband told me to relax today. I had completed so much so fast he knows I need rest. I listened! When he got home from work he and Austin cut some limbs off the Magnolia tree that needed to come down. Half way up the tree there was just stubs to climb up, AUstin's job. This was his favorite tree of all time, childhood tree.

I remember my childhood tree at my grandparent's house. It was a huge oak with a tire swing. MEMORIES!!!

Tomorrow we plan to cut down the Magnolia, hopefully--but we will see.

Day 12

This has been a week of early rise and work hard like the olden days. Today was no different. My parents-in-law had a medical trip to Mayo clinic and as they left I went to work.

My task at hand today was cut and clear the 50+ft Maple that we cut down yesterday. Long hard day, but worth every second. I continued to praise God for how He helped me accomplish this huge feat. A couple of times I thought how easy it would be to stop, however I found another limb in my hand until it was all done except for the largest logs I physically could not carry.

At the end of the day our power came back on. Thank you Jesus! We decided to pack up from our family's house and return home.

The time spend with our family was very good. Many times in stressful situations one can spew onto others. We not once did that. I never thought it would happen as we are pretty close. I praise God for our family and that a year ago they moved home, close to us again.

I still need to add pictures to my family page.

Day 11

Good Day!!!

This has been a week so far of clean up. My days are running together and memory failing since done so much work.

I went and bought a handheld saw, Dewalt, to cut and clear the rest of the downed Crape Myrtles. Another thing we were able to do was have a neighbor help us cut down our White Maple. It was just about to fall on the house. We got it down just in time.

Day 10

We got home yesterday to no power and no water, which we expected. Turns out our power should not be on till the end of the week. YIKES!!!

Last night we talked to our family in Pooler, about 20 minutes from us, and they said come stay. That is exactly what we did.

Today I cleaned out the fridge and freezers. It is always hard to toss out food, but especially when you have 5 garbage bags to just throw away. I had some ribs that cost $13 and 5# of shrimp.

I began clearing out the Crape Myrtles that were all over the place. Hoping to make way for the power company when they get to our neck of the woods.

It was a great day and lots of progress was made.

Until tomorrow...

Day 9

Happy SUnday!

Today we were able to get home after the hurricane. The local authorities said the interstates were clear and everyone could return. I was not sure what we were going to find when we got there.

We had minimal damage, trees down and a little roof issue.

Day 8

I have to start by saying I cannot believe I have posted 8 days. As I think about the next 22 days I hope there is much to write about. There should be with everything that is going on in our lives, the hurricane that just blew by last night and this morning. I will add pictures of the sky today after the storm. It is a process since I am away from home.

As we are in Adrian for the hurricane exodus many have donated to the cause by giving food and necessities. Many people, churches and even the local Wal*mart brought a huge truck load of goodies. It is amazing the generosity of people towards others in trouble. I fully believe God has moved in the hearts of others to make this time easier on those of us going through this time away from our homes.

As we have talked and spent time with others, we know and don't know, going through the same thing God has been working to show the people who don't attend church somewhere that He is looking out for them and The Church of the Nazarene are a compassionate people. Many local displaced people have been around for years and years and never knew about this camp ground. I heard many conversations of others talking just today of how they can't believe how nice it was for the camp care takers to open up everything to anyone in need. I am thankful to be part of this denomination. Jeff and Peggy are amazing people and great friends.

This few days my low carb lifestyle has been shot, but I am not giving up. It has just proven a little more difficult in this situation. No worries I will do my best in this time and get back on track ASAP. God had helped me to not get overly focused with the food and feelings of discouragement. There are times in our lives that are not exactly as we desire, but we make due with what we have and change what we can when we can.

Through this time I have probably gained a few pounds back--no worries all is good and will be okay.

The county emergency service where we live has said we can return home tomorrow at 7am although we most likely will be without power. My guys say lets hit the road and get home, sleep in our own beds and see what damage if any we have. We will see. I am guessing we will leave after church.

It's time for a good shower and to finish my mocha cappuccino.

Until tomorrow...

Day 7

Did I mention we had to evacuate for Hurricane Matthew? I believe I did, but having internet issues and can't really go back and see what all I said. IF I repeat anything ignore it and move to the next part. ;)

Yesterday, October 6, we had to flee from the path of destruction. YADA YADA YADA... We went to the only place available, Adrian Camp and Conference Center.  It is the campground for the Church of the Nazarene in Georgia. I called our friend who is the camp director and asked if there was room available for us and Lexi--our doberman. They said yes to come on up. 

We get here and sign in, get our key and welcome packet then get to the room. I open the welcome packet to read that our stay is free of charge, which includes 3 hot meals a day as long as we need refuge because that is what Jesus would do in the situation. They want to be a blessing to others in their time of trouble.

I am so overwhelmed by God's goodness and love. We have been misplaced due to the weather, but among church family from all over the coastal area of Georgia. It's like a family reunion. God always knows what we need and sometimes it's just to get away and relax.

The hurricane is to hit overnight, I believe, and throughout tomorrow. Sunday is too be a beautiful day. I can't wait to share what goes on tomorrow. It may be just a great day of rest, which is terribly needed. 

Until tomorrow...

Day 6

Today has been an interesting day for sure.

The hurricane is inching closer and it's getting stronger. Up to Cat 4 again. We have decided to ride this storm out even though we live in an older home that is surrounded by old trees and hoping the decision is right.

About mid morning I get a call from the realtor, I answer and she starts rattling off stuff and it all sounds good, but I want hubby to hear before I get excited and say yes. He listened and said yes. We offered $5000 less than his listing price and asked him to pay closing costs. The realtor said it was a great offer. The seller countered with $2000 less than offer and he pay closing costs. We agreed!

In 2 weeks we paid our house off, sold our house, and now bought a house in Savannah. All I can say is that was God!

We are so excited about the new house. Now we need to refocus on the task at hand... Hurricane Matthew. What do we do? Well ride it out since no hotels.

A friend told Daniel she was evacuating to her cabin at Camp Adrian. We thought about it and asked if we could stay with her or even if the camp director might open up the lodge (camp hotel). I called and his wife said yes come on we have room for you. And bring your dog. All for free for as long as we need to stay. Plus they provide 3 means a day. WHAT???

Another God thing! We have been beyond blessed.

I know this is to be a healthier me writing series, but in a way it is... God is blessing and I am growing in my faith. I have trusted Him and He has not let me down. Some prayers He didn't answer as I wanted. I hoped for at least a 4/2.5 2000sqft home. That is not what I was given, but I was given a 3/2 1707sqft home built in 1926 with high ceilings and a sweet front porch with a beautiful back yard.

God is amazing and when we allow Him to work He does big time.

Right now we are chilling out at the lodge enjoying this free mini-vaca!

Until tomorrow...

Day 5

What a day!

Okay, I know this is to be a writing series of a healthier me as far a as weight loss and all that goes with it. However, I just cannot ignore the things that God has been doing. I KNEW I should have written about inspiration and God's hand at work in our lives.

Well, here goes... I am defying my own idea. So here goes...

I have to start out with what happened yesterday late afternoon. We are looking for a house in Savannah, GA, live about 30 minutes out and need to get closer in. Okay, so a little back story is necessary to make this as big as it is in reality.

WE have lived out of Savannah for 19 years. We decided after 3 bad wrecks traveling on the interstate it was best to get back into the city. There were many things that needed to happen to do so.
1. Money to pay off home $24,660
2. Sell house
3. Money for down pmt on new house

That might not seem like a lot to you, but our house is older and in the woods. Numbers 1 & 2 were absolute miracles. Well, Daniel was in a well over 1 and a half years ago. They finally settled and gave us our out of pocket expenses. That plus a little we had in savings covered the home mortgage. YAY!!

Then out of the blue my husband found a number called it and it was someone who buys houses. He came to the house and said he would come back the next day with his brother. About 15 minutes after he left my husband received a phone call and it was the man again. He said he didn't need his brother to make the decision; he wanted the house. He said he would bring a down pmt the next day and sign paperwork. WHAT JUST HAPPENED! That was miracle #2 in ONE WEEK!

Now we needed to get looking for a house because we now had miracle #3, a down pmt for a new home. We looked and looked. A house kept coming up and we would dismiss it. I showed it to my friend and mother both of them said NO!

Daniel and I went by the house with serious intentions of crossing it off the list of houses. We got there and the man and his wife were there and let us in and shared all the details of the house. We quietly shared that we could not in fact cross this house off the list, but put it as #1 on the list. WE LOVED IT! It was all we could think about. God's will was what was desired though. So we prayed.

By the end of the day yesterday there was a huge home just as I desired. It was 7 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom, huge huge house, very cool house! I told the realtor we wanted to look at it Wednesday before church.

Our family began talking about the houses and what was best for all of us. I imagines all the kids home for Christmas or Thanksgiving and room for everyone of them. We came to the decision that the other house was best. Just as soon as we made the decision the realtor contacted me and asked if I knew that the huge house had a fire upstairs. I said no and that we had made the right choice to go with the #1 house. She said she felt it was the best choice and would draw up paperwork.

Today was a little uncomfortable as we were waiting, but we know God is in control and we want what he wants for us. Nothing more nothing less. We have been a little distracted as Hurricane Matthew is in the Atlantic headed our way. Trying to make decisions about leaving or staying... just not sure what to do.

I began looking online for hotels that are pet friendly. I found nothing all the way to Atlanta! Looks like we are gonna have to ride this one out.

Until tomorrow...

Day 4

Another Scripture that has helped me focus on what God wants for me about my health is Romans 12:1-2 which says,
Therefore, I urge you , brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How can you argue with that?

I had known these Scriptures. I had read them. They just never spoke to me like this before. I was not honoring God with my body. I was going along with the pattern of the world for myself. I was being selfish with my body which was not my own in the first place.

I still flipped and flopped about my weight over the last 17 years or so. I have often freaked out about which way to lose weight was best. Once I would start a plan shortly after I would change up. That is one sure fire way to NOT lose weight and get healthy.

Within the last month and a half I had was anointed and prayed over. Since then I have had more of God's strength and power. I had it before I know, I just felt the change in me at that moment for more of God and less of me.

Many things began to happen, I found more courage to change for God. It has been amazing and I am so glad I did and continue to do so. Since the 20th of September I have been low carbing. It has been so easy this time. It is all God, not me!

A low carb diet is less of the bad carbs and more veggies and proteins. So for 14 days now I have been good and feel so much better. Breathing is easier and a good side note... I am fitting in my clothes that I was too big for. YAY! The left side of my chest hurts less. Normally, I have high cholesterol and I am anxious to see what this does to my levels. It is said that a low carb high fat diet lowers your cholesterol. Seems a little off,, however I have read it multiple places. We will see.

I measured Monday again and I lost 1.25" so far and 9 pounds. When I keep my focus right, on God, about what is best for me I get healthier... mind, body, spirit, and soul!

Everything is okay for me to eat, but not everything is best for me. I am allowed to eat carbohydrates, but they sure mess my body up. I am learning that food is not for pleasure always. Food is for nourishment.

Until tomorrow...

Day 3

Over the course of time, 2 decades, I have struggled with my weight. Not only with my weight, but which weight loss plan to use to lose pounds best.

It was around 2008 when a Scripture came into focus for me. 

"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but I will not be mastered by anything.  You say, "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both." The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 NIV

These verses did not speak to me about sexual immorality, but they spoke to= me about what I was going through food issues. It got to where I had little control over the food I desired. I love sweets and carbohydrates. All the bad stuff. It's not bad if in moderation. I don't know moderation. I am learning moderation. It's very hard.

God has taken me on a journey with food. Many times I have fallen off the wagon so to speak. It's one of the hardest things to deal with for me. Some are addicted to drugs and drinking... I am addicted to carbohydrates. 

Shortly after realizing this scripture our family met some people and befriended them. They were very different in their eating habits. He was a vegan and she was vegetarian. I felt it was good for me to try this and learn about it. It was a way of eating for some time for me and I was losing weight and getting healthy. I am not sure what happened, but it didn't last. It was a great experience for me and from time to time I eat this way.

I continued to remember this passage in the Bible. It never left me. Then there is the other part of I Corinthians 6:19-20 that states Do you not know that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Again, I associated this passage with my personal issue of food. It is what God helped me to understand that what I desired was not up to me for my body because really it was not mine. I had to give my carbohydrate desires to God and let Him deal with it.

Earlier on, I guess early 2000s, I heard about the Atkins Diet. It intrigued me. Sounded crazy, but worth a shot. First time I tried it I lost 35 pounds. I was hooked. Then I went to visit family and I was not diligent. And I gained it all back and then some over time.

What was I going to do and how was I going to get healthy before I turned 40?

Day 2

I will be writing 2 posts for today since I just couldn't yesterday. It was just an exhausting day.

Today (yesterday, Sunday 10/2/16) was just an awesome day. I woke up about 15 minutes late, but it certainly did not dictate my day by any means. We got ready and headed out to church. Austin has choir practice at 9:00 AM, so we have to get out of the house by 8:15. Daniel and I go get coffee and enjoy early Sunday morning together during choir practice.

Morning worship was amazing, as usual. God just flowed and overwhelmed me. Every aspect of the service was phenomenal. We also had communion, which we did differently this time. We went to another member in the church and swapped our prepackaged sacraments then partook of them together. Then prayed with the other person.

How does this relate to a "Healthier Me" you ask... well, by me submitting to God and allowing Him to reign supreme in my life instead of my will brings me to a healthier state and attitude which in turn helps my eating habits.

We sang a revised hymn Jesus Paid It All during music worship. As we sang it I was reassured that indeed Jesus had paid it all and I did not have to be bound to sin or anything that hindered any kind of growth in me. To say it differently, I was reassured that Jesus' death on the Cross will help me be free of the chains of horrible eating habits and the captivity it has brought my soul.

God does not desire us to be in chains to our habits. Habits can be changed or broken if you so choose. It can't be done in our own strength--only in His strength and power can change come. If you have things you desire to change don't fuss or whimper about it--do something about it.

Our God is a mighty God, THE only true God and when we ask Him for help to better us in His will and way... He listens and acts accordingly.

God bless and until tomorrow...

P.S. For lunch I had a well seasoned hamburger patty (made by my hubby) covered with pepper jack cheese and coleslaw. It was soooo good.

Week 1 Photo Update - October 2, 2016

October 2, 2016

I did not get to weigh as my alarm did not go off and I had to quickly jump in the shower.

NOTE to self... make sure you iron the pockets before you wear it. I was annoyed all day because the pockets were not flat.

My clothes are fitting better and I feel better. YAY!

See you next week

Healthier Me Beginning Photo

September 25, 2016

Thinking to update pictures weekly. Hope I remember.

Day 1 - A Healthier Me

September when by too fast. I was talking to my mother-in-law about this the other day and realized it was the LAST DAY of September.

So here goes... I know there are plenty of people out there in this tiny world that struggle with weight or lack of will power. Some feel overwhelmed and powerless. It is not easy to feel great about yourself if none of your clothes fit. There are people I know that eat good and do what they should and still can't lose weight.

I never had trouble with my weight until my mid 20's. There were lots of things that happened in my life to trigger weight gain, but I was not going to let circumstances dictate my life. After our third child was born I was losing the weight and feeling great... until... There was an incident and it changed me. I was no longer going out of the house. The house was locked up tight and shades drawn. I went inside of me and began to gain. It was only recently that I realized what happened and decided I would make changes.

Over the last 15 years I have fought my weight and lack of will power. High cholesterol and "fatty liver" have become a reality as well. NO MORE! I am done and have an awesome new found strength to continue the path to a better liver and lower my cholesterol, not to mention my weight.

I began my journey to a healthier me September 21, 2016. On the 20th I weighed and boy was I shocked. The scale said 210 pounds. That is 4 pounds more than my heaviest while pregnant with our 3rd child. Today I weighed again, 201.4! Not only have I lost some weight, but I was able to get into a pair of jeans.

It sounds like my main concern is my weight, pure vanity right? I know by eating real food will help my health in the long run. No junk food only meat, veggies, and a few healthy dairy.

What should you expect during these next 31 days? I plan to give updates on my progress, photos, recipes that I have made or want to make, and hopefully have a guest writer or two.

Until tomorrow...

Tina

Zach Williams - Chain Breaker (Official Lyric Video)

Lauren Daigle - Come Alive (Dry Bones) (Audio)

Feeling FULL

Boy does that have a double meaning! I can say usually I feel full from food, but that is not what I mean.

A fullness of the Lord's blessings in my life!

Today is Friday. Friday's used to be crazy busy, but for the last little while we began to have Fridays as a chill out day. Daniel works hard all week and could use a break. Austin and I do all sorts of stuff in the week and a day of chill is nice. In all reality it was a day of calm and relaxation.

Tonight Austin is with friends and family hanging out playing games, just having fun. He texted a little bit ago telling me they were gonna be a few hours more because they were having such a great time.

God has blessed my life in so many ways... it just blows my mind! He has answered so many prayers over our children and grandchildren.

It sounds like my life is perfect--by all means it is not perfect, but I am giving God the GLORY for the good that I choose to see in our lives. It's called perspective.

Our oldest children are taking care of their families and learning what it is to be adults in a crazy world. Raising amazing babies of their own and showing these babies what it is to love their family and life. They are doing well and we are so very proud of them and the lives they are living.

Our youngest, Austin, could be out causing trouble as many 17 year olds do from time to time, but he isn't. He wants to have fun with his friends and be obedient to God and what He wants for his life. His dad and I are proud of who he is and what is going on in his life.

Daniel is a wonderful husband and father. He shows his love by doing, taking care of us and making sure our needs are met. Another way he shows us his love is by being with us and sharing his words of affirmation.

The church we attend is going good. Much has happened in just a short time and has changed the dynamic of our worship. We have a worship minister and he has totally turned around the music part of our service. God has just worked so masterfully that I would never have imagined. And in bringing the music minister we have a youth pastor in that same family.

Everything has been just falling into place, but not without much prayer and wondering if God heard our prayers. Hindsight is always 20/20, God wants us to trust Him before we can see clearly all of what He was doing.

No, my life is far from perfect... there are lots of things that are not right as I would like them to be, however, God has filled me to overflowing. He is good and works for the good of those that love Him. All the bad he turns to good so we give Him the GLORY!

Give Him the glory for all He has done in your life then sit back and watch Him do exceedingly more. It's a wonderful life! May you be blessed and feel FULL as well.

God bless...

Love IS Easy

This week the five minute writing word is EASY.

Begin...

Wow... Love is easy? Where have I heard that? I didn't hear it; I witnessed it. Some people love is far from easy. I learned that from my adopted father, Red Beard. Can you guess why he was called that? Yep. A long Red Beard.

I met him when I was about 4. I was not easy to love. I made his life miserable because I did not want him to be with my mom and me. However, he was never mean or nasty. He was always wonderful. Eh, let me go back on that.

He intentionally harassed me as a child. He would make me scream or yell. That sounds terrible right? Nope, it wasn't out of meanness. He was trying to give a sweet little girl her voice. 

My dad knew what I needed. My heavenly dad also knew what I needed... a dad to teach me to not be so nice and quiet. Boy, he sure taught me good.

Stop. That was a quick 5 minutes.

I am going to continue this because it needs more attention.

Little did I know what my life was going to be like. If he never taught me to be loud I would have been crushed like a bug with all the things I would endure. Some of it I sure did not want to live through, much less think about for the rest of my life.

Back to my Daddy Red Beard, he loved me so much. He loved me as I was his own. We began a close relationship and it will continue when I get to heaven. 

In April 1994, the doctors said he had 3 days to live if that long. He continued to tell them how wrong they were that he was not dying. I got to him as quickly as I could. I lived in Kentucky while he was in Texas, my home state!

In those days with him I asked him why he tortured me so as a child of knocking on the bathroom door or making me be so loud or yell. He laughed and said he saw the little, sweet, quiet girl and he knew she would never make it in life. So, he said it was up to him and my new uncles, his best friends, to toughen her up. That he sure did. 

I remember being in the Children's hospital with these 3 crazy guys and they knew I loved pushing elevator buttons... they said first in gets to push buttons. I was first in. They jumped in pushed a button and jumped out before the doors closed. I was THE only one in the elevator. I was 7 years old. As the doors opened I went to the information desk and asked for the floor my little sister was on. The lady told me and asked 2 contractors to escort me up to the floor. They did and I found my family again. It was stuff like that they taught me to overcome. They made me think and not just be a weepy girl that couldn't fend for myself. 

Today, he would have been 65. He did not die when the doctors said he would. He made it almost another whole year, January 1995. This was not the first time the doctors said he was going to die and he beat the odds. He died at 44 years old. I pretty much just turned 24. These have been some hard years since he died, but also some of the easiest years knowing he is with the Father waiting for his loved ones to get there. 

I say love is easy because he showed love so easy to a little girl that needed a daddy to teach her so much stuff. He left before he was done teaching her, but some things only our heavenly Father can teach. Once I let Red Beard in my heart it was not hard to love him either. I was richly blessed to have him as my earthly daddy.

Thank you Daddy for all you taught me. Happy birthday, I miss you so much!

Love is easy indeed.

Five Minute Friday: DECIDE

Decisions are made all day everyday. I sometimes make the wrong decisions. There have been days I decided to stay in bed longer just because it felt good. Comfy pillow, bed, and nice blanket... I might decide to go to bed instead of finish this blog.

A friend of mine and I have teenagers. We make decisions all the time for them. At some point we need to let them make some of the decisions and if they make a few mistakes along the way, well, they hopefully will learn from them.

At times we decide by not actually making a decision, by default. I don't like those kinds of decisions. Those are the times we failed to make a choice and lost out in the process. I don't want to look back and see many of those deciding points in my life. It's taking a chance on life, stepping out on faith. That's what I want to be able to look back and see.

My five minutes are up. I hope you take time to make a decision not one from indecision.

Surprise!!!

Surprises can be good and some are just bad.

I just got a phone call from our pastor that one of the young women affiliated with our church by family member had a heart attack and is in the hospital. This is terrible as she has a young child and was planning to be wed-- I believe next weekend. God works in mysterious ways and we are trusting Him to work a miracle yet again in this young ladies life.

A time of a good surprise was when we were able to visit our family in Milwaukee, WI. They moved there to pastor a church. The church knew how much Dad missed us so they made plans to surprise Dad. He always knew everything before it happened, but this time was not so! He was very surprised indeed.

A middle of the road surprise was a time I made coffee for a special friend in my life. It was April Fool's Day! She was unsuspecting of my deviousness. I brought her the coffee and she took a HUGE gulp knowing it was going to be awesome. IT WAS NOT! I added salt instead of sugar. HAHA!! SURPRISE!

We have many surprises in our lives some good and others not so much. A surprise I enjoy daily is that while I was still a sinner Christ died for me. I have done nothing to deserve His love or act of kindness, but He thinks I am worth it. Some days I have to pinch myself because I know what kind of person I have been and still nothing I could do would ever equal deserving a place in Heaven EVER!

If you would like to reply with a surprise of your own... please do!

Enjoy your Easter! God bless...

I Am Alive

I am alive... well that's kinda obvious. Not really because many people are breathing and moving as to seem alive, but are not ALIVE in CHRIST. He is the only reason I am alive. He is the only reason there is be HOPE.

Today is Good Friday. Many people think of good Friday as the Friday before spring break or a day they get to get off work at some places. In all actuality it is the day that Jesus Christ died on a cruel Cross to save us. Save us from what you might ask... save us from an eternity without Him.

We can accept Him and believe in Him which will lead to an eternity with Him or we can reject Him along with those that wanted to kill Jesus because He made them uncomfortable with what He was teaching and His example.

My five minutes are up... Have a wonderful Easter knowing He died in your place so you could be with God for all eternity.

Grow Where You’re Planted

Have you ever stressed over what to do and when? Many times we do over such things whether we have control or not over that situation.

I have a friend that knows she has a calling to do something further in her walk with Christ but that next journey has not become clear to her. She could grow weary trying to figure it out and become antsy for the next step which clearly isn’t the time yet, but she has decided to grow where she’s been planted.

How can that be? Is she giving up on the journey that awaits her? No, most certainly not! She has come to trust her Savior & obey the one who is in control.

Ephesians 4:12-13 says; “We are to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Titus 2:3-5 also states, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” The chapter starts out with this to say, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.”

How is it that we can do this mere women that range in age and occupation from stay at home homeschooling mothers to mothers or ladies that work outside of the home? How can we make that kind of a difference?

You can make a difference by remembering you are where you are by divine intervention. We are in direct contact with others every day. There is someone that crosses your path on a daily or weekly basis that needs you.

Has God laid someone on your heart maybe you know the reason or maybe you haven’t a clue but you know God has asked you to pray on their behalf? Has someone called you for guidance lately and you are wondering why they called you?

Remember back to the scripture, we are to prepare Gods people for works of service so that the body may be built up until we ALL reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge.

You are where you are and until God moves you or changes your direction you are to Grow Where God Planted You. It may be for your own personal growth but it may also be for someone else’s growth with God. You may be at the crossroads in life not sure of what to do or where to go; one thing is for sure, with much prayer and reading the Word of God your next move will be as clear as a bell when the time is right. Gods timing is never late and never early, it’s always just right and on time!

Let us come together those young and slightly seasoned with age and wisdom, we have much to accomplish for the Kingdom of God as we grow where we are planted and wait upon the Lord to give us the guidance for future plantings!

You may not be in an area of service for your personality to blossom but as you serve think of Ephesians 6:7. It says, “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men” and continues to say in verse 8 that “the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.”

The Bible says, “to be filled with the Spirit knowing the Lords will, speaking to one another in Psalms, making music in your heart to the Lord, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, letting your conversations be full of grace seasoned with salt, and being mindful to encourage others of the hope we have in our Savior Jesus Christ.” If we remember to do these it won’t be that bad to grow where we are planted.

Life at WalMart Pharmacy

You meet people in the strangest of places and they are in your lives for as long as The Father desires.

We have used the pharmacy at WalMart for about as long as I can remember. Many years ago our son, Austin, had a terrible sore throat and begged to go to the doctor. THIS WAS NOT NORMAL! He like most adult men would rather die than go to the doctor. It was just before Thanksgiving. You can imagine. It was STREP! Off to the pharmacy we go. He is sitting in the buggy just feeling like crud when this worker comes up and starts talking to him. Little did we know then the relationship that just began. That was about 2005, I believe... if not 2004.

Through the years she and I have developed our relationship as well. She watched Austin grow and all the neat things he has been involved with. Over time I would share things about life or church and she would listen. One day after a quick visit in the isles of the pharmacy as I was walking away I hollered back at her, "Love ya!" At first I was like... where did that come from? I did love her as a fellow human and friend, but I was not sure what she would think.

A while back she told me of a serious time in her life that she was very stressed over. She said she was praying about it and I told erh I would also pray with her. She hugged me and after clearing our face full of tears she went on her way and I went mine. Since then we've visited as we run in and out of WalMart.

Yesterday, Thursday, we were in there again for refills and chatted up a storm. I asked her how she was... she is still in situation, but still praying. She said she tries to remember prayers from church to pray and hopes it's enough. My heart just exploded into my eyes and I reaffirmed that her prayers are enough. She needed to be reminded, like we all do at times, that if it''s from our heart He hears and is working on our behalf. We are His children and loves us dearly.When we cry out He works it out.

Our sweet friend at WalMart pharmacy is trusting God to work her dire situation out that only He can fix. God is faithful. Who knows why He put our paths together except that at this time in her life she could have someone she could share with and believe what was shared in return.

It's all about the relationship. If they know you... they know you care. They know you are genuine. I am thankful that God put a yield sign there that day long ago instead of keeping our paths parallel.

Sharing the Path Together

Welcome to the weekend!

This weekend we will SHARE time with one of our favorite families. Their son turned 17 on the 9th. He is 3 weeks older than our son. These two boys have grown up over the past 11 years together.

When you think of people in your life that you can't wait to share time with... what about them draws you to them in the first place?

It was ALL GOD!  In the beginning it was all His plan. The mom and I were at a meeting that she usually did not attend and I just had the urge to speak up about how Cub Scouts really impacted my son's life. She was so moved, the family had to check it out. From then till now our two families have been connected at the hip as they say.

God is good and knows what He is doing even in putting people in our lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOGAN!