My migraine story......

I suffer from severe migraines, that sometimes last for two weeks. I have every kind of migraine there is. They go from the ones that last a few painful hours,to the ones that get you down and you just call your friends and ask them to pray, since you know something bad is wrong.. I'm even blessed with the cluster migraines, those are fun, just when you think they are gone, they sneak back up on you. I've even had the ones where you think your having a stroke. Oh, yes. There are the panic attacks that go with them. Since your terrified another one is going to come. No one seems to understand unless they too have suffered. Many think oh, its just a headache, take some asprin honey. No, over the counter medicians do not work for those who suffer with severe migraines. They change your life, the way you feel, and you hope for a cure one day. I know many friends who suffer also. Everything to anything can bring them on. For me, one main thing is the weather. Any change at all and boom, merry migraine to you.... I'm kinda making light of it, but it is serious, and to my story there is a blessing. Once, my husband had to take me to the E.R. for a very bad one. As they gave me many drugs, and sent me for a ct scan, I was put in the hallway with a few others. I was kind out of it, but still there enough to know. One little elderly woman was just singing loudly away. I thought, this is my time, its okay, I was praying either take me now, or take the little woman and let her sing all the way...( I know, many of you are thinking how mean, but you migrainers, know exactly what I mean.) Next to me was an elderly man who had bleeding on his brain. I know he was very serious. He had a daughter with him, she was from the south, she spoke so softly and beautifully. She reminded me of a friend from church. She had beautiful blond, long hair. she came over to me, touched my forhead, and told me how beautiful I was, and that I was in Gods hands, and He was going to take care of me. She stood there that moment with me, away from her father, and prayed over me. That touched me so much, to know,that she took her time to look away, and look to me for a moment. I never saw her again. Was she an angel? She could have been. That day, she was an angel to me. Those of us who suffer, know what pain is. I know God is always with me in my moments of pain. I'm thankful for that day, that he sent that beautiful woman to me, I felt Him through her touch, and saw Him over me.......

A favorite Gift......

I have lots of gifts from family and friends.I think the best gifts are thought out,from the heart,and homemade.One of my favorites was from a bestfriend.It was a beautiful box,wrapped with a ribbon,filled with homemade cards.Lots of cards for every occasion.The cards were so beautiful,made from her hands,given to me with love.See, she knows me so well.She knows I love to send cards all the time. Not cards with writing in them,but blank,so I can fill the pages with my words of love.This gift,I will always remember,for it just did not touch me,but all those who received those cards......

What kind of job do you have?

I hear all the time where do you work or what kind of job do you have. Once someone hears you are a stay at home Mom they applaud you for your strenth,others may look at you like, thats not a job. Have you ever gotten those looks? I am a proud stay at home mom now for 18 years. There is no job harder, and no job that gives more blessings. Many have figured if moms at home had to be paid for all the hours they put in, it would be in the hundreds of thousands a year. There is no 9-5, no vacation pay, and no sick days. This job contains no shift, it is 24/7. I have so much respect for those moms out there who work outside the home too,I don't know how they do it. I do know that my family repects me, and I respect myself when I look in the mirror at night. I work hard and I give it my all. I put my family first. Being a stay at home mom is the greatest job in the world. I have been blessed with my husband working to stay at home with our children. It was a choice we made together. My mom was a stay at home mom, and it was a blessing to me. One day after all our children leave home, maybe there is something else out there that God wants me to do,but for now, I'm being a stay at home mom.....

Mocking your faith......

What do you do when your a Christian, thats just who you are,and you get mocked for your faith? Does this happen to you? I can say that this really hurts. It hurts because this is what my whole being, my whole life is based on. I base all my decisions from Gods word, I try to live out my faith,Just as He asks. For me, its hard to have a conversation without talking about Christ and what He has done for me. I want to be a witness to the world, to a place that is lost, a place in need of a Savior.I wake up thinking about Him and I go to bed Thinking upon Him. In this world I don't have to answer to anyone about who I am or what I believe. The life I live and the choices I make. The only person I truthfully have to answer to is my Savior Jesus Christ. One day all I want to hear are those words,well done my good and faithful servent.So what do we do? We keep our heads up, we stay brave and fight the good fight.It is sad, that others make fun or jokes about what is so dear, that they have turned away from. What we go through here on earth is nothing compared to what Jesus went through. So lets suit up with that armor, and continue in our faith, even if others choose to mock or turn away......

My little guy.....

My son is this amazing person. Watching him grow from Elmo to G.I.Joes. From eating too much squash, to peanut butter anything. He was always the giver, the one who shared everything he had. He'd give it away if you asked. He loved being outside in the dirt,with all his little cars and trucks. He would stay from morning till night, and not really want a bath. He loved drawing, and would fall asleep with crayons in his hands. He grew from that little boy to now a young teenager, with the same giving heart, full of love and grace. He is a mercy, and feels others pain. He loves the Lord with all his heart and serves when ever he can. Ofcourse now he loves trucks and cars, and action movies. He does great at school, loves to fish, help his dad with wood,and what touches my heart is on the days when my migraines are really bad, he not only steps up and does things in the house for me, but he takes care of me also. He loves music so. He can play the guitar and mandolin by ear. He can hear a song and just begin to play the chords. He loves all kinds of music. To hear him play,blesses my soul, that the Lord has blessed him with such a gift so share. He has a heart of forgivness, and reaches out to others. He loves to be in the woods and hunt, just listening to the sounds.He loves his family with all his heart, his youth pastor is so very special to him, just like a brother. He can have a conversation with the very young,someone his age, or the elderly. He just has this spirit, that you want to embrace. He stands up for what he thinks is right, and isnt afraid to back down. My little guy is now becoming a young man. I see the dreams he has in his eyes, and without a doubt I know he will achieve them with God on his side. We sing and shout together. We love to laugh, we seem to have our own little jokes,that we can only hide. He is a young man I am proud of, I'm proud to be his mom. From holding his hand to cross the street, to seeing our Pastor baptize him, to hear him play the music he has wrote, only will I grow more proud.I thank the Lord above for giving me a son. I was terrified at first, I thought what will I do with a son? A son brings so many blessing, thats words cannot define, a home filled with so many noises of a growing boy, to one day we'll see him leave and continue to shine.....

Missing all the laughter....

When all your children leave the nest eveything seems so quiet with just one left in the home.Our house was always filled with laughter from morning until night. The girls were always getting ready, trying to pick out clothes, little brother was always pestering seeing how much he could get done. Kickball,softball, any kind of ball, bbq in the yard with three wheeler running over everyone by big brother trying to get a laugh, kids always saying "Mom or Dad"!!!Our table was always full , and kids running scared trying to get out of chores. Everyone having the flu, all except poor dad,who took care of all of us, running here and there. Always too much laundry and the floors were never kept clean.When your kids are at home the sounds are always there. We seem to take for granit those giggles in the night, or even those big fights where all the girls are on little brother finally giving him whats due. When your house is empty oh how you miss those sounds. If you could just have kept them for just a few more rounds. I think we would all take lots more time to listen, to take in all the sounds, that forever will be missed.......

The Virtous Woman,Do you know one.......

I know this wonderful woman who gives and gives and gives. She has been through so much in her lifetime,and carries a heavy load. She is an amazing teacher who is before us every week, shes humble as a servant, and beautifully meek. She is a true example of what we all should be, and gives us lessons to follow, each and every week. She loves from her heart so deeply it shines, you can see Jesus in all her works divine. She never asks for anything, but always seems to give. She loves her Lord, her family , and her church with all her heart. Everything she does, she does it with all her might. Shes the woman I want to be. She is going to teach us about the virtous woman. No better example, for us to have to show us how we should be. I love her with all my heart,and love to hear her teach......

Our Girl in the Airforce....

When you watch your children grow you think you know them quite well. You know their likes and dislikes, but with our oldest daughter what we thought we knew just wasnt so.... Shes bright,beautiful, and funny. She loves swimming, once you get her in the water, she ain't ever coming out..She always played sports, she still does. She was the daughter who dressed in sweats and t-shirts, casual dress, hair in a ponytail and still looked beautiful. She always wears a smile everywhere she goes.We thought she may live on the beach, and be an oceanbiologist, or maybe be a teacher and coach sports.We never expected her to go into the airforce... That was a total surprise. We thought oh,gosh, shes not gonna like it, its just not her, but how wrong could we be? Our daughter is one amazing girl, she just continues to strive, to go forward, and take on any challenge. She has gotten awards, and just keeps getting promoted. She faces many challenges and takes them head on, with the Lord as her Savoir she knows anything is possible....We couldn't be prouder of our daughter and who she has become, she is still growing into the woman God wants her to become. It has been a blessing watching her grow from loving vegatable soup, to walking down the aisle,to watching her now in a different light, as she wears the colors proud. We couldn't of predicted where she would be today,but we are so thankful to take part in her life eveyday........

Do you believe in miracles?

My son and I were coming home from town. We had had a busy day at home with school, and many things so we decided to go out for the afternoon. We ended up coming home as it was getting dark. We are on a two lane road, just driving along, singing and laughing as we always do, when as we top a hill I see a old farm truck in the other lane with a car coming straight for us. There was no time to think or move, all we could do was see his headlights right at ours. I called out and said "God", it was all I thought to say. In the blink of an eye that car moved. Not just slowed down, there was no time, that car was picked up and moved behind that truck... My son sat shaking and I was in tears. We only had about one mile before we were home. I had just called my husband before and told him we'd be home in just a sec. but as my son and I drove that last bit home no one said a word, we just cried. We both knew how close we had come. As we pulled in the drive I just sat there, not moving just praising God for His mighty hand, His awesome power, and my love for Him. I sat there thinking I almost lost my precious son, my husband and children almost lost us both. I thought about what would of happened. The phone calls to my Mother, to my children, and friends. I thought about everything just sitting in the car and how thankful I was to just be here with my family. I came in and heard my son telling his dad. I just went to him and fell in his arms and cried. I dont know why that person was in such a hurry, or crossed a double line, on a hill to an oncoming car.I wonder at times if they ever think about that night our lives almost ended. I do, I will never forget that night on that hill, that God saved my son and I. I will forever be thankful for His love and His grace. Thank you Lord for what you did upon that hill.....

Friends know Friends......

Isn't funny how friends always know justs when to call, send a card, or send a text,or just stop by unexpected? Friends always seem to know one another so well, God speaks through our friends, and gives us special touches from heaven. Today I had a special friend send me a text with a scripture. It blessed my heart. It brightened my day, it was just what I needed. Somehow, someway she just knew I needed a touch. Friends are like that. They just appear at the right time. They are always there, never far from thought. I am so blessed to have all the friendships I have. Each one is special in its own way. A true friend is one who is there in the middle of the night when you have to go to the hospital, one who loves you when your unlovable, when you call crying and you don't know what to do, when you just can't seem to take another step and they are there to lift you up or carry you. They not just there in the fun and great times, although there are plenty of them. I would like to say thank you to all my special friends that just always seem to know......

Helping someone in need.......

I have to tell you of the story when my son and I helped someone in need. We were on our way back from shopping and saw a little elderly woman standed by her car. We immediatly turned around, and my son got out to see if we could help. The little woman was walking down the highway along a big ditch of huge rocks. As my son kept calling out, the woman didn't answer.My son turns to look at me, and I say go get her. Turns out shes hard of hearing. So she says "Oh, son your shadow scared me". Yes, she was happy to get help. My son is walking her back to our car and he is helping her to the backseat, I turn to face the traffic, and all I see are my sons arms flaying in the air. He and the elderly woman go tumbling down the hill. I jump out to see what happend and all I can say is "OH, my, did you break a hip?" The little woman laughs, and slaps my son on the leg, and says," oh my, we took a fall didn't we?". I look at my son and he is bleeding from his hand that was sliced open from a rock. I quickly help him and we don't move the woman in fear she is hurt. I want to call the ambulance, but she insists she is quite fine. So we manage to get the woman up the hill, which is quite a job, and place her in the car. I take her to her sons house and he is not home. I have to leave her there, but try again to take her to the hospital. She says shes fine. I say please tell your son what happened, you may need to be seen later. She thanks us, and we are off for home. As we are driving we notice flashing lights, many flashing lights ahead where the little womans car was. MY son says we should stop. I'm thinking maybe her son has found her car and is scared he can't find his mother. We stop. I get out and say excuse me. Eight officers rush over to me!!!! They go to my son asking questions.... They got a call that a woman was being kidnapped, and was pushed into a car!!!! I tell them this is not true. But I have to prove my story, we have to drive back to the house where we dropped her off, while being followed by officers. All the way there my son and I are starting to think, Oh dear God what if shes not there? That if she cant remember? What if she has fallen and is hurt? We are terrified... We get there and we go to the door with the officers, and Praise God, she answers, and said, oh, this is the sweetheart who helped me today..The officers let us go, and we kinda giggled on the way home, what a story to tell, what if she hadn't of been home?

Do you know a complainer?

Do you know one of those people who complain all the time about everything? Nothing is ever right, something is always wrong,its always poor pitiful me.... They seem to never take their eyes off of themselves for one moment to see the blessings around them. Its never a good idea to ask how are you, you may be there awhile... Things always seem the worst, and no one ever seems to care about them. The world seems to revolve only around them. What would help is if they turned on the news and saw the horror around the world, went into a childrens hospital and took a look around, maybe visited a nursing home, or talked to a widow. Maybe if they stepped out of their little world of me, and volunteered, looked around each day for a blessing,thanked God for all He has done, realized things could always be worse, and people are hurting everywhere,everyday for real reasons. They just might begin to see the sun shine in their lives again, and some happiness brought back in their lives once they reach out and give to others......

What is our greatest commandments?

Mark 12:30-31 says:Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'love your neighbor as yourself. there is no commandment greater than these'. These are the greatest commandments, but I think also the hardest at times. We are to love God ofcourse. We are to put Him above all else, think upon Him with our minds. My mind seems to travel so many places it doesnt need to go. With all our strength, at times I am begging God for strength. I do love the Lord with all my heart, but how many times do I put things before Him? The second commandment is a struggle. Its easy to love those you love. The "lovables", your friends, family. But what about those people you don't really get along with, or those who are not so nice to you? Is it easy to love them the same? I want to be the person God wants me to be, why do I struggle so with these, am I the only one? I know when I call upon God He is always there for me, He is my strength, my Rock. Am I there for Him when He calls me? When He asks these commandments of me, where am I? Where are you? We should be on our knees, asking for help. If these are the greatest, I don't think they were meant to be easy, or to be done without Christ at our side. The next time you are struggling, call upon Him and He will see you through.......

Our Tongue....

James 3:9-10 says: With the tongue we praise our God and Father, and With it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be....Do you struggle with this as I do? How can we in one moment bring praise to our Savior and in the next breath speak harshly of a person? In the bible it speaks of our evil tongue, but if we know this is wrong can we not think upon it, think before we speak, when someone is gossiping can we not speak up and say we shouldn't speak this way of that person?Should we say something of a person, if infact we would not say it to their face? Should we speak of anyone ill at all, no we shouldn't. When ever we disrepect Gods people we are infact disrespecting Him, and saying what He created is not good enough. Who are we to do that?When we see our young people gossiping, how can we speak up and tell them it is wrong if we are not being the examples we should be? Words hurt for a lifetime, when we don't think anyone hears us, someone always hears, and God always hears. Would we want others to speak badly of us? I don't think so. We should always lift one another up, and encourage each other with words of love. As it was once said by Thumper " If ya can't say nothin nice don't say nothin at all ".......

The Country Life.....

I never thought I would live in the country as I got older. I lived in the country as a child, and just knew I would marry a man from the city and live in a big city. Nope, God had other plans for me. I met my husband in the country, and that is where we stayed. Its funny I said I would never marry a man from the country, and I did just that. Never say never. I love the country, and could not see myself in the city. God knew exactly what He was doing. Its so beautiful when it snows, to watch the sun come up, or sit outside and watch it go down. To be able to walk out your back deck and see wildlife is amazing. I love to watch the birds. For a present my daughter gave me a birdfeeder, and I love to watch the birds come up to feed and hear their beautiful song. We can go swimming in the creek, or take long walks in the woods. Go fishing at our friends pond. To sit out on a spring evening and close your eyes and just feel the breeze is amazing. The kids and I use to lay out on blankets and watch the clouds and tell what we thought the shapes looked like. You can fly kites, lay in the sun, or have a garden full of vegtables. People wave when you drive by, they take a moment to ask how you are. Your neighbors are your friends, and you know there always there. Country life is beautiful, words cannot fully explain the sights you would see. On Sunday mornings at the local store people are stopping in for gas or soda before they go to church. Everyone loves their local hairstylist, shes as honest as they come. The post master knows you by name, and always has a kind word. Saturdays are days for yard sales, you see them everywhere. We have a little bit of everything in the country, something for everyone to enjoy. Its a life that inspires, and blesses the hearts of all who come to stay.....

Homeschooling or Pubic which one is for you......

When we have children we have a big decision to make about our children. Which school to send them to, pubic or privete, but there is another idea. Homeschooling. This was a desision I made long ago for our family. Each family has to deside what is best for their family. I homeschooled our girls until highschool, then they went to our public school and did very well. I decided to homeschool my son all the way through. There are ups and downs to each choice, but for me, homeschooling was the best for my children. They learned so much respect for their parents, they saw what we did each day, and learned the thngs of the household and outdoors. Our schooling had all subjects, and we could do more , or take our time on something that they struggled with, not just pass it by. Many times our school was at the kitchen table, or tucked in my bed, outside under a tree, or at the park. We could take our school anywhere we wanted. Not all children learn at 7am in the morning, sometimes they learn better at night, you can learn about your child, and teach them the way they need to learn. Everyone doesnt learn in the same way. For us, our days took about 4 to 6 hours, sometimes less in the lower grades, but now in highschool it takes longer. It is great teaching your children and learning with them, your not just putting your childrens education in someone elses hands, you get to take part in your childs daily learning, and what they are learning. We taught from a christian perspective, and they learned values they would have not learned in school. They also took part in the local sports activities, and were involved in many things. Many people assume homeschooled children are sheltered from life, thats simply not true. It is a great blessing to teach your children how to read and write, teach them the constitution,and all our rights, how are country began, and the morals and values that are often left behind. Its awesome to see that light in your childrens eye when they get something, when they can do an algebra problem on their own. For our family it was the right desision, not all families would agree, but there are thousands that are moving to homeschool their children. I'm glad I had each day with my children to watch them grow and learn ........

Guns...good or bad?

Our family loves to hunt, from the boys to the girls. I got my first deer two years ago. Do we hunt for sport? No, we love deer meat. Our family loves any kind of wild meat. We use it in all kinds of dishes. We have taught our children gun safety since they were very small, they were taught to respect guns and what they are used for. They are used to hunt and bring in food for our family, and living in the country they are used for protection. Are guns bad, no. The people who use guns wrongly are bad and should be punished, not those who use guns wisely. It is in our Bill of Rights, that we have the right to keep and bear arms. That is our second amendment. It is our right as people of the United States. If you were to outlaw all guns and the right to own them, the good people of this country would be without, and the bad, well, they would still be getting their guns on the streets, anyway they can, and always have. Its like anything, it can be for good or bad, depending on who has it and what they are doing with it.We choose to use it for good, and that is our right.......

When did we lose our innocence......

I work with little kindergardeners. They are so adorable, so funny, so themselves, so giving, and loving. They are kind, and sincere. They love to laugh about the silliest things on earth, and they believe everything with such a trustful heart. They play, and go about with love for everyone. There little brains want to just soak in everything around them. When is it that we stop looking at things through a childs eye? What is it in our lives that cause those child like things to go away, sometimes for good? In Gods word it tells us to come to Him with a child like faith. I want to have that kind of faith with my Savior. I know we all grow up, but when is it that we loose the laughter, the lightheartedness, and the acceptness of others? Whens the last time you had a icecream cone, or made a snowman, rode a bike? Sometimes we need to let lose, just remember what it was like being a kid, laugh and be silly with our girlfriends, play with our kids the way we use to play. Put that enjoyment back into our lives. Can you remember how it felt?

Would you want to do it all over again?

If you had the chance to be young again, in your teenage years, would you want to do it all over? Have a second chance to get it right? I have put lots of thought into this question. My teenage years, were some of my hardest, but I can find those trying times all through my life, not in just one place of time. I have to say no, I wouldn't want to do it all again. I think when your in your 40s you finally know who you are, and what it took to make you who you are. You stop trying to impress other people, and you are happy with who you are inside. I made lots of mistakes in my youth, but its those mistakes that I learned from, and grew from. They made me the person I am today. Most of us, if we had a second chance, would probably not do many things so different if put in those same situations.In life we dont get second chances, we learn, and we move forward, taking with us,all the lessons we learned along the way. So how about you, would you want a do-over?

The Beatitudes....

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the those who hunger and thirst, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12

My first child.......

When I was 21 I had my first baby girl. She was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. First, being pregnant was just so much fun, learning and growing with her. I remember when the doctor first told me I was going to be a mommy. I ran out that day and bought maturnity tops... Ofcourse no one could tell I was pregnant, but I wanted everyone to know. I would sing to her and read to her while she moved about. Once she was here, I was overjoyed with so much love. She was so tiny, her clothes wouldn't even fit. I remember her first birthday, she shares the same day with her uncle, and Greatgrandfather. We had quite a celebration. Her first steps, never realizing those first steps were really teaching her to be on her own, and to one day take those steps away from home. She grew so very fast, time does go by fast, just like people try to say, take your time and enjoy them while they are young,they will grow fast. No one ever really thinks that, but its true. She loved school, loved learning, and oh,did she have an imagination. She loved the outdoors, lizards, frogs, and snakes! She just loved all animals. You could see her outside with her blond hair just bouncing, trying to catch butterflies. We would snuggle up close at night and read books for hours, we would pray together, and once she was asleep,she never knew my hand upon her back saying my own prayers over her, for God to protect her,to lead and guide her, and always keep her safe. I prayed each night over her. A mommas love is so deep and strong. The teenage years are the hardest and toughest, both for our children and for the parent. Its through those years that things started to change. My little girl was now becoming a beautiful young woman. Its hard to let go, and let them spread their wings, what if they fall, or what if ....... Those became my questions and I held on too tight. Instead of trusting God, I trusted myself. I made many mistakes I wish I could take back, but you can not go back, only forward with the knowledge that you have learned. For many years I lost my little girl, I missed out on many things because I had to prove I was right. Our children are so precious and time slips by so fast, I wish I could have those years back, to make up for what I had lost. it was not only I that had lost, but her also, she was hurt very deeply, and needed her momma there too. The Lord can heal all, with His love, and grace, he forgives, and I forgive, I pray she too will forgive and embrace me once again.........

We have a forgiving God........

Hebrews10:17 says:I will never again remember there sins and their lawless acts. This is just amazing to me, that when we go to Jesus and ask him to forgive us of our sins He forgets and never once more remembers again.. He wipes them clean away. Is this not an awesome God? Many times we feel as though we have done so many things wrong, and lived so badly that Jesus would never accept us. Sometimes we feel why would he want me? We forget that Jesus loves everyone, and nothing is ever too bad to come to Jesus, He will open His arms, and hold us, and when we ask, He will wash away our sins. We can come to Jesus just as we are, He will do the rest. Once we give Him our love, he teaches us, and shows us who we are to be. He shows us our purpose and His plan for our lives if we only follow. He gave us a wonderful example of forgivness. Why if Jesus can forgive us so easily when we call out to him, why then is it so hard for us to forgive others? Why do we seem to keep a list of all the wrongs, and seem to remember them just like it happened yesterday? If we cannot forgive, Jesus cannot forgive us. Are we more important than Jesus? Have we suffered more or been hurt more than Jesus? During Jesus' crusifiction He called out and said " Forgive them for they know not what they do". Why cant we do that? I want to have a forgiving heart like Jesus, I want to lay it all down and never pick up those hurts again. I want to forgive and forget, just as He does for us. He gave us our greatest example to follow. When we choose not to forgive and forget, we arent just hurting that other person, we are hurting ourselves, and most of all we are hurting Jesus, the one who gave His life for us. Should we not forget about "me" and concentrate on HIM? Who do you need to forgive.......

Snowdays.......

I remember as a child the snowdays we had. We didn't just get out of school when it was cold, or if we got a few inches of snow. We had snowdays where I lived when we got feet of snow. I remember Mom cooking breakfast. Fried potatoes, eggs, and bisquits and gravy. She would make me hot chocolate, with little marshmellows on top. We would watch the snow fall, and sometimes dress up warm and walk over to the neighbors , she was a good friend, and we would all play yatzee. I loved that game, we could play for hours. I would play dress up, and then I was ready to tackle making a snowman. It was so greaat being a kid at home on the those snowdays with mom. She made them fun, and days to remember. At 3 o'clock I knew it was time for dad to come in the door, the Flintsones were on and mom was putting dinner on the table. Unlike today, we didn't know until that next morning if we had school, so we would listen to the radio. I would hear my school, while in bed and shout in my head, yea,another day at home with mom, breakfast, and fun.......

Crocheting, its just so much fun......

I have this beautiful friend I admire. She crochets and knits. She makes the most beautiful things. I asked her if she would teach me. Although I knew just one stitch, I wanted to really learn the basics. She is just gifted with this talent. She came and taught me a new stitch, I worked on it and was able to make a baby afgan. I then was able to make scarves. I have made three, and they are just so darn cute. It is a blessing when a friend gives of her time to teach you something, and she is a really great teacher. I am now going to learn all the basics and learn a new stitch. I am just crocheting crazy now. It is so peaceful, and with each stitch you are creating something beautiful, that you look at when your done and say wow, did I really do that? My friend brought over a soda, and was ready to teach me last week, but we figured out we needed a different pattern. We had a great time anyway. She is such a beautiful giving friend, and I thank her for sharing in her time. In making my afgan for my daughter it came across to me how awesome God is, here its taken me awhile to work on one project, take a look at God. He created the world in six days and on that seventh He rested. Just amazing, His creation is amazing, and compares to no other. We can look around and see all His creation, and be in awe. I'm glad He gave us gifts to create and share, when we give Him all the glory......

Bible Study With Wonderful Friends......

I love to study Gods word, although it is not always easy to set a time and stick with it. I hope I'm not the only one with that problem. I wanted to do a study with my closest friends, but they were not available. One friend said, pray, and go outside our box, see who God leads you to and ask them. I did this, and to my amazement He lead me to a group of ladies, one at a time I asked them if they would like to study with me. Sure enough each one said, this is what I've been looking for. By word of mouth we even had another join our study. This study has been such a blessing to me, and the ladies I study with share and are so very smart, and have such a love for the Lord. We pray for others, and ourselves, we share from our hearts, and that says alot to put that trust with others. I have found new friendships and strengthened others. Some days we cry, and some we just have to laugh at ourselves. I have such a love and respect for these ladies, they have come to mean so much to me. It is an honor to study Gods word with them. We just get together once a week, bring our sodas, and our stacks of bibles, and even a computer, and we may take ten verses or just two, or maybe someone just needs to be loved on by her friends. Each lady brings something special to our class, and I cant wait for Tuesdays to come. So like me, if you find it hard to find a special time to study, get together with your friends, and make it special, you can hold each other accountable, and strengthen one another. what better way to lift each other up, then to do it with Gods word.......

A Daughter......

A daughter is such a blessing. From the moment my baby girl was born I knew she was special, a gift from God. Just me and her, there in the room, and I look down at her and she grabs my little finger. That was our bond. We were already connected,though I had carried her for nine months and felt her grow,but this was different, that first touch, that first look, for me, I will never forget. I new she would be strong, she is still strong today, with a beauty that not many hold. I taught her to read and to write, she loved Barney. She knew every song. From her first birthday to her eighteenth birthday I remember each and every one. Its so easy when they are little at times. You can hold them and protect them. Shield them from harm. You can cover them when they are cold, and take hold of them when they are scared. Its a blessing to watch your baby girl grow. When they are young we say if only they were just a little older and they could do this or that on their own. Then that day comes, and they can do all those things on their own. Then we wish we could turn back time, and if we could, we would have held them more tightly, gave more hugs, made sure we did everything perfect, so they knew just how much they are loved. I prayed over my baby girl from the time I was pregnant, while she was small, and as she grew. My baby girl is so gifted, she has a beautiful voice, she is so smart, she lights up a room just by entering, and oh can she make you laugh. She has many dreams, many loves, she has become her own person. They say your children are a reflection of their parents. I hope those who look at her see that, but she has taught me many things along the way. The most important thing is to listen, and that I do not always have to be right.She has taught me to look at the inside of a person, not just the outside. I have been blessed beyond measure to have her for my daughter. I just made her a special afgan. One that she has been waiting on for a very long time. My prayer is that when shes feeling sad, alone, scared, or confused, she can cover up,snuggle in her afgan, and know that her mommas arms are around her, and I am praying for her daily, and shes never alone. From pigtails and bows to college and knowledge. Shes a blessing from above, and will always be my baby girl...

Who would you like to have lunch with?

Some people would like to have lunch with hollywood stars,or maybe football or baseball stars, maybe even Oprah, singers who blow you away, creative chefs maybe, or nobel prize winners.Not me. I put great thought into this one, and I came up with a few. So heres my list. Moses: I would ask him what was it like to see the Red Sea part? Abraham: How did he feel when God gave a ram in place of his son, after such great faith. Mary: When did you know Jesus was your Savior, Jonah: Did you wish you would have just obeyed, and what was it like in the belly of a whale, David: What was it like to run for your life for so many years, Joseph: How did you feel when your own brothers turned against you, Stephen: What was it like to be stoned to death, The woman at the well: What was it like to have Jesus right there and knowing all about you, The woman with the bleeding disorder: What was it like to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, The man who picked up and carried Jesus' cross: Did you feel his pain, Paul: What was it like to persecute so many christians and then become a follower of Jesus,Noah:How did he ever get all the wood for the ark, and what did he say to all the people,and lastly did his children ever stray away, Danial: What was it like to be thrown in the lions den and come out untouched, and Job: Did you just want to give up? How did you go on day by day? These are some of the people I cant wait to sit with and get to know in Heaven. To hear from them the questions that are unanswered. Every single prayer we have is answered in Gods time and in Gods way. It may not always be the answer we want, but its the best answer for us. We may not understand everything right now, but someday we will. These men and women have their stories told in the Bible, Gods word, written, by men, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We can hear some of their stories now, but theres so much more I want to know. Who would you love to have lunch with?

The Bathroom.....

Where is your favorite spot to talk? I have a friend who always seems to call just when I have entered THE BATHROOM, yes you heard right. I seem to do the same to her also. I'm just not sure how this seems to workout,but it is quite funny. We have the funniest conversations to the most sincere right there in the bathroom hoping no one will hear. She is one of the best girfriends in the world, the only one who seems to call right when I'M in the stall......

The Kitchen........

I have a beautiful friend and her kitchen is one of my favorite places to be. She makes you feel as though you are right at home and offers you special coffees and little treats only for special occasions. We sit at the beautiful old table, and share stories from our past and from right now, the struggles, and the prayers that have been answered. She is like a sister to me, and has given me some of the best advice I've ever had. She is so wise beyond her years, but oh my, do we laugh.... If the walls could talk in this kitchen they could share so much. I have walked into this kitchen feeling like I'm going to fall apart, and I leave with the strengh of Christ. You always seem to leave this kitchen with a smile on your face. I'm not so sure if its the kitchen or the wonderful friend inside.....

Reading, Where can it take you?

Do you love to read? I do. Many people would rather watch television, rent a movie, or even go to the movies. Me, I'd rather have the book. Let me curl up in a quiet place, with a cozy blanket, a glass of tea, and I am all set to go to any place I want to go. Reading can take you places you've never been, meet people you would love to get to know, take you to another time and place altogether. If an author is great they can set the scene for you to where you can see, hear , feel , smell, and sometimes taste everything around you. A book can open your eyes to new ideas, places, and people from all over the world. A good book will let you open the first page and you just don't want to stop until the end. A good book will leave you wanting more. Reading is a passion, its in your heart. Next time before you go watch the movie, think about picking up the book, you'll be thankful you did.....

A Need or a Want.....

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength..Philippians 4:13......My friend gave me a virtue card a long time ago. Its a card that fits into your wallet, it looks like a mastercard,only it isn't. In big words in bold print it says "CONFIDENCE". I have carried this card with me everywhere I go to this day. See I love to shop,not just shop, but shopping for purses is like a neccesity. Like you need air to breath, I need a new purse to survive!!!! I had gotten a few credit cards, which was a HUGE mistake, it was a terrible temptation for me. My husband and my friend had the same idea, they spoke the words "Is it really a need or just a want?" Now every time I go into a store I hear those words. Its like they are both in my head saying need or want. So I carry my things around trying to convince myself it is truelly a need, yes I need these things badly, then I get to the check out and there is that card!!! I go and hang everything back up where it was, and leave the store empty handed. This has been such a hard lesson for me to learn. I was daddy's girl, and all I had to do was hold out my hand and he either put money in it or gave me a credit card. My poor husband has been trying to change me for 18 years, and I am learning. With Gods help, my husband, and my wonderful friend who loves to teach me things she knows! My point to this story is With Gods strength we can make it through any temptation. Hes always there for us in our times of temptation, and we can always call upon a good friend for help.Am I a perfect shopper now? No, I have a ways to go, but I know right where to go when I feel tempted.....

Step, Half, or Just Family?

We have a large family, with five children altogether. When my husband and I married, he had two. I had two, and together we had one. Today you hear many people say I have a step-sister, or a half-brother. In our family, our children were young when we married. When we married we became a "whole" family,seven of us. Which is a cool number, in the bible it means complete, and we were complete together. We never used the words step or half in our home. We were just family. They were just brothers and sisters who loved each other from the start. People would ask me how many chidren we had and I would always say five, even if they were asking me alone. Our home was full of love, and we learned along the way. Each one of our children are so very special with their own gifs that they bring. Our youngest is so talented with the guitar and mandolin. He is very creative. Hes the child with the big heart, and full of mercy. Next our baby daughter can light up a room with her smile alone, she has a friend everywhere she goes, she fills our home with laughter, next in line is our middle daughter who is just so beautiful and ready to help anyone. She is the giver. She has a big heart also, and is compassionate with everything she does. Next our son is the athlete, the talented one on the field and can make you laugh with his humor at life, he also is a giver. Then our oldest daughter is in the military. She is equally beautiful, and loves people, she is very strong and brings laughter to everyone.So you see we have a little bit of everything in our home. The best is our love. Is our home perfect? No, we've made many mistakes along the way, but the Lord is our foundation and our rock. Although we may not always get along perfect, and we have flaws, our love remains. It has been the best 18 years, almost 19 years being a family, growing, and changing and learning as we go. We have had some of the best times in the world, and some hurtful ones we wish we could forget. Where ever we are on this road, we can't go back, only forward, and with the grace of God, He will show us the way. So the next time you see a large family, dont ask, "are they all yours?" Just know they are a family.....

Dad.....

Memories of my father are so fresh in my mind, like hes still here at times. I lost him to cancer 23 years ago,when I was 19. At the age when your just really beginning to realize whats important and who your parents really are. My dad was a quiet man, but taught me many things. He taught me how to stand up for myself, how to be strong, and he taught me about grace and dignity. Every once in awhile a breeze will blow by with a fragrance that reminds me of him, or I'll see someone that looks kinda like him or walks like him, and I turn to take another look. I dream of him sometimes, not very often, but when I do, I awake realizing it was just a dream, and wanting so badly to go back to sleep so I could see his face once more. He taught me when I was little how to play baseball. There were no softballs at our house, those were for girls!! We would go to the park when I was little and try to play basketball, it was always fun when I was little with him. When my Mother would be at work at night, he would take me to this special store, which ofcourse isn't there anymore, and he would by me a yo-yo, or clackers. I had a whole collection of different colors. Its funny the things we remember and hold on to. I never realized all his sacrifices until it was too late. My dad worked so very hard, and always put me first. I thought my daddy would always be here, never for one moment did I think he wouldn't. Even when he was sick, I refused to believe he would not be here for me to love. I miss him so very much, it feels like yesterday when I lost him. I always said I wish I could just have one more day with him, to tell him all the things I never got to say, tell him how sorry I was for my teenage years and hurting him so, and just to tell him how much I love him. In reality, one day just wouldn't be enough, I would want more. He was such an amazing person. I am blessed, that my son looks just like his grandfather. He has the same eyes and the same smile, and he loves to fish, just like his grandpa. The one thing I could share that I learned from the loss of my father is that we dont know what each day will bring. We shouldn't wait to say those words to the ones we love, and to never take anyone for granit. Live out each day as it is our last and treat people with love and respect, never knowing when it might be our last time we see them.I do know I will see my daddy in Heaven, he was saved before he died, so I have that to hold on to,I will see him again. This time when we meet in Heaven.......

Just a few thoughts......

Welcome to my page. I just have a few thoughts to share with you.I hope this page blesses you as much as I take joy in writing and sharing with you. I pray my page brings glory and honor to Jesus Christ. I want to share a few of my favorite bible verses. The first from Micah 6:8, Jer.29:11 and Isaiah 40:31. As you can see the Lord is the light of my life,my husband, who taught me how to laugh, and my children who taught me uncondisional love, my little dog Daisy, who brings so much joy in my life, and last but not least my friends who all bring something special into my life. I am so amazed I now have this computer to put down my thoughts, and to share with others, I hope you will also share with me as we walk this journey together.....

My Husband, My Best Friend.....

First it was the look that got me, then the laughter, then came that first kiss on Current River. After seeing him, I just knew he was the one, and he was. We have been married now for 18 years. Not everday has been perfect, some of those days I can get really mad at him, and I know he can get mad at me, but our love carries us through. It was my husband who told me about Jesus and who first took me to church. It was with my husband in church, standing holding my baby son, that I handed him over, and walked the aisle and asked the Lord Jesus Christ to come into my heart. My husband has been there for me every step of the way in our lives, like I said not all days were great, even good,but over the years the Lord changed him and me,he made us one together. Its amazing when you know each others looks, or you speak the same words at the same time, you laugh at the same silly things and know one else seems to understand. He has been there for me in my toughest times to pick me up, to hold me, and just to feel his strength made it better. He has been there on the good days when joy is all around, and the bad when you dont know if you can take another step, but together you can, and with Christ at the center, all is possible. He is my past , my present and I pray my future for many years to come. I'm so blessed the Lord sent him to me, to love me, to put me first, he's the most unselfish person I know, he's a giver, and loves the Lord with all his heart. He loves his children, knows he's made mistakes, but we all have, and we continue to move forward and learn and grow. I am proud to be his wife. For all his sacrifices, all his hard work over the years, he loves me when I'm not lovable, he's by my side, no matter what comes. I'm thankful for all the years so far we have shared our love, and I pray we will have many more,more memories, more love and laughter. No one can make me laugh like my best friend........

Daydreams.......

Do you daydream like me? I have those days where all is quite and I just dream. I am wearing a beautiful ball gown, and my husband is in this amazing tux. We are in Tuscany, or just a place so beautiful words cannot describe. We dine, and dance, we walk and talk like never before. All is well, our evening out lasts all night, and in the morning we have this breakfast of foods we've never tasted before. Maybe we're in Colorado,in the mountains. In a beautiful snow covered cabin, with a fireplace, and we get to go skiing for the first time, and its everything we ever imagined. Its wonderful to daydream, our dreams take us places with the people we love we may not ever get to see in person, but,oh in those few moments of dreams we can visit another time or another place.Where do your dreams take you.........

What kind of servent are you?

Why do we serve? Is it to give freely expecting nothing in return,no pat on the back or even a thank you? Or do we serve to get attention, to get noticed, and to feel important? Many times I see my son hold the door open for others, I see him grab a cart for an elderly woman. They smile and say thank you young man, but many times there is no thank you and I see my son serve uncondisionally. He serves to help others in need and wanting nothing in return. He is growing to be such a respectful, young man. We are to serve in secret, not telling others, look what I did, and boasting about our service. We are to serve out of love for mankind. On a trip with our youth, I was with our Pastor when he pulls the van off the side of the highway when he notices a mans tire had blown out. He stopped to help this young man without thinking twice,just to offer help if needed. We should all be so giving. It tells us in scripture, in Hebrews, that we should always be hospitable to others because we never know when we may entertain an angel. Knowing that, how would you change your service?

Content or not content?

Are we really ever content with ourselves?Why are we really never content with who we are or what we look like? We buy things we don't need to make us happy,we spend tons on make-up,we spend hours in frond of the mirror,why? We just never seem to have enough.It's not even keeping up with the Jones', its the more we have the more special we feel,why? Why do we base our self worth on what we look like or what we have? Beauty comes from within and flows outward.We could fix ourselves up with all kinds of name brands, and designer clothes,and look great on the outside,but on the inside we're still mean and ugly....Why can't we just realize the Lord made us the way we are suppose to be, special and unique. It doesn't matter if we're tall or short, skinny or bigger, brown hair or blond.The world we live in since we we're little girls has programed us to believe if we are not one way, we just don't make the cut.Beauty comes in all shapes,sizes and colors.Beauty is praying over a friend when shes hurting,its sharing from your heart, its giving all you have to give,its inspiring others,its having a heart like Jesus. Beauty doesn't come in a bottle,you can't buy on-line,its in you heart placed there by Christ,to look like Him....The next time you check the mirror,see if you see the store bought kind, or see if you can see the reflection of Christ.......

Why is it so hard when we leave church?

I love being in Church, its my favorite place to be. I go to a country church, with a wonderful Pastor, and people who are like my family. I love singing, listening to Mandi play the piano,Oh my is she talented, God truely gifted her. Each Sunday I learn something, at least I always walk away with one thing I can hold on to. My Sunday school class blesses me so very much. I have the most amazing teacher, she gives from her heart, and is so loving. Its easy being in church, and being who we are suppose to be. Its when we walk out those doors is when the true test begins. Do we use our faith, do we walk and talk what we just learned that week? Are you like me and somedays you start out on fire for God, and then and the day goes you say something nasty, or you just mess up all together, and you just want to crawl in bed and pull the covers over your head? I know the days I begin with prayer, are my best days. The days I start with God, making Him first, but sometimes we put Him on a shelf and just take Him down when we need Him. When things are going great,do we give that credit to Jesus Christ? Or do we just go to him when things are down and its a "me" thing? If I'm honest, I do all of the above at one point or another. None of us are perfect, that goodness for grace. I want to be the person He wants me to be, and live for Him, each day I have to remember to put Him before ME. Some worship all kinds of things on Sunday, I want to worship Jesus, I just want to learn to do it all week, once I walk out those doors.......

The real me?

Do we show people who we really are?When people ask "How are you?",What do we say?"I'm fine." When really deep inside we're falling apart.When people tease us, do we always let them knowit hurts? How many times do we put on a face for everyone,then when we are alone, we sit and wish we could just be real? Do we act one way around friends or the neighbors,then when we go home we are someone different? Why is this?Why are we so afraid just to be who we are?If we can't be real, who can we be?Just as you, I too have these days,where I put on the face,and pretend for just awhile that all is fine. I smile and laugh,for I know my pain is not far from the surface. We should be real and not hide from what is inside,dark days should not be left to share alone. After today when someone asks"How are you? Don't hide or pretend, show them whats really inside, and show them the real you.....

How do we reach others?

How do we reach out to others and show them Christ? Micah 6:8 says we should walk the walk and talk the talk,but do we?Jesus is the same yesterday,today,and tomorrow.He showed people the way through love and accepting them for who they were inside. He reached out and touched the untouchable,the unlovable and those who were different.Do we do that? Or do we do the safe thing and just reach out to those who are like us? If we are to reach out, then we are to be Jesus to the whole world, not just the ones that look like us, or talk like us. This doesn't mean we join in and act like the world, change ourselves to reach others. It does mean, we love others as Jesus did, show them the way, be leaders, and be the example. I have failed in this area many times as I learn and grow with Christ. We all want to be accepted and loved. As Christians, we should be the first to step up to the plate and be the example. We don't all have to agree with every issue. Theres only one that is the important one,that Jesus came to save the world, He chose to die for us, even though we are so unworthy, and He rose again, If we believe upon His name we will be saved. It all comes down to that simple verse of John 3:16. We tend to forget none of us are perfect, we make mistakes,and all we really want, is to be loved......

Except For Grace (one of my favorite songs)

You've lost it all,your dignity and pride,A sinking soul,swimming in the tears you've cried . Alone and hopeless, without a word to say , cause guilt has taken it all away . Except for grace,and your faith and knowing that Gods love will forgive mistakes . Theres nothing that can clear your painful past,bare your bitter pain or can ever take your place Except for grace. We've all stood right where your at, Facing the shame of failures and regrets... Leaving us empty,broken and afraid to dream. Sin has stripped us clean of everything... The price is much too high for us to ever pay, We could try forever and find no other way...Except for grace, and our faith,and knowing that Gods love will forgive mistakes, Theres nothing that can clear our painful past,bare our bitter pain or can ever take our place,Except for Grace......

What my friends mean to me,,,,,,,

I am so blessed to have friends. When I was young I always prayed for great friends you could really trust,and who would love you for just being you. Its not easy for young girls to have friends, girls can be mean,so I was always friends with more young boys.They were great to hang around with, they were honest and if they had a problem they came to you, not behind your back to all the others to see how much trouble they could cause.As I grew older, God has blessed me with the best of friends I can tell everything to, and we laugh,share,cry,and pray together.They give me advice,although I may not like it, the truth is always the best.I have learned so much from each one, because each one brings something different and special into my life. We know each others looks and thoughts,and deepest dreams.They are my sisters in Christ,and the sisters I always dreamed I would have.Friends do bring something special to our lives. My Mom always told me,a person is blessed if they find one good friend in their life, I then am richly blessed, because I have many,and I have three of the best friends anyone could ever ask for,they are my family,and I love each and every one.I would not be the person I am today if it were not for the friends I have in my life.

what would we do if we were singled out?

One of my favorite stories in the bible is about the woman with the bleeding disorder found in Matt.9:20-22.It's found in the other gospels,but this story touches my heart so much. This woman not only had a horrible disorder for 12 years,but she was alone, she was unclean, she was untouched, she was like a leper,she had no children, no one to help her, but Jesus was coming through town and she knew, she went to Him, and she had such great faith she knew that if she just touched the hem of His garment,He would heal her. He felt her touch and asked who touched me, she stepped forward and said,me. He didn;t heal her because she touched Him, He healed her because of her great faith. How many times do we feel alone, like there is noone for us, noone to understand ? Jesus is always there for us and promises never to leave for forsake us. All we do is have to believe upon Him,Believe He came, He died, and He rose again,He was our sacrifice for our sins.We too can have the faith of this beautiful woman......What are You waiting for?

God is always there in our times of trouble

"And not only that,but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance ,character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in ourhearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us".........Romans 5:3-5