I have been visiting a new church and tonight I went to a small group. At then end of the class the leader was talking about a book called "only 30 days to live", a book about what would you do if you knew you only had 30 days to live. Would anyone remember anything about you in 10 years? What kind of a mark have you left?
I thought about my friend Ms. Ann while the leader was talking about this. Ann died about a year and a half ago. She had battled cancer for quite some time. I loved this woman. I had the honor of giving the eulogy at her funeral. What I talked about the most was that she was a woman of prayer. I know that in 10 years I will still remember her being a praying woman.
She prayed for people she worked with for years. She was so burdened about their relationship with Christ. She also prayed for her son to come back to the Lord and she was blessed to see this happen before she died.
I remember the day we all gathered together in her early stages of cancer and we prayed for her healing. The most precious moment of that prayer gathering was when her son came up and knelt beside her and prayed for her. The Lord allowed us to have her for quite a while but then He decided to take her home and I think she was ready. Her earthly body was worn out.
My life was blessed and changed because God allowed me to know Ann. He allowed me a few special moments with her during her last days (of which we did not know was coming). She told me things that I now know God was having her tell me because He knew I would give her eulogy. What an honor.
I love you Ms. Ann and I miss you so much. I would love to be able to come over, give you a big hug and sit and chat in your cute and comfy living room. But for now, I'll remember you and I'll be seeing you when I get there!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Update on "the boy is coming home for a day"
Just a quick update. Zach made it home safely and back to camp safely. They played softball from 12 to 12. Yes, I do mean noon to midnight! Yes, I was there the entire time, couldn't hardly move the next day. But, it was so worth it!
It was the State church league tourny. The guys came in 3rd place. I think they played a total of six or seven games. Zach hit one over the fence, right under the score board which was center field. Yes, it was beautiful! I LOVE watching him and Kristyn play sports, just warms my heart.
I had one HUGE blessing while he was here, he probably wouldn't want me to tell this one BUT I just have too. He got home Friday night, walked in and said "well mama i think i'll just sleep with you tonight." Oh my gosh, I felt like I had been given this huge gift. You know, neither one of the kids will ever sleep with me anymore, they are all grown and want their own space. I was thrilled. So, its me then Little Jon (our dashhound of 13 years) and then my Zachy. We just laid there and talked about his work until we both fell asleep. This was such a blessing, you just don't know. He gave me such a gift and it didn't cost a penny.
I was so worried about him and Mitchell (Kristyn's boyfriend that lives in Fayetteville) driving back at 1 in the morning. So, I almost hesitated in doing this but I didn't and I'm so glad I didn't hesitate. I got the four of us and I prayed for the boys and for their car on the trip. It was a sweet moment. The Lord was so faithful in getting them there safely.
Zach had to be at work at 8 that morning. So, he slept and Mitchell drove. Thank you Father for taking care of "our" children!
It was a good day!
It was the State church league tourny. The guys came in 3rd place. I think they played a total of six or seven games. Zach hit one over the fence, right under the score board which was center field. Yes, it was beautiful! I LOVE watching him and Kristyn play sports, just warms my heart.
I had one HUGE blessing while he was here, he probably wouldn't want me to tell this one BUT I just have too. He got home Friday night, walked in and said "well mama i think i'll just sleep with you tonight." Oh my gosh, I felt like I had been given this huge gift. You know, neither one of the kids will ever sleep with me anymore, they are all grown and want their own space. I was thrilled. So, its me then Little Jon (our dashhound of 13 years) and then my Zachy. We just laid there and talked about his work until we both fell asleep. This was such a blessing, you just don't know. He gave me such a gift and it didn't cost a penny.
I was so worried about him and Mitchell (Kristyn's boyfriend that lives in Fayetteville) driving back at 1 in the morning. So, I almost hesitated in doing this but I didn't and I'm so glad I didn't hesitate. I got the four of us and I prayed for the boys and for their car on the trip. It was a sweet moment. The Lord was so faithful in getting them there safely.
Zach had to be at work at 8 that morning. So, he slept and Mitchell drove. Thank you Father for taking care of "our" children!
It was a good day!
Friday, July 11, 2008
The boy is coming home for a day
Isn't it funny when someone we love is coming home, we get so excited and want everything to be just right. Zach is working at Camp War Eagle this summer as a counselor. His group of boys are 10 years old. He gets to call home maybe once a week because they are not allowed to have cell phones in the camp. They have to be left in his car. This I have found to be a little difficult. When he is in college, he calls me everyday. So, going a week without talking to him is quite an adjustment. I'm sure I'm being prepared for life after college!!!!!
After reading over my post, I just can't let this go. I'm thinking about how sad it is when I don't get to talk to my kids everyday. I worry if they are ok, are they happy, are they doing what they know is right to do etc. How happy I am when I see "Zach" or "Cissy" come up on my cell phone. Ok, so if I feel this way, how does my heavenly Father feel when I don't talk to him everyday and I don't go to Him with my life issues. How excited does He get when He sees my name show up on His big cell phone :)...The bible tells me he loves me more than I could ever love my kids...I cannot fathom that kind of love but I know its true and it makes me want to be sure to check in with Him everyday. To be sure to do what He has taught me to do. Ok, now back to the original story.
Well, he is coming home LATE tonight to be play in a softball tourny tomorrow and then back tomorrow night. I just want everything to be nice for him when he comes home. Trying to think of something yummy to have cooked for him etc.
I got to talk with him yesterday and he was telling me about his campers. He said he has three that are on him all the time...isn't that just sweet. He said it was nice to be able to have adult conversation last night (this means fellow college students :)) instead of someone saying they have a stomach ache, another doesn't feel good and someone can't find their socks. Someone constantly wants to sit on his lap and he is in a constant state of sweat. This make me chuckle because it sounds like the Lord is preparing him for daddyhood and who knows what else.
What I would give to be able to be at this camp for a day and just watch him do what he does. You know we raise these children, do the best we can with a lot of prayer and a lot of help from the Lord, right? Then, well then they grow up and go do things that we thought we help prepare them for, only we don't get see it happening, we just get to hear about it. Doesn't seem quite fair to me. I want to see them in action.
He said he has been told by two of the higher ups at camp that he does really well with kids. I was hoping for this because I just feel like God will use him in this area. We'll see.
Can't wait to see him tonight and get one of those famous hugs...he gives the best!!!!
After reading over my post, I just can't let this go. I'm thinking about how sad it is when I don't get to talk to my kids everyday. I worry if they are ok, are they happy, are they doing what they know is right to do etc. How happy I am when I see "Zach" or "Cissy" come up on my cell phone. Ok, so if I feel this way, how does my heavenly Father feel when I don't talk to him everyday and I don't go to Him with my life issues. How excited does He get when He sees my name show up on His big cell phone :)...The bible tells me he loves me more than I could ever love my kids...I cannot fathom that kind of love but I know its true and it makes me want to be sure to check in with Him everyday. To be sure to do what He has taught me to do. Ok, now back to the original story.
Well, he is coming home LATE tonight to be play in a softball tourny tomorrow and then back tomorrow night. I just want everything to be nice for him when he comes home. Trying to think of something yummy to have cooked for him etc.
I got to talk with him yesterday and he was telling me about his campers. He said he has three that are on him all the time...isn't that just sweet. He said it was nice to be able to have adult conversation last night (this means fellow college students :)) instead of someone saying they have a stomach ache, another doesn't feel good and someone can't find their socks. Someone constantly wants to sit on his lap and he is in a constant state of sweat. This make me chuckle because it sounds like the Lord is preparing him for daddyhood and who knows what else.
What I would give to be able to be at this camp for a day and just watch him do what he does. You know we raise these children, do the best we can with a lot of prayer and a lot of help from the Lord, right? Then, well then they grow up and go do things that we thought we help prepare them for, only we don't get see it happening, we just get to hear about it. Doesn't seem quite fair to me. I want to see them in action.
He said he has been told by two of the higher ups at camp that he does really well with kids. I was hoping for this because I just feel like God will use him in this area. We'll see.
Can't wait to see him tonight and get one of those famous hugs...he gives the best!!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Eating Wrong vs Right
I pose a question?
For those of you who have made the transition from "bad" food to "good" food, how have you done it?
I know there are recipes galore out there. A lot of them have ingredients I have never heard of but I think I'm willing to try. But, how do you start, how to you get yourself to WANT these healthy foods instead of the yummy's. You know biscuits/gravy, mac cheese, chocolate, ice cream, mashed potatoes etc. Yes, I love starches, how do you get off of these lovely things. They are my comfort food.
Seriously, I would love to hear any advice on how to make the great transition and still enjoy eating.
I'll be waiting to hear!!!!!!
For those of you who have made the transition from "bad" food to "good" food, how have you done it?
I know there are recipes galore out there. A lot of them have ingredients I have never heard of but I think I'm willing to try. But, how do you start, how to you get yourself to WANT these healthy foods instead of the yummy's. You know biscuits/gravy, mac cheese, chocolate, ice cream, mashed potatoes etc. Yes, I love starches, how do you get off of these lovely things. They are my comfort food.
Seriously, I would love to hear any advice on how to make the great transition and still enjoy eating.
I'll be waiting to hear!!!!!!
Update
Just thought I would do an update to last nights shopping. Their room is going to be done in black, white and fuscia pink with a touch of razorback! They bought sheer black curtains for their closets. Pink stools that stores items. Pillows, etc.
The excitement is growing with the realization that soon they will be off to COLLEGE! It really is fun to watch K get ready for this new step in her journey of life.
In five weeks both of my kids will be in college and I'll be thankful to get phone calls.
The excitement is growing with the realization that soon they will be off to COLLEGE! It really is fun to watch K get ready for this new step in her journey of life.
In five weeks both of my kids will be in college and I'll be thankful to get phone calls.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
It's beginning
Well, I'm sitting here tonight getting reports from time to time from the new freshman in college in my house. She and her roommate are making their rounds at the stores buying DORM items. No, I wasn't invited to go, can you believe they wouldn't want me there. HA!! I sit and wait in this very quite house to hear from the next stop and what they have purchased this time.
Everything that she has been given or we have bought is laid out so pretty in the guest room. I cannot hardly think about loading it all up and taking it to a place called Fayetteville and dropping it off in some room my baby will call home. What is up with that and how can it be the normal process? I don't even pretend to think i will not cry my eyes out.
She realized today that she has like 5 weeks left to get ready. Last night her and Tate, her dorm mate, sat at the table and made their list and looked on the computer at all kinds of things. I remember when they sat at the house talking about boys and doing cheer jumps and cheers and volleyball moves and making pyramids on Zach and taking pictures of themselves over and over and over. They couldn't wait to be in 8th grade, be kissed, go to high school, make cheer squad, make volleyball, make softball. Oh, would they be on Homecoming court. On and on it went and I loved watching them grow. I just didn't know it would be this fast and they are both almost 19.
I have a picture of these two and their friend Tori playing make-up and dress-up together. So young and cute and now all three are going off to college. Lord, would you bless their lives with Yourself, draw them each to You. How I pray that they will glorify you in what they do with their lives and that they will have real relationship with You. Protect them from the evil one, please surround them with your angels. I know they will have to go threw hard times and sad times (they have already endured several of these) and that you never said that life would be easy. But, I pray they will learn quickly and lean on You for their lives. Thank you in advance for loving them. May they all always have peace like a river!
I love you all three!
Everything that she has been given or we have bought is laid out so pretty in the guest room. I cannot hardly think about loading it all up and taking it to a place called Fayetteville and dropping it off in some room my baby will call home. What is up with that and how can it be the normal process? I don't even pretend to think i will not cry my eyes out.
She realized today that she has like 5 weeks left to get ready. Last night her and Tate, her dorm mate, sat at the table and made their list and looked on the computer at all kinds of things. I remember when they sat at the house talking about boys and doing cheer jumps and cheers and volleyball moves and making pyramids on Zach and taking pictures of themselves over and over and over. They couldn't wait to be in 8th grade, be kissed, go to high school, make cheer squad, make volleyball, make softball. Oh, would they be on Homecoming court. On and on it went and I loved watching them grow. I just didn't know it would be this fast and they are both almost 19.
I have a picture of these two and their friend Tori playing make-up and dress-up together. So young and cute and now all three are going off to college. Lord, would you bless their lives with Yourself, draw them each to You. How I pray that they will glorify you in what they do with their lives and that they will have real relationship with You. Protect them from the evil one, please surround them with your angels. I know they will have to go threw hard times and sad times (they have already endured several of these) and that you never said that life would be easy. But, I pray they will learn quickly and lean on You for their lives. Thank you in advance for loving them. May they all always have peace like a river!
I love you all three!
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