The Cost

Once upon a time there was a man who was very ordinary. His name was Hesme. He was a good man, kind to his family, well liked by his fellow man and rather shrewd in business. He had worked hard and done fairly well in his life, acquiring a comfortable living and a lovely family. He had a nice home, decent transportation, plenty of food and basically all of his needs met.

Hesme had come from humble beginnings and had a few things that were very special to him although they had no intrinsic value. He carried them in his wallet at all times. Along with the bank cards, credit cards, and such, he kept photos of his wife and family and tucked in the back, where it seemed of little consequence, were a few other items. One was an old and tattered photograph of his father, the second, the key to his mother’s family home, no longer even standing but still a memento of the house where he was born. The third item was the ragged business card of the very first company who had given him a chance to earn his living. Just personal mementos, nothing anyone else would be interested in. Even his wife occasionally asked him when he was ever going to clean out his wallet and throw some of those things out, but he would never do it. They were important bits of his history and he never wanted to forget.

Being a shrewd business man and experienced in dealing with properties, Hesme was always on the look out for a good opportunity. This talent had stood him in good stead throughout his life. One day he came up on a piece of property that, at first glance seemed rather ordinary but something about it caught his eye. It was beautiful really, small but lovely in a rugged and primitive sort of way. He decided to inquire into purchasing it and contacted the owner for first rights if the owner decided to sell. The owner was amiable to the idea and they began to draw up the paperwork giving Hesme the first option of purchase if the property appraised well. Of course being the business man that he was, Hesme asked his company’s surveyors, geologists and engineers to take a look. At first they weren’t impressed, and then the reports begin to come in. This was prime property, they said. Not only was it in a perfect location but the soil was very rich; there could be precious metals to be mined here. As they did more research they began to find that this was possibly the finest piece of property around. It was rich in minerals and perhaps was even the home of a diamond or gold mine. Perhaps even precious stones could be found there or oil! Besides, there was a particular plant growing there which had been discovered to have healing properties for cancer and possibly the Aids virus! Hesme immediately swore his employees to secrecy of course. No one could know for sure but this could be turning out to be the find of the century! Maybe in the history of the world! And Hesme had first rights to it! Unbelievable! This had to stay hush hush until the contract was settled!

Hesme went quickly home and sat down with his wife to tell her all about it. They couldn’t believe how incredible this was and how amazing that he had first rights to the purchase. The current owner obviously didn’t know what he had there. Why it was a treasure! A veritable fortune waiting to be uncovered! They were on the verge of an incredible acquisition in their personal as well as professional lives! Together they decided that this piece of property was worth buying even if it cost them a tremendous amount of money. They might have to move out of their comfortable home and go down to one car until they could get the return going from it but it was surely worth it. This was very exciting! They would keep this under wraps until the deal was sealed but they agreed that no price was too high to pay. They would buy this property, even if it meant selling all that they had to obtain it.

On the following day Hesme went to meet with the seller to discuss the price of the property. Perhaps the property owner was not as naïve as had been assumed, for the asking price was high indeed. The property owner wanted everything, all that Hesme possessed, his house, his cars, his businesses, everything. Hesme was prepared to offer a very large sum, contingent on selling some of his possessions but this was really more than he had bargained for. He went home to think it all over. The price was so high that it would mean selling everything, giving up his entire way of life, all that he had built and worked for. He and his family would literally have to move to the property and camp out. Could they do it? But the long term value of the property was absolutely incredible! He would be sitting on a goldmine, an endless, bottomless treasure. How could he say no? Of course he was buying it! He and his wife joyfully danced around their soon to be sold house, their decision made. To simplify matters, the owner had actually offered to trade with them. He would take their possessions and sell them or dispose of them however it suited him in exchange for the piece of property. So it was decided. Hesme and his family packed their suitcases and headed back to the property owner’s place of business to conclude the deal. After the papers were signed and sealed, Hesme handed over his various bank cards, the keys to his house and his cars. He turned and started to leave but the seller called him back. “I believe you forgot some things,” said the seller. “What could that be?” Hesme asked, unsure of what the seller was referring to. “Well, I’ll need to take those suitcases from you,” said the seller, “and I’ll take your wallet too.” In disbelief, Hesme stared at the seller. Could he be serious? “How will we survive?” He asked. “Surely you have no use for our personal possessions.” What could he possibly want with what we brought in our suitcases, he wondered, but the seller was holding out his hand. “The contract you agreed to and signed says that you will trade everything in exchange for the property, and I must ask you to turn over everything.” Hesme and his family dazedly handed over their suitcases, they figured that somehow they’d get by even though this was more than they had bargained for, still the property was the treasure of a lifetime and they were fortunate to get it at any price. Finally when all the suitcases and their content had been handed over, Hesme took out his wallet. He began to rummage through it removing the photos of his family and lastly, the mementos from his past that were stuck in the back. He handed the mostly empty wallet, with only a couple of remaining old grocery discount cards in it, over to the seller. The seller accepted the wallet then he did the unthinkable….he held out his hand, yet again. For what? What else could he possibly still want? Hesme, didn’t have a clue. There was nothing left in his possession except the family photos and mementos. But the seller was still holding out his hand in expectancy. “You can’t mean that you want these too?" cried Hesme. “Yes, I do, replied the seller. I want ALL, even the smallest most insignificant things. That was our deal.” So Hesme reluctantly and in disbelief handed them over, his family photos, the key to his mother’s homestead, his ragged business card, everything, until he was literally left with nothing of his own. Only then was the deal completed. Only when all the things Hesme was holding on to were relinquished did he gain so great a treasure.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt 13:44



The cost is always ALL …every time... over and over again ....

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!

Guess what I got my Valentine?
Fun! Fun! Fun!
We haven't been in years and this tme it'll be just us!

Hope your V'Day is lovely... :)

Good Morning Monday

We spent the weekend in AL doing the wedding shower/family thing. Very nice and Bek had a good time. Lots of loot too. :) Visited with future cousin-in-law who is getting married in May...her guest list has 400 invitations so far and a write up in Bridal Magazine...Whew! I don't envy her and her mom!

We got a dusting of snow and boy was that fun! The kids running around outside with their heads back and their mouths open. :) Me too when we came out of the restaurant after dinner to at least an inch on the cars and huge wet blobs of snowflakes still coming down.

RSVPs are beginning to come in.

Enough driving for a while. I plan on sitting (perhaps not literally) at home this weekend.....

Be Thou My Vision

I love history...especially as it pertains to me. I love when I can see a direct correllation between ancient peoples and myself. Never can I see it more clearly than in the writings of some of the earliest Christians. So pure, so true...Our story is their story, our hearts, their hearts. We share a love and an experience in Christ that spans time and eternity. We are bound to them with cords that cannot be broken.
You may sing this song in your church, I know we do sometimes. Who would ever have guessed that it came from the earliest days of Chirstianity in Ireland, it is still so pertinent today. Same heart..same Lord.
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Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry Ireland and trans­lat­ed from an­cient Ir­ish to Eng­lish by Mary E Byrne, in “Eriú,” Jour­nal of the School of Ir­ish Learn­ing, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H Hull, 1912, alt.

Music: “Slane,” of Ir­ish folk or­i­gin
Slane Hill is about ten miles from Ta­ra in Coun­ty Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Pat­rick de­fied a roy­al edict by light­ing can­dles on East­er Eve. High King Lo­gaire of Ta­ra had de­creed that no one could light a fire be­fore Lo­gaire be­gan the pa­gan spring fes­ti­val by light­ing a fire on Ta­ra Hill. Lo­gaire was so im­pressed by Pat­rick’s de­vo­tion that, de­spite his de­fi­ance (or per­haps be­cause of it­), he let him con­tin­ue his mis­sion­ary work. The rest is his­to­ry.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

An ancient song...it says so many important things. But above and beyond all the wonderful things that it says, may I each day be reminded that being good is not the goal, doing it right or being blessed is not the goal, heaven is not the goal....He alone is the Prize, the Pearl of Great Price worth trading my life for, worth giving all for and like the ancient saint who penned these words I pray that whatever befalls...
He is the Goal! He is the Vision!
This entire life's experience is not about me at all. It is about Jesus Christ, God's Son!

On to better things...

Well this has been a profitable week for me...inspite of Wednesday's blog. :) Not all is woe is me. I had a wonderful surprise visit from my Jadabear over the past weekend, wedding invitations finally went out...huge load off. ( Now don't be offended if you don't receive one, we can't afford to feed half the East coast...only B & Js' immediate gazillion family and friends....haha)...AND last nite I got to have dinner with my wonderful son.

For those of you who don't know, he is a professional musician and travels most of the time. He happened to be in GA last nite so I drove over to see him and take him one of his text books (yes, he has re-started his college classes, via the internet...yeaah!). He's doing great and it was awesome to see him for a quick visit. Tomorrow we, as in myself, my bride-to-be daughter and my mom will drive over to AL for the weekend and for the first wedding shower, to be given by family on both sides. It will be so much fun to see everyone...which never happens....I am excited about that. :) So...there are good things going on in my world and I feel better today...I can actually see the good stuff. lol... funny how life is often about perspective..and some good ole Ibuprophen didn't hurt the cause either. :)

Now on to comtemporary Americana...and I mean The Grammys...!
Of course I keep up! Even though I definitley chose dinner with my favorite music star over watching the actual presentations....
All I can say is "Way to go John Legend! His Get Lifted CD is incredible and he certainly deserved the new artist award. Also congrats go to Kelly Clarkson and her Breakaway CD. Again...amazing work, she is a true find from American Idol. I like it when the deserving people actually win. I was pulling for Mariah but I can't really argue with U2 either. I'm just very proud of Mariah for her awesome comeback after basically falling of the planet and having a nervous breakdown a couple years back. Cream does indeed rise to the top.

Wonder what song lyrics I'll post tomorrow...hmmmm...maybe I'll chose a Grammy favorite...we'll see.
Well enough stuff.....I have to get some work done....Ciao

What's wrong??

What is wrong with me?!
I feel so yucky! Blah, blah. Is it the mid-winter blues? That "time" of the month? The fact that Jada came up for a surprise visit over the weekend and now I miss her more than ever? The fact that my 40+ body has numerous aches and pains this week (possibly caused by lifting during said visit from granddaughter)? or maybe a contribution from the aforesaid "tanning"? (I feel like I do when I've had too much sun). Could it be emotional....we are having some emotional upheaval here,... children( making questonable choices), wedding planning (translate - losing a daughter and paying for her departure, :) not questionable choices here folks), church, (translate- on-going turmoil...some of you know something of what I mean). I suppose it all combines to create the yuckiness I'm experiencing.... sigh.....

Then this morning I remembered something. It came to me from inside myself somewhere ....Something I know deep down inside where He lives....No one ever had to tell me this...it is something I have always known. It came to me in the words of an old song we used to sing in our Youth group years ago.......

God is Greater!

Mason-Dixon Line

This a hoot ya'll! Try out this Yankee/Rebel Quiz and see where you land. Having been raised in the deep South and doing almost 10 years in Philadelphia(it did feel a little like hard time at first...lol...not talking prison here, just culture shock.. haha)...apparently I'm a pretty well mixed up girl...I'm at 53% (Dixie) right on the line with a slight Southern leaning....Yep, that just about nails it. :) I like being well mixed. :)

LIF Day

Like Ray Charles said...."Country music tells stories, people love the stories" and I do, maybe its the "Southern" in me :). There are several titles on this CD by Rascal Flatts that could have spiritual implications, The Broken Road, The Day Before You.... but here is my super favorite from their Feels Like Today release. As I have mentioned before, many songs and types of music speak to me of the Lord and His work in my life. Some, with only a minor tweaking of words, can come to say something very profound when viewed from my "God eyes" or maybe I should say my "God ears". :) I have added the word "Jesus" in the middle of this song which obviously wasn't there in the original...but my spirit heard it anyway...:) Truly I do only want to be "Where He is"!

Where You Are

There you are standing strong, I'm a leaf holdin on
You believe, like a child, in this fire runnin' wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me

You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way, you're a mountain top
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up
All that I want to be is where you are.

I'm the frozen ground, you're the warm sunlight
Shining down on me, (Jesus) just in time
I have never been in a love like this
Oh, you move my soul every time we kiss (hey Bek, it works! :))
And I love how you heal; I can't believe how alive I feel!

You're a waterfall, washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way, you're a mountain top
When I reach for you, your love lifts me up
All that I want to be is where you are
James LeBlanc, Catt Gravitt

No I'm not dreaming...

there is a funky smell...like salty or tangy, this from the required anointing oil ...indescribable really but it makes me sneeze...I enter into a realm of blinding light and bug eyes, something reminiscent of the alien creatures in my son's comic books...there are whirring noises and strangely enough...music blaring today's Top 40...the paper thin walls of the chamber tell me this is true for all....And so I go to a land where no man has gone before....well maybe a few have gone before but I am assured that their germs have been completely annihilated.....Let the tanning begin!

Church billboard

Sign on a Church board I passed on my way into work this morning....

Body piercing saved my life! (smile)

A Southern Winter's morning

Its winter in Georgia.....cold...but not....its all realitive. :) Spent the weekend in Jax and 60 in FL is definitley warmer than 60 in Georgia... in winter.
This morning, frosty breath, crunchy dead leaves, sun shining brightly. Geese lined up around the pond like they are waiting for it to warm up before venturing in...as it surely will as the day goes on. Smoke rising from a pile of fresh mulch, still warm from the muching, the heat meeting the cold air. Too cold for shirt sleeves but too warm for most self-respecting jackets. No chance of snow but possibly a chance to bask in the sun and feel toasty on your afternoon break. Maybe the sunroof will be open on the ride home....then agian....maybe a fire tonight. ummmm... I love a fire. Ummmm love a Southern winter..... so short...sooo sweet!

NCV (part 2)

Ps 105:1-4
You are worthy of thanks and your Name is holy!
You have done mighty and wonderful deeds in my heart and in the lives of those I love.
You are the song and your prais and love wells up within me. It flows out unceasingly!
You are Glory and your Name is higher than any name. You shine brighter than the sun.
You are Joy, my joy - ALL Joy!.....and where You dwell, You make yourself known in fullness.

NCV

NCV stands for the New Cheryl Version... :)
Here is one of my versions of Ps 105:1-4, as pertaining to a little something the Lord and I have been discussing. :)

Version 1
I will give thanks to you. Lord, I call your name!
I tell everyone of your wonderful works in my life and in the lives of those around me
I sing your praises and sing love songs to you and talk of you incessantly and of all that you are.
I bask in your presence and glory in your name...
Let your name be known and make your face to shine in me and out from me.
I find my greatest joy in you and in your strength and presence.
I must see you, must know you.
Your whole person, every part of you...make known to me!

Thank you

Thank you!...to all who have lifted me and my husband to the Lord this week. Your prayers have covered us and carried us.

Sorrow upon sorrow

I am sad today....so very sad.....my heart is breaking and I can bearly see the monitor through my tears.....as my dear brother has said to me "sorrow upon sorrow".
My husband and I have had to come to some very hard decisions over the past few months and in the past couple of days they have been solidified. No turning back...
I am a blessed woman with many riches in my life but it seems there must also be much loss and heartache. I know not why things have to be the way they are but I have no choice but to travel the road the Lord has put before me.

I will try to go forward as though nothing has changed....but I wanted to mark this day.

If the Lord should put us upon your heart, please keep us in your prayers...

Bits and Pieces

I think I finally found it! Yes, the perfect picture for my family rm/den. You don't know how difficult this has become! The entire downstairs is basically going to be decorated around this ONE piece of art. And I think I found it........ yes! Totally on accident....shopping for wedding paraphenialia (sp?) and there it was...actually a print that will need to be framed but still, never seen it before (which is big for me, I like one of a kinds), but perfect in the colors and the balance of the colors and the subject of the pic ...just right ....I think...still have to get hubby's approval...he is the one with the artistic eye but its MY room to decide... :) He has one or two of his very own. :) Maybe I'll post some pics when we get past the wedding and on to the decorating of our new house. Like next spring....lol...maybe we'll have money by then..:)
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On another note...I have a dear dear friend coming for a visit today...actually a conference, but she'll be staying with me and we can have girl talk till all hours for 3 nights...of course we will both have to get up and go every morning so that may limit us a bit but I'm definitley looking forward to seeing her!
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Wedding update:
Wedding bouquets designed...daisys, yellow roses, something blue....you get the idea...?

Jax this weekend to meet with the florist and country club
(get to see Jadabear and Kate!!)

Invites almost done,
Handmade decorations for the aisle...almost done
Guest book and pen purchased
Photographer contract done (Good Grief, its expensive!)
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Saw Mr & Mrs Smith over the weekend....cute flick...great for passing the time....
Sadly, I think those two got their acting job mixed up with real life...the dangers of an acting career...forgetting where reality lies and who you really are....
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Go Steelers!! (never thought I'd hear those words come out of my mouth!) LOL

Have a great week....

LIF- today...,Yes

You Are My All In All
Dennis Jernigan
You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name. Jesus, Lamb of God worthy is your name

Taking my sin, my cross my shame, rising again... I bless your name, You are my all in all
When I fall down you pick me up, When I am dry you fill my cup. You are my all in all

This song is one of my favorite choruses and in some ways answers the cry of the last post......
...He is my treasure, the pearl of great price worth selling all that I have to find. I would be a fool to look anywhere else for what He alone can give. He fills me with Himself and draws me even when I am letting our relationship cool, He won't let me go. He continues to graciously cause His Light to rise up in me...from the inside...where He resides (the source of the light)
He is ALL and in all!

I'm better now...:)

Thanks to all of you for allowing me to rant and rave in my last post...sometimes the preacher in me just comes out... :) hope you were exhorted not to live in such a situation yourself.

My Darkened Heart

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).

I have been thinking a lot lately about how darkened my heart feels when I am out of His fellowhsip. No I’m not backslidden….I haven’t stopped praying …I haven’t fallen into any secret sin. Noneless, I feel my heart growing darker...am I only warming myself at His radiance? Am I growing used to coming and going, in and out of His presence?... I don’t want to live that way, but I fear I am quite capable of surviving at such a sub-level existence.

In the past I have come to be comfortable and even to consider it a normal state to be bathed in His presence, to walk continously in His light. I have lived in the midst of His people and in the midst of that city where scripture says there is no night nor need of the sun for the Lamb is the light….It is a very bright and transparent place to be and it is quite difficult for darkness to reside in such a place. From my experience, it is not somewhere that is easily found inside any church door but once discovered, it is a place of incredible Life, of immersion into Christ, a place to be permeated with the originator of Light. An amazing place to live, one that I could not begin to describe here but that truly does exists. I have dwelt there and known Him in a deep and living way, eventually almost taking His light for granted.

I can’t go into detail here but circumstances have caused me to live in that realm less and less. I have carried that light with me...out in to the wide world…far away from the walls of that city and for a time all is well… the light doesn’t go out…it is an eternal flame,... but I can feel it weakening. With little fuel to keep the light burning…my foolish heart becomes more and more darkened over time. I find I can keep the darkness at bay by visiting His house and soaking up His presence on a regular basis or listening to Christian music, or spending time in prayer and study…but I have also discovered…and this through difficult personal experience, that coming together with other believers isn’t enough, hearing stirring words of exhortation isn’t enough, listening to Christian music isn’t sufficient, although it helps to drive the darkness away for a time. Praying isn’t the same either, my spirit seems to be quiet and shy as if it has forgotten how to communicte. So unlike the self I am when I am immersed in His light.

Too often these days I feel as if I am standing outside a warm and inviting home, standing in the light that shines from a window out into the darkness . The light only lasts as long as I stand there in it and when I step away the darkness surrounds me. I desperately want to be inside where the light originates from. Only there am I completely overwhelmed by His presence and my heart is exposed to blinding light. Only in His immediate company can I halt the hardening of my own heart, even reverse it till my heart is soft and pliable again. The curses of humanity fade away in that light, my human nature takes a back seat to His divine nature.
How can I settle for having the light only to shine upon me at intervals? To come and go, in and out of His fellowship?

I cannot!... I must not!

No, to truly live in the Light…I must have His life-giving presence moment by moment, His constant fellowship, internally. Which means I must turn to Him, seek Him out, need Him desperately! (Must -not as in"should" but as in necessary to survive) Only then do I experience His light pouring forth from within my spirit continuously… I must touch Him, know Him, hold onto Him…for without Him I will surely die! I refuse to live in such a place where the light is fleeting and darkness overwhelms my heart. I cannot put into words the reality of Him and the Life that His internal presence brings but I surely recognize when I have not been walking in that reality for a length of time. It is painfully, humanly recognizable. Oh I look the same on the outside, can even spout scripture and pray, sing on the worship team or whatever I need to do to stay warmed at His fire but inside I know the truth…my heart is darkened…and without Him I am, as Paul said “of all men, most miserable”.

24

24 Season Premier TONIGHT!! Can't wait! Its the one and only show almost my entire family programs our time around. Its definitly a family "date" night. LOL We call each other on the phone before during and after to discuss and lament...I know....crazy but fun...and weirdly bonding... :)
Love the drama, the suspense...the cliff hangers...it may be the only thing I've seen more dramatic than our daily lives.... :) (no I don't put everything into my blog...haha) well our lives probably aren't that dramatic....but we do spend quite a bit of time figuring ways to "save the world" lol (little church joke there, folks) ..Anyway...see ya tomorrow...I have to go get briefed for tonight's show.....
Have a fun Sunday...

LIF?- Not today....

Ok, this post is on a slightly negative note but please, humor me today,....
This is the classic lesson in "What NOT to do"....the song I hav chosen today is being played on the secular adult contemporary radio and on Christian radio stations all over the south. I don't know about other parts of the country...anyway...it is the classic "say nothing" song...and I can understand the secular world buying it...after all, the only thing they care about is whether or not it " has a good beat and you can dance to it" (quote from American Bandstand for some of us old enough to remember:)). Unfortunatley...it has been number one on the Christian radio stations around Atlanta weeks in a row and I find that sad. Come on people! pay attention! This song has little value as a "Christian" song at all. On a reach I could see it, after all I am unable to take my eyes off of Him when He is wooing me....if it didn't have that stuff in it about the clock and about a she being beautiful .... Is this about the Lord? is this about the church? Who can tell? It means that it doesn't say anything really......all because it is catchy(and it is) and given, Lifehouse is a cool name for a Christian group, if that's what they are...but come on!
I think I can appreciate what Lifehouse is trying to do...no, are doing...they are making deep inroads into the secular music scene and possibly having impact out there....but I find it sad to see Christians all over the country swaying and "worshipping" to songs that are basically meaningless and have very little to do with HIM...can we at least direct our Christian songs somewhere in the general direction of the Lord or the church or something?? He is what this is all about after all....Arrrgh!

LIFEHOUSE LYRICS "You And Me"
What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive.
I can't keep up and I can't back down I've been losing so much time. Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right I'm tripping on words You've got my head spinning I don't know where to go from here Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now I can't quite figure out Everything she does is beautiful Everything she does is right Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you What day is it?And in what month?This clock never seemed so alive .

Stencils and things

OK so I can't stencil!! Who knew?? Well I can NOW after messing up like 14 invites! It looks so simple!! but my daughter informs me that they are atrocious.....well I knew that 4 of them were messy but ALL of them??? really! Its a good thing I'm buyin......Its probably all because we watched Gilmore Girls and The Peoples Choice Awards (ack!) instead of House. That's enough to mess up anybody's stenciling, no to mention its been about 70 degrees around here this week so I'm sure my body is in a tiz from the roller coaster weather. What could you expect?? duh!

Well I have to think of ways to make amends...guess I'll have to buy more and redo them all...what say?

OK.....breathe....hmmmmm

Short List:
Dress should be in shortly for fitting (don't worry I asked permission before posting this pic :)...the groom isn't gonna be looking at my blog).......
Want to get some dance lessons and tanning done.....
Meet with florist
Gotta get these invites out the door by Feb 5th.....

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BTW...Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mama! Sorry I have no pics of her but trust me she looks waaay younger than she really is and she's a real winner too. Always willing to go "where no man has gone before" :) well where no one she knows has gone before at least...a true pioneer. Hubby and I are making her birthday dinner tonight with apple pie and ice cream for dessert instead of cake...yummm! She won't be reading this but I'll say it anyway..."I love you, Mom!"

Normal life

Well, we're back in the middle of a normal work week....whatever that is. :) Everyone is back at work and another holiday is away off in the distance (for us), school is back in session, traffic is as thick as ever. A few cookies are the last of the holiday goodies...the sky is grey, i need a haircut and the dog needs a bath. Yaaawn...Boy are we back to normal!

Well that lasted about 5 seconds.....

Now its time to settle into full-time wedding mode - non-stop til April!
Yikes! Only 3 more months! Its a downhill run for the finish. Will we make it? Yes we will! Will we survive it?? Yet to be determined..... the "to do" list is 4 pages long----single spaced! I need a tan and my hair colored and a dress, blah, blah, blah....(this is my mini-personal list).
There are invitations to be made (yes I said MADE) and addressed and place cards and pictures to be decided upon and a gorgeous dress to be fitted and flowers to be discussed and trees to be rented and music to be chosen...and.... and ...... (fun in here somewhere, I'm sure of it) Oh yes, that will be on the beach AFTER the big day! lol

We will survive this! "I think we can...I think we can...I think we can" chugga chugga chugga...
1 ) Tonight...stenciling... :) whilst watching "House"

LIF

I'm naming my weekly lyrical day Lyrics I Feel = LIF :)
This week I chose a song from the latest Rob Thomas CD. I often hear songs, secular, popular, broadway, country, pop, blues, whatever...that with the simple change of a word or two can mean something incredibly spiritual. Actually there are several on this CD that resonate with me but this one needs the least modifing(none really) to make it a message of import. It seems to me that God's voice can be heard in many forms for those who have ears to hear... I'm sure Rob had no idea that the voice of God would come through in his work but...there it is...if you indeed have ears to hear. :) I hope you can hear the voice of Jesus speaking to you in the words of this song.

"Ever The Same"
Rob Thomas

We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same

I like the words that say "You were holding onto me like a someone broken" cause I am a "someone broken". I am a messed up, lost person who desperately needs Him to catch me when I fall and hold me when I'm losing it. He is reminding me that this is what He does and that I am not a burden to Him. He wants to be necessary to me. ...I am forever in Him...... Yeah, I hear that voice. :)

What do you hear?

Yeah I changed the Template

Just bored with the green on green and too lazy to figure out how to put something more personal on the banner....

GWC totals

Good Wife Challenge
JAn 2 - 30
Jan 3 - 25

Rules to Live By

This came to me via e-mail this morning and in the spirit of a new year I thought I would share.... :)


Rules to Live By
===========

Because sometimes we need to remember WHAT the Rules of life really are.

1. Never give yourself a haircut after three alcoholic beverages
of any kind.

2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape.
If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40.
If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.

3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital
relationship are "I apologize" and "You are right".

4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

5. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.
It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.

6. The best really good advice that your mother ever gave you
was: "Go! You might meet somebody!"

7. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her –
believe them.

8. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself,
“Will this matter one year from now?”
How about one month?
One week?
One day?

9. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

10. If you woke up breathing, congratulations!
You have another chance!

11. Living well really is the best revenge.
Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just
might mean that the other person was right about you.

12. Work is good, but it's not that important.

13. And finally, be really nice to your friends and family.
You never know when you are going to need them to empty your
bedpan.

(Although this was submitted as a joke, it contains much truth)

Wife Challenge Starter

Working on Gina's "Good Wife Challenge" so here are my totals for Jan 2nd ...... 30 I know...not that great but I didn't complain... and I did say he was right about a thing or two...:)

New Boots!

A quick peak at my new cowboy boots(#1 Christmas present :)....the upcoming rage of the east coast.....(love, love these boots!) and a quote from the Justin website to go along with the pic. LOL

"There are literally thousands of reasons you should be wearing a pair of Justin Boots. In the interest of time, we'll just give you a few…
1. You would look great in a pair.
2. We've got boots to match your mood. Whether you feel urban chic, rebellious or if you're in the mood to tame the Wild West. We got the boots.
3. Double layer comfort means you don't have to sacrifice comfort for style."

Now aren't they just fabulous? :)

Happy Birthday to You!

Yesterday was the birthday of my youngest. I can hardly believe she's 21! Now all my kids are offically grown up. :(
It seems like only the other day, I was pregnant on Christmas, living in Alabama....we had a fire in the fireplace on Christmas morning and had to put it out and open the doors by noon because it was so warm. I wasn't due until Jan.16th so no huge baby rush was on...we had been caught up in the Christmas season and hadn't had much time to focus on new baby with 2 little ones already running around. Suddenly only 4 days after Christmas, our third child decides to make her appearance....this was before the days of multiple ultrasounds so we had no scientific idea of the sex of our baby...but I was sure it was a boy. I had felt the same confidence on our first two and had been correct so I was very shocked when Dr M. announced that our new little one... was a girl. What?? are you sure?? I asked several times, in the muddled state of a woman just giving birth. :-) Yes, indeed...he was sure....we had a beautiful little girl. We named her Kathryn Alayne which means Pure Light and she has indeed been a source of pure light and joy ever since.
In those days the traditional hospital stay was 3 days.....before we got home with her the weather had changed, in typical Alabama style, to 10 degrees, and we were iced and snowed in for a week after bringing her home. Her siblings had the flu just before and her dad caught it just in time to welcome Katy home...and a fun time was had by all...lol....well it was memorable at the least. :)

She has since grown to be a beautiful young woman who is stopped on the street by talent agents and model recruiters. She is a wonder in business and has landed an incredible job, putting herself well on her way to a profitable career. She is also a fabulous mommy to my equally as beautiful Jadabear. Loyal, affectionate, considerate and thoughtful, she is a joy to know. Blessed are those who call her friend. I consider myself so fortunate to have her as my daughter and thank the Lord for her daily.

I love you Katybug, my joyful surprise! Mom & Dad are SO proud of who you have grown up to be! HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!

There's Got to be a Morning After

Well, not exactly the morning after...but you get the point. :) the shopping, cooking, wrapping, eating, and gift giving is over, I'm back at work(boo), the kids are all on their ways back to their respective abodes..love, love, love this time with my family but now....time to chill out! That's what I love about New Year's. I don't owe it to anyone, I'm not responsible for anything, I don't have to do anything or go anywhere...its a free holiday! And because it falls on the weekend...I get Monday off too! Yeaah!
Plans?? well...we'll probably go out to dinner on Sat. and maybe a movie, I have an awesome book lined up to read since the house will be very quiet with even Bek gone to see her Navy boy, and perhaps a trip to our Gerogia mountians on Monday...just for fun. Hubby is off too so we may just ride up there and cruise around. Oh yeah, I do have to take the Christmas decorations down...hate that part.... :)

So what are your plans for the New Year's Holiday?

Lyrics for the Week

Please take a moment to read these words. They are so powerful and strong. Merry Christmas to you all!

Mary Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you knowThat your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you knowThat your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you knowThat your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boyYou’ve kissed the face of God, Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know that your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
and this sleeping child you’re holding....Is the great I am.

Buddy Green, Mark Lowry

Sidebar from Christmas....

My brother-in-law is an Army officer who served last year in Iraq and is still active but now stationed stateside. The letter below is one he received last week from an Iraqi accquaintance after their historic elections. This is not media, left or right...this is not propaganda...this is not one of those chain letters you receive that you have no idea where they come from or if they are true... this is pure correspondence between two persons actually involved that I just happen to know. It speaks volumes....

Dear Sir;How are you? I wish you are well.A long time has passed before I hear fromyou.Today is the 15th Dec.Iraqis are going by hundreds and thousands to thevoting centres.It is a historical moments.If you see how the Iraqis worktogether with the Americans to secure people and their freedom to vote,youwill realize how great is your mission in Iraq.The Americans distributeAmerican candies and gifts to the Iraqi kids and even to men and women.Ourpeople is very grateful.Day by day ,the insurgents and terrorists becomemore and more isolated.Many of them returned to the lap of the free Iraq andannounced their repentance and are now fighting beside us against theAl-Qaida terrorists.They are doing a very great job.You remember the lastelections how the Sunnis rejected the election process claiming that theycannot vote under the shadow of the occupation,while now they urge thepeople to participate saying it is a national and religious duty.Many oftheir leaders adm! itted that they made a mistake by bycotting the lastelections.I think these elections will make four main blocks inside theparliament.They are :Al-Iatilaf (the Shia coalition),The KurdistanCoalition,Al-Tawafuq Al-Iraqi(Representatives of Sunnis)andAl-Iraqia(representatives of the liberal Iraqis).
Regards and Compliments to Sydney and Sharon.
Sadiq

May God Bless our troops and their efforts abroad. I am proud of them and of our nation for standing for freedom even when the going gets tough.

Christmas Quiz

Are you up for a little Christmas Quiz?? Stole this from Muriel. :-)

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot Chocolate
Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree?
Definitley wraps them
Colored or white lights on the tree/house?
Colored...I'm thinking white in future when I don't have kids to please
Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope, I kiss who ever I want when ever I want in my house! :-))
When do you decorate?
Thanksgiving weekend, of course!
What is your favorite holiday dish/goodie?
BarBQ(yep its a Christmas Day tradition)
Chocolate peanut butter balls- YUMMM
Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Caroling through the neighborhood and having a neighborhood open house every year.
How and when did you learn the truth about Santa?
I was 6-7...my cousin broke it to me...I didn't believe her for a while at all. :)
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
Sibling gifts only!
Snow! Love it or hate it?
Love it...for a while...:)
Can you ice skate?
Nope....but I can ski
Do you remember your favorite gift?
A huge brown teddy bear as a child and
An Atensio garnet ring, necklace and earring set as an adult
What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Remembering my Lord, time with my family and the gift of giving
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Caroling and reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2 on Christmas Eve then watching my husband remind the kids (& now grandkids) of it on Christmas morning before they open their gifts. Their faces are amazing as they listen in awe every time...even now. :)
What type of tree? Live or Artificial?
Live- inspite of the mess :)
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving!
What is your favorite Christmas Carol?
Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!

How 'bout you? Wanna play?

Morning Monday

The weekend flew by in a blur...Sometimes you just have to grab a moment and hold on to it so that you can remember you even had such a time. :)
Got lots done.... gift shopping, (almost done!), returns, groceries, out to lunch with Mom and Bek, work 5-10:30, sleep in 2 days, sit by the fire, replaced non-working lights(previous post) :-)....hung the last garland, wrapped some gifts, worked 2-7:30 hubby made a wonderful gourmet dinner and had it waiting when I arrived home at 8pm, addressed last Christmas cards, shower, crash, up again at 6am and back to work!
Its the 7th day of Christmas! Only 5 to go! Kids arriving Thurs and Friday! Yeaah! Whew! Glad when they get here so I can relax. :)
Have a lovely Monday!

Check out some of the adorable ornaments I got while in Pigeon Forge: The bear for Jadabear, and two for Bek...flip flops for her (she wears them til frost) and her sailor boy, of course. :)

Check out this blog if you want to rekindle some great Christmas memories...She's up to #8 I think and each one takes me back...Maybe they will for you too. :)

Merry Christmas!

Lyrics for the day....

Believe

The Polar Express

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

Children, sleeping.Snow is softly falling.

Dreams are calling, Like bells in the distance.

We were dreamers,not so long ago.

But one by one, we all had to grow up.

When it seems the magic slipped away... We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying, Hear the melody that's playing.

There's no time to waste, There so much to celebrate.

Believe in what you feel inside,Give your dreams the wings to fly.

You have everything you need, if you just believe.

Trains move quicklyTo their journey's end.

Destinations...Are where we begin again.

Ships go sailing,Far across the sea.

Trusting starlight, To get where they need to be.

When it seems that we have lost our way...We find ourselves again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying, Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste, There so much to celebrate.

Believe in what you feel inside, And give your dreams the wings to fly.

You have everything you need, if you just Believe.

If you just believe.

If you just believe.If you just believe...just believe...just believe.

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

I love this song...I especially like the lines that say

"Believe in what your heart is saying, Hear the melody that's playing.There's no time to waste, There so much to celebrate." and also "When it seems that we have lost our way...We find ourselves again on Christmas Day."

When I hear this song I always think of my Lord who is the true dream giver and when ever I have lost my way in life or in pursuit of the dreams He has given, I find myself again "when I just believe"... in Christ. He is the melody playing in my heart. He is worth celebrating!

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

May you find the courage to Believe in the Dream Giver this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

TO DO LIST

List of things to do this week....week half over already

Work extra hours at job #1
Re-work the budget
Shop
Make Christmas goodies
Shop
Re-work the budget
Mail out "Save the Dates" for the wedding (past due)
Work job #2
Replace non-working string of lights before kids arrive
Shop
Re-work the budget
Sleep.....naaaah... X that til after Christmas

1st Day of Christmas!

Yesterday was the first day of Christmas!....well depending on who you ask... but for me, definantly!
If you haven't do so yet...get to celebrating!

Hearing the words

For sometime I've been wanting to start regular postings of song lyrics. As some of you may have picked up on, I love songs and to sing. To me, songs express the deepest thoughts and emotions that I myself have no words for...and I'm pretty darn wordy...:) I think that in our society we take very little time to really hear most songs, to realize their point...especially ones we have sung for years because they are catchy or cute or are just traditional. Perhaps if they are printed out in front of us, maybe in a context we had not thought of before....they can really speak to us and we can grasp their true meaning. Words are powerful things and I would just like to take this opportunity to give some powerful songs their due. I'm going to steal an idea from a fellow blogger and try to have a regular lyric post each week. If anyone thinks of a catchy name for it like WBW or something let me know. :)

Here's my choice for this week:

Hark, the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies. With the angelic host proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem". Hark, the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord. Late in time, behold Him come, offspring of the favored one. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity. Pleased, as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark, the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace, hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark, the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"

Now this is good :)

Never read this guy before but I do like today's entry and yesterday isn't bad either. Check it out....he certainly has a point. Thank goodness Christianity is still scary to somebody!

Joy to the World!

You know, I keep hearing this stupid commercial on the radio and its bugging me. You may have heard it, its the "Rooms to Go" ad that says...."You find the room you want, the joy is real". It irks me every time I hear it.
That joy is not real!
Neither is a trip to the Bahamas or the perfect new car or pair of great shoes. This, my friends, is not joy!
This is just pleasure...pleasure is such a soulish thing...and don't get me wrong...I find just as much pleasure as anyone in the smell of new leather, a great vacation or a delicious meal...:-) All completely justifiable as pleasant.....But please don't tell me this is joy!
Please don't sully true Joy with such insignificance!
Joy is something spiritual, a higher thing. I have real Joy inside me all the time...sometimes I feel it more strongly than at other times, but it is there nonetheless, like a quiet undercurrent waiting to burst forth. I feel it when I am with my brothers and sisters...or my husband and children..and Jada, of course. :), or in the giving something of myself to others. I know real Joy when I create- something from within is brought to life and shared with those around me.... this is the experiencing of true Joy and it is a glorious high thing. It is so much more encompassing than mere pleasure.
Sharing life with others, giving of myself, reminds me of the Father bringing forth His Son and sharing His Joy with the world... Of course I can experience pleasure at the same time as Joy but the two are definitley not one and the same. Sometimes I feel deep Joy for no reason at all other than the simple fact that Joy Himself lives inside of me. Joy is so much greater, higher, and deeper than poor pleasure! ....As a matter of fact...Joy is a Person. His name is Jesus Christ. The Father gave His own Joy to us! Let us not settle for living from our soul, let us soar in our spirits.
Let everyday be "JOY to the World!"

Leaf Jumping As Promised :-)

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I met him when I was 10 years old. It was the brief but strong encounter of a child on the verge of puberty, recently gone through the trauma of her parents break up and a bit on the emotional side. He was sweet and gentle and comforted me. He was a friend during a hard time in my life. We remained friends, more acquaintances really, for the new few years, chatting now and then when we would bump into each other or perhaps I would seek him out when some uncomfortable period of adolescence arose in my life. He was an ever present comfort always standing by when I needed him but not thought of too often in between. At 15 or so I began to see him as a possible long term companion. Of course teenagers are so romantic and tend to see everything through a haze of extremes, either bliss or despair. Our relationship went accordingly, up and down with myself being very off and on again as to how involved I really wanted to be or wanted him to be. He was patient and didn't press me but never went far away, always the gentleman but making it clear that he wanted to be with me, not just when I was in the mood, but all the time. He is very persistent. By my sixteenth year we had become inseparable. I must say, it was a wonderful, exciting journey and I never wanted it to end.....never imagined that it could.

But sadly...all good things do come to an end....By now I was in my 20s, married, a young mother and our relationship just wasn't enough, wasn't fulfilling, wasn't meeting my needs. To be honest, I hated our relationship. I felt terrible about it. I was a failure. I had tried so hard to be good, to do it right, to be everything I thought he wanted me to be but to no avail. It seemed to me that he was demanding and rigid and I just wasn't cutting it, we weren't going to make it. And yet there he was, so patient, so kind,... so infuriatingly immovable. He wasn't going anywhere. If anyone was going to give up or stop trying it was going to be me.

Finally that day came...I guess I was 23 or so, I was at the end of my rope...... After thirteen years of friendship and affection and connection and trying so hard to please... and failing...I gave it up. I remember crying my eyes out and telling him that I just could not do it anymore. That I wanted out. I remember saying to him that if anything was going to change it would have to be his doing cause I wasn't able anymore, never had been really but finally had realized it. Always before when we'd had those deep dark conversations of failure and change I had gotten back up, brushed myself off and gone forth with a new determination and zeal to "do better". But not this time...I finally realized the truth.... I could never, ever, as long as I lived "do better". . I had seen myself as I truly was and it just wasn't in me. I stopped struggling, stopped fighting, stopped everything and let go.....

.....I simply walked away.....

Then a funny thing happened...I walked right into his arms :) because he is everywhere I turn and I can never get away from him. :)

From that day forward he took over everything....little by little I began to see changes, not in him...but in me! Over the next couple of years I began to see him as he really was. Gracious, accepting, merciful, strong, humble, capable, and incredibly loving...everything I was not, yet he was sharing it with me, and always always pursuing me even as he had when we first met.

The day I gave up has come to mean everything in my life....everything changed that day...it became the basis of our relationship, our entire future together....That is the day we truly became one and nothing has ever been the same.
*********************************************************************

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I don't have to live up to some high standard....You actually do the living in me and You are making me into the person I always hoped to be!

"What's your story...about His Glory?
Find your place... in the history of Grace"
Matthew West

Regrets

Instructions:1) Call the meme "Regrets - I've Had A Few"2) Always refer (and link back) to the blogger who tagged you3) Always tag (and link to) at least two new bloggers4) List as many regrets as you like, but list a minimum of one (even if you have to re-interpret the term 'regret' because you feel strongly that you don't have any)5) Include these five rules in each post as the meme instructions.
I'm taking the tag from Amberdusk....

Hmmmm...lets see...Regret #1
That we didn't buy a house sooner. We were married 10+ yrs and into our 30s before we bought out first house, consequently each house has been the house we really needed a few years before...like a 3 bedroom when we needed 4 and a house with a family and living room after our kids were in college...duh! Now we have a huge 4 BR house and a pool with one kid living at home...when will we catch up and get it right??

Regret#2 I never tried out for Broadway...:)

Regret#3 That my kids live all over the country. Although I'm proud of their independence....I really miss them.

Regret#4 The fact that I cannot eat onions...they just don't like me very well. :(

Regret #5 I never took dance lessons...Hey I think I'll remedy this one and take some lessons in time for Beks' wedding!

Tag to anyone who wants to play.

My Incredible, lovely girl!

I can't believe it! Today Bekah is 23 yrs old! How did that happen? Only yesterday I was painting the room in our new house where our new baby would sleep. Then she surprised us and came early! 2 weeks early! arriving in time for Thanksgiving in 1982. I so wanted a girl and there she was! She was average sized with trouble falling asleep, a tendency to be colicky at dinner time and very strong willed...somethings don't change :) She is still a nite owl, chatty at dinner and very focused when she gets her mind set on something....I love this girl! She is a strong and beautiful young woman. With college and our moving to GA, I consider myself so blessed to have her physical presence in my house once again if even for a short time. Her wedding in April will send her on her way offically into the big wide world and though I rejoice for her, I mourn for my self and all that has passed never to return again. My little princess, with long flowing blonde hair and toe shoes, sleepovers and barbies, has grown up!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bekaboo!

JADA

Here she is folks! The most beautiful in the whole wide world! (that's what I tell her) and she says..."I de mos beautiful". :-) She will be here next week, with her equally as beautiful mommy, for Thanksgiving weekend! I can't wait!

Love this time of year with the holidays round the corner and the air crisp, a fire in the fireplace. It surely is the best. I'm saving the leaf raking til she gets here cause there aren't any piles of leaves for her to jump in in Florida. She and I will have a blast. I'd say the leaves are about 6 inches deep in my back yard right now. LOL My girls will probably get in on it too. :) Maybe I'll get some help out of them....naah probably not. :) they will be too busy shopping, baking, decorating the tree.... I think I feel a strong urge to hire the neighborhood middleschooler to do some raking ...right after Thanksgiving!

Can I say it yet??? HAPPY HOLIDAYS!....Almost!!!

Life Song

This song is in my heart today...may it be so every day...

Let my life song sing to You,
Let my life song sing to You.
Let me sign Your Name at the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my life song sing to You!

Casting Crowns

Home with pics!

I'm back, we had a lovely time in TN. Must have been the peak weekend for fall foilage. It was stunning and everyone in the southeast was in Pigeon Forge to see it I think. :) Truly it was a sight to see this year. Strange how God made Autumn, the season of dying, to be so beautiful. Does that parallel our lives, do you think? Or possbily what He values. Death always brings new life in His realm and nothing can be gained without it. No wonder He makes it beautiful in this realm to mirror His thoughts on the subject.
It seems that we, as humans, shy away from talking too much about death but He is not afraid of death, in fact He conquered it completely and set us free, free from even the fear of it.

I know from my own life experience that there is no gain without loss and I am so thankful to be dead in Christ and raised to new life in Him. As the seasons change I am reminded that what He values is foreign to us but as we live in Him we gain His perspective on some of these things. Truly death and dying whether it be to sin or to self or to our own desires, is a victory in His eyes and worth celebrating. Laying down our lives in exchange for His is always, like the Autumn leaves...a beautiful thing to behold.

Away Again!

Signing off for the weekend. I'm just a travelling girl these days.
We are having a "cousins" get together this weekend in Pigeon Forge, TN. Can't wait! Gonna eat out a little, shop a little, see some fall foilage, laugh til it hurts, maybe cry a tear or two... gonna be great!
There will be at least 8 of us and thats all the girls except for one who has a newborn and one who is having surgery.. I don't think the boys were invited...:). This is the first time we have ever done anything like this and I am looking forward to it very much. I'm sure we will all be young and silly together and feel like the teenagers we were the last time we were all together. Should be a blast!
I am so thankful there will be none of the tension and high drama that seems to accompany so many people's family interactions. We are very blessed. We have always been very close even when miles have seperated us and I' m bettin that every one of them is looking forward to this every bit as as much as I am. Have a great weekend all my bloggin friends....
Ciao!

Toasters in Toronto! Ska is Dead Tour :-)

So sorry! I guess I'm just the proud mamma and can't help myself but here are some great pics from my son's latest tour.
Scroll down til you find the link for Toasters sets 1 & 2. He's the cutie in the red T-shirt with the saxaphone. Love that kid!