Learning from 2000 years ago...

Experiencing a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service this year I think that the word that rings prominent is HOPE! I have to remain strong and continue to understand that I have to please Him and not others around me. That my hope has to be in Him. 2000 years ago there was a sweet baby boy who was brought to earth in a very hopeless situation. There was no place for his family to stay in their emergency situation. The only place provided was a stable. A stable with a feeding trough for a bed. Don't know about you but if I was giving birth I think that I would feel hopeless if I had to go through that process in a barn.

But give thought to it all. God knew exactly what he was doing. He had all the time in the world to choose where and when, and he choose to have the Messiah brought into our world at a very hopeless time to Mary and Joseph. Just as I heard yesterday at a service he brought hope to our world on a day when they felt no hope. We can learn from that. In our times of despair and confusion there is hope for tomorrow. We don't know where our next day will take us. We don't know what situations will arise, but live in the daily remainder that there is Hope.

We all know Jeremiah 29:11, which should bring hope to our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper your life and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future".

Checking off that list...

"Are you now trying to give God a to do list?".. This is a question that I was asked this morning. I was taken aback because in all actuality that is in fact what I was doing. I was thinking that there were things that I wanted Him to do or things that I thought He should do.

Do you find yourself being overwhelmed with list during the holidays? You have to be here, you have to be there and your list becomes longer and longer. We make lists that have lists inside of them and then one by one we cross off the things that we complete. We don't always get everything done do we? Somethings take more time than others. I think that is how God works. There are things that He wants to cross off, but he just isn't done. He has more plans for where he wants us to be spiritually. Therefore He isn't ready to cross off that thing yet. He knows the plans for our lives way before we do. He isn't here to harm us, but he doesn't promise that it will be an easy drive either. There are nice Sunday drives, then there are flat out slamming on the brake days.

So I have learned in the Sunday drives that I am to be thankful, but also when the brakes are slamming we have to be thankful. Our Daddy knows what he is doing and he loves us more than we can ever imagine.

So in our pain today friends that we are experiencing we have to be thankful and not have a to-do list for Him. He has his own to-do list and in his timing he will cross off those things, whether it brings pain or happiness. We are all made in a manner that is amazing to Him. He knows us and knows our pain and it breaks his heart also. So try to rest in the pain, if at all possible. Try to look for the smiles, try to find the peace in it.


From a Dear friend today:

"God never said all your experiences would be good. These include the experiences of pain and failure, along with spiritual, religious and victorious experiences. God can and does hit some straight licks with crooked sticks." - Unknown...and awesome.

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts

A Love Letter...

Check yes or no!

How many times have we as children sent that love letter to our "love" with anticipation of it returned and a big check in the yes box? We all want to be loved and cherished. This morning I have thought about how we are loved. Where do we look for love? Remember the song, "Lookin for love in all the wrong places..." That has resonated with me. Where do I look for love? Do I look to others for their acceptance of me rather to the one who wants to be pleased?

We are loved regardless of who we are, where we live, what mistakes we make all by our Father. Our Daddy loves us and wants to show us that we are loved. Think about what small thing you enjoy from nature. Feeling a cool breeze on a fall day, summer day, or spring day I feel is God sending me a little love. He knows that is what makes me smile on the inside, therefore it is His intention to allow me to see the beauty and awesomeness of who He is.

But in your times of dispair, inability to think straight, loss of focus, or just when you need to know that you are accepted turn to God's love letter to you. Open the pages of the Bible. You will see where God is sending you a message. You know it's true! You need to hear from Him and you open to the right spot, with the right words, and you know HE IS GOD.

So today grab that love letter, open it up, read a little, and know that God has checked YES and wants you to be his one and only!

"and because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, Abba Father" Galations 4:6

Amazed...

Over the weekend Bo and I traveled to Asheville to experience the leaves changing. This is my all time favorite time of the year. I have always wondered why there are people who can't stand the Fall, as I am more amazed in this season than any other. We decided to go to Seacoast Asheville for church and then take a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping along the way at the Overlooks. As I stood there and looked over the ravines that were covered with the beauty of colors. Enjoy the pics that share a little bit of our time yesterday!

Shout joyfully to God...How awesome are your works. Psalm 66:1,3

The Little Red Wagon

Just a Thought for Thursday:

Is there a colleague that you especially appreciate — a fellow teacher/coworker that has really come along side of you and lightened your load at some point? Maybe this story reminds you of that person who was able to give you just “the lift” you needed! Have you told that person how thankful you are for them?

The Little Red Wagon

Some days we skip along, pulling our wagons with great confidence–so full of energy that the load seems light.

Some days the load seems heavy and we need someone to help us pull our wagons over the bumps in the road.

Some days we are just tired. We sit in our wagons and let someone else pull us along for a while.
And some days it’s kind of nice to share our little red wagons with a friend.

As you think about yesterday, and make plans for tomorrow, keep in mind that there will be times when you can help pull someone's little red wagon for a while. After all, helping to pull each other's little red wagon is what makes it possible to face the challenges the day brings.

When One Door Closes...

As many of you know Friday was Bo's last day with 98.9. It was a bittersweet day where we were sad and happy in the same time frame. I know God has a plan for our lives and every moment that we question is a moment that He already has figured out and resolved. Leaving the radio station was a decision that we made together and I am thrilled at the time that WE will have together now. I see it as a "see you later", rather than a "goodbye". Bo wants to grow his business and not be held to a time that he can travel with other obligations.

I am also excited in that we can get into a healthy eating routine, spending time together, and the most exciting part that I am looking forward to is joining Bo sometimes in the Food For Life minstry where we learn more in our faith from those who are less fornuate than ourselves. Homeless men and women can provide us with insight into life in a way that I don't think that I see it. I take for granted small things that are daily habits and daily routines.

I am amazed at how God uses our lives to teach us lessons that He already has planned. It is like He has opened the next door in our lives and the little beam of light is showing through.

So for today Live, Love, and Learn from Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!

How Busy Are You?

I was sent this this morning and as I read it I realize that God sent it to me for a reason. I think that I stay busy some days, but have NOTHING to show for the busyness.
Today Lord, help me see the priorities that you have for my days, my weeks, my months ahead!

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NIV)



I love empty calories. I confess. Chocolate brownies are my favorite.
Although I try to tell myself the eggs inside make them healthy, the truth is there is little in that fudgy goodness that brings value to my body. Besides the moment of pleasure in my mouth, brownies only fill my need for calories but offer little nutrition.

Being busy can have the same effect. We can fill our days with busy-work, then flop on the couch after dinner, exhausted and empty. And yet we look around our homes and wonder why a week’s worth of mail is stacked on the desk, dirty clothes drape over the hamper and the kitchen floor is a sticky slip and slide…but we were so busy!

Much like the woman who spends $100 at the grocery store and has nothing for dinner, if we aren’t wise about our busyness, we will find ourselves frustrated at how little gets done. Like the brownies and their empty calories, there is activity that keeps us “busy,” but produces little benefit.

One area of temptation to empty busyness is my computer. The nature of my work requires that I spend a lot of my workday at the computer. If I sit down without a plan, two hours can pass and nothing is accomplished – except for watching videos of really cute puppies. However, when I’ve taken the time to set goals for my day, it’s easier to stay focused.

The same is true for my housework. When I take a few minutes to identify my priorities for that day, the tasks that need to be accomplished usually get done. Otherwise, it’s 7 p.m. and I’m wondering what’s for dinner.

Today’s key verse caught my attention recently. I realized we’re no different from those early believers addressed in it. Only our idleness looks different—it looks like busyness. In fact, we often convince ourselves that it was necessary to get caught up on the news, visit a friend’s blog or research next year’s vacation. Important? Yes. A priority for today? Maybe not.

There is a time for brownies, getting caught up with friends and online research. There is a time for rest. After all, God ordained the Sabbath. There is a time for play. Even Jesus enjoyed a wedding reception with His friends. The key for productive busyness is to know what time it is.

Instead of trying to figure it out ourselves, a wise woman seeks God’s direction for her work and rest. What has helped me avoid empty busyness is taking the time to pray about God’s will for me each day. My quiet time always includes a to-do list. In addition to spending time just enjoying the Lord’s presence, I also seek His guidance for my day.

I sit at my kitchen table, cup of coffee in one hand and pen in the other, and ask God to show me His priorities. He is always faithful to help me create a list of what needs to be done that day—not the next day or next week, but that day.

My challenge is to be a good steward of my time—both at work, play and rest. I’ve spent too much time on empty pursuits. Busy isn’t always bad, only when it’s empty. And brownies aren’t bad either, at the right time.

Dear Lord, You are the Creator of time, and so often I neglect to seek Your will for my days. You have called me to a place of stewardship with my time and I need Your help. Please show me when and how to be productively busy—and when to set it all aside and rest or play. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Fall is finally here..

I love fall and those who know me know that I think that this is the most wonderful time of the year. Over the past week Bo had to go out of town. I am not a fan of business trips, but I know that they are a must in the business of marketing. While Bo was gone he bought a few prizes that made my heart happy. Not only do I love fall, but the color of burnt orange is the most beautiful color of leaves, CU tigers, bracelets, and even scarves..

Thank you honey for the surprise gift!

Rain, Rain... Stay Today..

Have you ever had those days that were just gloomy and you were totally at peace? Today is one of those days. I have worked here in school all day today with the rain pouring down on our school, and the sound of the pounding rain is the calmest sound of all. I think that on days like this God knows how I love to be loved and this is His sweet love letter to me.

Dear sweet unpredictable life...

How many times do we wonder what our lives would be like if we "coulda" "woulda"? That is on my mind today. I have lived I think in so much horror of wondering what others think of me that I have allowed it to change who God has made me to be. I have learned so much about myself and who I need to be in Him lately that I hate that I have missed out on so many wonderful things of just being.

God knows where I am going to be each day of my life, each day! God had in mind who we wanted me to marry long before I was even born. How cool is that! He knows our trials and tribulations, He knows our pains, He knows our tears. He even knows the happiest times of our lives before we can even experience them. How neat is it that there is a Father who loves us so, to plan out our life in a way that is only for the best.

I have found that what I may think is mine and Bo's life path, may not be what God has planned for our life path, and as scary as that may be some days we have to be assured that he has our best intrest in mind. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 says 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' He knows what is best for our life even when we aren't sure of what direction to take.

Hide and Seek...

To every child Hide and Seek seems to be a game that we all enjoy. You always try and hide in a fashion that no one will find you or be in a place that you don't want to be seen. It is a fun thing on those days of a game. I just have had this burden on my heart that it sometimes isn't fun to be ignored, or hidden. Just something that recently has bothered me that children in my classroom and even I myself feel. We all have times in our lives that we feel left out, ignored, or hidden. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have to be in the limelight and always have a spot light on me, as that is NOT fun. I guess I have just recently realized where some people's priorities are. So today think of a friend or a loved one who maybe you haven't said hello to and just drop them a hello, ask your child how their day was at school, or just send a little email to a co worker that says have a good day!

Because playing a game of hide and seek is always fun when we are hidden and then someone finds us with a smile on their face and we know we are loved!

and then there were none...

No days left I mean! Summer is officially over and I am back to work next week. I have been working this week some just to try and get ready before the deluge of meetings and things to do. It has been a great summer. Bo and I have visited New Orleans again, as we love that place and it holds a special place in our hearts. We stayed there for a week. We ate, and ate, and ate some more! That is our favorite past time when we visit NOLA.
I have been able to spend time with friends and get 5 books read. I have to say that I am embarrassed that as a high schooler I never read To Kill A Mockingbird and how I hate that I missed it as a kids. It was a great book. A classic that everyone needs to read.
Going back always has it's reservations. I get the new year jitters just like the kids do and worry that I won't be able to fulfill my duties as an educator. Being in this for 10 years I have began to understand somewhat; that I can't solve all problems. Taking their issues home with me doesn't make them any less for the kids, but I do know that I love what I do and that just like any other job, there are good days and bad days...
So goal for this year: Love them like they have never been loved, and do my best to educate them and make them successful citizens in life!

Here's to the 2011-2012 school year!

Happy Father's Day!

We are blessed to have many people in our lives who have made an impact on us. Bo and I are thankful for our fathers. We are blessed in the way we were raised and the support and love that they give us in our relationship together every day. To both of our dads, we thank you for who you are in our lives and what you both mean to us!


We love you both very much!

Gardening 101...

About 3 weeks ago I had the biggest craving for tomatoes and cucumbers. So Bo and I decided that we would plant a garden. He has planted one when he lived up North and I had always had one as a child, but I had never done one by myself; I just always ate the goods HA! So while he went to the store to get our plants I dug up grass. He bought tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, watermelons, and pumpkins. My friends let me tell you, diggin that grass was some hard work, but so worth it in the end. We chose a little corner of our yard that I wish got more sun but it seems to be the most convienent place and gets about 5 hours of sun a day. So we planted and have watered twice a day and finally a few days ago we have a little tomato.. Now I just want to do what I can to keep it alive. I know we badly need cages, as the tomato plants are doubled in size and I know will start to lean and fall. That is part of the plan this week: Cages

Here are a few pics of our garden so far and our first little harvest.

Killing Giants...

Many of us have giants in our lives.. No not physical giants, but spiritual giants. Each day we have to face those things that create a barrier between us and our destiny that God has planned for us.
Sunday at Seacoast Greenville we were on part 2 of Killing Giants: The Rise and Fall of David. This week focused on David defeating Goliath. Just wanted to share with you the notes that we were given as they have been a help in starting to conquer the giants in my life.
I will give you the notes that our pastor gave and then I will write what I got out of it with a *.

*Don't let the giant own you because your mind is the battleground!*

1 Samuel 17:1-58
What do I know about Giants:
1. There will always be a GIANT between you and your destiny. *giants= whatever blocks your path to God.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

*most likely your giant is not a person... look to yourself first

2Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2. Giants never LEAVE on their own. *defeat the giant before it enslaves you*
1 Peter 5:8-9
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.

3. Giants are a NECESSARY part of your SPIRTITUAL GROWTH. *giants are stepping stones*

*Martin Luther says three things to do and go through a. meditate b. pray c. trials and temptations
James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

NOW, how do we kill the giant?

1. Speak to the giant from GOD'S POINT OF VIEW.
2 Corinthians 4:18
There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

2 Corinthinas 5:7
It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going.

2. Speak to the giant with WORDS OF FAITH.
Proverbs 18:20-21
Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

3. Step toward the diant in the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1 Samuel 17:40
Then David took his shepherd's staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath.

*Faith is moving ahead without fears and doubts*

I am hoping that this will reach one person and make a difference. I know that the reason that I don't always SEE what I think I should be seeing is due to faith... I have to have faith that God has my best intrest in mind. I hope that if there are troubles in your marriage, family, home,job, or finances that something in in this message will help to change your way of living.

Still a child...

Today a friend sent me a blogpost of someone she follows and it is so pertinent to my life right now. I need to learn and understand that God is in control. I am growing and maturing in Christ daily, but it is posts like this one that reassures what I am trying to learn..



Last week I wrote about living life based on feelings or emotions vs. based on a knowledge of the truth. This week, I received an envelope in the mail from my mom, with a photocopy of a chapter of a book she’s reading, that just so happens to be on this very topic. The book is The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney, and the chapter is titled “What You Feel vs. What Is Real”. Here are few paragraphs that really resonated with me.

On a daily basis we’re faced with two simple choices. We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He’s accomplished for us at the cross.

Far too often we choose to passively listen to ourselves. We sit back and let our view of God and life be shaped by our constantly shifting feelings about our ever-changing circumstance. Life is busy. Often hard. Full of distractions. And before a morning cup of coffee, our passive listening can take us on a roller-coaster ride as we review a hundred different topics and experience a dozen varied emotions.

…also…

That which is subjective changes regularly, like shifitng sand. But that which is objective is built on the solid rock of the gospel. When we look inward, we live by the subjective, the temporal, the ever-changing, the unreliable, the likely-to-be-false. When we look outward, to the gospel, we live by the objective, the never changing, that which is perfectly reliable and always completely true.

Our life in Christ is based on objective truth, and the chief truth among the innumerable glorious truths of Scripture is that Jesus died for your sins. That’s the heart of the gospel.

Good stuff, right?? How often do we just listen to ourselves and our whims of the moment? How often do we forget that the one rock-solid objective truth in life is the work Jesus did on the cross. That one act which changed everything should impact the way we think and live. But if we allow our feelings to get in the way, we will be pulled to and for like a leaf in the wind.

I am realizing over and over again how much I need to cling to the rock which is Christ. He is the only sound and secure thing in my life. On any given day, in any given week, my thoughts and preferences and moods and emotions changes like a twisting kaleidoscope. A roller-coaster is an apt description of my feelings. God is my rock, and in the midst of the storms of life, I know that there is safety and certainty in clinging to Him. Read these verses on this very topic:

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence. - 2 Samuel 22:3

As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? - Psalms 18:30 – 32

For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. - Psalms 31:3

He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. - Psalms 62:2

Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. - Psalms 71:3

I love the language of these verses–God as a rock, a fortress, a shield, a stronghold. Sometimes, I feel the desire to just run away from the problems of everyday life… to go hide in my bed, with the covers pulled over my head to block our the world around me like I did when I was a little girl. It makes me realize how much of a child I truly am. When all is said and done, I am weak and frail, and my emotions are varied and unpredictable. The only way to make it through a day is to continually remind myself that I have a Heavenly Dad, and the truth of His love for me is as stable and secure as a fortress. He is the foundation in my life, the rock on which I plant my feet. The knowledge of this truth casts a whole different light on everything in life!

Good Friday...

Today is Good Friday! I know that around this time of the year I am supposed to be happy as to what is happening in a Christian's life, but I find it very hard to imagine all that our Lord went through. I just am not a huge fan. I think of the harsh things that our Savior had to endure and I know in the end he was victorious, but part of me just hurts and shudders in the thought of what He had to go through. Please don't get me wrong I am so blessed and I know that in the end there is victory! I just guess I am weird. So I know that without the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ I would be no where and through my short journey I have learned a few things.

* He loves me regardless.
* He loves you regardless.
* Through Him I have began to understand what it means to have peace beyond understanding.
* I am beginning to see that I have to live Phil. 4: 6-7 each and every day. Pray don't worry!
* He provides me with Grace so that I can provide others with Forgiveness!
* Our God is an Awesome God!
* Through Him I CAN do all things, I just have to believe.
* He gives, and he takes... We may not see it now, but you will eventually.
* God knew what he was doing when He brought me Bo. God you are a smart one!
* I am blessed, I am blessed, and... I am blessed.

Thank you God for giving me material things, spirtual things, and most of all your grace and forgivess each and every day of my life.

The tragedy of first position

This makes me smile! I have 3 year olds that I teach and this is bound to happen at least once a class!

Party Like It's 1999!

We had so much fun at the Prince concert last night. I truly don't think that I have had so much fun at a concert. Being married to a DJ allows us to enjoy many many concerts ( I am a lucky girl)! Bo was able to get us tickets and we sat with his co-host, her husband, and friends of theirs. We sat in the lower bowl and had great seats. Truly when I say we danced all night, we danced all night. It started at 8 and still at 1045 we were still dancing. Prince is the best entertainer. He had over 30 people from the audience come up on stage with him to dance. He played all of the songs that you know. Truly brought me back to the 80's when I remember all of his music! Thank you honey for one more amazing concert and fun together! Bo and I

Bo and his cohost, Lauren Morris

Prince wanted everyone to get out their cell phones and wave them.. Amazing! Pics don't do justice! Sorry so little but was from a cell phone.

New landscaping...

We have finally finished our newest landscaping project in the front and side yard. We are very pleased with the people at South Pleasantburg Nursery. They did an amazing job at helping us figure out what to place where and what we could do with the space that we have. Lots of new greenery that will stay green throughout the year and then we will have the availiability to add in color as we wish as the seasons progress!

Thank you Nikki for your help! We will be able to enjoy it for years to come!

New Changes!

Bo and I have been in our house coming up on a year. I have learned that with a house there is ALWAYS something to do. ALWAYS... either this thing needs painting, this thing is leaking, or this thing needs to be changed.. But I love it. I so enjoy watching how things grow and evolve into a home! We have been working on the outside of our home for a while and decided to move all of the shrubs from the front to the back and over the weekend we mulched and worked around the shed. On Tuesday Pleasentburg Nursery is coming to do some landscaping around the front and sides of the house. Bo and I love to be outside working and we know kinda what to do in adding color and small perennials and annuals but not the big stuff. So they coming tommorow to add the basics to the house. So here are the before pics and then when it is done, the after will appear!

My newest addiction...

So Lauren, Bo's cohost, introduced me to the most wonderful stress reliever that I have found in a long time. HOT YOGA! Ever heard of it? All it is is yoga, yes yoga, but in 90-95 degree heat. A yoga room is heated with heaters and everyone just does yoga. According to many articles that I have read recently there is a possibility to burn anywhere from 400-900 calories in a hour. Some have mentioned that they have dropped anywhere from 10+ pounds in less than two weeks. The theory behind it is that when you add heat to your workout it literally will "melt" the fat out from around your cells! It also with the heat adds to the ability to encourage flexibility. many say that with the sweating that you are releasing toxins when you sweat, some even say that it is like getting rid of smog in the air. Some are skeptical but yoga goers are high believers! It is also something that is an all in one. You get your yoga and cardio in one shot. So I am very interested and have participated in about 4 sessions. I just wish that it would work with my schedule each day and I could do it each day. I am doing it as much as I can in hopes that I see results!

You wouldn't believe it...

This week has been quite rough for Bo and I. We both have experienced death in our families, but when you experience it when you are married is a different feel. On Sunday we got a call that Bo's grandfather had passed away. He had been placed on oxygen over the last month or so for a 24/7 basis and then his health just went downhill from there. So we decided to travel up there leaving Thurs and returning on Sunday. I took the days off work and everything was in place we thought. We sat down to make sure that airplane tickets/seats were good Tuesday night. To our surprise the company had overbooked the flight. I wasn't able to go now since there was no other flight that would work with my schedule. The good thing was that Bo was able to get a flight out on Thursday and I was able to get my days back from school.

Then Thursday morning as Bo was literally flying out around 10:15 I got the call that my grandfather had passed away. He has been in a nursing facility for about 8 months-yr possibly and was 93 years old. Oh the fun stories I have heard from the last century. So we knew that the time was near and that death was imminent, but it is still hard to face.

Here is the wow moment and the amazing God that we live for: He knew that my Papa was going to die and that is why he didn't let me on that flight. Can you imagine if I had flown all the way to NY and then got the news? God never ceases to amaze me! I know that my Papa is loving on my Mama and that they are rocking and doing their beloved word finds :) I hope that Papa is running around on those brand new legs that have been restored.

So needless to say this has been hard. Being single and going through death is one thing, but having a spouse changes it. I needed him at that moment that I got news, and he was in the same situation as me. We both needed each other from afar. So we have been comforting each other from opposite sides of the Mason Dixon Line and I can't wait until he comes back.

Papa I love you and will miss you! I know that you have a clear head right now and that nasty Dementia demon is forever gone! Have fun in heaven!

So here we are...

It is now Friday and I am home from school sitting trying to decompress from the week. What a crazy one it has been... I am just in a blah state of mind these days. I think that I might have the winter blues...Just seems like days start out good but then by ends day I'm just spent, physically, emotionally and spirtually...

How did I do on my goals for the week? Take in consideration that we still have 2 days left of the week, but here goes..

*Schoolwork... done for the week: actually turned in early! YES!
*Only made one dinner this week, but one day we were so tired that we didn't even eat.. so does that give me a freebie??
*I think that quality time has been better this week, but you'll have to ask Bo about that one. I am trying very hard to spend more time just focused on what he says.. not just sitting with him. Listening and responding to what he has to say :)
* I have already written one card this week... Two days left: I will make it happen!
* I am going to read some in a bit; just been so convicted this week that I haven't spent time with Him like I should have. I just go go go and then when it is bedtime I sometime literally fall into bed and sleep. I feel so guilty and could read it in the morning, but I want Bo and I to do it together, so then it ends up getting put on the back burner. Not what God wants and I am sure very disappointing to him.. Anyone else understand what I mean?

Dear Lord,
Help me this week to be the woman of God that you would have me to be. Help me to perservere when life is hard and when I place you on the back burner, as that is not my intent~ Give me strength to rely on you when it seems all is going down the tubes!
Love,
Amber


Friends I pray that you have a great weekend.. Enjoy the gorgeous weather they are predicting here in the south! Get out and enjoy!

Goals...

Normally I have done a "10 Things I have learned this week" kind of deal all in honor of Amanda:). This week coming is I forsee as a crazy week of trying to be wife, teacher, and student all in one, so I am taking this week as "10 Goals for this week"..

1. Try to be a wife, teacher, and student all in 7 days and be good at it. We will see how that works out.
2. Keep an open mind as to what the classes I am taking are teaching me towards my own classroom. These are the last two classes towards my Masters plus 30 and then I will be finished, so as hard as this next 6 months will be I have to work towards the end result.
3. Gain more grace for my babies in my class. They have so many extenuating circumstances that I can't even begin to imagine and I have to just sometimes give a little EGR (extra grace required)
4. Try to cook at least 3 meals in this 7 day week!
5. Spend at least 30 min of "quality time" with Bo. (It's his love lang and I am working to speak his language).
6. Try to love myself during my transformation of becoming a less worrisome girl...
7. Keep my mind focused on Him this week and prepare myself for our Serve Saturday where we will serve our homeless population in Greenville!
8. How cool would it be if I could write just 2 cards this week???? No email, No text, just a good ole plain letter to a friend or two...
9. Read more of my book..." When God is Small, and People are Big". It is a great book at allowing us to see how we rely on what people think of us rather than knowing that He is the ultimate decider as to who is pleased and worry about what HE would think.
10. Smile More!

I will catch up next Sunday and see how many of the 10 goals were reached.

Who Are We Really Deeply Inside?

With today being MLK day and I have been sitting doing school work without the TV going (which I am proud of:) I have to think about who MLK was. I haven't truly thought about it before. I know that he was against racism and racial discrimination, but deeply what was he about.. Did it really have to do with the color of your skin or the depths of your beliefs?

So with research I wanted to bring a little of his thoughts to the forefront:

"Whatever your life's work is, do it well."

“Hate can not drive out hate only love can do that”

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” –Letter from Birmingham Jail

“The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers."

The DNA of Joy

We began a series this week that I feel has the potential to be lifechanging; if I choose for it to be. As I sit and write I contemplate how I will overcome the battle that I am in right now. I am in the worry battle. I have what I call a "condition" "sickness" that overcomes me. WORRY! I truly think that it is a disorder and it seems like no one seems to understand it. I always just get the "get over it and quit worrying". To them it is very easy, but I connect with people with OCD, alcholism, anorexia, and other disorders. A large part of me says STOP, but there is a part that keeps me from being able to overcome it. I know that I am to rely on faith in God and I do that; I try; but it just seems to have a nagging devilish monster that remains with me... So as I digress, here is where I am going. The series is called the DNA of joy. The depth of what joy really is and what sets it aside from happiness: So here goes and if you will look for each on Sundays and get in and get ready for the ride!

Joy vs. Happiness

1. Happiness is what happens to you, joy is what is produced in you.
Think of it this way. I am happy if_____________. Happy is what happens to you. It is more like a cause effect relationship. If I get this; I will be happy. Now Joy is different. Joy is where we are full of God's grace and goodness. We are full of the Holy Spirit and it controls our lives. When we are full of faith and knowing the end result and knowing that He loves us and is looking out for our best and well being that is JOY!

Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Phillipians 1:11 (this is God's will for us)
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

2. Happiness is a list of ever moving items to a target, joy is confident and consistent.

Proverbs 27:20
Just as death and destruction are never satisfied so human desire is never satisfied.

MY LIFE VERSE!
Phillipians 4: 6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus!

We have to do what honors God, not what makes us happy. That is joy!

3. Happiness is defined by the facts, joy is defined by the truth.

Remember when Sara and Abraham had wanted children for so long. They asked and asked and God revealed to them that there would be children. They waited for 25 years and the day came. But there were two things to look at. FACT: they were too old to have kids but the TRUTH: they never wavered in their faith to believe.

Through it all it comes down to one statement. We have to put our faith in the truth not the facts. Yes there are things facing us that are somber and sad, but those are just the facts of our daily life, what we need to face is the truth. The truth that God is amazing and has the power to sustain whatever issues we have. So back to the worrying... I have to realize that my worries of the day are just the facts of my daily life. I will probably always have something to worry about, but I have to live in the fact and knowing that God's grace is enough for me. It is enough to sustain what I know to be true and everlasting. I am so excited that this series from Seacoast could be the ticket that I am looking for to help me overcome this "crud" that has a hold on my life, my marriage, and my relationships with other people! It is all just facts by day, but Glory to him that it is TRUTH everlasting!

Snowmageddon of 2011

Well, while we were in London for Christmas we missed the White Christmas, but boy oh boy did we get our share of snow this week. I can only remember two times where we were out of school for more than two days for snow so this I am sure will go down in the record books. I am blessed though with the snow because Bo couldn't go to work for a few days and we were able to just be. We slept in, cooked, play board games and played with Jake. Fun times in the snow that I am sure won't happen that often!

New Years Eve and Nose Dive

A friend of Bo's has a variety of restuarants downtown Greenville. I am sure if you are near G'Ville you have heard of them... Soby's, The Lazy Goat, and Deveroux's. The latest Table 301 Restuarant is called Nose Dive. We were there for the name revealing on New Year's Eve. Nose Dive is a gastropub. We are so excited as to what it will bring to our meal selection. We are foodies and love to try new things. We have a sneaky feeling that it will also have a scottish feel to it also! You can go to Facebook and like their page also. So we spent New Year's Eve there with some of our friends for the amazing food sampling and a champagne toast at midnight!

Holiday in London 2010!

It's been a while and there are lots of pics to upload. Over Christmas holidays we were so blessed to be able to visit London. It was an amazing time of being together, learning about the culture,learning about the history and just being together! Those are memories that we wont be able to get back and the pics just don't do it justice as to what we really experienced! We did have a little fluke and I lost luggage for 3 days, but we were able to get out and get clothes for me to wear for the time being, but even with that we still had a blast with amazing memories to look back on for a lifetime! Here are a few pictures from the week. There is no way to upload all 100 of them, so here's a taste of the Christmas holiday!