I feel as if I have not had an opportunity to write in forever.  It really has only been a few days, but I miss writing.  I cannot wait until the day comes when I can spend time writing every day.  It is such a passion within me.

So-o-o-o how have you been?  As always, it has been a crazy week for me and I do not see it letting up any time soon.  We have the fundraiser coming up for my sister on November 7th.  God is so good.  I was concerned a week or so back because it did not appear that vendors were coming forth as I had hoped.  Finally, I just left it in God's hands and I quit worrying about it.   Lo and behold ... as if I should be surprised ... vendors have been coming forth daily.  We have to learn ... or at least I do ... to cast our cares.  God wants to handle issues for us, but if you are like me, I think I can do better at times.  When do we learn?  Probably never! 

My children are my everything in life, as I am sure yours are too.  Sometimes, when you least expect it, they will do something that truly touches your heart.  I remember when my daughter was graduating from high school.  It was the day of graduation.  Her friend was at the house, and they both kept hanging out in the kitchen that morning around the radio.  I thought they were being just silly as all teenage girls will be, but then I figured it out.  My daughter had called the radio station and dedicated the song, "Wind Under My Wings" to me.  I was so touched, and I have never ever forgotten that moment.  If you have ever listened to the words to that song, then you would understand.  Well, my son did something yesterday that simply touched the very core of me. 

In the morning, I was not feeling well at all.  I suffer with a degenerative spinal disease which has a name about a mile long ... Ankylosing Spondylitis ... and at times I have such pain it simply takes my breath away.  If I can make myself move and take something for it, I can alleviate the pain pretty quickly.  Taking 7.2 has truly kept my illness at a minimal these days, so it is rare to suffer as I was yesterday morning.  I did not even know my son had noticed, but evidently he had.  Around noon, as I was sitting at my desk, I saw a text message come across my telephone.  This was the conversation:

Chris' text:  "Are you feeling better?"
My response:  "Yes, I am.  Son, I am so touched you noticed and moreso that you have not forgotten."
Chris' text:  "I am with my friend having lunch and I was thinking about you."
My response:  (Of course, at this point, I am about in tears thinking how awesome it is to have my 17 year old son thinking of me in the middle of the day.)  "Again thank you.  Sometimes you touch mommy's heart so much and I love you."
Chris' text:  "I love you too."

It was one of those proud mommy moments!

We have our Fall Festival at church this weekend.  I am making a big pot of vegetable soup to take with us.  I am so enjoying getting to know the people at my new church.  They all seem so loving and kind.  I think I may have found the church family I have always longed for.  Christopher was not clicking with the youth.  Their group is great but Christopher was missing being around people he knew.  It is more important to me that Christopher be in a group during the week then us.  I had to give up my Wednesday night in order to make his happen, but isn't that what we parents do ... sacrifice for our children?  I just need to know he is getting fed more of the word weekly, especially in light of the fact he is getting ready to enter the real world on his own.  He needs to have the full armor of God on daily, and as his parent, it is my responsibility to make sure he is being prepped.  God has parented my child up to this point and I am sure He will continue to do so.  Everyone remarks how incredible Christopher is, and I will agree.  I just need to make it clear that though I have loved him, nurtured him, and led him in the right direction, it has been all God doing the teaching and foundation laying.  I praise Him for the work He has done in my son's life and in my life.  Nothing more calming than to know your children are walking with God.  I have more of this reassurance everyday in the lives of both of my children, and it brings such peace to this ole momma's heart!

As I close ...  as I think I have rattled on long enough ... I ask for prayer this week.  I am having a few challenges I need to overcome ... some thoughts I need to rein in ... some health issues I am a bit concerned with.  Nothing major or life changing, but enough so that it tries to mess with my peace.  Love you all and will write again soon.

It is hard to believe this weekend has come and gone so quickly.  The weather was so beautiful, and I love the majestic colors God has created for us during this time of year.  I wanted to go up on Skyline Drive but time got away from us, as always.

The Marty Stuart concert on Friday night was great.  Though he has lost his ability to dance as he used to do, his voice and talents have not changed.  His band is very musically talented.  They played country, of course, along with bluegrass, gospel, and the blues.  We had such a wonderful time.

Prior to the concert, we tried out a new restaurant which proved worth it.  I had a crab cake dinner which was probably one of the best I have eaten.  A small restaurant located on main street, along a busy hub of town.  The aura was so relaxing, and it proved to be a great lead up to a wonderful evening.

Spent some time with my sister on Saturday.  As I told you, she had her next to last surgery on this past Friday.  She is doing exceptional, which is not at all surprising.  I made her a pot of ham and dumplings.  She emailed me last night to say she was enjoying her 2nd bowl of the day.  It brings me such joy to do for others.  I will just be glad when God brings me to a place where I can do so much more.

Sunday service was great as always.  We have only been at this church for a short period of time, but I am enjoying it.  I want to get more involved now that soccer is over.  The people are so warm and loving.  I think we may have found our nesting place for awhile.  I miss where we used to go.  I have nothing but the highest respect for the Pastor.  The praise and worship was some of the best, but I just felt our needs were not being met for numerous reasons, and it was time to move on.  Sometimes God wants you to move regardless of how comfortable you have gotten.  He cannot promote you in life if you refuse to allow Him to lead.  I cannot say for sure it was Him who moved us, but I am sensing a peace about it all that I cannot say I had previously. 

Had a very sad moment returning home from church this morning.  As we were travelling up the road, we came to a point where traffic was at a halt and we could see the blue flashing lights.  As we passed the situation, we saw on the right side of the road a dead bear, along with her baby cub.  It was no bigger than a small infant.  It simply tore at my heart.  This is the third time in two years that I have seen dead bears on the side of the road.

My son and I had dinner tonight at my nephew's home.  It is always nice to spend time with family.  Now we have to get ready for the busy week ahead.  I am blessed to have a job to return to in the morning, though I do look forward to see where God is leading me in life.  I know He has other plans for me ... some I sense with excitement ... but patience is not my strongest attribute.  At times, I sense His destiny for me right within reach, but then I feel it getting further away.  Go figure!  Each day I wake with anticipation and excitement to see where we go today.  It could be "THE DAY", and if not, then tomorrow may be.

This week I have some personal goals I desire to attain.  Please keep me in prayer!  I pray for you all and I hope your week is full of joy.  Draw closer to Him and all will be well!

Morning, Everyone!  How are you enjoying this beautiful Fall weather.  I am loving it.  It is my favorite time of year.  As I was entering the small town that I live in one day this week, I was enjoying the beauty of the different colored trees.  They are simply breathtaking.  I said out loud, "God, they are gorgeous.  How awesome for you to provide us with such beauty.  How can anyone truly appreciate the splendor of your creation and doubt that you exist?"  Seriously, how?  It is overwhelming to me. 

We went to see a Marty Stuart interview live last night at the Library of Congress.  It was pretty informative.  He is much more than the musician.  He also does photography and is an archivist.  He has quite the collection of country music history and the photographs he shared were awesome.  He still shoots in black and white with film.  I did not know they even sold film anymore, but he does not use digital at all.  He had some pretty wonderful pictures of people such as Johnny Cash, June Carter, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and the list goes on.  He was with Johnny Cash up to four days before he passed.  There were stories he shared of his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi which brought tears to my eyes.  I want to visit now.  He will be opening a history museum there in a few years.  It is under renovation now.  Tonight we are going to hear him play at the State Theater.  He has aged quite a bit and seemed a bit under the weather to me, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  Very informative.  Tonight will be nice.

Headed to hospital this morning for my sister's next to last surgery.  Please keep her in prayer.

Have to run, but please have a truly blessed day.  I will try to write more this weekend, and I so want to do my article on generational curses.  It is embedded in my head and I need to find the time to get it on paper.

Just thought I would let you know that everything worked out for my son ... praise God!  The principal called me yesterday in response to my email, and I was actually impressed by what she shared.  She emphatically stated it was just boy's being boys ... that one of the parents over-reacted ... and all was well as far as she was concerned.  The boy who had the concussion is fine ... which is the most important part of this whole fiasco ... and all is well in my world again!  Whew!  It has been a rough 48 hours.  Do we parents ever let up on worrying about our children ... I think not!  I understand this parent's anxiety though so please do not think I am making light of it.  As a parent, we worry about our children to the point where at times we lose control of our emotions.  I am very guilty of this now and with the raising of my daughter.  Fear does many things to you.  Of course, I have something greater than fear these days ... Jesus Christ ... but I still allow a certain amount of fear to grip my heart at times.  I was impressed with what the principal shared about my son.  She told me she was pleased how Christopher owned up to the situation ... his loyalty to his friends in not sharing their names ... and his willingness to accept full responsibility and pay for the doctor's bill.  It made this momma proud!

Hopefully I can now get back to planning my sister's fundraiser.  She is scheduled for her next to last surgery this Friday.  I will be glad ... of course no where near as glad as her and her family ... when this whole thing is behind us, and it is only being used to glorify Him.  He has been so faithful through it all.  For all of those who have kept my sister in prayer, thank you.  Words just do not say enough for all the ones who have been here through it all with prayer, telephone calls, food, visits, care, etc.  You guys know who you are and you all are pretty great!  I learned a lot through this journey about ones in my circle.  Suffice it to say my eyes have been opened.  No hard feelings or anything as that, I just have come to accept that people do not love as I do ... or they do not have the caring heart as I do ... or  better yet, they simply are not able for whatever reason to be there for me.  I understand.  I would be there for them should they ever need me and I will continue to pray for them, but my heart is broke nonetheless. 

This weekend my husband and I have tickets to see Marty Stuart.  I have always wanted to see him.  It will be nice to have our date night.  We do not get to do it often.  My son will be going to his dad's this weekend, so we can have some quality time.  It is long overdue.

I have to run now and do some work on the fundraiser.  Please keep this in prayer as we need God's favor.  It is so important to me that this be a success.  My sister and her family truly need it, and I want to be able to provide it for her through Him. 

Have a great remainder of the week and an even better weekend!

It is true as Psalm 30:5 states:  ."..weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  "Praise God!"  I am feeling much better over the incident with my son.  Him and I discussed it in length.  It was a dumb thing for him to do ... he did not use good judgment ... it could have been a lot worse ... he made a mistake and now he must learn from it and move on. 

I will send in the funds, though I have to admit I do have a difficult time with this one.   I just do not see how my son should have to pay these funds in light of not being the only participant, or at the very least why he should have to pay them by himself.  But on the flip side, though I cannot afford it either, what if this boy's parents cannot afford to pay the co-pay.  I would definitely feel, as a parent, the necessity to get my son checked out.  Co-pays, as we all know, can be expensive, especially if you have to visit with a specialist.  God has given me peace about what I am to do, and we all learn and move on.  Whew!  I was angry, scared, disappointed ... you name it!  I just saw the worse in this situation, and this is where God's peace that surpasses understanding enters!!!  Praise the Lord!

I think I also reacted twice as bad as I would have because I was already downtrodden when I got home to begin with.  It had been a very heavy-hearted day for me yesterday.  It was the birthday of my very bestest ... is that even a word? ... friend who I lost many, many years ago.  She was everything to me, and her absence has left such a huge void in my life.  I thought about her all day yesterday ... what would we be doing to celebrate her birthday ... what would she be like today ... how awesome that we would be growing old together ... how much she would have loved my son and how much they would have had in common!  It is strange how on birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries of their passing, etc., you feel as if you relive the past with the one you lost.  I know on the anniversary of my mom's or dad's passing I have to fight reliving each moment of their final minutes here on earth.  I want to remember them, but I do not want to relive that day.  It is too painful.  This is how I fought with my inner self yesterday.  It is difficult, as I am sure you all know.

Today is a new day and I am rejoicing this morning.  I have too much to be thankful for, and my son is fine.   We weathered the storm, and we will press on.  I pray you are having a wonderful start to your day also! 

Just when you think your children are all grown and you can breathe a sigh of relief, life throws you a curb ball.  My son and some others were messing around with a boy at school who suffers with a concussion.  They, for whatever reason, thought it would be funny to stack books on this boy's head.  The boy, of course, allowed them to do this.  My son dropped his books and they hit the child's head harder than intended.  Now the principal wants my son to pay $125 for the boy to go to the doctor's.  I am sitting here trying to comprehend all of this.  Not the money, mind you, because my son is at fault and that is not the issue I am trying to work through, though I do have a lot of questions about it.  If you can play soccer with a concussion ... well never mind.  I will not be the parent that tries to justify wrongs my children do.  He knew this boy had been having headaches and so forth from having a concussion.  What in the world were they thinking?  I am sure I have not heard the last of this.

I just cannot phantom in my finite mind why they would even be doing such a thing, or better yet why the boy with the concussion would even allow it.  All these years in school and now he does something stupid.  I am just praying that he learns from this, and realizes there are consequences for all actions ... whether innocent or unintentional. 

I have contacted the principal because I heard nothing from her about this incident.  My son simply said he was told to bring the money in ... really?  This is a lot of money to me so I need to figure out what is going on here and then I will send the funds in. 

Then, I say to myself, "What if my son were the other boy?  How would I as his parent handle this situation?"  What a mess!  I will keep you posted on how this plays out, but I would love to hear your thoughts! 

WOW!  So how was your day?

I actually wrote this the other day but it is now Friday, October 16th:  Wow, I cannot believe I have 5 minutes to actually sit down and write a blog this morning.  I have been on overload big time.  I am hosting a fundraiser for my sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last June.  Trying to get vendors, music, volunteers, etc., together as we are down to the last few weeks is quite a task.  But, when it is all said and done, it feels so uplifting to have done something as this for someone, especially family.  I hosted one a few years back for my niece who passed away from a brain tumor.  It truly is the best feeling in the world to do for others.

A couple of years ago I would go out to this nursing home not far from my home and visit with the residents.  This nursing home sits in a very picturesque setting but it appears to have been forgotten by society.  At Christmas we went and played Santa; at Easter we took baskets; and at Valentine's Day we played cupid.  I enjoy doing this.  I had to eventually stop because I could not afford it any longer.  Some day I will be able to do it again.  At the end of this blog, I share some photos from those times.  I would love to someday have a small hands ministry for things such as this.  As you will see from the pictures, it brought such joy to them.  Seeing their joy brings me joy!  Even Foxie Anne joined in on the fun and shared her love with them.

My son has me hopping right now.  With soccer and all his other senior activities, it is a lot.  I am enjoying every moment of it.  On the 13th of November is his homecoming.  For the seniors, if you have a male student, the mom walks him down the catwalk and if female, the dad walks him.  As they are walking, they will read over the loud speaker a letter to the parent from the child.  I cannot wait to hear what my son has said about me, but if he thought I was a cry baby before now, WOW IS HE IN FOR A SURPRISE!  Tears are going to flow!!!  I have asked my oldest brother to come along to take pictures and videotape the event.  I have to go buy something pretty to wear ... smile:)!

Had lunch with my middle grandson yesterday.  It is always great to have quality time with him, or any of my grandsons for that reason.  He is going through difficult times so please keep him in prayer.  It is not easy being a young lad today.  The world is so ugly at times, as are people.  He will rise above all of this adversity in his life because grandma is praying for him and now you are too!  Thank you!

Here are the pictures I wanted to share:  Enjoy!

I was on Facebook this morning when I came across a post I had shared 2 years ago today.  I reread it and thought how different our lives are today.  I miss this church but sometimes God moves us for whatever reason. Sometimes we feel a disconnect and it prompts us to leave.  It is difficult nonetheless because we are creatures of habit.  We get comfortable and we do not like change.  I came to realize what we were lacking in our lives which forced us to move on.  Today, however, I have to give credit where credit is due.  This pastor brought a great deal to the life of my son.  Rereading this post brought a smile to my face to realize how much this pastor impacted my son.  My son highly respected this pastor, and he still does today.

It made me ponder what imprint I am leaving ... what about you?  I think this deserves sharing again.  Enjoy:

 A Welcomed Influence As a parent, I have to wonder sometimes during church whether my 15-year-old son, Christopher, is truly hearing what the Pastor is speaking about.  He doesn’t say much about anything.  We do devotionals in the morning while eating breakfast … we read a chapter of Proverbs together before we turn in for the night so that we go to sleep with good th...ings in our heads … we pray each morning at school before he gets out of the car … AND, I do a lot of witnessing to him, talking with him about this or that, but again, how much is he truly soaking in?

Christopher does not have many opportunities to have one-on-ones with our Pastor.  Sure, he sees the Pastor periodically crossing paths or at an event, but to sit and truly talk with the Pastor is a very rare opportunity.  The only real time Christopher sees the Pastor or is involved with him is during church on Sunday and only to the extent of listening to the message being delivered by Pastor on any given Sunday.  


With this being said, my son said something to me this past week that truly spoke volumes.  It was a true testament of the influence that Pastor is having on my son through his messages.  My son is listening and the Pastor is penetrating Christopher’s mind.  What Pastor is delivering to his congregation is not going in one ear and out the other.  He is giving my son things to contemplate and ponder during his free time, and better yet, Christopher is thinking of what is being said.  Let me explain …


Christopher attends a private Christian school.  Once a week, they have what is referred to as “Chapel”.  During this time, the school has a guest speaker come to the school and speak with the students.  All of the messages, of course, are geared towards our walk with God and the future plans we should be developing based on God’s will for our life.


This particular day we were driving home from school, not really talking about anything in particular, but just chatting about this and that.  We were not even discussing school at all or church.  Out of the clear blue, Christopher said to me, “Mom, do you think the Pastor would come and speak to my school?”  I really did not know how to respond to this, but I did say, “Why would you want him to?”   His response to me was, “I really think the Pastor has a lot to share and it would be cool for him to come and speak at my school.” 


I was so moved that he even thought about the Pastor at all, much less with such reverence.  Let’s get real … how much does a 15-year-old boy think about outside of having fun?  The fact that Pastor was having such an impact on my son was powerful to me.  Moreso, I think it is a true testament to my Pastor’s ability to reach his congregants regardless of age.  This was so meaningful to me and just confirmed some things I have been struggling with lately.  It was a confirmation I needed to hear for reassurance as a parent, but more than anything, it is a prime example of how we never know how we are influencing the lives of others. 


This happens to be Pastor Appreciation week at our church, and the thought that this occurred now was pretty ironic … or was it???? (End of post)

My son never got his desire for this pastor to speak at his school.  He graduates this year.  We are thinking Liberty University for his future, but it is all in God's hands.  His will above ours!

I so wish I had time to write this morning as I am truly feeling inspired. Today is day 2 that I have changed my methods of communication with God. I always talk with Him during the day ... throughout the day ... but to just lock myself in my closet and talk with him ... remain in silence to hear from Him ... is very different and challenging for me. I cannot say any miracles of great magnitude have fallen upon me, but I can say that I feel a lightness within. It is as if burdens have been lifted.

On the other hand, yesterday was the worse physical day I have had in years. I hurt all over. My bones were painful throughout my body and it took all I had to breathe. I knew this was a personal affront because it was my first day of prayer as this with God ... in close proximity with my Lord ... but I did not allow it to sway me or bring me down. Today is going to be so much different.  First off, I am going to regularly do my 7.2 which I have only been doing sporadically.  I have been too busy to even think 7.2, but I need it ... I truly need it!!!!

Find your special place today. If you are like me and don’t have that prayer warrior mentality, push through and know that He is waiting for you. You do not need to speak in eloquence ... just speak from the heart. I had to sort of chuckle this morning. As I was struggling with what to say ... though my heart is filled to capacity with needs and prayers for myself and others ... I said to Him, “Lord, it is so ironic that I can type words all day but I cannot open my mouth and share with You.” Quite the puzzler!

I so wish I could write more but I have to get to work. Some day, when I retire, this will be my full time job and I will so love doing it. Have a blessed day.