Happy New Year...almost!

I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has big plans to ring in the new year! We had the best Christmas ever. I say that every year, but it's true! After spending Christmas Eve with my parents, we came back and stayed up til 2 a.m playing Santa and googing around with the teenage girls. We finally had to send them to bed so Santa would set out their gifts. Christmas morning was awesome, even though we had to drag the older girls out of bed at 7:00. The kids were thrilled with their gifts and sat patiently and attentively through the reading of Jesus's birth. I had prepared Christmas dinner alone this year, and even though it was a lot of work, it was definitely worth it! The last several days have been all about my 16 y.o. stepdaughter whom I adore. There just aren't many kids like this one. She and I bonded immediately 4 years ago and have been very close ever since. She became a Christian here a couple of years ago and since she isn't able to attend church at home, we always have lots of things to talk about. We have all had a blast hanging out and I shudder to think she has to leave in a couple of days.

Well, New Year's Eve for us will involve ordering pizza and watching movies with our kids. At midnight, of course, we will watch the ball drop, exchange kisses and hope the kids sleep til ten the next day.

Happy New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas to All!!!

I just wanted to say to all my readers (especially those who comment!).....Have a wonderful, inspiring Christmas and please take the time to say a prayer of thanks to our Lord for His "inderscribable gift" this season!

Titles Are Overrated

Um, has it been like, forever since I wrote something meaningful and inspiring? Uh, yeah. Sorry about that. I can't seem to get past the events of the holidays. This is my fave time of year, but these last few days (a.k.a. crunch time) is when I start to get a little freaked out. I will get over it by Christmas Eve, but right now I am just wondering, what if everyone hates their gifts? Did I forget anyone? In my wrapping of about 70 + gifts, have I somehow mislabelled anything? Will there be a turkey left in Publix if I wait til Friday in an attempt to get a fresh, never frozen variety? Will the dressing turn out okay? Am I doing enough baking, decorating, etc. to make wonderful memories for the kids? Will all the flight schedules stay in place in my brain so no one will miss a plane? Most importantly, will the children who are now sick be well by Christmas? One threw up several times this morning and one now has a hacking cough and fever. Thankfully, not the same one. Okay, well, I had a single glass of wine this evening with dinner and now I can hardly type. Can we say low tolerance?

Okay, now I just have to vent about a few things in the media, so bear with me...

Intelligent design banned from schools? Don't even get me started.

" When challenged by skeptics to prove the existence of a Creator scientifically, Dr. Wernher Von Braun, the "Father of the American Rocket and Space Program," said, "Must we really light a candle to see the Sun? The electron is materially inconceivable, and yet it is so perfectly known through its effects that we use it to illuminate our cities, guide our airliners through the night skies and take the most accurate measurements. What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electron as real, while refusing to accept the reality of a Designer on the ground that they cannot conceive of Him? The inconceivability of some ultimate issue (which always will lie outside scientific resolution) should not be allowed to rule out any theory that explains the interrelationship of observed data and is useful for prediction." [1] To simply dismiss the concept of a Creator as being unscientific is to "violate the very objectivity of science itself." [1] While we may not be able to comprehend knowledge of a Creator, we certainly can apprehend it. "


1. Originally published in Edward F. Blick's Special Creation vs. Evolution, 1988, pp. 29-31.

Enough said, thank you.

Just Checking In...

If you're missing me, I can be found under a gigantic pile of wrapping paper, ribbons and baked goods...a little delirious but happy.

Tomorrow is our church small group (who is like family) party. I can't wait! Besides the fellowship and food, we get to play "Dirty Santa" which is always fun. Each couple brings one good gift and one gag gift, so you never know what you'll wind up with. Last year Randy and I came home with a beautiful angel candle holder and a baseball cap with reindeer antlers on top. I can't wait to see who winds up with our gag gift this year. You never know when a Shrek Chia Pet will come in handy!

Ha! Hallie has been begging to open a gift for weeks and I just told her she could open one when her stepbrother is here next week. She just informed me that I am the best person in the world, other than God and Jesus. Is that funny or what?!

By the Way...

If you've been wondering where my title and background went, you're not the only one!

I guess I better do some work on my template.

Sweet and Sour

Well, today has been a mixture of emotions. It's very cold (25 last night) and my son woke me up at 4 a.m. coughing his head off. So, I went upstairs and sat up with him for a while and finally crawled into bed at 5:30. When the alarm went off an hour later, I had only slept a total of 4 hours. So my husband told me to go back to sleep and he would get Hallie up and take her to school. I drowsily and gratefully agreed and all was well until I was straightening up our bathroom a few hours later. I opened the closet door and realized that all my gifts to my husband were there in plain view. They had been delivered last night right before he got home so I stowed them away in there to hide them quickly. I meant to move them to a more secure location while he and my son were at music, but got distracted cooking and totally forgot. I told myself, "maybe he didn't see them" and called him immediately. Ah, but no such luck. He did. I burst into tears. I couldn't help it. I was so disappointed at my own stupidity and I realized that there was nothing I could do to change it now. So, he tried to console me over the phone and convinced us to meet him for lunch. After I hung up, Ethan came over to me and said "What's the matter? Do you want your daddy?" I said, no, I was just disappointed. So he took my hand and put it to his cheek and said "Oh mommy, I'll make it all better." It was all almost worth it right then and there! While at lunch, I noticed that Randy had my daughter's rainbow "God loves you" bracelet around his wrist. When I questioned him, he said Hallie had asked him to wear it this morning so when he looked at it he would think of her and God and be happy. What a precious family I have! Two loving, compassionate children and a husband more than willing to wear a rainbow bracelet all day long just for his little girl. It's hard to feel down and out with all that going for you.

~~Daddy's Empty Chair~~

A man's daughter had asked the local minist er to come
and pray with her father.
When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed
with his head propped up on two pillows.
An empty chair sat beside his bed.

The minister assumed that the old fellow had been
informed of his visit.
"I guess you were expecting me, he said.
'No, who are you?"
said the father.
The minister told him his name
and then remarked,
"I saw the empty chair
and I figured
you knew I was going to show up,"
"Oh yeah, the chair,"
said the b edridden man.
"Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the minister shut the door.
"I have never told anyone this,
not even my daughter,"
said the man.
"But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,
But it went right o ver my head."
I abandoned any attempt at prayer,"
the old man continued,
"until one day four years ago,
my best friend said to me,
"Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter
of having a conversation with Jesus.
Here is what I suggest."
"Sit down in a chair;
place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus on the chair.
It's not spooky because he promised,
'I will be with you always'.
"Then just speak to him in the same way
you're doing with me right now."
"So, I tri ed it and I've liked it so much that I do it
a couple of hours every day.
I'm careful though
If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,
she'd either have a nervous breakdown
or send me off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story
and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey.
Then he prayed with him,
anointed him with oil,
and returned to the church.
Two nights later the daughter called
to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.
Did he die in peace?" he asked.
Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,
he called me over to his bedside,
told me how much he loved me
and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later,
I found him dead.
But there was something strange about his death.
Apparently, just before Daddy died,
he leaned over and rested his head
on the chair beside the bed.
What do you make of that?"
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
"I wish we could all go like that."

Uh, What Was That Again?

Do you ever find yourself in a situation or just notice something unusual and say "hey, I'm going to blog about that" and then later in front of your computer you cannot recall what it was? Well, I find myself doing that frequently these days. I had several of those moments yesterday and now sitting here, all I can remember about yesterday is listening to certain Christmas songs my son has to play/sing for his piano recital over and over and over again. Oh yeah, and I remember dancing and singing to them in my car while waiting for the gas pump to stop and getting some very strange looks from some guy on the other side. Oh well, if you're not willing to make a fool out of yourself for your kids, then what kind of mother are you? Trust me, silliness is not a rare commodity around our house...for any of us. Randy and I would like to say it was just for the kid's benefit, but honestly we are as goofy after they go to bed sometimes as we are when they are around. Sometimes you've just got to do your own rendition of several 8o's songs complete with original dance moves and contrived voice to really relax. Okay, its just us.

Well, whatever it was I meant to blog about.........maybe it'll come to me later.

Christmas is Coming...

Okay, the Christmas season has begun. I spent all weekend wrapping presents and I am still not even halfway finished. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it immensely, but I am starting to get stressed. I have all the shopping done for the children under the age of 6. It's the teenagers I don't have a clue about. The oldest has such weird taste that I can't bring myself to buy anything he would actually like and since he works at Target, a gift certificate which has been great in the past would be pointless. The 16 y.o. is so precious that she can't bring herself to ask for anything. Only after threatening her with five hand knitted sweaters did she come up with a list...CD's, clothes, and love. Well , I love her dearly but that doesn't make my job any easier. Of course she will appreciate anything, so at least I don't have to worry about her being totally disappointed. The 12 year old is the hardest because she is at that tween age. She doesn't want any more American Girl dolls, but she isn't ready for lots of clothes, either, at least not that we would pick out for her. Hmmm.........that one is going to be tough. If any of you have any ideas, please feel free to share them.

I'm also exhausted from having to plan my family's gatherings. Since my parents are divorced and can hardly stand the sight of each other (yes, it was 28.5 years ago...??) we always have to plan 2 different events. Since my stepdaughters will be with us on Christmas Day this year, it is essential that we stay home. So, I have had to divide up Christmas Eve since my parents can't imagine packing up all the gifts and driving all that way (60 miles). I really felt like saying, "yes I know, try it with two kids" but instead decided to appease them for the sake of peace and goodwill. Anyway, I just plan to go with the flow. I don't mind chaos too much and I actually thrive on it sometimes (which is helpful with 6 kids) so...such is life. Moving on....

The hubby and I were in our church's Christmas program this weekend which is an outdoor, very realistic recreation of Bethlehem and the Nativity. Although we froze our heinies off (34 degrees, windy and dark) and I breathed in more chiminea smoke that I care to in a lifetime, it was a wonderful experience...especially seeing the children's faces as they watch the story they have heard many times unfold before them.

Well, I must go finish addressing Christmas cards. I wish I was this productive year round!

O Tannenbaum!

Whew...what a week! With Thanksgiving, my son's third birthday and now his respiratory illness, I have been rather busy. He is fine, I am just keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't set off a bout of asthma. He had an awesome Buzz Lightyear party on Sunday and it is finally sinking in that my baby isn't a baby any more (but he'll always be my baby!). The last few days have been fun. We picked out our tree, got it in the stand, put the lights on, and finally decorated it...all in about 3 days. It was worth all the work, though, as you can see for yourself. If you've ever seen a more beautiful tree, don't tell me! Of course, there are some in my neighborhood who actually pay people to come and decorate their house and yard for Christmas. I happen to think that is ridiculous. It's like paying someone to go to Disneyworld in your place...you're fine as long as you get to see the pictures. Where I grew up, people didn't do things like this. Of course, they also didn't add 6,000 square feet of living space to the already existing 5,000, a regulation size flagpole, and a six car driveway for a family of three (?????????). I just think that decorating for Christmas should be a family event, not a job for two strange men and a hydraulic lift, but that's just me.

Well, tomorrow I have to get up with the birds for a special breakfast at my daughter's school and since I am a major night owl, it won't be easy. Later!

Thanksgiving Fun!!

I love this time of year! October through Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the colors, the smells, the excitement, and the FOOD. Turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole with brown sugar topping, green beans, cranberry sauce, ambrosia and pralines washed down with several glasses of sweet tea is heaven. I am one of these people who wants to eat that very meal over and over again. Some people get tired of it after a few family gatherings, but not me! I love to cook it as well, so that is also helpful. As for the cleaning up afterward?....well, I could do without that.

This has been such a fun week with the three kids. They love each other so much and play together so well. Ever noticed how one boy is active but two or more together morph into cavemen? Just kidding...wild as it gets around here, we love every minute of it. Hey, when it comes to kids, it's the more the merrier around this house! Anyway, we have been busy painting T-shirts, making Christmas decorations, and today we will be decorating the tree. It's a little early, but we want to do it while Marshall is still here. Tomorrow we'll be heading out for dinner with the family and then soon after that the new week will begin with my little boy's third birthday! So, lots going on here...speaking of which, I've got to go!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

How to Tell if You Are From Alabama

I love my home state, but I thought this was kind of funny and I can definitely relate to many of these. Hey, going to the lake in a Chevy Silverado with every flavor of Coke imaginable is hard to beat!

1. You can properly pronounce Arab, AL.

2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and
look for a funnel.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags, they have sacks.

6. You've seen people wear bib overalls at funerals.

7. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent.

8. You measure distance in minutes.

9. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the
ocean.

10. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

11. You know cowpies are not made of beef.

12. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

13. You have known someone who has a belt buckle bigger than your fist.

14. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, beer, and bait all in the same store.

15. A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab is.

16. You know everything goes better with Ranch.

17. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.

18. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin' " to send them to your friends.

Finally:

19. you are 100% Alabamian if you have ever had this conversation: "You wanna coke?" "Yeah." "What kind?" "Dr Pepper."

Proud to be an Auburn Alumnus

Auburn 28, Alabama 18!!!!

War Eagle, Baby!!!

For the first time ever in my life, I didn't see the Auburn/Alabama game, BUT it was for a very good reason. The family and I drove 12 hours to pick up my sweetheart of a stepson who will be with us for the next week. Yeah! We are all very excited since we don't get to see him nearly enough (lives in Chicago area). I wouldn't have missed that for anything. But, we did bring the laptop so we could listen to it via the web and it was totally awesome, or as Ethan would say "totally wicked!" Auburn stomped Bama by scoring 21 points in the first quarter. It was a surprise to a lot of people since Alabama was ranked ahead of Auburn, but not to us. This is one game that always exists outside the realm of logic. It may seem strange to those of you who aren't from Alabama, but believe me, college football is KING down here, and this matchup always proves to be a great one. Having grown up a Bama fan (my parents got their graduate degrees there) it wasn't until my sister went to Auburn to major in Speech Pathology that I found out what an awesome place it is. After visiting her there for one weekend, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I did and it became home to me very quickly. It's a beautiful campus in the heart of a small town rich with history. My Tuscaloosa-born husband fell in love with it as well and horrified his family by becoming a huge fan. That's okay, though, they still love us, we just don't talk on game day! I'm kidding, of course...my mother-in-law is one of my best friends and we pretty much talk daily, regardless of football.

Well, I have to go. I am just very excited and since I can't be at Toomer's Corner tonight, I guess blogging is the next best thing!

Oh yeah, and one more time, War Eagle!!!

Discovering Selah...

Wonderment. Awe. Reverence. Love. All of these are states of being brought on by the listening of an album of hymns I happened upon in the aisles of Target one day. By a group named Selah, this collection of songs which ever so gently rocked my world every Sunday morning of my life, stirred within me feelings so overwhelming I was moved to tears. I attend a comtemporary Methodist church which I love, however I grew up spending about 7 hours a week in a Southern Baptist church and it is here that I came to know the Lord as I do. With a very cool rendition of "Amazing Grace" and an extremely moving and upbeat "By and By" (be sure and read the story behind this one), this album has captivated me and my car stereo for the last several days. The first track is "Be Thou My Vision" which is a melody and lyrics unknown to me, but has quickly become one of my favorites. The rest of the songs are old familiar hymns whose words are still and forever will be, locked inside my heart. My absolute favorite is "There Is a Fountain" which is the very hymn the congregation sang as I, clad in a white robe, waded the waters of the baptistry in a small Baptist church 20 years ago and, clutching the hand of the man who had led me to the Lord, was "buried in the likeness of His death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection" and symbolically left my sins behind in the cloudy water. I found myself wondering why, even though I sing what we call worship songs every Sunday with 3 guitars, 2 keyboards and a full set of drums, we have dubbed the hymns of yore as dull, boring or not indicative to modern life. For those of us who grew up holding hymnals in a sweaty hand while the other clung to back of a wooden pew, this album is more than a mere trip down nostalgia lane. It is a moment of worship, endearment and a reminder that some things transcend time, and among those are the outcries of the human heart to it's God and the amazement of his mercy.



There Is a Fountain

1. There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel's veins;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains,
lose all their guilty stains;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away,
wash all my sins away;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.

3. Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
shall never lose its power
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more,
be saved, to sin no more;
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.

4. E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream
thy flowing wounds supply,
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die,
and shall be till I die;
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die!

Hear the tune here http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh622.sht .
"Selah" online http://www.selahonline.com/ .

A Photo...

An unsuspecting photo of my gorgeous husband this morning during our pancake breakfast. Isn't he precious?...especially with his facial hair grown for the express purpose of our church's upcoming Christmas program, but I kind of like it ;)

Out of Town

Hello Blogdom! I am in the Sunshine State (aptly named...74 degrees and beautiful) visiting my best friend and her new baby, so I won't be writing much the rest of the week. My kids are getting some much needed time with their grandparents, so the hubby and I are getting some much needed time to ourselves. I cannot remember the last time we were actually alone together. Well, yes I can because it was our anniversary, but it was too long ago. Actually we are about to go finish our Christmas shopping (6 kids=starting in August) and then after a sunset walk on the beach, we will feast on crab legs and porch punch. Wow, it even looks divine on the screen. Okay, gotta go.......

Images of Autumn

My neighborhood today....


The road to our house...


The sunset this evening...

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Wow...everywhere I look I see beauty. The leaves are absolutely gorgeous. Every time I drive over the mountain I practically run off the road just looking at them. This is definitely my favorite season...the colors, the coolness, going into Christmas, the turkey and dressing. It's all good....

Well, Halloween was a blast even though I am still sore from walking 3 miles, the last two holding my almost 3 year old (alternating with my hubby anyway). I don't exactly live in a flat neighborhood and boy did I get a workout. One that was very much needed since I haven't had a regular exercise routine since...oh, say...college? Yeah, that needs to change. Not that I need to lose weight at all (nuclear metabolism), but I could use some muscle tone. Okay, I am digressing. I only have a minute, but it had been so long since I blogged I had to write something. I have a very busy week. Halloween, 3 birthdays (including my own...29 is upon me, yikes!), soccer games, soccer parties, church, music lessons, etc., etc., etc. Anyway, I know this is a really boring post, but I have to share this picture of my butterfly and Buzz Lightyear.
Have a great day!

All in a Day

My best friend gave birth to her second little girl at 1:30 this afternoon and little Molly joined big sis Emma, a.k.a my future daughter in law. I am so excited! Everything went fine, and like I told her, it is much easier the second time. Of course, it would be hard to be anything else after my first experience, so I guess it's all relative. However, mom and baby are doing great and I can't wait for my visit in November. Since she lives in Florida, it's a 7 hour drive for me so I have to plan ahead. It's just so hard to believe that the two little girls who sat together in preschool, rode bikes all over Gadsden and were in and out of trouble (especially on a particular night or two) are now grown-ups with kids of our own. I love you, sweetie! Not that you're going to have time to read this any time soon.

Well, it's a solitary night ahead for me. Randy is across the country all week at an aerospace telemetry trade show. He has worked his heinie off to get ready for this and thankfully it is going really well. He hasn't stopped talking all day, which isn't that unusual (but I love you for it, Babe) but apparently there has been a lot of interest from (hopefully) future customers. You know, when you own a corporation there is a lot of risk, hard work and sometimes crap you have to deal with, but God has really blessed us and we are very thankful. For about the last year he has had the best employees come aboard and we thank God for them everyday. They have truly been a blessing!

Well, I guess I will go snuggle up with my hubby's pillow and watch a romantic drama that I've seen a million times...I just don't know which one yet. Last night it was "Fools Rush In" which made me cry. I'm such a sentimental!

There's No Place Like Home

Whoa! It seems like forever since I stared at this little tan box. I definitely suffered from severe blog withdrawals this past week, however, our trip was so awesome I hardly noticed. Our kids are the perfect ages for their initial exposure to the most magical place on earth and I can't imagine a better family vacation. Honestly, other than aching feet and one mean green army man, a wonderful time was had by all. Our feet are recovering and I will get to the army man later.

We left on Sunday morning and spent the night in Valdosta, Georgia. BTW, if you don't have an RV, I suggest getting one. Nothing spells family bonding like 350 square feet of space for five people. It sounds like I'm being sarcastic, but I'm not. Our RV has been the best purchase we ever made. I can't count the fun family trips we have had...but, I digress. We arrived in Ft. Wilderness Campground early Monday afternoon. We immediately set up camp and trekked down to the Magic Kingdom via ferryboat. The kids were in awe as we walked into Main St. and saw all the stores, kids, balloons and characters. The first ride we went on was the Flying Dumbos and from that moment on, they were hooked. The next morning we had breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends and my daughter was so excited she could harldy eat her Pooh-shaped waffles. Later we rode the Pirates of the Caribbean which effectively traumatized them both for a few hours, but I'm sure that will come out in some form of therapy years down the road. Anyway, we also went to Epcot where, being the nerds that we all are, we had great fun learning about inventions of the future and the countries of China, Mexico, Britain and Ireland. They had a beautiful fireworks and laser show as well.

One highlight of the trip was going to MGM studios theme park and eating at Pizza Planet where we also got to meet Buzz Lightyear. My son is still enthralled with that moment. However, our meeting with the green army man character (also from Toy Story) proved to be much less. While in line for Buzz, the green army man emerged and several children (mine included) rushed out of line to get his autograph. That was fine, except apparently he felt that they all should've waited in line like everyone was for Buzz and Woody. When my sweet little girl handed him her autograph book, he grabbed her head with his hand, turned her head to the side and pushed her away...and we got it all on film. My husband and I were shocked and quite upset. Rather than make a scene, we talked to several supervisors and it was made apparent to us that this individual would be reprimanded severely. I think he may have been out of a job that afternoon. Anyway, we put it behind us and moved on to other things, however, I don't think I will ever be overly fond of the green army man any more.

The best part of the trip was the Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. The kids got to wear their costumes and trick or treat throughout the park. We met up with our neighbors who were also there for the week and had a blast. The park was open until midnight and we got to ride our favorites over and over. It was very cool!

Okay, well I guess you've heard enough about our little vacation. Suffice it to say that it was just about perfect and I highly recommend it.

From the Mouths of Babes

I have to share some things my two year old son said today. He was watching as I read my Bible this morning, and he said "Mommy, is Jesus is Heaven?" When I confirmed this for him, he got a funny grin on his face and said "Is he hiding up there?" Laughing, I said "No, he is there waiting for us, but he can still hear our prayers and watch over us." He responded by telling me that he thought Jesus was playing hide and go seek and yelled out "Ready or not, here I come!", the poignancy of which I felt only later. I told him that Jesus would probably love to play games with him, but he just has to wait a while. He seemed satisfied with that and after a few moments of contemplation said "Mommy, Jesus is God's son." I said, yes, that is right. Once again he smiled his killer smile and said, "He's God's little baby boy."

Now who could ask for anything more than moments like those?

The Song in my Heart Today

I wish I had the mp3...

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hand
But those trophies could not equal
To the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
Only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my things but losses
To the glory of the Lord

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope
Is Christ alone
My source of strength, my source of hope
Is Christ alone.

In Christ Alone - Michael English (Michael English)

Answers

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord speaks through his followers. My husband's business partner and best friend is spending the week with us. He is an extremely spiritual man whose knowledge of the Bible is vast. His faith is unshakeable and this has always impressed me. He said last night that he is "more certain of who Jesus is and what he did than of his own existence." Since I am one of those believers who always seems to be struggling with something, when I see people who can lay it all before God without hesitation and who seem to be filled with his peace, it makes me realize how much more I could be experiencing. We had a long discussion last night about how faith grows by keeping your focus on Jesus instead of all the other things that occupy our minds. We should be investing more in the things that we can't leave behind instead of the things that we cannot take with us. This really made me think, and I have realized just how Satan uses my own weaknesses against me to distract my energies away from where they could do the most good. I found myself wanting more from my relationship with Jesus, I don't just want to believe, I want to have the passion for him and his teachings that I have for other things, like....er, blogging for instance. I know that this cannot happen without effort from me. I know that in order to have this passion, I must pursue it even at times when I feel like doing anything but that. I am tired of the mediocrity I have assigned my spiritual life. It is not acceptable to me. So last night I had a long talk with God and I asked him to open my heart and give me the desire and the ability to turn away from wordly concerns and remember that his love for me is beyond my comprehension, and so are the gifts he wants to give me. I just have to be available to him for the reception.

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful people you have placed in my path...the Blankshains, the Brashiers, the Halls, the Millers...and many others. They are all answers to prayer and I love them deeply.

A Rare Moment in Time

Well, well, well...the kids are in bed and my hubby is out of town. What will I do? A hot, yet decaffeinated latte and a good book sounds divine. Actually, sleeping is really what I should be doing, but moments like these are too precious to waste unconscious. Don't get me wrong, I miss my sweetie dearly and in fact, his absence is one reason I am putting off going to bed. I just cannot fall into slumber very easily without my head on his shoulder. However, since my daughter decided to "sleep" in my bed last night, I technically haven't been alone for about 36 hours, unless you count the shower and I really don't since my two year old was less than 25 feet away. I finished "Angry Housewives Eating BonBons" today and no untouched books exist in the house at this moment. I think a trip to B&N is in store for tomorrow. So, here's to some solitude and a reread of "To Kill a Mockingbird", the best book ever written!

Wow...It's Been a While

Sorry folks, I've been busy! There are lots 'o birthdays and such this month, so it's a good kind of busy, but it hasn't left much time for blogging. This weekend we celebrated my hubby's upcoming birthday with our best friends and neighbors and then today we had parties for my nephew and my mom who happen to have the same birthday. Well, I am exhausted so this is it for tonight. Here are a couple of pictures from my weekend. One is Randy and I after a little "porch punch" and the other is my two sweetie pie kiddos.

Feverish Rambings

Well, I am officially a walking biohazard. At the moment, both the kids and I have strep throat and my pink eye is still lingering. My husband is the only one who has escaped it thus far, and I don't see how that can last very long since he is the one taking care of us. I hate being sick. I always feel guilty if I'm not up doing my job as wife and mommy. I'm very lucky to have such a sweetie for a husband who jumps right in and takes over, but I still feel like I'm letting my family down. We had fast food for supper last night which I detest doing. Fever can do some interesting things, though. Last night I dreamed that Prince Charles was bungee jumping in our front yard. Hey, that's entertainment!

An Accute Case of Adulthood?

Whoa! I jumped rope with my kids today and every time I hit the ground it felt like my brain was going to come out of my head. I don't remember this sensation from childhood. Last time I sat on a swing I felt like I was going to be sick after a few minutes. Was my sneaking suspicion that day correct? Am I getting old?

If anyone else is experiencing these symptoms, let me know and we can fight it together!

It's Funny What Hearing Keith Whitley Can Do...

I am no longer in my minivan, but lying on a painted iron bed pushed into the corner of a tiny bedroom, fitted with a faded set of clown sheets and cleverly stationed between the two windows, between which flows a sweet breeze that made the 100 degree weather with 90% humidity bearable. To my right is a large pasture that houses "Peanut", the old nag of a horse that belongs to the landlord and to my left lies my sister, sleeping peacefully like I am supposed to be doing. As usual, Julie is doing what's expected and I can't seem to slow down long enough for napping. My freshly washed hair is still damp since it's way too hot for a hairdryer (and my dad doesn't have one anyway) and fans out on my pillow. A tired electric fan blows lazy air and every 10 seconds it oscillation rewards me with an extra burst of coolness, if you dare call it that. The sounds coming from the kitchen are somewhat faint, but I can definitely make them out. My dad is frying something on the stove and Keith Whitley is playing on the AM radio that I can see setting on the window sill. My mind is anticipating the Saturday night supper which will consist of roundsteak and gravy (my dad's own recipe), fried okra, butter beans and an ice cold slice of the reddest, ripest tomato you have ever seen. Tomato slices are a summer staple and accompany every meal from June til September. My dad's sweetheart will come over to eat and afterwards I'll get to sit in her lap while we watch "Hee-Haw" and "Knight Rider" and her perfume will smell wonderful. I'll grow drowsy to the sounds of Dolly Parton and the Statler Brothers but I will fight to stay up as late as my sister. When bedtime does roll around, my dad will say "Time to hit the sack" and we will go back to the old iron bed, where daddy will tell us the story of the frog and his broom. After the lights are out, my sister and I "play pretend" which usually means I make up some scenario...we're the Ingalls family trapped in a blizzard, we're explorers on a boat at sea, we're camping out in the wilderness...and then Julie will fall asleep and I will be left alone, telling myself delicious stories. Once I hear my dad walk his sweetie to her car and the porch light goes out, I finally give in to slumber, swaying to the rhythm of the cicada's song.

What a Weekend!

Its a lovely Friday night...swimming with the family, grilling chicken kabobs on the deck, my little boy laughing on the porch swing...blueberry vomit spews everywhere, and its all downhill from there. Although there was no head spinning involved, it was definitely horror movie material. Why is it that when a child throws up, there is always more to come out than went in? I mean, blueberries and a cup of yogurt from 4 hours earlier and suddenly we need a Haz-Mat team to clean off our back porch. Okay, I know I am being overly dramatic and disgusting here, but isn't it fun? Anyway, my little sweetie was okay, just a mess.

Saturday at noon...my daughter's second soccer practice of the season (really the first since the real first was rained out), cleets, shin guards, size 3 ball, 4 boys, 2 girls, "Hustle, Hustle"...vomit. Yes, it was Hallie's turn. Poor thing, she was so excited about the new season, not to mention her back-to-school carnival was that afternoon and we obviously couldn't go. What did we do instead? Some family cuddle time on the couch while we watched Shrek for the millionth time. That's okay...I am just glad they got better so soon. At least we were all well enough to go to church on Sunday. Randy had written a soundtrack for a drama presentation and I really wanted to hear it. For those of you who don't know, my husband is an extremely talented musician and he plays keyboard, and sometimes the drums (which I love to see him do *wink*) at our church. I'll have to share some of his music soon. It'll blow you away. Can you tell I kind of like him ;) ?

Okay, gotta go. Here's a picture of Hallie pre-vomit. Didn't she look cute?

On the Mend...

Well, I am recovering from severe pharyngitis. After trying to put out the fire in my throat for two weeks, I finally got some antibiotics yesterday. Other than the fact that they are the size of my pinky finger, they are working wonders. Let's just say its a good thing my hubby knows the Heimlich Maneuver.

Well, to answer the question of the last few days, the picture in the post below is the Tennessee River at sunset. I took that on a Father's Day boat ride. Hey, there is a reason they call it "Alabama the Beautiful". I am very blessed to hail from such a lovely place...and I know how to make some great fried okra and grits to boot. How could I ask for more? ;)

Draw Me Close to You...

Having struggled with anxiety and panic attacks for years, my young adulthood has been comprised of searching for relief and peace. Many times I have found it, but lost my elusive grasp before I could really call it mine. Growing up in a fervent Southern Baptist home and having been given a strong biblical background, I should have known exactly where to look. In fact, knowing this actually compounded guilt with my anxiety since I felt that by being afraid, I was actually doubting God and His promises. I began to feel that since I was one of such seemingly little faith, God didn't really want to hear from me. I didn't deserve to have His counsel. I could cling to the small amount of hope my salvation at age ten gave to me, but the idea of continuing to grow closer to Jesus seemed improbable at best. I know, I know...this is twisted thinking, but I honestly felt that although I was born again, my struggles with doubts and fears did nothing but leave God daily disgusted with me. Even though I thought about Jesus constantly and would often cry out to Him in times of desparation, I never expected a reply. It wasn't until a few years ago, that I realized that I was allowing Satan to destroy my memory of the one thing that could actually break this cycle...The Grace of God.

I was sitting in church, listening to my pastor preach about Faith. I will never forget when he read Mathew 17:20. It was a verse I had heard many times, but never fully understood. It reads "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." All of a sudden I realized, all it takes is a minuscule amount of faith to do the Lord's work. God can start with something tiny and create something vast.

The next words my pastor spoke struck me even more. He began to tell the story found in Mark 9 of the possessed boy. His father brought him to Jesus to be healed. When the father asked our Lord (Mark 9:21) "...if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us" Jesus replied "If I can? Everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'." When I went home that afternoon, I sat alone in my home office. I knew what I had to do...I began to "have it out" with God. I poured out all my frustrations and fears. I told him I was afraid and what I was afraid of...every single little thing. I told him I worried he did not exist. I told him I was sometimes angry that he made me this way. I also told him that I had never stopped loving him and that I never would. I begged him to forgive me and give me peace. I told him I believed, but needed his help with my doubts. I offered him myself, with all my shortcomings. In short, I had a real conversation with my Savior, and afterwards, I felt His answer. I had not told him anything he didn't already know. Of course not...He is our all-powerful and all-knowing Lord! What I had done was talk to him . I opened the lines of communication; I asked for what I needed and He gave it to me, as he promised he would. It was that simple. He wasn't angry...lightning didn't strike me...instead, I felt the love of a father to his child. I sat in the lap of my Lord and cried like the baby that I was, and like the daddy ("Abba") that he is, he comforted me. I am still an anxious person. I still have struggles. One thing that is sure, though, is that I never, ever struggle alone. God has given me the peace I asked for and more. The faith I thought was too small has grown into an eternal knot of the greatest of gifts...faith, hope and love.

There is a song we sing at church that my heart has claimed. It's words speak to me in a very powerful way. Maybe it will speak to you...

Draw me close to You.
Never let me go.
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm your friend.

You are my desire.
No one else will do.
Cause nothing else could take Your place,
To feel the warmth of Your embrace.
Help me find the way, bring me back to You.

(chorus)
You're all I want,
You're all I've ever needed.
You're all I want.
Help me know you are near.

© 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
CCLI# 1596342
Album: Draw Me Close
25 Top Vineyard Worship Songs

It's Cool to be a Swan

Today I found out I am an INFP personality type. Read on...

"To the INFP healing means mending those divisions that plague one's private life and relationships...helping to restore lost unity and integrity. They present a tranquil face to the world, but while to all appearances they might seem gentle and easy-going, on the inside they are anything but serene (can anyone say anxiety?), having a capacity for caring not usually found in other types. Healers care deeply, passionately, about a few special persons or a favorite cause, and their fervent aim is to bring peace to themselves and their loved ones.

They want to learn about the humanities, are preoccupied with morale...they are altruistic, credulous, mystical and base their self image on being seen as empathetic, benevolent, and authentic. They trust intuition, yearn for romance, and aspire to the wisdom of the sage. Intellectually, they are prone to practice diplomacy far more that logicstics and tactics.

Healers have a profound sense of idealism derived from a strong personal morality. To understand them, we must understand their idealism as almost boundless and selfless, inspiring them to make extraordinary sacrifices for those they believe in. Isolated by their seclusiveness and infrequency (around 1% of the population) their idealism leaves them feeling even more isolated from the rest of humanity.

Healers seek unity because of a feeling of alienation which comes from their often unhappy childhood. They live a fantasy filled childhood, which sadly, is discouraged by many parents. With siblings who conform to these parental expectations (no offense Julesy), Healers come to see themselves as ugly ducklings. Other types may shrug off parental expectations that do not fit them, but not the INFPs. Wishing to please their parents and siblings, but not knowing quite how they try to hide their differences, believing they are bad to be so fanciful, so unlike their more solid (usually older) brothers or sisters (ahem!). They wonder, some for all their lives, whether they are OK. They are quite OK, just different from the others...swans reared in a family of ducks."

Um, okay, could this be any closer to reality? It goes on to explain that most INFP's are gifted in language and many become writers, but I will spare you. I am glad to know that my friend's graduate courses in psychology are good for something ;) I suppose it was worth the hour it took to take the test to find out that I am a "quite OK" swan. Gee, I had been wondering!

Ethan Starts Preschool

Okay, I know most of my readers are a little tired of me emoding about my babies starting school, but too bad! My little boy started preschool on Thursday and he did so well! He's going 2 mornings a week for 3 hours. I am so proud of him because they started him ahead of schedule (he won't be three for 3 and a half months) due to his "advanced development and verbal abilities". So just let me bask in a mommy moment for a minute, roll your eyes and I will get back to my insightful postings tomorrow.

Hallie Starts School...

Today is my little girl's first day of kindergarten! I cannot believe we have arrived at this milestone already. It seems like only months ago I first saw her, already 12 hours old (emergency surgery delay), and I lost consciousness in my wheelchair. Okay, so that's a post for another time, but I feel like a very special part of my life is ending. I know that it's a beginning as well, but I have had a lump in my throat all morning. Thankfully, her class situation couldn't be better...her teacher is great, there are only 17 students in her class (including two of her best friends), and the school itself is only ten years old. I know this is a great thing for her and I am excited, I just have to adjust to her being gone until 2:30. At least I still have Ethan at home! Poor thing, he has a fever of 104 so we have spent the afternoon at the doctor's office. Okay, got to go get my girl! Here's a picture of her from this morning.

We're Back!

Wow...what a week! Although I have just returned from a splendid family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, there has been a barrage of tragedy back home. Two friends (both men), one 32 years of age and the other 41, both collapsed and died. Neither had any warning and both had small children. There are two devestated families close to me right now. I also found out 3 days ago that my brother-in-law's mom, who is also a close friend of mine, is violently ill and has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to the liver. The outlook doesn't look good. Many times during this vacation brought tears to my eyes, especially since it was wrought with photographic opportunities. Jackie is the one who helped me get my start in photog freelance, as many of you know. She is such a giving person, as is my brother-in-law, and the thought of that family experiencing any more pain (lost son to suicide a few years ago) is unbearable to me. Unfortunately, she is in a tremendous amount of physical and emotional pain at the moment, and I am powerless. This entire week's events have brought back several unpleasant memories for me where I have felt just as powerless, or even more so. My dad's battle with cancer when I was ten, witnessing my mom's heart attack, head injury and ensuing custody battle when I was eleven, my mom's battle with breast cancer twice, once in 1997 and then more severely in early 2002...all these have made me the anxious hypochondriac that I am today. However, I think they have also taught me more about human strength, the power of prayer and hope than anything else. Right now, as I listen to my husband practice playing the Mercy Me song "I Can Only Imagine" for the first funeral tomorrow, I am somewhat comforted. I may not find resolution today or tomorrow for these losses or for my past tragedies, but there is peace lurking in the vicinity. I just have to catch it.

Jackie's site

One Hot Mama...

The heat index is 114 degrees today! I mean, I am used to the Alabama heat since I have lived here all my life, but this is ridiculous!

My Daughter

Hallie is five years old and has short blonde hair, a little button nose and sweet brown eyes. Not only is she beautiful, she has a heart beyond her years. Fiercly loyal, extremely giving, very creative, affectionate, happy, responsible, nurturing, inquisitive, intelligent and deep...these are my daughter. Whenever I hear her playing with her brother I think to myself "She is going to be an amazing woman one day." She is, of course, a child and she still does childish things. I am not under the impression that she is perfect or that she will someday change the world. Like me, I think she will be content with just changing her world and those lucky enough to be a part of it. Fortunately, Randy, Ethan and I are. When I watch her caring for her brother, patting his cheeks or randomly kissing his head and telling him that she loves him so much..Or when she tells her daddy she wants to marry him...Or when she lovingly strokes my hair and says I am the prettiest mommy ever...Or when she prays "I love you and I like you, God"...I just can't take it all in. I know that I must simply step back, thank God, and watch as He continues forming her heart. I am in awe...not of what I have accomplished in my daughter, but what He has done in spite of our humanity. Is it divine spark or simply His way of reminding us that no matter how we may try, we cannot move away from what He longs to give us?

The love that I feel for my children...times infinity.

Imagery of the Skies

A cloudless night begats a romantic evening with my husband and his telescope.

Comedy of Errors

Have you ever had one of those events where you perfect a plan, only to have circumstances intervene and say "hey, not so fast!"? Today was a perfect day for boating. The kids were at my parents so we could get a chance to catch our breath. There were a few clouds, but nothing ominous. So, we packed a cooler, donned our swimsuits and headed down to the marina. When we got there, we were expecting it to be clean since we paid someone to detail it this week. For some unknown reason, this individual who will remain nameless only rinsed off the outside of the boat leaving the cockpit quite filthy. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. A few hundred spiderwebs and wasp nests later, we headed out. Our first stop was to fill up the gas tank. While sitting in the heat waiting for service, a marine policeman pulls up and says "Let's see your registration". Hmmm....now logically we would have put that on the boat months ago, but logic can be overrated, right? So, a citation later, we head out again, undeterred by these events. Well, we didn't get very far. Five minutes into our trip, the motor starts behaving very strangely. It's about this time we decide boating wasn't in the cards for us today. Disappointed but not ready to give up, we dock and decide to go home and swim. After spending a few hours in the Alabama heat for a boat trip that didn't happen, cooling off in the pool sounded beautiful. However, nature had other ideas, since a steady rain began falling when we turned onto our street. My husband and I looked at each other quietly for a few moments. "Okay" I said. "Do you think a nap would be a realistic possibility or am I just expecting too much from life?" After laughing for a few minutes, we did just that, and it felt soooooooooo good. And guess what? We awoke just in time to swim the evening away with Hallie and Ethan. Even though things didn't work out like we'd planned, I still had all day with my sweet husband and that in itself is good enough for me. Its hard to have a bad day when you are as blessed as we are. I suppose today was just a testament to that!

"Because It's Bro-o-ken..."

You know, its funny. When I bought the "Mr. Incredible" sandals for my 2 and a half year old son, my first thought was "Oh my gosh! They actually have his size! He's going to love these!". I had already been through the Disney store 4 or 5 times in an attempt to find something that A)Didn't have a princess on it, B)Wasn't made for an infant or a preteen, and C)Was actually included in the semi-annual sale. After deciding against a Buzz Lightyear telescoping sword and Incredibles' roller skates because they seemed like a sure trip to the ER, I bought the shoes. What did I actually get? Well, um...a trip to the ER.

It began innocent enough. I broke (pun actually is intended) out the shoes Monday afternoon as a reward for picking up his toys without being told for several days in a row. As he stomped around excitedly in the velcro-laden contraptions, I didn't have a worry in the world. I felt only a warm, motherly sense of accomplishment...I was protecting my child's feet from the elements and making him happy at the same time. A few hours and one tumble later while looking at my son's swollen ankle, it felt more like a cold sense of motherly failure. Hmmm, that sword with the cool telescoping action is looking pretty good right now. At least a Grade 1 concussion only lasts about 15 minutes.

Well, the 4 hour trip to the Emergency Room consisted of X-rays and a splint. The last 4 days have consisted of a frustrated toddler who wants to run and jump and a frustrated mom who also wants to run (away) and jump (off a bridge). Okay, the last part was a joke, but seriously, my left arm is about to fall off due to lugging my 30 pound child in it while I care for a 4 and 5 year old with the other. Well, it has gotten my creative juices flowing and I have said all this to announce that my next book will be entitled "101 Ways to Make Your Toddler Stay Seated and Happy" with chapters like "How to Integrate Pieces From 3 Different Puzzles to Make Your Self-Portrait" and "Snacks: How to Make Them Last for Hours". We will be selling them in all Pediatric Radiology Departments :)

Ethan is doing great and believe it or not, so am I! Hallie and Marshall have been so sweet and helpful. I love these kids!

Decoration Day

Just a poem I wrote about this southern ritual:

First published June, 2002..

Decoration Day dawns like any other
May day in Alabama. Strange…It seems
Those occupying space between reality
and its twisted sisters in some foreign,
yet detectable dimension would have
some perceived power over such events..
Their allegiance unknown, yet suspected
To fall with us, such stupid fools as those
Who go to make beautiful that which we
Fear and forget three hundred sixty four
Days a year…
So in the name of respect we take the
Floral tokens of our love to those who
Cannot see them except for what they are…
Death masquerading as beauty and doing
A damn good job, we lay our bribe at the feet
Of our precious protectors who slumber.
Trying to disguise what is waiting for us
Below the ground that is not so hard as
We think, the barrier between us softer
than we realize. Or are we merely planting
our garden in the most fertile ground we
can find; the only sowing that will surely
reap us all, where our ancestors exhale
their muddy regrets below the names we
Carry in our pockets engraved on plastic
That will last much longer than this flesh.
The land promised to us all yet wanted by none.
I put my ear to the crest of the tomb.
What is that stirring beneath the immortal
Stone? Reality or hope imagined?
One day discovery will belong to me.
One day, it will belong to you.

Copyright © 2002 Jana W. Younger