Filled With Laughter

Killer Words

2009-07-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it certainly has been quite some time since our last visit....

I have missed you all! I have continued to pray for you all! And sometimes, I've even been able to sneak over & read your wonderful blogs.....

Life has been nothing short of BUSY for the past year! Last September my hubby was laid off from his job & I went full time in the part-time job I was currently working. It was a complete HORROR!

I know now why my desire has always been to be @ home with my kiddos....The world is a dangerous place. Even for the most seasoned believer. It is extremely easy to find yourself dropping your guard to the "small" things the world has to offer. For example...choice of words or use of language.

I have always believe that one of the things that causes a Believer a to stand out among other is their CHOICE of words. It is a choice to use "ugly" or "curse" words. I chose such language when I was walking in the world as a teenager. I thought it made me "cool" and "accepted" by my friends. It made me sound so IMPORTANT!

HA! HA!

That couldn't have been farther from the truth....it actually made me appear very ignorant! I didn't realize that until I was older & a little wiser. My husband and I returned our lives to LORD shortly after our daughter Bailie was born! What a joy it has been & how it changed not only our "words" but our attitudes, demeanor, & desires!

Here are some scriptures I found regarding our tongues:

Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. Psalm 52:2

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. Psalm 139:4

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

There are many, many more scriptures concerning the use of our tongues, but I think these give us a good idea of what the Lord intended us not to use our tongues.

I must confess that I have fallen prey to the world in many instances with my choice of "words". They have not always been kind, considerate, caring, or uplifting. It is amazing how easy it is to slip into using those words, actions, and attitudes.

There is a "killer" on the loose....and his desire is to destroy you...He will do it by whatever means is necessary. Including something as simple as your choice of words! Be careful that you watch your words.....I was always told as a child that your words gave way to what really lies in your heart...I want what really lies in my heart to reflect Jesus! So from this day forward I am standing firm that my choice of words will be different from the world. I want to stand apart from the world. Be separated. After all...I am marked for Glory!

Still Praisin'.....Amen!

2009-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I bet y'all have wondered happened to a gal....huh?

I sure have lots to tell! God is soo good...even when we struggle to fight off temptations and urges that draw us from HIM!!!

Not sure where to start, but here goes...

Work has been CRAZY busy!! I mean really, really crazy busy. It's unusual given the current state of our economy, but I am glad...without these folks....I wouldn't have job to go to..Amen!
It is mighty stressful though. It has cost me a few rough weeks and sleepless nights. Not to mention the strain on my family. I thank Big Daddy every day that he gave me such a loving, understanding, giving family! Praise you Lord!

Aside from that, we have had our share of "close-calls" as well. It seems that trials and tests were coming from all directions!
Let's see if I can list a few:

Bailie tripped out our front door and caught her big toe on the bottom of the metal screen door and proceeded to rip (i do mean Riiiiip!) all the skin from the side of her big toe. It looked like a mangled mess and it was really close to the bone. We ended up in the ER later that night because it was green looking. I may not be much of a nurse, but I know that green equals BAD!
Turns out she was a trooper even when they removed the dangling flesh from her toe, cleaned it, and bandaged it for home. The Dr. was extremely impressed at Mikey's nursing skills (luv ya babe) and complimented him on his "repair" work! Glad to say that God healed her toe in record time and other than a small scar, she's absolutely Bailie!

Later that week, Brenna Gail tripped out the front door as well and skinner her knees and hands pretty bad. She was also a trooper and let Daddy nurse her back to health. Praise God she has NO scars from this one. (Never mind the other 20-30 she already has!)

Mike had a motorcycle accident sometime the end of last year. ( a story to tell later) He flipped over the handlebars and landed head first on the ground. Result...he's now paying for it in his lower back and hip area. This is the 2Nd time in two months that his back has given a lot of trouble. He has fended it off with pills up til now, but yesterday's doctor trip confirmed that there is a possibility his "waiting" may have caused a little more damage that we originally believed. Now his "not-do-list" had increased to include the one thing most men love most....mowing! He's not allowed to much of anything....no lifting of anything that weighs more than a bag of sugar....We have been covered in prayer and are believing that God's healing powers have already healed him and his flesh must catch up! Amen!

This past Monday, I came home from work a little early and decided to have myself a little nap...my back popped a little and a slight twinge ran down my back, but I didn't pay it too much attention. I chalked it up to one of the "getting older" moments I hear my mom warn me about! Haha... Well, later that night after doing some shopping with my kiddos, I came hope to potty and guess what! I couldn't get up! Couldn't move an inch! I immediately called for Mikey and we managed to 'drag' me to the bed and get me in it. Now it was my turn for pills....

Fortunately, we were both able to see the Dr at the same time....her first questions was of course exactly what had been up to?! Gave us a good giggle. Mine turned out to be simple muscle strain and her prescription was a vacation! yay!!! Praise God!!!

So I am filled with praises and salutations to Big Daddy for his quick healing in my back! By his wounds I AM ALREADY healed. Claiming it from the start was a very important step and I feel he honored it by speeding up my recovery! I still can't lift 50lb buckets '0 icing...but I surely return to work tomorrow....

Praise your holy name Father! Glory be yours forever and ever...Amen!

Glad to be back! Hope I can re-add this to my daily routine!

10000 Blessings!!

Trying vs Trusting

2009-02-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

Out of curiosity.....

Are you trying or trusting?

....more to come.....

Love For Everyone

2009-02-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

Hello to all...

I pray I find you all well and blessed!

Wow! We are already into February and Valentine's Day is approaching quickly. I must admit that I am totally NOT a material girl.....I am much more into Romantic gestures that are thoughtful and handpicked. I would find completed laundry, an emptied sink/dishwasher, disinfected bathroom, or various other 'chores' completely fanciful enough for me.

I am fortunate to have such a man. He is kind, thoughtful, helpful, and 100% in love with me! How wonderful to be loved like this. To be cherished. To be thought of. To be treated like you never dreamed possible....

This man of mine hasn't always been this way....oh no! This creature is new and unique to our marriage. It is a complete 180 degree turn. When my man "sold-out" to Big Daddy....everything in our lives felt the ripple!

Including the way he viewed me....

The way he looked at me....

The way he held me...

The way he spoke to me...

EVERYTHING CHANGED...

and I so very happy to tell you that it wasn't a single blame thing I said, did, instructed, nagged, flagged, bought, sold, told, etc.

It was 100% Big Daddy God!

When Mike felt so loved that he couldn't contain it anymore... it began to spill over into other areas of his life...namely me! (and of course our lovely children)

I hope you have some idea of how wonderfully easy it became to LOVE him back. It happened without any purposeful thought....it just was!

Love....can only come from Big Daddy.....filling you so full that the only way to withstand the feeling is to share it with everyone...

What a fantastical thought.....LOVE FOR EVERYONE!!

Happy Valentine's Day.......Love, Big Daddy!!! (& the Meltons too!)

God Is In Control....

2009-01-23T16:44:00.001-08:00

Well, Hey Y'all!

I pray I find you all joyous and well into our New Year!

Wow! What changes have come this year already....There are too many to list, but I am sure several come to mind. The most prominent "topic" of lately, is, of course, Barack Obama. His name has crossed the lips of almost every single person I communicate with personally. Very, very varied opinions are found to accompany politics. It's not very often that in a group of 3 or more you will find complete agreement on any topic brought in for discussion.

My sister and I were having a conversation just last night about the new President and the ideals he chooses to believe in and support. However, during our conversation, the topic turned to the Inaugural Prayer given by Rick Warren (which was magnificent btw). I was sharing with her what happened the day I learned that Rick Warren had been chosen to give THE prayer. I was actually in shock....I thought the man on the radio had mistakenly named Rick Warren, or perhaps I had misunderstood and it was a commercial or something.....NOPE.....The radio guy repeated it again...almost as if he had me questioning him.....Obama chose Warren to give THE prayer....Wow! How could this be Lord? Why in the world would Mr. Obama choose Rick Warren? Mr. Warren doesn't believe anything Mr. Obama supports, in fact, several things Mr. Warren speaks out against....
I felt certain that as I sat there stunned and pondering the news update....God spoke to me that Mr. Warren was a "guidepost" of sorts for his people. It was a bonafide blazin' response to much prayer from his chosen. This was God saying, "My hand is in this! Continuing Praying! Harder! Faster! More diligently!"
My sister and I giggled as we wondered if Mr. Obama himself understood WHY he had chosen Rick Warren to give that prayer. Would Mr. President understand that God picked Mr. Warren to pray? Maybe...Maybe Not...I'm leaning towards NO IDEA WHATSOEVER!!!!

I encourage you to pray more diligently my brothers & sisters. Times are getting harder than they have ever been...but God's people are still under his umbrella of grace...this will not change. We, as believers, have nothing to fear from a new government, a new president, or hard-pressed economic choices. God is God! He is our God! He desires to prosper us...He loves us beyond any love we have ever known....He is still saviour to the lost....We are under his ever watchful eye and held in his gentle loving arms!

10,000 Blessings My Brothers & Sisters!

A Different Kind of Christmas

2008-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all!

I pray y'all are as blessed as my family and I.

I know it's been quite some time since my last post, and I've truly missed blogging...a lot!

Well, the retail world is slowly-slowing down. Along the way, I moved right into a 3rd shift positions in the bakery! Yee Ha! (it's really been a blessing in disguise for many reasons).
At first my hubby was none-to-thankful for my transitions, but now, he's glad to have me home in the daytime. Schooling is on hold until January! Yee Ha! Although testing is in February, there's always too much excitment to focus around this time of year!

I just spent the last 2 1/2 hrs reading the blogs of others and "catching" up on what I've missed the last 4 weeks. It was fantastic to sit, sip a cup of coffee, and read about what God is doing in all your lives! I learned a litttle, laughed a little, and prayed for each of my friends. What a treasure you all are.

Christmas is now only two days away. It seems to come faster and faster each year. I remember as a child how Christmas vacation from school was truly a treat and it seemed to last FORever.... now, it slips in and out without much fuss or hassle...

We don't celebrate Christmas in what most would consider a "traditional" manner. We chose not to put up a tree, go in debt buying gifts for loved ones, or get too caught up in "Santa Claus." This has caused quite a controversy with some of our family and friends. We however, have peace in God about our choice and try to be careful not judge others for their decision to celebrate differently.

It does excite me to think that this season might bring a chance for those who wouldn't normally hear about Jesus Christ, to experience His loving kindness, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and maybe catch a glimpse of the hope they think is so fleeting.

This past Sunday when the body we meet with came together, Pastor shared a terrific word that was right on the money for this time of year. Pastor Disher has been leading us in a series of teachings based on the 52 questions Jesus asked. This past one was " WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHRIST?" It was fantastic. He went to share how the Sanhedrin attempted to "trap" Jesus and therefore be able to kill him...but Jesus was keen to thier schemes. He was leading to the point that no matter what you may think of the Christ, scripture is definitive...there is only one way to the Father...through Jesus Christ. Jesus said so...didn't He. Jesus also stated that he and the Father were one....doesn't leave much room for "guessing" who the Christ is does it? He is surely God, born of man, given over to death, to bring everlasting life to those who seek him.

I encourage you this Christmas season to not only focus on the miraculous birth of the Son of God to a virgin girl, his spectacular sinless life, or even his persecution and death on the cross....but the joy in everlasting life, hope with salvation, peace with redemption.

Pray that God will allow you the opportunity for a divine appointment with someone who needs to hear about the Love that came down from heaven...no matter the season.

Hugs and More Hugs...Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

God is SOOOO Good !!!

2008-11-21T15:12:00.001-08:00

Long time...no blog!

Glad to grab a minute to catch you up!

Things around here are more than CRAZY!!!!

I seem to be stretching myself more than thin - does that ever happen to you?

Working retail is hectic this time of year and doesn't slow down until early January. Things are going fast, fast, fast.

However, Mike and I have decided to make the time for another date night (or date day)! I am so excited....He still makes me giddy like a school girl every time he bats his long eyelashes at me!
I know....I'm a sucker for my man!!!

The kids are trucking right along in school! The youngest one has now started a 26 week "pre-school" lesson! It should take her through the alphabet and number up to ten! It's been great for Mike to have the lessons! They involve movement and that's great for any 4-year old - ya know!

Mike is almost finished with his GED prep work! OH what prayers have been asked and answered concerning school! What a difficult choice it was to go back and do all that needed to be done in order to please God! He is the one who made it all possible for Mike and the spiritual growth goes without saying!!! It's fantastic - he should be able to take the GED before Christmas! BEFORE Christmas! I smell a fantastic party coming - you???!!!

I have been invited to speak at RENEWED Conference for Women. It is held locally - in Lexington. Renewed comes each spring and brings with it a well-known speaker as well as many breakout sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A catered lunch is provided in the ticket cost and it is always enough to make you want a quick nap before session 2 in the afternoon!

The Lord quickened me to share something "deeper" than normal this coming year. I will be speaking on the "Feasts of the Lord". It is a fantastic topic that I have been reading and studying about for several months. It simply facinates me to learn about the history of Isreal, why God chose the feasts he did, and how they related to the arrival, sacrifice, and resurection of our Lord! I hope it intrigues you to take a look as well.

As usual and as I am able, I will be happy to share tidbits from what I learn.. you know I can't stop myself!!! As the conference approaches, I will be sure to update you with info and link over the website! It's always blessed me to attend and now that God has begun allowing me to share his word with women, I gain so much more spiritually than I could have ever imagined!

And just in case I'm unable to blog again before the coming holiday!

HAPPY GOBBLE-GOBBLE Y'ALL!!! STUFF THE TURKEY NOT YOURSELF!!!

Some Things STILL Remain.....

2008-11-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

Well...Give God Praise...He is high and lifted up and He loves to meet our needs...Give God Praise...Give God Praise...Let His Spirit soar within...Give God Praise.

This is where my family and I stand on the aftermath of Decision '09.

No bells or whistles. No shouting for a joyous victory with either candidate. No high fives or screaming telephone calls. No tears. No laughter. Just confidence that no matter who would be PLACED (yes, placed...) as Leader of this nation, God's hand would still be in solid control!

God bless the Obama family and comfort the McCains. Because no matter what the future holds due to this election...some things will still ring true....

The Bible will still have ALL the answers.

Prayer will still work.

The Holy Spirit will still move.

God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

There will still be God-anointed preaching.

There will still be singing of praise to God

God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

There will still be room at the Cross.

Jesus will still love you.

Jesus will still save the lost.

Please, please, please, pray that Satan will not gain a foothold in the body. Pray against sin of any nature that might bring discord among God's people. Pray for the Obam's...regardless of emotional leading...Pray for the Bidens...Pray that God's people will seek his face like never before.

"We are the Body of Jesus Christ and we have an opportunity to show His character. This is our watch. We stand for what is right not from our feet but from our knees. " Beth Moore - LPM Blog - Wednesday, November 5, 2009

Catching Up!

2008-11-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Hello My Darlings!

I've missed writing...a lot!

If you've been reading my "whining", you've noticed that I am in the throes of a particularly difficult season of my life, my spiritual walk, and parenting...(referring to the teenage boy!)

I am still employed as a Cake Decorator and as holiday season approaches, my sleep time gets shorter and shorter! Any day now we will probably go on 6-days a week! My husband will be thrilled to say the very least! I'm sure he just can't wait to have twice as many days with out me as he does now! Whew....what this will do to promote my marriage to the next level, eh?

Mike is still continuing to persevere to the end of his GED! He's almost there and what a blessing that is! He has completed all of his math and still has some LA and Science! This is a complete answer to prayer! Seeing this through has done wonders for my Sweetie! I couldn't possibly begin to write about all of them, but I can name just a few: confidence (not in self, but in God who sees us through all things), knowledge, focus, retention (as in memory), perseverance, and of course an all new prayer life! He is still contemplating continuing school to gain a Welder's Certification. I am so very pleased with his accomplishments and his dedication to completing this particular "leg" of his journey! I see God working in Mikey every day and it's a great pleasure to be able to thank God for answered prayer!

The children are all healthy and spunky as ever! Some of the 4-yr old's mischievous ways have subsided (although I believe it to be lying in wait!). She has now crossed into "I wanna do school too, Mommy!" So the knowledge seeking begins for Brenna Gail. The 7-yr old is still trudging through Phonics in an effort to learn to read! Some days are great and other days are yet wanting! It's been slow going, but she increases everyday! The teenage boy...wel...he's in a world ALL HIS OWN and we are not welcome or often invited to visit there! (not that we WANT to go into that world or anything!) I guess it's just typical teenage behavior, but it certainly has increased our prayer lives as parents! Ryan is a good child though, and he does love the Lord. For that, we are so very thankful!

Mike and I are planning our "Date" for the month of November. We had such a great time last date, that we are planning to repeat the same of tryst this time! Move and Food! I can't wait! Having days off through the week to spend with Mikey is fantastic! I just love it! We sleep in (that means past the 4:00 AM I usually wake up at), eat all our meals together and talk or watch old movies together! He's such treasure! I love him more and more everyday!

And me...well...I'm still trusting God! Enough said!

Love you all, Ten Thousand Blessings,

All We Need Is Love....

2008-10-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well...What an absolutely fantastic day I've had today!

God is sooo good! I'm definitely feelin' the love...feelin' the love!!!

Although Mike & I knew that his job loss was among God's plans for our lives, we have really been struggling to see the positives within this circumstance. Today changed that for us...

We went on our first date in months! We used to have date night once-a-month or so, but sadly we let other things take the place of our time together...I know bad-bad! We had a wonderful time! We decided to have dinner and a movie. A treat we rarely experience at all...let alone one that doesn't include goofy cartoon characters and hidden adult humor!

We chose to see FIREPROOF. Awesome...amazing...astounding...and totally surrounded in God's love for all. It was filled with exactly what a movie about finding God should be filled with.
A struggling couple with personal demons and detachment from God. (Been there!!!) The total message was the joy of salvation and how necessary it was to "fill" your emptiness, but showing how loving God would heal your marriage was phenomenal!! Pure genius!

I'm not exactly sure how many men were trying to hide the fact that they were "moved" by the movie, but my main squeeze was sniffling more than I was!!! ( he's such a soft-hearted guy!)
I would definitely recommend this movie to christian and non-christian alike. It has a good solid take on the realities of a "dying" marriage and it totally puts in to perspective the reasons we fall "out-of-love" with our partners!

It seems that this year has been steeped in LOVE for me. Not just giving it or receiving it, but learning what it REALLY is to love....God's love...true love! What a ride it's been! How much I've learned and can't wait to share with those God sends to inquire!

Have you learned about REAL LOVE? Are you ready to experience REAL LOVE? Are you prepared to share TRUE LOVE? Leave me a comment with your thoughts on the matter...we'll pick it up next post......

Ten Thousand Blessings.....
Dana

Short Talk on Full Time Work!!

2008-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially 2 weeks into my working full-time.

I DON'T LIKE IT....AT ALL!!!

I had a very long conversation with God about how I hope this is a "short season" for me and not a long drawn out one...

Heaven knows I might not be able to withstand too much full time work.

How did this come about anyway? Women believing we had to have a career to survive in the real world.

A simple lie.

A simple lie that spread into mass chaos and changed the design God had laid out for families instantly.

Women became the "head " of families.
The "bread" winners...coaches..supervisors...and most importantly...BRA-less!

Oh yes! Bra-less is every women's dream! I would burn mine tomorrow honey if my endowment could withstand "freedom" and not black both my eyes!!

Although Mike and I are very aware that God's plan has been in motion from the beginning, we don't fully understand the reasons why...

So we walk in faith and trust God for everything. He has yet to fail us. We are comforted and peaceful about our newest "waiting room" (to quote a very good friend of mine!)! Waiting for God to open the doors to our next journey with Him.

So, Lord, I will work my tiny little full time job with gladness in my heart. Because I know that I know that I know that I KNOW...that I am working so that YOUR will be done in my life and the lives of my family whom I love dearly! Let my work be light and my thoughts be on your promises!

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must belive that he is,a nd that he is a rewarder of them that dilligently seek him...

Meet Maisie....

2008-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

Well.. Here are the long awaited pics of our newest family member...

Maisie...

2008-10-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hello To You...

I know you thought I was M.I.A and well, I sort of have been..

So much has been happening so quickly, it's taken a little time to process it all.

Sept. 22 was my eldest daughter's birthday....

She turned "7"! She lost both her front teeth in a matter of two days. (one she actually pulled out herself. It came loose during her skating party and she pulled it out!)
I am simply in awe of her innocence. She has the sweets smile and the biggest heart EVER! She is loving and kind....smart too! How fantastic to see God's fingerprints all over her!

Sept. 30 my husband was laid off from his job and we decided that I would go full time on mine! What a significant difference it has made in our household! He now takes on most of the domestic roles around the house..(including schooling our kids). I go to work each morning and he takes care of the kids, the house, the dog....OH YEAH....we also adopted a dog!

Her name is Maisie. She is 11 weeks old..now - she was 9 weeks old when we got her! She is part Beagle & part Lab. She is the sweetest dog ever! She is already 80% housebroken! She is simply AMAZING...which by the way is how she got her name. We decided to wait a few days after first picking her out to name her. On the third day, we came to the decision that we would call her Trixie. We liked the name and it seemed to fit her. Later that same night while I was at work, our birthday child said to her dad, "Maisie would be a good name for a dog, Daddy." To which her brother replied, "Maisie is not a good name for a dog, Bailie." Promptly Bailie replied to her brother, "Well, She IS quite amazing Ryan!" So....the name stuck and it truly suits her...She is amazing as far as dogs go! We have already fallen deeply in love with her and she has brought a new dimension to the Melton household!

On Oct 1, I turned a very pleasant 37! On Oct. 5, my husband followed suite and turned 37 as well. We are not exactly sure how we arrived at this age, but we are content to be here! Neither of us would go "back" for anything! Well, maybe if we truly believed we could've found each other in the LORD earlier in our live, but only for that reason!

So that is what's been happening around here. God is moving. Rather, he is moving us.

I'll keep you posted as I can...time is precious right now as we settle into our new routine!

I love you all and hope to write again soon!

Posts of encouragement are surely welcomed and appreciated!!!

10,000 Blessing to you all!

Layoffs and Love...

2008-09-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hello all my Dahhlings!!

I've sure missed my bloggin' time lately.

See, this is usually after a long hot shower (aka- God Time), and all my kiddos have been tucked into a warm cozy bed, prayed over, and kissed goodnight! This is my time to gather my thoughts and communicate with people other than WhoBob? SpongeWhat? It's reflection..absorption...release!

So get ready...I got a lot to say tonight....

"My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches and glories. He shall give His Angels charge over me...Jehovah Jireh careth for me, for me, for me...Jehovah Jireh careth for me."

This is a song my family sang sometimes during our Sunday morning meetings. It is based upon Philippians 4:19. It is a song I continue to sing to this day. The powerful words remind me of God's abilities to keep me...no matter what may arise...

My husband will be joining the ranks of the Unemployed here in North Carolina.

By all rights, we should be worried, confused, and hunting someone/something to blame...right? I mean after all, we don't deserve this...no one deserves to loose their main source of income! Never mind the fact that we homeschool our kids, I only work part-time, and we just got our heads-above-water financially. We are by no means "set", but we haven't gone without the occasional McDonald's hamburger either.

Mikey (said husband) has been pursuing his GED on-line for the past two months. It is something he has tried to complete nearly a dozen times. He would simply quit. When the problems got hard...he quit. Not this time, though! God fueled him with a desire I've never seen him have before. He has a goal, a mission so-to-say. He desires that I not work at all. That I simply be wife, mother, caregiver, and free to spend my time studying God's word in order to teach others. His desire and mine are EXACTLY THE SAME! Wow! That almost NEVER happens to us. We are night & day...oil & water...mud & soap! This is totally a God thang!
Mikey wants his GED so he can go to college and take Welding classes. He would eventually like to become and Underwater Welder! I am sooo excited for him! A goal...A desire...something attainable...
But....the work is hard. He hasn't quit or given up. The work continues to get harder, yet he pushes on.
When we heard the news about his job, it was amazing how quickly we agreed upon what should happen...Mikey will go to school! He'll even be able to get it all paid for...in full! Oh, Lord, how Amazing you truly are! We probably wouldn't have been able to afford college for Mikey on our own. But through God's graciousness, He is providing a way! It may not be the way WE would have gone about it...but He has his reasons...and we have lessons to learn....

His word says He will PROVIDE our needs......He loves to GIVE us the desires of our hearts...

He blessed me this past weekend as well....I was invited to speak at our women's retreat and I gladly accepted. One of my spiritual gifts is teaching and over the past few years, God has developed it into a passion! I especially love speaking to women, young women, & girls.

I cannot possibly share with you EVERYTHING that happened during our time together, but I can assure that lives were touched, and some were changed forever! How amazing it was to watch God show up over and over and over....but yet be different each time.

I was given three sessions with about 10 women in each session. There was a rotation of three different session: J. Rowland, S. LaPradd, & myself. Each of us were asked to speak on a different "Name" of God. I had El Shaddi. The "theme" was husband and why God would refer to himself as such. It lead me to the "love" he has for us and the desire of an intimate relationship. The session was awesome!!

I'm sure my siesta's session's were awesome as well, I could hear the women discussing them as they would enter my room! I was so jealous! One of them spoke on God the "creator" and the other one spoke on God, the "provider".

It turned out to be a well-rounded weekend for all the women! God was huge...bigger than I had ever seen him at such and event. And the Holy Spirit came upon each one who was open to receive! It was fantastic and my "God Bumps" were at their peak!!

It was all so exciting and I was so honored and blessed by the women who shared their testimonies or stories. Getting to know each of them was better than anything else we did!! I just love my Sistas!!

I love all of you too! I am so humbled that you would actually want to read my blog! God is so good! I love him more than words could ever express!

I hope to write more frequently than I've been able to do lately...Live has gotten really busy.
We started our Homeschool year, Mike's getting laid off, I went to work full-time (after 7 long years!), and Mike's finally getting the education he always wanted! God, my provider!!

Love Is A Many Splendid...Meaning

2008-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Love...just the sound of the word conjures memories and emotions from "mile" markers in my life..

My first kiss.
My first dance.
My first boyfriend. (not that he was worth mentioning)
The first proposal. (didn't end as well as I thought it would)
The divorce. (yes, there was love involved)
Re-learning to love again.
The birth of my children.
The death of my loved ones.

These are just a few things that come to my mind when I think of love. There are lots and lots of "little" things that are special in their own rights, but these cover most of the basics.

It took me 30 years to understand what "true" love could be like. It took a man who was willing to make me "feel" like I was the best thing in his life, an unexpected arrival, and a call on our lives that was too strong to ignore. It was passion...ignited...enflamed...roaring for Jesus. Our thirst for understanding and knowledge was nearly all we could stand.

Now, we are both avid Bible "studiers" and fairly familiar with the word. I am more the scholar of our unit, and he is more the "life-applicator". We make a great team!

Recently God has put a great desire in my spirit to teach. This means my favorite thing will happen more frequently....study the Bible...yeah God!

My topic of lately has been love. I have delved into this totally complex word to find some answers to questions I am sure we have all asked at some point in our walk.

Is it really possible to love like God/Jesus?
How do I do that? (love like Jesus?)
Where do I find this kind of love?
What if I have been hurt by love?

So, I am being lead to share with you some things I have learned about love.

Let's begin with a look at some Lexicons - NT Greek for now...

All these are meanings for love found in the NT scriptures:
Agapao - (of things) - to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing
(of persons) - to love dearly, to be fond of
Agape - love, beloved (more intimate love)
Prosphiles - lovely, acceptable, pleasing
Philadelphia - brotherly love
Philandros - loving her husband
Philarguria - love of money
Philautos - lover of one's own self, selfish
Phileo - to love, to approve of, to like, to kiss, treat affectionately
Philedonos - loving pleasure
Philotheos - Lover of God
Philoteknos - loving one's own offspring or children

WOW! That's 11 different applications of one word: L_O_V_E

It would seem to me that this word love is difficult to define. It must be applied differently in different situations, right? For instance, many people may "love" their pets, "love" their spouse, "love" their kids, "love" their jobs, "love" a favorite restaurant, get my point? What value is each type of love? Is each application equal to the other? I certainly don't think so...

Let's look at scripture...

1 John 4:7 (KJV)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

What exactly is John saying here? I believe he is saying that if we are "IN" God (born of, salvation) and we know God (intimately in a personal relationship) we must have love in us...because God is love and love would manifest (reveal itself - make known) through us to others because we cannot be "IN" God if God is not first "IN" us....right?
And according to John, God "IS" love. So if God is Love, and God is in us(truly in us), we must be love, too!

Let's examine the uses of the word love from our verse.
Both the red-highlighted love and loveth come from the Lexicon - Agapao (to love dearly, to be fond of - referring to persons). Agapao love is a verb. A verb is action. It can be past, present, or future, but it is action!
The blue-highlighted love is from Agape (benevolence, brotherly love, good will - more intimate love). Agape love is a noun. A noun by definition must be a person, place, or thing. It just is....exists so to say.

So, let's read our verse again and interject our meanings...

Beloved, let us love (actively, on purpose, be fond of, love dearly) one another: for love (brotherly love, good will, benevolence, intimate love - that just exsists) is of God (because God IS love); and every one that loveth (actively, on purpose, is fond of or loves dearly) is born of God(God is "IN" you - salvation), and knoweth God (has intimate knowledge through relationship).

Even John used different applications of the word love to express exactly what type of "love" he meant. No wonder we stuggle with understanding ourselves! No wonder there is so much confusion in the world when it comes to understanding "love". Love is a many splendid...meaning!

Th point is we must let God "consume" us inside. We must give over every thing inside oursleves to Him. We must let Him love us...from the inside....out. This is how we find our answers to "love" questions. This is how we are able to truly love others like Jesus. Because we are not yet "perfected", but because we are FLESH, we must work at loving others. It doesn't come natural to us. Naturally we are Philautos - lover's of one's own self. But when we allow God to come into us and we join in Him, the "love" we find there is beyond our wildest dreams! When we are filled with this "complete" love...we cannot help but overflow and spread our love to those around us.

Your Thoughts On Love

2008-09-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! What a beautiful day, huh? Makes me want to sing..."This is the day the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it..."

Today begins with a question for y'all:

What is the very first thing you think of when you hear the word LOVE? Give an example.

Comments: For those of you who have never left comments, today it is important that you do so...you will see why later. Leaving a comment is very easy.. Click on the tiny little word, comment at the end of this post (look for the pencil). A comment box will pop-up and prompt you to type in your comment. When you are finished with your comment, scroll down and choose to leave your comment under Name. You may also use anonymous, but please sign your name at the end of your comment in the comment box. Then click on the submit button!
It may all sound intimidating, but it's very simple!

I'll return in just a little while to continue this post...off to take the kiddos to Art Class.

R U Quick Enough?

2008-08-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

After working some major hours today, I was looking forward to a restful evening at home with my kiddos & my man!

Shortly after arriving home, my husband emerged from the kids bedroom to announce that he had found our eldest daughter (Bailie-6) standing in the middle of a babydoll cradle.

Now there are two problems with this...
1. The crade was handmade for my daughter's by my great-uncle. It is gorgeous!!
2. Bailie, said 6 yr old, weighs about 85lbs.
Naturally Mike removed her from the cradle and reminded her of the "value" of said cradle.

A short time later, Bailie emerged from the bedroom and climbed up in her Daddy's lap. Here's how their conversation went:
Daddy: "Bailie, tell Mommy where I found you earlier. "
Bailie: "Standing the baby's bed." (cradle)
Daddy: "Why did Daddy catch you standing in it like that? "
Bailie: "'Cause I wasn't quick enough! "

Y'all, I lost it!
Totally lost it!
Completely LOST IT! (and so did her Daddy!!)

It was the most quick-witted thing I'd ever heard that child say....If I were I a prideful parent, I'd say I was proud!!

I must admit...I've never been "quick enough" to not avoid getting caught myself.

I guess Bailie really is a chip off the 'ol block!!

Awesome God

2008-08-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

G'day Y'all!

Wow...what amazing storms passed through here early this morning! We had heard several strong downpours from time to time near bedtime last night, be were TOTALLY unaware that storms were a'brewin' over Lexington!

I am a light sleeper anyhoo and things like "Tropical Storms" seem to wake me fairly easy! I am so thankful for the rain...downpours and all! I bet we got 6-10 inches of rain in a matter of hours! It was a fantastic display!

As I stood with my front door open, I watched the majestic streaks of lightening bounce between the earth and sky! It was almost like some weird fireworks show.

...and the thunder...Whewww! It would roll so loud, it sounded just like a freight train comin'!

It was all so fantastical! All I could do was stand in awe....and smile!

"Our God is an awesome God, He reigns, from Heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love...Our God is an Awesome God!"

Mighty God, how awesome YOU really are! How spectacular YOUR displays of greatness! No one is like YOU...O my Lord ...Glorious in Holiness..How you bless us Father with streams of refreshing (literally & spiritually). Oh, how I love you Lord. Praise and honor be YOURS and YOURS alone! In your precious Son's name...

A New Day

2008-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I want to share something so precious with y'all. My husband discovered it today in a old notebook of his. I hope you enjoy it...

A New Day

by Mikey Melton

The life we live...

The words we say..

So many of us are one cry away

The paths we choose...

The reasons we stay...

So many of us are one cry away

He loves us no matter..

When our world has been shattered...

He's always there..

He will always care

The life we live..

The words we say..

All He wants is that one cry today

The life I lived..

The words I said..

These are all gone..

That man is dead

The paths I chose..

The reasons I stayed..

Was then and now is..

A New Day

Stinky Humor...

2008-08-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have been chomping-at-the-bit to share with you guys All Day!

It shouldn't be as funny as it is...but it sooo is!

Yesterday my man had to go in for a consultation with a GI doctor. Dr. Harris (said Dr) performed "The Proceedure" on Mike about 3 yrs ago when he first began experiencing abdominal problems. He is a nice man, fairly young, and very, VERY thorough! (he he)

Well, I think we knew what to expect...another "colon-thingy"! Mike was a little disappointed, but none-the-less answers MUST be found!

When we went to the appointment scheduler's desk, she said something totally crazy-funny...
She said, " Well, Mike, looks like you did such a good job last time that they've called you back again!"

Y'all...I thought I was gonna come unglued right there! It was so totally unexpected...and so appropriately hilarious! We all just busted a gut laughing at her!

...I just love it when you can find humor in a "stinky" situation!!!

I've Been Inspired......

2008-08-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

I've been over @ Micca Campbell: Reflections blogspot and I have found inspiration! She is having a contest that you should definitely check out!

She has been posting tips and encouragements for our marriages and has now asked that you leave your best "tip" for marriage bliss in her comments section!

I have absolutely LOVED reading what all the women have posted! Some of it is just down-right hilarious & some of it challenges us to think deeper!

I encourage you to head on over there and check it out!

She will be posting the winner on Monday so you still have time!

The prizes???
You'll have to jump-on-over and find that out for yourself!

As for me...I'm off to "WOO" MY MAN and try out some of those tips I've been reading!!!

Hugs & Kisses!

Oh Happy Day...Part Deux

2008-08-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Okay....

If I left you in suspense....

It only gets better from here......

We (my daughter & I) were in the hospital for approximately 4 days before we were allowed to return home! By home, I mean my Mother's house. With a 3-year old, a brand new baby, a working husband, and a debilitated mom (that's me!)...we certainly welcomed her help.

Mother welcomed us in her home for two weeks following Brenna's birth, just as she had when Bailie was born. It was great seeing my parents bond with our daughters so close after their births! It was also fantastic for Mike to have the help taking care of them. And we were totally unaware of the events about unfold and turn our little world BONKERS!!

About 3 days after arriving to Mother's house, my incision "reopened" in several small "pocketed" areas. This meant Mike would once again play nursemaid and "pack" my open wounds. He was fantastic as ever! So gentle and loving. It takes about 6-8 weeks for the "pockets" to heal from the inside-out (which is the desired effect). So we continued to do what was necessary every day....even once we returned to our own home.

Around week six something totally unexpected happened....When Mike tried to "pack" my incision...he couldn't get any packing in it! We were thrilled...this meant it was done, over, finis!
I had a Drs appointment the very next day and couldn't wait to give him the great news! I was all healed up! Praises were flying all around our house! We were completely in awe of God's healing powers!

The next day at the Drs office, something totally different transpired....When the Dr went to check the final "pocket" that Mike couldn't get packing into, I felt this strange sensation. It was almost as if water were running right down my inner thigh. The Dr ran to the door and called for several nurses. In a fast furious flurry, the room filled with panic faced nurses....

You see...when the Dr went to clean the incision area, he "poked" the cotton-tipped swab into the small space to be sure it was cleaned and sterilized. To his amazement, blood mixed with infection burst from my body like a broken damn!

I could tell by the hurried body language of the nurses that something was terribly wrong. He quickly patched me up to the best of his ability and sent me to the emergency room. He assured me that things would be okay, but it was possible that my incision would need to be RE-OPENED!

Re-opened?
Re-opened!
RE-OPENED!!!!!!
This Dr was out-of-his-ever-loving-mind!!!

Well, I could not have stopped the tears from falling if my life depended on it! I was nothing short of terrified! Oh, Lord Jesus, what had I done? I had done all the Dr had told me to do! I didn't break any of the rules (for once in my life). I was obedient! Why? Why? Why!!!!

I called my Mother from a cell phone to tell her what was happening and asked her to call my husband. We were cut short due to a wasting battery! (go figure)

I was all alone. No husband. No Mommy. NO one. Just me and my extreme fear!

It took the ER department about 2 1/2 hrs to get me where I needed to be and ready for whatever was about to happen. I asked if we could please wait for my husband who was on his way and should arrive any moment! They kindly agreed to give me 20 more minutes, and then they would have to proceed, husband or not!

I don't think I have every prayed such selfish prayers in my life! It was completely about me and my needs at that very intense moment! "Lord, please don't let me go in here without getting the chance to tell my husband I love him...just once more! Please, Lord, let me be able to send love & kisses to my children, parents, & family! Oh, Lord, pleeeaaasseee!! I am so afraid and so alone!!!

At that moment, the door opened and Mike stepped through with huge smile on his face! Cries erupted from a place so deep within me...I thought I might explode. I'm sure I slung my arms around his neck so fast and so tight it rocked him backwards just slightly! His comforting arms...finally...everything would be okay...peace...solace....security!!

The nurses arrived right behind Mike to wheel me off to the operating room once again. I would indeed have to endure a second surgery to "explore" what was happening inside my body. After tight hugs, free flowing tears, and many kisses...I was pushed through the double doors where Mike could not follow!

Complete and utter fear dominated every inch of my being. I felt such a sense of dread...and it was very heavy.

The procedure itself was very quick. I was given a "saddle block" (numbed from the upper torso down to my toes) and allowed to remain awake while the Drs inspected the situation on the other side of the drapes.

Within a matter of minutes, one of the Drs came to my side and told me that they were going to need to call in a specialist to asses the exact extent of the infection. I had a lot of scar tissue and deciphering what was scarring and what was "healing" tissue would be difficult. I indeed had a serious infection and would need some attention immediately. To alleviate any unnecessary pain or discomfort, I would be put under complete anesthesia until the procedure was complete. They expected the specialist to arrive in approximately 45 minutes. Until that time...I would sleep well! Then once again....nothing!

when I finally woke up, I discovered from my husband that I missed two complete days. TWO COMPLETE days asleep! There were wires and tubes all over my body, including one in my nose that continued to my stomach. I was unable to talk, so I improvised and asked Mike questions about everything by writing on some paper. (Which he still keeps in his Bible today!)
Why the tube in my nose?.....To keep me from vomiting....Oh!
Why so many IVs?......You're on 4 antibiotic medications....Oh!
Where's my children?.......with family.....Oh!

I recall lots & lots of x-rays! Everyday. It seems the medications I was on were extremely harsh on one's body. They were also looking for signs of pneumonia or fluid build up in my lungs! I wasn't able to get out of bed due to the large, uncomfortable WOUNDVAC that was attached to my "re-opened" incision.

WOUNDVAC - a device used to cause constant circulation in a severely infected wound. It pulls infection from the body through a tube and into a sterile container which is emptied daily. It is continuous and it doesn't stop...unless it is turned off for the wound to be cleaned and re-packed.

Re-packing my wound was the most horribly painful experience of my life. It was so painful that 10cc of Morphine could not touch it! Could NOT TOUCH the pain! Eventually the Dr had pity on me and began using anesthesia and literally knocking-me-out to clean my wound and re-pack it. I received a total of 7 surgeries while I was in the hospital over a 2 1/2 week time frame.

It was horrible and I had never felt so completely alone. Mike stayed with me for a few days and once the Dr realized that I wasn't going to die....Oh yes, they had already told my husband that my chances of going home with him were less than 40%....LESS THAN 40%....most people do not recover from a Staph infection of this magnitude. It was very severe and I was in grave danger!! Mike felt horrible...and so completely alone! He hit his knees in an OR waiting room and began to pray! He was devastated! How could this be? Why Lord, Why?

Eventually Mike had to return to work or loose his job. I assured him I would be okay and that each day was a triumph! One night, after a very tough day, Mike called like he usually did and I could not refrain from squalling like a baby! I wanted to come home!! I wanted to hold my babies! I wanted to be free from this machine and all this pain!! ....I basically poured my lonely heart out to my desperately-trying-to-hold-it-together husband. After many reassurances from my dear sweet husband, we closed our conversation with prayer and lots of phone-kisses!

As I prepared to drift off to sleep, I put one of the many teaching CDs a friend had given me into a CD player (which she had also given me) and began to listen. First came worship, then prayer requests & announcements, then finally the message. It was our Senior Pastor and he was speaking on receiving from God. Not just receiving ANY old thing from God, but claiming the promises!! It was powerful to say the least! It moved me to a place I had not yet been able to come to in my current circumstance!!

I cut off the message and immediately began to pray. First I asked for forgiveness for my "un"belief! Then I began to praise His wonderful Holy Name with singing and shouting! Then I prayed (speaking it out loud)...."Lord, Jesus...you are the bread-of-life, the great physician, the ultimate Father, and complete embodiment of pure LOVE! You are completely above anything these Doctors may say will or will not happened to my body....You have ordained this that I might learn and be a living testimony to Your Greatness! By your stripes I AM HEALED and I claim this in Your Holy Name! I BELIEVE that when I go in for surgery tomorrow morning, a miracle will appear right before the Doctors eyes and I will shout joy full praises to You for You are the mighty God!" in Your Precious Son's Name.....

I cannot forget that prayer. I remember it word-for-word! I have it memorized...because I must not forget how Great My God is.....

Yes, a miracle did happen before the Doctors eyes. He was amazed to find that my wound had in fact healed. No infection remained anywhere he looked. He repeated it time and time again..."I can't believe this....I just can't believe this....I've NEVER seen this before!" I could have leaped straight up off that gurney and danced a sweet jig to MY LORD that would never have been matched to this day....but I was unable to....since my legs were not able to move!! I did in my heart though...and I shouted praises to the Lord Almighty that were heard in operating rooms on both sides of mine!! I was healed!!! I was going home!!!

Recovery was slow, but it was sweeter than anything I have experienced since! I can honestly tell you....I BELIEVE GOD!!!

Later during my final visit to that very same Doctor, he confided in me that he had determined that I was not going to survive the week! He had already began to prepare himself for inevitable news he would have to bring to my husband & children! It had amazed him that I was always so positive and chipper...even when pain was so...well...painful! He couldn't believe I never cursed him, asked him to "save" me, or seemed to "give" up when the news was grim! He finished with how he admired me and then he asked me a question, "Ms. Melton, why do you think you are still here today?" I was quick with my response...."Because I worship a God who is able to DO ANYTHING!!"

So, you might ask me why I call this a Happy Day? Because that was the beginning of my Total Submission to God. It was my lesson above all lessons and it is what I meant to teach others.....

BELIEVE GOD!!!

A Birthday To Remember....

2008-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

August 12th....What a wonderful date to celebrate! It is the birth date of my youngest child...Brenna Gail.

Her birth is quite the story and filled with miracles! After delivering her sister at 33 weeks via emergency c-section...I was bound and determined to experience REAL birth. Little did I know how CRAZY I was to even think that way!

I developed gestational diabetes during my third trimester and was being monitored several times weekly. The Drs were looking for any sign that the baby might be in distess...however...during a visit in my 38th week I discovered I had been in labor most of the previous night and that morning! Wow...talk about feeling d-u-m-b! Boy..did I!!

After all...this was my 2nd child...right? The nurse just laughed at me and of course I had to laugh at my own ignorance as well! I remember thinking.."hmmm...if this is all there's going to be to this birth...bring-it-on"! ( I know...your laughing hysterically....I would be too!)

Sure enough, two days later on the 12th of August I was induced for labor. It was a long, long, long. labor. I was exhausted. I'm sure Mike was too. He was also worried about me. Following the emergency surgery that brought our first daughter into the world, I experienced a lot of problems. Infection and lots of pain forced us to be nurses-at-home and I can only sing the praises of my husband...He has hands of steel!!! He had to "pack" incisions three times a day for almost 6 weeks! It was disgusting...but he faced it like a champ! Thanks to his loving care...I healed much faster than the Dr originally forecast I would!

So back to this inevitable birth...I was positive that I could handle this birth.

No drugs.

No epidural.

No problem. Right?

WRONG - NO COMMON SENSE was more like it!

I did actually dilate to five centimeters before my husband and the Dr convinced (begged) me take the epidural for the pain. I was progressing very slowly and the Dr thought maybe if I relaxed, I would dilate a little more steadily...WRONG again...it stopped my contractions cold!

The bright side was that I was LOVING the instant loss of pain that accompanied the drugs! Whew! Praise God for the man who alleviated labor pain!! Also, my loving husband was able to keep all his fingers despite my repeated attempts to yank them from his hands!

Finally the call to push came...I was excited, exhausted, and scared-to-death! I was totally out of my league - but I was certain that I WOULD NOT repeat surgery with this child! So let the tug 'o war begin!

I'm pretty sure Mike said I pushed for around an hour before it happened. We couldn't have seen it coming...but later we found out that the Dr had been preparing just in case it did...

During one of my pushes I felt a sharp, quick, burning sensation on my left side just under my rib cage. It was so intense that not only could I not breathe...I also couldn't push anymore. If I tried to push that pain would over take me.

I was devastated to say the least. Instant failure flooded every inch of my being. Once again I would be unable to do this like a NORMAL woman. I could not control the streams of tears that began rolling down my cheeks.

The Dr began to offer me scenarios of "What Ifs"...but I knew...she was ultimately suggesting that I have surgery to deliver my child. For my safety and the safety of my child. Her reasoning was this: Due to the fact that I had a previous c-section, I was in danger of rupturing my uterus and consequently bleeding out before they were able to get me to an operating room to save the baby or me. It was "our" choice, but she was very nicely stating her opinion!

At that point I was sobbing. Mike asked for a moment alone with me to discuss our choices. As the room cleared...he leaned over me and began to pray. "Dear Lord, we know that all things are in your hands. You gave us this child and we trust you now to deliver this child safely. Comfort my wife and cushion her heart for whatever your will may be. Give us direction and peace in this decision."

As soon as he laid his hands on my face and began to pray...peace washed over me...warm...comforting...peace. I knew my destiny would be another surgery. I was prepared.

I looked deep into his loving eyes and nodded yes! He quickly got the Dr and relayed our decision. The Dr was elated to say the least. Turns out she had been monitoring me for almost 8 hours for fear of this very thing.

In a matter of seconds everything was prepared and I was being rolled to the nearest operating room for delivery! It was a sweetly sad moment for me. I was delighted to finally have this new baby, but I was still reeling from disappointment in my own performance!

As the Dr rallied to get things moving along quickly...Mike entered the room with sheer excitement on his face...he loves a good view of surgery! (sick..huh?!)

From this point a lot of what happened to me I can't recall. Sometime during one of the Dr's incisions, my uterus in fact ruptured and I began to bleed uncontrollably. Fortunately they were able to deliver my daughter before she choked in the womb and possibly died. With our daughter born and safe...their attention turned to me.

All I can really recall about the event is hearing Brenna's first cries and my handsome husband leaning into my face telling me "good job" and that he loved me as he left the room! In my haziness, I couldn't understand where he was going. Then the Dr appeared and her lips began moving...but I couldn't make out what she was saying..something about putting me under...and then....nothing!

When I finally awoke, I was in a recovery room. My husband and my sister were there to greet me! It was over! Praise God! They made arrangements to take me by the NICU (Neonatal Unit) to see my daughter. Due to the trauma and the gestational diabetes, they wanted to monitor her overnight!

It was love at fist sight! She was perfect in my eyes! There were no words to express it...and the rest...was already forgotten! Holding her was another great moment in my life...

Until....about six weeks later...

Fillin' In The Blanks

2008-08-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

A good friend left me a comment suggesting that she had been a little worried about my whereabouts since I hadn't posted in several days..prior to the tomato sandwiches..

So I felt the urge to Fill-In-The-Blanks!

Beginning with the last week of July, our family lives have been nothing short of crazy-busy! A co-worker (& the only other decorator besides me) was experiencing a serious personal loss and I was called upon to "fill-in" several nights for her. She doesn't work nights, but I wasn't able to work days. I needed to wait until Mike would come home from work and then I would go to work for however many hours. That was totally tiring.

There was a time in my life where I worked 3rd shift with a happy, smiling, face...believe me those days are gone!!

The first weekend in Aug is always the family reunion for my Mother's family. Over the past several years we ventured to a place in the Smokey Mts for a weekend, but this year, for various reasons, we decided to have it locally. So I worked 9 hrs on Fri. Took Mother her list of needed of items from my place-of-work (warehouse club). Met a friend who had asked me to make cakes for her son's 1st birthday (which I love to do for people I love). Left Mom's @ 3:30 and went home. Took a shower & a very brief nap. Back to Mom's for food, fun, & fellowship. I think I crashed around midnight!

Back to work @ 6 AM for 8 hrs of cake decorating. Left work (at break-neck speed) and headed for the pool fun where my family already were. Swam & played with kids for 1/2 hr. Left and went to my Aunt's house on High Rock Lake for food, fun, & fellowship....One small challenge...it became to storm. It rained off & on for some time. We had lots of fun between the short spurts of showers, but ultimately, it rained us out and we came home around 8:30PM. And not a minute too soon either...Mike had somehow managed to irritate the membrane surrounding his eyes and could barely see by the time we left. He was fine the next morning....it must have been due to the pool water...His eyes are so sensitive...different story to tell later.

Back to work on Sunday @ 6 AM. Plans were to come home and rest then head out to Baptism Service for our Church around 6PM that evening. However, by the time I got home from work, showered and ate a little something.. I was completely exhausted! Not just tired. That exhausted that empties your entire body and makes your mind like J_E_L_L_O! That was me. Mike had such mercy on me! He said, "Babe, GO TO BED!" and being the obedient wife I am (LOL - for those who REALLY know me) I quickly kissed my kiddos and sacked-out! I think I finally woke-up around 7:00 or so...Mike kept apologizing for the kids and their loudness, but I assured him that I heard ab-so-lute-ly NOTHING!!

The kids began Art Classes on Monday afternoons. It is a class we had hoped to join last year, but it filled up before we found out sign-ups had even started! So I signed them up at the end of last school year. When you homeschool, I think it is important to allow your children to use what they learn @ home in out-of-home situations. Art Class is a perfect place for that. The teacher is a believer who homeschools her own children and the classes are filled with mostly homeschool children that we are already familiar with! God is so good! Not to mention that my dd (6) and my ds (13) adore art! Plus, you know from reading my blog....I might be creative...but I ain't artsy-fartsy! I am so glad some one else headed God's urging and agreed to teach my kids that art is more than SpongeBob and the sad little stick figures I draw to amuse them!

Things have slowed down a little more this week than last week. It's still this or that daily...but overall I am not feeling the "pressure" to "perform" this week! I love my part-time job and I am pretty sure I understand why God opened the doors for this particular job curricula!

Yes...it has nothing to do with DANA and everything to do with HIM!!

On top of all that....my husband is completing his GED on-line. He must log in for at least 5 hrs each week - otherwise he gets booted from the program! So I must also run interference between the kids and his computer time. BTW...the computer is in our living room...right next to the kitchen....need I say more? He is doing great! He only has just a few things to complete before he can test for his GED! Then it's off to college - sort of - he wants to get certified to weld. All types of welding. I am sooo excited for him and your prayers are coveted!!

Let's see....Oh, I also visited with a group of "younger" moms @ the park one day to have breakfast and a play date. It was so nice and I met a lot of new people that I didn't know (imagine that...I met strangers!) as well as those I am fond of and have known for quite some time through our local church! I did a lot of listening! I did some talking, but more listening! Just feeling things out....They have invited me to join their Thursday morning BS group...I am praying about it! Homeschooling is among the top daily lists at our home in the fall/winter. I usually do a personal bible study in the mornings for my own time with God and then do another bible study with the kids before we begin school! I tried other bible study groups in the daytime...they didn't work out for me...but there's a reason God allows some things and not others! I will join these wonderful moms when God allows and rejoice with Him in my private time as well!

I think that'll just about do it! Whew...makes me want to nap just looking back at how much I actually typed! Hope this gives you all a little insight to my crazy-filled life! I honestly don't think I would function properly any other way! God knew what I could handle and prepared me for it even before my task arrived...Amen!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4:13

Daily Bread

2008-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Dog-days-of-summer have arrived to my small town in North Carolina; bringing with it bountiful rays of sunshine, warm summer rains, and ripe-juicy-red tomatoes! There's absolutely nothing more satisfying than a HUGE slice of tomato (or two - Mikey) between two slices of white bread (yes, I know...) with a little mayo...add some salt-n-pepper....Oh my gracious...what a delicious meal.....You know it must be accompanied by a tall glass of Southern Sweet Tea!! OOO-EEEE - Now that is some good eats!!

Of course, being a Southern Belle (of sorts) food is viewed not only as a means of body-fuel, but also as comfort, love, sorrow, and a very large range of many more related emotions. If it "ails" you...there's a food to fix it!! Don't even get me started on the things we can do for you with Chocolate.....OOOEEE!!

God's word works in the same fashion....If it "ails" you....He has a "fix" for you in his word.

That's why the word is referred to as "the BREAD OF LIFE". It doesn't mean a literal bread, it means a spiritual one - one that will feed the "NEW" man that was birthed when you came to Christ in submission and repented.

You May Say: God Says: BV:

"It's Impossible" All things are possible in ME Luke 18:27
"I'm too tired" I will GIVE you rest Matt 11:25-30
"Nobody loves me" I LOVE YOU John 3:16
"I can't go on" My grace IS sufficient 2 Cor 12:9
"I can't figure it out" I will DIRECT your steps Prov 3:5-6
"I can't do it" You can do ALL things Phil 4:13
"I'm not able" I AM ABLE 2 Cor 9:8
"It's not worth it" It WILL BE worth it Rom 8:28
"I can't forgive myself" I FORGIVE YOU 1 John 1:9
" I can't manage" I supply ALL your NEEDS Pill 4:19
"I'm afraid" I haven't given you a spirit of FEAR 2 Tim 1:7
"I'm worried & frustrated" Cast all your cares on ME 1 Peter 5:7
"I'm not smart enough" I give YOU wisdom 1 Cor 1:30
"I feel all alone" I will NEVER leave you Hebrews 13:5

This list is posted right in my living room for me to see. I refer to it often and it quickly reminds that Christ prepared the way and experienced the very things we experience daily. That is what makes Him such a wonderful loving Lord. Use these as you need...and please let me know if you can offer any I can add to my ever growing list!!!

Love God & Love Other like you love yourself!!!!

TAG - I'M IT!!!

2008-07-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've been TAGGED by my BFF Starr LaPradd @ Thresholds !!!!!
I've read some of the other blogs and what they've written about themselves...let me tell ya...some of them things I could've gone my WHOLE life without knowing...LOL!!
Not really.....but I am honored to have been TAGGED....So here we go!!!!
(P.S. - I do LOVE these things!!!)

These are the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

Here are the six VERY random things about me, myself and I:

1) - I absolutely, positively, love to hang with my hubby & kids!! Nothing comes close to time spent with them laughing, smiling, loving, and simply enjoying each other. Times moves too quickly to overlook precious moments in the lives of those you love! Nothing comes before my family expect the Father!!
2) - I LUV music!! I love to sing, shout, play it loud, dance around all crazy with my kids (who laugh 'til they pee their pants when they see MY version of the "Running Man"). We try to spend a little time everyday worshipping together. We give God the glory for our amazing dancing & singing abilities.....or at least WE think we're amazing!!
3) - God rescued me from death following the birth of my second daughter. I spent 2 1/2 weeks in a hospital without my six-week-old daughter, my 3-yr-old daughter, or my husband (our son was living with his biological mother at the time). Our immediate families and our wonderful church family helped us through this time by keeping our beautiful princesses for us so Mike could continue to work (otherwise no income!). Through my time there, God used my circumstances to draw me into the most intimate relationship with Him I have ever had! It was a miracle to be alive! He used me to leave the Drs in awe and prove that HE REIGNS OVER DEATH!!
4) - I ADORE FOOD! There isn't too much I won't eat. I love to cook & bake and I get inspired sometimes to cook up my own creations! I usually just tweak other peoples recipes, but it most always turns out scrumptious! There's just something about your kids telling you how "Good it is Mommy!!"
5) - I have a passion for teaching about Jesus. Over the past 3 years, God has confirmed over and over that I am to speak when He leads me. He continues to open doors for me and allow me to share His word with others. I am currently working on a message for our Women's Retreat in September...Oh, this is also my heritage from my mother & father..who are also teachers of the word!
6) - I don't think there is anything better than a full-blown belly-shaking laugh! Laughter doeth good like a medicine....I love a good laugh-'til-ya'-cry story! I also love to make others laugh as well. That sound is just music to my ears!

Okay...I don't think I have 6 people left to tag...but I'll tag those I can..

1 - My friend Mindy whom I met @ She Speaks 2008 and I simply adore @
The Pitchford Crew
2 - My friend Luanne, whom I also met @ She Speaks 2008 and I adore as well @
God Spots or First Tea @ Five
3 - My lovely mentor and new great friend Van Walton, a Proverbs 31 speaker and the director of their Hispanic Ministries @ Van Walton

Unfortunately, I don't have the blog sites for any of the other Pals I made @ She Speaks...and the other friends I link too have already been TAGGED by each other...so to my new TAGGED friends, please keep it going ...I'm sure you have more friends than I do OBVIOUSLY!! LOL!
Check out my pal Natalie's Tagged List @ Koinonia Community

Have fun blog-surfing! Give these gals a day or two to write their random six things, but don't forget to check them out.Have a blessed day!

Vacation...The Right Focus

2008-07-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it's GOOD to be BACK!!!
What a great vacation we had...we are still recuperating from so much relaxin' ...

Because I had to work last Saturday, we were unable to leave Lexington until around 5:00 PM. This meant we would arrive on Oak Island somewhere in the neighborhood of 9:00 PM...which we did. We had a wonderful safe drive down considering we were chauffeuring a 4-yr-old and a 6-yr-old! (Thank heavens for car DVDs!) Who cried "Daddy, I gotta peeeee..." (emphasis on "E") about 300 times...and NEVER in sync!!

When we arrived to the house we were greeted by smiling faces of nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, and of course...our handsome son who had ridden down earlier that down with my parents and nephew. (Grandparents take turns letting grandchildren ride with them...it's an honor...for sure)

On Sunday morning the entire family gathered in the living room to have fellowship in & with God. We sang praises...letting each child pick a song they would like us to sing. My father then shared a wonderful message from the Lord about understanding our earthly responsibilities in relation to our "own houses". It was great and definitely needed to be heard. Then, we headed for the sunshine, shoreline, and waves...

I couldn't think of a better way to start a vacation...praising the Lord, hearing his words for us, and then enjoying his creation....

The week wasn't without it's challenges...but our hearts and attitudes were absolutely focused on the Father right from the start! How awesome!

I love my family vacations...they are Priceless!!!

I'll share more about the week later....got to catch up on my 40 winks!!

TTFN

Warm Breezes & SONshine

2008-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Vacation time has come again! It's a once-a-summer tradition for my family. I can remember trips to the beach when I was just a small sprite (well, maybe just younger). We packed up whatever vehicle we currently owned and headed down the road for a beach adventure!

We continue that tradition with our own children, now. Both of my sisters & their broods, along with my Mom & Dad, travel to Oak Island, NC for a week spent sunning it oceanfront! We have such blast!

I am especially looking forward to this year since most of our children are out of the "baby" stage. Let's see, 14, 13, 11, 7, 6, 5, 3, 2-2 yrs old twins with a motley of adult ages from 34 to 60! Now that's a house full of ......challenges!!

All joking aside, we always have a wonderful time. It certainly helps that Jesus is the focal point of these families! Each of these families, well, MY family loves Jesus and serves Him openly with their gifts! What a wonderful way to spend time with your family....

Sunshine....Warm Breezes.....and Jesus!

Until I return to post my latest "Divine Appointment"....

Love & Hugs,
Moi

More Than The Twenty-First Time

2008-07-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a strange night...by my normal standards anyway.

After leaving our local church, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few needed items. Nothing is better than spending time in the word with God and praising His name for 1/2 an hour, than following it with a huge bowl of ice cream...it has become a delightful routine for my family. (God bless Ben & Jerry...Amen)

As I entered the sidewalk that leads to the entrance, a small meek voice called out "Ma'am, excuse me Ma'am." I turned to find a young woman sitting on the outside bench. Her appearance was unkempt, but clean. Her face was warm yet aged beyond her young years. But her eyes...her eyes were filled with pain and rejection. You could see the deep crevasses of worry that had already laid claim to her forehead. My heart ached.

I asked her what I could do for her this evening and she told me her story of displacement and how her father had lost his leg due to illness. She then asked me for $3 to buy something to eat. She requested a pack of bologna and a loaf of bread that they might have a meal. I explained that I didn't have any cash-on-hand, but I would see what I could do while I was inside. Gave a smile and entered the store.

Now I am in quite a delima here...see, I understand that God sometimes uses our own "created" circumstances to bring us to a place of submission or repentance or ultimately salvation. So when I am faced with a question of emotion vs. WWJD?, I simply have but one choice. Pray and ask for guidance on the matter. So I shopped and I prayed.

My "mind" continued back to the fact that the girl did not appear to be anywhere near starvation and neither did her father. (The flesh is always so skeptical and judgemental) And at that moment, a song rose up in my mind. The chorus rushed through my brain and before I could catch myself, I was singing it...out loud...in the grocery store check-out line! Imagine the shock of those who were around me when I burst into song! Thank goodness God blessed me with the ability to carry a tune!

When I looked down in my basket and saw the extra items I had gathered for the young girl and her father, I knew in my heart God was pleased.

I paid for the items in my buggy and headed for the exit doors. My heart was thumping and I was so excited. I couldn't wait to tell her that Jesus loved her and had blessed her this evening. I strained to get a glimpse of her as I exited the store...she was waiting on me. I approached and gave her the bag of items. "Thank you," she said. Her voice was so humble and meek. It was soft and sweet. "You are very welcome," I replied. "Sweetheart, do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" I asked, with a broad smile on my face and a loving hand on hers. "Yes, Ma'am." She replied. I squeezed a little tighter,"Then will you put your faith and trust in him to see you through this?" She could not hold back the tears, "Yes Ma'am, I will." And with that she got up off the bench and walked to where her father was waiting.

Wow...another Divine Appointment....Lord Jesus, you are AWESOME!!!

And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
Isaiah 58:10

Here is the song that invaded my being! Check out the words...they are terrific! My fave verse is the last one....Love & Hugs.....

"The Twenty-First Time" by Monk and Neagle::
Nowhere to live,
Nowhere to fall
He used to have money, but he's wasted it all
His blanket's an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He may be a drifter, he’s grown old and gray
But what if he’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
but I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

She’s twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s cryin’ in back of the welfare line
but I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

She may be a stranger tryin’ to get through the day
but what if it’s Jesus and I walk away?
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
but I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doin’ my part
when I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them

Drifter or stranger, father or son
I’ll look for Jesus in every one
’cause I am the body and drink of the wine and
I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time.

A GREAT Day!

2008-07-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today was....GREAT!

After a lazy-daisy morning, I fed the kids and headed out to spend some time with my terrific Mother. I don't get an opportunity to talk with her very often...well...only in spurts in between hollers of "Momma, make her stop!" and "Girls, get out of Bubba's stuff!" Not too much of a conversation, huh?

Mom watches my sister Stacie's kiddos on Mondays so she can go into the office and work. Stacie is fortunate and works from an office in her home on most other days. Anyhoo - My girls absolutely LOVE to go and play with their cousins! It led to the perfect opportunity to spend time with Mother...having a little conversation time.

When an hour or so had come and gone, I decided it was time to continue on my day....the grocery store! Oh, yes - tackling the MONSTER chore! Mother was kind enough to suggest that at least one of my kids stay and play...the others couldn't refuse a burger from McDonald's...and off we went..

While in McDonald's enjoying a quick bite (although it blows my WW points!) I was thinking to myself....Self, I wonder what God's purpose is for you today in this McDonald's? Wouldn't it be great to get an opportunity to witness or share a nice thought - or maybe a soldier will come in and I'll buy his/her lunch or something and say "God blessed you today!"

As we finished up our lunch/snack, I still had not heard God say "There's the one!" I sighed and cleared our table and hurried my children to the front door. Already beginning the MONSTER list go over in my head, I glanced at the counter and there stood a lovely friend from my home church! Now this McDonald's is kinda' out-of-the-way for both of us. She lives in the city area of my town and I live on the edge of the county...Not a very likely meeting place.

It was so wonderful to see her and her lovely daughters. Her new baby has grown beautifully and I just love the chubby cheeks and red hair - A-dor-a-ble! We spent the next little bit catching up and talking on things of change and about what the Lord was doing in both of our lives! It was so great to see her and spend some time talking! We made an agreement to not go without seeing each other before the month ends and I can't wait! She is just one of the those persons you love to be around again and again and again!

I left that McDonald's thanking God for allowing me a moment to "refresh" with my friend! How awesome that my "divine appointment" today was with someone I love and cherish! Encouragement for the body is so important! I hope everyone knows someone who is gifted with encouragement and I pray that person feels the call from God to encourage others in the body...I have received it and I freely give it as often as God gives me opportunities!

I encourage you to ask God everyday for a "Divine Appointment" and then ACT on it when he answers you. Be faithful and bold when he gives you immediate direction. I assure you he has already given you the right words and equipped you with the proper approach. Let God lead it and you may just be surprised to find out what he can do when you LET HIM DO IT!

Well, off to spend some time with my "Alphabet Riddler" a.k.a my man!
Love and hugs - Dana

Me From A to Z

2008-07-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Micca Campbell's blog and thought it was too cute to pass up! Go to my comments and leave your link to your blog and join us in the F-U-N! http://www.miccacampbell.com/

Me From A to Z

A is for Age
I am 37 yrs old
B is for Burger of choice
I love anything Chef Mikey grills in our backyard
C is for Kind of car you drive
Dodge Grand Caravan Sport - silver
D is for dog's name
We don't currently have any pets (other than kids....do they count?)
E is for Essential everyday item you can't live without
It absolutely-positively has to be morning hugs & kisses from my girls!
F is for Favorite TV show at the moment
Well, it's a toss-up...I LOVE to watch Vermonators on Discovery Channel and Jon & Kate plus 8 on TLC (those kids are soooo darling - I pray for that family every time I watch the show)
G is for Your Favorite Game
I love to play SEQUENCE - it's so much fun.
H is for your hometown
Lexington, NC
I is for Instrument you play
I play a variety of musical instruments: piano, xylophone, drums, clarinet, flute, cymbals...and let's not forget my favorite instrument to play....MY RADIO
J is for your favorite Juice
I am a fan of anything tropical...Strawberry Mango or PineOrangeBanana
K is for who you'd like to Kiss
Hands down...My Hubby!!
L is for last restaurant you ate in
Taco Bell
M is for your favorite Muppet
It's always been AN_I_MAL from Jim Henson's Muppet Movies
N is for the Number of piercings you have
I have my ears pierced...once in each ear (when I was younger I had three holes in each ear)
O is for Overnight hospital stays
Well, unfortunately, mine reads like a medical chart: Gallbladder surgery @ 20; C-Section #1 in 2001; C-Section #2 in 2004; 2 week stay due to Staph infection following C-Section #2; Bailie's tonsil's out in 2006 - that 'bout covers it for me
P is for People you were with today
Co-workers, Mother, Husband, & Kids
Q is for what you do with your Quiet time
WHAT"S That???? I'm a homeschooling Mom of three...quiet doesn't exist for me!
R is for your biggest regret
I guess it would be thinking I could survive on my own @ 17 and choosing to leave the safety and security of my Parent's house....and choosing the world over all I had been taught from God's word my entire life -
S is for Status
Married. To the Man of my dreams.
T is for the Time you awoke today
6:00 am
U is for what you consider unique
The fact that no matter how prepared you THINK you are to be a parent of a teenager....you WERE ignorant beyond belief!!!
V is for your favorite Vegetable
I love almost any vegetable - especially fresh garden vegetables!
W is for your Worst habit
laziness...by far
X is for number of X-rays
I'm not sure I ever counted them...but you can always refer to *O*!
Y is for Yummy food you ate today
I had that new Queso Crunchwrap from Taco Bell - it is definitely SINFULLY DELICIOUS!
Z is for Zodiac Sign
I am a Libra - balancing is my thang! I do like "peace" in all things - but only because the LORD requires it and makes it a lovely way to exist...I DON'T DO HOROSCOPES!!

When A Man Loves A Woman....

2008-07-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

After completing the morning "kid tasks", I prepared myself to enter my quiet-alone space.....MY SHOWER. Yes, it has become my prayer closet, my ranting station, my conversation place, my place-to-praise, and ultimately my 15-20 minutes of P_E_A_C_E.

As I rushed around "securing" the house from my three-year-old, I couldn't wait to hit the shower and turn it on full blast! Oh how I longed to drown out the sound of Dora the Explorer or was it Wonder Pets??? I'm not sure....it is unimportant to me at this particular point of my dash to the shower.

Finally.... I reach the door that leads to the shower of solitude....my little piece of heaven....Oh, thank you Lord Jesus for showers and please keep my children safe from harm should I decide to stay here until the water is so frigid and cold I think I'm vacationing in Alaska! (Which is a destination I hope to reach before going home...) Okay... water temp - check; robe - check; my "special" shower gel and hair care products (which I hide from the three-year-old) - check! I grab a couple towels and throw them within arms reach on my counter top and yank back the shower curtain....

AAAHHHH....success! The water washes over me and brings such a feeling of relief! I love to close my eyes and stand under the magnificent gushing droplets and imagine it's raining on my head...I know....weirdo!!

As I open my eyes to look around for my "special stash" of shower goodies.....I notice a bunch of letters neatly arranged along the top edge of my shower....

Let me explain: The bathtub is also a haven for my girls. They love to indulge in bubble baths and make believe they are mermaids or pirates (depends on what they've watched that day). In that bucket-0-bathtoys, there is a set of Bathtub Alphabet Letters...you may seen them before. It's just your basic alphabet letters made to adhere to your shower walls. I have used them for "Fun" learning in the tub or shower since my oldest daughter was a baby.

So...imagine my surprise to find a group of them arranged in a message around the top edge of my shower.... This is what is read:

LUV

DSM

It took me a moment to realize...it was a love note from my darling husband.... I can hear you....aawwww! He had positioned it in the one place he knew I would take the time to cherish it...my place of solitude... I immediately gushed with emotion! See, my man is just learning how to be romantic. He's not so good with love letters, surprise gifts, poems, or things of that nature. He is excellent at telling me with every other breath how much he loves and cherishes me. He always hold my hand when we are driving down the road. He always snuggles before dozing off to sleep each night and I know he prays for me everyday!

I could go on FOREVER singing his praises and commenting on his outward displays of love for me....I know though...this love is not a love concocted by Mikey

NO! NO!

This love flows through him and out for me to see because he loves Jesus best. This I know for sure...no man could love his woman like Mikey loves me....on his own!

"Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God for God is love. So beloved, let us love one another." 1 John 4: 7-8

Semper Fi

2008-07-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Monday a week ago, my husband and I, along with my parents and our two daughters, witnessed a wonderful event. Our 13 year old son, Ryan, graduated from Boot Camp with his fellow Young Marines of Davidson County. They are the first of their kind in this area. Although Young Marines has been around since the 1940's, it is relatively new to this and surrounding areas in NC. Each "new" recruit must complete 10 weeks of "basic" training to advance to the level of Private. It takes weeks of hard work and dedication to achieve this end result and I am please to say that our son did so with honors. He received ribbons (decorations) for completing several training levels and maintaining an "A" average in school all year. We simply beamed! Like parents of a "new" baby or something. I actually had to give my husband the tissues I had brought for myself...he is such a softie! I am also thankful that Ryan's grandparents were able to attend as well. They have 13 grandchildren and they make each one feel so special and loved on an individual basis that we as parents fail to achieve! I thank God for my loving parents and their never-failing love for all their grandchildren! And yes...they were beaming too!! (See pic above!)

On the way home from our event, my husband, still teary eyed, reminded our son of an incident that had happened when he was just a little feller of 6 or so...

We had gone to a local parade, Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, I'm not sure which. And of course during the parade the Shriner's and Veterans made their appearance with their funny cars and expensive cars and old time cars...Ryan was completely absorbed. He loved the fire trucks at the end and the police cars that blew on their sirens and blew out our covered-over ears! He was so very excited and everything was so wonderful. He truly was a kid-in-a-candy-store! During the car ride home, we discussed all that had happened and all we had seen. As Ryan munched on the candies that we so thoughtfully tossed into the street, he made a startling revelation.."I want to be a veterinarian...so I can ride a funny car in parades too!" Mike and I could not contain our laughter. Restraint was a word we searched for...but it eluded us...for what seemed forever we continued to wipe the tears from our eyes as we giggled and repeated his words and giggled some more. "Did you mean to say Veteran, Ryan?" his father asked. Giggles could then be heard from our back seat..."Oh, yeah..." he managed between bursts of laughter! "Just how do you become a Veteran, daddy?" he asked. "Well, you must serve in the military and I am pretty sure you must do a tour-of-duty in a war or fight of some type." Ryan sighed, "Oh."

But last Monday night was better than any parade he could have rode in! He stood so nice and tall. He looked so manly and grown-up. What an accomplishment...and he had done it on-his-own...with only support from his father and me. He was beaming and yes, we did see just a little pride creep into his eyes, but not the kind that says "I am the best"...but just an ever so slight twinkle that said..."I knew I could do it."

And to top it all off, when we finally got home that evening, Ryan told us that he had asked God to help him each week and he had prayed for his leaders and fellow recruits to achieve their goals! He totally gave God the glory for his rewards!

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that dilligently seek him..

Amen.

2008-07-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

Independence Day...

A day of freedom from oppression and torment

It was worth dying....for some

Many great stories are told of the battles it took for this county to gain what it desire more than life itself....FREEDOM!
...freedom to worship God...the one true God, creator of heaven and earth.

Some things to ponder about FREEDOM:

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. (Psalm 119:45)

...that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Romans 8:21)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
(2 Corinthians 3:17)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
(Ephesians 3:12)

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)

It is still worth dying for....to ONE!

Blessings on you all; Love God and love others like God loves you!!

Beauty...For Dirt!

2008-06-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wow...sorry it has been a few days since my last post! Life has been....well...Life!!

Let's see....so much has been happening that it's hard to know where to begin talking...that's probably a first!

Thursday and Friday were work days - we put our bakery back together after being closed for 13 days for a light remodel! I don't think I get MY own house as clean as we got that bakery! Whew...my body hurt in places I didn't know could hurt! Good for the bakery though...

Have you ever noticed how a good cleaning makes things brighter? Smell cleaner? Motivate you to maybe do something you might not normally do in the New Improved Clean space? With the work it took to accomplish your task also comes a sense of satisfaction...right? Success, a job well done. It is pleasing to the eyes...it may even be pleasing to the nose depending on exactly WHICH space you are cleaning!

That's sort of how I think God takes his approach when He "cleans" us up as well. He takes so much loving care in restoring us to beauty....on HIS beauty scale! (Ps 45:11) Good news girls, I'm almost sure God's scales don't read weight in pounds! I'm pretty sure His scales read something like this: beautiful beloved daughter, delightful dancer, righteous heiress and of course Pure Perfection! Now that's a set of scales I can't WAIT to step on....

It may take a lot of elbow grease to get the "dirt" off but I assure you that our beloved Father in Heaven is using top 'o the line supplies (i.e. HIS WORD) to get the job done! And when His work in you is finished...your new improved clean space...will be just the right size room....for HIM...alone!

Until next post...

Blessing on you and yours...Love others as God loves you!

Laughing All The Way Home...

2008-06-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my very first blog...ever...really...okay...go ahead...I can hear the rumbling sound in the bottom of your throat rising to the top and eventually BURSTING forth into...You got it...Laughter! Oh, how I love that sound! Don't you?

I absolutely positively love to hear my children laugh. Not just the simple little giggle..No! No! The deep-down, belly-shaking, almost peeing-your-pants laugh! The kind my son, Ryan, can evoke from his sisters when he acts all silly...like his father! The kind of laugh that follows falling down or crashing through a window! (yes, that really happened and no, nobody was seriously hurt, thank the gracious Lord!) How wonderful, like music to my ears are the notes and various tones of the laugh.

This past weekend was absolutely smothered in laughter of all kinds. I spent three days worshiping, studying, sharing, learning, and most definitely laughing. I was fortunate enough to have two of the craziest roomies a girl could have...I don't think the Three Stooges had nuttin' on us three! We laughed in the car on the ride down, we laughed at check-in when we arrived to the hotel, we laughed in the elevator, and of course we hooped-it-up in our luxury suite! Shout out by the way! I miss you both terribly!

I was NOT prepared for all the laughter that came during the She Speaks conference. I could have renamed several of my sessions...She Laughs! A lot! Most all of the conference speakers kept me in stitches with their humor and storytelling abilities. How blessed I was that God would allow me to hear their stories and experience a small "nugget" of His plan for me...through them. I was amazed over and over again as God spoke through each woman who opened her heart and poured it out for us to soak up! And soak-it-up I did...until I was so full I thought I might burst into gushing waterfalls...and overflow I did...right into my crazy roomies! And as we each spilled a little from our topped-off cups, we watched the overflow pool into a refreshing pond of nourishment from God! Praise his Holy Name...He is good all the time!

I am so very glad to also have had the opportunity to meet a wonderful group of ladies in my evaluation group! They were each unique and brought with them a warmth that exceeded my best expectations. Yes, we laughed..a lot! And through that laughter we learned most splendid things about each other's lives, goals, and dreams! We even got in some spouse and kid talk...where else do you think we got laughing material?? God showed me so much through each one of them and I continue to be blessed by them daily...just crossing paths with all of them was most certainly Divine Appointment!

As my crazy roomies and I began our journey home, we shared highlights from each of our experiences at She Speaks 2008. We journeyed back to our refreshing pond, rolled up our pant-legs, and spent some time making ripples of lasting memories And yes, we laughed.....All The Way Home!!

Be blessed and love everyone as God loves you!