Just when you think ..

you have the right to complain about the things going on in your life, have your own pity party, groan, mumble and get down right mad about things going on in your life .. God allows you to hear about families REALLY going through it like this ... and it makes you fall to your knees and thank God for what He has given you and your family. It makes you pray for other people (which we would should be doing more of anyway) and it makes you realize, that YES things in my life ARE crazy, BUT there is ALWAYS someone else who has it so much more worse than you.

BTW .. Jennifer's faith IS amazing and the way she is handling what is going on is indeed amazing. That is the strength only provided by the Lord in my opinion.

I am NOT saying my issues and problems are not a concern of my great God, because they are and I WILL continue to pray about them, but SMACK DAB right in front of me is a reason to stop all the junk and pray, be thankful and pray some more. Especially after looking at my husband and 3 sons and knowing where we all could be.

Thankful, truly thankful.

The Protection of God

I had just finished praying with the kids this morning about many things, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to pray about protection and my alertness on the rainy roads.

Not more than 15 minutes later, I was faced with an SUV facing me head on. I veered off the road and into someone's yard to avoid the crash. I then moved my car and parked on a quiet street to gain my composure and shake... my hands were shaking because all I could think was did that just really happen and THANK GOD .... you saved me and my kids today.

I called my husband who said he had JUST prayed for protection for us .. possibly just as the lady was coming around the corner or as I was swerving off the road.

After I got it together, I drove back to where she was and that is when I saw she had hit a tree and landed against someone's chain link fence. She IS ok, her car .. not so much. Neighbors called police and they were on their way.

I gave her my card in case she needed it later and was glad she was ok.

When the Holy Spirit says pray .. PRAY!

Blog Vacation

It is not like I blog everyday anyway, but I am taking a break so I can get my head together, take care of some things and yes, get ready for fall school year. Ack!

I WILL be in and out, but family comes first and they like eating and I really like taking care of them. :)

Happy 4th of July!

(photo taken after long day around LOTS of food)

We had a GREAT time with the family today. Lots of food, fun and laughter! Lots of laughter. Maybe too much food as well. Gauging by the photo, I need to lose more weight. :( I'll get to working on that REAL soon.

With the temps crossing 102 this week, I will more than likely sweat some of the water weight. :)

Anyhoo, the kids had a blast playing with their cousins and godbrothers, eating crispy hot dogs and Earl Campbell hot links. (psst, have you ever had those? They are the best!) That man did more than play some football, he can make some sausage.

My brother came over on his motorcycle (my dad would kill him if he knew he had one) and scared us half to death by peeping through the windows while we were all in the kitchen. He IS a jokster.

We ate a LOT .. oh did I say that .. but more than anything else, the family was together celebrating the freedom we all have in this country, but also the freedom in Jesus we have. What a privilege to be in a country where we can openly celebrate the goodness of God!


Happy 4th!

A Jewel in His Crown - Ruby

(Orginally posted 7/2/2008)

Updated 2009

6 years ago my daughter Denham was born and died on the same day. We were not expecting her to arrive, but God had another plan.

We were getting ready for a week long vacation (oddly the same vacation this year) when she arrived, but the packing was halted by sharp labor pains and a day later, delivery.

We did not know we were going to have a daughter, so I did not have time before she was born to buy dresses, bows and girlie little things. When I delivered her and heard the nurse say "it's a girl", I was so excited and then remembered, no heartbeat. My sweet baby gril Denham was gone in an instant and then I cried and cried some more.

I miss my little girl .. even today .. 6 years later .. I am glad I got to hold her .. but it does not replace having her here with her earthly family .. having her here with me.

I know she IS with God and I will see her again, but I miss her.

Butterfly kisses my sweet, sweet Denham.

(Ruby is the birthstone for July)