Merry Go Round

Have you ever felt like you were on a merry go round and just couldn't get off??  That's the ride I have been on for the past several weeks and it hasn't been all that fun!  

Being in the ministry is a blessing as well as a challenge at times.  Growing up in a pastor's home helped prepare me for many of the situations my family has encountered.  We have been traveling to the hospital (an hour away) several times a week to check on and pray with a dear lady in our church who had a surgery with many complications following.  I covet your prayers for her as she continues on the LONG road to recovery and as she is also approaching the one year death anniversary of her husband.  

I attended two funerals last week.  One was like a grandmother to me as I spent many hours playing at her house with her grandchildren while growing up.  I loved her and called her Momo.  God was gracious to her in bringing her home as she was suffering with Alzheimers.  The other was a precious 10 month old baby girl that was in the nursery at the Wee School were I substitute teach.  She was born with an extra chromosome but was a delightful, sweet baby girl.  She had some health complications but seemed to be improving when God called her home.  Her family is strong in the Lord and had a peace beyond understanding at her services.  They feel that their gift from God accomplished her purpose here on earth in her short months.  I know she touched me and I am honored to have been a small part of her life. 

Yesterday, I was preparing to attend the viewing of another saint who has gone home to be with the Lord but those plans changed (*with a phone call) and I will be attending her funeral today instead (barring that the weather holds off....it's suppose to snow here but I'm not holding my breath!).  This wonderful lady spent many years in the education system teaching boys and girls to love learning.  I didn't have her as a school teacher but was privileged to have her as a Bible teacher.  She was the best VBS teacher and really made the Bible Stories interesting and helped them come to life for us.  She will be missed and remembered!  

*My plans changed yesterday when my cell phone rang and someone inquired "Where are you?"  I knew by the tone of the voice something was wrong.  A sweet lady from our church had just wrecked less than a mile from the church on her way home from the beauty shop.  I turned the car toward home so we could be there to support her family and friends.  She is now in Heaven praising our Savior!  Pray for her family as they deal with this sudden unexpected death.

Who knows (Only God does) what this weekend holds?   Sometimes our plans must change according to HIS will.

I can't say that I  understand all of this and know that I never will...but I DO KNOW that God has a plan and a purpose for ALL things and I MUST trust HIM.

I do hope that the Merry Go Round stops soon so I can get off to rest.  :)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1

Nine Years Old

Dear Claire,

    Nine years ago, you changed our lives forever!  You made us parents and we embarked on the greatest and most difficult journey we have ever faced.  Thankfully, God has equipped us with the tools we need to raise you in a secular world.  You have blessed us with your sweet, sensitive spirit and we are thrilled that you have surrendered your heart and life to Jesus.  We pray for you daily to follow God's plan for your life.  Always remember Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

     It is hard to believe that you have been with us for half of the time we will have to teach you all that you need to know before leaving home!  We hope that the next nine years will slow down because there is so much to learn!!  We will always be your greatest fan and will be here to love and encourage you in this journey of life.  You are a precious treasure to us!  

With all our love,

Mom and Dad

Gratitude

Well...I'm picking back up where I left off in November with counting my blessings!  Not that I haven't been counting them....but I haven't been writing them down and that makes such a difference!  So here goes..

#91-#100

wonderful day of worship

a day at home with the family in memory of MLK

miraculous healing of a friend

answered prayer

N.O. Seminary dedication at LCIW

fun on the Senior Adult field trip

a youth minister

homemade hot chocolate on a cold, rainy day

a new year...fresh start

parents with servant's hearts

I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.  

Psalm 34:1

I'm linking up with the others in the Gratitude Community @ a holy experience.

Christmas Day

This post is a little late in coming, but I couldn't let Christmas go without posting about the day itself!  As you can tell from my previous post, I LOVE tradition and we have quite a few for Christmas. 

On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas Story as a family, take a quick picture, track Santa and set out the milk and cookies before being tucked snug in our beds.  This year, Levi was able to read the story to us and was very fluent in doing so.  I'm very proud of the reader he is becoming in first grade.  After the story, it took several tries before getting the Christmas Eve pic we desired. Claire left a special note to Santa from her and Levi with the milk and cookies.  We tracked Santa using Norad and realized he was traveling VERY fast and that we needed to get in bed ASAP!!

The True Meaning of Christmas!

 

 

 

Santa LOVES egg nog at our house!

My children have been known to sleep in on Christmas morning which makes this momma very happy!  But....this year, Claire came to my bedside at 5:30 and says, "Mom, do you think Santa has had time to get to our house?"  My reply, "Probably, but lets wait until Levi wakes up."  She tossed and turned for the next hour waiting for her brother to wake up. When I couldn't take it anymore, I suggested we go wake him up.  He woke up very quickly when he realized Santa had come and we made our way to the living room to see what he left.  Claire remarked later that she didn't know why they couldn't wake up this early on school mornings.....I wonder the same thing myself!!

 

 

 

 For the first time ever, I hosted Christmas Dinner at my house and enjoyed having my parents, brothers, nieces and nephews, and in-laws over to celebrate Jesus' birthday and carry out another tradition...baking a cake (or cupcakes) and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. 

My parents

 

Levi read The Christmas Story to our whole family!  The picture Bible he is reading from was a gift to Matt from his childrens church leader, Mrs. Farrar.  She wrote in the front, "Reward for quoting the 23Ps. word perfect and perfect attendance.  Lord bless you, Matt!"  She was instrumental in leading Matt to faith in Christ and I pray that her legacy will continue as our family reads through this picture Bible this year.  Mrs. Farrar went home to be with Jesus the day after Christmas!

 

We ended the night roasting marshmallows to make smores!!  A new tradition perhaps?

Annual Family Pics

Traditionally, we try to take pictures on the Sunday prior to Christmas and we successfully captured a few  good ones this year that I thought I would share with you.  You can also get a glimpse of the two years prior to this one.

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

2008

School Christmas Program

Claire and Levi both participated in their school Christmas program and did a great job!  Levi's 1st grade class recited "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and acted it out.  Levi was responsible for hanging the stockings by the chimney with care.  I think he did a fabulous job!

 

Claire's 3rd grade class spelled Merry Christmas and had a saying for each letter.  I was so proud of Claire for speaking loud and clear in front of ALL those people.  She would rather not be in front of a crowd!  Her class also sang a song.  It was quite enjoyable.

What's in Your Cup??

This year's Mother/Daughter Christmas Tea was a delight.  We had a wonderful speaker, Sheila Cason Breazeale, who brought a thought provoking devotion entitled, What's in Your Cup?  She challenged us to think about the people or events that have filled our cup(life).  Each lady was encouraged to share a special story about their teacup and reflect on God's overflowing blessings in their lives.  When I began to think of all the people who have impacted my life and filled my cup, I realized how blessed I am!  I thank God for giving me wonderful Christian parents who were the ultimate example in following Christ; Sunday School teachers like Betty Evers who not only talked the talk but walked the walk; My best friend, Candace, whose friendship is always steady and true, and my sweet husband who has a servants heart and makes me strive to be a better wife and mother.  
My prayer is that I will be able to be a blessing to someone and help fill their cup in the new year!

A few pictures from our Tea:

She lights up my life!

 

 

 

Christmas Treats!

Sweet ladies from our church.

Precious Girls

Thanks to Mrs. Wanda for reading a story to our girls!

Thanks to Mrs. Pam for preparing a craft for the girls!

Mrs. Marvine sharing her "cup" story.

Our speaker, Sheila Breazeale