Thursday, July 31, 2008

This is it!

Well, this is it. I can't believe it's here.

The final day of VBS. *sigh*

We end on Thursday because we start it or kick it off during the Sunday school hour on Sunday.

Our final day of VBS. *sigh*

Two things that I'm praying for....

Christian will return. I'll write about him tomorrow. I don't think I'll be able to stand it if he doesn't. And....the seeds we have planted are already taking deep root.

Please pray that for us today. I really want us to finish strong!! We do end in some fun too.
Our kids have been competing in their groups all week to see who can bring the most poptarts and cereal bars for a ministry in our area called "Snack backpack." This ministry feeds hungry children on the weekends. So.....

the group with the most items, gets to throw pies in 2 of our youth intern faces!!!! How fun is that???!!! I hope those interns show up today! :)

Our scriptural background for today's theme of Believe is the story of Thomas not believing that Jesus was resurrected when he saw him for the first time.

We need to believe in Jesus and the things he can do even though we can't see him. And, we should take note of the fact that Jesus continued to offer himself to the disciples to help strengthen their faith.

Let's not put Earthly limitations on Jesus either. Let's increase our belief and hope in the Savior and creator of the Universe.

John 20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

And...one more thing...

My precious hubby sent me these darling and beautiful flowers yesterday to the church. He was loving on me and congratulating me on a successful VBS. Aaaaaahhhhhh.



And...guess where I am going tomorrow??? Come back Friday morning for some hodge podge of randomness to find out. :)

Hugs and blessings~

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A Woman healed

Our bible story behind VBS today is the woman who was healed when she touched Jesus clothing.

Don't worry, we don't tell the children she had been bleeding for 12 years....can't you hear the questions now??? But, our focus is to be BOLD!

The woman was seen as an unclean woman for these 12 years, but had strong enough faith to fight through the crowd to touch Jesus.....hoping for healing. This woman had some boldness, determination and some serious faith.

Jesus knew that power had left his body even though he didn't see who touched him. She boldly came forward, fell at his feet, and explained what she had done. Jesus response to her was, "Your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

I want that boldness. I want that faith. I want that desire or need of mine to be healed by Jesus. I want to fall at his feet. I want to share that faith with others.

1 John 5:14 "And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

I pray for you today. I pray that we all have that beautiful boldness and the amazing faith we need to go after our Jesus and share him with others.

Hugs and blessings~

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Another fab scripture

We survived Day 1 of VBS and I thought it was fabulous. Well, maybe fabulous is a bit strong. Let's just say it went really well for the 1st day. :)

There was one little boy who came to VBS and is young and has never been to our church. He has some buddies that he knows, but he is not a church member. He was scared and cried and really probably wanted to go home.

I talked with his ever so sweet mom downstairs for awhile. I reassured her. I told her stories about my own boys at his age at church. I bragged on her son. I told her that sweet moms were talking with him and holding his hand and loving on him. I hope I made her feel somewhat better and I hope I let her know we truly cared for her son.

That little guy struggled through the 1st little bit and then turned the corner and was having a great time. Sometimes, it's not the Bible lesson that we learn or the craft that we make or the fun songs we sing that make us happy. Sometimes, it's simply the love of someone else encouraging us or hanging with us when the day gets hard.

Life can be that way for us too. Sometimes we just need some love and encouragement along the way. I hope that today you will reflect Jesus by showing Him through your actions.

1 John 3:18 "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."

Show the love of Jesus today! It's so sweet to see this love in action.

Hugs and blessings~

Monday, July 28, 2008

A mighty good scripture

Since it's VBS week, I thought I would just share the scripture for our day! Can you hear the beach music and the waves crashing?? It's a beach theme this week!!

Colossians 3:12 "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience"

I am praying this for myself and all our VBS leaders today and I'm praying this for you too!

Have a great day with Jesus. Celebrate that you are chosen and His beloved then dress yourself up for the role of your lifetime!

Hugs and blessings~

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Well, my goodness

I got a precious comment from my darling "almost real life" friend, Stephanie, who said that she had a little something for me.

So, I hopped over to Stephanie's blog and found this.....


I was so surprised and so grateful that Stephanie thought of me for this award. We all start these blogs with a different purpose and I truly had NO IDEA that I would be finding friendships along the way, much less getting an award.

So, my heart is full of gratitude and love today and I will pass this along to Patty and Kim.

These two women are working so hard on the Siesta Fiesta stuff in San Antonio next month and I do think they are brilliant in what they do, how they have done it, and keeping their sanity in the process! :)

Their hearts are just beautiful for Jesus and I will probably knock them down with hugs when I see them. They are the real deal and just a true joy to know.

Hugs, blessings, and prayers for you all today....

Friday, July 25, 2008

Happy Birthday!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to proser you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This is for my oldest son.

This is for his birthday today. I really can't believe it.

My baby is 12 years old and I'm wondering where in the world did the time go because surely he's NOT 12!

I was 26 yrs old when I had Clay and didn't have a care in the world and didn't have a clue for that matter either. :)

I was just thrilled to know that he would be the first person to ever call me "mom." I didn't get the meaning of that word, mom, at the time. I sure understand the depth of it now. It might have been a good idea that I was young and clueless because I wasn't scared in the slightest.

Clay arrived into the world after 15 1/2 hours of labor, weighing in at 8 1/2 lbs and was bald as a bat. He was just stunning to me and I was just in shock that he came out of my belly and that we had made him. He definitely had my heart at first look.

Clay is growing into a young man that always wants to do the right thing, wonders why everyone else can't do the right thing, and loves Jesus more than I ever imagined at that age. He loves different Bibles and will just go read a book of the Bible just because. How cool is that?!

"Dear Lord, please protect that part of his heart and mind. I pray that he continues to grow in love and knowledge of you and he never waver in Who you are in these years to come."

Clay is calm, even tempered, humble, and perseveres like none of my other children. He won't jump ship when the going gets tough. I love that about him.

He enters middle school this year which means a whole new territory for a whole bunch of new things. Watch out middle school....here we come!

I'm scared. I'm happy. I'm excited for him. I'll pray like crazy for him.

Children are a gift from the Lord and I'm in awe of this child today. He teaches me so much.

I love you Clay. You are my 1st born, the strongest one of us all probably. I cannot wait to see where God takes you. Remember, He has plans just for you and your father and I will walk right beside you and be your biggest earthly fans.

Happy 12th birthday!!! Now, let's have a GREAT day celebrating!


Hugs and blessings!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The deep stuff

I have been a little distracted by our precious, bundle of puppy breath, "Pepper." Yes, that is what son #2 named her. I'm not sure why he didn't pick Missy, Molly, or Sissy.

She has been so much fun to watch. She's coming out of her shell. I love watching her run, and bark try to keep up with the bigger version of herself. She can hang with the bigger 16 lb, Bailey. To watch them try to play....well, lets just say I could sit and do that for hours.

Might be the reason I'm doing things at late hours of the night.

Not getting important things done. Can I take a picture of my fridge for you??? You would instantly write me off as blogging friend.

Oh, but I am! Yes I am!!

Door #1 is this....




Yes, I heard you gasp! I did. And, I do too. I'll explain at the end.

Door #2 is this....


Now, I completely see that there is nothing in the bigger part of the fridge. I think there is some jello from awhile ago. There is a Dr. Pepper that is very flat. There is some fun cinnamon bread that I may eat. There is some coffee.
There are a few things in there, but nothing of substance. If you saw the chocolate milk on the top shelf, it's straight from a gas station on our way home from a ballgame. Nice huh?? I'm sure its just as good as Kroger milk, right?!

Anyway, we've been just a little busy finishing up travel ball, working on VBS, and just plain not being home very much! And, I'm really ok with it.

This baseball season is one day from being over and I have to say that I'm going to miss it terribly. The people, the kids, the environment, the smells, the dirty uniforms, the cleats, the bags, the routine.

And, even the empty fridge.

It's been fun...so very fun boys!!

Momma will go to the grocery as soon as it's over.

Hugs and blessings~

Monday, July 21, 2008

The "A" word

Hey sweet friends.

It's Monday morning. The stress (AKA anxiety) is trying sooooo hard to come into my mind and body this morning. I'm fighting if off by the second.

Why you ask??

VBS.

Oooooooh, you say.

It's a GREAT, awesome, fun, full of Jesus week, but it takes a lot of preparation and detail planning to get to that point. That would be my job.

It all comes together. It always does.

But, the week before gets a little hairy and overwhelming, so whats a girl to do??

1. stay focused (wishing)
2. eat alot
3. find busy work to do at home so I don't have to "work" on it
4. pray continually..."Peace Jesus Peace."
5. pray continually..."Strength Jesus Strength."
6. eat more
7. yell at kids
8. stay up WAY TOO LATE
9. neglect things like children, new puppy, and the grocery
10.give it all up to God

I sit before you today and truly ask Him to take every bit of anxiety, every bit of concern, and every worry that I may have over this one. He is God for crying out loud. He is more than able and willing to help me through this.

You have heard me say 401 times, "God is in the details. He loves the details."

So, if you are feeling a little anxious or uptight or worried or anything but settled.....take a minute or two or ten and just go before Him on your knees and ask Him to be there with you and help you. He already is....let's let Him do His thing!

Proverbs 12:24 "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor."

Proverbs 12:25 "An anxious heart weighs a man down..."

hugs and blessings~

Saturday, July 19, 2008

2 totally different, but heavenly smells

Well, I just don't know what to say other than...

"my, my, my!"

I have had the pure joy of doing two beautiful things in the last two days that are a true slice of heaven in my book.

What are they, you ask?

Babies and puppies!

Babies and puppies....and some hilarious little boys along the way too.

Let me share via pictures....

my oldest son and my brother (PEACE OUT!)


I held my darling, only girl on my family side, for almost 2 hours of heaven. She smelled just like you would imagine!


This is my middle son behind me and he kept saying, "Mom, look at HIS little toes."
We aren't around baby girls much.


This is #3 son and "Mimi" watching.....


their cousins do this...


and this...


and again..


Boys, boys, boys.

Let's go back to that baby again. Her precious name is Lucy. Isn't she something?


Look what happens when you give a 10 yr old boy and his 7 yr old boy your camera...




Ok, here is a shot of me and my brothers...


ok..the people are cute and all in these pix, but look at this darling no-name puppy I have in our house now!! And, she sure does smell like that puppy you think she does!


This is our other dog, Bailey, checking out the new no-name dog in the way that only dogs can do..


Thanks for stopping by! I'm going to go love on my puppy some more. And, try to figure out a name for her.

Hugs and blessings~

Friday, July 18, 2008

It's Friday!!


Happy Friday everyone!!

We made it through another week and God has been everywhere for me this past week. I'm always asking for my eyes and heart to see Him at work in the details of daily living.

Let me share just a few things that were special to me.......

My oldest son grew in confidence as he played in a 12 yr old baseball tournament and being on an 11 yr old team. I love watching things like this happen.

We stayed up late with friends on Wednesday night.....Wednesday night folks....We laughed and played with our kids outside in the backyard. It was unexpected, but a complete blast! These are dear friends and we are trying to set an example of life with Christ for them.

I was able to take some of my church kids to the movie yesterday and watch them truly enjoy being around one another. I love them so much.

I will be with family today in Nashville. I'll post pictures later....there is a beautiful baby girl in the family now so we do a lot of staring and oooohing and aaaaahing over her.

Finally....I'll be making a quick trip on Saturday over to the state of KY to get us something truly adorable, tiny small, amazing puppy breath, and a bundle of j-o-y. I'll show her off later in the weekend! :)

Thanks Patty for reminding me to take time to sit down and reflect on the beauty of family and friends.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy whatever you are doing and live life to the fullest.

Hugs and blessings~

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Love these guys so much!!!

I wonder....are you so sick of hearing about baseball and how it is and how I'm worn out???

I am.

But, we just finished our next to the last tournament. Some of you wonder..."WHY are y'all still playing baseball?? Isn't the season over??"

Well, we are a part of that crazy travel ball thing and we play just a smidget longer than league ball.

Here are a few pix from the last tournament. We did quite well. My oldest 2 boys are on the same team...just different aged teams.

Enjoy. You may smell us. We stink by the end of the day when it's 99 outside. It's all good though.











Love your children to pieces this Summer. It's a short time before school will be upon us and this fun is over.

Love you all dearly. Thank you for being my encourager along the road of life.
Hugs and blessings~

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

A baseball prayer for myself

"Dear Lord ,

I may need your help today. You see, I'm really worn out from all the baseball games and a little edgy when it comes to bad umpiring, stupid coaches (of course from the other teams) and somewhat tired of embarrassing parents (of course from the other teams).

We are playing another baseball game today Lord. I bet you already knew that though. ;)
I got a little worked up in a game yesterday and maybe said a few things I shouldn't have. Don't worry, Father, I didn't embarrass myself too much. I really just need to settle myself down a bit today. This dern 1st base coach for the other time drove me NUTS yesterday! He was somethin else Lord so he may need an extra dose of patience and discernment today too.

Thank you, Father, for the opportunity my children have. And I praise you through it all, but I pray that I don't say things under my breath today like I did yesterday. I think I muttered something like, "you stupid coach. shut up."

Forgive me, Lord, of the short temper, ugly attitude (even though I kept it quite hidden and reserved for only one other momma) and maybe somewhat ugly thoughts I had about our opposing teams parents. They really were a bit obnoxious.

I obviously need a tad bit more of you today, Lord. I also think I need a tad bit more of the Holy Spirit today too, Lord. Whenever you see me running low, can you just instantly fill me up before I ask?

Thank you for a beautiful day and for watching over our boys today. I want to do better today, Lord. Thank you for loving me anyway.

In Jesus Name I pray....
Amen"

Monday, July 14, 2008

Thou Shall Not Freak Out

Happy Monday everyone!

I have woken up today with a sense of panic on me. You know that feeling of "you better hurry up and get going" before you have had one cup of coffee.

That ain't good.

This is because we have moved at a speed of lightning all weekend and I've had that feeling of wondering what day it is, what time it is, or anything along the lines of being organized and in control. I do know that there are 401 things brewing in my mind that ARE NOT done and SHOULD HAVE been done last week. Oh, you know. Maybe check the bank account and make sure I'm not sitting there with minus $200 or something. I believe the dog hasn't eaten in a day either.

My boys are still busy in baseball. We are playing in a tournament in our hometown right now so you would think these feelings of stress, freaking out, hurry up mind set, would not be with me. But they are.

Here we are yesterday. A picture of all 5 of us....that's so rare.




We actually are doing well as I sit here and type this out. The family is great! It's just me and my little self that want to LOSE MY MIND! I'm looking this scripture up in my Bible now....

Proverbs 14:30..."A heart of peace gives life to the body."

I need me some of that peace today. I need me some of that life today. Is there any scripture about having a clear head and slowing down and direction that I may need??

You better believe it!!!

I'm off to dig into discernment, wisdom, joy, and love right now.

Those 401 things will get taken care of. How many times do I say that God is all about the details of our every day life?? Enough to know that

HE IS.

HE WILL.

HE IS ABLE.

I believe Him to take over my heart and mind today. I'm asking Him now.
Have a blessed day everyone. Enjoy! Let's get this day started....and do not make any comments about the cereal!



Peace~

Friday, July 11, 2008

God stop Friday

Ok...I've got two things for my God stop Friday.

And, thank you to our sweet friend, Patty, for hosting this each week.

First thing I'm going to tell you about are my darling turkey friends down the street. I'm not talking neighbors, as in people, when I say turkey friends.

I mean honest to goodness baby turkeys....that are now 2 days old. And, they have a story behind them regarding their momma.

Ya see.....our people neighbors were at their farm and they were bushhogging (no idea how to spell that word). I hope you know what bushhogging is because I'm not explaining other than he was cutting the fields with a tractor.

The grass was REAL tall and REAL thick. It was almost like straw or hay up to your knees. I was told that you could lose a car in this stuff it was that thick. Well, needless to say, their oldest son was on the tractor trying to clean things up. He is going along and then.....bump.....he knows he has run over something and gets off the tractor to see what it might have been.

To his complete shock, he sees the momma turkey.....sorry, but he had run over the precious momma, and her nest of eggs. AND, her nest of eggs. What amazes me is what happens next.

The son, forgetting everything else, scoops up all 9 of her eggs....without a single crack....and takes them to his aunt's house. She is a teacher and all teachers have an animal incubator, don't they? She did. He then took them home to quickly get them incubator. An hour has gone by at this point and the eggs are still hot by the time they are ready to put them in the incubator. That's some serious heat that a momma gives off to her eggs when she is laying on them.

The family didn't know how long it would be before they started hatching so they waited and watched.

But, what's precious to me is that momma knew how long it would be before those babies of hers would be born. She knew it was soon. She saw that tractor coming. She knew she had to "take one for the team" as my husband said. She knew it was all about protecting those babies.

And, she did. She took one for the family in order to save those babies.

Well, one by one, over the next 24 hours, those baby turkeys pecked their sweet little selves out of those eggs. I was able to watch the last one go through the process. That little guy worked so very hard y'all. He poked and poked and poked a complete circle around the fat part of the egg. And, finally, he pushed that thing open and plopped that wet head on the incubator floor like he was just worn out. And, I bet he was.

It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen lately. I stood in amazement wondering, "how did you fit in there?" And, "you worked so hard buddy."

By this time, his brothers and sisters had been transferred to a temporary cage type thing with a heat lamp on them. And, yes they come out able to walk. So, he is all by himself in the incubator for the next 8 hours. He can't be moved too soon.

He is moved the next morning with the others and is immediately shunned. Yes, he was. I felt so sorry for him last night. He is the runt and he is shunned. We were told that they may not all make it....due to sickness or others pecking another one to death. HORRIBLE. Just horrible.

I talked to that cage last night and said normal things that you would say to a cage of baby turkeys..."Be nice to your brother. He needs you right now. You are family. Be sweet. Why can't y'all just get along?"

Only time will tell what will happen to these turkeys. The family has a plan for them in the next week. It's kind of hard to raise turkeys in a neighborhood.

Only time will tell what happens to the runt. My heart is soft toward him. I saw him come into the world and fight so hard out of that egg.



Ok...real quick because I know that was long....


God stop #2 was supposed to be about having fun this week. Just wanted you to know that I raced my kids down the street last night. Raced them people!! Raced them with running legs.

I kept thinking..."I'm not as fast as I used to be. I'm not as fast as I thought I was." I got beat big time. But, we sure laughed when we were done.


It was fun and funny! Family and fun should go hand and hand.


Thanks for stopping by and learning about my turkeys. :)

Hugs and blessings~

Thursday, July 10, 2008

So very happy!

There are so many reasons why I love where I live....I'm not sure if it's a Southern thing or if this stuff occurs everywhere....I've only lived in the South.

And, by the South, I mean I have lived only in Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina. My other favorite Southern states are Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

Nothin like the South. It gets so hot and so humid at times you question if there is really air out there. You cannot breathe it can get so thick. That's gross, but when it's all you've ever known, it becomes ok.

I hate hearing western folks talk about how hot it is in Phoenix or something and they have no humidity. "It's dry." Don't feel sorry for them. You can take it.

There are some things that I just wouldn't trade for anything....And, I'll share through pictures because we all love pictures.

Atlanta Braves baseball....






This would be Chipper Jones...kids love him!



These would be goats, yes goats, behind some "motel" in Georgia. We had lunch at "the Dairy Queen" next to the "motel."



I found this green teeny tiny frog on one of my chairs on the patio. No bigger than your thumb.



This is a "farm cat" and her babies...



These are baby turkeys. TURKEYS. I will post about them tomorrow. They are one day old. Waiting on the last one to hatch. Simply amazing.

I love where I live.

I hope you have a wonderful day wherever you may be!

Hugs and blessings~



And, if you've been around long enough, you know how I feel about these guys...









Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Amazing kid!

If you haven't seen this amazing video of this 8 yr old boy playing baseball, then you HAVE to watch it. Its not long, and you'll be blessed. He's not your average boy playing ball.



Thanks for the inspiration, Adam. You are one cool kid.
Hugs and blessings~



http://youtube.com/watch?v=y4LMBEBM1qc

Monday, July 7, 2008

It's time....

I think I have been working on this post for some time.

If you have noticed, I have done 2 random posts that give you some insight into "who I am" in the last couple of days.

I absolutely love reading random things about people. It's much more fun than reading some other things. I don't know...maybe it's just me, but I love finding out quirks and interests about people. You can find out things about people you think you know and quickly realize you didn't have a clue that they like ketchup on a turkey sandwich.

Not me. Just sayin.

So, I think it's time for me to tell you a bit more about myself. I'm not sure why, but I think the Lord is telling me to be a bit more detailed about who I am and where I came from. And, before I say another word....I give Him all the glory and praise for the work He has done and continues to do in my life.

So...let the story begin. And, bear with me.

I want you to know that I had a wonderful childhood. I want you to know that I grew up going to church. But, I want you to know that these two things was no guarantee/done deal/good girl outcome for me and the decisions I would make come high school and college.

As a parent and a person who deeply loves growing children and their families closer to Christ, a good childhood and growing up in the church guarantees you NOTHING. I say this not to scare us or cause us to doubt, but merely to share my story and the path that I chose to take then.....and now.

I would say that my 1st pit I landed in and landed in and landed in and landed in was the pit of

COULDN'T SAY NO. This can mean all sorts of things and I believe I covered so many things along this road. Not being able to say no to people, situations, or behaviors can then lead you down a road of.....

PEOPLE PLEASER ......these two things go hand and hand and caused a lot of destruction in my life. I wanted to be liked by everyone and was well liked by most everyone, but this isn't good either. Before I knew it, I was with people and in situations that I had no business being in and was setting myself up for some huge falls because I couldn't say no......remember??

I was also someone that had NO RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY.....don't get me wrong though...I wasn't rude or hateful or ugly. I was a typical teenager and young adult that truly believed I was invincible and would never die. I thought when I made the stupid decisions to do the stupid things I was doing, I wouldn't get caught.....and if I did??? So what.

I have lived through so much in my lifetime. Not as much as some, but enough to know that I have either seen it all, witnessed it all, or participated on some level of "not the right thing." I have nearly died, had an old boyfriend commit suicide, battled addiction of different kinds, wanted to take my own life on more than one occasion, been heartbroken more than I could imagine for someone who was popular, well-liked, and grew up in the church.

A review:

1. Couldn't say no
2. People pleaser
3. No respect for authority

These 3 traits that lead my life were 3 sticks of dynamite that would eventually explode. They did too. But, they didn't explode like you might think they would or should.

I grew up alot in my early 20's, got tired of the lying, manipulating, being someone that I wasn't, and knew it was time to just grow up. The church was nowhere in my sight either. Let me say that my youth director was arrogant and very uncaring and completely turned me off. I walked away from church and didn't return for over 10 years.

I got tired of the race I had been running and began to just slow down. I graduated from college alone and scared. I had no one anymore. Life was not good. I began to work at my local gym teaching some classes and getting started in graduate school. I think I was scared to be alone so I kept going to school.

I met the man of my dreams in that gym. We married. I loved him dearly. We had 2 children very quickly. The second son sent my "normal" life into a complete tailspin. I thought I had life all together, but realized soon after Tyler was born that I most definitely did not.

I called my husbands cousin one afternoon and she invited me to Bible study for moms at her church. That Bible study changed my life.

I was introduced to a man named Jesus that I never knew growing up in the church. I guess I heard about him, heard stories about him, but never knew the real him. He's not just a man in a book. He is real. He is at work. He is active in all our lives.

I was introduced to scripture. I was introduced to every day living with Jesus. I heard him for the 1st time during these months of Bible study. My heart fell in love and I didn't even realize it.

You see.....I have been in too many pits and know more pits than I care to share in detail. But, you get the idea of what I have said. I know that Jesus saved my life during a time when I thought life was good, normal, and happy with a husband and 2 kids. The thing is....I didn't even know I was sinking then. I KNEW I was sinking during those teenage and early adult years, but had NO CLUE where to turn. He knew that my life would take a turn at a different time. He saved my scrawny neck during those years and I thank Him every day for it. The man has patience.

Jesus knew that my life would be turned around in a different way and in a different time. I can look back over those disastrous years and humbly say, "thank you Jesus for protecting me and loving me even when I was a complete mess and a fool."

So, I have been blessed beyond words when it comes to a life and a heart turning completely around. I have gone from the girl who couldn't say no, people pleased, and had no respect for authority to being....

1. loves to say no
2. looks out for what Jesus thinks first
3. complete respect for God and those He has placed in my life

He saves. He truly saves. He isn't called Savior for nothing!

Now you know why I call my blog, "Blessed by Him." There aren't enough words to tell you how I feel about Him. If you do not have a personal, real, daily relationship with Him, then please email me. I'd love to show you how to take a man from the stories in a book to the man who you can't get through a day without.

Blessings y'all....and, thank you for loving me and encouraging me along the way. You are the best! It's a complete joy to walk this road alongside you.

Something to kill time with....


1. Where is your cell phone? car

2. Your significant other? work

3. Your hair? colored

4. Your mother? golfer

5. Your father? smart

6. Your favorite thing? Laughing

7. Your dream last night? Nada

8. Your favorite drink? Coffee

9. Your dream/goal? Peace

10. The room you’re in? Kitchen

11. Your church? blessed

12. Your fear? sickness

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home

14. Where were you last night? Home

15. What you’re not? Bold

16. Muffins? blueberry

17. One of your wish list items? Speaker/teacher

18. Where you grew up? Arkansas

19. The last thing you did? coffee

20. What are you wearing? pj's

21. Your TV? Good Morning America

22. Your pets? schnauzer

23. Your computer? Addicted

24. Your life? Blessed

25. Your mood? anxious/VBS

26. Missing someone? Tyler

27. Your car? Suburban

28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes

29. Favorite store? Target

30. Your summer? Flying

31. Like(love) someone? family

32. Your favorite color? orange

33. Last time you laughed? last night

34. Last time you cried? last night

Sunday, July 6, 2008

I could not have imagined....

Seriously....the love I have for this blog community is really indescribable. Y'all encourage me, teach me, make me laugh, make me cry, make me seek Him more, and make me so glad I started this crazy thing ONE YEAR AGO!!!!!

Oh, yes. Today is my blogaversary. One year ago, I birthed, "Blessed by Him." And, it has been the best ride.....thanks to each one of you.

I have real friends here. I am so blessed in so many ways and you are a part of His blessings over my life.

Well, what should we do to celebrate the big day???

Throw a party ??? (I so would if we could all get together)

Wish I could send you video greetings, but I can't (camcorder dead)

Well, I think I'll just list a bunch of off the wall, crazy stuff "about me" for you to get to know me a little more. And....no, it won't be a 100 things. I'm not patient enough to think that through!

1. I'm sitting here in hotel room in Atlanta. Braves game last night. Braves lost. Boo Braves!

2. My middle son, who is only 10, is on his 1st away from home trip with friends.....Destin no less.

3. My hubs and I will celebrate 14 yrs of marriage the day before I head to SA for the Siesta Fiesta.

4. My oldest turns 12 this month. WHAT??? EXCUSE ME??? No way!

5. I absolutely love my coffee first thing in the morning....and then any time thereafter is good too. Addiction was always a problem for me.

6. I grew up in the church but did not know Jesus until I was 26 yrs old.

7. I had my 1st two boys 15 months apart.

8. God grabbed me then because I might have lost my mind that 1st year.

9. Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis TN turned my life around and introduced me to HIM through a Moms Bible study. I was amazed, in awe, and in love before I could articulate it.

10. I'm in a season of life with Him that I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing. I love my job at the church, but wonder if I should be doing more.

11. I'm crazy about kids and women studying God.

12. My favorite color is orange!

13. My favorite thing to do with women is laugh, encourage one another, and do Bible study together!

14. My husband and I are both tall. He's 6'2 and I'm 5'9 so we have 3 tall boys.

15. My youngest son makes me laugh all day long. And, he has the coolest hair around.

16. God broke me of anger and short temper issues. PRAISE HIM! It is an ugly thing.

17. I absolutely love our dog, Bailey. She is a miniature schnauzer and is at the puppy hotel while we are gone. :(

18. I love good food.

19. However, my entire family so dern picky. Makes it very hard to feed them.

20. I got some new pj's the other day. I love them and want to wear them all day long.

21. I could spend HOURS in Lifeway.

22. Wish I would read more. I have this thing about sitting down and feeling like I should be up doing something.

23. Want to read "The Shack."

24. Love mint chocolate chip ice cream. Reminds me of being a kid.

25. 20th HS reunion is in October. DON'T WANT TO GO! And, I really don't think I am going to be able too.

26. We ordered room service for the 1st time with kids last night. You would have thought we said we are going to Disney World as soon as we leave here.

27. My heart breaks for the homeless, hungry, and hurt world.

28. I want to make a difference in the life of someone else. Someone did that for me and I came to know the real Jesus.

29. I miss Bible study. I've been gone for 2 weeks with baseball and I feel LOST.

30. I have to wash my face before bed. Actually, I have to be clean before bed.

31. This coffee from the hotel is not nearly as good as mine at home.

32. THATS IT!!!

Have a great day. Not in church today because of being out of town. Feeling kind of funny.
Praying for each of you today.

hugs and blessings~
Fran

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A whole new me!

Well, look what I have gone and done!!!

Got me a new look!!!!

Thank you Amy! You are the absolute best!! If you are in the mood for a new design.....I HIGHLY recommend her.

Happy 4th! We are so blessed by Him.
Hugs~
Fran

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Some Summer fun!

Since my brain is on the "low productivity" side right now....I'm going to share some pix of all the fun we've been having lately. Not even going to type cute captions I don't think. :)

Enjoy...I hope your Summer is a blast!!













me and my best buddy on the tube!


Peace out!!



hugs~
Fran


I blog so you can get a glimpse into my life as wife, mom of 3 boys, and someone who simply wants to bless others along the way. Have fun and be sweet :)


Boy 1

Boy 1

Boy 2

Boy 2

Boy 3

Boy 3

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