Okay...so per request of my Dad...I am adding a picture of our Christmas Tree. He came over the other night and was so sweet about how nice my tree looked. He might have been just trying to make me feel good because I am not much of an interior decorator...at all. I'll try to add that today. Oh and here is a thought. I love Christmas trees so if you have decorated one...and are proud of it, send me a pic to amynelsonmom.nelson@gmail.com. I'll post your pic with mine and we can share ideas!
But...I thought our tree turned out okay and Coach assured me that it looked good. We'll go with it. I didn't even put half our ornaments up because I was running out of room! Apparently we need to retire Coach and I's ornaments and put up the kids...or do 5 trees for all our stuff.
So as I was driving to the gym last night to RESTART my workouts...I noticed all the lights on the houses...and the beautiful street decorations...and the bright red water tower...(all lit up). The water tower has been lit with Christmas lights since I was a little girl. I can remember coming over the hill from Derby to Mulvane and being able to see it from miles away. Anyway...it all made me smile. And you'll never guess what song was playing on the radio? It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas! I smiled the entire way to the gym...which is odd for me. I usually frown all the way there because I know what is coming. How do people get happy about working out? I always feel better after it is done, but I DREAD going. For real. But because of the sights and the music...I was happy all the way to the elliptical machine. Speaking of...did any of you see the commercial with the Target Black Friday lady on the elliptical? Hilarious...
Today is Coach's first Middle School Basketball game (to coach, of course) and it is in Eldorado at 5:00. There is no way I can make it to the game, but I will be cheering him on from home! Good luck Coach...love ya!
Middle somehow broke the zipper on his coat so we are on a mission to find one tonight. I believe Kohls is still having their fabulous sale so we'll be doing that tonight...followed by a pizza on the way home. Good times...I am sure. (Oh, I remember...it wasn't Middle's fault. The dog chewed the zipper last winter) And somehow...we have lost ALL of our gloves. I know better than to buy each boy one pair. So we buy several. And somehow...they've all disappeared. I have a feeling it has something to do with Little and his obsession with wearing "football gloves" or "batting gloves". He walked out the other night in a uniform complete with a batting helmet, huge snow gloves...his Cubs jersey...and Big's cleats. So today, Big and Middle will mismatch their gloves and make it through the day. We'll then stock up at Kohls tonight. Oh how I love winter. Ugh.
So...today is the infamous...Phelps Protesting. The HS kids worked hand in hand with administration and came up with a plan that would not give them any attention. They, along with parents and teachers, are meeting in the gym to sign a poster that will unite them against the ugliness that Phelps and his crew are bringing to town. Good job kids...VERY GOOD JOB. The town can take this...a few protesters who don't know what they are saying...for what, 30 mins? AND...it is absolutely freezing out there today. So...thank you God for the bitter wind and the beautiful cold morning.
Off to get the kids out of bed and on their way! Have a wonderful day and stay warm! Go 7th and 8th grade Wildcats!
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thanks...a lot
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1,26
–adverb
–adverb
1.
without ever ending; eternally: to last forever. (dictionary.com)
One of the songs I can remember singing from our Kids Praise and Worship CD is called Forever. And the lyrics go something like this...
Forever God is Faithful
Forever God is Strong
Forever God is with us...Forever
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Which I would assume comes straight from the verse that was for today.
Forever is a long time.
A very long time.
Which is good in this case. God's love endures forever. How long? Uhmmmm to the moon and back...with no ending. To eternity...and back...and around again. His love is NEVER ENDING. I believe we've gone over this a time or two...for instance...when we turn our backs on him...it doesn't stop. And when we get angry with him...it still doesn't stop. When we betray him...or we do something we know to be the exact opposite of right and true...his love carries on. Forever. When he says forever...he means it. Pretty cool if you ask me. To know in my heart that he loves me forever...even when I fall short. (which I do quite often) That is a pretty good feeling.
So...
In an attempt to spend more time together as a family, I got out a couple of board games yesterday. Let me preface this with Middle had just gotten home from his trip with a friend, and Big had "slept over" at a friend's Birthday party. I have slept over in quotes because according to his attitude with us...they didn't sleep at all. Anyway, we sit down to play our game and Middle quits before it even begins...claiming he was too tired. Little was next to fall away claiming he just wanted to hold his "guys"...meaning the pawns of the game. Finally, after a couple of games, Big quits because we hurt his feelings and Coach continues to play using both he and Big's pawns to get where he wanted to go. I told him he was cheating...He said he was being creative and I was only mad because I didn't think of it first.
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Which I would assume comes straight from the verse that was for today.
Forever is a long time.
A very long time.
Which is good in this case. God's love endures forever. How long? Uhmmmm to the moon and back...with no ending. To eternity...and back...and around again. His love is NEVER ENDING. I believe we've gone over this a time or two...for instance...when we turn our backs on him...it doesn't stop. And when we get angry with him...it still doesn't stop. When we betray him...or we do something we know to be the exact opposite of right and true...his love carries on. Forever. When he says forever...he means it. Pretty cool if you ask me. To know in my heart that he loves me forever...even when I fall short. (which I do quite often) That is a pretty good feeling.
So...
In an attempt to spend more time together as a family, I got out a couple of board games yesterday. Let me preface this with Middle had just gotten home from his trip with a friend, and Big had "slept over" at a friend's Birthday party. I have slept over in quotes because according to his attitude with us...they didn't sleep at all. Anyway, we sit down to play our game and Middle quits before it even begins...claiming he was too tired. Little was next to fall away claiming he just wanted to hold his "guys"...meaning the pawns of the game. Finally, after a couple of games, Big quits because we hurt his feelings and Coach continues to play using both he and Big's pawns to get where he wanted to go. I told him he was cheating...He said he was being creative and I was only mad because I didn't think of it first.
The moral of this story is that we as a family need practice. We...as in most of us (excluding me) really like to win. And when we lose...we lose miserably. Coach...I know you are reading this thinking about the boys...but remember that bowling game that one time when I beat you? (yes, I remember there were bumpers...so what?) Just kidding...just kidding. You did really well yesterday. :) But...we have work to do...and we'll do it. I want the boys to be able to sit and enjoy some family time..win or lose. Because family time is a win/win situation...pending we can all get along. Lord...be with us.
Okay...off to start my Monday. Ugh. But...3 weeks til Christmas vacation! Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Okay...off to start my Monday. Ugh. But...3 weeks til Christmas vacation! Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Blink
This morning, we all got up and went to church. Well...not all of us. Big was at an overnight birthday party and Middle was also away with a friend. So Coach, Little and I all headed out to church. And as we left, I looked over our freshly cleaned, neatly straightened Christmas decor. It made me smile. After all...It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!...right?
So why...if it is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...do I feel like I have so much to do? And I am on a time schedule to do it? As of Thanksgiving...I had exactly one month until Christmas Day. ONE MONTH! To do the cleaning, the decorating, the shopping, the wrapping, the card making, the card addressing/stamping/mailing, the baking, the hosting, the party throwing, the cooking, the practicing, more shopping, more wrapping, more cleaning...
AAAACK!
I can't take it anymore! We spent approximately 6 hours cleaning, and decorating this house for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And finally, Coach stopped me and said...
Okay, so I might have ad-libbed a bit there, but that was his point. All day, he had been volunteering to help in any way he could. Carrying boxes...cleaning toilets and doing laundry. And the more I decorated, the bigger mess I made. The bigger mess I made, the more frustrated I became. The more frustrated I became, the less fun I was having getting ready for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And so...
I scrubbed one last shower...and then I went and got ready. We loaded up with Little in his too short pants and his super cute Converse tennis shoes (wearing his buzz light year backpack) and off we went. We ate at one of our favorite places (Red Robin) and came home to watch a movie. I wasn't feeling well...the aftermath of Black Friday Shopping in below freezing weather..so we spent an evening together at home. And the night went from not so wonderful...to perfect.
Coach reminded me that life moves too quickly for us to get bogged down by time restraints and restrictions. And then...as God would have it, we heard a song on the way to dinner that proved his point exactly.
It is called...Blink. (by Revive)
I added it to my playlist and you should be hearing it as you read this post.
As we go into this Holiday Season...we have a choice to make it frustrating...rushed...disappointing...and self driven.
Or...we can slow down.
We can truly make it The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. By taking the time to enjoy every moment we have with the ones that we love. By taking the time to enjoy the music of the season...the joy that we bring to one another...the gift that was given to us so long ago.
Thank you Coach...for making me slow down...just in time. I feel like at the pace I was going, I would blink and it would be over. It is my hope that I can take it day by day and spend as much of it being grateful for the gift of our Family.
Have A Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
So why...if it is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...do I feel like I have so much to do? And I am on a time schedule to do it? As of Thanksgiving...I had exactly one month until Christmas Day. ONE MONTH! To do the cleaning, the decorating, the shopping, the wrapping, the card making, the card addressing/stamping/mailing, the baking, the hosting, the party throwing, the cooking, the practicing, more shopping, more wrapping, more cleaning...
AAAACK!
I can't take it anymore! We spent approximately 6 hours cleaning, and decorating this house for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And finally, Coach stopped me and said...
How about you go take a shower, and we take Little out for dinner...just the three of us. I'll finish doing the things that you want to get done and let's just stop for today. This mess will still be here tomorrow...and we can finish then.
Okay, so I might have ad-libbed a bit there, but that was his point. All day, he had been volunteering to help in any way he could. Carrying boxes...cleaning toilets and doing laundry. And the more I decorated, the bigger mess I made. The bigger mess I made, the more frustrated I became. The more frustrated I became, the less fun I was having getting ready for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And so...
I scrubbed one last shower...and then I went and got ready. We loaded up with Little in his too short pants and his super cute Converse tennis shoes (wearing his buzz light year backpack) and off we went. We ate at one of our favorite places (Red Robin) and came home to watch a movie. I wasn't feeling well...the aftermath of Black Friday Shopping in below freezing weather..so we spent an evening together at home. And the night went from not so wonderful...to perfect.
Coach reminded me that life moves too quickly for us to get bogged down by time restraints and restrictions. And then...as God would have it, we heard a song on the way to dinner that proved his point exactly.
It is called...Blink. (by Revive)
I added it to my playlist and you should be hearing it as you read this post.
As we go into this Holiday Season...we have a choice to make it frustrating...rushed...disappointing...and self driven.
Or...we can slow down.
We can truly make it The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. By taking the time to enjoy every moment we have with the ones that we love. By taking the time to enjoy the music of the season...the joy that we bring to one another...the gift that was given to us so long ago.
Thank you Coach...for making me slow down...just in time. I feel like at the pace I was going, I would blink and it would be over. It is my hope that I can take it day by day and spend as much of it being grateful for the gift of our Family.
Have A Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Black Friday Video Diary
Short and Sweet. I took one video before we left...left the camera in the car...and took one when we got home. I look HORRIFIC on the last video. But I wanted to show you the sacrifices I make to go out there and get my deals. Next year, I'll consider my appearance a bit more before I tape my final entry. It would have been a lot of fun to tape while standing in line, but it was freezing and I couldn't feel my fingers anyway. We did get all the stuff we were shopping for...and it was a complete and total success. I was able to sleep the entire afternoon away thanks to my AWESOME husband...and am recovering nicely this morning.
So this is it...no more Black Friday talk. No more shopping for great deals. I'm done...for 2010.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR BLACK FRIDAY!!!
Referee of 3
So this is it...no more Black Friday talk. No more shopping for great deals. I'm done...for 2010.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR BLACK FRIDAY!!!
Referee of 3
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Josiah
As Coach and I were getting ready this morning, we came across a very special story on ESPN. Coach called me out of the bathroom to watch...and we did. We sat in silence on our bed and watched...and cried...and watched. I was in awe. It isn't by chance that we saw this story. We were meant to see it. We were meant to be touched by it. And I wanted to share it with all of you. We have so much to be thankful for and sometimes...we take it forgranted.
Josiah doesn't do that.
As a family that is completely and totally involved in sports...we were taught this morning that success doesn't always equal a win.
Live in the moment.
Love the moment.
And don't blink...for only He knows when it is our last.
Thank you Josiah...for sharing your story. You are one awesome little boy.
Much Love,
The Nelsons
http://search.espn.go.com/josiah-s-story/
Josiah doesn't do that.
As a family that is completely and totally involved in sports...we were taught this morning that success doesn't always equal a win.
Live in the moment.
Love the moment.
And don't blink...for only He knows when it is our last.
Thank you Josiah...for sharing your story. You are one awesome little boy.
Much Love,
The Nelsons
http://search.espn.go.com/josiah-s-story/
Give Thanks
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do...whether in word or deed...do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
That is a pretty big statement. Whatever you do.
Like as in everything. Oh dear. That means I am not holding up my end of the bargain. I know for a fact that not everything I do has been in the name of Jesus. But I also know that He knows I try. Lord do I try...
Today is such a wonderful day. I love Thanksgiving and am so grateful for my family. We get together as a family around noon, and bring in all the dishes we've prepared. I love to cook. I know some of you may be laughing right now, but it is true. I love to cook. And I like to bake too...but anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight attention issue and the timer goes off long before my brain remembers I put anything in the oven. Also, I have NOT a creative bone in my body when it comes to food. But...I love to cook. So I will be preparing my three veggie dishes and attempting not to get distracted or leave the room in order to keep them all from burning to a crisp. (I'll let you know how that pans out...get it? Pans Out?) I'm hilarious this morning.
We then sit and eat until we are all absolutely miserable...and talk about all the things we are thankful for. Which includes seconds. I am always thankful for seconds...and leftover turkey sandwiches with Miracle Whip...YUMMY! Okay...sorry...derailing here.
Thanksgiving is a time of...well...giving Thanks. So today, take time to talk to God about how Thankful you are for your blessings. Name them...give him details. Talk to Him as if He were standing in the kitchen with you. Let Him know that without Him...nothing would matter. It is so very important that we remember to give thanks to the maker. The one who was...who is...and who will always be.
I can only hope and pray that my loved ones know how much they mean to me. I am truly grateful for my friends and family. I am thankful for the fact that we live in a town where people know my name and know my kids. They respect my husband. I am forever grateful for our church home...where I have been fortunate enough to grow up in and stay in. I am thankful for PR...(now don't go getting all sentimental on me PR) for he has changed our faith...and strengthened our relationship with God...along with our marriage. I am thankful for our neighbors who look out for us and hopefully don't judge us as our 3 year old (now 4 year old) drives off into the sunset on his hot wheels. I am thankful for the parents of my boys' friends. For they take care of my kids as if they their own. I am thankful for our health...our home...and our community. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my love with Christ. I am thankful that sometimes I say things that might not exactly reflect God's love...and I am forgiven for that. I am thankful for the moments when I am strong in His love...and I am thankful for the moments when I fall short. Because those are the moments when I learn the most.
I could go on all day...because we are so blessed. Beyond Measure. So...open your hearts and your minds today to the things in your life that you are truly grateful for and give thanks to the one who Blesses you Every Single Day!
Oh and I forgot a few things...
I am thankful for
Coffee
Cheesecake
Diet Pop
Cupcakes
Butterfingers
and in my best sing song voice EVER...
BLAAAAACK FRIIIIIIDAAAAAAY!
See ya in line folks!
Referee of 3
Whatever you do...whether in word or deed...do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
That is a pretty big statement. Whatever you do.
Like as in everything. Oh dear. That means I am not holding up my end of the bargain. I know for a fact that not everything I do has been in the name of Jesus. But I also know that He knows I try. Lord do I try...
Today is such a wonderful day. I love Thanksgiving and am so grateful for my family. We get together as a family around noon, and bring in all the dishes we've prepared. I love to cook. I know some of you may be laughing right now, but it is true. I love to cook. And I like to bake too...but anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight attention issue and the timer goes off long before my brain remembers I put anything in the oven. Also, I have NOT a creative bone in my body when it comes to food. But...I love to cook. So I will be preparing my three veggie dishes and attempting not to get distracted or leave the room in order to keep them all from burning to a crisp. (I'll let you know how that pans out...get it? Pans Out?) I'm hilarious this morning.
We then sit and eat until we are all absolutely miserable...and talk about all the things we are thankful for. Which includes seconds. I am always thankful for seconds...and leftover turkey sandwiches with Miracle Whip...YUMMY! Okay...sorry...derailing here.
Thanksgiving is a time of...well...giving Thanks. So today, take time to talk to God about how Thankful you are for your blessings. Name them...give him details. Talk to Him as if He were standing in the kitchen with you. Let Him know that without Him...nothing would matter. It is so very important that we remember to give thanks to the maker. The one who was...who is...and who will always be.
I can only hope and pray that my loved ones know how much they mean to me. I am truly grateful for my friends and family. I am thankful for the fact that we live in a town where people know my name and know my kids. They respect my husband. I am forever grateful for our church home...where I have been fortunate enough to grow up in and stay in. I am thankful for PR...(now don't go getting all sentimental on me PR) for he has changed our faith...and strengthened our relationship with God...along with our marriage. I am thankful for our neighbors who look out for us and hopefully don't judge us as our 3 year old (now 4 year old) drives off into the sunset on his hot wheels. I am thankful for the parents of my boys' friends. For they take care of my kids as if they their own. I am thankful for our health...our home...and our community. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my love with Christ. I am thankful that sometimes I say things that might not exactly reflect God's love...and I am forgiven for that. I am thankful for the moments when I am strong in His love...and I am thankful for the moments when I fall short. Because those are the moments when I learn the most.
I could go on all day...because we are so blessed. Beyond Measure. So...open your hearts and your minds today to the things in your life that you are truly grateful for and give thanks to the one who Blesses you Every Single Day!
Oh and I forgot a few things...
I am thankful for
Coffee
Cheesecake
Diet Pop
Cupcakes
Butterfingers
and in my best sing song voice EVER...
BLAAAAACK FRIIIIIIDAAAAAAY!
See ya in line folks!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
My first Video Blog
Okay ya'll...I can only say this. I did not know you could not see my face. I didn't have time to check it all before I videoed...so...be nice. This is my first official video blog. I will try to not do this very often as I am not much of a speaker. :) Enjoy and remember this...
I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Love Conquers All
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”- Psalm 100:4-5
I got on facebook last night before bed to find out that Fred Phelps is coming to Mulvane next Tuesday to protest at our High School. Apparently (according to my friend and the HS principal) they are not allowed on school property. However...they are free to stand on City property which would be the sidewalk lining Rock Road next to the High School. So...this is what our town has to look forward to after Thanksgiving Break.
You should see the facebook discussions. WOW. Some VERY upset people around here. And I can't say that I blame them. I understand that lifestyle choices are being questioned...and I completely disagree with what is happening as far as his coming and the nasty things he (as in Phelps) put on his website about our children and this town. As I read some of the things that he (Phelps) posted, my stomach started to hurt and my blood began to boil. It made me sick...and sad...and angry.
And the kids....Oh my the kids. The HS students...not all, but a pretty big group of them are staging a counter-protest to happen that morning. I am so sad that they would even be exposed to Phelps's ugliness. But I guess we have to grow up sometime. And unfortunately...the world is full of people who disagree with lifestyle choices...religions...how we raise our children...etc. Fred Phelps is a very outspoken man about his beliefs...but he is one man. And he isn't God. So honestly, to me...his voice does not matter. What he stands for isn't even heard in my ears. And I would hope that I would be able to teach my children the same thing. BUT...it still makes me very angry.
Violence isn't the answer.
A counter-protest isn't the answer.
Bashing him publicly or on facebook isn't the answer.
Of course I want to call him names. I want to get right in his face and tell him what an insensitive, arrogant, ignorant moron he is and to leave this town and NEVER come back. But...God has a better plan.
Love is the answer.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Love your Neighbor as yourself.
1 Corinthians 13 4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
We should love him. We don't have to be his best friend...or agree with him...but God would prefer that we love one another. Even those that we may not deem worthy of our love. It seems we don't get to be the judge of that.
Are you serious? God wants us to love that? I don't get it. Why would God even allow someone like that to live and stand strong when he is such an ignorant, horrible human being?
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
We know he is evil. We know his beliefs are way off. We know he is an ignorant human being. We know the truth Mr. Phelps. And we...as in myself and hopefully my family...know that you'll get yours when the time is right. I am guessing that evil isn't written in the book of Life. So...have your protests. Spew your ugliness and venom about people you deem less worthy...and when you get to the pearly gates...remember this...
Love keeps no record of wrongs...BUT...God does. Good luck with that buddy.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
I got on facebook last night before bed to find out that Fred Phelps is coming to Mulvane next Tuesday to protest at our High School. Apparently (according to my friend and the HS principal) they are not allowed on school property. However...they are free to stand on City property which would be the sidewalk lining Rock Road next to the High School. So...this is what our town has to look forward to after Thanksgiving Break.
You should see the facebook discussions. WOW. Some VERY upset people around here. And I can't say that I blame them. I understand that lifestyle choices are being questioned...and I completely disagree with what is happening as far as his coming and the nasty things he (as in Phelps) put on his website about our children and this town. As I read some of the things that he (Phelps) posted, my stomach started to hurt and my blood began to boil. It made me sick...and sad...and angry.
And the kids....Oh my the kids. The HS students...not all, but a pretty big group of them are staging a counter-protest to happen that morning. I am so sad that they would even be exposed to Phelps's ugliness. But I guess we have to grow up sometime. And unfortunately...the world is full of people who disagree with lifestyle choices...religions...how we raise our children...etc. Fred Phelps is a very outspoken man about his beliefs...but he is one man. And he isn't God. So honestly, to me...his voice does not matter. What he stands for isn't even heard in my ears. And I would hope that I would be able to teach my children the same thing. BUT...it still makes me very angry.
Violence isn't the answer.
A counter-protest isn't the answer.
Bashing him publicly or on facebook isn't the answer.
Of course I want to call him names. I want to get right in his face and tell him what an insensitive, arrogant, ignorant moron he is and to leave this town and NEVER come back. But...God has a better plan.
Love is the answer.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Love your Neighbor as yourself.
1 Corinthians 13 4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
We should love him. We don't have to be his best friend...or agree with him...but God would prefer that we love one another. Even those that we may not deem worthy of our love. It seems we don't get to be the judge of that.
Are you serious? God wants us to love that? I don't get it. Why would God even allow someone like that to live and stand strong when he is such an ignorant, horrible human being?
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
We know he is evil. We know his beliefs are way off. We know he is an ignorant human being. We know the truth Mr. Phelps. And we...as in myself and hopefully my family...know that you'll get yours when the time is right. I am guessing that evil isn't written in the book of Life. So...have your protests. Spew your ugliness and venom about people you deem less worthy...and when you get to the pearly gates...remember this...
Love keeps no record of wrongs...BUT...God does. Good luck with that buddy.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Monday, November 22, 2010
Home Again
Well...we made it home. KC Shopping Extravaganza 2010 was a complete success. We ate...and ate and ate. We shopped...and shopped and shopped. We laughed...and laughed and laughed. And cried. And laughed some more. We cleaned out the stores (or so it seemed) and had an absolutely wonderful time. We have traditional places that we go every single time we go to KC. Eating establishments...stores...etc. We added two new "must do's" to our tradition list and it was as "me" as it gets. I visited this store called Sephora. Now I know most of you probably have seen or at least heard of it...but it was new to me. I had never been in...and now I am a changed woman. Make up is kind of my thing. Since I was little, my Mom has always had her "face on" as she referred to it. Even on Christmas morning...so I grew up watching her do different make up tricks, or reapplying her lipstick after every single meal...no matter where we were. So even though I am not as talented as she is at putting it on...I LOVE make up. Sephora is a huge beauty store with tons of makeup. Need I say more? In love...
Our second new tradition was this little bitty cupcake shop down by Towne Center Plaza. It was pink. The store itself was like this glorious pink color with a black chandelier. And pictures of cupcakes everywhere...and aprons that were absolutely adorable. If I were better at cooking, I would have bought one. They had row after row of these beautiful sugared creations...and I was so happy to be there! Now...if you know me, you will know I love food. But I also love pink and girly. So the hot pink Cupcake shop might be my new favorite place to go. It rocked!
Needless to say, our trip was Awesome! Lots of good times and wonderful memories...So grateful. Thank you Mom, Granny and Sister...it was perfect. Except for the Semi trucks and the curves...that I could have done without. Love you all!
Okay so moving on to the devotion part of this blog...which I am assuming why most of you are reading.
Last night at our church was our annual hanging of the greens. This is where people in the congregation come together to decorate our entire church for Christmas. After we have decorated, there is a service explaining some of the decorations and why we do what we do. And then...we eat! Everyone that came was assigned a dish and we feasted! We had our own Thanksgiving feast after we decorated for Christmas...kind of backwards, but what do you do? I plan on putting up a few of my own greens this week too so...Sorry Coach! He has a strict rule about no decorating before Thanksgiving...and I respect that...BUT...when I get home from Black Friday, it would be so nice to be THANKFUL for the decorations being already put up. See how I am tying it all together? (Actually, Coach not only put up our outside lights, but he let me turn them on last nigh...Yay!)
Anyway...I do have a point.
Being together last night as a church family was just what I needed to get this Holiday season kicked off right. So many people were there last night...smiling...enjoying each other's company. They were there and they were thankful. It was really neat. And as I sat there last night, I started to list the things I am so thankful for in my life...
My parents
My wonderful Husband
My children...even though they are all boys and I would have loved to paint one of their rooms pink with a black chandelier...I am so thankful for them. (Sorry, but the pink wall was AWESOME)
My sister...and her husband...and my sweet Niece and Nephew
My In laws
My friends
My home
My job
My food
My warmth
My bed
My blog
My friends that I have never met, but know because of this blog
Cupcakes...
Okay...the last one was a joke...but I do love Cupcakes. Almost as much as cheesecake.
My point is this...we have so very much to be thankful for. And this week is our chance to really put all of that in perspective. My list could go on and on. I have learned so much this year...good and bad...that I have a lot to Thank God for. Because He has given me all of it. Every good thing...the opportunity to learn from every bad thing...the opportunity to do good...the opportunity to be forgiven and forgive others...time with family...time with friends...He has strengthened our marriage...He is helping me with the boys...(and I need a LOT of help with them)He gave me an entire weekend with my Mom, Granny and Sister...and I am so grateful.
What are you thankful for? Write it down...really think about how your life has changed and what you are the most grateful for. And thank God. Thank Him for everything. Every thought...every action...every reflection...as He is the one in charge.
Thank you Lord...for all you have given me. You make me who I am. Thank you for the ability to succeed...and for the ability to learn from the moments when I fail. (Lord knows I have them) I am eternally grateful for all that you do, but most importantly for the gift of your son...Jesus Christ. Amen.
Have a Great Day! We have Monday and Tuesday this week and then we get a mini vacation to be together as a family. Should be a good time. Have a Blessed Day All!
Referee of 3
A few pics of our trip for your enjoyment will be coming soon. The uploader is being ugly.
Also, please continue to pray for Jenny Schaar. She is the friend's sister that is fighting Pancreatic Cancer...among other things and is in desperate need of our prayers. Also, today is Mercy Monday. Please pray for my friend Melissa who is stuck in Uganda trying to finalize the adoption of her daughter Mercy and get home. She has been in Africa for 13 weeks I believe and her daughter here at home has a Birthday this week on Thanksgiving. Being a part has been extremely hard on their entire family. If you have not read this blog, please hop on over and read Melissa's story. They are also in need of our prayers. Road to Mercy Blog And finally, please continue to pray for my neighbor that has Cancer and my new friend Heather Snyder (Smith is her maiden name) who is also battling Cancer. Hers is Melanoma and she flew to Nashville yesterday for a scan, I believe. To read Heather's story, you can click here. Lots of people in need of our prayers this week. Please step up with me...thanks friends!
Our second new tradition was this little bitty cupcake shop down by Towne Center Plaza. It was pink. The store itself was like this glorious pink color with a black chandelier. And pictures of cupcakes everywhere...and aprons that were absolutely adorable. If I were better at cooking, I would have bought one. They had row after row of these beautiful sugared creations...and I was so happy to be there! Now...if you know me, you will know I love food. But I also love pink and girly. So the hot pink Cupcake shop might be my new favorite place to go. It rocked!
Needless to say, our trip was Awesome! Lots of good times and wonderful memories...So grateful. Thank you Mom, Granny and Sister...it was perfect. Except for the Semi trucks and the curves...that I could have done without. Love you all!
Okay so moving on to the devotion part of this blog...which I am assuming why most of you are reading.
Last night at our church was our annual hanging of the greens. This is where people in the congregation come together to decorate our entire church for Christmas. After we have decorated, there is a service explaining some of the decorations and why we do what we do. And then...we eat! Everyone that came was assigned a dish and we feasted! We had our own Thanksgiving feast after we decorated for Christmas...kind of backwards, but what do you do? I plan on putting up a few of my own greens this week too so...Sorry Coach! He has a strict rule about no decorating before Thanksgiving...and I respect that...BUT...when I get home from Black Friday, it would be so nice to be THANKFUL for the decorations being already put up. See how I am tying it all together? (Actually, Coach not only put up our outside lights, but he let me turn them on last nigh...Yay!)
Anyway...I do have a point.
Being together last night as a church family was just what I needed to get this Holiday season kicked off right. So many people were there last night...smiling...enjoying each other's company. They were there and they were thankful. It was really neat. And as I sat there last night, I started to list the things I am so thankful for in my life...
My parents
My wonderful Husband
My children...even though they are all boys and I would have loved to paint one of their rooms pink with a black chandelier...I am so thankful for them. (Sorry, but the pink wall was AWESOME)
My sister...and her husband...and my sweet Niece and Nephew
My In laws
My friends
My home
My job
My food
My warmth
My bed
My blog
My friends that I have never met, but know because of this blog
Cupcakes...
Okay...the last one was a joke...but I do love Cupcakes. Almost as much as cheesecake.
My point is this...we have so very much to be thankful for. And this week is our chance to really put all of that in perspective. My list could go on and on. I have learned so much this year...good and bad...that I have a lot to Thank God for. Because He has given me all of it. Every good thing...the opportunity to learn from every bad thing...the opportunity to do good...the opportunity to be forgiven and forgive others...time with family...time with friends...He has strengthened our marriage...He is helping me with the boys...(and I need a LOT of help with them)He gave me an entire weekend with my Mom, Granny and Sister...and I am so grateful.
What are you thankful for? Write it down...really think about how your life has changed and what you are the most grateful for. And thank God. Thank Him for everything. Every thought...every action...every reflection...as He is the one in charge.
Thank you Lord...for all you have given me. You make me who I am. Thank you for the ability to succeed...and for the ability to learn from the moments when I fail. (Lord knows I have them) I am eternally grateful for all that you do, but most importantly for the gift of your son...Jesus Christ. Amen.
Have a Great Day! We have Monday and Tuesday this week and then we get a mini vacation to be together as a family. Should be a good time. Have a Blessed Day All!
Referee of 3
A few pics of our trip for your enjoyment will be coming soon. The uploader is being ugly.
Also, please continue to pray for Jenny Schaar. She is the friend's sister that is fighting Pancreatic Cancer...among other things and is in desperate need of our prayers. Also, today is Mercy Monday. Please pray for my friend Melissa who is stuck in Uganda trying to finalize the adoption of her daughter Mercy and get home. She has been in Africa for 13 weeks I believe and her daughter here at home has a Birthday this week on Thanksgiving. Being a part has been extremely hard on their entire family. If you have not read this blog, please hop on over and read Melissa's story. They are also in need of our prayers. Road to Mercy Blog And finally, please continue to pray for my neighbor that has Cancer and my new friend Heather Snyder (Smith is her maiden name) who is also battling Cancer. Hers is Melanoma and she flew to Nashville yesterday for a scan, I believe. To read Heather's story, you can click here. Lots of people in need of our prayers this week. Please step up with me...thanks friends!
Friday, November 19, 2010
CHEESECAKE!!!
First of all, I apologize for not blogging yesterday. As most of you know, I have coffee with my parents in the wee hours of the morning on Thursdays...which is usually when I write my blog. It is the only time in the entire day when the house is completely quiet. I need quiet time to think...to reflect...and to write. So on Thursdays, I have a very hard time getting back to the computer and writing something that even remotely makes sense.
Today, I am leaving for Kansas City with my Mom, Sista and Granny. This is our annual KC Christmas shopping trip and I LOVE it. No really...you have no idea how much I love this trip. We get to eat at wonderful places...(The Cheesecake Factory)! I get two uninterrupted days of shopping...which is impossible here at home. I get to spend time with the three out of four of the most important women in my life...(Mother in law stays home to care for my loveys while I am away)...AND...I get to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.
Oh wait...I already said that.
Sorry. Like I said...you have no idea how excited I am.
There is nothing like a break from reality to super charge your battery for life. Whether it is a trip with my fave women...or a weekend away at a baseball tournament. Packing up and leaving town for a few days just does me a lot of good. It gets me outside the box that I am always in and sheds new light on situations that might have made their way into the dark. Not that there is a lot of quiet time on the trip...we talk a lot. A LOT. But it is good...to have different perspectives. Generations of knowledge about marriage...raising families...our faith...and what kind of Cheesecake to order. I LOVE it.
I would also like to report that I had a fabulous Birthday. I had so many Birthday wishes and love that day...it was amazing. Coach went way out of his comfort zone with the help of a friend and bought me a fabulous Miche Bag. (The kind you can change the outside to make it look like a different purse...which comes in very hand as I have a changing of furniture and purses habit). An old friend brought me my favorite drink from Starbucks in a reuseable mug...it was wonderful. My sweet Mother in law made me a strawberry cake and we celebrated at their house in the evening. It was a great day and I loved every minute of it.
So...with that said...Have a wonderful weekend! Please continue to be in prayer for my friend's sister Jenny. She is battling pancreatic cancer among other things and is in need of prayer. You all are the most wonderful prayer warriors...thank you for all that you do.
Referee of 3
Today, I am leaving for Kansas City with my Mom, Sista and Granny. This is our annual KC Christmas shopping trip and I LOVE it. No really...you have no idea how much I love this trip. We get to eat at wonderful places...(The Cheesecake Factory)! I get two uninterrupted days of shopping...which is impossible here at home. I get to spend time with the three out of four of the most important women in my life...(Mother in law stays home to care for my loveys while I am away)...AND...I get to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.
Oh wait...I already said that.
Sorry. Like I said...you have no idea how excited I am.
There is nothing like a break from reality to super charge your battery for life. Whether it is a trip with my fave women...or a weekend away at a baseball tournament. Packing up and leaving town for a few days just does me a lot of good. It gets me outside the box that I am always in and sheds new light on situations that might have made their way into the dark. Not that there is a lot of quiet time on the trip...we talk a lot. A LOT. But it is good...to have different perspectives. Generations of knowledge about marriage...raising families...our faith...and what kind of Cheesecake to order. I LOVE it.
I would also like to report that I had a fabulous Birthday. I had so many Birthday wishes and love that day...it was amazing. Coach went way out of his comfort zone with the help of a friend and bought me a fabulous Miche Bag. (The kind you can change the outside to make it look like a different purse...which comes in very hand as I have a changing of furniture and purses habit). An old friend brought me my favorite drink from Starbucks in a reuseable mug...it was wonderful. My sweet Mother in law made me a strawberry cake and we celebrated at their house in the evening. It was a great day and I loved every minute of it.
So...with that said...Have a wonderful weekend! Please continue to be in prayer for my friend's sister Jenny. She is battling pancreatic cancer among other things and is in need of prayer. You all are the most wonderful prayer warriors...thank you for all that you do.
Referee of 3
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| Mom, Granny, Chele and I...Look out Kansas City...Here We Come! |
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Not So Bad
I have ALWAYS loved having a birthday. I have always been a spotlight kind of girl. I am pretty sure I came out of the womb singing show tunes or at least something. And there are certain birthdays that I remember better than others.
For instance...when I was 7, I had my first friends birthday party. And my Mom...knew how to throw a party. We had a 'Get In Shape Girl' party in my garage. I wore tights and a leotard with leg warmers...and a headband. I can remember Mom curled my pixie cut hair and had a cake designed like the theme of the party. It was FABULOUS!
When I was 13, I had my first 'include a boyfriend' party. I had a few friends and each friend brought a boy to my Grandparent's house in Wichita. The theme?...no theme...because that was uncool. But secretly I would have wanted it to be Vanilla Ice.
My 21st Birthday I do actually remember. I was already married and Coach and I went to a bar with some friend for Karaoke. I believe a good friend of mine and I sang the night away to the Dixie Chicks. Good times.
When I was 30, Coach threw me a surprise party with friends and it was so fun. I was completely surprised and had a wonderful night with family and friends. And I was not worried about turning 30 at all. In fact...now that I am well into my thirties...I kind of love it!
I look forward to each year and what it has to bring. I have learned so much...the hard way in my life...that I really do look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. What I have learned in the last three or four years is that life is too short to hate your Birthday. We don't have enough time on earth to worry about how old we are...or how many gray hairs we're getting. I don't have time to think about my weight...or what it used to be. I have learned to cherish each day that I am given. Coach even reminded me on Bad Day Monday of this week of all the people who are suffering right now. He helped me see that the things that were frustrating me that day would be welcomed by anyone that is going through cancer. If not finding an already bought Christmas present was the worst thing that happened that day...we were doing okay. Thanks Coach...I love you.
So...as Coach walked out the door to go work out this morning and I was typing away on my blog, he said..."are you writing...
It's my Birthday! It's my Birthday! Its' My Birthday!
on you blog today?"
Because he knows me so well. I laughed...and then wrote about my Birthday.
Growing up...getting older...it's not so bad. Because each day that I am here...I am with the ones that I have been blessed with. Each day that I am here...I am able to share God's love with those who might not know it. Each day that I am here...I am able to learn and grow. Thank you Lord for this Birthday...
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
For instance...when I was 7, I had my first friends birthday party. And my Mom...knew how to throw a party. We had a 'Get In Shape Girl' party in my garage. I wore tights and a leotard with leg warmers...and a headband. I can remember Mom curled my pixie cut hair and had a cake designed like the theme of the party. It was FABULOUS!
When I was 13, I had my first 'include a boyfriend' party. I had a few friends and each friend brought a boy to my Grandparent's house in Wichita. The theme?...no theme...because that was uncool. But secretly I would have wanted it to be Vanilla Ice.
My 21st Birthday I do actually remember. I was already married and Coach and I went to a bar with some friend for Karaoke. I believe a good friend of mine and I sang the night away to the Dixie Chicks. Good times.
When I was 30, Coach threw me a surprise party with friends and it was so fun. I was completely surprised and had a wonderful night with family and friends. And I was not worried about turning 30 at all. In fact...now that I am well into my thirties...I kind of love it!
I look forward to each year and what it has to bring. I have learned so much...the hard way in my life...that I really do look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. What I have learned in the last three or four years is that life is too short to hate your Birthday. We don't have enough time on earth to worry about how old we are...or how many gray hairs we're getting. I don't have time to think about my weight...or what it used to be. I have learned to cherish each day that I am given. Coach even reminded me on Bad Day Monday of this week of all the people who are suffering right now. He helped me see that the things that were frustrating me that day would be welcomed by anyone that is going through cancer. If not finding an already bought Christmas present was the worst thing that happened that day...we were doing okay. Thanks Coach...I love you.
So...as Coach walked out the door to go work out this morning and I was typing away on my blog, he said..."are you writing...
It's my Birthday! It's my Birthday! Its' My Birthday!
on you blog today?"
Because he knows me so well. I laughed...and then wrote about my Birthday.
Growing up...getting older...it's not so bad. Because each day that I am here...I am with the ones that I have been blessed with. Each day that I am here...I am able to share God's love with those who might not know it. Each day that I am here...I am able to learn and grow. Thank you Lord for this Birthday...
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Perspective
So...yesterday. Remember when I was so thankful it was Monday? Well by Monday evening, I would have given anything to go back and start again.
I decided it would be a good idea to clean out some closets in an attempt to make room for winter clothes. Big's closet had obviously not been done in awhile...so I was there all morning. I then got sidetracked by the extremely unorganized storage room next to Big's room. In the back of the storage room is our Christmas Tree. We have a big enough space that we were able to leave it up so I opted to drag it out. I thought...I'll just drag it out and get it out of here so I can set up a table to wrap presents and do cards on.
Dumb Dumb Dumb.
I would never actually admit to Coach (even though he'll read this on here) that I should have waited. Good grief. At one point, the tree had split into three pieces and I had to hover over the entire thing holding in branches just to get it out of the door. How he got it in there, I'll never know.
Now...before you anti Christmas before Thanksgiving people get all mad at me...hear me out. I am not decorating the tree. I am not even turning it on...except to check the lights which DID NOT work. I was simply trying to make room for gift wrapping and such.
So. I plug in the tree to see the lights in all their glory...and the tip top of the tree...DID NOT WORK. I repeat...they don't work. I then spent the next half hour trying to plug and unplug the lights. Checking bulbs as if I knew what I was doing...when clearly I have absolutely NO clue.
I decided I would finally wait for Coach to help, and moved on to organizing the gifts I had already bought. I went in search of a small present I had purchased for my Sister in Law. It was no where. I searched and searched and searched. It was gone. If you know me at all...you'll know that it started to haunt me. So I kept going back to the same places I had already been. I recruited my friends to help...I yelled at the kids because of my own irresponsibility. It was not pretty.
This all happened along with the cable box malfunctioning three or four times and my having to hold for approximately 32.4 minutes each time with the cable company when all I really wanted was some CHRISTMAS MUSIC TO PUT ME IN THE MOOD!
Sorry. Sorry I was trying to "do" Christmas before it was time. Sorry I was trying to make Christmas about something else. It is Nov. 16th people...and I am already stressed about the upcoming Holiday. Because I had a plan. And it was a good plan. To clean and organize and prepare for the "hanging of the greens" at my house. Not that I am ready to decorate...but to be organizationally ready to decorate. That is all I wanted. To be organizationally ready to wrap presents. To be organizationally ready to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ...oh...I see. I get it. I was trying to make Christmas about something other than Jesus. Focus on the Season. Hmmmmm. Okay. So the next time I go to throw a hissy fit about the lights on the tree not working, I am to remember that the only light that matters was the star that led to Bethlehem. And the next time I can't find THE gift...I am to remember the greatest gift we've ever been given...right?
He is the Reason for the Upcoming Season...I'll remember that.
Today I am thankful for all the stumbling blocks I came across yesterday. Because this morning I have a new focus. I am truly thankful for the lessons I learn when I can sit back and be thankful. Thankful for things not working. Thankful for lost gifts. Because if it hadn't been for the stumbling blocks, I might have been on the same destructive path this morning. I am also so thankful that we...the Nelson Family of 5...were able to sit at our table and have a meal together. A real dinner. It was wonderful...until Little burped and the big boys laughed. Ugh.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
I decided it would be a good idea to clean out some closets in an attempt to make room for winter clothes. Big's closet had obviously not been done in awhile...so I was there all morning. I then got sidetracked by the extremely unorganized storage room next to Big's room. In the back of the storage room is our Christmas Tree. We have a big enough space that we were able to leave it up so I opted to drag it out. I thought...I'll just drag it out and get it out of here so I can set up a table to wrap presents and do cards on.
Dumb Dumb Dumb.
I would never actually admit to Coach (even though he'll read this on here) that I should have waited. Good grief. At one point, the tree had split into three pieces and I had to hover over the entire thing holding in branches just to get it out of the door. How he got it in there, I'll never know.
Now...before you anti Christmas before Thanksgiving people get all mad at me...hear me out. I am not decorating the tree. I am not even turning it on...except to check the lights which DID NOT work. I was simply trying to make room for gift wrapping and such.
So. I plug in the tree to see the lights in all their glory...and the tip top of the tree...DID NOT WORK. I repeat...they don't work. I then spent the next half hour trying to plug and unplug the lights. Checking bulbs as if I knew what I was doing...when clearly I have absolutely NO clue.
I decided I would finally wait for Coach to help, and moved on to organizing the gifts I had already bought. I went in search of a small present I had purchased for my Sister in Law. It was no where. I searched and searched and searched. It was gone. If you know me at all...you'll know that it started to haunt me. So I kept going back to the same places I had already been. I recruited my friends to help...I yelled at the kids because of my own irresponsibility. It was not pretty.
This all happened along with the cable box malfunctioning three or four times and my having to hold for approximately 32.4 minutes each time with the cable company when all I really wanted was some CHRISTMAS MUSIC TO PUT ME IN THE MOOD!
Sorry. Sorry I was trying to "do" Christmas before it was time. Sorry I was trying to make Christmas about something else. It is Nov. 16th people...and I am already stressed about the upcoming Holiday. Because I had a plan. And it was a good plan. To clean and organize and prepare for the "hanging of the greens" at my house. Not that I am ready to decorate...but to be organizationally ready to decorate. That is all I wanted. To be organizationally ready to wrap presents. To be organizationally ready to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ...oh...I see. I get it. I was trying to make Christmas about something other than Jesus. Focus on the Season. Hmmmmm. Okay. So the next time I go to throw a hissy fit about the lights on the tree not working, I am to remember that the only light that matters was the star that led to Bethlehem. And the next time I can't find THE gift...I am to remember the greatest gift we've ever been given...right?
He is the Reason for the Upcoming Season...I'll remember that.
Today I am thankful for all the stumbling blocks I came across yesterday. Because this morning I have a new focus. I am truly thankful for the lessons I learn when I can sit back and be thankful. Thankful for things not working. Thankful for lost gifts. Because if it hadn't been for the stumbling blocks, I might have been on the same destructive path this morning. I am also so thankful that we...the Nelson Family of 5...were able to sit at our table and have a meal together. A real dinner. It was wonderful...until Little burped and the big boys laughed. Ugh.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Monday, November 15, 2010
Weekend in Review
Thank goodness...it's Monday. I know...that is a little off, but our weekend was so jam packed full of things to do, that I welcome this Monday full of normalcy. Check back with me in 5 hours or so and we'll see how I feel about TGIM.
I force Coach to take pictures. He does NOT love it.
My sister received a camera for her birthday last year. Not just a camera...a very nice camera. She began taking pictures and we were all amazed at what she could do with that thing. She has been perfecting her talent over the past year and we all have decided she is an amazing photographer. I am so proud of you sister! You are incredible at what you do and I hope you continue doing it. Your pictures are amazing...and I love them all! (My sister took the new pics posted on this blog) AND for my birthday present, she framed my favorite picture!
She also framed her favorite picture...
Friday night, we went out and celebrated a friends Birthday with dinner and dancing. It was a blast. Coach was a bit out of his comfort zone, but he was a real trooper. It seems like a ton of our friends have November birthdays and it is a lot of fun to go out and just get away.
Saturday evening we celebrated Coach's birthday along with my Brother in law and myself. Spending time with family is so important and we really had a great night!
I force Coach to take pictures. He does NOT love it.
My sister received a camera for her birthday last year. Not just a camera...a very nice camera. She began taking pictures and we were all amazed at what she could do with that thing. She has been perfecting her talent over the past year and we all have decided she is an amazing photographer. I am so proud of you sister! You are incredible at what you do and I hope you continue doing it. Your pictures are amazing...and I love them all! (My sister took the new pics posted on this blog) AND for my birthday present, she framed my favorite picture!
She also framed her favorite picture...
Notice Little. My sister has always loved to torture me. I think she feels like Little has taken over her job...and she LOVES it.
Finally, we wrapped up football for Middle. The 3rd Grade Wildcats went one and one this weekend. They won the first and lost the second, taking second in the tournament. I was so proud of them! Way to go Cats!
We turned in our pads, helmets and jerseys just in time for basketball practice to start. Seriously...we left the bowl game, came home and big changed for basketball practice thirty minutes later. Good grief!
This weekend was full of family, friends and fun. It was exactly what I needed after last week. I am reminded that God is behind everything we do. I was reminded that I am truly blessed beyond words with the life I have been given. I am also reminded that it could be taken away at any second.
I have seen on facebook, the 21 days of Thankfulness...or something like that. I realize I am starting late, but I think I will try to do the countdown to Thanksgiving with the 10 days of Thankful!
Today, I am thankful for time spent with our Family of 5. Yesterday we had the entire day to be together. We were at football games, shopping and then we had a carpet picnic with Pizza. (which means we sat on the floor and ate pizza out of the box...I don't know why, but the boys LOVE it) We spent the entire day together. As the boys get older...it is harder and harder to have that time with them. They are always at practice...or friends' houses. They are gone to school during the day and I miss them. (most of the time) We have several friends with older kids...and they are constantly reminding us to be grateful for the chaos.
Today I am thankful for family and chaos. What are you thankful for?
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Friday, November 12, 2010
I am learning more and more as time goes on...to go to my Bible. When bad news surfaces...I struggle to know what to do. I sit...I wonder. I zone out. I never handle bad news very well...and it seems like it continues to come in floods right now.
I sat in my bed this morning thinking..."what am I going to write about?" And a song came into my head...no doubt a hint from above.
I would like to go back a FEW years to when my sister and I were younger. We would travel with my Mom to Seattle to see my Grandparents. They were transferred there with Boeing when we were 7 & 8 I believe. I'll never EVER forget the day they left. Watching them drive away and seeing my Mom so sad...still hurts my heart. Anyway, we'd fly out to see them and as the Miller Women would have it...we'd go shopping. We went to the coolest places too. But we would rock out in Granny's Cadillac to Amy Grant. You know the song lyrics...I was country, when country wasn't cool? Well that was us with Contemporary Christian music. We loved it before it was even a big deal. And Amy Grant was our favorite!
One of the songs I remember the most was called Thy Word.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Lately, as the bad news rolls in...I have been over thinking things. What do I do? How can I help? How much help is too much help? Will others judge me for my actions?
I spoke with a very good friend of mine the other day and she simply said this...
"Do what God is telling you to do."
Sometimes we have things on our minds...and we give false credit to ourselves. The ideas...the thoughts...the gestures...they all come from Him. And when we feel the urge to do things for others, we shouldn't over think them. We should step up and do what we are being called to do.
I need to get better at letting the word be my lamp. Often my path is dark because I try to go it alone. I am terrible at reading my bible. Terrible. But when I pick it up and let it speak to me the way that God intends...I find peace. Now why wouldn't I do that all the time? Well, mainly because I am stubborn. I want to figure things out on my own.
Just the other day I was hurrying through my dark room trying not to wake Coach. It was pitch black. Now, I realize that I have a nervous furniture moving habit, but our furniture has been the same for at least six months in our room and I know exactly where it is. As I was saying...I was in a hurry, and I cut the corner too short. I nailed my upper back into the corner of our tall dresser. I have a huge bruise as a result. It hurt so bad. I just bent over in the hallway and held my breath after I finally made my way to the door. Had I left the door open a crack to let the light in from the hallway, I would have seen the stupid dresser and prevented myself from the severe pain that occurred. But I was trying to find my way in the dark.
If we allow God to shed even a little light on the situation...we'll be able to see the path we are to take. The path He has set forth for us. Our actions won't be in question because He'll be leading the way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me Lord to remember your light on my path when I wonder. Help me to remember the Bible...when I feel like there are no answers...and give me strength to do whatever it is you need from me when friends and loved ones are in need.
Have a Blessed Day! It is FRIDAY!!! WAHOOOO!!!
And Happy Birthday to my Super Great friend Shannon and my Brother in Law Daniel! Love you both!
Referee of 3
I sat in my bed this morning thinking..."what am I going to write about?" And a song came into my head...no doubt a hint from above.
I would like to go back a FEW years to when my sister and I were younger. We would travel with my Mom to Seattle to see my Grandparents. They were transferred there with Boeing when we were 7 & 8 I believe. I'll never EVER forget the day they left. Watching them drive away and seeing my Mom so sad...still hurts my heart. Anyway, we'd fly out to see them and as the Miller Women would have it...we'd go shopping. We went to the coolest places too. But we would rock out in Granny's Cadillac to Amy Grant. You know the song lyrics...I was country, when country wasn't cool? Well that was us with Contemporary Christian music. We loved it before it was even a big deal. And Amy Grant was our favorite!
One of the songs I remember the most was called Thy Word.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Lately, as the bad news rolls in...I have been over thinking things. What do I do? How can I help? How much help is too much help? Will others judge me for my actions?
I spoke with a very good friend of mine the other day and she simply said this...
"Do what God is telling you to do."
Sometimes we have things on our minds...and we give false credit to ourselves. The ideas...the thoughts...the gestures...they all come from Him. And when we feel the urge to do things for others, we shouldn't over think them. We should step up and do what we are being called to do.
I need to get better at letting the word be my lamp. Often my path is dark because I try to go it alone. I am terrible at reading my bible. Terrible. But when I pick it up and let it speak to me the way that God intends...I find peace. Now why wouldn't I do that all the time? Well, mainly because I am stubborn. I want to figure things out on my own.
Just the other day I was hurrying through my dark room trying not to wake Coach. It was pitch black. Now, I realize that I have a nervous furniture moving habit, but our furniture has been the same for at least six months in our room and I know exactly where it is. As I was saying...I was in a hurry, and I cut the corner too short. I nailed my upper back into the corner of our tall dresser. I have a huge bruise as a result. It hurt so bad. I just bent over in the hallway and held my breath after I finally made my way to the door. Had I left the door open a crack to let the light in from the hallway, I would have seen the stupid dresser and prevented myself from the severe pain that occurred. But I was trying to find my way in the dark.
If we allow God to shed even a little light on the situation...we'll be able to see the path we are to take. The path He has set forth for us. Our actions won't be in question because He'll be leading the way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me Lord to remember your light on my path when I wonder. Help me to remember the Bible...when I feel like there are no answers...and give me strength to do whatever it is you need from me when friends and loved ones are in need.
Have a Blessed Day! It is FRIDAY!!! WAHOOOO!!!
And Happy Birthday to my Super Great friend Shannon and my Brother in Law Daniel! Love you both!
Referee of 3
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Home of the Brave
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”- 1 John 2:15-16
Today is such an important day in the life of our Country. Recognizing those who have served...those who have lived and lost. Those who have fought for the freedom we take for granted.
I can write on this blog because someone fought for my freedom. I can express my faith openly...because someone stood up for my rights. I can share the love of Jesus Christ because of the the men and women that have put on the uniforms and given of themselves selflessly.
All I can say is Thank You. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. I sit in this home...because someone else was brave. I sit in this home because someone else gave their all to make this country a better place.
God Bless You.
This day is significant in our lives for so many reasons.
Four years ago, a friend of Coach lost his son in a car accident. Those are the moments we'll never forget.
That phone call changed our lives. It changed the lives of everyone who knew them. And they are in need of prayer today. I cannot imagine what that must be like for them. But I know that with all of you including them in your prayers today, they'll feel his presence. Please lift them up.
I have another prayer request. A friend of mine went in today for some surgery having to do with Breast cancer. Please lift her up. Her family is in need of prayer. They need peace. They need understanding. They need to feel his arms wrapped around them. They need to know He is there. I know He's with her. Please join me in prayer for her so that she too knows He is with her.
On a happier note...13 years ago today, Coach called me. For the first time. I would imagine he had no idea what he was getting himself into when he delivered a Birthday card to my house for my brother in law. But...look at us now. Who knew...13 years later, we'd have ALL this. I was out of school and he was off work for Veterans Day. I am so thankful that the plan for us to be together was set in motion by God 13 years ago. Thank you Lord...for Coach. Yesterday...on HIS birthday, there was a card and a REAL size Butterfinger on my pillow. The card was a thank you...for all the support during football season. The Butterfinger...was my breakfast. He rocks.
A lot on my mind today, I realize. Please be with me in prayer and celebration. And don't forget to thank a Veteran!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Today is such an important day in the life of our Country. Recognizing those who have served...those who have lived and lost. Those who have fought for the freedom we take for granted.
I can write on this blog because someone fought for my freedom. I can express my faith openly...because someone stood up for my rights. I can share the love of Jesus Christ because of the the men and women that have put on the uniforms and given of themselves selflessly.
All I can say is Thank You. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. I sit in this home...because someone else was brave. I sit in this home because someone else gave their all to make this country a better place.
God Bless You.
This day is significant in our lives for so many reasons.
Four years ago, a friend of Coach lost his son in a car accident. Those are the moments we'll never forget.
That phone call changed our lives. It changed the lives of everyone who knew them. And they are in need of prayer today. I cannot imagine what that must be like for them. But I know that with all of you including them in your prayers today, they'll feel his presence. Please lift them up.
I have another prayer request. A friend of mine went in today for some surgery having to do with Breast cancer. Please lift her up. Her family is in need of prayer. They need peace. They need understanding. They need to feel his arms wrapped around them. They need to know He is there. I know He's with her. Please join me in prayer for her so that she too knows He is with her.
On a happier note...13 years ago today, Coach called me. For the first time. I would imagine he had no idea what he was getting himself into when he delivered a Birthday card to my house for my brother in law. But...look at us now. Who knew...13 years later, we'd have ALL this. I was out of school and he was off work for Veterans Day. I am so thankful that the plan for us to be together was set in motion by God 13 years ago. Thank you Lord...for Coach. Yesterday...on HIS birthday, there was a card and a REAL size Butterfinger on my pillow. The card was a thank you...for all the support during football season. The Butterfinger...was my breakfast. He rocks.
A lot on my mind today, I realize. Please be with me in prayer and celebration. And don't forget to thank a Veteran!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Happy Birthday Coach
I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Coach.
I love you.
More than you could know.
You have given me so much over the last 13 years...and I am so thankful for what we have together.
You are an incredible Dad.
The boys are so blessed to have you in their lives. They are blessed to know that you are influential in the lives of others too. As a teacher and coach...so many kids are blessed. You care more than anyone will even know and I love you for that.
You are a wonderful friend. You listen...awkwardly at times...but you always listen. You give good advice and you help me see the side of things I don't always want to see.
You are a terrible shopper. I believe God did that because I have such a good Mom and Sister and Mother in Law to shop with. You got lucky there...
The older we get, the better we are as a couple. We've grown up together. We've had ups and downs like any couple does. But we've made it through and I have every intention of doing so for the rest of my life.
I love you.
More than you could know.
You have given me so much over the last 13 years...and I am so thankful for what we have together.
You are an incredible Dad.
The boys are so blessed to have you in their lives. They are blessed to know that you are influential in the lives of others too. As a teacher and coach...so many kids are blessed. You care more than anyone will even know and I love you for that.
You are a wonderful friend. You listen...awkwardly at times...but you always listen. You give good advice and you help me see the side of things I don't always want to see.
You are a terrible shopper. I believe God did that because I have such a good Mom and Sister and Mother in Law to shop with. You got lucky there...
The older we get, the better we are as a couple. We've grown up together. We've had ups and downs like any couple does. But we've made it through and I have every intention of doing so for the rest of my life.
Happy Happy Birthday to my one and only Coach.
With all of my love,
Me
Great Things
“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’”- Job 37:5-6
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Yes...He does.
In His timing.
That we must trust.
What a cool verse. It has nothing to do with what I was going to talk about, but I thought it was really a good one.
I wanted to talk a little about the song that I added yesterday by Jason Gray. It is called More Like Falling in Love. If you can't hear sound on your computer, take time to look it up sometime on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKm6USWzVPE . Also, check this out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrqiHov0MdY&feature=related It is Jason talking about his speech impediment.
I love this song. We saw Jason in concert last February when we went to see Jeremy Camp and he was great. He is one of the most amazing performers I have ever seen. First of all, he was hilarious! And I love funny so that worked out great for me. Secondly, he came out on stage and began speaking...with a terrible studder. He made light of it every chance he got, but you couldn't help but feel for him. He stuttered his way through his life story and then told the story of how he came to find God. It was amazing. But even more amazing...when he began to sing...NO STUTTER. Not a bit. You'd never even know he had one. It was so incredible.
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Hey...I guess the verse is relevant today...that is so God.
Anyway, this song is very upbeat and fun. I loved the light"ness" of it...if you will. But more than that, of course, I love the words. I get them. I understand that concept. Falling in love means so many things. It means letting go of your past...who you used to be...to become what you should be to the one you love. It means letting go without hesitation of your past. Not forgetting about it...because we all know that the past makes us who we are today. The past is very important to remember...because it is the path that brought us to the one we love. For me, my relationship with Christ is about the love I have. The faith I have in Him. Not about the rules...the creed...the rules of the Methodist Church. It is about the strength I find in Him. It is about the moments when I feel his presence. Don't ask me to memorize the books of the bible...because I have no short term memory. Don't ask me to tell you how the Methodist Church originated...because I couldn't tell you. (Now Coach could...because he was in PR's confirmation class as a mentor and they learned it ALL!) But what I can tell you is how my life has changed since I found Christ. As you saw the other day...I still have doubts. I still wonder. But I also still love the Lord with all of my heart.
So...with that said...here are the words to the song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Have a Blessed day!
Referee of 3
Give me rules, I will break them
Show me lines, I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love
Give me words, I’ll misuse them
Obligations, I’ll misplace them
‘Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love
[ More Like Falling In Love Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
He does Great Things beyond our understanding.
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Yes...He does.
In His timing.
That we must trust.
What a cool verse. It has nothing to do with what I was going to talk about, but I thought it was really a good one.
I wanted to talk a little about the song that I added yesterday by Jason Gray. It is called More Like Falling in Love. If you can't hear sound on your computer, take time to look it up sometime on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKm6USWzVPE . Also, check this out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrqiHov0MdY&feature=related It is Jason talking about his speech impediment.
I love this song. We saw Jason in concert last February when we went to see Jeremy Camp and he was great. He is one of the most amazing performers I have ever seen. First of all, he was hilarious! And I love funny so that worked out great for me. Secondly, he came out on stage and began speaking...with a terrible studder. He made light of it every chance he got, but you couldn't help but feel for him. He stuttered his way through his life story and then told the story of how he came to find God. It was amazing. But even more amazing...when he began to sing...NO STUTTER. Not a bit. You'd never even know he had one. It was so incredible.
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Hey...I guess the verse is relevant today...that is so God.
Anyway, this song is very upbeat and fun. I loved the light"ness" of it...if you will. But more than that, of course, I love the words. I get them. I understand that concept. Falling in love means so many things. It means letting go of your past...who you used to be...to become what you should be to the one you love. It means letting go without hesitation of your past. Not forgetting about it...because we all know that the past makes us who we are today. The past is very important to remember...because it is the path that brought us to the one we love. For me, my relationship with Christ is about the love I have. The faith I have in Him. Not about the rules...the creed...the rules of the Methodist Church. It is about the strength I find in Him. It is about the moments when I feel his presence. Don't ask me to memorize the books of the bible...because I have no short term memory. Don't ask me to tell you how the Methodist Church originated...because I couldn't tell you. (Now Coach could...because he was in PR's confirmation class as a mentor and they learned it ALL!) But what I can tell you is how my life has changed since I found Christ. As you saw the other day...I still have doubts. I still wonder. But I also still love the Lord with all of my heart.
So...with that said...here are the words to the song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Have a Blessed day!
Referee of 3
Give me rules, I will break them
Show me lines, I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love
Give me words, I’ll misuse them
Obligations, I’ll misplace them
‘Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me, it’s gotta be
More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love
[ More Like Falling In Love Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
He does Great Things beyond our understanding.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
No Comment
I noticed this morning that an old friend of mine changed their facebook religion information. Out of curiosity I looked to see what had changed. The religion part of their profile simply said...
No comment.
Yikes.
That is sad. No comment. Now I realize this could mean many different things. AND I have no idea what it said before that. But it just made me kind of sad.
No comment.
PR put on his blog yesterday that he is reading a book about relationships with Christ. He asked the questions are we Luke Warm in our relationship with Him?
No comment.
I guess if "no comment" means...I'd rather not say because the truth is too hard to put into words...than yes.
No comment.
If I were to be asked today about my faith in God...would I comment? Even though I have spent many hours wondering what the heck is going on in this world. Even though I have been in prayer for so many people in so many different situations...would I comment?
I hope so.
I think if asked for my religion views or info...I would say this.
He is the God who was...is...and will always be. He is the creator. And most importantly...He is the Savior. He gave His son for us. He watched Jesus die on the cross for us. And I bet...I bet...Jesus wondered too. There had to be moments when Jesus wondered...what are you doing Father? But he kept moving. One foot in front of the other. With the Cross heavy on his back. With other shouting that He wasn't who He said He was. With fear and sadness in His eyes. He kept going. I guess I would have to say I owe it to the God who was...is...and always will be. I owe it to the creator...and most importantly to the one who saved me...to keep going. To take my worries...my sadness...my heavy burdens to the foot of the cross. Because He is God and I am not.
I would ask that today we pray for anyone who would choose "No Comment" as their religious views. That they would someday have the courage to not only comment, but to know that they know that they know...He is the real deal.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
No comment.
Yikes.
That is sad. No comment. Now I realize this could mean many different things. AND I have no idea what it said before that. But it just made me kind of sad.
No comment.
PR put on his blog yesterday that he is reading a book about relationships with Christ. He asked the questions are we Luke Warm in our relationship with Him?
No comment.
I guess if "no comment" means...I'd rather not say because the truth is too hard to put into words...than yes.
No comment.
If I were to be asked today about my faith in God...would I comment? Even though I have spent many hours wondering what the heck is going on in this world. Even though I have been in prayer for so many people in so many different situations...would I comment?
I hope so.
I think if asked for my religion views or info...I would say this.
He is the God who was...is...and will always be. He is the creator. And most importantly...He is the Savior. He gave His son for us. He watched Jesus die on the cross for us. And I bet...I bet...Jesus wondered too. There had to be moments when Jesus wondered...what are you doing Father? But he kept moving. One foot in front of the other. With the Cross heavy on his back. With other shouting that He wasn't who He said He was. With fear and sadness in His eyes. He kept going. I guess I would have to say I owe it to the God who was...is...and always will be. I owe it to the creator...and most importantly to the one who saved me...to keep going. To take my worries...my sadness...my heavy burdens to the foot of the cross. Because He is God and I am not.
I would ask that today we pray for anyone who would choose "No Comment" as their religious views. That they would someday have the courage to not only comment, but to know that they know that they know...He is the real deal.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Monday, November 8, 2010
You Never Know
God's approach is so strange sometimes. Out of nowhere...they'll come a time in our lives when we are blindsided by something. Meeting our soul mate...finding out we're going to be parents...a new friendship...a sudden loss...an unforeseen illness...and the list goes on and on.
And we are here...trying to figure out how to deal with the path that he puts in front of us. The people we come in contact with. The situations that we are put in. None of us have experience with this. None of us know what we are doing. We mess up. We make poor choices. We turn out backs out of anger and spite. We fall short.
And then we are blessed with the ability to forgive and to be forgiven.
Sometimes I sit and just wonder.
What are ya doing up there God?
Can I help you with something?
Because I have a few things I'd like to fix for you. You may have it wrong...you may have the wrong person. There might be a better scenario. Like...we weren't quite ready to have kids yet...Coach needed more time with his Dad...Her kids are too young for her to have cancer...
But...He continues on the path of His own. Without ever stopping to ask my opinion. Without even bothering to see if I agree or disagree. Without so much as a heads up on any of my blindsidings...and I am left here to figure it out.
Yes Lord...I trust.
But the truth is...
I still wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
As I sit at my kitchen window and stare out at the pink Christmas lights that are up for a friend who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer...I wonder.
As I sit listening to my Mom consoling a friend who's sister's Cancer is back. (The same kind of cancer that took the life of my Mom's closest friend not even two years ago...I wonder)
As I sit and read on facebook about how much a little sister struggles as she remembers the accident that took the life of her brother 4 years ago...I wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
I just wonder.
So tonight...I will pray extra hard for those unspoken requests...for those situations I don't understand...and for the trust that I am lacking in my God. I know it...I believe it...but I still wonder. Lord...help me not to wonder anymore.
Referee of 3
And we are here...trying to figure out how to deal with the path that he puts in front of us. The people we come in contact with. The situations that we are put in. None of us have experience with this. None of us know what we are doing. We mess up. We make poor choices. We turn out backs out of anger and spite. We fall short.
And then we are blessed with the ability to forgive and to be forgiven.
Sometimes I sit and just wonder.
What are ya doing up there God?
Can I help you with something?
Because I have a few things I'd like to fix for you. You may have it wrong...you may have the wrong person. There might be a better scenario. Like...we weren't quite ready to have kids yet...Coach needed more time with his Dad...Her kids are too young for her to have cancer...
But...He continues on the path of His own. Without ever stopping to ask my opinion. Without even bothering to see if I agree or disagree. Without so much as a heads up on any of my blindsidings...and I am left here to figure it out.
Yes Lord...I trust.
But the truth is...
I still wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
As I sit at my kitchen window and stare out at the pink Christmas lights that are up for a friend who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer...I wonder.
As I sit listening to my Mom consoling a friend who's sister's Cancer is back. (The same kind of cancer that took the life of my Mom's closest friend not even two years ago...I wonder)
As I sit and read on facebook about how much a little sister struggles as she remembers the accident that took the life of her brother 4 years ago...I wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
I just wonder.
So tonight...I will pray extra hard for those unspoken requests...for those situations I don't understand...and for the trust that I am lacking in my God. I know it...I believe it...but I still wonder. Lord...help me not to wonder anymore.
Referee of 3
To Serve
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.””- Joshua 24:15
I can remember this scripture from when I was very young. And it is one that I have always loved. I can say that I didn't know the entire thing, but I have heard time and time again...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I probably tell Little 10 times a day...Mind your business. Worry about yourself. Sometimes the little ones get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing that they can't even focus on themselves.
This scripture isn't saying it is OKAY to worship other Gods. In fact...that is one of the Big 10. Not college football teams...the Big 10 Commandments.
Right, got it.
What it IS saying is that when focusing on how we will act...and how we will worship...We in this house will serve the Lord.
Sometimes it would be so much easier if we could stop there.
But God's love isn't like that. He isn't satisfied with us simply worrying about ourselves. He isn't OKAY with us serving the Lord and saying...
We are to love those who don't serve Him as much as the ones that do. Because it is through those actions that they will find Him. It is through our love of Jesus Christ that the non believers will believe. He has them in His sights...along with us.
We are to serve Him...and only Him. We are to impress upon others the importance of His love. I have learned over the years that doesn't mean to be up in everyone's business either. We are to find the right balance between minding our business and sharing His love.
There IS a happy medium.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is my hope that in serving Him, we are invitational and intentional with His love.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
P.S.~On the way to church yesterday, Middle said..."I know it was you Mom." And I replied..."What are you talking about?" (Regarding the weekend post below)
He said..."The Butterfingers. I read your blog."
I may have swerved the van a bit and then I did my meanest Mommy glare and said...
"That is an adult blog! You should not read my adult writing!" (Lies...all lies. Ugh...I was so ashamed!)
And then I apologized for eating his Butterfingers and told him I'd buy more. He suggested that I not since I would eat them all. And then he told me that Big was lucky because his room was in the basement and his candy was safe.
I said...
"Not so much Middle. I ate his too."
My poor kids. Ugh. Glad the Butterfingers are gone.
I can remember this scripture from when I was very young. And it is one that I have always loved. I can say that I didn't know the entire thing, but I have heard time and time again...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I probably tell Little 10 times a day...Mind your business. Worry about yourself. Sometimes the little ones get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing that they can't even focus on themselves.
This scripture isn't saying it is OKAY to worship other Gods. In fact...that is one of the Big 10. Not college football teams...the Big 10 Commandments.
Right, got it.
What it IS saying is that when focusing on how we will act...and how we will worship...We in this house will serve the Lord.
Sometimes it would be so much easier if we could stop there.
But God's love isn't like that. He isn't satisfied with us simply worrying about ourselves. He isn't OKAY with us serving the Lord and saying...
To heck with all those who choose to worship the God of Sunny Weather or the God of Make this Bad Thing Go Away.
We are to love those who don't serve Him as much as the ones that do. Because it is through those actions that they will find Him. It is through our love of Jesus Christ that the non believers will believe. He has them in His sights...along with us.
We are to serve Him...and only Him. We are to impress upon others the importance of His love. I have learned over the years that doesn't mean to be up in everyone's business either. We are to find the right balance between minding our business and sharing His love.
There IS a happy medium.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is my hope that in serving Him, we are invitational and intentional with His love.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
P.S.~On the way to church yesterday, Middle said..."I know it was you Mom." And I replied..."What are you talking about?" (Regarding the weekend post below)
He said..."The Butterfingers. I read your blog."
I may have swerved the van a bit and then I did my meanest Mommy glare and said...
"That is an adult blog! You should not read my adult writing!" (Lies...all lies. Ugh...I was so ashamed!)
And then I apologized for eating his Butterfingers and told him I'd buy more. He suggested that I not since I would eat them all. And then he told me that Big was lucky because his room was in the basement and his candy was safe.
I said...
"Not so much Middle. I ate his too."
My poor kids. Ugh. Glad the Butterfingers are gone.
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Self Control...I have none.
I have an addiction.
I have eaten every single Butterfinger in this house. About 10 to 12 to be exact. Not all in one day...but over a period of days in the last week.
The boys have "secret" drawers they keep their candy in.
I have been raiding them during the day while they are at school...and I am a bit embarrassed.
Yet...I still do it. I still go in...day after day...to steal their Butterfingers.
And this is the wrapper from the very last one. I ate it for Breakfast this morning.
There is no devotion with this post. It is simply me admitting guilt. And admitting that I have absolutely NO will power what so ever. None.
So to my neighbors and friends who have enabled my addiction this year...
If you could please buy ANYTHING but Butterfingers for Halloween next year, my waist line would appreciate it. (And so would the boys)
Thanks so much!
Referee of 3
Friday
Well...we made it. It is Friday...again. The week is behind us and the weekend is upon us...almost.
I am looking forward to this weekend for so many reasons, but mainly because our only real commitment is the football game on Saturday at 7:00pm. If you are in the area, come out and support the Wildcats!
Other than that though...we have NOTHING. Every Saturday since the beginning of Sept., we've had Jr. League Football games starting at 8am. The home games weren't so bad. But there were a few mornings when we were pulling out of the driveway while it was still quite dark outside. And since Big's birthday about 6 weeks ago, we've been doing some kind of entertaining here on Sundays. We've had two birthday parties...family dinners...a baby shower...and family pictures. Every Sunday...it has been something. Not to mention, during that time, we had a house full of sickies. One week it was me. The next weekend it was Little. It seems as if one of us has been sick for quite some time.
And in an effort not to jinx ourselves...I believe we are all feeling a little better.
This is the time of year when Family becomes more of a priority. Not because they haven't been...but because we are in that mindset to recognize the importance. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, we begin to slow down a bit to figure out what it is we are thankful for. I myself am thankful that tomorrow morning, I don't have to drag three little boys out of bed to drive all over Kansas for Jr. League football. I am thankful that I'll be able to have breakfast with my family...that I'll be able to sit and have coffee with Coach...that I'll be able to stay in my own home for just a little while.
We needed a break.
And I am happy to report that we have one.
In our crazy, busy lives...sometimes we have to stop. We have to be still. We have to sit long enough to enjoy what God has provided us with.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to see the importance of slowing down. Allow me to realize in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, that it is all about you. Help me to remember that no gift is more important than the gift of salvation that you gave to us. Give me the courage to take a break every now and then to truly appreciate what you've given me...the boys...Coach...and my family and friends. Amen
Have a Blessed Friday!
Referee of 3
I am looking forward to this weekend for so many reasons, but mainly because our only real commitment is the football game on Saturday at 7:00pm. If you are in the area, come out and support the Wildcats!
Other than that though...we have NOTHING. Every Saturday since the beginning of Sept., we've had Jr. League Football games starting at 8am. The home games weren't so bad. But there were a few mornings when we were pulling out of the driveway while it was still quite dark outside. And since Big's birthday about 6 weeks ago, we've been doing some kind of entertaining here on Sundays. We've had two birthday parties...family dinners...a baby shower...and family pictures. Every Sunday...it has been something. Not to mention, during that time, we had a house full of sickies. One week it was me. The next weekend it was Little. It seems as if one of us has been sick for quite some time.
And in an effort not to jinx ourselves...I believe we are all feeling a little better.
This is the time of year when Family becomes more of a priority. Not because they haven't been...but because we are in that mindset to recognize the importance. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, we begin to slow down a bit to figure out what it is we are thankful for. I myself am thankful that tomorrow morning, I don't have to drag three little boys out of bed to drive all over Kansas for Jr. League football. I am thankful that I'll be able to have breakfast with my family...that I'll be able to sit and have coffee with Coach...that I'll be able to stay in my own home for just a little while.
We needed a break.
And I am happy to report that we have one.
In our crazy, busy lives...sometimes we have to stop. We have to be still. We have to sit long enough to enjoy what God has provided us with.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to see the importance of slowing down. Allow me to realize in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, that it is all about you. Help me to remember that no gift is more important than the gift of salvation that you gave to us. Give me the courage to take a break every now and then to truly appreciate what you've given me...the boys...Coach...and my family and friends. Amen
Have a Blessed Friday!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
And the Crowd Goes Wild!!!
Well...they did it. They won! Victorious! What does that mean for us? We play the number one team in the state on Saturday. But...the game is here and that is so awesome! Win or lose...we get to play another game on our home field. I love the atmosphere of home football games. It is incredible. And after a win...it is indescribable.
I know...I should probably have outgrown the excitement of HS football long ago, but I get sucked in every time.
Seeing the kids' excitement gets me time after time. After the game, Big and Middle went running out onto the field with their friends and it is so fun to watch them live in them moment. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget to do that. Celebrate the right now. Sure...the football win won't help us financially. It won't make the house clean, the lunches packed, or make the pain go away in any situation...but it is exciting and fun. It is something the school won't forget anytime soon, and it allows us to just Go Wild! We jump and scream with excitement. Yes...I knew as soon as the song ended, I'd be dragging three very tired boys home to bed. I knew I had to get myself ready for bed and get backpacks organized and ready for school today. But I didn't worry about that. I just celebrated the moment.
Thank you God...for moments like that.
It was awesome.
I am tired. I have to get myself and the boys ready to drag themselves to school for a day of normalcy. Even though they were up WAAAAAYYYY past their normal school night bedtime.
Congratulations Wildcats on last night's game. Congratulations Coach. I love you. Good luck on Saturday!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee or 3
I know...I should probably have outgrown the excitement of HS football long ago, but I get sucked in every time.
Seeing the kids' excitement gets me time after time. After the game, Big and Middle went running out onto the field with their friends and it is so fun to watch them live in them moment. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget to do that. Celebrate the right now. Sure...the football win won't help us financially. It won't make the house clean, the lunches packed, or make the pain go away in any situation...but it is exciting and fun. It is something the school won't forget anytime soon, and it allows us to just Go Wild! We jump and scream with excitement. Yes...I knew as soon as the song ended, I'd be dragging three very tired boys home to bed. I knew I had to get myself ready for bed and get backpacks organized and ready for school today. But I didn't worry about that. I just celebrated the moment.
Thank you God...for moments like that.
It was awesome.
I am tired. I have to get myself and the boys ready to drag themselves to school for a day of normalcy. Even though they were up WAAAAAYYYY past their normal school night bedtime.
Congratulations Wildcats on last night's game. Congratulations Coach. I love you. Good luck on Saturday!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee or 3
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
His Wonderful Light
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”- 1 Peter 2:9
Tonight is the first playoff game for the Mulvane Wildcats. We play Maize South at 7pm and it is going to be a chilly evening. I am nervous for the players and coaches and hope they play to their potential so they can advance to Saturday's game.
Today when I pulled up www.biblegateway.com, the verse kind of spoke to me.
You are chosen people...God's special possession...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Have you ever been in that darkness? Have you ever felt so alone...and felt like no one understood you? Like no one was truly on your side? I know I have. And most generally, it is because of a decision that I myself have made. Because we are human...we fall short. End of story. We fall short and we need God. But after making bad choices sometimes, we feel like there is no one in the world that would call us into the light.
In the darkness...a lot of people find Him. They have no other choice, but to ask God for help. This verse tells us that amongst the billions of people on this Earth...we...as individuals...are His special possession. And that if we declare the praises of Him...we'll be called out of the darkness into the light. His wonderful light. When you have Christ in your life...His light brightens even the darkest of situations. And it is so important that we remember that even in our darkest hour...He is with us. It is when we choose not to trust Him or to believe in Him...that the darkness becomes suffocating.
I added a new song to my playlist. It is called Light up the Sky by the Afters. The chorus goes along with what we are talking about today and I wanted those who needed to hear it...to see what it is saying.
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
He is with each and every one of us because we are special to Him. Have a blessed day and LET'S GO CATS!
Referee of 3
Tonight is the first playoff game for the Mulvane Wildcats. We play Maize South at 7pm and it is going to be a chilly evening. I am nervous for the players and coaches and hope they play to their potential so they can advance to Saturday's game.
Today when I pulled up www.biblegateway.com, the verse kind of spoke to me.
You are chosen people...God's special possession...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Have you ever been in that darkness? Have you ever felt so alone...and felt like no one understood you? Like no one was truly on your side? I know I have. And most generally, it is because of a decision that I myself have made. Because we are human...we fall short. End of story. We fall short and we need God. But after making bad choices sometimes, we feel like there is no one in the world that would call us into the light.
In the darkness...a lot of people find Him. They have no other choice, but to ask God for help. This verse tells us that amongst the billions of people on this Earth...we...as individuals...are His special possession. And that if we declare the praises of Him...we'll be called out of the darkness into the light. His wonderful light. When you have Christ in your life...His light brightens even the darkest of situations. And it is so important that we remember that even in our darkest hour...He is with us. It is when we choose not to trust Him or to believe in Him...that the darkness becomes suffocating.
I added a new song to my playlist. It is called Light up the Sky by the Afters. The chorus goes along with what we are talking about today and I wanted those who needed to hear it...to see what it is saying.
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
He is with each and every one of us because we are special to Him. Have a blessed day and LET'S GO CATS!
Referee of 3
Monday, November 1, 2010
When Did This Happen?
It's November? When did this happen? It was just August and I was moving couches! And then came Big's Birthday at the end of September! Then it was time for Little's Birthday. AND NOW...it is November. Good grief.
There are 54 days until Christmas. There are 24 days until Thanksgiving. WHICH MEANS...
There are 25 days until BLACK FRIDAY!!!!
If you know me...you'll know...THAT IS HUGE.
I love Thanksgiving. I really do...all kidding aside. I love getting together to prepare a meal with my family. I love that we don't have the excitement of gifts...just the excitement of being together and being thankful for our lives. I love that we can doze off after dinner and no one cares. I love that it is usually nice enough weather that the kids can still go out and throw the football around after we eat. AND I LOVE...sitting on the floor at my Mom's or Mother in law's house going through the Black Friday Ads!
Shopping for Christmas is one of my all time favorite things to do. Coach? Not so much. So I make a point to shop with pretty much anyone BUT him. I shop with my Mom, Granny and Sis on an annual trip to KC. I shop with my Mom and Sis on Black Friday. I shop with friends for any last minute things I have forgotten and I take Coach with me ONE TIME. It is a system and it works. But if you can't tell...I am pretty darn excited about shopping for Christmas.
I know...I know. It isn't about the gifts. But I LOVE IT!
So what is it all about?
That brings me to my next point...
It's all about...JESUS!!!
Yesterday at church, PR brought his four week series home. The MUMC vision statement that I mentioned a few weeks ago...
Inviting ALL to experience the LIFE TRANSFORMING LOVE of JESUS CHRIST.
First of all...THANK YOU PR. The message was incredible. It was moving...it was to the point...and HE was present. You rock.
PR talked about how in the end...it is about JESUS. Not just about Him...but ALL about Him. It is all about His love. No one gets to the Father except through Him. You cannot get to Heaven without salvation...and who can we receive that from? Jesus.
He is the way...the truth and the life.
PR talked about how in life, we want choices. We always want to choose our own way. But with eternal life...we are given one way.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world...he gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in him shall not parish...but have eternal life. John 3:16
John 14: 1-7
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
We all have troubled hearts. Some more than others. But if we believe in God...we believe in Jesus. God sent his ONLY Son. And he went and prepared a place for us.
Sitting there in church yesterday, I heard a certain part of this verse...and it stuck.
Jesus said to his disciples...
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
That is how I want to be seen. I think that as Christians...we should all feel that way.
If you really know me. If you really know my heart, you'll know my Father. You'll feel his love. You'll see his reflection in all that I do. You'll know that when I make a mistake...I am human, but when I ask for forgiveness...you'll know I'm forgiven...and that I am loved.
If you really know me...you'll know my Father. And you'll know the way.
That seems like a heavy responsibility. To be able to show people the way. What if I tell them wrong? What if I lead them astray? Jesus says...I am the way...the truth...and the life. Show them the way...tell them the truth and GIVE THEM LIFE.
That I can do. Go out this week and show others the Life Transforming Love of Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Here are a couple of pics of our Halloween Fun!
There are 54 days until Christmas. There are 24 days until Thanksgiving. WHICH MEANS...
There are 25 days until BLACK FRIDAY!!!!
If you know me...you'll know...THAT IS HUGE.
I love Thanksgiving. I really do...all kidding aside. I love getting together to prepare a meal with my family. I love that we don't have the excitement of gifts...just the excitement of being together and being thankful for our lives. I love that we can doze off after dinner and no one cares. I love that it is usually nice enough weather that the kids can still go out and throw the football around after we eat. AND I LOVE...sitting on the floor at my Mom's or Mother in law's house going through the Black Friday Ads!
Shopping for Christmas is one of my all time favorite things to do. Coach? Not so much. So I make a point to shop with pretty much anyone BUT him. I shop with my Mom, Granny and Sis on an annual trip to KC. I shop with my Mom and Sis on Black Friday. I shop with friends for any last minute things I have forgotten and I take Coach with me ONE TIME. It is a system and it works. But if you can't tell...I am pretty darn excited about shopping for Christmas.
I know...I know. It isn't about the gifts. But I LOVE IT!
So what is it all about?
That brings me to my next point...
It's all about...JESUS!!!
Yesterday at church, PR brought his four week series home. The MUMC vision statement that I mentioned a few weeks ago...
Inviting ALL to experience the LIFE TRANSFORMING LOVE of JESUS CHRIST.
First of all...THANK YOU PR. The message was incredible. It was moving...it was to the point...and HE was present. You rock.
PR talked about how in the end...it is about JESUS. Not just about Him...but ALL about Him. It is all about His love. No one gets to the Father except through Him. You cannot get to Heaven without salvation...and who can we receive that from? Jesus.
He is the way...the truth and the life.
PR talked about how in life, we want choices. We always want to choose our own way. But with eternal life...we are given one way.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world...he gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in him shall not parish...but have eternal life. John 3:16
John 14: 1-7
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
We all have troubled hearts. Some more than others. But if we believe in God...we believe in Jesus. God sent his ONLY Son. And he went and prepared a place for us.
Sitting there in church yesterday, I heard a certain part of this verse...and it stuck.
Jesus said to his disciples...
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
That is how I want to be seen. I think that as Christians...we should all feel that way.
If you really know me. If you really know my heart, you'll know my Father. You'll feel his love. You'll see his reflection in all that I do. You'll know that when I make a mistake...I am human, but when I ask for forgiveness...you'll know I'm forgiven...and that I am loved.
If you really know me...you'll know my Father. And you'll know the way.
That seems like a heavy responsibility. To be able to show people the way. What if I tell them wrong? What if I lead them astray? Jesus says...I am the way...the truth...and the life. Show them the way...tell them the truth and GIVE THEM LIFE.
That I can do. Go out this week and show others the Life Transforming Love of Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Here are a couple of pics of our Halloween Fun!
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