Loving life and raising a family in Christ!

A New Year to see God at work!

2010-01-12T16:00:00.003-06:00

Its already halfway through the first month of 2010. One of my New Years Resolutions is to continue the hobby of blogging. I really do enjoy it – it is a calming hobby and I always find that as I blog or journal I look for the ways God moves in my life and other day to day things that sometimes, if too busy, I can take for granted. So, here goes. I was reminded yesterday how fast a year can fly by. Have you ever had a moment where you realized, ‘Wow…exactly this day….last year…I was here, or this had happened…..and now, it is exactly a whole year later’. Well, that exact thought came to my mind yesterday. For me, those moments generally come from a place of awe..that I made it through and my heart is so grateful. Ok...my heart is overwhelmed with 'whew...I made it!!'. Do you relate? However, the older I get, the more at ease I become with each challenge because of God’s faithfulness to me. It is the one thing that will never change. Time and time again, I can look back over a year and though there are always challenges, and I do mean always, I can say – “Thank you God, you carried me all the way through it”.

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations

Well, I don’t have experience with many generations, but I know what my family has experienced and time and time again – I have witnessed God’s love, mercy and rescuing hand. Sometimes it was through true miracles and we didn’t see the source of earthly help. Other times, it came in the form of my prayer warrior friends and family who hold me up and encourage me to brighter days. Either way….I saw God move in 2009. It started out as a year where I fell totally dependent upon Him and needed God’s strength desperately. As I searched for Him, I found these verses that totally encouraged me through most of 2009;

Isaiah 43 : 1-3
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I pray that you can look back on 2009 and even through the hard times, you can realize that He was there. Maybe you can see and be encouraged at the fact that you are still standing…the water did not rush over you nor were you burned by the fire. It doesn’t mean we enjoy the fire…believe me. But we know that nothing will overtake us, there is certainly joy in the morning! Looking to 2010 – I pray to walk closer to my God than ever before. I know if I can do that, it will be an amazing year.

18 Years of being Married, and I'm still learning!

2009-11-24T14:15:00.005-06:00

It's been over two months since my last post and I wonder what all I've done. I haven't given up being 'online' but I think I can say that Facebook has taken precedence over my blogging hobby. I hate that because what I love about blogging is what I get to glean from other people - their thoughts, suggestions and life experiences. I hate that I've been slacking....because truly, God has given me some really cool experiences lately that I could have shared with others as well. But...today, while I am at home (on my second pot of coffee) I thought it would be a great start or re-entry if you will to my own blog!

Sunday, November 22 I celebrated my 18th wedding anniversary. Amazing how the years fly by. We were both really busy over the weekend so planning a celebration was not in the forefront of either of our minds. I had been with 50 teenage girls over the weekend and Kevin was busy helping me and taking care of things at home. So,when I got home Sunday evening, our oldest already had friends over and had started a bonfire in the back and the other two boys were busy as well. Not the romantic night anyone would plan for their anniversary - but not too late in the evening,we were lucky enough to find that the teenagers had abandoned their bonfire and gone to a movie! Score! We found a place to have some quite time. I found two wine glasses and my favorite white wine and soon, the two of us were having romantic conversation and enjoying a beautiful fire. We enjoyed that for maybe 30 minutes before our youngest very excitedly came out asking so nicely "may I join you two". No kidding...that is what he said. Of course we said yes. And we enjoyed our time with him around that fire. We laughed, roasted marshmallows and enjoyed being together. And after he left about an hour later, we were left with smiles and laughter as we both had this amazingly blessed feeling. We looked at each other and shared our thoughts on how happy our life is. It is not perfect by any means. We get frustrated, hurried, mad, overwhelmed, stressed, angry (yes we fight) and sad.....but at the end of the day we are there to help each other through all of those feelings. We also get to share the craziness our boys bring to our lives, bonfires with friends and being active in our church family and other groups like teenage retreats with lots of girls or boys. I can't imagine my life without this man.

Some days all we can find is 30 minutes around a second hand campfire. I know that is not enough - and believe me, we would both love to find more time. I hear people speak often of having a date night no matter what.....and I wonder how in the world do they do that - when Kevin and I can't seem to make that work with 2 busy teens and 1 busy 5th grader in the house. Our volunteer schedule seems to always be packed too. And I'm not complaining, because we love our lives...and our schedules. But we do crave more time with just each other. So, we take the 30 minutes here and there and we try and take time daily....weekly to make calls and send texts to express how much we love each other. And how we love this life we share together. I love that my husband is the only one who can truly share my joy and sadness where my family is concerns. He can laugh at the same things I find incredibly funny about my boys...and the crazy chaos we share inside the Johnson home. He gets it. He gets me and the fact that even though he bought me a front loading washer and dryer last year to help me with my laundry...I still wait until its piled up and nobody has underwear to wear. That is just one of the many things that sweet man deals with. I won't go into the rest!

I've shared before how my husband is an amazing gift giver. Well, this year - he did not disappoint. I came home to find a beautiful conch shell sitting on my dresser. This may seem small to many of you....but it was OVERWHELMING to me. You see, we took an amazing vacation this summer to St. Marteen and my husband went snorkeling and found 5 or 6 beautiful conch shells. I fell in love with one of them and while trying to take it home with me, it was confiscated by the airport authorities of St. Marteen. I was devastated. Our family who flew out a week after we did, learned from our mistake and packed the shells in their suitcases and were able to bring them home. For our anniversary, Kevin had them send one of the shells back to us and surprised me with it. I just cried. The shell they sent was from one of our favorite days there. Kevin knew this. I could not think of a more special gift to receive from my sweet husband.
Is this shell not amazing????(Thank you Steve and Nancy for sharing!!!)

Marriage is an awesome expression of love. I love what 1 Corinthians 13 says about love. The entire 13th chapter is wonderful. I hope to love my husband in this way....and my friends as well. Sometimes, I'm sad to say its harder to love my husband than my friends. I seem to take out my stresses on him daily because he is always there. He should be the one I give my best to at all times, but isn't that the way we are at times. Offering others the very best and the ones closest to us, and know us best are getting the leftovers. My aim is that I offer my amazing husband the type of love that is found in 1 Corinthians 13. This version is from The Message. I love how it reads;

1 Corinthians 13
The Way of Love
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

How amazing would it be to consistently love someone like that passage explains. I am thankful for the last 18 years being married to Kevin. I look forward to walking through many more situations with him...laughing,praying,running,crying and anticipating.

Turtle Truth

2009-09-15T15:30:00.001-05:00

I know...cheesy name - but what else do you call a blog centered around a turtle? This 'happening' has actually stuck with me for a while - and maybe just maybe you'll laugh with me - or quite possibly be encouraged today by this silly blog.

A while back my sweet husband and I were out for an early Saturday morning date. We were driving to get some breakfast when we saw the sweetest little turtle trying to cross a busy road. Of course we had to get him!!! I can't bear the thought of those turtles getting run over. Little known fact about me??? I simply love turtles. I also love tortoises. One day...I will have one. For now, I settle for the occasional found turtle. Anyway, we rescued this little turtle who lived as a member of the Johnson family for about 2 weeks. I think rescued is a funny word to use when you think that we literally picked him up - disturbing his walk - only to place him in a large box as his new home with brief walks given to him daily. ANYWAY....Max loved this turtle and for some reason named him Jim the Turtle. It worked for him. He loved Jim - but Jim was not happy living with us and we could not find anything he wanted or would eat- so eventually, we all agreed we would have to let him go. When Max would take him out for walks before school, we would put him the yard and he would start to book across the grass.....only to be picked up by a 10 year old placing him right back by the walk way where he started. He never made any real gain....but he would keep booking it each time he was placed in that yard! It was funny.

On Jim's last day with us, we decided to take a few pictures so we could remember what a great turtle he was. Very social - never shrinking into his shell to avoid us. Sweet - just a great turtle!! As I began taking pictures - I noticed that Jim was determined to get out of his box. He really thought he could get out all by himself. At first - I sat and watched as he rose up and just looked over the box that sat inside his larger box. (Max was trying to make him a bedroom)

It was funny to me that he just stood there on his little legs. It kind of cracked me up. So I took a picture of his little face.

And Jim seemed to have much determination - he began to scratch his little feet against the box and try with all of his might to climb over the side of that box! Those little turtle legs were moving! First the scratching with the right leg....

Then the left leg went into action....

And then soon - he had some real progress!!! I was shocked at this little guy!I was cheering for him!!

And then......he made it!!! But...there he sat. Not one bit closer to being out of that box. Instead....he found a bigger, higher wall to face.

If you are like me - I sometimes find myself in the same situation that Jim landed in. I'll scratch and climb over one wall...only to find I am facing an even bigger one! But the lesson in this turtle truth is that we should still fight like crazy to get over the wall - never be satisfied or stop working toward something better if you know it's out there. It takes courage, determination, and belief that a better day is coming.

I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Are you ready for some football????

2009-08-21T13:22:00.006-05:00

I love this time of year! Not that I am huge fan of football itself. But, I am a huge fan of friends and gatherings and tailgating in general. So fun! If you know me even a little bit, you are probably familiar with the fact that my house will never turn down company or a party! So tonight is fun in our house for two reasons. One, my husband has his official NFL Fantasy Football draft. He takes this very seriously along with the other men that play with him. Now, this group of men started as a small group of a church we attended a few years back. All in the name of men's ministry right? Well, they all became friends and they are still playing years later. They literally gather in a room and have draft drawings, trading and so on. All I know is that every Packer accessory we have is packed in Kevin's car to be used tonight to decorate 'his area'. I love this for him!

Tonight for me will be the Spain Park Jamboree. Our son Scout will play for the first time as a highschooler. He is a wide receiver on the Freshman team and he is psyched! Here is his game face...

Cute face....

This was his first 'wear your jersey' to school moment. I am sure it was a good morning. And while I am excited for him, I prayed for my oldest today as he went to school without his football jersey today. He's played football since 6th grade and has loved it. This past year, at the end of his junior year, he decided not to play anymore. Though he had a fun 'free' summer of no practice - he felt a twinge of sadness this morning. His best buds still in their jerseys today....and he's not. I know he made the right decision for him - but I also know what he felt today and will feel tonight at that first kick off. Say a prayer for boy if you don't mind. Actually say a prayer for both Scout and Nick. Scout - that he plays well and stays safe. Nick, that he has joy and confidence in his decision and that its not as hard as I imagine it might be. Oh...a mama's heart.

Earlier this week I blogged about the first week of school but had lost Max's picture. Well, here it is! Better late than never. Oh...check out the shoes. Max has never asked for anything in particular when it comes to shoes - but this year...he wanted Vanns. How fun for me.....kicking it old school....back to the 80s and my day!

Is he not cute? He may look 10 years old...but his wit is years beyond 10. He cracks us up! Thank you God.

When a song speaks to you

2009-08-20T06:27:00.003-05:00

Do you ever hear a song and just feel that 'Oh man...that's me' feeling? I am so preoccupied with one song as of late. I love the lyrics. I love the portion of the song that says...in every season....because there are so many season to all of our lives. In every season....the full, the dry, the hard, the bountiful....there is a reason to sing. This song is an encouragement to me to sew into lives of others because of all of those who have sewn into mine - for such a time as this.

The Desert Song

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
And weakness or trial or pain
There is faith proved more worth than gold
So refine me lord through the faith

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conquerer and co-heir with Christ
So fill my his promise ill stand

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have reason to worship

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here

And this is my prayer in the harvest
And favor and provence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

You can listen to the whole song here....http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e9a972fbcb51e52f791c

What seen can you sew today?

A New School Year

2009-08-18T22:31:00.009-05:00

Well, I am a bit late with the whole first day of school picture thing! They've been in school for an entire week now. At least I did take pictures on that first day...I just didn't share them with anyone. So...for my mom and others that keep up with my blog....wait no longer.....here are the handsome boys of my house on our first day.

Max was so excited. (I can't find his pic right now...when I do...I'll add it! LOL) Typical 3rd child situation. HA! Anyway, he loves being in 5th grade. I'm a bit sad mind you....I can't believe we'll soon leave the school that has been a part of our lives for the last 12 years beginning with Nick. Seriously, this school has been a blessing. Filled with Christ loving teachers and teachers who just plain love their jobs and our kids. So blessed! Speaking of being blessed - Mr. Chaffin has driven the school bus that picks up outside our house ever since Nick was in 1st grade. After he got to know Nick - he truly looked forward to welcoming Scout on his first day of K5 and then Max. With Max he simply opened the door on the first day of school and said, "Well, little buddy...its about time!". Made my day just a bit better back then....so seeing him on the first day of my baby's last first day of elementary school...(did you follow that??)...was a welcome sight.

My handsome teenagers....

It was kind of an odd feeling watching Scout jump in the truck with Nick. Not needing me to take him to school...HIGH SCHOOL on the first day! I remember my first day of high school. And...if I remember it correctly, I rode with my friend Tonya and her dad took us. We were soooooo nervous going inside - but we did it together! Scout rode with his brother - went to breakfast with some other seniors....and they thoroughly enjoyed having a Freshman around, then met up with his bud where they entered the school to tackle their first day. I hear overall...it was a good day. I love these boys and am so proud of the young men they are becoming.

At the beginning of each school year I ask God what specifically I can pray for over each of my boys. I ask him to be specific with me. I can think of alot of things to pray...but I want to hear straight from God what my kids need. I want the holy spirit to quicken my heart each time one of my kids needs encouragement, joy, strength...whatever! My heart grows heavy when I think of what their generation is faced with daily. Some people say things are the same as they were when I was in school but I disagree entirely. I did not have near the pressure my teenagers have. Don't get me wrong...I had my share of trouble - but it certainly came with less consequences than the trouble of today's kids. My thoughts anyway. So as I was praying this summer - I was drawn time and again to the book of Colossians.

Colossians 2 in particular....read this;

Colossians 2: 1-7
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

My desire for my children as well as others is that they are encouraged in heart, unity and LOVE.....that they know the fullness of God, that they are complete in understanding how much God loves them so that anything...ANYTHING that would tempt them to stray or water down their convictions will not hold a candle to what they know to be true and real with their God. That are rooted in their faith, firmly. When I read the book of Colossians, I can just feel Paul's struggle for a church and group of people that he loves dearly. He loved them so much he was overwhelmed with how he wanted God's best and God's joy for them. And he sees how the enemy is working against them.

Now that my oldest is a senior I see year after year how prayer is THE MOST important thing I can offer my kids. I can buy them clothes....and can make sure they have friends and are social.....but if I don't pray for them I am missing opportunities to help protect and guide them as only God can...as I listen to his leading. Something else that I feel strongly about is taking prayer walks around their schools. Praying over the campus and for what they may encounter. Praying over their teachers - classmates - friends - lunch time - conversation - tailgating - anything that comes to mind. Just praying - offering up a petition of protection and favor over my kids and their friends.
My encouragement to you is to pray....keep journals of your prayers over your children and then take time to thank God for all he's done in the lives of your children as you see those prayers answered. When you see all the times you've been protected from crazy situations - recognize that as the hand of God...not just coincidence. This doesn't mean your kids will never stray, nor does it mean that you'll never experience heartache. Believe me. But what it does mean - is that when things happen -you have the benefit of knowing God is there and you've seen him work in the lives of your kids before...and he'll do it again. He will. The past few years have had both great and pretty crazy times for us. But through each - I've seen God's hand and felt his love carry me through all sorts of things. I love journaling for that reason alone - being reminded of the many ways God is faithful.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

Time Flies.......

2009-08-10T00:02:00.005-05:00

Wow! I guess the summer has flown by faster than I thought, because its been well over a month since I've blogged about ANYTHING. There have been so many fun things...and so many life lesson situations that could have made great blogs, but here I am...over a month since the last post....and I wonder where to start.

After we met my sweet niece, Addie Grace, in Nashville - we hit the floor running with summer activities. Nick and Scout went to summer youth camp in Florida and Max went to summer camp that same week. It was awesome for all 3 boys. Awesome for me and Kevin too! Home alone was great....quiet....but GREAT! Here is a picture of Max from his summer camp week. Do I even need to mention that he came back smelling....well...like a 10 year old boy?

I like this one. This is when I was about to leave. The fake mustache, glasses thing? Well, that is something he thought would entertain the ladies. Not kidding.... He did not get that from Kevin, thank goodness.

Soon after we all got home...and settled back into a routine, the call that I have been dreading finally arrived. It was a little after 6am on Friday morning, July 17.
My sweet Nana had passed away. I think I'll remember that date forever. Many of you have been praying for my family since February when my Nana first went into the hospital. She spent the months following that incident in nursing homes and rehab centers. Its been a long 5 months to say the least. But as prepared as I thought I was, the words my father spoke just kind of went in one ear and out the other. And I just sat there and thanked him for calling. I think I asked how my mother was....but I don't remember alot after that. Kevin was there for me and did everything he could do to make me feel better. We woke the kids up and told them one by one and they each had their own reactions. And though we all respond so differently to things like this....we were all just sad.

I was fortunate enough to have a few hours to myself that day. And in those hours, I allowed myself to cry. Uncontrollably at times - and then laugh....and then cry some more. It felt good to do all that too. Believe me. It would be right when I would think there were no more tears to cry...that I would find just a few more.

That night, a sweet friend brought dinner to my family and we ate together at my mom's house. We talked about Nana and laughed alot too. Then of course....we'd cry some more. The following days were filled with funeral planning....and then the funeral on that following Monday. The 4 days of Nana's passing, funeral planning and then the funeral seemed to go by so fast. Its almost been a month and in some ways I just can't believe she's gone. I think it will be that way for a while. But I am so thankful for the friends that reached out to us during that time. We felt the love. My entire family did. Thank you so much to all of you! You know who you are. :)

I have a couple of great thoughts that I want to blog about at a later time. But I feel so behind on my blogging right now....that each post would be WAY long if I wrote everything I was thinking. I'll save some thoughts for another time....and another night when I am not trying to get back into the swing of routine. Like I said in the beginning....the time flies...and my summer is over and the kids are going back to school.

In the middle of the chaos, and the loss we've experienced, I've been reminded how good God is. How amazing living life can be. And...how thankful I am to be blessed with friends and family that love me so. Life is good, even if I'm never, ever going to be caught up on my laundry. Amen?

And in the midst of the sadness, there has been MUCH to thank God for as well. God has been doing great things inside me as well as others within my family. I am humbled and amazed watching God work within me and those around me. I am so thankful for all he is doing. I guess there really is a season for everything. God's timing is beautiful.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 1:24

Adoption and being a child of God

2009-07-07T14:40:00.007-05:00

Many of you know that my Brother/Sister in law recently adopted a precious baby from China. When I say precious....I mean Precious. Kissable and totally adorable. We have been praying for her arrival for over 3 years now. To finally hold her this past weekend was crazy. Surreal for sure....but oh so special. The kids were very excited about meeting their new cousin as well. They enjoyed holding and playing with Addie as well.

You can see here...that she already loves her big cousins;

When Ken, Kelly and Alec were in China, they were able to visit the province where Addie was born and they received lots of personal information on Addie as well. Part of Addie's story is heartbreaking. She was found abandoned and alone at a train station when she was only a day old. Can you imagine? Abandoning your child? Or even finding out that was your beginning as a baby? Both situations are hard to comprehend. While we can't imagine leaving our child at a train station - I doubt any of us can conceive the living conditions in China and how they dictate to our families how we can live and the children we can raise within our families. However, that is the way our Addie began her little life.

Within the last year, we have prayed over this little girl. Not knowing her name or seeing a face - but knowing there was a baby out there that Ken and Kelly would soon be a mommy and daddy to. Early on, Ken and Kelly asked us to pray that she was held,was healthy, loved on, cared for and even for the birth mother. God was totally in control. He took care of this little girl and she was found at that train station and placed in a foster home. She was loved on and cared for, just like we prayed. She is now, safe at home....in a cozy bed....a long way away from being abandoned at the train station. Here is a snap shot of Addie's cozy bed.

When God blesses....he blesses big.

Ever since I heard how Addie was originally found and thinking about where she is now....I can't help but to compare that to us. I mean - we are all adopted as Christians. I love 1 John 3:1 and how it describes us as Children of God.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

It doesn't matter where we've been....where we were left or where we have been living. God calls to us through his love and gift of Jesus Christ - we can all find adoption into his family. And he blesses and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. He loves us that much. As much as I know Ken, Kelly and Alec will love Addie....God loves her even more. That's a whole lot of love!
Please continue to pray for this little girl as she bonds with her new family. Pray that she grows in the grace of our Lord and feels loved and cared for every day of her life. Pray that when she is old enough to learn of her story that she will see God's amazing hand in her life and how he loves and cares for her every need.

Romans 8:10-16 (The Message)

9-11But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's!

12-14So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

15-17This Resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!

Was it this hot when I was a kid?

2009-06-30T13:55:00.005-05:00

I love summer and the heat! Really.....I love being home and sitting in the sun for a while each day. I will admit however, that as I age....I realize my skin does not enjoy the sun as much as I do. I am now beginning to see these glorious dark spots on my face. The telling signs of days gone by that were filled with baby-oil and iodine days. Maybe some butter occasionally while laying out on the roof or the hot drive way back in the day! Oh well....glad I get a new body when I get to heaven. Hope that includes the skin too! LOL

Anyway, as I was saying, I love summer days. I remember playing outside all day long and my mom hollering for us to come in! Those were the best. We didn't stay inside all day because there was 'nothing' to do inside. All the fun....was outside with our pals. The ADVENTURE was outside. What does a parent do when their kids do not want to find the adventure? Seriously. Its my own opinion that we must make them find joy in 'the adventure' and do something different. Turn off the TVs for a day. For a week. Whatever - just get them off the couch. Make your teenager play battleship with you. We've had some great conversations that come out of nowhere just because the time is there. Or you could allow them a couple of choices. The choices I offered my 17 year old this week was do you want to do something fun outside with your brothers or do you want to do more yard work for me? Either way....its totally your decision is what I told him. I was delighted when he chose the play with your brothers option. They've ended up playing Nerf, shooting the paintball guns and eventually ended up at the $1 movie theater that night. It was a good day.

When we take time to do something that involves participation with another person and not just computer/Xbox/TV interaction we get relational. And that is a good thing. Speaking of being relational and unplugging from the computer, I recently got back from a great trip to St. Maartin with my husband and our Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. It was a dream vacation for sure! Here are a few pictures from our week. Just a few - I'm going to try and post a new slide show for the front page of my blog that should have more!

This is me and Kevin at Sunset Bar & Grill watching the planes come in...

This is a group shot after one of our adventures driving the back roads. Steve told us this was Robert Redford's House...I need to google to check out the facts. I'll let you know what I find! LOL

This is Orient Beach. A favorite shot - and the beach really was this pretty.

Like I said...only a few shots but some of our favs. Though it was hot on the island, there was a perfect breeze pretty much 24/7 every day. It was glorious. Maybe if I moved to St. Maartin my kids would find more adventure each day because of that perfect breeze. Its worth a shot. I mean, do what you got to do right? Ha! Well, I guess my other option is to keep the battleship game out and find more creative, manipulative ways to convince my kids to spend time together. Actually....that sounds like more fun anyway.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Adeline Grace Johnson is here!

2009-06-07T07:06:00.005-05:00

Ok...well she's not here as in the USA, but she is in her mother's arms now. We praise God for this little girl. She is a beautiful wide eyed little girl and I hear she is curious about everything....especially her mom's necklace. I can only imagine the sweetness in the moment that they gave that little girl to Kelly. I wish I could have been there. Wow! Kelly seems to be adapting amazingly quick, Ken holding her is joy and Alec....looks like the best big brother in the world. Seriously....what a protector he is going to be! Here are some pictures of the Gotcha Day in China. However, click here for Kelly's blog where you can read about their sweet journey and see more precious pictures.

First Family Photo

First Bath...so cute!

I love how God's timing is perfect. When we wait.....he says "hang on...it will be worth it". They waited 3 years and 3 months to the day for this little girl. Last year, I remember the waiting feeling very long for them. In fact....it was around the summer of last year. We all wondered when it would finally get here...their call about an adoption referral and travel date. When they finally got the call this spring, the birth date of the baby stunned them both. Adeline Grace was born on Kelly's birthday during the summer. God knew the day...the time...he was not worried...he knew it was happening and it was in his hands. How sweet to know that when they were wishing and hoping....God allowed Addie to be born on Kelly's birthday and he chose Addie specifically for Kelly, Ken and Alec. I imagine him literally thinking - This baby is for Kelly she's waited a while for you little one, let's give her the best birthday present ever today. You. We'll tell her in just a bit....but she'll always know, that I was thinking of her and her desires to be a mom.

Now, those are my thoughts and they may seem odd. But the God I know and love....is crazy about us. He wants to shower us with joy and gifts. He loves us that much. He is a good, good God.

I love this passage from Matthew speaking about seeking for God....and finding him. There is a reference to God's ability to give good gifts. Why is it sometimes so hard for us to grasp that God loves us sooo much that he will delight in doing good for us. Better than we can imagine. I mean, if we think we give good things to our children.....if that is our measure - God's ability is so much more than that. So much greater! I know I've seen that first hand in my own life. I am so thankful.

Matthew 7: 7-12

7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets

My family is in China!!!

2009-06-06T13:57:00.006-05:00

Many of you have been praying for Ken, Kelly, Alec and their wait for adopting a sweet baby girl. Well...they are in China now and will get to hold their baby girl tomorrow morning. I wanted to thank you for lifting them up in prayer, but also show you a few pics from their trip so far! Please visit my Sister-in-laws blog for daily updates.

All I know is that tomorrow morning, I will log on and see my niece, Addie Grace for the first time with her family. I cannot wait!!!!!!

Here are some great pictures of their sight seeing while in Bejing, China.

Ken and Kelly at the Great Wall

My nephew climbing the Great Wall. What an experience for him!

This is a picture of their family at the top! Wow!!!

A New Creation......explained perfectly, in my little opinion.

2009-05-31T06:50:00.006-05:00

I am so looking forward to church today. My dear friend Laura is getting baptized. I am so honored to be able to visit her church this morning and experience this moment with her. Truly its a privilege.

I met Laura in October of 2005. We began working together in November of 2005. God truly blessed me with an amazing friend when he put us together. In some ways, we could not be more different - but in other ways....we are sewn together for life! Bottom line...I love her and am so thankful for her. She has taught me so much about authenticity in the Christian Life. She does not pretend, nor does she ever aim to just 'say the right things' that some Christians have learned to do over the years. If she hears something about God that she doesn't necessarily understand....or comprehend, she says it. She wrestles with it. She digs to know and learn more. When she experiences something wonderful from God - she is giddy. She totally excites in the joy of the Lord. In fact...at times she just gushes and will seriously share it with everyone she knows.

True story - She came to a point in her Christian walk where she realized a few things she had not taken to heart before. ( I hope this does not embarrass my friend...but seriously, I think she would share this with you on her own. After all -- she wanted to put this in her baptism video to be shown at her church. However, the videographer, encouraged her to leave that part out. He doesn't know our Laura so well does he? Anyway.....) So...she came to a point when she seriously started learning what the bible had to say about sex. I will never forget her astonishment, like...'Can you believe this?' She then began to very boldly share that with others....in bars....in the workplace....in fact, anytime she felt someone would listen she would literally feel free to share with them what sex was really intended to be. I love that in her. She shares her heart with no pretense. She's authentic. How many times have you felt led to say something...or share something you learned about God and fear held you back? Why does that happen? Seriously....talk to Laura....she can give you a kick in the pants!

All of this to say, that I read her blogpost last night about her baptism and I would love for you to read it. Click here for her blog - or you can click on the link to the right titled - This Ain't No Ordinary Fundraising Letter. Yep...she's going on her second mission trip this summer. Don't worry - she doesn't need anymore money....just click and read...and enjoy her posts. Wherever you are....whatever you've done or not done - God's love is for you and he never stops loving nor does he ever Go away. We go away...we move away from God and lose sight of his goodness, but he stays the same.

2 Corinthians 5:16 - 17
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Firsts and Lasts

2009-05-21T11:53:00.005-05:00

Ok....its officially over. The school year that is. Today was the last day and it could not have gone smoother. I remember a few tears from Nick's last day of 8th grade.....but I am sure he does not remember that.

Last night -we totally did not have 'typical' bedtime time. In fact we watched Australia until a little after 11:00pm. We then proceeded to try and find an 11th grade chemistry book (which i wrote a $47 check for today).....obviously we did not find it! But how funny...down to the end with a bit of drama. But this morning was great. I made breakfast and we talked about the year a bit. They were all a bit excited and reflective in their own ways.

Scout - a bit nervous about summer football camp at the high school and then finally becoming a Freshman!

Max - was already missing his buds, and THE BEST TEACHER ON EARTH as he said, Ms. Howell. In fact...he hopes she decides to teach 5th grade next year!

Nick - Just ready to get those finals over and enjoy some summer. He can't believe he doesn't have summer football camp this year. He's not playing his senior year...so he's looking forward to something.....just not sure what!

So...as I'm thinking of this being their last day.... I couldn't help but think of the first day of school. This is the picture I took of them back in August.

I love how everyone is alert....ready for school in their favorite clothes. T-shirts are a staple at my house. Comfort....also key!

Now....9 months later.....they've grown and changed.

Max, proudly wearing his Safety Patrol belt one last day to school before the new school year begins. He's been 'in training' for 2 weeks now. He said he had a great hair day today. Hmmmm, I wonder where he has heard that phrase before? I'll shatter his world with a haircut soon. Its what I do.....

Scout on his Facebook before school...which is typically a no-no..but on last day of school? Anything goes! We even had french toast with powdered sugar....yes....I forgot about the teacher's sanity today.

This is Scout walking to the Bus Stop this morning....FOR THE LAST TIME!!!! He'll ride with Nick next year and will then drive or ride carpool his Sophomore year. I just realized this.....I may cry now.....

And then we have Nick.....you can't see the gray and black gym shorts or the flip flops that totally make this T-Shirt POP. He wanted to leave a fashion statement on this last day...HA! What I do love is his shirt. 'I survived 5th Grade' and on the back are several signatures from his 5th grade class that he still goes to school with. Kind of funny....a bit vintage!

So, all of this to say that we've had a big year...in many ways. We'll look back on this school year for time to come with some new found knowledge that will make us better parents, make our kids better kids....and a better family all the way around. Though it was not a perfect year - and there were times I wish we could have had do-overs. But at the same time....we've seen God show up, again and again and show his love for us. We'll now enjoy a great summer......and do it all over again, wiser...hopefully smarter in some cases and with an attitude of thankfulness for this amazing life we share.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

And this week.........

2009-05-14T21:17:00.007-05:00

This week is quickly coming to an end and I am smiling big. So looking forward to the weekend. But in all, this week has not been bad, just a regular busy week. My husband and I talked this week and we realized that yes....April and May are always busy. Always. There is usually something to celebrate at the boys schools (all 3 of them) and you can typically add a track banquet, football banquet, Scout Blue and Gold banquet etc, etc....you get the picture. Well, this week we started off with spirit week at Max's school where each day holds a new theme. I loved Tacky Day.....

This was Max's version of tacky day. Believe it or not....but seriously, this took us an hour the night before looking for just the right combination. The only thing not pictured here is the hunting hat lined with fur that seemed to set the look off just right for Max. You'll just have to imagine that for yourself.

Tuesday, I was blessed to be able to see Scout receive a few awards at his Middle School. I cannot believe he is going into high school next year. I am so proud of him. He is the type of student that works so hard. Truly....he works for what he receives. He is diligent with homework and projects and all of those things matter so much to him.

This is Scout receiving his final award of the morning - his Junior Membership into the Beta Club. That was right after he had his induction to the National Junior Honor Society.

Such a cutie!

And in addition to those fun things....we are hosting the Regions Charity Classic at my hotel this week. Always so much fun! Here are some fun pics....

And here are the people we followed for a majority of the day Wednesday. This is my boss and my client from Atlanta. Was a great day. They did quite well.....didn't win, but they were close! This picture was actually taken after my client got a birdie on this hole. Did I say that right....sounds really funny....

Fun stuff.....and after all of this week, I truly hear His word ringing in my ears....

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

I hope I do that....as a mom, wife, sales person and friend. To work at those roles with all my heart. Because essentially....its Christ we serve through every little thing we do. So...to quote my friend Jenny today....why not jump right in...and just do it with all your heart. Why not???

Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed me with. The kids and their schools, the chaos and schedules. Thank you for my friends....how they bless my life and make even golf tournaments fun.....thank you for my job and how it provides and adds to my life. Thank you Lord for being so good.

Peighton Bailey is one today!

2009-05-12T14:25:00.004-05:00

Officially, my sweet niece is now 1 year old. I can't believe it. Seriously!!!! What a blessing she is...in so many, many ways. We celebrated BIG on Saturday for such a little girl. We laughed alot too....mostly at anything remotely cute that little girl did. Here are some fun pics of the party...and our gushing over her. My three boys were amazingly loved by their Mema and Papa....still are. But there is something about having this little girl around that makes us all, (my boys included) crazy and silly when she is near! I really can't believe that my youngest is 10...and that my oldest will be a senior next year. And Scout.....gulp...will enter highschool next year. Crazy....

My daddy made her this sweet little chair. Her initials monogrammed too!

This made me laugh - no real reason...just struck me as funny

And if you wonder if she enjoyed diving into her cake.....

Yes...she most certainly did!

Psalm 127:3

Don't you see that children are God's best gift?

Ahhhh Friday......

2009-05-08T14:15:00.006-05:00

I have no idea where this weekend will take you, but I can say with great enthusiasm...I am ecstatic that it is not taking me too far! We've had a busy couple of weeks so I look forward to having down time at home and a few family get togethers as well. Kevin wants to take the boys to see Star Trek tonight...I am more than good with that. I will enjoy a night with myself. Maybe a glass of wine and a movie only females can enjoy. I'm not sure....but whatever I do....it will be a me night.

Tomorrow, I'll be at my sister's house celebrating my sweet niece's first birthday. I can't believe it. I am so thankful for how she has changed all of our lives. That little girl may never know the wondrous miracle she has performed.....just by being the little girl God created her to be. Simply Precious. So...with that said....I am using my right to brag as the Aunt of one of the most adorable girls ever. (I'll have to share with you soon about Addie Grace!!! I have another niece arriving from China early June....more information soon coming in another blog!)

Anyway...here are some downright adorable pics from when I kept Peighton after the wedding. I loved all over this little thing....and then....after a mere 48 hours...became exhausted....and thought, I love that I can love her...squeeze her...then give her back! Whew....But we did just fine. We had 4 fun days with her and each one was wonderful.

OK...we had just finished her sweet potatoes and she was so sweet...I had to get a picture!

She has 'Aunt Shannon's' Sass....

ADORABLE

I like this one...because it shows my LACK of reading material for little girls. I need to get on that one....this is not acceptable for my prissy girl!

Whatever you do this weekend...have fun and enjoy your mom and the other moms around you! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Lots of Updates.....I've been away....

2009-05-06T12:03:00.006-05:00

Wow! The last post I have is from a few weeks ago when Nick was in Mexico. In case you are wondering....yes, he made it home! It was amazing to see how this trip affected him. To put it in his words, "I've never done anything that important in my life". He truly felt and saw that his actions that week had helped to change some one's life forever. He loved being outside and working on a house for a family in need. He truly loved being at an orphanage one of the days too. He told us a few times about the children jumping on him and how they wanted him to paint their face like a tiger. He smiled BIG telling us of his experiences. We are so thankful for that experience in his life. I can't wait to see how God will use that in his life later on. For now, he wants to go back as soon as he can. He literally CANNOT wait for another opportunity.

This was our first Easter without Nick and that was really weird. But, because of unplanned circumstances, our family from Nashville joined us! It was wonderful! Here is a picture of my sweet Nana Sunday afternoon. She couldn't make it to church with us, but she loved us visiting in the afternoon. To be so close to death only a few months ago....she is has some amazing days now. She doesn't feel this good every day - but we were so thankful Easter Sunday was a good day. It was so nice being with her that day. She's still a way fun Nana, and laughed and enjoyed her great grandchildren to the fullest!

The week after Easter, my sister got married. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding. Jennifer and Vince had one of the sweetest weddings I have ever seen. Along with traditional vows, they spoke their own words to each other. My sister has always been a writer - so she had a speech for Vince - and it was perfect. I loved that she took the time to tell him how she felt about him and the difference he had made in her life. Before the ceremony, she said that she thought maybe she should cut it short that people didn't want to hear all her stuff. I told her that it was her wedding and she should say what she wants to say. Its her wedding day! And she did....and it was great. The entire wedding was that way. It was very Jenny and Vince - and they enjoyed it together. Awesome day. Here are a few pictures.

Jen and her sweet Peighton. Peighton's dress was adorable! My mom bought it for Easter...and The Wedding!

My mother in law decorated the cake, the arch on the wall and the entire room...not enough space to post all the pics!

I will say that I experienced Acts Chapter 2 in a big way during the wedding. What do I mean? The church that I am a part of is called a2 in response of Acts chapter 2. This is a wonderful portion of that chapter.

The Fellowship of the Believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Since becoming a part of this church, that scripture has meant more to me than ever before. Well, during the planning of my sister's wedding, I was in need - and my community came to my aid. Seriously. They saw I had need and offered. I did not have to beg....or seek hard. My community was just there to help. For instance, I was catering the food - My friends Julie and Becky were there to make sure it happened and took care of everything that Saturday. They literally worked from 10am until 6pm, preparing, serving and cleaning. No complaints - smiled and were genuinely excited to do the whole thing! My girl Julie dropped her kids off that morning and picked them up after the wedding and enjoyed a whole 2 hours of rest...before going to the airport to pick up her husband and son. They had been in Mexico with Nick for that entire week before! What a week for everyone!

My friend, Becky's girls were there to take care of my niece and help with cutting the cake and greeting guests. They were amazing! Simply amazing. My niece Peighton didn't cry for her mommie (the bride) one time. She had a great day with Kelsie! We were so grateful. Emily could go into wedding planning one day herself. She was great! This teenage girl cut and served the entire grooms cake with ease!

Our friend David Jacks offered to do a video and pictures for my sisters wedding at no cost. Who does that? A friend who loves you...that is who! He and Kevin worked together on pictures and video to make sure the day would remembered for years to come. I cannot say enough how amazing that is!

My mother in law called the week of the wedding. She was sharing how she didn't think she could make it for my birthday...so she wanted to come down that week to see us. The week of my sister's wedding. Ok...this is where God put icing on the cake for us - I believe the Lord holds all things in his hand. All things. And that every little thing we are concerned with is important to God. Ok...so as I'm listening to my mother in law, I begin to think...oh, this means she will be here when my sister is getting married - and she is AN AMAZING FLORIST! What a brilliant change in plans! So, all of the sudden...we had a professional florist to decorate the cake and the reception area. The flowers were beautiful. Kathy really is amazing....and she blessed us all so much.

If that were not enough - I made a request for serving pieces - My neighbor supplied me with beautiful silver serving pieces that day and there were several other friends who offered as well. I needed linen - my wonderful hotel supplied that without cost. My friend allowed us to use his coffee urns, a friend at work brought an outfit for me to wear because there was NO TIME to shop! Amazing.... and when the wedding was over, I sat back and thought, How blessed it is to have a community of friends who are there. It was my sister - not theirs....but love her as if she was. Have you heard of anything like that before. They gave of themselves out of love for me. It was love like God loves. That selfless love.

John 3:16-18

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son

Oh....and in case I forget to update you on a few more little items.... Scout is enjoying Spring Trainin for Freshman football team next year. For our family that is out of state - he's grown about 6 inches this year! He remains our loud...but amazingly soft and tender hearted son. I look forward to what God is going to do with him during these teenage years. Max is ECSTATIC to have made the Safety Patrol Group at his school. 5th grade will be awesome for him! He says he has the 'hot spot' right outside the library. Its a big deal if you go to his school I hear. LOL Kevin is loving his jukebox and his 45 collection. Just picture it. The jukebox lives in our kitchen where we enjoy it every day....seriously. Nick is working hard on his grades....looks like I am buying a Martin Guitar this May. And me? Well, I'm 40 now...and love it. Thank you to all of you who make my life full of good things! I have been blessed.

A few more pics from Mexico

2009-04-14T10:35:00.005-05:00

I have yet to actually talk to my son, however, the beauty of Facebook is that I get to see a bit of his trip through my friend Darrell's facebook. He tells me that they are having an amazing time, that God is moving and using our kids to do some great things. Nick is working with a college team, and yesterday was involved in helping to build a home for a family in Ensenada.

This is where the family is presently living. The concrete slab is the foundation for the extension of their new home. Can you imagine?

This is the family being interviewed about what this means to them.

More to come later.....I guess.....I'll have to wait on Facebook and my friend Darrell to tell me what is happening. Thank you for all of the prayers of protection and favor that you've prayed over Nick, Darrell and Britton. Please also remember our friend Sheril Brasher. I don't think I ever realized all that she does with that ministry. I live in such a bubble sometimes. I am so proud of her. She is a young woman of God with a heart for God's people. That is so evident to me now. She could have done anything and she is serving each and every day in a place that does not have any of the comforts of her home. Those 'things' that she lived each and every day with. Wow...I complain and get grumpy when I sleep somewhere that has a bedding with a thread count less than 300. Sad....

The Sheep and the Goats - Matthew 25:31-40

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Nick is in Mexico!

2009-04-12T22:48:00.007-05:00

Nick left on Saturday for Ensenada, Mexico. He is with some dear friends of ours participating in on a mission trip. One of our friends from church, Sheril Brasher is a director for YWAM in Ensenda and because of her, they have an awesome opportunity to see how God moves and works in a very different place than they one in which they live. Its a far cry from Hoover. I have yet to talk to him, but I have heard from the adult he is traveling with that he is having a remarkable time already. My prayer is that he hears from God this week. He is getting close to the age where he wants to feel a direction as to what he should do once he graduates high school. I can't believe that will be next year! Please pray that as he serves and seeks God this week, that he will hear something specific for his life. Please also pray for protection for Nick, Britton and Darrell Garrett as they travel together within Mexico. Please also pray for favor and wisdom as Darrell leads the worship services for this mission trip this week.

This is Nick getting ready to go through security.

This is his buddy Britton.

I've been so anxious to hear something from Nick. However, I know that I won't get near the updates that I would like to have. I guess that is just part of having a teenage son. Or at least for me. Nick doesn't always want to 'fill me in' on everything that goes on!

This is Nick with Britton and Darrell. These friends are really family to us - we love them and I can't think of a better way for Nick to experience this trip.

As I said I am praying for the Lord to speak to Nick - and though I am dying to know what he is thinking and feeling....I'll have to rely on messages from Darrell during the interim. Here is one I got from him today;

"You would have been so proud of our boys last night. They had to stand in front of 150 teens and leaders and introduce themselves as staff, and the college staff loves them. They went right to work, even went to a late night staff meeting. They were tired:) During the service last night they told me they wanted to skip college and come do this. It's going to be a great week for them.
Ill keep ya'll posted."

Lord, I am praying your word today, Psalm 37:22-24 (New International Version)

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand

Amen

Jesus In The Garden, by M. B. Giles

2009-04-09T19:00:00.001-05:00

Before you read this story, grab a cup of coffee - or just get to a quiet place in your day somehow. This story is written by an old friend of mine that I grew up with. We enjoyed the same youth group at Roebuck Park Baptist Church. Oddly enough, we've connected again through Facebook and I was humbled that she shared this story with me. I've asked her permission to share it...and she graciously agreed. So, Libby - thanks friend. I know this will bless many! This is a copyrighted piece that she is allowing me to share here.

Jesus In the Garden - as told by the voice of an angel.

Jesus leads the men down the empty street; he walks at a determined pace one or two steps in front of the others. The men languishing behind him are talking among themselves. The men are not worried about losing Jesus they all know he is walking to the garden where they spend many a day. It is not unusual for them to gather there; but it is unusual for them to go this late in the night.

Jesus’ steps are sure and strong but his face is strained. The small group of men follows Jesus to the brick wall that surrounds the garden of Gethsemane. He pauses a second; then moves forward without looking back,

“Peter, James and John come with me.” Jesus lifts the metal latch on the rote iron gate. The conversations of the men stop. They recognize urgency in Jesus’ voice. The gate gives a quick, metallic whine as Jesus pushes it open. He continues to walk with purpose into the outer garden area. The night is warm but a slight breeze occasionally blows causing almost a cold chill. Jesus hears one of the men push the whining gate closed and hears the metal latch lock. The sound of metal hitting metal sends a chill through Jesus that has nothing to do with the breeze.

Stopping, Jesus turns to face the three men. Even in the darkness the men can make out the expression on Jesus’ face. The four men stand for a long moment; Jesus seems unsure what to say. When he finds his voice he almost chokes,

“My soul is crushed by sorrow to the point of death.”

Jesus can hear the strain in his own voice. Seeing the alarm that floods across the men’s faces he tries to regain control. Faking a quick cough he says,

“Stay here and watch with me. Watch and pray.”

Jesus turns before the confused men have a chance to speak and walks away quickly.
Turning a corner he walks the few yards to the inner garden entrance; he falls into the gate. His hands, shaking, fumble with the metal latch holding the gate closed. The rusty latch gives stubbornly and Jesus pushes the gate open and closed in one quick motion. The sound of the gate slamming shut echoes through the empty, dark garden. Jesus, his heart racing, stands looking into the garden where he and his disciples have spent many hours. Feelings of foreboding and terror are becoming overwhelming; frightened that his shaking knees will give under his weight he leans back against the stone wall that fortifies the garden. The realization that he is safely within the garden walls gives him a slight moment of peace; but staring into the darkness, even this familiar garden seems ominous. Dark shadows slide through the garden as the moon plays hide and seek with the clouds. His breath begins coming in short anxious gulps, fear again overtaking him.

Staring into the dark abyss Jesus tries to remember the garden in the brightness of the sun. Surely, he thinks, this is the very same garden in the dark that I have admired in the day. Every inch of this garden I have loved and always felt very comfortable within the garden walls. But it was no use; the garden – this garden - so brilliant and pleasing when bathed by the sun has an eerie feel tonight. This night Jesus will not be admiring the flora and fauna of the garden at the foothills of Mt. Olive; this night Jesus comes to the garden to find a peace that is evading him.

Clouds slip past the moon, once again allowing only intermittent flickers of light to escape. In the shadows crawling through the garden Jesus sees a large rock in the middle of the garden. The rock. Jesus feels a rush of energy. Jesus spent countless hours leaning against this rock; his followers sitting on the grass around him. By this rock Jesus and his disciples shared words of advise, laughter, dreams, wisdom, and even sorrows. Tonight Jesus comes alone with his burden. Alone into the garden -- to the rock. There is no one who can help bear the sorrow that weighs upon his soul.

Jesus is suddenly aware of the exhaustion his body feels from holding in his emotions all evening with his disciples. The weight of his own impending death terrifying him. Tears he held at bay will no longer be ignored; Jesus begins to weep. His tears come fast; Jesus leans on the garden wall, his hands over his face, sobbing. Pushing off the wall with his back Jesus tries to walk toward the rock but manages only to stumble forward a few feet; blinded by tears and grief. Taking another step or two Jesus reaches the rock and falls upon it; then slides awkwardly to the grass. Jesus places his forehead on the bend of his arm that is now on the rock.

Sobs cause his body to convulse; he gasps for air that will not fill his lungs. His heart pounds uncontrollably, his body shakes as much from the sobs as from fear.

“Abba. Father. Abba. Father. Abba!”

God alone could make out the words Jesus gasps in terror. Using the rock for support Jesus tries to push himself up; again, he falls on the rock; this time he catches himself with outstretched arms. Leaning his full body weight on his arms; his chest heaving Jesus pushes himself up slightly, throws his head back and screams angrily,

“Father!”

The sound of his shrill, scared voice bounces all over the garden. He holds his head back for several moments letting the moonlight shine on his face. Only 33 years old, in the moonlight his face flooded with anguish; Jesus looks more like a man of 60. Tears glisten on his cheeks, his beard. Jesus closes his eyes and allows the memories and the thoughts he buried for the last few days and hours to flood him.

Joseph teaching him to hold a hammer; Mary holding him and singing him to sleep. Running and playing with his brothers and sisters; Mary and Joseph smiling down at him, their faces filled with pride and love. Celebrations, joys and even places he traveled in his lifetime. Brilliant, beautiful memories of family, friendships, laughter and love; faces of those he cherishes strobe before his eyes like lightening lighting up the darkness.

All he has dreamed. All he has accomplished. All he still wants to accomplish. All the people he has held and comforted; people who can not comfort him now. The quick moments he took for granted fly through his mind like a flock of doves. Moments fly by at an overwhelming speed.

He feels the weight of his future and the weight of the sorrow that so many will feel when he is gone. He cries for them and the paralyzing sorrow and pain they are about to face. Pain he has no control over; sorrow he can not stop. The thought of the physical pain he must face and the feeling those he loves will feel watching it is too much. Surely, no soul should ever endure this much pain; this much loss. Again, Jesus screams to his Father, a cry that is almost animalistic,

“Father.”

His scream is a plea; a plea for acknowledgement from God, an acknowledgement from his Father. Again Jesus’ voice is the only sound echoing within the garden. Jesus falls again upon the rock in despair. Why will God not answer his prayer, surely, God hears the cry of his heart, his soul – his very being?

Hearing a noise behind him Jesus jerks his head up and looks over his shoulder toward the garden entrance. He stares into the darkness and sees nothing out of the ordinary Jesus remembers the men waiting for him just outside the garden gate. With a surge of adrenalin based on the thought the men have entered the garden, Jesus stands and walks swiftly toward the garden gate. As he opens the gate and steps out into the outer garden the adrenalin turns to anger. There on the ground are Peter, James and John sound asleep. Peter is even snoring. Jesus walks to their sides and kicks each of them roughly with his foot.

“Wake up! Peter, James, wake up, John!”

His voice is harsh as Jesus calls each of their names. The men wake, startled; rarely have they seen Jesus this angry. Even in their grogginess they are embarrassed. Standing up each mumbles an apology and an excuse but Jesus does not hear them,

“One hour? Pray for one hour. That is all I have asked of you. And even this is too much?”

As he screams he feels badly knowing that the men have no idea why he is so angry. He closes his eyes and tries to take a deep breath.

“Just one hour.”

The anger leaves Jesus’ voice, now he simply sounds hurt. The men drop their heads in shame, unable to look their Master, their teacher in the face.

Jesus does not wait for an answer he turns and walks back through the garden entrance. As he passes the archway his hand grabs and pushes the gate; he hears it hit hard and lock. Walking into the garden he is still mumbling out loud,

“Only one hour, I need them to pray with me. I need their strength. Am I to be allowed no support, no comfort in this hour?”

The feeling of loneliness floods him and the tears that were gone for a moment have reappeared. Again he kneels by the rock. This time folding his hands and looking toward the sky that is now clear and drenched in moonlight. Jesus sits for a long time; focusing his full attention on the moon; on God. Jesus silently begs God – wills Him - to give him a sign – any sign that his prayer is making it to the throne of God. Jesus’ intensity causes sweat to bead on his forehead and run down his checks into his beard. When a drop falls into his eye, Jesus reaches up and wipes his forehead; he looks at his hand. It is covered in blood. Blood, not sweat, is forming on his forehead. Jesus stares in disbelieve at the blood on his hands. Holding his blood covered hand toward Heaven, Jesus begs,

“Father - Please allow this cup to pass from me. Please, Father. Please, Father.”

As Jesus begs to have the death sentence lifted the overwhelming terror returns. Jesus has a thought, a thought that might work. He could run. Simply leave. The simplicity of it makes him smile for a brief moment. It is perfect, really, no one has any idea what is supposed to take place or when. No one would ever know. If he walked away from the plan God held for him; he could leave and not face the horror set before him. Jesus runs his fingers through his thick, dark hair,

“No, no, no. This thing must be done.”

Again he turns to the dark sky.

“Father your will be done.”

As an afterthought he adds,

“But if at all possible please let this cup pass from me.”

The night seems so still; the silence deafening. Why is there no answer? Why is there no comfort from his disciples, no comfort from God Himself? Is he, Jesus, the son of God not worthy of comfort?

“Why is there no answer?”

Again there was a noise behind Jesus. He looks around quickly, fully expecting to see an answer to his prayers. But there is only a slight breeze flowing through the garden; the leaves of the olive trees rustle ever so slightly. Jesus stares into the darkness being sure his followers have not come into the garden. He feels badly again for yelling at them. They will know soon enough why he was so distraught; they will live the unthinkable. This thought makes the tears catch in his throat again. Jesus lays his head upon his folded arms and he allows the sobs to overtake him once more.

I lay my hand gently on the back of Jesus’ head. I smooth the curly, tousled hair on the back of Jesus’ head; the head that will soon bear blows of anger, the spit of the godless and eventually the crown of thorns. The sorrow that engulfs Jesus will allow him to neither see or feel me standing beside him. Tears well in my eyes as I watch the son of my God hurting; I want desperately to spare him the task that he alone must fulfill. But I know there is no other way.

I am not the only angel here; others, many others are with me. We were gathering long before Jesus even asked for comfort. God knew he would need us. A few of us were here when Jesus first entered the garden, but more angels arrived as Jesus prayed more fervently. I look out over what is now a sea of kneeling angels, only their iridescent wings visible. Together the multitude of angels are an impenetrable circle around Jesus; row after row of angels making an amazing glowing wreath of wings. If only Jesus could see these spiritual warriors surrounding him. The angels kneel not only in reverence and honor to the son of their God; they kneel in sorrow for the overpowering pain Jesus is experiencing.

I look down again to Jesus, I still stroke his hair. It is a shame that he, and all those in human form, are so unaware of the amazing army surrounding them. Even though we feel the grief of Jesus we come with the spirit of God to surround him. Each angel present would love to destroy the burden that lies so heavily upon Jesus’ soul; but we know this is the way it must be. Angels can only bring a message of love, peace and courage from God; we can not alter what God has ordained. Often, as in this situation, peace, love and courage seem to make no sense, it is unexplainable. That is when faith is born.

Continuing to smooth the hair of Jesus; I close my eyes, even though there is peace within me the tears roll, untouched, down my cheeks. Long moments pass and there is no movement in the garden. Jesus does not move; nor do we. All the angels pray for Jesus to feel an end to the feelings of despair and heartbreak he now swims through.

“Why? Why? Why?”

Jesus whispers; even as he knows the answer. He knows there is no other way; it does not make the burden any lighter, nor make the horrific task any more bearable.

I look again into the brilliance of the angels; not all are kneeling. Some rows of angels have risen up on their knees -- their eyes focus on Jesus, their hands raised to God. Directly behind those on their knees are legends of angels, standing, arms linked. The entire angelica realm in the garden has formed a protective, perfect circle around Jesus. Hundreds and hundreds of angels, unseen by Jesus himself. We have encircled the one we love so deeply. With him we pray – even beg - God to let us, the spiritual warriors, carry the burden that is too heavy for a human soul to carry alone. God’s love, courage and peace is flowing through us and it is beginning to fill the garden. I know it will not be long before Jesus will feel the power of our prayers. I lean toward Jesus,

“Peace.”

“Let this cup pass by me.”

His heartbeat has slowed again, the memories too. I focus all the soothing power I have toward Jesus’ heavy soul.

“Courage.”

“Abba. Father.”

I lean closer to Jesus’ ear,

“He is here. We are here.”

In this moment I no longer see Jesus, the son of God, I see only his soul. A human soul that is burdened and hurting.

“Please….Father.”

“He loves you, Jesus.”

Quietly at first the angels on their knees and the ones standing begin to whisper,

“Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord God almighty.”

Those still kneeling, only their wings visible join with me in my prayer,

“Peace.”

Placing both hands on his head I whisper with the others,

“Courage.”

The whispers of the angels are blending into a song, a song growing stronger and louder with each utterance. Jesus raises his head. I walk around the rock; I am looking into his face; his eyes look around the empty garden. Surely he heard something. I, smile, he senses we are here. I cup Jesus’ raised face in my hands, leaning in closely I look into the eyes that can not see me,

“God loves you Jesus.”

Jesus glances up; did he finally hear me? Did he recognize the voice of his Father’s messengers? I realize Jesus is looking at the moon; it has returned yet again, the clouds no longer covering it. The look on Jesus’ face softens ever so slightly; the brightness of the moon somehow comforts him.

Jesus breaths more deeply and his heartbeat is normal again. He is exhausted from crying, but feels renewed – even stronger because he let out all of the feelings he has been repressing.

“Courage, Jesus, Courage.”

His face still cranes toward the moon; he looks out of the corner of his eye into the empty garden. He knows without a doubt someone is with him in the garden but why can he not see them? I look around the garden; it is glowing with the presence of the hundreds of angels that encircle Jesus. The scene is breathtaking, I only wish Jesus could see it; could see the love and support that surrounds him. The light of the angels pulsates around him with a life of its’ own. Surely if Jesus could visibly see the powerful angels surrounding him then he would most certainly be regenerated. But this can not be; instead he, like all flesh, is unable to see the spirit-realm.

I smile down at him,

“Peace. Jesus, Peace.”

All the angels in the garden begin to say the same making a chorus of voices more musical than any manmade instrument.

“Courage, Jesus, courage.”

The voices grow stronger fed by the love and strength of God.

Moments pass - Jesus stands slowly buoyed by his renewed strength. Every angel in the garden stands too. Stronger, rejuvenated Jesus again has his faith and focus. He looks around the garden; it is beautiful again, no longer frightening as it was earlier.

We watch with anticipation as Jesus takes a second sweeping look around the garden. He turns from the moon, the rock and me and walks, calmly and slowly, head held high through the pathway the angels are making.

The angels bow deeply and reverently as he passes; the up and down movement of the angel wings make an iridescent rolling wave from the rock to the garden gate. . I smile watching Jesus walking boldly toward God’s plan for him.

This time the gate shuts quietly, the angels linger a moment then begin to return to other angelic tasks. Soon I am alone in the garden. I look down, reach out and touch the rock where Jesus knelt only moments ago. I lovingly touch the wet spots on the rock; the places where Jesus’ tears fell. The rock is hard and cold but I can still feel the wetness of the teardrops.

I see the drops of blood Jesus sweat; this too I touch. Still warm even on the cold rock; the blood is sticky. I hold up my hand and look at the redness on the tip of my finger. Tears well in my eyes when I think that this one drop of blood is nothing compared to the blood that will spill soon.

This thought causes me to close my eyes and whisper,

“Father, surely this horrible thing should not happen.”

I feel something brush past my finger. I open my eyes and see that where the blood and tears were on the rock there are now red and white rose petals. I smile softly and scoop the petals up in my hands; raising them to my face I breathe their scent in deeply. The smell is sweet and powerful; it reminds me of something I had forgotten just moments before. God alone can take horrible pain and unspeakable hurt and turn it into something beautiful, with a fragrance that is sweet.

Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T10:00:00.003-05:00

In Celebrating Easter, I thought it would be appropriate to mention Maundy Thursday. Growing up Baptist, I never really experienced this day of Easter Celebration until I met my husband. As the son of a Methodist Minister, he was very familiar with the Maundy Thursday Service that typically takes place on the Thursday night before Easter. I am so thankful that through his family I've learned to love this Maundy Thursday.

This day, Maundy Thursday (also "Holy Thursday" or "Shire Thursday"1) commemorates Christ's Last Supper and the initiation of the Eucharist. Its name of "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "command." This stems from Christ's words in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you." It is the first of the three days known as the "Triduum," and after the Vigil tonight, and until the Vigil of Easter, a more profoundly somber attitude prevails (most especially during the hours between Noon and 3:00 PM on Good Friday). Raucous amusements should be set aside... (OK......I cut and pasted that last paragraph.....but you get the meaning right?)

It is somewhat of a somber feeling to put yourself back to the 'Thursday' or night of the 'Last Supper' in the upper room when Jesus sat with his friends. He knew it was happening.......the reason he came. He sat with friends, he was comfortable with them in that room - leaning on them the scriptures say. It probably felt great thinking of 'living life' with that group of friends.

He gave all that up for me. For you. He faced the most incredible situation and pain because he loved us more than any fear could separate. So, today - as we approach the dinner hour......it feels different today. I want to be mindful of that dinner that my savior shared with his friends. It marked the beginning of the weekend that would change the world. So....what do I do with that? I share his love with others and aim to live as he did. I will praise him for saving me and making up for all that I do wrong. For paying the price. For loving me when I am unlovable and dusting me off when I've fallen for the 100th time.

Jesus, thank you for saving me and paying the cost of my sins. Thank you for your grace - that you make me whole. I can never be good enough on my own, this I know. But you graciously and never tiringly offer me grace each day to start anew, mercy and love flow from you each and every day.

Thank you Lord for the cross.

BOYS!!!!! I love being a boy mom!

2009-04-08T11:25:00.008-05:00

I truly do love being a boy mom. Sometimes I do see my friends with daughters and think...."oh....that would be so fun". But I always have that reality check once they share with me how they deal with the drama queen moments. We don't have too many of those! However, there are things that seem to be the norm around my house that might not seem ok to my friends who have girls. These things include, but are not limited to the following; * The BB gun that stays ready in our kitchen just in case someone wants to shoot a squirrel that might be stalking our bird feeder. This means, squirrel tails here and there tacked up on a wall like trophies. I know.....I know..... * The BB gun that stays close to the window in our bathroom in case there are dove that need to be shot off the tree branch. This means that yes, they clean the birds and they've cooked them. I cannot believe I just typed that.....but I wonder...if that happens at other houses too. PROBABLY NOT....but I just told everyone how redneck we really are! (who knew we could hunt in our backyard!) The weirdest thing that happened around this topic was Nick asking me for one of my headbands so that he could glue the dove wings to the headband and have a crazy hat. I could not respond. I think I just gave him a look and quietly said..."No". * The grouping of trees that still seems to serve as an extra bathroom in our backyard. Why go inside???? Um....BECAUSE ITS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. :) Ok...next. * The pile of weapons my boys have created with duck tape, sticks, nails etc. Everything....even a spatula can be 'turned into' a weapon with the right rigging. * The fact that our trampoline wears out almost yearly because they keep moving it around the backyard to see what they can jump off of to get the highest bounce. I could go on, but you get the point I am sure. All of these thoughts flooded my mind because of a video that a friend of mine, Tyra passed on to me today. It was classic! I felt it could have been taken from our video vault somewhere in the Johnson archives. Take a moment and watch this. Seriously!

I literally laughed out loud in my office! That was great!! I could share some personal videos of my boys...but I'll save those for another day. Actually...if I had them with me, I would have added them today, but we'll have to wait!

If you are a boy mom....enjoy the days and the humor they seem to provide. Here are just a few more pics that another friend passed on to me a while back. Gotta love being a boy mom!

This sweet boy really thinks he can make it! :)

Just like Nick and his buddies really thought Scout could make it down 'suicide' hill on his bike with training wheels and no helmet. Oh....I won't forget that day!

No need to explain this one...

You know, I will NEVER forget being at Rich's Department store and watching my mom burst into laughter. We had Nick and Scout with us, but Scout was a tiny baby. Anyway.....Nick had taken a keen interest in one of the mannequins. I DIED. I'll leave that to your imagination, but I did say..."Get your hands off that!" Then, I burst into laughter as well. That was a realization for me that life was going to be interesting as a mom of boys.....and it has yet to disappoint!

The Countdown has begun.....

2009-04-03T12:42:00.007-05:00

Wow! So I'm being quiet this morning, drinking my hot coffee and wondering how my day will turn out, when it hits me! I have 24 days left in my 30s! Wow...is an appropriate word. Not that turning 40 is this magic number and everything will change. That is not what I mean at all. Its just that it finally happened. In all honesty, I can tell you that I love my life. I love where I am, what I've become (though I know I am still changing into who I need to be) and what I have. There is a song that Point of Grace sings, and a line that always catches me is 'Have what you want...but want what you have'. I love that line. I feel like I do...for all practical purposes, I am a content and happy woman!

Something happened this past week that did challenge my view of myself, that seems appropriate to share. You know, we all have a picture of who we think we are in our heads. Sometimes, we are dead on...other times, we might need to look again at who we are or maybe how we are perceived. I think I'm pretty snappy. I mean, 3 boys at home - two are teenagers and Kevin and I are both under 40. We feel like pretty cool parents and I think I look like a pretty cool chick on most days. Well, if you know my 10 year old Max, you know he has his own opinions. I sadly found out, that though he loves me and thinks I'm awesome. He doesn't necessarily think I'm awesomely stylish. I'll tell you what I mean.

He and I visit DSW, totally a favorite store for me. I needed a new pair of black pumps because my pretty sassy Ellen Tracy pumps were worn out. They weren't Aerosoles....or Easy Spirits...they were pretty cool shoes. ANYWAY, I needed another pair of black pumps. So as I'm looking, I find a pair of cute Steve Madden's and Max says something that changed that whole shopping trip for me. He said, "Um, Mom...those are a bit too flashy for you....I think you need to look again". WHAT????? I laughed and asked him to find a pair that were more like me. I SHOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THAT.
This is what he found for me.

Ok...not that this shoe is bad. In fact, with the right pant suit...I would wear this shoe. But then he shows me this one and tells me it would be 'right' for me too.

He says some people like to be stylish...other prefer to be comfortable and that is ok. HA! If he only knew the times I stumble through the day....toes all hunched over because I had to wear the uncomfortable red heels with my black suit. Maybe he had never noticed. Hmmmmmm. Just who did he think I was? His mom....I guess. :)

Well, after that eye opening conversation, I kind of went on a frenzy through the store. I came home with;

A pair of these in black for everyday stuff;

A pair of these because my black suit will look great with them!

And I got these......because I'm almost 40 and still love to be stylish....AND COMFORTABLE and these do both!

I will tell you Max was in favor of all but the last pair. He told me I got a little too crazy with those...but I will love wearing them!!! But seriously, have you ever done something so crazy....just to prove you still got it? Is that why some people go and buy expensive cars? Houses? Well, I guess I can be glad my total was not too crazy! I guess Kevin is glad too. HA!

Anyway.....as I said, the countdown has begun! Bring it on....life is good. (and so is shoe shopping!)

We will all be found out....one way or another.

2009-03-25T14:05:00.005-05:00

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

—Proverbs 28:13

Have you ever been 'busted'? I mean, totally found out regarding something you were trying to hide, or thinking you were hiding from everyone around you? That is the worst feeling! BTW, now is the not the time for my husband, friends, kids or especially my parents to comment on my 'hidings'. Got that? HA!

Last night, I went to borrow my middle son's IPOD. I point out which son, because my oldest....has been there done that.....gets defensive sometimes on the 'it wasn't me' stuff. And...the who is not so important other than that reason, because we totally all sin and fall short. There is none perfect.....nobody but Jesus. So...back to the story - and the point of this blog. As I asked my son for his IPOD so that I could use his stopwatch - he told me I could use his phone. BAM - a flag went up. I asked again. He told me he was about to use it. Then...I smiled.....kind of an evil smile, well, not really evil, but that 'hey I'm on to something' smile. I pretty much at that point demanded the IPOD.

Let me take you back - the night before he told me he was going to download a song. We agreed on the song and I told him I would be checking the IPOD. I didn't check it that night - but I do periodic checks to see what is downloaded and about once a week or so, I go through our Itunes account to see what activity there has been, etc. So.......I am getting the picture through the ordeal that was taking place last night...that he didn't download the song that we agreed upon. Now, the song he chose....was just crappy. It was probably not the worst subject matter in the entire world. Probably not.....but it was still just crud. Not something I want my teenage boys head filled with 24 -7! There are some really cruddy songs out there! But...some great ones to chose from...so we do have options!

As he handed over the IPOD, he said, "I know, you are going to check my IPOD, and I'm going to be in trouble". He then went on...without me asking...to tell me that when he had gone down the night before, he downloaded a 'bad' song and I would find it on his IPOD. Confession time...totally spilling the whole scenario. Kevin came in with that look that said..."How did you know this and how in the world do you get him to spill it like that?". I don't know....its just a mom thing. Or...truly, I believe its a holy spirit thing.

After the confrontation, my son looked pretty sad, and said, I'm sorry, I'll go to bed now. He started to walk off and away pretty rejected. I then called him back to say, "Wait, do I not get a kiss goodnight? I mean, I'm taking your IPOD for a week because you know it was wrong, but I still love you and want a hug and kiss". (This is big because he sleeps with his IPOD) He turned and smiled and kissed both me and Kevin and went to bed. This morning, I asked him about the song and about asking God for forgiveness. About how important it is, each and every day to find peace with ourselves and God. He said, he was surprised at how we didn't yell at him. That was funny - because we really don't yell alot at our house. You would think its the other way with how they are constantly surprised by our reactions in situations...but anyway. I reminded him though it was a forced confession in a sense - he still confessed to us that he had done something wrong, BEFORE we found out on our own. When that happens, mercy flows and consequences though still tough sometimes......seem a bit lighter. I love seeing things within my life with the boys that truly teach me something about our God. I saw myself in my son last night. The times I've confessed my sin and felt unworthy of His love in return. And how God totally wraps his arms around me and tells me how much he loves me. We have such a great God!

A repentant heart - receives mercy and forgiveness from our heavenly father, no matter what!!! All we have to do is confess our sins and ask him to forgive us. I need to do this daily. DAILY I tell you! But, when we hide our sin and feel prideful that we have nothing inside to need forgiveness from.....our heavenly father has to deal with us in a different way. And hiding sin in our heart.....separates us from the only love that can truly satisfy. You know? Daily confession.......keeps our hearts healthy!

1 John 1:9-12 (New International Version)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Psalm 103:11-13 (New International Version)

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Something funny - I went to www.biblegateway.com to get a verse for the end here and to my delight..... 1 John 1:9 was the Verse of the day. How cool is that? It was just the one I was looking for!

Time really goes by fast!

2009-03-23T18:19:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged about ANYTHING. Believe me, its not because I haven't been doing anything fun, great or insightful. Its more like - I have not sat down to just do it. I feel the last month has literally moved at a speed faster than the speed of light. I spent a large majority of the beginning of February with my mom and watching over my grandmother. The other part of the month was work, travel, raising a family.....and in the moments in between....trying to be a good wife too. At times, I could feel the chaos totally surrounding me. That is when, in all seriousness I would recall the words that God so sweetly speaks in his word to us, "Be Still and know that I am God". What does this mean to me? I need to slow down, catch my breath, know that he is in control (thank goodness) and everything....does not depend upon me or my abilities. Ah.....sweet release. If it really was that simple right? But I hear his voice all the same. Its just up to me to believe it and actually be still.

I just came back from a FABULOUS spring break. We enjoyed a week with some of our most favorite people in the world. We met the Garrett family at least 8 years ago. Maybe longer. Julie and I had met at church, but had our first real conversation at a choir retreat. Fun times....I think. I can't totally remember back that far. But I know we clicked. Anyway.....here are some fun pics from our trip.

These are my toes in the sand......I love that feeling!

This is me frustrated because our 'pretty beach pics' were being destroyed by the wind...or at least my hair was!

These are our sweet friends - The Garretts. Can you imagine our condo with these 6 boys? Can you say...insane, yet fun??

During the first days of our trip - I spent some time alone on the beach while Kevin took all 6 boys snorkeling around the jetties. For the last 13 years or so, I've kept journals for my boys. I try and record life changing days, hard moments, good moments, just because days...and whatever. I write to them on their birthdays and most holidays too. Why do I do this? Because i want to remember their days. I forget so much. I had originally thought that I would give each journal as a wedding present to my future daughter in laws. Now...I don't know that I can part with them. I always thought it would be a way for my son's wives to get a glimpse into who they were as kids...and how that may have shaped them into the men they become. ANYWAY....the point is I love recording moments in their lives. This past week I recorded as much as I could for each boy. Some entries were harder than others...but that is because life gets harder and decisions come with more consequences the older they get. As I read through the earlier writings, I couldn't help but get overwhelmed with how time rolls on...whether we want it to or not. We run out of minutes, we leap over months...even years. Truly, after that day, I savored each day of Spring Break with the boys. Enjoying watching them play, fight, rough house and just be in front of me. Because, next year, my oldest son will be a senior. AAAHHHHHH! I have got to come to grips with that. I say that I am good with that...and I even encourage him to find something to pursue - even if that is the military. But am I really ready to let go? One entry from Scout's journal described a day that he and I were going to day care and he expressed how he didn't want to go to school and he wished he and I could just go feed the ducks all day at the lake. I loved that day. We made a stop on the way home from work that day....just to feed those ducks.

If you are like me and you feel like you are constantly twirling around - and always trying to catch up. Be sure you take advantage of the little moments. A week here and there. A conversation daily.....and always a hug goodnight no matter how old your kids are. Never forget to tell them how much you love them....believe me they still need to hear it, even at age 16, 14 and 10! They may roll their eyes, but they need it.

So, I'm back from the beach and trying to get my routine down again. That is so hard. I'm going to borrow a line from my friend Amy's blog/facebook. (She is the overthinker linked on the right side of my blog) She describes herself on her facebook page as the following; I'm twirling around, taking care of my family, enjoying my friends and trying to be an amazing child of God! I love it! I feel exactly the same this week. The twirling around represents lots of joy! So know this...I may look chaotic at times...but I'm incredibly joyful and grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me. I hope to make every moment count. Even the ones I don't capture in my prized journals!

What's it worth to you????

2009-02-25T14:23:00.008-06:00

My oldest son has had his eye on a 'prize' for quite a while now. He wants a Martin guitar. Until he asked for one, I had NO IDEA what that was. But now....I am in the know.

This is a Martin. Yeah...its a guitar to me too. BUT....to my 16 year old, it is the Holy Grail of all guitars. He asked for one for Christmas, we laughed and said..."no seriously." We were discussing when he would finally get his own laptop....and we mentioned maybe for graduation. He quickly asked if a Martin would be a better choice for a graduation gift. You get the picture. He wants one bad!

Last night, Nick wanted to just go for a drive and of course I said....Let's go. Anytime a teenager says "mom do you want to go for a drive"...YOU SAY YES. It does not happen that often, especially with sons and moms. So I was total game. Had no idea where we were going and it didn't matter. I suggested we go to Guitar Center to look around. That is one of his favorite things to do. Well, it was closed. But he did go on to tell me how I really needed to see that guitar. Afterall - this particular one was only $600. I was thinking...that Dooney I was looking at is ONLY $300, but that is another blog!

As he was talking about this guitar...it was obvious how passionate he was about it. Oh the things this guitar could do for his 'sound'. I said, "You really want that guitar don't you?". "YES. YES...you have no idea how bad". We laughed. So I said, "Ok...I tell you what, you get straight A's before the end of the school year either this grading period (which will not happen) or the last and I will buy you that guitar". At first....he was shocked into unbelief. THEN...he said, "I can't do that". So he became a very bummed 16 year old. Then came the discussion. The why can't you do that. Why would that be so hard? It is totally in your hands...all you have to do is work like you have never worked before. So I said..."Nick...do you want it bad enough to work hard enough for it?"

The answer was that he really did want it...but the work to get it...seemed overwhelming. Too much. Now, I will tell you that Kevin is going to challenge him to do it. He loves the fact that if he does it...the guitar is going to be bought with my money. This means my allowance must be saved for a guitar that may or may not be bought by the end of May. Some of you might think that I am crazy to even offer that as a reward. BUT...it has been so long since I've seen my teenager passionate about working hard for anything. I want to see a 'drive' in him. I want to see him understand and appreciate the value of working hard for something you feel is important. I personally think its a lost lesson. In fact....as much as he wants this guitar.....I'm not so certain he'll take me up on the offer. It flat out might be too much work. I am saying that about a child who tests in the 97 percentile of the state and is pretty happy with As, Bs and Cs. In his words...Its all cool. Or not....to me and Kevin anyway. GRRRRRRRR. Anyway.....

Well, as I was driving to work this morning. I was feeling frustrated about him not jumping up and saying "Yes...I am so going to get straight As. Thank you MOM!". I began to consider the feelings God has when he says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it"and I say...."Oh...I want to...I wish I could....but I just can't do that right now. That would be so much work for me...and so much to give up. Do I really have to do that now??"

What is it worth for me to find my life in Christ?? Seriously....how many things in my life should I deny so that I can find my life in him? I feel that I have a close walk with my Lord. I love him with all my heart and I desire to walk in him daily...every minute. But...there are times I make choices and I think....maybe I should not have done that. Or maybe I think...well I deserve that...or I needed to do that or wanted that...Whatever. I have a hard time sometimes laying down things that I desire but may not be right for then...or any other time. I want a life in Christ with joy unspeakable that won't go away!!! (I love that song! We sing it at church and it stays in my heart all day!) I want a life that in the end...leads to the ultimate prize. So...the question is, do I want it bad enough??? Hmmmmm

1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (New International Version)
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Funny Reality

2009-02-19T10:06:00.002-06:00

I have to update the previous posting. I laughed about it all the way to work. As I wrote that early this am - and woke my boys up just loving who they are, made breakfast for them...(yes a hot breakfast!) the attitude by my Student of the Month was not like Col 3:12. (and perhaps neither was I)

He was frustrated that I did not wash 'the right clothes' last night and in turn put his sweaty nasty clothes in my dryer of nicely washed clothes so they would smell better for today. When I asked him to take them out...he argued because he needed them for today and he claimed he had expressed that to me several times.

I have a thing about no raised voices in the morning - so that we send the boys out in love. Yeah....so silence fell......and so did the nasty clothes in my dryer. But it was funny. So if you think that things in my house are always rosey....and deal with perfectly responding children.....think again. Its probably just like yours or perhaps more disfunctional at times!

That is why blogging about the great happenings is such a delight. Its really just that these special stand out accomplishments remind us (me) as parents that things are really better than we often think they are!!!

Scout always something going on!

2009-02-19T06:21:00.004-06:00

In the middle of a crazy month - Scout manages to do something really cool. Well, let me take that back. Scout is always managing to do something really cool. Sometimes....it is only Scout that realizes how cool it is....but there is always something cool going on with him! I have to laugh....he's just funny. He is pretty happy go lucky on most days. I am thankful for that disposition. But....there are things that he struggles with too that make him a most interesting child, but that is not what I'm talking about today.

We started 2009 with a bang for many reasons. Too many to blog about right here and now. But during the month of January....Scout was awarded Student of the Month for the 8th grade at his school. I am very proud of him. Also funny is that he is the only one out of my boys who reads my blog. Scout....I am proud of you!!! Not for reading this silly.....but for being a great kid! :)

Sometimes you just want people to know what's going on. And then there are other times......you just don't want to share! Am I right??? Thankfully, this is a fun thing that I am glad to share.

Seriously, the Student of the Month thing is a big deal for me. Mainly because each day I get up I think about how I want to be and how I hope my children behave and carry themselves too. A Llllllooooooonnnnnng time ago at my Ladies Bible Study a friend of mine made a comment about a Bible Verse that she read every day as she woke up. Lisa mentioned that whatever she is feeling when she wakes up....she says this verse;

Colossians 3:12

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compasion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience"

Whatever we feel....even on the bad hair days.....as Christians, we are still God's people. We still have ways we need to act.....live....and share. At an age where there can be much attitude on a daily basis.....I am very proud of him.

This is funny for me....We are not endorsing a candidate.....its just funny....to me anyway.

An update on my Nana

2009-02-17T12:00:00.005-06:00

First of all, thank you so much for praying for my sweet grandmother. There are so many people who have called, emailed and others who have just prayed for Nana. The prayers have been so evident. Not only for my Nana's health, but we have felt such peace as a family at a time when peace is not the first word you would use to describe a situation. I love this picture of us. It was taken at Buffalo Wild Wings this past October while we were meeting my parents there to watch football. Amazing what only a few months time can change.

One of my main concerns during this entire time has been my mom. She is an only child and has taken care of Nana for the last 10 years...maybe more. Nana has lived with my mom and dad and has truly relied on both of them for everything. Especially as her Alzheimer's became so present. My mom lost her dad when she was just a girl. Not that her father passed away, but he just left one day. When that happened, my Nana and my mom became a team. They are extremely close. I grew up seeing that in a big way. My Nana was always around for family events, lazy days, summer trips, holidays.....you name it and she was there. So, the thought of my Nana passing on is so hard for me to comprehend what my mom might feel. I've blogged before about how present she was in my life....but compared to my mom, that is nothing. I always worry about my mom in times like this. Anyone would. I'm also the oldest...so naturally...its what I do in the birth order right???

Anyway, back to 'peace'. It has been amazing to witness my mom have such strength that can only be possible through God. We have amazing family and friends who have reached out to not only me, but my parents as well. Praying, calling, visiting, sending food......whatever. That is truly a blessing of community. My mom also shared with me that she has had people who work on staff inside the hospital pray with her. WOW! When is the last time that has happened to you??

Last Thursday, we gathered at the hospital to say goodbye. Kevin and I were not prepared for what we would see early Thursday morning. As prepared as I thought I was, walking in to the room was a reality check. She was unresponsive in every way. She could not hold my hand, talk to me, look at me....nothing. And after realizing this...I became overwhelmed at the thought of her being gone. We cried alot that day. But as the afternoon came around, we had all resolved ourself that she would no longer be with us after that day. She was literally that bad. Kevin and I knew we would need to get the boys and let them say goodbye. We did, and that was so hard. It was hard for them to do it...and it was hard for us to watch. It was most intriguing for me as a parent to see the very different way each of boys expressed their feelings. At the end of a very long day we went home wondering when we would get the call.

The next morning, surprised there was no call - we called my parents and found that Nana was doing better. Not out of the woods...but she was improving. For the sake of time here - I won't take you through every next hour in that day, but I can end this part by saying by the end of the day, she was off her breathing mask, she was sitting up and she was more than responsive. She was amazingly feisty and giving us all the 'what for' because she wanted her teeth back and she wanted some food. No kidding.

Sunday, she was moved out of Intermediary Care. Yesterday, we visited her and found that she had been listening and singing to the Anne Murray CD we took her on Thursday. She had been singing Amazing Grace with her nurse. To further give you and idea of her 'spirit' she led my mom, me and the boys in a rousing rendition of "I feel good" by James Brown. She would sing the 'I feel good' and we would have to respond with 'Da Da-Da Da-Da Da'. Believe me, she'll be a fighter until the day finally comes that she can't sing another note. Then...we'll know she is singing in heaven...and she will really feel good!

Don't get me wrong, we still need prayer as she has continued breathing problems and many other health issues that are facing her. Unfortunately, when she was transferred to Intermediary Care, they gave up her bed in the rehab / Nursing Home so I am not certain what lies ahead for mom in the way of arrangements. Maybe that is my next prayer request. Please pray that my mom has favor with everyone she speaks with whether that is hospice, nursing home...whatever. There is alot to handle over the next few weeks I am sure. Whatever happens, I know we are in the palm of his hand...and his time. And...like I say about most everything I run into...It's all good. Or at least when its really not...it will be.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Thank you for praying! Thank you for being a friend!!

Random act of kindness today....vote for this sweet couple!!!!

2009-02-11T11:36:00.003-06:00

This is from my amazingly amazing friend Elaine. She asked that we talk to our friends about her nephew Brandon and the chance he has to win a Dream Wedding! Please take a minute to do this. See the message from Elaine below.

My nephew, Brandon, (the one I requested prayer for who has Hodgkens Lymphoma) has been nominated to win a free wedding. He and Jerri are one of five couples. Please
go to www.WQAD.com and scroll down to wedding category, and click on Brandon Thompson & Jerri Caldwell. With all the medical expenses, and losing so much work
from chemo and his illnes, this would be such a blessing to them.

A step further would be to send this out to all the folks in your address book. God bless!
Elaine

Thanks Everyone!!! It will just take a minute...but it could be a blessing of a lifetime to Brandon and Jerri.

Working is a good thing.....or at least it can be.

2009-02-08T21:37:00.006-06:00

I am traveling with my fun co-workers this week. We have trade show we are attending in Atlanta, GA. This blog is total randomness and just for fun. Most trade shows are boring....unless you can share it with someone you have fun with! This is Jessica - she has become such a good friend. We travel together monthly. She represents our hotels in the central area of our state while I handle the Northern area now.

We truly enjoy working together. We know each other fairly well now after working together for a few years. We laugh about these trade shows and dinners and sometimes think..."I just want to blow off this one last dinner". You know the feeling....when you think nobody is looking!!! My boss is not in Atlanta with me...would he ever know??? And then....we think again....because we know we've been blessed with great jobs.

Colossians 3:23 (The Message)

22-25Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

I remember the first time I read that verse and realized that what I do when I am by myself at my job or at any responsibility is so important. God is always with me. He expects me to be on task because I am to be a reflection of him. I know.....it puts a real kink into that calling in sick thing doesn't it????

Now....even while we do our best job...we still manage to have some silly fun along the way. Today - we found some fun 'name badge' ribbons that we decided to add to our badges.

This is Jess with her Exhibitor/Worship Me/My brain hurts badge. The Worship me was funny for some reason earlier. Not so sure anymore why though.....but it sure cracked us up when we had been smiling and talking nonstop to people we didn't know for 3 hours. HA!

Here, you can see I'm an Exhibitor Goddess with OCD tendencies. She gave that one to me...I wonder what she means about me being OCD...hmmm.

Anyway, its late and I'm done. Gotta get some sleep because I have one more day of telling people why they should hold their meetings in Alabama. Hey...do you have a meeting you want to plan in Alabama??? I know a great hotel.....

Life in Technicolor - a2 Church

2009-02-03T23:58:00.004-06:00

Many of you know that our family has been part of a church plant in Birmingham, Alabama. We have been so blessed to be a part of a2 Church. It has been an exciting journey all ready! Bill Robbins is a friend of ours at a2 and he filmed a part of our worship 2 Sundays ago. I am so glad that he posted this on his facebook. I knew that many of our friends and family who are not on Facebook would like to enjoy this video so I decided to put post it here.

I love that a2 is a place that invites all the arts to participate. Its not just about singing when we worship. You can see that here. Check out this video. You might recognize the music being performed - It's Coldplay. I love that we get to enjoy that on a Sunday morning. Click on the link and it will take you to my facebook page so that you can view the video. I can't figure out how to post the video here. One day...

#/profile.php?id=1209012223&ref=name

I would love for you to read more about this service. This video was the artistic interpretation of Malachi 4:2, “…the son of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.” If you would like to read more about this service or learn more about other services we've shared...click here. Chris Goins is our lead pastor and he truly has a unique way of sharing God's truths and his amazing love for us all.

If you find yourself in Vestavia, Alabama and you want to check out what a2 is all about. Please call me....email me.....I'll meet you there with a cup of coffee and we'll enjoy the day together. What's your talent???? Maybe you can express your unique gift at a2 as well.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV), They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

In the waiting

2009-02-02T05:50:00.003-06:00

I blogged a week or so ago about my sweet grandmother. She is still in the hospital, but has been moved to rehab / nursing home. That in itself has been hard. If that were not hard enough, the second day of my grandmother's move, my mother fell inside her hospital room while checking on Nana and broke her arm. She will have surgery this coming Wednesday. It was devestating. Simply put, it was the straw that broke the camel's back for my exhausted mother. Not only did she break her arm, it was her right arm which makes caring for herself and her mother a bit difficult.

I know we all have situations where we've experienced that one last thing. That last blow that pushed us to the end. Or maybe, there was a situation with a friend, family member or perhaps a child - that made us say, "I can't do this. I'm done"

Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

It is so hard sometimes to keep our praise isn't it? When we want to cry, it seems sometimes so difficult to sing a song of joy. But God's word is true - and it tells us that if we continue to shout praise - EVEN WHEN WE ARE HEMMED IN WITH TROUBLES, that the lord will help cultivate that patience that is learned into a tempered steel of virture - keeping us alert for all that he has for us. God is generous and give us what we need, when we need it most.

Psalm 94:18-19 (New International Version)

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Lord, when I feel my feet slipping from under me, I praise you for the love you abundantly give that supports my every step. I praise you for the joy you bring to my life and the lives of those I love. I know you are there....in the waiting....holding me up.

A helping hand

2009-01-27T13:44:00.006-06:00

The other day, my husband and son were running errands when they noticed an older homeless man on the side of the interstate ramp. Typically, for some reason, there is always someone there with a sign trying to collect money. Its a very busy intersection. My husband noticed this man in particular for some reason. He mentioned that he was an older black gentleman with the whitest beard. Looked like the had all his possessions on his back. He contemplated stopping and new he would be back by that way.

After he and Nick were driving back toward the ramp, they noticed that a black car was stopping to help the man. Kevin was glad to see that someone did help. He typically helps most anyone - especially women who have car trouble. I've never known my husband not to stop in those situations. But this time....someone else helped. As Kevin watched the man accept the ride and walk around to get in the car....he could not help but see who had stopped to help this man. It was Bart Starr. Yes, the MVP of Super Bowl 1 and 2!

We hear alot how Bart Starr has helped so many in our community and others around as well, but seeing it...was such a highlight for Kevin. What a role model too. I wonder if when that man sat in Bart's car...if it dawned on him who it was. I am sure it did. Kevin said that they looked to be about the same age. It kind of makes me think, what was that man doing back in 1966 when Bart was throwing a football and becoming a legend. Where was this man then? Was he successful at that time? Did he have his own home then? A family maybe? Or has life always been this hard for him.

I too am encouraged that someone like Bart Starr would stop and help someone in need. The NFL community also realized the character of Bart Starr. The Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award was created to honor the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. I wonder who has been the recipient of that award. I'll have to look and see.

Bart was quoted as saying; "I don't think it makes sense to strive for perfection. Perfection is not attainable. I believe totally in striving for excellence, and I think there is a great deal of difference between the two. Although we strive for excellence, we set sensible goals because one of the most frustrating things in the world is to set our goals so high that we have no chance of reaching them."

I just loved this story and thought there would be some of you that would enjoy it as well. It may also inspire you to help someone out when you see a need. Though Bart is not striving for perfection, I can see that he does have a guiding influence in his life. I've always heard about his strong Christian faith. Though I've never had a reason to doubt it....I now see that he puts scripture to action. May we all do the same for someone in need.

Philippians 2

Imitating Christ's Humility

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Nana

2009-01-20T20:36:00.006-06:00

My precious grandmother is in the hospital. She has been there since Wednesday of last week and it doesn't look as if she'll come home sooner than the weekend. She first went in with breathing problems, that turned to pneumonia and today it was confirmed that she has lung cancer. Sadly, that is not a surprise for us. She was a heavy smoker most all of her life until December of 1999.

Right before we were getting ready to celebrate the big Millennium, we decided as a family to make a time capsule. Ok..right about now you must be wondering where this is going...but just wait. Anyway, we all planned to write letters and place the letters along with a few personal items inside a box that we would seal until the year 2010. (I can't believe that we are just about to be in 2010!) Well, as we were talking about writing our letters, my Nana mentioned New Years Resolutions. Scout was quick to find Nana when she was over. He has always loved her so much. Well, as she was talking, he was listening as usual and asked her what a resolution was and she told him. Out of the blue, he asked her if she would quit smoking for her New Years Resolution because he wanted her to be healthy and live a long time. Wow...if it were only that easy. Well...for her it was. Scout asked, she agreed and on December 31, 1999 my Nana wrapped up her cigarettes inside her fancy cigarette case and that was that. She's always said that is all it took for her. My Nana is strong willed. Believe me!!!! She'll do whatever she wants...and pleasing her grandchildren and great grandchildren is one of her favorite.

Scout and Nana

I remember being with her so much as a little girl. My sister and I would spend the night with her often. One of my favorite things about spending the night with her was her jewelry box, long dresses and fur coats. Seriously...I thought she had millions of dollars!!! She literally would let us play in her stuff and she totally enjoyed watching us. One time we told her how much we loved her satin sheets on her bed...but we weren't allowed to sleep with her. She said we kicked too much! But soon after that...every time we went over to her house....our bed in the guest room had satin sheets. Jennifer and I were giddy!!! I know this sounds crazy...but it was awesome. She loved having fun with us...and I know she enjoyed us to the fullest.

I love this lady!!

When I moved out of my parents house and into my own apartment, my Nana took me to dinner if not weekly at least every other week. Even if it was a quick dinner...and included my roommate. She would call to make sure we were seeing each other. After being in my own apartment for a year or so, I moved a bit further to Tampa, Florida. I guess I had been in Tampa for 2 or 3 weeks when I got a call from Nana that said, "Shan, I need to see you and so do your mom, dad and sister. I am sending you a plane ticket to come home next weekend" And she did. In fact...she did that another time that I remember not too long after the first time! She was always generous. Always!!!

Well, tonight as I looked at my sweet Nana in the hospital, she looks so small, tired and sick. Its hard to see her like that...but even though her body now looks so small, her heart is still SO BIG! Seriously, there is not a time I see her now that she doesn't tell me how much she loves me and what a big part of her heart I hold. Her mind and memory are not there on some days....but even after she's asked me the same question 3 times in a row - she'll sometimes randomly say, "I remember the day I was waiting for you in the hospital Shannon Lea" and then she'll recount the day...the exact same scenario time after time with no forgotten details. She loves big....and doesn't forget those things.

Its a reminder to me that though things in this world may catch our attention and pull us away from time to time - the things that hold true and strong are the relationships that we carry with our friends and family. Those are the things that last....and that we hold old to until the very end. I am so thankful to be loved by that woman. She's taught me so much about being a lady, a business woman and loving life...every minute of it. Living fully....and maybe even dance on a table or two if you have the chance. (while being a lady.....of course) Don't you wish you knew my Nana? Some of you do....and for that I am so glad to have been able to share her with you. I pray that these next weeks, months or however long my Nana is with us, are filled with peace, joy and comfort for my sweet grandmother. God is good and she has loved him and taught us how to love and live as well. How blessed I have been!

Phillipians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

This is Nana with our boys last year - Christmas 2007

This is Nana this Christmas with all the girls.

Remembering to turn the fish light off - I wish everything was that easy!

2009-01-12T23:22:00.005-06:00

Each night before Max goes to sleep we have the same ritual. Kevin tucks him in bed...and Max will come downstairs for a second goodnight to me and remind me, "Mom, don't forget to turn off my fishlight". He's 10 years old....and I fear that soon he will not come down that second time to remind me! I love his light - (knowing its really there because he has a thing about being in the dark...much like his mom). He says it calms him.....but we all know the truth around here. The same truth that is the unspoken reason why Max has the morning shift for dog walking. We avoid the dark....

Anyway, last week as I was tucking Max in I had one of those moments where your heart is just heavy. You know what I mean? It had been a long day of some grown up drama with one of my teens. And to be honest....I just felt completely overwhelmed. And seeing that little 10 year old face....just about did me in. Especially when he's all tucked in bed, eyes closed tight and said, "Ok mom, let's pray that I have a good night sleep". Ughhh... I am sure I would have freaked him out if I had burst into tears hanging over him. Thank goodness that did not happen. But, I did give him an extra hug....and kiss too and certainly prayed that he would sleep well that night. As I was leaving his room, he said, "Oh mom, don't forget to turn my fish light off!" My reply...was, "Of course bud". I am so thankful that the biggest thing on his mind that night was making sure I turn off the light...and if we can go buy his friend Isaac a Lego set before the big party on Friday. Such simple requests....I can handle that!

So simple....and so different than one of my other boys right now. What a difference a few years makes.

Now that my boys are getting older...they are walking their own spiritual road. And I know they are going to fall....get banged up from time to time....but they will learn, and God's grace will be there. But...my heart will break for them each time. Like it did last week...and still today, as I watch my son walk through this situation. I remember one time, I was talking with a man at my church....how to protect our kids from making the wrong decisions. He and his wife have raised 3 of the most wonderful boys I know. They are men now....and all love the Lord and have wonderful families. He quickly assured me they too had their share of bumps...and then made a comment that has stayed with me. He said, "if the never fall or feel the need for God's grace...how will they know or feel the value of its worth??" Wow...that's right...I had to learn that same lesson. My kids also need to have their own experiences and that means.....experiencing life....not just watching.

The word that comes to mind is Isaiah 43:1-3. This verse is one that I promise you helped both Nick and me through his 6th grade year! That was rough year. This verse encouraged him....and held me above water...literally.

Isaiah 43
Israel's Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I know God is with all three of my boys for every step that they take. Especially after they've messed up...and need courage, grace and love to keep on going. It takes courage to face your mistakes and keep fighting....keep holding your head up. But we can do that...because of Christ, His grace....and his promise to us.

I don't know where you are in life...if you have kids...maybe you are awaiting that gift....or maybe you are walking through something entirely different. Know that God is there. And if you know him as your Lord.....that promise is for you. "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze". That...is good stuff. Be encouraged.....I know I am.

I know that raising kids will bring many trials. I know this. But experiencing them....is another thing. You can think you prepared and you can think you've got your bases covered....but when something happens in the lives of one of your kids - you've got to lean on everything you've been saying that you believe. Trials make our faith stronger.

1 Peter 1:5-7 (New International Version)
who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

As parents, when we trust God with our children especially in times of error or crisis, our faith is refined. If we say we believe in a God that that can do miracles....then we believe in miracles even when they seem so impossible. If we say we believe that he will direct our steps, then we need to walk as if we are being led by the God of love and victory and not by fear. If we preach that we serve a loving God who sent his son to die on the cross for us offering amazing grace and mercy, then we need to show our kids discipline showered in love for them, not anger and unforgiveness.

Faith refined by fire - results in praise, glory and honor when Christ is revealed. Wow....that is much harder than remembering to turn off the fish light each night. Don't you agree?

2009 and my resolutions for the year.....or for now anyway.

2009-01-05T15:47:00.004-06:00

I always love sitting down in a quiet place during the beginning of each new year. My problem this year seems to be that I have not yet had that quiet moment. It could have been this morning....but my sweet husband let me sleep on this last morning of laziness before school begins again. I won't complain about that at all. Its actually unusual that my body clock actually let me. Something has changed lately and I'm not certain how to react. I guess my body is just needing more sleep and is totally letting me know it....and just does it! Oh well...

I have things in mind that I want to do this year as I will be turning 40 in April. I have to tell you...I am excited. I am going to be 40. I'm not sad....not nervous or anxious.....but in some ways I am so excited. The next half of my life promises to have great joy, adventure....and some sadness as well I am sure. Life is never perfect or always happy....we've been warned of that in the Bible. But the joy...and the happiness...that is also promised. I would guess that within the next 10 years, my oldest will likely be married, possibly my middle son as well. I might have a grandchild that calls me something cute (that is a pre-requisite). And....with God's goodness...I'll still be married and enjoying life with my best friend, Kevin. I can't imagine him not being there. Goodness... I assume Max will be in school......hopefully. But also hopefully out of my house. (I think that is healthy) Which all means - my house will be filled with only the conversation of me, Kevin and our dogs on most days. Wow...how did I go 10 years already...I was supposed to be looking only at 2009. Woe....let me back up.

Alright...here is my tentative list for 2009

* Pray more - Listen even more
* Share my faith more - the reason for my gladness
* Sigh.... Exercise......yes I said it. Friends, hold me accountable. (Jennifer, I know you signed up for Planet Fitness....you'll see me there hopefully sometime this week)
* Go on more dates with my husband. We have the luxury of having kids that are older and typically have plans all their own. I want to plan some creative dates this year. yes...that means we'll probably be back at Sips and Strokes. (Call me if you want to double)
* Read the Bible all the way through. I have yet to do this. I cheated one year...I don't want to cheat this year. I skipped some old testament. I don't want to skip that this time.
* Shop Less. Yes...I just said that too. I love it....it feels great and its fun....but I have so much. I want to give more. Just haven't figured all that out yet.
* Take more fun trips with the family. If I shop less..this should not be a problem.

I also want to see my kids do more and plan more this year. Last year, while meeting with one of my favorite mentors, we discussed many times a reoccurring bible verse that I kept running into. I would hear it....read it....come across it time after time until finally, I had to take a time out and say..."God...what do you want me to know about this verse??". Thankfully....as I became more quiet...he began speaking what that meant for me.

Psalm 119:133 (King James Version)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

I love the passage written in The Message as well;

Psalm 119:133 (The Message)

129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody's living by your book!

I began to hear God tell me...and I feel it even as I write this blog - that unless I steady myself and every move...every action according to His word....my steps will not be steady. It won't matter how hard I work, or try, it will fail and fall. I can commit to any resolution, but unless it lines up with his plan for me, I won't find joy. It's true.

So today....as I feel crazy that I have yet to sit down and do my list for real, I already know that God has one for me. I think the things I listed above are good and I feel quite certain that God would say...Girl, that's a start. But I know...he's calling me to more this year. Now, I need to make the time to be quiet to listen...and He will order my steps and they will not be shaky. Thank you Lord....you are good!

Happy New Year Everyone! May your year be blessed....and full of His joy!

Things that made me laugh this Christmas....

2008-12-29T11:16:00.009-06:00

Well, its Monday...after Christmas.....before New Years and nobody is really in the mindset of going back to work are they??? I feel like the holiday has lasted about a month...but in a good way. I like that. I am almost ready for routine...but will enjoy this one last week of laziness!! And some work too....

I was looking through pictures, making some online albums for my family to enjoy and thought I would share a couple with you that made me just laugh out loud. Love those moments...don't you. You may not get them....and that is ok - but you might enjoy the thought behind them.

This is one of our Nativity Scene that Nick had when he was a toddler. Each year we bring it out...and it is placed in the bathroom. Odd I know - but when he was little...just like his two little brothers - it became the bathtime Nativity set. Seriously - so now, each time I see them in the bathroom I can tell that the boys have re-arranged them in some crazy way. Here, the donkey is taking on one of the wise men...or is that Joseph? I do see one of the wise men standing on his head. They used to put the baby Jesus in the Alligator mouth in the bathroom - that was a bit too far for me - you know?

This next one is not truly captured...but it is Nick explaining to Scout not to hit him in the head with the nerf darts....he wants the suction cups to stick to his back. "Get closer if you have to Scout!" I think those were his last words....

This one...I've already blogged about - but its worth repeating. Scout in a banana suit on Christmas Eve...too funny....and weird I know.

I love this one....the laugh I get from this one is just awesome. Its when the puppy we got the boys ran around the corner to see them. Nick's face....Scouts yell....Max's action to scoop the pup up....will stay with me for YEARS! Total awesomeness.

These last few are just some great family shots. To quote Scout as we left my mom and dad's house on Christmas day..... we have a great family...we are truly blessed.

The Johnsons celebrating in Young Harris, GA

The Men (and Dixie) at my parents house Christmas day

The Girls at my parents house Christmas Day

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and also found time to be amazed at the true gift and miracle of Christmas. I look forward to 2009....who knows what we'll laugh at this year!!

It's Christmas Eve

2008-12-25T00:33:00.007-06:00

So its Christmas Eve....well technically its already Christmas Day because its after midnight. I have found myself somewhat alone....as my sweet husband sleeps on the couch. He is fighting a cold and though we still have much to do tonight....I'm letting him sleep. I am listening to Alabama Public Television - wonderful Christmas music and feeling content.

Tonight was wonderful - we had a beautiful first Christmas Eve Service at a2 with our new church family. My sister and her family came. So very special. Beyond words..... I held my niece while the pastor spoke and just felt blessed to have her with us. My sister and I enjoyed being together on Christmas Eve for the first time.....since I married 17 years ago. Lots of time has passed.....and now we are raising children together. I guess I'm pretty well ahead of her, but feel alot of the same things now. Here is a pic of them from our Candlelight Service.

Here is me and my men...minus Nick...he was talking.

One of my favorite parts of tonight was waiting for the Hoover Fire Truck. Nothing happened....its just a fun thing they do each year. For the last 14 years...maybe longer, but I only remember 14 - the Hoover Fire Department rides around on the firetruck - sirens blasting and Santa riding on top. The kids in the neighborhood love it. All 3 of mine love it still! So tonight...was no exception. They loved it. This year, Scout opted to greet them in a banana suit. He enjoyed every minute. I'm not certain why....but that didn't matter...he just enjoyed it. I think the firemen got a kick out of it too!

Well....my eyelids are getting heavy...and like I said, there are still a few things to do so I need to wake my sweet husband and get this show on the road...Oh....did I mention there is a puppy keeping warm in Kevin's shed? Yeah....she's a sweet baby dachshund that will run to our boys with a big ole' bow around her neck. I can't wait.....so I must sleep now so I can enjoy it. Well...in a few minutes at least.

Whatever you do on Christmas day - know that a Savior came down from Heaven because he loved you. Even if you were the only one on earth....he still would have left everything for you...because you are worth the cost. He loves you and me. I am thankful and celebrate today because of that one reason. My pastor reminded us that out of all the Christmas Bible Verses we can find in the Bible...it really comes down to just one....John 3:16.

John 3:16 (The Message)

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Merry Christmas!

Didn't quite get the song right....

2008-12-20T09:07:00.002-06:00

You know, I can think of quite a few songs where I thought I was singing the right words, only to realize after YEARS of proudly....and loudly singing that I totally did not get what the song writer was really saying. My youngest son does this too! We listen to music on quite a few radio stations and that typically results in the kids knowing the words to all kinds of songs. (Nothing horrible....) Well about a year ago, Daniel Kirkley had a song on our Christian radio station, My New Dawn that sounds alot like Josh Groban. Anyway, after hearing this song a million times - Max shared with me just how much he liked that song. And as he told me....he was really feeling it. You know the feeling when you totally 'get' a song. It speaks to you...like Chicago's 'Your My Inspiration' when you were in High school. Remember that? HA! Anyway, as he's telling me this - he's saying "Mom, he must really like his dog". My reply was...."What???" Max then asked, "He is saying this is my new dog isn't he??" I just died laughing....and we laughed for a bit. Because the song at that point took on a whole different meaning. Max had been hearing a 'boy' sing about his new dog and how it truly changed his life and took him out of the darkness into light.... see the lyrics below and substitute dog...each time you see dawn.

Hiding in the midnight
I’ve watched life pass me by
Haunted by each heartbreak
And mistake, I’ve let weigh
Me down
Now it feels like

( Chorus )

This is my new dawn
My yesterdays have come and gone
Walked in the dark too long
This is my new, this in my new dawn

I have washed my hands now
I’ve laid down all my doubts
I see that sun rising
Baptizing and shining
Straight into my soul

( Chorus )

Just like a child suddenly everything’s new
The colors collide and I see a beautiful view
Now I feel alive

Ok...can you see how his interpretation totally changed that song for him. A dog speaks volumes to him....totally life changing!! A new dawn does not signify as much to a 9 year old. HA! I had to laugh. We think about that often, and laugh each time the song comes on. He still feels Daniel Kirkley missed the mark on that one...or at least the opportunity to speak to 9 year olds all over the world!

In the same way, sometimes songs take a while before they resonate with our souls. Maybe its because we move so fast that we don't take time to let them sink in...or maybe its because we've never really sought out what the songwriter is really thinking about. What they want us to hear and feel with their words. I am finding that this season,a very familiar Christmas Carol is sounding much different to me than possibly ever before. O come all ye faithful. We've heard it a million times right? But did I really hear it all those years??? I mean wow.... we sing the words, "Now in flesh appearing.....O come let us adore him". Wow...God became flesh....to dwell among us....Wow.....that's no ordinary thing. And yet...how many times have I sung it as ordinary....as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Luke 2:8-18 (The Message)

An Event for Everyone
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Merry Christmas to you! I wish you and your family much peace, love and happiness this blessed Christmas season!

You know, just for fun...and speaking of words that we didn't get quite right when we were younger because we twisted them all up and made our own..... Well, in case you've ever wondered what Earth Wind and Fire was singing during the chorus of September. I'll tell you. I used to think I was making up my own words singing "Ba de ya...say do you remember....Ba de ya....Dancing in September...Ba de ya..." Remember that part? Well...guess what??? That is what they are saying! HA! Go figure. I was kind of shocked when I googled it. Thinking that i had missed something really good. Nope...just some fun grooving sound before the chorus. Man, that was great music as you would 'truck' around the skating rink...was it not?

Spend Less - Give More

2008-12-15T22:28:00.005-06:00

This has been a wonderful - yet very different Christmas season for us. Don't get me wrong, it has been great - its just felt different. We've put far less emphasis on the gift part....and we've tried hard to spend more time just 'being' together. Enjoying the gift of our family.....and trying to be more mindful of what this season is truly about. Our Pastor has been leading a series of Sundays that have been amazing. The entire series is entitled Christmas Rebellion - Taking Christmas Back. If you weren't there....I wish you could have been. There are some great notes on our church website....click here to read more.

The first Sunday we began this series, we talked about Worship. Worshiping the one we celebrate during this season. As we came in that Sunday, we were asked what burdens we were carrying. What was keeping us from truly experiencing the gift of Christmas. Was it money worries? Family issues? Depression? Name it....then write it down. After we wrote our words down on paper they provided - we tore them up into little pieces - then placed them in a bowl that was passed down each row. Chris asked us to just get rid of those things....give them to God. Worship him fully - and allow him to be the reason for movement and worship and celebration this season. At the end of the service......the tiny pieces of paper had been used to make a beautiful mosaic creation. Two hands holding a heart.

If the picture were closer, you would be able to see portions of the words that were written on the papers. I imagine there were all kinds of words. Being honest with you now...when asked what could hinder me from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas this year - I had to write down busyness. I can get so busy some times I just miss it you know? Not this year....I will not be busy about being busy this year. How beautiful it can be when we give our worries to God and truly worship him with everything we have....holding nothing back. Remember, he promises to give beauty for ashes right??

Last Sunday, we talked about the spending aspect....buying less. And giving more. We even talked about the wise men who set out on their journey to find the one who was promised. They followed a star in the dessert to find the one they knew would change history. Not a king in a palace, but one in a manger...in a barn. How humbling...how amazing....how relatable...how God is that???? The art that was created this past Sunday was pretty amazing. We entered to find a painting of a lady who had a shopping cart full of packages. Through out the message, Chris had taken off packages that were glued to the front of the painting. The Macy's Star that was formerly at the top of that painting was taken off and a majestic star was painted at the top of the canvas. As we sang about the Glory of God and worshiped God....while thinking of changes we could make this season.....pieces of the painting were being cut away. The first layer was being taken off in certain places - where the shopper was once standing. What was unveiled underneath the lady who was in a hurry to shop....was a wise man, on a camel - following a star with a gift in hand...for His King.

It was pretty cool.....it totally made you think. The question I left with yesterday was this; What am I giving this year to my King?? What am I teaching my kids to give? Have I taught them that it really is all about Jesus??? You know, I think my kids do get it. And I'm thankful. Grateful. Chris did ask us if we wrap up Christmas each year....thinking to ourselves that we missed the mark spiritually. You know, thinking that this year...I will make Christmas all about Jesus. Then, we get busy, don't do the things we planned, and still shopped and spent like every Christmas before. Did we not do the devotions...or read with our kids like we planned??? I think we have all felt that once or twice haven't we? He also commented on what the Wise Men must have talked about as they walked away from being in the presence of 'God with us', Emmanuel. Do you think that the Wise Men walked away saying..."yeah, I had big plans for this event...but it didn't really turn out as spiritual as I wanted it too...." No way....they walked away pumped...changed.....and totally fulfilled because their hearts were all about him. Wow...They followed the sign straight to Jesus.

I can't wait to see what next Sunday holds! If I can encourage you to do anything this Christmas besides the obvious of spending less and giving more...I encourage you to find time be alone and thank God for sending his son....to be with us here on earth. Read the Christmas Story, you know..the birth of Christ. Click here...how long has it been since you've walked through these words in the Bible? Its amazing.....inconcievable....and true.

In case you are wondering....yes, Kevin is partly responsible for the artwork you see. I am excited that he is using his talents again within church. We are so excited about what God is doing at a2 Church. We are growing....and Gods word is spreading and that is very cool.....to say the least! We meet each Sunday at 9:45am and always have a fresh pot of coffee going. We have a special Christmas Eve service planned that will be wonderful I know!!!

Matthew 2: 1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Merry Christmas - May you spend less this Christmas as you give and receive so much more!!!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-10T05:56:00.007-06:00

Each year, I love creating our Christmas card. Its fun for me. Seriously.....I love it. I also love the craziness that is always behind the picture that nobody really sees but us. It takes a lot to for all 5 of us to take a good picture together. I used to dress us all in matching outfits - and take a cute, serious photo.....not any more. That stressed me out too much. You would think that making the boys dress alike for even just 30 minutes - was major torture. So...we adapted. It was either that....or keep creating these pictures that my kids NEVER looked forward to! What a fun family moment that would have been.

Anyway, we now enjoy silly pictures and we all discuss ideas and what would be fun. The ideas are hysterical sometimes! This past week we finished our new picture - and the photo shoot did not disappoint. It was funny....and had a bit of stress too. But not like the stress of the 'matching sweater' days. But...there was some stress when I was wanting to do something serious for a moment. But....looking back, I love how the boys crack each other up and do stupid stuff. They are having a good time! They will remember that far longer than taking a silly picture. Unless....I totally freak out and scream....that they will remember...so I refrain, with the help of Jesus of course. (I'm serious) As we were finding the good pictures we took...I enjoyed the funny ones too. I am glad Kevin just kept clicking even when we were not ready - it captures some honest moments. All but one were funny....we were all laughing and being goofy....like this...

But then I ran across this one....when I was ready for them to be serious again. I cracked up...so did my friend Laura when I shared this with her. Such truth in one little picture.....can you SEE what I am feeling???

Could not be more real could it? But you would never see that on any card I would send out...you would only see the smiley face and perfect happy family. I couldn't resist sharing this with you and hopefully in some weird way....its an encouragement to you to say...you are not alone. Every mother and father gets stressed and sometimes loses it. Even when intentionally trying to create a special moment. Ha! You know exactly what I mean!!! Nothing is ever as perfect as it seems. Sometimes we have no idea what happens before that perfect Christmas photo is taken. That has been brought home to me lately in a big way. There are families we are close to going through more than we could have imagined....they looked so perfect on the outside, but they are truly hurting on the inside. So...offer more love and more kindness than you have before to them on this Thanksgiving. Remind our kids that they may think others have it so much better than they do...more stuff....more gadgets....but if they have the love and security of parents who love them - who spend time with them, they are rich far beyond those who don't.

You know...I am glad to tell you that the picture above is as crazy as I got this day....it was a silent show....just a pout only caught by my sweet husband. I didn't stop the silliness of the boys that day....believe me, they went on for a while. So....we joined in. And it was fun.....and it was real life in the Johnson house that day......

I love the candy cane on Max's ear in this one. Subtle.....sneaky.......where did he learn that?

So.....that is some fun from the Johnson house this week. And I guess you could say some silly, trivial....yet life making advice too. Remember, it doesn't all have to look perfect, be perfect, feel perfect...real life is fun, spontaneous and chaotic some times....enjoy it now before its gone! Oh....and don't be the stressed out mother during picture times that they will talk about to their future wives...OK??!!! We have a choice ya'll....Enough said???

A Special Thanksgiving Vacation

2008-12-01T08:25:00.008-06:00

We have had an amazing week. It all started last Sunday, November 23. We woke early to drive to Nashville. That was Scout's 14th birthday present - Tickets to the Jets Vs. Titans Game. Brett Favre did not disappoint! He played great and the Jets broke the winning streak of the Tennessee Titans. Sad for Titan Fans....exhilarating for Favre fans.

Yes...that is a Jets Favre jersey...with the Packers Cheesehead combination. He's good with the compromise.

We enjoyed some time in Nashville - even though it was short. Kelly made a Thanksgiving dinner for us and we enjoyed being with our family.

Great food and fun as usual with this crew.

The next day, we woke early again to drive to Washington DC for a week of major site seeing and family time.

This vacation was so different for us. For one, it was during Thanksgiving and we are always with with other members of our family for Thanksgiving. As I was thinking how different this was for us....I began to remember that this is the way it was for me growing up. My family always took a family vacation the week of Thanksgiving. We would go to Navarre Beach every year. The special thing for me, was that there were other families who did this same thing and for years, we would go in anticipation of seeing these friends that we only saw once a year. My parents made friends as well and they would gather during the week and play cards in the sun room of the hotel we stayed in while the kids ran wild. It was GREAT! I loved my Thanksgivings. This vacation - was a perfect Thanksgiving for us.

We stay so busy with everyone's schedule that sometimes we don't have as much downtime as we all would like. The boys can nag each other TO DEATH at home. It can be crazy!! But this past week - they hung together and laughed constantly. The boys had a hotel room across from our room. Every time we went over there, there was wrestling, laughing, being goofy....just fun stuff. When we take them out of their environment.....they become the best of friends. Such a blessing for me and Kevin to see that.

Its neat to see them growing into young men and how their personalities are changing and growing too. Coming home, I'm determined to not put off trips like this anymore. We had an amazing time with tons of memories we will share for YEARS to come. We are already planning something for the spring....we hear Wyoming is wonderful....and I want to see my boys enjoy the site of the buffalo and those amazing mountains and valleys. Seeing my kids enjoy something new is a priceless gift. Experiencing new cities and sites together is special. It makes me wonder if that is a tad of what God experiences when we take delight in his word....and his world. He enjoys, enjoying life with us just like we do with our own families. Just a small reminder of how good God is.

There are some funny moments that stick out from this past week -

During our Thanksgiving Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, our server gave Max a coloring book and set of crayons, he politely put his hand up and said, "oh, no thank you, I'm 10 now". The server, who had a GREAT personality, said "Oh! I see, so you don't color anymore! You are too grown up for coloring, huh???". We all laughed. Then Max said, "Well, you know, I am 10, but I still have a little left in me sometimes".
Typical Max.

Walking to the subway after dinner one night. Max saw this statue in the window of an antique store. He walked up to the window of this shop, pointed to the statue and yelled, "Look at this guy!!!! He looks awful!!!!" As soon as he did this, a man sleeping against the door in a sleeping bag rolled over....Max's foot was literally an inch away from his sleeping bag. None of us had noticed the man,until he rolled over and the sleeping bag moved. Only Nick, Kevin and myself noticed the movement and we grabbed Max and walked away quickly. I know...where was our Christian compassion? My first reaction was mama bear mode - move my child, because I didn't know who was in that sleeping bag and was not sure how safe we were. I feel bad now...seriously. But, back to the story - When we told Max what had happened - he didn't believe it at first and thought we were kidding him. But then he got really sad because he thought the man might have thought he was talking about him when he was really talking about the statue. (His brothers might have put that in his head too) Max talked about the man the rest of the way to the subway and then on the way to our hotel too. The next day while in Chinatown, we saw many homeless people. One man asked me if I had any spare change that I could give. My first reaction was no, but then I stopped and Max said, "mom you don't have any change you can share with him??" Of course I do...was the answer. I took out all the change I had in my purse and gave it to the man. We had walked almost a block and Max said, "Mom, I want to give that man my $7. Please mom". He had $7 left of his souvenir money. My first reaction was to tell him to save his money, but I could see that this tied into his experience from earlier in the week. He was thinking about the night that he woke the homeless man and his concern that he had hurt the homeless man's feelings and the fact that the man was sleeping on the sidewalk in the first place. I asked him if he really wanted to give all the money - and he said yes, and then ran all the way back to that man by himself to put his $7 in the man's cup. My eyes just welled up with tears as he ran back to me. Max smiled and said, "I feel good Mom, I think he's happy. He needs $7 more than I do". We thank God for his sweet spirit, tender and generous heart. We pray God continues to speak and work through Max as he grows up and that he always listens when the spirit tells him to move, give and speak.

Well, like I said, we are back and this day holds much laundry and some Christmas decorating for me too. I better get busy. But not too busy to enjoy my quiet house for a moment....everybody needs that the day after vacation right?

I love these girls!!!

2008-11-19T17:10:00.008-06:00

Ok...so I knew today was going to be really, really, great....and it was. I had lunch with two of the dearest friends in my life. I have been friends with these ladies for 30 years!! Crazy! We've not only grown up together and been in the same youth group at church, but we've been in each others weddings, thrown baby showers for each other and now....we are going through teen and tween stages with our children together. We had not seen each other in a really long time! It had been too long, but we picked right up without losing time. Those are good friends. We see each other periodically.....and we've vowed to make it more frequent. I am looking forward to spa day. Oh yes!

I love these ladies and I'm reminded of God's love for me when I spend time with them. He blessed my life with them years and years ago. They truly were friends that always encouraged me to grow in my faith, do the right thing and encouraged me to be a better person. While at lunch today we all talked about how thankful we are for our families and how our lives have played out. God is good.....and sends good gifts to those he loves.

Here we are back in high school (can you smell the perm solution???) We haven't changed that much.....seriously! That was 20 years ago. I can't wait to snap a picture in another 10 years!

Teaching your kids to be happy for others

2008-11-19T06:10:00.002-06:00

So I've found lately that teaching your kids to truly be excited for someone else, can be a hard thing to accomplish. I've witnessed a couple of situations where I think...wow....I would not have thought my kids would act that way. One situation is from a few weeks back when the boys were still playing football. Scout and his buddy would jump in the car after practice and I would hear the friend say something like, "man, did you see me today? Did you see that catch I made?" and Scout's reply might be something like, "Dude, what are you talking about, I saw that fumble. I never saw you make a good catch....but did you see me? I was awesome". I would just cringe. Of course, after we let our friend out at his house - we would chat for a bit on giving a nice compliment or encouraging, "man you were good today" to your friend. I sometimes hear my kids return a request or need for encouragement with a statement that totally rides over the other person and pumps themselves up instead.

Last night at the Boy Scout Pack Meeting, this was more than apparent with our youngest Max. It was award time - and Max was all about that. Reminding us to be sure to get the picture of him accepting his award. He had been working on his Citizenship Award. Well, he got that award....but several of his friends got that one, plus a few more because they went to the Boy Scout weekend camp out. Max was crushed. We were supposed to go, but we had to cancel because the church that we are helping to start had its first Sunday that weekend. Max understands that...doesn't like it, but we explained our situation with this particular camp out. Anyway, the crushing moment came after we all sat down after the awards were given out and they called about 13 kids to the stage. They were ranging in age...and Max's antennas went up. "What is going on? Are they about to get something special?" he said, very seriously. As we watched, the Den Leader pulled out a bag of awards. The Den Leader then told us that because the weather was so cold during their camp out, each Scout that attended had earned their Polar Bear Badge. He went on to explain how this was most unusual because Scouts of this age don't typically camp in the coldness required to get this badge. Kevin and I watched Max's face - not only was this an award he could have received....it was one he would probably not easily have the opportunity to earn again really soon. He was just down. Did not congratulate his friends. Didn't even speak to them. When the closing of the meeting came, you should have seen his ill fated attempt to cheer with his team for the spirit stick.

Now, I'm not saying I don't understand his sadness. That is not what I am saying at all. In fact what I am saying is that I am trying to find ways to be empathetic to that...yet still teach him to be a good friend by being happy when our friends win something we don't.....because we love them and we want the best for them.

What I come up with is this;

Philippians 2:1-4

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I remember reading this when I was in high school thinking wow....it could not be said any plainer. This is what I want for my kids - and yes...I realize they are not in high school yet and don't think beyond their age at times, but its my goal for them. So, each time we face one of these situations, I'll keep reminding them of this. I have to remind myself at times too. When I become envious of others - or feel a twinge of jealousy when good fortune comes the way of those I love. Instead of wishing it were me, I thank God for blessing those that I love so much.

I know its a process....and as a mom, watching it happen can be frustrating, and sometimes hard too. We want our kids to be happy and have everything...but sometimes everything doesn't help make us into the people we are to be. Losing and not getting what you want sometimes creates not only character but an attitude of thankfulness too. Learning to be thankful for what you have.....and happy for others when they have something you desire too. Whew....life can be hard sometimes. Especially when you are a 10 year old and really, really want that Polar Bear Badge. I know that next time we go to Scout's and those boys have the Polar Bear badges sewn to their uniforms....Max is going to be tested. It will take all of his 'goodness' to tell his buds how cool they look on their uniforms. But, I'll pray he can do it. It will be a start and just another step in the process.

One week.....til craziness and wonderful memories too, I'm sure!

2008-11-17T05:32:00.004-06:00

In exactly one week, we'll be rising early in Nashville, TN to hit the road and drive to Washington, DC. Yes...11 hours in the car! Oh, we did consider flying but after looking at the $2200 we would have to spend for the five of us, we decided driving was not that bad and it would be a memory they could cherish for years to come. Ha!

We are so excited! This whole trip has been a bit spontaneous and out of the blue for the boys at least. We've wanted to go for years, and have always ended up putting it off for one reason or another. But a few weeks ago, after I looked at our calendar, I called Kevin and said, "let's just go to DC - the kids are out of school for the entire week, nobody has football, church camp or anything else that is in the way". The one thing that was sad for us, is that we would miss Thanksgiving in Nashville with a flag football game on Thanksgiving morning. I am sure we'll wake up on TGiving morning with a sigh about that one.....but the week was just too perfect to NOT go to DC. Especially when we begin thinking.....we are guaranteed to have Nick in the house for 2 more Thanksgivings...this being one of the two. The hour glass containing his days with us at home are truly running fast!! So, we are grabbing the time and doing something fun.

Scout is sooooo excited. For him, this means quality time which is one of his love languages and he talks about the trip every day. Last night before he went to bed he told Kevin and I this would be one of the longest weeks of his life just waiting to get to the weekend before the trip. We've got great things planned...and have already heard from our State Representative's Office and secured our White House Tour tickets! Woo Hoo!

With all the craziness that this week will bring, I will look forward to the drive in the car with my family. There will be mad libs, movies, conversation, laughter and lots of arguing at times I am sure. Would it really be a road trip without at least one good fight among brothers????? Kevin and I will listen to our favorite music up front and we'll both talk about how great it is all the way there....we always do. And I am sure, once its over, we'll regret we had not done it sooner....but we were busy.....and I can't seem to remember exactly why we were busy and could not plan this trip. What a shame!

We are learning to make the most of every opportunity. Family and friends are two of the greatest blessings this life gives us to enjoy. Why not put those two things above schedules and other activities. I need to be reminded of that at times.

So this Thanksgiving.... I will be Thankful for my entire family....thankful for friends, my country, my church, for God's amazing grace and alot of other things too. But, I will be thankful to be in DC with my 4 favorite men in the world! (Dad, I have 5 with you included.....but I don't think Mom will let you get away for this one! On second thought, I am not sure you would want to do the car ride. Been there done that right???? LOL )

I am sure they'll be much to blog about soon.....I'm sure!

Happy Birthday Maxwell....you are 10 and such a blessing to us!!!!

2008-11-12T05:00:00.007-06:00

Last night as Max was heading to Boy Scouts, he asked me to take his picture. As we were flipping back through them....trying to find the perfect Boy Scout salute, I realized how grown up he is beginning to look. Kind of made me teary! He's my baby you know!! I need him to still be a baby for while. This picture makes me laugh because he's wanting to be so military....and while I appreciate the stern face, I giggle a bit at the darth vadar scarf holder!

Exactly one decade ago, I was just about to leave my home and check into the hospital. It was an exciting day for us because we were going for the inducing of our 3rd (and last) son, Maxwell. I remember being so excited about the hospital stay. I'm not kidding! I knew giving birth would be a pretty exhausting event....however, once that was done, there would be two complete days of rest in a bed where I did not have to get up unless I needed too. How crazy is that? AT the time, our other two sons were 7 and 5. Believe me, they kept us busy!

I remember little things about the day Max was born. It was also the day of my sisters birthday. She was in the delivery room with me...and almost fainted! What a birthday present to her. Ha! I remember worrying about the other two boys and Nick's homework too! He was in the second grade and had a big spelling test that week. My sister in law came down from Nashville to stay with the boys (and be in the room with us when Max was born...it was truly a family event) and be the mom while I was away for two days with Max. She reassured me that she would work with Nick on the word mountain. Nick had a tendency to write mowntan instead of mountain. Nick got a 100 that week! Thanks Aunt Kelly!!!! I wonder if she remembers that as well.

I remember worrying about little Scout. He was excited...but there was a bit of him that did not want to share his mommy. However, he was the most intrigued with his new baby brother. I remember him always wanting to lay beside me and just touch the baby....all quietly while sucking his two fingers. It was like it was his way of saying...ok I'll share my mom and love you too...but I'm not going anywhere!!!

Its amazing the little things you remember....and sadly probably forget as well. Since the boys were born, I've kept a written journal for each of them. At first, it was a way to record important moments, precious memories and funny situations so I would NOT forget. I still enjoy going back and reading entries and crying a bit too.
But as the years go on, I realize that those journals are probably some of the most treasured things I own. I had intended to give the journals to my future daughter in laws on their wedding day. Um.....I am not so certain I can part with them. Maybe that can just be the 'something borrowed' and I can get them back???? No....that might not work. We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.
But today, as we celebrate Max turning 10, its like this feeling of no more babies in the house. I know he's not a teenager and he's not grown, but he's double digits. In our house...that's a big deal. And...if the past 10 years have flown by....how fast will the next 10 years go? When Max turns 20, and his brothers are then 27 and 25. GOOD GRIEF......I surely will not be old enough to have sons of that age!!!!!! And all this keeps me thinking of a verse that I always share and I've talked alot about in other blogs, because seriously - I don't want to waste one day of this life I've been given;

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom

I want to be wise with my days, enjoy every moment. There are days when I see things passing before me...and my typical reaction is to just stop...take a step back and sometimes run away with my family for a spontaneous weekend away or just stop doing the mundane things and just play a game with one of my boys. Do you feel what I am saying? Its so important to grab every moment of this life because we are not promised one more day. Each day is a gift and only the heavenly father knows how many days we'll receive.

Psalm 139:15-16
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

I am so thankful that I have the awesome privilege of being the mother of my boys. I've been entrusted with helping to raise 3 wonderful young men to grow and be godly men. Future husbands, fathers and mentors. And while I think I know them better than anyone on this earth - God has me beat. He knows their every thought........He knows how many hairs are on their heads.....and he knows every day that I will spend with them. And you know what? He is a good, good God.

So today, we are enjoying all things 10! We've decorated our kitchen to surprise Max when he comes down this morning for his 10 tiny pancakes! They'll be more 10 stuff too. So, off I go to begin the fun....journaling a little along the way. Tonight, I'll write in his written journal and have one more entry just for him.....and maybe just maybe I'll decide to give that journal to a future woman that holds his heart - but right now, that woman is me. But oh to think.....one day there will be a woman who loves him, as much as I love his father. And then to think that our heavenly father loves us more than we can ever even imagine loving someone??? Mind blowing.... that is overwhelming to me. Seriously!!!

This is a picture of Max and his birthday pancakes....taken after this entry...so cute I had to add!!!

Family shot at breakfast

Getting your big bro to take you to school on your birthday...is really cool! Especially when he's picking up Krispy Kreme for your class treat!

Nick's Homecoming Pictures

2008-11-03T07:58:00.005-06:00

Well, Friday night was big at the Johnson house! Not only did my husband have a huge Halloween fest....but our oldest went to his first homecoming. Though he's a junior, he's never asked a girl to ANY dance....that includes middle school. He tests me in that whole pushing your child thing.....whew. Anyway, I've always wanted him to go...even with a good friend and just have a good time. Well, he did and he said it was awesome. They went as a group and he had a great time....with a really great girl. I hope they stay friends for years to come!!!!

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Aren't they cute?

A new blog find!

2008-10-29T14:09:00.002-05:00

All I can say is Thank You Michelle Nichols!! I have a new fun blog to keep up with!!! I love the Favre family....even more now. To know they love the Lord and have a great family!!! Oh.....all you can say is Go Jets!!! Sorry honey.... :)

Click here....or see the side link to The Favre Family Blog. Good reading!!! Even if you aren't a Packer/Jet fan!

God is our refuge & strength, an ever present help in trouble.....

2008-10-28T10:54:00.003-05:00

Have you ever felt that you were losing control when your kids are out there making their own decisions and sometimes falling on their face at the same time? Yeah, right now is one of those times for me. I have such a controlling personality. I want to help….at least that is what I say to myself – but in all honesty it’s a controlling thing because of my fear that either my kids will fail and get hurt….or they will miss something.

God has been telling me daily….Let it go Shannon. I’ll do it Shannon. Don’t move on this Shannon. Let them work this out Shannon. Oh boy, I could go on. So I sit and pray. And pray and pray some more. The verse that tells us to pray without ceasing has never been so real for me. I find that each time I consider one of these situations we are walking through with our boys, I want to plan out a course of action – sit them down and pray with them and help them realize what they could do differently. I want to help them fix it.

That is not a bad thing – Not entirely. And there is a place to step in when our kids are at risk or need us. But there is a time for our kids to walk their spiritual journey all on their own, while they are in our homes under careful care and prayer. That is where I am. Trying to find a balance as a mom as they are learning to fly……before they leave my nest.

So, I hear this verse…..while I hear the Father telling me not to act right now… “Be still and know that I am God”. And I hear it, but I want to be sure God doesn’t need my help….you know what I mean? I know you do. How many times do you feel the need to work something out because you feel you can….and God needs you to do that right? Wrong….He needs us to be still. He needs me to be still and allow his spirit to work within my kids. He needs Kevin and I to lead them…but then he will allow his spirit to grow within them. They won’t be under my wing forever…and I know that, but truthfully, I don’t love knowing that. Not right now anyway.

As I was praying this morning for my family – the Lord also led me to Psalm 46. When I read it, I realized God is the help of my children just like he is for me. They are at an age where they will and can call out to God when they need something and he’ll be there. Just like he’s been there for me. I remember a few years back, our Pastor at the time – Pastor Culpepper talked about giving Canaan to your Kids. It was a great series on brining our kids up in the Lord. Anyway - during our prayer time, I confessed to God that I had issues with trusting him totally with my kids. I knew he created them…but I had to protect them from everything here on earth. And at that time – God gave me the vision of a big umbrella and my kids were under that umbrella. The umbrealla represented safety...and being under God. And I said, God…what if they move from under here….what if they go away from where we know they need to be. As clear as I heard Pastor Culpepper speaking that morning, I heard God speak so sweetly to me – “Then I will be there for them Shannon – just like I was for you”. Yes you were God – and I am so thankful. Help me to trust you more and listen to your voice so my kids can be all they are supposed to be in you.

If you are walking out this season of parenting……I’ll pray for you. And please….pray for me too!

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields [b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Girl Time

2008-10-24T23:43:00.004-05:00

I know...this post is completely girly. I like that sometimes!!! I work for a great hotel and with absolutely GREAT people. I really feel blessed. Part of my job does have me traveling to Atlanta and some of our other hotels from time to time - which are all in the state of Alabama. Anyway, today I had a group of pastors and their wives come tour our hotel in Florence, Alabama. My job is to kind of be the host...tour them around and allow them to enjoy the property and all the great benefits....like spa! I am such a spa girl...I enjoy it in a BIG way. Anyway...so, tonight, we opted for spa treatments in lieu of doing dinner in the fine dining restaurant and then we all went back and had room service. That is my kind of night. So...while Kevin and my boys are sitting on my amazingly comfy couch watching Man Vs. Wild....I was totally enjoying my jammie time with room service while feeling quite relaxed from the spa time. Ah....now....I'll go to bed soon - but before I do.....here is a pic of my dinner....

Yeah....it was too late for a big dinner. ;)

Yeah...it wasn't very good.....can you tell?

And my movie....Sisterhood of the Pants 2.

And....now, I shall sleep. However, I'm reminded of the verse that has popped up in my life for the last couple of months....and tonight....it fits in a very practical way.

Hebrews 4:10 - 11
for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

Does God ever just put scripture in front of you over and over again in the most unique ways. Maybe you hear a verse and feel moved. Then...you hear that verse on the radio or a friend shares it with you. Or....even a month later - you receive a greeting card with that very verse on the front! To me...that is God's creative way of saying...Hey you...I'm trying to tell you something. That is the way Heb 4:10 is for me. I know the full context of the verse is our afterlife...and that final rest. But that one section keeps coming up for me...like he wants me to hear something specific about the here and now. So....either He is telling me to get rest....or I'm the one falling by following the example of disobedience....I hope its the first. So...on that note - I'm going to rest in my big ole' comfy Marriott Bed. You know they do have great bedding packages....its true.

All kids ARE NOT the same...and that is ok! (I'm reminding myself)

2008-10-23T13:44:00.006-05:00

How is it that your children can be so different? Not only in looks…..but in personality as well. I know some siblings who are so much alike that they truly seem interchangeable. My kids….are not that!
I’m reminded of that with my 14 year old. Scout is truly a kid that marches to the beat of his own drum. Actually….all three of our boys have a bit of that. But…Scout’s drum beat……is not what most others hear as rhythm. You feel me?

As a mom – I think I started out thinking that I had to treat all three of our boys the same. Somewhere along our journey, I’ve learned that treating each fairly doesn’t always mean the same. That is hard for me to grasp sometimes. I’ve found through trial and error that their discipline and even acts of love need to look different in order to connect with them on a level where ‘they get it’. What works with my oldest is not necessarily going to work with my middle son. And what works with my middle son may not work with my youngest. AGGHHHHHH….you could go crazy trying to figure it out. But after years of trying….and still trying mind you, I’ve found that if I go to their creator….my boys ‘heavenly father’ in prayer he will direct my steps. The holy spirit works within me to prompt me…nudge me to move when there is a need. Some may say its that mom thing inside….and though that may be true…..nothing is just a ‘thing’. The Lord uses us as his tools each day when we listen to that little voice inside.

All of this thinking comes from watching my middle son try to find his place. He has a church trip this weekend and he could not be more excited. My oldest loved this particular trip too. Now he liked it because he swears Mentone is God’s country. He says it is one of those places that you truly just sit and find God everywhere you look. So, with knowing that – last year I was so excited for Scout to go too…..and you know….find God everywhere!!! Who wouldn’t want their son to have that??? So last year and this year alike….I begin to prep Scout for his big weekend encounter and I just wonder when I check out Scout’s packing list…..and his Bible didn’t make the list…but his new Star Wars Light saber and full blown Banana Suit did. You know…if you know my boys….you can just see Scout now with a big….no, ENORMOUS adorable smile on his face when he’s planning for the trip. I mean he is psyched.

There is a part of me as a mom that wants to reign that in….and say “but Scout…what about finding God on this trip… and the rocks…you know…finding God everywhere you look and stuff…….don’t miss that!!!!” And though there is nothing wrong with wanting those things for my boy…what if I AM the one missing all the stuff God has created that shows up right in front of my face, in my life each day. Like my incredibly silly, fun and talented son that is just packaged a little different than the more serious one. Wow….like a ton of bricks that thought hits me in the head. God created Scout and he knows him better than I do. And I bet….he laughs at him daily and that Scout brings so much joy to Him…..each time he puts on his banana suit or dreams one of his crazy dreams of doing something WAY OUT THERE.

I don’t know if you struggle with this, but if you do…you are not alone. Hello!! I’ve just put it all out there for myself. And I pray that as I learn this and walk this out….I’m a better mom for Max….and that I have less expectations for him to act like what has gone before him….because I am telling you……I see another Johnson boy….about to break the mold in an entirely different way.

Gen 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

You know, I need to be reminded at times that we are all made in His image….and not in the image of others. If what I see in my kids are reflections of the attributes that mirror Christ…….then what more could I ask for? I wouldn’t want anyone to want or expect anymore from me….. I know he is growing in the Lord and I know that the Lord will use him in the plan that he has just for Scout. I know this full well……. Psalm 139.

Oh……here is a picture of Scout with his Light saber……I’ll post one of the banana suit once he is finished stuffing it with ‘the right’ foam. I’m not kidding.

I'm going to go re-read Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages of Children. I should have finished that book!!!!

Just talked with the doctor

2008-10-20T15:32:00.004-05:00

Dr. Shaver just called and told me that all lab work is back. His Hepititis test came back negative and all looks like it was caused by a severe case of Salmonella. Yep....pretty gross. It's been reported to the health department as well as the places he at on Saturday before he got sick.

Dr. Shaver said he is good to go back to school as he gets his strength back, but as far as football goes - he's out for at least the next two weeks. Which...because Spain is not in the running for playoffs...is pretty much the season.

Nick feels so much better today! He really does....this is Nick today.....

He's smiling again!!! :)

Thank you again so much for all of your prayers. I have no doubt the've helped with his healing and protection and overall well being!!

Life is Good

2008-10-19T10:32:00.004-05:00

Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying for our son Nick while he has been sick this week. Though he is not 100%.....he is incredibly better. We see God working in him, making him better each day. We still await some test results that we should get probably Monday morning - but all indicates to this ordeal beginning with Salmonella. The preliminary tests came back Friday afternoon positive for Salmonella - but his liver enzymes were elevated more than when we first went to the hospital. This gave them cause to check for Hepatitis A. Which, out of all Hepatitis choices...that is good! It is just caused from bacteria and most cases you can only get it once! We'll take that one!

Thankful is the word that comes to mind when I think of our family who prayed and visited us. Who drove from Nashville just to say hello....(and do my laundry...and feed my kids..... etc etc) Thank you Ken, Kelly and Alec...that was more than sweet - it was a reprieve in our life!

I am blown away by two church families that love us so. Our kids are active within Metro and the youth ministry was awesome to pray over him in proxy during the Wednesday night service along with awesome people who came to visit and pray with Nick in the hospital.

My new church family at a2 was there the moment things happened. I got a call from our pastors wife while we were still in the ER. With all that was going on with our clean up and building program - we were being visited by even the pastor - and others who were busy cleaning and scraping up the floor!

Of course our VN and Tres Dias families were there.....where else would they be???? If you have not yet experienced a Tres Dias weekend....I challenge you to get there. Talk about a group having your back......

Spain Park High School has also been amazing. I have heard from almost all of his teachers in concern for him. They put his name on a prayer list at First Priority and his counselor even asked for Nick to drop in and they would discuss getting caught up on his missed assignments. The head football coach had some great personal words of encouragement for Nick. Life went on....but they took time out to check on him. I was so thankful.

Friends from all over called and messaged us through Facebook and email.

What does this mean? The body of Christ in action - and it is beautiful. We thank you because more than anything else we never felt alone or in need. We were so blessed and thank God for every person involved. We pay that you are in turn blessed and given much JOY for the joy you shared with us!!!!

1 Corinthians 12:26 - 27

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

If you read chapter 12 in its entirety - you get the clear picture of 1 Corinthians based on what God wants us to see in regards to spiritual gifts and how we all connect together to work properly and effectively as a physical example of Christ.

We don't all have the same gifts....and that is such a good thing.

I am thankful for all of you who shared your gifts with us this week. Thank you and we love you!

Update on Nick

2008-10-17T08:56:00.006-05:00

I don't have much of an update other than the doctors did say that Nick was responding well to his treatment. While that is good....we still don't have all the answers and results of his lab work. Please pray with us that we get that today. They took more blood this morning and our close friend who is a doctor at Brookwood pushed around on Nick's abdomen a bit....and it was still tender. A little too much I think. He also said with Nick on the pain meds still ever 3 hours, it might not be likely that he'll go home today. We hope for an update from our GI doctor soon.

God has blessed us with so many amazing friends. Awesome is all I can say. Not only did so many adults come in to pray over our sweet son......but a group of his friends came by to lay hands on him and pray as well. Nick's Muslim friend came along as well and found himself in the middle of a group of teens laying on hands....and claiming healing in the name of Jesus. God is good.

This is the group of kids that prayed over Nick.

This sweet visitor stayed a bit longer than the others....

Nick's friend Lucas dropped by late last night....right when he was getting his 'happy juice' as he calls it. The first 15 minutes afterwards.....are pretty fun for him.

I'll update more soon I hope...but for now, Nick is comfortable when the pain meds kick in. However, Kevin told me they were walking the halls at 1am last night trying to get Nick's mind off the pain in between doses. I'm going to relieve my husband now so he can sleep.....in something other than the hospital recliner.

Psalm 139
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

Thank you Lord that you are EVERYWHERE we are....and that you never leave us....never!

Nickolas -meaning; Victorious People

2008-10-16T07:23:00.002-05:00

I love when God speaks to you through others. Thank you to my sweet friend who sent an email to me reminding me that as we pray for my son to get better.....his name means Victorious. Oh yeah.....I knew that.

I do have a peace about my son right now. It's something in the center of my core - I know he will be fine and I felt good going to sleep last night. Don't get me wrong, I worried about him, but I felt that he was in the right place and had the right people around him to help him get better.

My friends email this morning simply said that she felt led to share the following with me;

I was praying for Nick tonight, and I really feel like the Lord showed me that there is a reason Nick's name is Nick. As you know, Nick means "victorious," and God is going to give him victory over this illness. You guys are making an incredible impact on the lives of children and their parents, and Satan can't stand it. I'm just going to keep praying for healing for Nick as well as for protection for your entire family.

Now, I don't know how much impact we are making, but I do pray that each person in my house is used to bring others to the Lord. That is what it is all about. And I do know that Satan will attack where he can.

So as I look back, I am encouraged, because I see that we have been down this road before. SERIOUSLY - Nick has gone through some crazy 'health' stuff for his young life and each time.....God brings him out just fine....and we say, "Wow....that was crazy". But this time.....I will be sure to say, Thank you Lord that you continue to win these battles over my son's health. Thank you Lord that you have a plan for Nick and it is good. Thank you Lord that you have called my son to do something.....whatever that something is.....great for you! And nothing...no NOTHING will stand in your way. I love that. It's a promise for me and my family. God is good.

Save the Date for the a2 Block Party!!!!!

2008-10-13T15:39:00.004-05:00

a2 BLOCK PARTY - LOVE THE CITY

Sunday, October 19, 4:30-6:30 PM
Parking Lot of Future Site of a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
(Just above Pet Supermarket)

SHARE: a2 Team Members are invited to join us from 2:30 - 4:30 as we canvas the neighborhood with targeted prayer walks, door hangers and post cards. We'll invite everyone to join us for the block party.

CELEBRATE: At 4:30 we'll kick off the block party with good old fashioned fun including hotdogs, smores, chips, sodas, the works. Our goal? LOVE THE CITY. At around 5:30 one of the premiere bands in the country will join us.

Act of Congress will be our SPECIAL GUEST for the evening. AOC is the 2008 "Disc Makers Independent Music World Series" Winner. Their debut album titled "Declaration" recently Sold Out it's release concert at Workplay, "One of PASTE magazine's 40 best venues in America." They also have upcoming features in Billboard, Portico, and Birmingham magazines. AOC will present a live concert on the parking lot of a2. Invite your friends, neighbors, family and work associates to join you for a great evening under the stars. We'll wrap up the night with a brief pre-Grand Opening message by Chris.

Originally Posted by Chris Goins at www.chrisgoins.com

I love that he grants sleep to those he loves!

2008-10-13T09:02:00.003-05:00

Psalm 127:2
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

I've read this verse quite a few times lately. Don't you just love it when God places His word in your path over and over, as if to say....HELLO!!!! Don't you see what I am trying to teach you? To show you???? I think God is trying to tell me to stop trying to do it all on my own...and to let him show me the more important things I should be doing. I love how sweet those words sound....'he grants sleep to those he loves'. Ah.....sleep a good thing......we should not try to get less in order to do more. Funny...THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DO! And now...I've read quite a few times, that doing that...is all in vain? It's like a ton of bricks are falling on my head...and I should be saying...DUH.

I was talking with my friends Shelley and Kay this past Friday about how fast we run and how over scheduled we seem to stay even with good things we think we are supposed to be involved in. Sometimes you have to take a step back and check your 'margins'. What are 'margins' you may ask?

I've been enjoying a devotional workbook by Patsy Clairmont and she talks very descriptively about the margins in our life. She talks about our lives as glasses of water and mentions that if we continue to fill them all the way up to the top....there is little room to add to every now and then. And we all know our lives are added to each day. The unexpected sick child, the friend who needs us, the extended family who misses us etc. And when our glasses are full....and these 'add to's' happen......we are over full and thus.....STRESSED!

I'm hearing God speak to me....I like the beginnings of the 127th Psalm too

Verse 1 - Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

How much of what I do is driven by me? What would happen if I filtered everything I do through HIM? What a thought....It's a process.....I'm learning, I'll keep you updated.

But now, I must run and get Pepto for my 16 year old who has a less than cooperating stomach. Ah.....my first 'add to' of the day. :) Glad I had margins this morning.

Ok.....when you assume too much.

2008-10-12T21:12:00.003-05:00

A friend once told me to never assume anything. She says that if we assume without asking....it makes a *&% out of you and me. Please accept my apologies if that offended you. I actually thought that statement was kind of funny because it really made sense of the letters inside the word...you know? Anyway....

I struggle sometimes with how frustrated I get because I assume my kids know better some times. Like Max today, when his first response was rudeness to his guests, I had to remind him what being the host is all about. You know, allowing them to go first, chose the game to play and being sure they have what they need to be comfortable? Like offering drinks, snacks, those kind of things. We had a quick heart to heart and he was good. We just had to get that out and he was reminded. I assumed he knew....and I was wrong. Or...maybe he did know and just needed his mom to remind him like they all do every now and then.

Scout has to be reminded about not sweating the little things. We got haircuts Saturday and he was mad that the lady moussed his hair and pulled it all up when conditioning it. He felt angry that she made him look silly. WHAT????? I had to remind him that nobody is out to get him. She was truly just cutting his hair and conditioning it with some leave in conditioning mousse. It was not her sinister plan to make Scout look silly. There was a guy Friday night that took Scout's hat and ran off with it. He eventually gave it back, but only after stomping on it. It seems as though he was not a Bama fan.....and didn't like the Alabama logo. Well, that got the best of Scout all night. I had to tell him to let it go....just let it go or you will waste loads of time being angry because someone was stupid. We washed the hat and all is well in the world again. But assuming Scout has the tools and the patience to deal with all of these situations could lead him feeling pretty lonely. Because I know Scout, I have to talk with him and help him get through these crazy situations and key down. It's just what we do.

Nick....has learned a great deal of assuming too. It seems as though this weekend, his girlfriend told him she needs more attention. Meaning, ask me out more. Meaning, when our plans fall through, take me somewhere different don't just go out with your friends, like he did on Saturday. Let's just say that did not go over well and she is putting the breaks on making sure he gets the message that she deserved better. I am proud of her actually. Her parents have raised her right. Without going into the whole situation, she felt slighted and feels that they have jumped from being best friends to girlfriend / boyfriend.....but sometimes the way Nick treats her on the weekends, feels like it always used to. And that for her...was not good enough. She loves the special things he does for her like the song, the flowers....but she wants to be 'courted' and taken out....alone not with his guy friends tagging along. Nick's response was, "I assumed that she was OK with those guys hanging out with us" . Because that is what they always did. Well...assuming has his girlfriend rethinking some things. And Nick....is on his toes now....because he's realizing how much he cares for her. So...we've had the talk about assuming and how important communication is.

The same goes with me within my marriage. When I assume Kevin is fine.......I might miss something. Every now and then, its vital to ask the question, how are we? Are you OK? Do you need something more from me than I am giving you? I find that when Kevin and I take time to ask each other, there is always something to work on and change. I admit, I have to take a time out usually to make the time to do that, but it is so worth it. To assume your lives are perfect just might......well you know.

He's learning from the best

2008-10-07T22:47:00.008-05:00

My son Nick recently asked a girl to go to Homecoming with him. You might have read a blog about that earlier. If not....check it out. It was sweet!!!! In fact, since that blog, things have developed into quite a relationship for those two. Talking to Nick tonight, he said it was cool that they are still able to be the best of friends. Its a great relationship for him...and I pray for her too. Tonight, he uploaded the video of him playing the song he wrote for that sweet girl. He posted the video on his Facebook and it was simply entitled Aly's Song. I'm telling you....he is a romantic and I love that. Kevin keeps telling him that romance is not just a one time thing. He went on to tell him that even though he asked her to Homecoming.....and its not for another few weeks...she thinks of it daily. And he needs to understand that and talk about it with her. Plan with her....we all like day dreaming with the one we like (love) don't we?

I see his dad in him in a big way. I truly am married to an amazingly romantic man. Kevin can make anything special...truly and I am so grateful for the way he loves me.

OK....I have to share this video with you. I'm a proud mama - he wrote this song himself. Not that it will every win a Grammy.....but it sure stole that sweet 16 year old girl's heart. One day....she'll think back and hopefully feel pretty special if she does not already.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it

OK...so I might be taking that out of context a bit. But I do think about what we are teaching our son. You know, what are we teaching him about loving a spouse and being a parent. Will I want him to mirror my actions.....or would I be disappointed to see him acting out what I do on a daily basis. Harsh thinking...maybe...but definitely worth thinking about. Right now, Kevin is training Nick and our other sons to cherish and treat girls like ladies. To romance them....in a good way. To know that they are precious and one day will be someones wife - if not his own so he should take great care in how he handles their heart, their minds and their bodies too. Can I get an amen???? Now that...is the way you should train up a child......and that is totally not taking that out of context.

When God Calls YOUR Name....

2008-10-06T09:53:00.006-05:00

Wow, I am so excited to share what is going on in our lives. Since May of this year, we have been part of a vision to plant a new church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church is called a2. That alone has you asking questions doesn't it? It is a church that loves God and all His people. I know all churches do......its just that I am experiencing this in amazing ways right now where I am with a2. The reaching out to others has been such a blessing to me! Beginning this church has opened doors for me to share my faith with others, that I might not have had without this experience. a2 is a different church...we are in a storefront for goodness sakes. I never thought that would appeal to me...but sometimes, that is what is most appealing to others. Sharing a2, I'm finding that is simply what some people need and are craving.

Check out this video from our lead pastor Chris Goins. I watched it this morning and was more than excited! I can't wait!!

We are a body of believers that are totally excited to provide new opportunities for worship and encounters with Jesus. It's a church for those who might have given up on church in the past. A church that desires and longs to see what God sees in each and every person...... His image, people more than worthy to be reached out too....the reason we go to church and the reason each of us become Christians in the first place. It's all about Him. About the God who loves us all....equally, and gave his life for us...that we might go out and reach the lost, the ones who feel they have nowhere to go. The ones who feel....maybe church didn't 'work' for them last time. a2 will be a beacon for God's Love.

About a year ago...or possibly more, Kevin and I felt a stirring to do something. But, we didn't know what. It was like a restlessness that I can't explain any other way than to say it was just a sensing that God was leading us to do something different. We talked about many things....but nothing felt definitive in that we knew it was where God wanted us. We've talked occasionally about the mission field and what that would mean for our family.....one day...would that be our calling??? Well, in hearing about A2, and the plans that were unfolding - we became more and more drawn to the vision. Once we heard the plan - we knew - we both knew immediately God wanted us to be part of this church plant. Once we both said out loud our feelings, and agreement - we no longer felt that restlessness. When God calls you to do something you can run and run, but you will not find rest. When you submit and commit....you might be busier than you've ever been in your life - but your soul will find rest...that is for sure.

Take a moment and read Acts chapter 2...its not long. Click here.

These verses sum up a2 for me;

The Fellowship of the Believers

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I praise God for my new church family and I pray many blessings for those involved in this amazing adventure. It's my privilege to run this race along side all of you!

The Scouting Adventure

2008-10-02T12:38:00.013-05:00

Last night I had fun helping to chaperon Max's Scout troop to the library. THE LIBRARY. I was thinking we'd see some cool stuff - like books.....you know typical library stuff. Well, it was a different kind of Library. This was the Lister Hill Library of Health Sciences. There was a reason the Scout Master thought the boys would enjoy this. It was full of medical specimens, antique tools, waxed models of the most gross things ever.....and Max thought it was totally cool. They loved it. I had to laugh a bit.

But seriously, as we walked through the unique things held within that library, I was constantly drawn to the stained glass window that was in the foyer. It was a beautiful stained glass picture from the mid 1800's that depicted the story of the woman in the Bible who knew if she could only touch the hem of Jesus's garment, she would be healed from her 'bleeding' disease. Appropriately enough - this window graced the foyer of the first women's clinic in New York city from the mid 1850's until the 1960's when it was brought to UAB by a doctor who had visited that clinic in New York and fell in love with the glass work.

In between the grotesque models, the livers and kidney specimens that held cancerous tumors.....there was beauty. And a reminder that he holds the power over all illness and oddity. He is God and he chooses to heal, or provide ultimate healing by taking us home. He allows things to happen at times for a greater good....that we have a hardtime finding, but we know, we never leave the palm of his hand. Wow...he is a big, big God.

Some of the gross things that were in the glass dishes at the library.

More specimens...

I love that Christian doctors get to enjoy the amazing gift of understanding the human body with the understanding that our great God created each of us differently. He created the human body and all the organs inside to work like a machine.....sometimes perfect...sometimes needing help. Just cool to think about.

Well, Max had fun and he is truly enjoying Boy Scouts. He's a Weeblo now. I am proud of him. I've always enjoyed Boyscouts. I remember when Nick and Scout were in Scouting. I always felt that they learned great stuff...real life stuff that would help them as they grow up. Last night....Max learned that going to the library can be really cool. Especially when you get to see gross organs that have been pickled and wax figures of gout, smallpox and whatever was wrong with the head that captured the boys attention!

You can see Max pointing here.....

He wanted the group shot too!

I thought this was funny.......click on the picture to see a larger text.

But wrapping up everything from last night........it all comes down to this for me;

And suddenly a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment; for she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made whole.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you whole.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)

Missing girl is now found....she is safe! Whew..thank you God.

2008-09-30T21:17:00.006-05:00

I didn't want to just post another entry...so update - Girl is no longer missing. All is good.....

Hey friends - I am reposting a post from my sister in law in Nashville - this is so important...please stop and say a pray for this girl.

From Kelly's Blog http://feathersfromournest.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
URGENT!!! Prayer Needed

Our friends Kathie and Tommy Sims received a phone call that their daughter Sierra "CeCe" was reported missing today from Auburn.

Please pray for her safety, and her quick return home. We are hoping and praying that there was a miscommunication, and that all is well. If you know her or have heard anything, please contact the Auburn Police.

Here is the Report Below:

Auburn University basketball player missing

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Auburn University says the parents of Auburn basketball player Sierra "CeCe" Sims have requested the public's assistance in finding their daughter.

Sims was reported missing Tuesday.

If you know the location of Sierra Sims please call the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-3100 or 911.

According to our sister station, WTVM in Columbus, Georgia, Sims was last seen at 2:30am.

She told friends that she was going to the library to study but never arrived.

She also missed her morning basketball practice, something her friends say is highly unusual.

The University says it is working with the police department in locating the missing student.

More information as it becomes available to the WSFA 12 Newsroom.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9101149&nav=0rde

Who are the Sugarbabies you might ask? Well, I'll tell you!

2008-09-29T16:51:00.005-05:00

Last week was crazy. I posted last week that I was away from my family traveling on business. Well, after I wrapped up some sales calls on Thursday - I changed hotels and met 7 of my favorite friends in Atlanta for fun and the Women of Faith conference. This was a long week for my husband and boys......but they were great to wish me a great weekend anyway! We had a blast and I know I for one....felt refreshed...even if I was dog tired! The slideshow from our trip is playing on the front page of my blogsite. We had so much fun!

There is something about getting away with friends that remind you how amazing life can be. I mean, I sometimes forget to be so thankful for the people I've met and how they really pour into my life.

This is a group of ladies that I met through a weekend experience called Tres Dias. We call ourselves The Sugarbabies. We've been known by that name for a few years now...5 at least. Long explanation...maybe one day...but not now. Anyway, I never would have met some of these ladies, had I not attended my Tres Dias weekend back in 2001. The weekend in itself blessed my life completely in a good way. This group of friends was a bonus! These ladies love me regardless and in spite of my many flaws. They give me space when I need it, (sometimes I drop off the face of the earth),they call to check on me....but then they'll say....she's just needing some space- she's ok. If I'm not ok...they come running believe me! I just do a weird go-underground type thing ever now and then when I am overwhelmed. It's all good. I probably need therapy...but no time right now!

We have a text prayer chain. When we get a text...it can simply say...pray for so and so now. And we do. We'll have a group email that goes out regarding something silly or important...either way....we all try to stay connected. And we try...really hard to connect personally at least once a month. You have to. Friendship, real friendship is hard work....but so worth it!

Anyway, during our weekend fun we heard from many great speakers at the conference, cried during some...laughed a whole lot during others and seriously...just had a great time over all.

Our group ranges in age from almost 30.......to mid 40's. I love it. We've got most every stage covered. Whatever one of us is going through....there is typically someone who's been there before. We are each so different and I think that is what makes us fun. We are a group comprised of stay at home moms, work at home moms, office manager, flight attendant, teacher and attorney. Go figure. We attend different churches and are all different denominations.....Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, non-denominational..... followers of Christ. That is what brings us together and blends us so well with each other.

We had to drive separately back to Atlanta. I know the mini-van in front of us listened to the Alabama game. My car.....we jammed to the Disco count down as loud as we could at times. Dancing too.....with our hands anyway. That might be the highlight of the day for me on Saturday! Again, a blessed reminder to me with all that God has given me.

I would say that if I wanted to send one thing to you...encouraging that I gained from this weekend is that life was not meant to live alone. Get away when you can with your friends that build you up. Have people that hold you accountable to be the best person that you can be. Surround yourself with friends that won't accept any less from you than who they know you are...and can be. Have friends that tell you, YOU CAN DO IT!......when everyone else tells you that you are out of your mind! Oh....and most importantly....have friends that will ditch the last session of a conference because they crave conversation with you....and they know when you part this time....it will be months before it can happen again. And all the Sugarbabies in the house said.....AMEN.

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Wii bit of fun!

2008-09-25T04:37:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I'm out of town and I've really missed my Wii Fit. Seriously! We've been looking for one since they came out months ago! Kevin surprised me last Sunday morning when I saw one advertised in the paper. I saw it and told Kevin we needed to go see if Target had them in because it had been weeks since they had even advertised them in their flyer! The next thing I know - I go downstairs for more coffee....and BAM...there on my coffee table is a Wii Fit. So fun! Let's just say we all enjoyed Wii Fit that day....some of us more than others. Its becoming obvious that our youngest finds this to be more work than fun. He likes some of it...but I think he prefers the 'old school' sit and veg games to the active Wii. If you have one of these you know what I'm talking about. Two days of Skiing downhill....my thighs were amazingly sore! Embarrassingly sore actually. I thought wow....all of this pain because I was playing a video game. Pretty cool.

Anyway, The funniest part of this whole experience for us is when we each made our health profile. On the Wii, you create people to look similar to you and use that person to play the games. During the health evaluation, we found that not only did we give them our height, but standing on the Wii Fit Board gave them our weight and overall BMI. I was first - we didn't know what to expect...or I would NOT have been first in front of my boys. Let's just say my cute little Wii girl dressed in a pink tshirt on my HUGE tv set......plumped up just a bit after I completed my evaluation. I thought...what the heck. Why make the Wii person gain weight? I mean, couldn't my girl look thin on the Wii??? After the big reveal about weight and where you should be based upon age / height - you learn that as you play the Wii Fit and as you weigh each week and lose weight...your Me person does to! So, now I feel responsible for not only myself....but my sweet little Wii Me dressed in pink to! Insane....ingenious and incredibly fun! I just wish some of you could have been with us when this happened in real time. The boys totally cracked up when my gal changed sizes. It was funny. Kevin had this inner conflict going on. Laughing....unsure if he should enjoy the laughter...but still laughing! Again, this was a gift for me right? Was it supposed to insult me too? HA! Oh, and that picture above is not our family. Our would be the entire clan...the five of us....and they all look pretty similar to us as well!

I thought I would post a few pictures of the Wii Fun. Just for fun of course.

The picture turned out kind of dark. I'm still learning to use the settings on my camera. But Kevin was loving this. Hula hooping is actually harder than you think!

Scout was a pro! He could actually do everything great and when this thing evaluated his sense of balance...he was pretty much dead on! His Wii Me did not get chubby....Duh....

Honestly....I miss having fun with my guys tons more than I just miss the exercise. Its things like this that we do together....and continue to knit us together. Sounds corny....but it is so true. Whether its cards at the table, watching the Packers together or playing Wii Fit as a family - even when Nick says he so doesn't want to do this! He does. Its family time and is always fun. Makes me thankful for my family and all that we can share together. One day, we'll be sitting around a dinner table one holiday....and one of my boys will recall how hard they laughed watching their mom's game character plump up on the TV and how funny that was. And we'll all laugh again.....I think. I hope I'm just not in full blown menapause and begin to cry....ha! Just kidding..... I hope I can always keep a good sense of humor with my kids no matter how old we get or how crazy I get.

Psalm 128: 1-3

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table

I read that verse in my quiet time earlier this week and I thought...you know, that is me. I love my life and am so thankful for the many blessings the Lord has given me. Enjoying my family is one of those blessings. I thank God for my husband, who loves me like crazy and my boys who love me and enjoy life with me. God is good...all the time...and all the time...God is good!!! And...so is exercise on my Wii Fit!

Fall, Football and Fun!

2008-09-22T23:26:00.008-05:00

Ok....so tonight was the perfect football night. There was a chill in the air and there were friends and fun.....but there was no win for the JV at Spain Park. This past Friday our Varsity Team was killed by Mountain Brook. Tonight, the JV lost to the JV Mountain Brook team at the very end....by a hair! It was painful!

Though the loss was really bad...there were a few things that made me laugh. I thought I would share.....

Kevin and I love to read these signs. Somehow they never seem quite fierce enough. We typically see something like, Hook the Bucs, Pave over the Panthers....but tonight.....the misspell sign totally owned us. I still don't get it. I really, really don't. But somewhere.....earlier today, there was a cheerleader who thought it would be a great idea! For the record...I apologize in advance if I am talking about your daughter...I am sure she is really cute. Seriously....

This picture just seemed funny to me because its like they all heard the play call and said, "What???". I liked that. Seriously, look at them all....in sync.

I like this next picture too...not because its funny - but its really cool. It's not from tonight...it's from our last home varsity game. You know how most football teams tear through the paper sign and run out yelling toward the other team? Well, the Spain Park Varsity Team likes to walk out in one big mass, almost marching in military style, to some really jamming music. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'N Roses is a popular song.

Cool- fun for the Varsity guys. I guess a big step up all the way around from JV ball in many ways. Wow, they don't even threaten to misspell another team's name. That's something right there!

* Thanks to my girl Mel who called me this am (laughing) and told me I misspelled...misspell. Yeah....its edited now!

The Ratliff Family Connection: Nick, Football and Homecoming

2008-09-16T16:43:00.001-05:00

The Ratliff Family Connection: Nick, Football and Homecoming

Skating 101

2008-09-14T09:55:00.004-05:00

My youngest son will soon turn 10. He has decided he wants to have a skating party. Where did he get that idea? (I have mentioned having one for myself next year....that might have something to do with it!) My curiosity as to why he would think skating party for himself is because.....he does not know how to skate. When I first thought about that I was just dumb founded. I mean when I was his age...I was in love with the roller rink. I remember at 10 I was already collecting skates, pom poms for my skates....and begging for days at the rink. If you grew up around the Center Point, Huffman area all I have to say is Skate Haven. Did the memories start flooding in? For me...Oh Yeah! I loved to skate. Anyway....

So, I took Max and his buddy skating yesterday. Max loved it. He totally got into the disco lights and music, that is right up his alley. He thought it was funny they played Earth Wind and Fire. He keeps that one going on his CD player. What a hoot! I laughed, laughed and laughed.....and also fell on my rear a couple of times. I could blame it on the skates....the wheels did seem a bit cockney, but I am sure the technique had something to do with it. It took Max and his friend Camryn a long time to get around the rink. I could do 2 in their one. Max was pretty impressed. He loved watching his mom skate. However, I was not as good as I used to be. Remember the cross over with your feet you would do at the turns? Mine is now just a long stride around the corner. Yeah...not as flashy. Couldn't backwards skate anymore. But I could do the whole turn backwards and stop thing still. At least that was something.

My big fall came when I was trying to teach Max and Cam how to skate. How to glide. I was exaggerating my movements and I felt it happening. I leaned back and fourth a few times, something happened with my knees and I literally had my feet fly up and I landed hard on my bum. Max's eyes were HUGE - Cam kind of laughed...but he didn't want to. Max began to laugh, he too fell, and we were all laughing. I had amazing hot pains shooting all up my lower back. Furthermore I had a skin burn on my elbow and I noticed the palm of my right hand was hot too. I had busted 2 blood vessels in my hand. (my friend Julie is a nurse and she looked at it and told me so) Anyway, I got up...and we kept on going for about another hour and a half. What I continued to notice is that there were a whole rink full of kids that really didn't know how to skate. I swear its a lost art. It was also a great workout and Max absolutely loved it too. He wants to go back every week. I think we will!

My favorite part of the day, was when Max told us in the van that he had the best day ever. I was thinking probably because he spent the day with his bud Cameron. When I commented on that, he agreed that was cool, but the best part was spending the day doing something fun with his mom, like skating. Wow, you know, you think you do a great job of spending time with them but sometimes life gets busy and we just let day to day craziness get in our way - and I think sometimes that if they have their buddies with them, they are great with that. But this just reminded me that Max still wants to 'do something' with me. He wants to go skate with me. He even grabbed my hand a couple of times. Granted...it was because he was holding on for dear life. But...its been a while since one of my boys has done that in public on their own urging.

Taking care of business and responsibilities is good thing. But the battle is constantly measuring the amount of time that we directly spend with our children. Even when I think I am doing a good job, a comment like the one Max made has me evaluating my time and who gets more of it. Is it my husband, children, family, friends...work?? Who gets more. If I were to take each hour and write down what I do in a 24 hour day.....who sees me more? Who has more influence on me and I on them? I could go on, but you get the picture. There is a great book by Andy Stanley entitled, 'Choosing to Cheat'. Check out that book for a moment and read a quick review of the book. It sounds crazy at first right? But the whole book discusses each day we 'cheat' somebody out of something with our time. So, make a wise choice in who that will be. Make sure its not the ones that love you dearly. Not just work related decisions, but also serving within good things too. Ministry can sometimes fall into this scenerio too. If you are active within your church community, you know what I'm talking about. It's a great book and I've picked it back up for a refresher and for some encouragement in using my time well! A reminder that sometimes you have to say no to some really good things in order to say yes to the very best things in your life.

Last week, I just happened to schedule a massage appointment for Monday. Seemed kind of a random thought, but its been a while since I've visited my spa and I try to go every so often to keep up with what is going on. yeah, one of the hardships of my job. Anyway, I thought then, that it would be for just relaxing. Well, today I'm enjoying my appropriate dose of ALIEVE and I can totally see that my back needs a bit of work from that fall. Because God does see all and knows all....I wonder if that was my 'divine' suggestion allowing me a gift of recovering on Monday. I'll say yes.... God is good.

Well it wasn't Oprah!

2008-09-13T00:14:00.007-05:00

This past week we got a call from the high school inviting parents to join the students for a special assembly in the gym. Basically, it was a call on Monday night for Tuesday at 2:30pm. Crazy! The school had been saying that a surprise was coming.....get ready. So, the students took that to mean either The President or Ophrah was coming to visit the school. I'm serious. Anyway, I had a way busy day on Tuesday so I called Nick's guidance counselor and just said..."Is Oprah going to be at the school today? I've heard she might be...and if she is, I'll restructure my day...if not....I will make my sales calls! I had to check...I didn't want to miss her if she was going to be giving away some of her favorite things!!! She just laughed and assured me it wasn't Oprah...or the President. Instead, I would later find that the high school was honored with an awesome award.

Spain Park Wins Second National Blue Ribbon

(SPAIN PARK) – Spain Park High School garnered yet another award on Tuesday, September 09, 2008: a National Blue Ribbon from the United States Department of Education (USDE) in Washington, D.C.

Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announced National Blue Ribbon winners Tuesday in Washington, 320 nationwide. Spain Park was one of five in Alabama. The National Blue Ribbon comes as part of the USDE’s No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Program.

“You are the only high school to my knowledge that has not only received both of them – but received them both the same year,” Spain Park Principal Billy Broadway told the crowd at a special Blue Ribbon ceremony on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Spain Park won the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Award from the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.

“You are now one of the top high schools in the United States,” Broadway added.

Students, faculty, staff and community guests gathered in Spain Park’s gym for the special ceremony. Dr. Tony Thacker from the Alabama Department of Education, who helped nominate Spain Park for this award, served as the keynote speaker. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos was also present, along with Councilor Gene Smith and Janice Farr, wife of late Hoover Superintendent Dr. Jack Farr. Board members and Central Office administrators also were in attendance, including Superintendent Mr. Andy Craig, Assistant Superintendent Carol Barber and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ken Jarnagin.

Spain Park administrators travel to Washington, D.C. on October 20-21 to officially receive the award.

You know...what is interesting to me, is that this is a school that is respected Nationwide for its accomplishments. But in many ways....this school has some kids that are so void of anything real.....I don't think they even understand how awesome their school is. Sad....but more common than you might think. Just a thought.....

I love that it's Friday!

2008-09-12T06:07:00.007-05:00

YYYYYEEEEEAAAAA!!!!! I feel like I made it! It is the weekend and there will be some time for fun. I am looking forward to some 'high school' tailgating tonight and then hopefully a Win for Spain Park! Saturday will be fun too - our plan is to go skating to see if Max can skate. Why you ask? Because for his 10th birthday, this November he is thinking that he wants to have a skating party.....but he wants to be sure he can skate first. What a hoot!

Update; Nick gave the girl the CD.....she loved it and said yes. They seem to be a couple....I mean with one question.....the relationship changes. I saw them last night at Scout's football game and after the game, she came up and was bubbly as usual. This time, though, she greeted me with a smiley "Ms. Shannon!!" and then walked up a couple of bleachers to give me a hug. Nick smiled like a proud parent. I like her....I love Nick's heart more.....I hope this is a good life experience for both. I am praying!!!! Nick told me last night that she shared her CD with the girls and they said that is the most awesome way anyone has ever been asked to Homecoming. He then followed up with the fact that he would always ask his dad for suggestions. He sees now...that his dad truly does know what girls/women want! Go Kevin!

Ok...a friend of mine, Tony had this insane.....wacky picture on his Facebook profile. I seriously, enjoyed laughing at it. He had some fun at this website. You MUST do this! It's not hard...and it is beyond fun. Kevin and I stayed up past midnight one night making pictures of ourselves.....thought I would share a few with you! You MUST email me a pic of you...if you enjoy the random funness of this site!

Me in 1966. My face is big.....but its pretty funny.

Kevin in 1954

1958

1970

I am glad I met him in 1991~ Whew...that was fun.

Today, I love that I am going out to start my day with joy and expectation of GREAT things. I love that I had a sweet time alone with God this morning. I praise Him for this joy!!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Blink

2008-09-11T07:20:00.007-05:00

Um.....its Thursday? Where did my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday go? I truly feel in the blink of an eye I lost 3 days! I am on day 4 in my week. Seriously....I don't remember everything I did! I do know that we've attended a JV game for Spain Park, I am looking forward to another game tonight and one tomorrow night, attended Nature Night for Weeblos, worked on two trifold board projects and a power point......I might have worked a bit.....did I eat or sleep? Not sure....but I think you get the picture. Whew...I'm tired.

It's mornings like this I have to ask myself...did I enjoy my family so far this week? If I haven't...I need to make that a priority. Did we laugh..play...or do we need to run away and make that happen? Spontaneous get aways are great for that. Sometimes that family time I crave can only happen when we leave everything behind. I am getting that feeling. The only problem is...the older my kids get, the more responsibilities they have that don't allow them to just pick up when we get an idea to run away. Nick has football games every Friday night and works most Saturdays. We are part of a church plant group that has commitments every Sunday night. Hmmmmmm, when are we going to run away? We'll just have to note it on the calendar and choose somewhere close so we don't spend our time away....in transit!

This week also held a 'Big First' for us. Nick has had a really good friend (a girl) since middle school. They've been in classes together since the beginning of high school. They've talked each other through girlfriends and boyfriends.....and made fun of each other for 'liking' him or her. Well, this week Nick told us that he has more than just friend feelings for this girl. He's felt them for a while....and now he wants to let her know. But he's scared because she really is one of his best friends and he doesn't want that to change like it can when you date. His hopes are that she stays the same...they can still be silly...fun and try dating at the same time. This girl is sweet, a Christian that loves to share her love for Jesus and an active member of her youth group at church. She also cheers on our Varsity squad so they see each other all the time. Well, he is asking her to Homecoming today. Gulp...I am nervous for him. He says he's not nervous about asking her...but I think he is. So, while we were busy with lots of stuff this week, Nick was busy trying to think of how to ask her to Homecoming. You see, now days, you can't just ask the question...the pressure is on to do it creatively. Kevin gave him great ideas as he is the 'King of Romantic Ideas'. Nick wrote a song that he has been telling his friend about. She has asked him repeatedly to let her hear it. He told her last week he would record it so she could. Well he did.....and in the middle of the recording, he stops playing the guitar and says, "________ Will you go to Homecoming with Me?" I kind of thought he would say something more....but it was short and sweet. I wonder what she'll think??? I'm not worried too much about the outcome though. I have the inside scoop that she has felt more for him for about a year. My source? The mother.
I love this pic. Kind of cool - he could spend hours in the guitar store. He and his friends actually go there to hang out and play guitars. In my day...we hung out in parking lots. Yeah.

So....it may go by fast....but I'm trying to hang on to each happening and enjoy the moment. This whole week makes me think about that Country song, Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney. Sounds corny....but the lyrics are pretty good.

Don't Blink

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said "All I can say is."

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

I was glued to my tv when it looked like he looked at me and said
"Best start putting first things first."
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it's worth

Don't Blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

So I've been tryin' ta slow it down
I've been tryin' ta take it in
In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster then you think
So Don't blink

Naw, don't blink
Life Goes Faster Than You Think

Happy Grandparent's Day

2008-09-07T09:32:00.010-05:00

Today is Grandparent's Day. I have had wonderful grandparents and great grand parents that have loved me dearly. The funny, wonderful lady in the picture is my Nana. I love this picture. I think it shows so much of her personality. I hope I am like her in that way. She loves life!!! She is a riot and has always made my life fun! I feel blessed to have a Nana that loves me the way she does. She has always been present and active in my life. I remember when I was younger, my sister and I would spend the night with her often. My Nana always had satin sheets on her bed. We thought that was the best thing in the world. It was the 70s and that was the trend. Anyway...when we would spend the night with her, she always made sure we would get satin sheets on our bed. We loved that. I remember playing in her jewelry box - almost no limitations, and trying on her long dresses for impromptu Debbie Boone shows. How many times did I sing, 'You light up my life' while my sister pretended to play the piano. We also had a great rendition of 'Don't go breakin' my heart' by Elton John and KeKe. (was that the girl's name?) Anyway, my grandmother....my Nana is so special to me and I thank God for her and what she has been in my life. Soooooooo special and still is. She is in her 80s and battles Alzheimer's. I cannot tell you how hard that is. I don't see how my parents manage some days. Though she can't remember alot of what happens on a day to day basis....one thing she has never forgotten is me. Each time I see her, she can recall to me exactly the day I was born and what a special day that was for her. I made a mark on her heart....and in turn, she made one on mine by always letting me know how much I am loved.

My kids with Nana

Nick and Nana playing the piano...she will often chime in on something he plays!

I love what I have with my grandmother and I am thankful the boys have two sets of wonderful grandparents! Grandma and Grandpa Johnson love sharing time with the boys. They wish it could be more and so do we. Its a shame that we get so busy it is a challenge to drive 5 hours to see someone...but that is the way our life is right now. In the past, the boys have enjoyed weeks in the summer by themselves with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. They have great memories from those trips. Visiting their home in North Georgia is always wonderful. Walking to the ABC store - where you can find anything is a highlight. Its like a town store - and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson always have a few dollars for them to spend. A highlight from their house was when the boys, mostly Nick, was given the OK to shoot the squirrels on the porch that were getting into Grandma's bird feeders. Ha! It was squirrel season. Anyway...enough of that story for now...but they had fun. The boys enjoy playing games and talking with them, catching them up on whatever is going on. I know that even though we may not see them as often and they see my parents, they never fail to remember to pray for my boys and we always look forward to our visits!!!

Grandma & Grandpa Johnson with their sons and families! (could my boys not keep on their suits...just ONE more minute? they are just not suit kids!...can you tell?)

Mema and Papa....aka my Mom & Dad

Its a Southern thing. As I named my grandmothers (because I'm the oldest grandchild...and the words just came out...) Nick named his. I think my mom wanted to be called Meme - but as the word Mema came out of Nick's mouth - my mom was in love. That became the name and she was more than fine with that. So, Mema and Papa it was. I am amazed at how my mom has adapted to her grandsons. She raised two girls...so the boy thing was amazingly new to her. She learned to fill her house with tinker toys and boy stuff! She now has a baby girl to love on too. Peighton was born this past May and is the only grand daughter. She will be spoiled for a while to come! She is precious. And though she loves that....she is also the grandparent that has been able to score two Joe Nammoth autographs for her grandson Scout - believe me, she gets the boy thing now!

My mom and the boys

Mom and Peighton

My dad is a great Papa. If you know my dad, you know he loves his whole family. I was recently at a local restaurant and was walking through - when I noticed this man staring at me. Kind of creepy I thought....but proceeded to walk through anyway. He reached out and touched my arm - and I thought...Oh great....what now? He then asked if I was Wayne Ratliff's daughter. When I said yes...He told me he was a good friend of my dads and that my family's picture was all over my dads desk. That fact is evident in the way my dad shows up to almost every football game the boys have had. I guess we are running on 5 years now. Seriously, my friends even notice how frequent he is. He has taken them aside to discuss girls, grades and obedience. He takes them fishing, for burgers.....and like yesterday...the driving range. Anything he thinks they'll be interested in, he'll try it. I think this is his way of getting 'boy time' since he raised two girls with my mom. He is making up for lost boy time!

Dad grilling at Nick's 16th Birthday party.

All of that to say that I am grateful for the grandparents in my life and my children's lives. They are a blessing and make our lives so sweet.

So, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Mema, Papa and Nana.....we love you! Thank you for making our lives special. I can't imagine life without you!

The words on that sign...say it all, about last night anyway!

2008-09-06T09:15:00.014-05:00

Well, it was out first home game at Spain Park and we were so excited! Tailgating in the parking lot...wearing my jag shirt.....thinking we would celebrate a victory. Ah....not so much.

The Pelham Panthers put up a huge fight. GREAT GAME. I had heard the sports casters say that from our 6A division, Hoover, Spain Park and Pelham were the teams to watch. To be honest....I was surprised Pelham was there. I mean...Pelham? Where did that come from. They played strong against Oak Mountain and won last week and last night. They were on! We tailgated with some friends that have kids at Pelham. They were great enough to sit in the 'blue' JAG side with us, but that didn't stop them from cheering. And truly...that had every right....their guys were playing good. At one point in the 4th quarter, the Jags ran a touch down that would have won the game for us. Only to find that a flag would be called on the play....and that would seal the game. Ahh....

Well, here are some pictures for you to enjoy. We had a great time...but honestly....the best part for me was definitely, the hanging out with good people. Oh! And the people watching for sure. My dad likes to say that I take pictures just to prove I was watching part of the game. :) Maybe....there is some truth to that. I do enjoy my watching...and the talking too!

Hanging with some friends! The kids loved throwing the football and just hanging out. If you come to a Spain Park game...look for us early!

Kevin grilling some really tasty hot dogs.

Nick is #35. Go Nick! So cute...I mean manly.

This is right before the second half of the game.

The pep talk after the loss....it breaks your heart to see those big guys come off the field with tears.....whew....can't everyone win? That is why moms aren't coaches!

Max and his buddy at the game. There is a story I'll blog about later...who knows its raining and I might even do it later today. I don't plan on being out and about today!

No rush to leave after the game!

Ben & Josh after the game. I wonder if Ben is thinking, 'Dude...don't get that paint on me! I prefer Pelham gold and green!'

The Peace of Christ

2008-09-05T06:12:00.006-05:00

Sometimes you just need something to make you laugh. My friend Laura told me something that really did happen to a friend of hers last week at a church here in Birmingham. I just died laughing! But...it made me think too...

There was a woman who visited a church recently with a friend. She was somewhat nervous, as she had never really been much of a church goer. She was unsure of what to expect, what to do and possibly if she would look painstakingly awkward as if this was the first time EVER she had been in church. As she wrestled with her nervousness, the friend who had invited her tried to calm her down by telling her it would be ok and gave her a simple word of advice,"Relax, just follow what the preacher says and do what the other people do...you'll be fine".

As the service began, the pastor welcome everyone and it eventually came to the point in the service where the congregation was to welcome each other and visitors. The woman had never seen anything like this, but it looked wonderful. At the pastors request, all of the congregation stood with smiles on and began shaking each others hands and giving hugs, they were also exchanging a phrase with each other that she could not really understand. As the man in front of her greeted her and shook her hand, she heard him say, "Be surprised"..... "excuse me" said the woman. She heard the man once again say, "Be surprised" as he smiled at her. Wow! thought the woman, I like surprises. So, she went on her way meeting new friends, all the while greeting them with a loud, "BE SURPRISED". She was enjoying this and was all smiles, although she did notice people seemed genuinely 'surprised' to receive her greeting...but that did not stop her. Her friend who had invited her to church overheard her greeting the congregation and as they began to take their seats, he asked, "What are you saying????". She told him that she was just repeating what all the other people were saying...."Be Surprised!". Hearing that, he just smiled at her - (probably laughed at her) and said "NO! That is not what we were saying......It's Peace of Christ not Be Surprised!"

As they were greeting each other with the Christian encouragement of Peace of Christ, she had heard Be Surprised. But was that an accident? Or...was that God's way of surprising her with a word just for her. She had walked in that church nervous, anxious and feeling like she did not fit in. God wanted her to feel at home....in his house and he knew her. He created her and knew how she felt at the very moment, and what she would appreciate.

I like to think that God knew she enjoyed the gift of laughter and fun...so he spoke, "Be surprised"....and she heard him.(even if it was through someone who might have had an accent, saying peace of Christ) She heard those words and saw a glimpse into the body of Christ, the church. She saw that there is laughter, a welcoming spirit and peace that truly does pass all understanding. No need to be cautious, guarded or nervous. He wants all of us to be surprised at the gift waiting there....

Phillippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of Christ which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ooops!

2008-09-03T10:27:00.004-05:00

Laughing...is a big part of what we do around here. This morning, Kevin and I tried NOT to laugh as we were enjoying coffee in the kitchen waiting on boys to have some breakfast. Max walked in the kitchen holding up a zip lock bag. The moment he held it up.....it hit us...Oh yeah, that is the bag he showed us last night, BEFORE HE PUT HIS TOOTH IN IT AND PLACED IT UNDER HIS PILLOW! I felt horrible...Kevin started giggling and turned around, which then gave me the giggles too. Max was not laughing.

Anyway, Max just stands there, holding it up...kind of tapping his foot and says, "uh-huh...this is exactly what happened to Alex, 5 times in a row!". Now some of you may be thinking that he is much too old for this. I know he is in the 4th grade - but we enjoy it as much as he does. To this day....we have not had the Santa talk. We love it as much as he does. Now, we totally know he knows there is no fairy giving cash for teeth....(I hope he knows this) nor is there a man in red suit leaving presents. He has two older brothers...and probably knows more than I know that he knows! But anyway....in our house, as far as Max is concerned, the tooth fairy lives on. So, as Max headed for the bus this morning, we hear, "I'm leaving my tooth under my pillow again, in case she comes while I'm at school". Ah....suggestions!

So, just like when Scout was 5 and we forgot the tooth fairy visit....our tooth fairy leaves very nice - customer service apology letters. We really did write one to Scout that totally apologized and gave him some money the night after we forgot. I thought I would share this one that the tooth fairy is leaving for Max today while he is at school.

Dear Max,

Please accept my apology for not visiting you and taking your tooth last night. I now have more than 400 million teeth that I collect on a nightly basis. As you can imagine, the work is overwhelming. I've tried to hire assistants and they never really work out. I usually get reports from children that the assistants I've hired don't collect the teeth or give the children money - but instead they play the kid's video games and use the money to buy presents for themselves. Good help is so hard to find.

I don't usually make afternoon house calls - too risky for me usually. But I understand you are concerned about being skipped over 5 times like your friend Alex. That is a situation I feel I should explain more to you. Have you seen Alex's room? He has Legos covering his floor. I actually tried to see him, but while entering his room I thought I had the wrong place because it looked to be just a junk room. To my mistake he was inside! Anyway, it took me a while to get him back on the schedule. So, my advice to you is keep the Legos off your floor and things like that might not happen to you. Thank you for the tooth! I think we are just about done with our visits aren't we? I don't think you'll be losing too many more teeth. I kind of hope not anyway. I'm sad....I've enjoyed visiting you. You are special and a really cool kid!

Love, The Tooth fairy

Scout is 14 today!

2008-09-02T11:24:00.003-05:00

I love celebrating my kids birthdays. For me, its always a journey back to the day they were born. I guess everyone does that whether they are a parent.....or they are someone elses child. The day you make your debut into this world is special! I remember when I found out I was pregnant with Scout. I didn't know what to really expect, even though I had already had one baby already. I remember talking to my mom and I think I might have been crying too...or at least starting too. But I told her, "I can't imagine loving anything as much as I already love Nick". I was so scared that I would not feel enough love for a second baby....because Nick just overwhelmed every ounce of my heart and then some. My mom reassured me, telling me that I would love my second baby, every bit as much as I do my first. She had experienced those feelings too, having two girls of her own.

Preparing to go to the hospital, I was so worried about Nick. I didn't want him to feel left out, jealous...all those things. We did the whole big brother thing and had tshirt for him, a birthday cake to celebrate Scout's arrival....you name it. Anyway, when Scout was born, he had some challenges with his breathing and ended up in ICU for a few days. We actually ended up being discharged without our baby. I was so sad. It was probably then that I knew....I could love two babies just the same and just as deep. The feelings that I thought were impossible to give to more than one child....were big enough to share...and would eventually be shared with another sweet boy 4 years after Scout was born!

Makes me kind of think about God's love. How he loves me as much as he loves you. The fact that he loves the man who is so lost and removed from him......just as much as he loves me. As a heavenly father, he loves no one greater or more than anyone else. Sometimes, when things don't go our way, we feel less loved and maybe less important. But God, always has us on his mind and ALWAYS loves us. Even when we walk through the valleys. Sometimes, we are in the valley because of choices we make. At other times - its part of a bigger plan we've yet to realize. Whatever the reason.... I'm just glad he loves me.

Scout had a good birthday morning - his favorite breakfast. Actually, I made 'Biscuits and Eggs' Irby Style just for him. The kids have been asking me to do that since vacation and I had yet to do it. So, Irby Family...if you read this, know that you were in our thoughts this morning! Your porch and some coffee....would have made those eggs even better! During breakfast we gave Scout a bag with 14 surprises inside....his favorite stuff....from man food, football cards to root beer. He was happy. This December - he'll receive his official birthday present. He'll be cheering on Brett Favre as he starts the Jets / Titan game in Nashville. He's excited. He's blessed and he is loved!!!!!

Pslam 139

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My life is gooooood.....quote from Nacho Libre.

2008-08-31T15:12:00.010-05:00

This weekend, we went to Nashville to my brother-in-laws 40th Cuban Bday Bash. It was GREAT! If you know my sister in law - you know the decor was FAB and the party scene was like something out of a magazine. Very FUN! I am sure my sis-in-law Kelly will post some pics on her blog soon, if not already. She took some great ones! The party was awesome and even included a tribute to Ken with videos and pictures - awesome stuff! The cups for the party were custom made with a picture of a pig being roasted and the line...My Life is Gooood, by Nacho. If you have not seen that movie...staring Jack Black. You've missed a fun one. Now, I will warn you -- major boy humor and lots of 'gas passing'. BUT...I cannot tell you how many times that movie is quoted in my house. And as you can see, its a family thing - over in Nashville too! Don't count it out...its fun if you have older kids and you like pointless, silly humor!

I took a few - not many...and plan to play them on a slide show and add to my facebook for fun too. But for now...here are few just for fun of what we did yesterday.

The birthday boy is the one on the left - my brother in law Ken. As guests arrived, the men received Fedoras and the ladies, flowers for their hair or to pin on their clothes. Max still has his on today!

To make this an authentic Cuban Party, they built a pit for a whole pig. Yes, they went and got the pig...carried it home....gross....had to do some stuff to get it ready....and then...it was eaten. I will say it was amazing and everyone loved it. Just gross to look at!

Ok..this one is totally for my friend Laura. I am laughing now thinking of your reaction!

Nick and my nephew Alec playing yard games. I think this is funny - because both of them...have really girly mom's that like to look cute...like to MATCH for goodness sake. They did not get their fashion sense from their mothers. Kelly...can I get an AMEN????

Like I said...it was just a great time...wish it could have been longer! But...we'll enjoy time with them again soon I hope! Oh...my nephew who is a Sophomore at Ravenwood High school in Brentwood, TN - is playing for the Varsity Team there. If you click on Kelly's blog, you'll see some great pics of him too! Don't you love blog surfing and coffee at night????? Alright....bye for now!

My dog Abby - riding shotgun while Nick and Max slept in the back. What is she saying? "My life is gooooood....rrrreeeaaaaalllll good".

Worth = Who you are in Christ

2008-08-29T06:12:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I posted about Scout's day and his feeling of total inadequacy. You know, the conversation I had with him, stayed with me all day. Last night, when playing on Facebook...and reading other blogs (while Kev watched the football game) I visited Vicky Courtney's blog as I usually do. She is the author of the book Your Boy. I've recommended the book several times and a few years back, I led a mom's study on raising boys using that book. It's a great tool! Anyway, Vicky has a great blog from yesterday, Warrior or Wimp: How not to raise a mamas boy. I immediately thought about my friend Julie. We both live in boy world 24-7. The video on Vicky's blog could easily have been at my house or hers. Seriously. Our boys most recently got together and made a potato gun using household items, PVC, aerosol cans and lighters....and yes...we rated the velocity of the shots once it was finished. I guess you can say, we just go with it!

Back to my first thoughts - reading Vicky's blog, prompted me to get out my book, Your Boy. I randomly opened it, and started flipping through all my notes and found a chapter entitled, Searching for worth in all the wrong places. Inside that chapter she reminds us that our boys are just as susceptible to body image problems than girls. She also tells us that our boys (like us) can rely on the world's equations for defining self worth.

Worth = What you look like
Worth = What you do
Worth = What other people think

If you have boys, I encourage you to buy this book. Often, I hear moms say how girls are so fragile emotionally and how their son is so easy because he's just a happy kid, doesn't care about stuff their daughters care about like clothes, looks etc. And while that may be true for some, its still inside some of those boys somewhere....even if they are quiet. Don't think that your son doesn't wrestle with those thoughts just because he doesn't talk about it. Remember, boys definitely don't talk as much as girls do....but they can silently struggle within.

Vicky ends that chapter talking about visualizing yourself as anyone in the world. She talks of a time where she spoke to a crowd of women and held a frame in her hand as she asked a few women to come up on stage and view the frame in her hand to see who she would pick to be....if she could be anyone in the world. This means not only looks - but who that person is in life - and keeping the stuff that person has too. :) As the women came up on stage - Vicky would ask them if they too would choose to be this person if they could be anyone in the world. To their surprise, when they looked inside the frame, they saw a mirror,with their own reflection staring back at them. Then Vicky would ask them the question, would you actually choose to be yourself if you could choose to be anyone.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know this full well

1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel; "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"

Lastly...I have not posted pictures in a while...so here are a few of our game last night. It was Scout's first game of the season..... not too much play time, but he got in there and seemed to cheer on his team even when standing on the sideline! That is a good thing too! Max...endured some funny stuff. There was a kid that felt the need to talk to Max and follow him everywhere.

This totally cracked me up. Max announced a few times he was just going to go for a jog...and when he would come back that kid would plop down right beside him again. I couldn't help but laugh. Nick was also there - kind of laughing at how funny it is that one person can have the ball and run it the length of the field for a touch down in one play. Oh...the days!

Even though he seemed to be annoyed, he was a great big brother after the game and took Scout seriously as he discussed his thoughts of the game and stuff like that. The van ride home was fun....and we were entertained by Nick's boy humor.....and I too...a very girly girl...found myself laughing and the laughter of my crazy boys! It was a good night and there were no tears. :) Life is good.

I love this one. It was cool to see both sides praying together after the game.