City On Our Knees

When we step across the line we can sail across the sea

Amazing, beautiful things happen when people have the courage to live, work, and pray in the spirit of unity and peace. Often, though, to make these amazing things happen, we have to step out of our comfort zone and into a world we find uncomfortable or intimidating. Sometimes that world is physical; other times it can be emotional, relational, or spiritual.

City on Our Knees shows this, encouraging you to take the first step. It offers stories of people who have stepped across lines. Lines of discrimination, persecution, doubt, prejudice, pride, bitterness, self-isolation, and despair. I pray and hope that you will be inspired to see how just one person, or one small group, can be a mechanism for change.

God can use us right here. Right now. All we need is faith that He has our best in mind. And believe me—He does.

—TobyMac

 Book Review

After listening to TobyMac's music for so long, I was curious to read what the man behind the music had to say.     The photo above doesn't quite do justice to how visually stunning this book really is.   My boys both grabbed it up when it arrived because they loved the look of the book.     I hope that same reaction will prompt people to grab it off the shelves because it is what is inside the book that is truly stunning.    

TobyMac's heart and passion for Christ literally pours off every page.     Whether you are reading the chapters, which highlight ordinary people who have allowed themselves to be used in ordinary ways, or the pages in between, which are covered with TobyMac's favorite Scriptures and quotes, you feel your heart absorbing the passion.

My own boys have enjoyed reading this book.   I remember when I was little reading the Bible and thinking that the men and women who were used by God lived so long ago.    Through TobyMac's book I am able to show the boys great Christian examples who are living TODAY!    

Some of the examples are familiar.  Michael Oher from The Blind Side is one that most will immediately recognize.   However, some of the best chapters highlights the life stories of people who just followed God's leading and never really intended for anyone to know about it.

The passion you hear in TobyMac's music definitely comes through on the pages of this book!     If you have a TobyMac fan in your life, they will love you for buying them this book.

This book was provided to me for free by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for a honest review.

Month of Thanks

Little Guy is off taking his shower and doing his nighttime routine which means I have a few minutes by myself.   We have the house to ourselves tonight since Big Guy and hubs are taking a class together.  

When Little Guy is ready we are going to snuggle up together on the couch with our cups of caramel apple cider and enjoy some time together playing Racko.     Little Guy is practicing his Racko skills since he recently challenged "Uncle" Randy to a Racko tournament.    

I can't believe that this is November.     The month of thanksgiving.     While it has been a year of challenges, I definitely have so much to be thankful for in my life.   

At the top of that list are my precious boys -- all three of them.    I love my husband and two boys more than I have words to express.    

Going through the stresses of health, finances, job insecurities and so many other things have put a strain on our marriage like it would anyone else.      We both struggled with how we were handling these things individually, but it took even more work to find ways to handle these things together.      Fortunately, we are both determined and stubborn especially when it comes to our marriage.    For that I am especially thankful.     When I look at my sweet hubs today I see a man who not only loves me, but loves me enough to stick with me through whatever each day may bring.

I have watched my precious boys grow physically, spiritually, academically and emotionally this year. When it comes to academics, I tell them that maybe after I finish 4th grade for the third time with Little Guy I will know all of it!     Seeing both of my boys be baptized this year is definitely a highlight and something I would repeat all of 2010 to see.   

I thank God every moment of the day for these precious gifts He has given me.    I cherish every minute that I have with them.

Bricks and Spokes

Hubs and Little Guy raced in the Bricks and Spokes bicycle race in Vicksburg a few weeks ago.     They weren't sure they were going to be able to handle it after a practice run in the military park which left them kind of defeated.   However, after checking out the race map they decided they would try the ten mile race.

There were a LOT of racers there for this race.     We had to be there at 7:30 to line up to get started.    *yawn*     It was very cool which was nice for the bikers, but breezer for the spectators.

Patrick, from The Biggest Loser, was on hand to wish the racers well.     We don't watch the Biggest Loser, but my parents do so they had told us that Patrick lived in Vicksburg and that they were cheering for him.     We have since seen him on a commercial.    Doesn't he look great?

Hubs texted us when they were about one mile out from completing the race.    We were so excited to see them coming up the hill.      They looked awesome!

I am so proud of my guys.    Little Guy has already asked for a new bicycle for Christmas.      We have told him that he has to pick which kind he wants to have:   a street bike for racing, a mountain bike for the mountain riding (yes, there is a mountain bike club here), or a off road bike for his BMX riding.       He is still deciding.



Whatever he decides, I know we will love watching him ride.

Washed By The Water

I feel so behind in my postings.  My computer has been afflicted by a crazy "Blogger" issue which has prevented me from being able to log on to my own blog.     I was using Little Guy's computer to just do the necessary things like post book reviews.    However, recently I was sent a product from our homeschool products to review which is a web blocker software.    It blocked ALL blogger websites.   It has been QUITE a mess trying to get that uninstalled from Little Guy's computer.   Needless to say, that product will not get high marks from me.    So I am cautiously using the house computer to make this post which I have been wanting to do for several weeks now.   

On October 25th, Big Guy was baptized in an amazing way at the reservoir.      Big Guy has been a Christian for quite a while, but the decision to be baptized was one that he has been very reserved about making.     Our youth pastor explains to our youth that baptism is not something that you should do just because your friends do it or because it is expected of you.     It is a true symbol of your faith.     In Jesus' day people went to the Jordan River -- the most public place there was -- to be baptized.    To be baptized there meant everyone knew what you were doing and who you were following.      Pastor Matt said that taking the step of baptism should be just as important.    You should be making the same statement.    You don't care who knows that you are following Jesus and who sees.      

Being baptized at the reservoir is pretty much the most public body of water in our area which is why he chose it for our youth baptism service.       The picture above is of Big Guy and Pastor Matt.      It is my favorite picture taken during that day.      

Seeing this photo reminds me of the lyrics...  "Even when the rain falls.   Even when the floods start rising.   Even when the storms come.   I am washed by the water!"      

So proud of this group of middle school and high school students who were baptized.    What you see here is just a small example of what is happening in our youth ministries at our church.    

"Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young,

but set an example for the believers in speech, in life,
in love, in faith, and in purity."   
1 Timothy 4:12

City On Our Knees

When we step across the line we can sail across the sea

Amazing, beautiful things happen when people have the courage to live, work, and pray in the spirit of unity and peace. Often, though, to make these amazing things happen, we have to step out of our comfort zone and into a world we find uncomfortable or intimidating. Sometimes that world is physical; other times it can be emotional, relational, or spiritual.

City on Our Knees shows this, encouraging you to take the first step. It offers stories of people who have stepped across lines. Lines of discrimination, persecution, doubt, prejudice, pride, bitterness, self-isolation, and despair. I pray and hope that you will be inspired to see how just one person, or one small group, can be a mechanism for change.

God can use us right here. Right now. All we need is faith that He has our best in mind. And believe me—He does.

Book Review

Before you read anything anyone has to say about this book, I highly recommend you go and read this excerpt from City On Our Knees.     Does that not take your breath away?    Does it leave your challenged or overhelmed?    My boys are fans of TobyMac's music, but after reading this book I have a great admiration for the devotion that drives the heart beat of his ministry and his day to day life.    

However, this book is NOT about TobyMac.  It is very much like the excerpt you just read.    It is the accounts of people who have been willing to be a "city on their knees".   

If you have heard the song upon which this book is entitled then you know this line, "If we gotta start somewhere why not here?"     Why not here indeed, Toby!  

TobyMac punctuates his book with an incredible amount of Scripture which makes this book such a worshipful read.     I can't wait for both of my boys to read this book. 

Hiding Away

Last week hubs was out of town with his work again.    I am so thankful that his business is busy enough to require him to travel, but sometimes it can get lonely when he is gone so much.    After so many weeks of craziness we decided it would be good to get away.    We went home to Vicksburg and stayed at my parent's house.

One of the fun parts of going there was that my parents keep my twin nieces which meant we got to play with them.     One morning while we all went down to the Catfish Park to play.    

'

Even as their aunt sometimes I am amazed at how smart these girls are.     LK walked up to the balance ropes when no one was watching and just walked across.    As my sister said, "She got the gymnast gene."   She must have because I don't know any other 22 month olds who have that kind of balance.

Out of all the pictures we took at the park, this is my favorite.  I don't think I have seen my Big Guy smile that much in quite a while.   It is hard to smile when you are hurting.   

The boys had a good time just picking on each other and being brothers...

But mostly just enjoyed having fun with Nana, Papa and their sweet twin cousins, MM and LK.   

Loved hiding away with my boys.

The INSPYS

Have you heard of the INSPYS?    They are the awards for excellence in faith-driven literature. What makes the INSPYs unique among award programs is that we invite nominations from both the Christian booksellers’ domain and the general marketplace. The INSPYs are not about conforming to expectations, they are about faith.

There are different categories:   general fiction, creative non-fiction, historical fiction, thriller/suspense/crime, speculative fiction, amish fiction, romance/romantic suspense, and young adult fiction.

Bloggers are chosen to be judges for each of these categories.     Last week the judges were announced for these categories and I was shocked and honored to be chosen as a judge for the romance/romantic suspense category.   You can see all the other judges in my category here.  

The book in my category which I will be judging are...

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley, Thomas Nelson

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris, Zondervan

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter, Thomas Nelson

  

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Patillo, Guideposts

 

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren, Summerside Press

 If you would like to see a complete list of all the books nominated for the INSPYS you can see them here.   

All of the judges will be reading their book nominees and then going through the discussion and voting process through the month of December.     I am very excited about being a part of this year's INSPYS.     I can't wait to read these books and meet with the other judges.

Pray For Your Pastor

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. What a great month to devote time to praying for him. Surrounding him with your encouragement and love by spending time each day on your knees in prayer.
Day 1. Pray that we realize that our inheritance and hope as a church family is in God’s incomparable and incredible great power which is available to us (Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:18-19; Phil. 3:10).

Day 2. Pray that our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff becomes more surrendered and poured out to Christ, so they can have spiritual breakthroughs by seeking the fear of God and the mind of Christ and the Spirit’s leading (1 Cor. 2:16; Gal. 2:20-21).

Day 3. Pray that your Church and Pastor have and continue to take hold a growing, consistent walk with Christ with a devotional life and prayer that is steadfast. Pray that they realize and allow Christ to work and use them as they grow closer in their faith, spiritual formation, maturity and love (Psalm 16:8-11; 73:28; Rom. 8:31; 2 Pet. 1:5-7).

Day 4. Pray that all of the leadership exhibit good Christian character and integrity with all of their relationships and dealings in life (Micah 6:8).

Day 5. Pray that your Church leaders and Pastors families will be cared for and respected and receive good consideration, so they can to grow too, as they are usually misunderstood, under-appreciated, and ignored or overworked. Pray that all the staff be committed to their families with authentic love and care, that they will be strong and learn in the midst of trials, their homes a refuge and haven of rest and not be condescending or withdrawing from their own families (Psalm 91:9-15; Phil. 4:19; 1 Peter 2:23).

Day 6. Pray for discernment in exposing any plans of the enemy against our Church or attacking our pastors and staff. Ask Christ to protect us as we wage spiritual warfare against the enemy on behalf of our Church (Eph. 6:11-12, 16; Col. 2:6-8; 1 Pet. 3:12).

Day 7. Pray for an increase of vitality, renewal and vision that is from God for the pastors and leaders personally and collectively so that the church can be galvanized then take a hold of, and then be revitalized as a caring committed community for His Kingdom and purpose (Isa. 61:3; Rom. 12).

Day 8. Pray for the willingness and ability to authentically confess and repent of any wrong doing, false dependencies, misplaced ideas and loss of spiritual passion (Luke 13:1-3; Acts 2:38-39; Rev. 2:5-6).

Day 9. Pray that you and your church commits to follow the biblical mandate to support and encourage the leadership of the church (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Pet. 5:1-2).

Day 10. Pray against gossip, negative criticism, false expectations, unhealthy burdens, strife and weariness that will seek to invade our church family (Psalm 91:5-6, 11; Luke 10:19; Eph. 4: 17, 32-5:1).

Day 11. Pray that your church be a community of grace and forgiveness. That your church has an atmosphere of encouragement by being grateful for Christ’s work in them that enables the congregation to be inspired to give genuine hospitality to all who comes though your doors (Rom. 15:4-6; 2 Thess. 2:16-17).

Day 12. Pray that your church commits to a healthy understanding, wisdom and accounting and handling of its stewardship and Finances to better receive God’s blessings (Prov. 3:9-10; 1 Cor. 9:15-18).

Day 13. Pray that your Church and Pastor will have the strength and endurance that they need to serve with excellence by the power of the Spirit and the support of the congregation (Philippians 4:13).

Day 14. Pray for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation for any misplaced expectations, criticism, ungrateful attitudes, flawed thinking, grief, hurts, and abuse (Isa. 61:3; Mark 11:22-24, 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 4:32-5:1; Phil. 4:19).

Day 15. Pray that your church would receive God’s direction and vision. That the congregation gets nourished from the substance of His Word and the needs of the congregation are met (Psalm 119:9-12; Matt. 18:20).

Day 16. Pray that our church becomes real authentic disciples of Christ who are learning, growing and making Fruit and in turn making more disciples (Prov. 19:23; Mal. 3:11; Matt. 28:18-20; John. 15:16; Gal. 5:22-23)

Day 17. Pray that the spirit and practice of Humility is utilized and practiced in and outside of your church, and that false humility does not take root (1 Pet. 5:5-7).

Day 18. Pray that pride does not set in with our Leadership and Pastoral Staff (Psalm 10:4; Prov. 8:13).

Day 19. Pray that our church commits to place our focus on the Supremacy of Christ and be dependant upon Him (Gal. 6:14; Col. 1: 15-17)!

Day 20. Pray that our Church and Pastor give real biblical help and Counseling from God’s wisdom and Word to those in need (Isaiah 61:3).

Day 21. Pray that our church family will give Christ real authentic adoration, praise, impassioned worship and glory in private and collectively as a Church. That worship is never to be a show, entertainment or talent focused, rather God is the audience to our praise (Gal. 6:14).

Day 22. Pray that our Church and Pastor take accountability seriously and each be protected and have people they are accountable too. Also, that each would cultivate and pursue healthy relationships (Gal. 6: 1-10; Eph. 5:21).

Day 23. Pray that the Word of God will never be compromised, cheapened or dumped down; rather be delivered in confidence with power, conviction, clarity, boldness, with love and in truth (Acts 6:4; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:15).

Day 24. Pray for discernment to seek God’s leading and direction for the leaders and pastoral staff, that they seek His ways and not trends, traditions, personal agendas or anything that is not from the Spirit and Word. Pray that they can discern and prioritize what is important and precious and what is not (Isa. 6; 2 Cor. 11:14; 2 Tim. 3:5; 1 John. 4:1; Rev. 4).

Day 25. Pray that God protects our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff from sin and misdirection and they have the wiliness and boldness to flee and confront sin (Prov. 19:23; 1 Pet. 1:16).

Day 26. Pray we all draw near to Christ and seek holiness and His presence with more prayer (Acts 1:14; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 4:7-8).

Day 27. Pray that we as a church family remain faithful and good stewards, so the financial needs are met (Psalm. 91:15-16; Phil. 4:19).

Day 28. Pray that negative thinking, stress, being overwhelmed, the ways of the world, the tyranny of the urgent, being overcommitted, over busyness, fatigue, compromise, pressures, overworked, under-appreciated, misunderstandings, and stress to not get in our Spiritual Home and take over (John 14:1; Acts 6:2-4; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 4:17).

Day 29. Pray that Unity infuses your church so that your congregation is binding to Christ in love so the work of the Kingdom is promoted (2 Chron. 30:12; Psalm 133:1; Rom. 15:5).

Day 30. Pray that congregation is willing and able to come and support the church and staff with grateful hands and words. That you all realize that the pastors and leadership are necessary and called and accountable to God (Matt. 9:37; Acts 14; 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 10-15; 5:22-23).

Day 31. Pray that our church community commits to pray for our church, pastors, staff, missionaries, those in need, community and issues powerfully every day (Acts 1:14; 16:16; 1 Thess. 5:17).

Day 30- Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days.

During the last 30 days, once again my "deep water" faith has been challenged.     It is something that we have talked about in our middle school ministry Sunday School class.    I have had the Casting crowns song ‘Somewhere in the middle’ running through my mind a lot.   In that song there is a line, “Deep water faith in the shallow end”.    

Do you remember learning to swim?    You start out on the side of the pool in the shallow end.    Maybe even with those blow up floaties.     Pretty soon you have a little more confidence and take off those floaties.    Soon you may even trust yourself to swim to an adult in the middle.       But eventually you know that you want to venture out to the deep end.

Faith is kind of like that.    We all start out in the shallow end of the pool.    But our skills grow as we test our faith.     However, sometimes it is easy to get stuck in the shallow in of the pool.   You are just far enough end to be wet and somewhat swimming, but not quite out of your safety zone.     Your feet are still tiptoeing to touch the bottom, but you aren't quite willing to take that step over the edge and go to the place where you have to completely trust.

This year has been a year of deep water faith to me.     I don't really think that I have had a lot of chance to slowly tiptoe my way into the deep end as much as it has been the "sink or swim" approach.    I feel like I have been thrown into the deep end with all the circumstances in our family.

This past month we have been dealing with some health struggles for Big Guy.     He has been sick since June and we have been working with doctors at Blair Batson Children's Hospital for the past month running a ton of tests trying to find answers for him.      You are moms.   You know.    You would much rather be sick than see your child sick.      When you are going through tests and doctor appointments and day after day of watching your child in pain, it requires a lot of faith, prayer and pure trust.

I am learning that being thrown into the deep end means one of two things... panic and drown in our circumstances OR swim using the faith skills we have.   My "swimming" might not be pretty, but I know that I am being watched by the best Lifeguard ever.    

Day 29- What you live for.

This is my desire to honor you

Lord with all my heart I worship you.

All I have within me I give you praise.
And all that I adore is in You.

Lord I give you my heart.  I give you my soul.

I live for you alone.
Every breath that I take.
Every moment I am awake.
Lord have your way in me.

Day 28- A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were. What is your definition of happiness?

I can immediately think of three...

The day I married my sweet hubs. I seriously could not quit smiling. Right before they opened the doors for my Daddy and I to walk down the aisle I told him, "Walk slow. I want to remember this forever." But, when I saw my handsome hubs standing at the end of the aisle I couldn't wait to get down there to him. My Daddy teased I nearly dragged him down the aisle. Hubs' Uncle Phil officiated our wedding and told my Daddy he had never seen a happier bride. I can't imagine anyone being happier than I was on my wedding day.

The day I gave birth to Big Guy. We had waited seven years for our first precious baby to be born. We were so excited. I will never forget that moment when they put Big Guy in my arms. He looked up at me and I looked at him. We stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like forever. Anytime I would lay him on my shoulder he would lift his little head to look directly in my eyes. We have always shared such a bond.

The birth of our Little Guy was a true miracle from God.   God added Little Guy as a "punctuation mark" to our family.     The day he arrived was so amazing.    The memory of seeing his sweet little face turn and look at hubs at us when we said, "Hello" still brings tears to my eyes.    My doctor said, "He definitely knows his parents voice!"     No matter where they took Little Guy in that room he always turned his head towards our voices so we just kept talking to him.     When they put him in my arms he didn't want me to quit talking because he just seemed to drink in the sound of our voices.   

Looking back I realize that those first moments were a huge cue to my boys' learning personalities, but I was too deliriously happy to do anything but absorb the smells and faces of our precious boys.  

Day 27- Your definition of the meaning of life.

The meaning of life is found within the cross.     Jesus' death on the cross and our acceptance of His amazing and beautiful gift is what gives my life meaning.   

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14

It is such a simple answer, but with such amazingly complex ramifications.    When I look around at those in my life who try to live each day without Jesus I wonder.    Why?    How?   
God's arms are what hold me tight when the unknown threatens to grip me with fear.    His shoulders are what I cry on when I am scared or afraid.    His ears are what I whisper, laugh, cry, and talk into about everything.     His hand is the one I reach for first thing in the morning.     His footsteps are the ones that I am searching for as I walk along each day.      His voice is the one I am listening for in the midst of the noises of day to day life.

It is knowing that He loved me enough to send His only Son to die for my sins that gives my life meaning.

Day 26- Your definition of love.

Love is more than those butterfly feelings you get in your stomach or the way your heart leaps when you hear the keys in the door or your kids feet running across the floor.
Love is solidity of knowing that "til death do you part" means that the word divorce was erased from your vocabulary the day you said, "I do".
Love is sobbing in each other's arms when better turns to worse and you feel like an earthquake has shattered your entire world.
Love is the freedom to express anger and frustration, but knowing you won't go to bed with that anger unresolved.
Love is receiving a loving kiss after days of sickness and you are feeling or looking unlovely.
Love is sacrificing personal comfort to ensure the success of their goals and dreams.
Love is watching a piece of your heart walk across the floor each morning to go to work and school.
Love is finally understanding a glimpse of how much God loves me.
Love isn't a feeling.   It is definitely a choice.

Day 25- Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail.

Go back to college.     There are so many reasons why I didn't finish college to begin with, but in the end it doesn't matter.     I didn't and I would love to go and finish and get my degree.  

I love working with kids.    I have found that my heart truly beats for students in the 5th-8th grade range.    It is such a critical stage in life.     

Friendship for Grown-Ups

Former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel shares her experiences of growing up without true friends and how she learned to find and develop them as an adult through God's grace.

Not many people can say they lived their most crucial developmental years on the sound stage of a wildly popular TV show. But that's exactly what happened in Lisa Whelchel's life. As a child, she learned to guard her heart so tightly to avoid true hurt that she found herself unable to form lasting friendships as an adult.

Friendship for Grown-Ups details her experiences of learning to come out of her shell, to trust, risk, and become vulnerable by God's grace and find meaningful friendships. Readers encounter her captivating story and refreshing perspective on life's most precious gift—and they find practical tips for their own friendships along the way.

Book Review

Having read a few of Lisa Whelchel's books, I was already familiar with her easy and enjoyable writing style.     However, in this book Lisa truly opens up and allows readers to become more than that and see into her heart.     Coming to a point in her life where she could share more openly has not only been a long road, it has been a struggle.    

Being a child star may seem fun and glamorous to those viewing it from the other side of the television screen, but for Lisa it caused her to build up walls which would protect her heart and what little self-esteem she had.    

For a lot of people there is nothing like facing those years with good friends by your side.    That is what Lisa discovered that she was missing.     She had become so walled up that she hadn't allowed herself to have good or even best friends.     She had plenty of acquaintance friends, but none close enough to truly know her.     

It took one friend who was willing to painstakingly chip away at the wall and be patient until Lisa was willing to show some vulnerability.      Lisa shares what she learned on this path to finding true friendships.  

She realizes that this is a journey that we must each take for ourselves, but she hopes to make it just a little less bumpy by giving us some advice.   

Such an easy friend from someone we have all considered a friend since watching "Facts of Life"!

Thomas Nelson gave me five copies to give away to readers.      Typically I would give these away as part of a giveaway, but this time I did things a little differently.    

The winners of these copies are...

Sheri - because you are my best friend
Emily - because you inspire me with all you manage to do for others
Shelby - because you are in a new chapter of your life and I pray that friendships will help guide you through the grief you are experiencing
Vicki - because every girl needs a friend as a hairdresser
Shera - because we both loved "Facts of Life"

Day 24- Something you did as a child that other people remember you for.

Isn't this an unfair question?     This has definitely been one of the hardest posts for me because I don't know what other people remember me for as a child.

As I was trying to think only two things stuck out to me as being talked about:

My Mom told me that was I was really little my Pappaw was in the hospital and she took me to visit him.    She used to put me my hair up in two little ponytails.    She said that my Pappaw loved my hair like that and said that I reminded him of Buffy from the television show.     Not the vampire slayer, but the OLD television show with the little girl.    I know you are all too young to remember so here is a picture of Buffy with her ponytails...

The other thing that popped into my mind was a night when our family was out to supper.     We were eating at The Top of the River (much like Cock of the Walk here in our area).     It was a catfish restaurant in Vicksburg where we loved to eat.     The waiter brought our drinks and within about 30 seconds of delivering them I spilled mine... straight into my Mom's lap.     It was a complete accident.     We cleaned it up and the waiter brought me another one.     Two minutes later, again I spilled my drink and somehow it rain straight onto Mom.    As you can imagine my Mom was not happy about two drinks landing in her lap.    Once again we cleaned it up and they brought me another one.    What happened?   Yes.   You guessed it.   It spilled.    I am naturally clumsy but this was out of even my range.     Unbelievably, I got a fourth drink but every time I moved everyone said, "Don't spill."    

Day 23- Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given.

Oh this is so easy.     And very awkward.     Before I met my amazing husband, I dated a guy who was in seminary studying to be a pastor.     After we had been dating for quite a while he asked how I would feel about going on a double date with another couple that were friends of his.     

What he didn't tell me was that this couple was his professor and wife.     What he also didn't tell me was that he had told them (who had NEVER met me) that he intended to ask me to marry him that night while on this double date.    

When they picked us up, they told us we were driving to Vicksburg.      That hour drive was filled with 100 questions.    About my life.   My values.  My beliefs.   My goals for the future.    How I felt about everything in general.        I thought I was going to have a panic attack.

After having supper we drove around Vicksburg for a little while.     My boyfriend thought it would be romantic to propose to me in my hometown.    I guess he somehow didn't consider the fact that inviting another interrogating couple along kind of brought down the romance factor a LOT!    

At one point during the night he pulled me aside and proposed.     I was very stunned and said yes.    We crawled back into the car and he told the couple who said, "Ready to go home?"

It was the most awkward night of my life.       

To prove the awkwardness, it didn't take for me and that guy to figure out that a life together was not in our future.      We broke off our engagement and God led me to my happily everafter.

Love's First Bloom

She must conceal her past, her identity. What hope can there be for love?

Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him.

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?

Book Review

Day 22- Someone you would give your life up for without question.

My boys.    No question.

Wow.   That was an easy post.

Day 21- Your favorite medium of art.

I love to paint!   Am I good at it?   I am so-so.   But what really matters is the fact that it is so relaxing and it is something like my boys like to do with me.        

Day 20- A band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them.

Maybe this band should have fallen under the guilty pleasure category.      I love Huey Lewis and the News.    I loved them in high school.     They made me want to *gasp* dance.     Which was strictly forbidden in the church I grew up in!   

But how can you listen to Huey Lewis and not want to dance?      I loved them so much I even went to New Orleans to see them in concert.    I admit it.   I really did.     And I loved every minute of it.


Hey!   This isn't called the "month of insight" for nothing, girlfriends!!!  Ha!

Day 19- A passage from a book that has touched you

Reading is such a passion that I thought picking a single passage would be really tough.     However, every time I sat to write this post my mind kept popping back to one particular passage.    I learned it in high school in literature class.    Mr. Odom was my literature teacher and had to be one of the best teachers I had in my educational experience.      I enjoyed reading before I went into his class, but I truly loved reading and knew how to experience books after I left his class.

I fell in love with Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Less Traveled" while in his class.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Reading this poem resonated with me because it reminded me of the Scriptures from Matthew 7, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

I was at a pivotal point in my spiritual life during that year of high school.     I had received my driver's license only to have it snatched away from me for two years after having a life threatening grand mal seizure.      I was being constantly teased by one of my teachers for being a Christian.    The "thing" to do was to keep a book with a record of the things you had done for guys on Friday nights.    I didn't have a book.

I loved Robert Frost's poem, because it so beautifully expressed the choices I had made.     To take the road less traveled.

Day 18- A picture that makes you feel.

How about pictureS that make me feel?

This photo reminds me just how much our God loves us from the MOMENT we are created.  We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made.

This photo reminds me of my sweet friends who are separate from their wives/mom and husbands/dads right now.    Makes my heart hurt for them.

Seeing a picture representing those moments that Jesus died on the cross for MY sins does more than make me feel.     It makes me hurt.   It makes me ache.

To know that in the midst of the beauty of creation, God already knew that He was going to send His Son to die for our sins makes me love and trust Him more.    How can you doubt a love like that?

Day 17- What you want to be remembered for.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel."
-- Maya Angelou

I hope I make my husband, my boys, my family and friends feel the love that I have in my heart for them.    I also hope that they feel the love that I have for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.     I hope they always know they have a safe place here at our home.    That I would do anything for them.