"Dear George. . . A man who has friends is NO failure"

That little title right there wraps up my very favorite movie in the whole wide world. It's a long one. . . one that is void of color. . . well, the color you see with your eyes. However, it's as vivid as the rainbow with color you see with your heart.

Know what movie I'm talking about?

Oh. . . I'll keep you hanging just a little bit longer.

In the movie there is a sign and you only see it in the background for a few seconds. It's in the Bailey Building and Loan (know which movie, yet?). It says.

"The only thing you can take with you is that which you give away."

I don't know if that would be a theologically sound statement. However, I do love its message!!!!

For those of you who are still wondering what movie could I possibly be talking about. . .

"It's a Wonderful Life".

If you've never seen it . . . YOU MUST!!!!

If you've seen it before. . . YOU MUST see it again!!!

If you watch it every Christmas season. . . then certainly don't let this season pass you by and not watch it.

I see something new every time I watch the thing. . . probably because every Christmas season when I see it the LORD is doing something new in my heart. . . So, I think I see it every year with brand new eyes.

Anyhoo. . . I basically forced my children to watch it with me today. . . while I wrapped presents that were in boxes. They were grumbling. I was plain giddy. I hope they learned something about how our lives touch more than just OUR lives. . . whether we want it to or not!

It's not making money or chasing a career.

It's not pursing their biggest hopes and dreams that their little imaginations can muster up.

It's not having the nicest things money can buy.

It's not living life for themselves.

It's not making a bucket list and trying to cross everything off it before they die.

It's not chasing and accomplishing this lie called the "American Dream".

It's not accomplishing the unaccomplishable.

My prayer is that my children. Each one, by name. . . Alec, Ashley, and Hanna. . .that they will invest their lives in people!!!!!!!!!! Encouraging people, carrying burdens with people, laughing with people, smiling with people, caring for people, giving to people more than they give to themselves, exhausting themselves for people, loving people, sharing with people, checking on people, forgiving people, seeking people, pursing people, hugging people, listening intently to people, . . . oh, my list could go on and on.

And oh, how I pray. . . how I deeply pray. . . I am a good example to them.

I Miss Him So. . .

Confession time. . . I don't go to see my Grandmama as much as I should. I know she has my Dad, Aunt Sharon, and Aunt Wanda.

I know I need to go see her. But, I think I aviod it sometimes because it just makes my Papa's death all the more real to me.

I miss him. His picture sits on my desk and I'll look at it and just smile.

I miss his energy.

I miss his vigor and zest for life.

I miss hearing him talk about the Lord.

I miss his presence.

I miss hearing him say "Shuggahh".

I miss his funniness.

I miss seeing him jump up when I walk through their door.

I miss hearing him talk to Jon about sports, especially the Braves.

However, a few weeks ago I saw apart of him. My friends and I were serving a meal at a local homeless shelter. We knew our mission was not to serve these people food. Our mission was to share Christ with them.

I met this lady and this is the conversation that occured.

Me: "Are you a follower of Christ?"

Her: "Oh yeah, oh yeah, I sure did."

Me (with pep and enthusiasm. . . I think I may have jumped a little bit): "Oh you can't just did, you got to does!!!!!!!!!!! You've got to follow Him everyday."

Her: "Oh yeah, yeah. . . that's what I meant. I've been cleaning and trying to move into my house. Oh yeah, I follow Jesus. Um huh."'

Honestly, I really botched the whole witnessing thing. I really should have asked her "What is the Gospel?" But I learned. . .and I did share the Gospel with a little girl there.

However, this exchange between this lady and myself. . . my reaction, my words, my tone of voice. . . I saw my Papa. It was exactly like something he would have said/done.

It made me smile that part of him lives in me!

159. For the life my Papa led.

160. For my Papa's unashamed love for the Lord.

161. For the Gospel.

162. For 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances.

163. For grace.

Dear Ashley

Dear Ashley,

Just think 10 years ago today I was holding you in my arms!!! I just can't believe how quickly time flies. It seemed like only yesterday you were sucking your thumb with your finger wrapped around your nose . . . like yesterday we were shaving your head because you were eating carpet. . . like yesterday that I was rocking you to sleep every.single.night. Your room was my favorite room in the house. It was the cleanest, and there was just something so special about that time I had with you sitting and rocking you. . . praying so many prayers over your sweet life.

And now, here we are. . . you're a beautiful girl, with a beautiful smile, and your personality just lights up a room. You are not in a room very long until everyone knows you are there. You are just a lovable young woman.

Ash, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I remember walking the track in Williamson praying that God would give me a girl. I wanted a little girl so badly. I can even remember praying, "Lord, and if you give me a girl, I'm going to name her after Faye" . . . and that I did, Miss Ashley Faye. I never would have imagined in my best dreams that God would give me a girl as special as you.

You teach me so much my sweet love. Mostly you teach me about loving and giving. . . loving unconditionally without restraints on your heart. You love to the fullest. In fact, you do everything to the fullest. We tease around here and say your philosophy is "Go Big or Go Home" and that is what sums you up, my love. I love how much you love me. I love your Mama's girl heart and how you are always my biggest encourager. No matter what I do you always see me in the best light. I need that. I need you. I need your love. And giving. . . wow what a giver you are. You have no idea how much you teach me about giving. In fact, I would have to say you would have to be the person God has used most in my life to teach me about giving.

And, your heart. . . your heart for the LORD. . . oh, it just makes me say, "Lord, I don't deserve this precious child." To hear you pray is one of the things I love most. To see you bring your Bible with us when we go on vacation makes me more proud than just about anything else you could do. You are a blessing to both your Dad and I.

And, I can't forget your zeal, zest, and love for life. . . truly contagious my love.

And your laugh. . . just makes me giggle like crazy. I don't even have to know what you are laughing about. It's truly one of my favorite sounds.

And your feist. . . girl, although it can exhaust me at times. . . I know this is a gift. . . it is up to you how you use it. Be a peacemaker. Aim for unity. But use that feist for the LORD and the work of his kingdom. He put it in you for a reason, so use it for his glory, my love.

And, sweetie, remain pure. Purity starts in your heart. Don't let the world choke it out of you. You will have to guard purity very carefully. Everything in this world screams for you to give it away. DON'T!!!! Please, please DON'T. It will be one of the most dreadful things you could ever do.

I'm so thankful that you still love your dolls, you can run the soccer field like nobody's business, you have such a warmth about you that makes everyone you meet just smitten over you. I just love how God has formed you and fashioned you. You are a special gift, and I'm so thankful God thought enough of me to allow me to be your mother.

Happy 10th birthday, my love!!! I love you!

With all my love,

Mom

To the Mother of a Fallen Hero

You were on my heart and mind all day today. I just had a hard time getting you off my heart. . . my heavy heart.


There are so many things I've wondered about you . . .



Where were you when you heard the news?



Did you feel as if you were in a bad dream? Did you feel afraid, as if you weren't going to wake up and wishing at every moment this wasn't as real as it was?



Who told you?


Who was with you when you heard?



What were your first thoughts?



What was your last moment with him like?



Do you remember his smell?



Were you afraid when he said he wanted to be a Marine? Did you try to talk him out of enlisting? Did you want to try to talk him out of enlisting?



Do you remember the days when he started to outgrow you?



What do you feel for the man who shot him? Sorrow? Anger? Hatred? Bitterness? Have you prayed for him?For his family?



Do you wake up each day wondering how in the world will you make it the next hour?



Do you know how many tears splattered the black asphalt today for you . . . from people who do not know you. . . from people who did not know your son?



What were your thoughts when you realized our town stopped ticking to honor your son? when the envoy paraded the streets of our town in his honor? when you saw our beloved American flags waving in his honor? I felt so much hope for our country.

As tears flowed uncontrollably down my cheeks, I wondered what my son. . . my son who is outgrowing me. . . what he thought of his mother's tears. He wants to serve his country one day. Although this is very honorable, there is a part of me that really hopes he'll serve his country in another way. . . a way that may not possibly demand his life. . . so very selfish of me. . . yet that is where my heart stands at this moment.

As my children and I got into our car I told them, "We get to go back to our lives as normal. This poor mother will not have a "normal" for a long time, as her son is no longer with her. She will have to develop a "normal" knowing that she see her son again this side of heaven."

Fallen Hero Mom, I have to confess to you. . . I almost missed it. I almost didn't go. I don't know you. I don't know your son. I am a working mom (working 30 hours a week). I am a teaching mom (homeschooling my children), and I've had to handle things for my husband's business. To describe me as "busy" is an understatement. I almost let my schedule dictate my day. I almost let my excuses to not go and honor your son win. I'm so very thankful I didn't!!!

The images of the motorcade will stay filed away in my memory bank. It is truly like something I've never experienced. The tears I have cried for you. . . from one mother's heart to another. . . is something that will stay filed in my heart.

I salute you, mother of a fallen hero, because I know not only did you lose your son, but you lost a part of yourself. . . a part of you died when he died. You are in my thoughts. You are in my prayers. I thank you for raising a young man who wanted to serve his country!

One Million Arrows

Everyone has books on their bookshelves that are the books that are keepers. . . the books you won't depart with . .. the books that won't be thrown into the yard sale pile or the 'donate to Goodwill' pile. . . the books that you go back to time and time again to read, reread, scan for the parts you underlined. . . you guys know what I'm talking about? Well, I have one more book you MUST add to your collection.

The title is enough to catch your attention. . . "One Million Arrows". . .then you scan further down "Raising your Children to Change the World". . .Seems like every parents dream?Right? Yet, what an overwhelming and daunting task!!! I know there are certainly days I can't even get my kids to do their chores and schoolwork, much less gear them up to change the world. . .

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!!

As I was reading this book I felt as if I was having dinner with a dear friend and we're talking back and forth how we want to make a difference for the kingdom of God, how we want to raise our children who love the LORD with all their hearts, souls, mind, and strength whose goal is changing the world for the LORD. Julie writes in such a way that she gives very practical ways to start you on your way to "raise children who change the world". I felt so very encouraged each time I would put the book down, yet also very geared up and determined.

So, what if you don't have children, or your children are grown and gone, or you think it's too late, or you're a single parent, trying to do it all on your own? This book is for you too!!!! You are still responsible for raising "arrows" for the "mission". It's never too late!!! Julie offers hope for you and let's you know what you can do to raise "arrows" .

She even goes further. . . what about your spiritual children? Yes, we all have spiritual children or at least SHOULD have spiritual children. These are the children who we aren't raising in our homes, loving on each and every day. These are the children that we play a part in their lives by either teaching, discipling, and/or supporting financially so they can be taught the Word. Again, you MUST read this book!!!

One more thing that I just love about this book. . . ALL the proceeds go to benefit an orphanage in Haiti!!! You know how I know Julie is legit and she's not just putting this out there trying to make people buy her book? Because she is living proof of a Mom raising "arrows" for the "mission". She tells a story how she and her husband, after building their dream house, sold it to build an orphanage in Haiti. She's the real deal!!!! Her story just spoke volumes to my heart (as those of you who've been reading my blog for awhile know my husband I bought our dream home a little more than a year ago)!!! She gave up the 'American Dream' to invest in eternity!!! WOW, WOW, and double WOW!!!

"Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity." (Julie Ferwerda)

You can order her book from www.amazon.com or click on the toolbar on my blog to check out her web site. Please order and read. I promise, you will not have wasted a single penny. Your money will support orphans and. . . I can almost guarantee you. . . you, too, will be geared up to raise "arrows" for the "mission"!!!

Does Daddy Have a Good Memory?

Hanna has been wigging out about going to Awana. There was this big mix up in her book, and all her teacher told her was "Now you need to get the blue book". Ever since then Hanna has not be on fire for Awana. She was actually one of the first kids in her class to complete her Awana book. . . but when the attention was drawn to here. . . she's been wigging out slowly ever since.

Needless to say for the last 4 weeks in a row, she's been to Theology class with me. She's good as gold. Doesn't act up. Cries and cries about going to Awana. One of her very best friends is in the class. . . doesn't matter.

Jon has missed the last 2 Wednesday nights (out of town working). He was telling her one night that she WOULD go to Awana the next Wednesday night. She needed to get over this. Ms. Renee told her everything was fine. . . blah, blah, blah.

Hanna cusps her hands over my ears and whispers very softly, "Does Daddy have a good memory?"

I was laughing so hard I could hardly control myself. Poor thing's hopin' Daddy will forget. . .

Well. . . Finally. . .

Or, maybe some would say, "That's typical of them. They always take a long time." Others might say, "I thought they were already members. They're here every time the doors are open."

Wondering what I'm talking about? Today, we finally joined the church we have been visiting now for almost a year (we're about a month shy of a year).

Honestly, in the beginning, I really didn't think we would end up at this church. Our preference was a church that was a little farther away. But, God had something else in store. I'm so thankful He did and He's the one in control.

Over the last 11 months at our church Jon and I both have grown more spiritually than we have in years upon years combined. Jon and I talk about this quite often. One day Ash over heard us and said, "Yeah, all y'all talk about now is the Bible." Sweet, sweet words!!!

I never ever thought I would find as loving of a church family of what we came from. Dayspring, our old church, wasn't the biggest church, didn't have the best programs, but it had incredible music and people that would love the socks off of ya!!! I didn't think that would exist anywhere else.

Boy, was God going to prove me wrong!!! Dayspring will always have a special place in my heart. I made special friendships there that I still carry with me. I went through so much during our 8 years at that church. I learned, I grew, I fell, I scraped my knee a couple of times, but I was always surrounded by people who loved me.

After we left the people I missed the most were the older ladies. . . Granny, Lane-Lane, Nannie, Shay-Shay. . .those good Southern cooks who made me want to sit under them and have cooking lessions for hours. I still saw all of my close friends. Now, I've found me some new older ladies at our church to love on. . . Ms. Jean being one of my favorites :) She teases me about my high heels. . . Yes, me and my high heels have already developed a reputation at our new church.

I don't know when our now church started feeling like home, but I know it was very soon. When I was waiting on Jon to get finished talking so we could leave. . . I knew it must be love - hee!hee! It was amazing how these people wrapped their arms around us and loved on us. . . how everyone was so friendly in this big church (Dayspring was a really small church). Our kids love it, we love it. It is GREAT!!

Although there's great people, great programs, great Bible curriculum, etc., the thing that we love most would be our pastor. He's a man of great conviction. One of the most sincerest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He preaches the Word of God. . . not just the touchy-feely parts, but the whole counsel of God's word.. . even the hard stuff. . .controversial issues, tough doctrine. He truly loves his flock and it is evident by his actions. Jon and I am so honored to call him both our pastor and our friend. I've alwyas been a girl who had favorite Bible teachers, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur being my top two. I've never been at the point where I could say my pastor was my favorite teacher of the Word of God. Now? Well, now, for the first time in my life I can say, without hesitation, that my pastor is my favorite Bible teacher.

We are so very honored and blessed to now be "home folk".

2500? Really???

Last Monday night Alec's band had the opportunity to perform at the "Wild Game Banquet" our church puts on. I just thought this was a small event. When we showed up at the high school it was being held at I was informed there would be about 2500 people. You've got to be kidding me. I was as nervous as a pole cat in a room full of rocking chairs. . . yet so very excited for my boy. They performed, "O Happy Day". And. . . to top of the night, they got to meet Coach Mark Richt, coach of our GA Bulldogs!!! Jon and I both were so very proud of Alec. Here's a few pictures that captured our night. . .

Favorite Valentine Memory

I'm joining in on Kelly's "Show us Your Life" party. This week the theme is your favorite Valentine memory. . . .

My favorite Valentine memory happened almost 14 years ago. Jon and I had our first date to a Candlebox concert (we were BOTH very different people back then). It was on February 13 at The Roxy in Atlanta, GA. We were meeting some of his college buddies up there.

Jon picked me up after he got off work. My Dad was so impressed because he was still in a suit and tie. We went back to his apartment so he could change into his jeans and a T-shirt. There we met a friend of his and headed to Atlanta.

I was so excited because he had just gotten a new Mustang and he let me drive!!! I thought I was the coolest thing to hit the town. . .

I really didn't know who Candlebox was. . . I'd heard of a few of their songs, but wasn't what I would call a "fan". Jon and I were really great friends. I really had a secret crush on him that I never breathed a word of it to ANYONE. In fact, in my efforts to cover up my crush I tried to set him up with one of my friends. We would talk to one another about different people we were dating, what we thought of them, etc. . . .everything from A to Z. In fact we were such good friends, he actually started flirting with some girls while we were at the concert.

Didn't matter to me. I had been dating this guy, Trey (who Jon knew about). . . so all was out in the open. . . NO BIG DEAL!!!

During the night I started feeling sick. There was this HUGE line to the bathroom. I ran past everyone, threw open a stall door, and threw up (sorry for the gory details). I felt so much better when I was done. I put my arms around Jon's back and said, "Let's rock and roll" (funny the stupid things you remember).

After the concert was over and we were walking out to the car I said, "Oh, somebody is going to be mad at me" (I was referring to Trey. . . although he and I weren't dating exclusively, I knew he really liked me a lot). This didn't really set well with Jon, and it was obvious.

Jon drove home. His friend Steven rode up front with him. I sat in the back and actually went to sleep. Talk about a date!!! It was now the wee hours into Valentines' Day.

Jon took Steven back to his apartment and I was actually still asleep. Before he took me home, he pulled into The Home Depot parking lot. He just didn't think it would look very good if my Dad saw me getting out of the backseat of his car.

Jon woke me up and told me I needed to get in the front seat. As I climbed up there I started telling Jon, "Jon, I'm sorry this date was so bad. You are a really good friend to me, and I would never want anything to come in between our friendship. I value your friendship. I'm sorry if I've made you mad."

There was a short pause of silence and he said . . . .

"Can I kiss you?"

That was not what I was expecting to hear!!!!

It was actually so very sweet. No guy had ever asked to kiss me before. It showed me how much Jon valued me and respected me.

Wanna know what I said?

"Yes".

And there you go folks. . . here we are 14 years later, a gazillion kisses later, 3 kids, a house, and a dog . . .and a lot of wonderful memories!!!

Join in on Kelly's party. I'd love to hear your favorite Valentine memory.

Meanwhile. . .

While Jon and the girls were be-boppin' away at the sock hop. . .

Alec and I headed to a pizza place here in town.

I hear so many moms talk about their kids at this age not talking to them. . . I love the fact that Alec is a chatty thing. . . sometimes his mouth gets him in trouble. . . but I guess I'd rather be expressive than to show me nothing at all. We laughed and talked just as if I was talking to a miniature adult.

Originally we were going to go and see a movie. However, there is NOTHING. . . did you hear me screaming? NOTHING appropriate at the movies for a 12 year old. He's too old to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks" or "Tooth Fairy", yet all the other movies playing are sexual, violent, and bad language.

We were at a loss as to what to do. I think he was a little disappointed. I explained to him that it's hard to find wholesome things to do for a 12-year-old . . .it's not like I can take him to "Chucky Cheese" or a jumpy place. . .

Then, it hit me. . .

What about Barnes and Noble?

My boy's eyes lit up and a smile beamed across his face. . .

I told him we would not be rushed. We would take our time.

And we did JUST THAT!!!

Right now Alec is fascinated with all things military. . . sure does scare this Mama . . .but I always encourage my children to pursue their interests. I know these are God-given things. . . even if Mama doesn't like it.

He chose this book to take home with him.

After we got his book we got a quick cup of coffee (decaf for both of us) and looked through his book.

Alec is not one to be very touchy-feeling. He told me at least 4 different times throughout the night, "Thank you Mama". Sweet words to my ears. I told him I was the one who needed to thank him for spending an evening for a date with his Mom. He could have asked me if he could have spent the night with a friend while the girls went out. . .

P.S. The next morning he was so excited about what he was learning in his Army book, as I was getting ready for Ash's basketball game, he was practicing his military tactics on the girls. . . yikes!!! Thankfully I heard giggles rather than cries.

We're Goin' Hoppin', We're Goin' Hoppin Today

It ALL started with this one. . . the persistent, "will not take no for an answer" one. . .

And then, this one joined in . . . the one whose Daddy is truly the apple of her eye. . .

It didn't take much begging or pleading from the girls. . . once I started belting out "Butterfly Kisses", I think Jon agreed to the Daddy/Daughter sock hop so I would not sing ANYMORE!!! Just kidding. . . . well. . . sort of. . .

We started out our week by going to Joanne's and picking out a great color for the poodle skirts and scarves to match. . .

I got to sewing, and thankfully I saw a picture on-line how to make one of these bad boys. . . otherwise, there's no telling what they would have looked like if I would have made them from the written directions. . .

Well, where is the boy in the family amongst poodle skirts, scarves, sideways ponytails, and bobbie socks?

He's here . . . being as cool as ever. . . actually enjoying their excitement. . . he had a date himself that night. . .

And this one? Well I told this guy I'd be his Joanie if he'd be my Chachi. . .

A local ministry in our area put on this Sock Hop. . . a friend of mine is one of the cofounders of this ministry, and I was so grateful she included us in on such a fun night. . .

I think these guys were too. . .

This picture gets my Mom every time. . . I think she thinks it is so funny these men all dressed like Fonzie wannabees. . .

Not ONLY did Jon agree to take the girls.. .

Not ONLY did he agree to dress up in 50s fashion, and actually do his own shopping for his white T-shirt, catheads, and jeans (the only pair of Wranglers he's EVER owned). . .

Not ONLY did he smile and be such a good sport. . .

But. . .

He danced . . . YES, he did. . . He danced. . . on the dance floor with the girls. . . in public. . . in front of everyone.

I informed my sweet girls they had accomplished more with their Daddy than I ever could. We took dance lessons last year. . . and we dance here together at home. . . but in public. . . NEVER, EVER have I been able to get him to dance with me!!!

The little girl in red. . . the shy one. . . was a little painful to watch for the 20 minutes I crashed the party. . . she is painfully shy. . . in fact, so much so, I almost cried for her. . .

As I would watch her she would walk around the room, following her sister, with her hands inside of her scarf. . . I guess kind-of like a security blanket. . . She was smiling, and I believe she was having a good time. . . I think she just wanted too make sure she was doing everything right.

Ash took the lead and is BOUND to have fun wherever her feet place her. . . so not only did Hanna follow her big sister's lead, but other girls joined in as well. . .

Ash is so much fun to watch. She just loves life!!!

This girl started to warm up more as the night went on. . . maybe she just needed a bit of caffeine. . .

I informed Hanna that if she was going to dance with her Daddy, she would have to cut in. . . otherwise, Ash would take him over. See what I mean?

She listened to my advice. . .

And warmed up and got to cut a rug with her Daddy.

Before Jon knew it he was a lucky man with 2 dates. . . I wonder if that's ever happened before?

What a tremendous blessing God has given my girls to not only have a Daddy who loves them, but a Daddy who loves Jesus. . . who is not too busy to pray with them, not too "hard" to cuddle with them, not too preoccupied to listen to them. . . a Daddy who is not "too manly" to not get in the kitchen and cook with them. . . a Daddy who will get them to doing yard work right along beside him. . . a Daddy who will step WWWAAAAAYYYYY outside his comfortable zone to give them (in their own words), "the best night of their life". Oh, what a precious, priceless treasure my children have. . .which has NOTHING to do with anything I've ever done. . . but it's all because of God's great grace. These are riches that no amount of money can buy.