You Know You/Your Dad/Your Husband flips houses when

. . . You pile 13 people, tools, sleeping bags, air mattresses in a 15-passenger van to drive 2-1/2 hours . . . all because of a house bought at a great deal. . .

. . . You get to climb trees galore at the houses bought . . .

. . . You get to take nice cozy naps outside because you've been awake since 5:00 a.m. to get ready for the long trek out of town. . .
. . . You tear out a floor. . . see poop under the house. . . flip it and it hits your friend's/partner's nose (which friend and which partner shall remain nameless). . . .

. . . You rebuild the floor so now it is level. . .
. . . You spend endless hours painting and painting. . . but at least with a dear friend that you can talk about anything and everything with. . .
. . . You find a ball in the woods. . .
. . . And usher in a game of kickball. . .
. . . You ask the lady with the camera to take your picture. She gladly does so because you're just too stinkin' adorable.. .
. . . You demolish kitchen cabinets with a sledgehammer. . .

. . . You build walls. . .
. . . You come inside and in your grooviest voice say to your mom, "Mom, we are playing extreme kickball. Michael was playing in some water outside. I went to tag a base and slid, now I'm covered in mud. It was awesome!!!" (Alec)

. . . You later run inside and say to the Dad's, "This is so cool. There is water bubbling up from the ground me (Ash) and Abby stuck our hand in this hole where the water is coming up. Come see. This is so cool."

. . . You then find that your mud and water coming up from the ground is sewage. . .

. . . You then laugh ALOT. . .
. . . And immediately scrub everyone the best you can with soap. . .

. . . When a job needs to be done, you jump right on it. . .
. . . You get to handle cool power tools and hang sheet rock. . .
. . . You get to eat Steak and Shake, Chick-fil-A, and Krispy Kreme (I thought about you Faith :)) with these dear people you have the honor of calling friends. . .
. . And, certainly last BUT not least . . . you (which shall remain nameless) throw off stink bombs that "embarrass yourself" and linger in the air and makes some of us want to gag . .

Ringing in 2012!!!!!!!!!

New Years Eve was such a fun time. Jon and I headed to a little restaurant near his work, a little Irish place. (I hate the angle this pic was taken, but I wanted one to mark our anniversary- even if I look horrible)

After eating we walked around midtown hand-in-hand just taking in the sights and sounds of the city, looking, laughing, talking. . . it was really oh.so.nice.

Then, we got home and I took a nap 'cause I knew I wanted to ring in the new year with sweet friends. At the very last, and I do mean last minute I sent out a FB message to a few families saying bring a snack, drinks, and your kids. The night before Faith, Jon, Steve, and I all had pizza together, so I knew they'd be there, but I wasn't sure about the last minuteness of it for everyone else.

The Brisendines said they couldn't make it, but about 10:30is they came trouncing through the door. What a sweet surprise. Their previous party had closed ship and 10:30 to the Brisendines is like 4:00 in the afternoon for me.

I thought this was funny, so I took a picture of my guys. I asked them which one was Dumb and which one was Dumber. . . har-de-har-har.
These ladies and I gathered at my table and gabbed and laughed and played games.
These girls are the "Wonderful Wonders' and put on a show for us (yes, ANOTHER, show). However, they got the idea from Dana to name themselves, Amazing Ally, Awesome Ashley, Magnificent Maddie, and Cute Claire. Dana apparently was a "show performer" in her early days. She put Faith and I's fears to rest about our girls feeling neglected and needing attention - ha!ha!
Meanwhile, the men were. . . well. . .

These two are in the Internet. . .
This one is taking it easy watching TV
Yep, so are these. . . I love everyone is so relaxed and just chillin'
The boys? Well, we never heard from them. They played football in the backyard until midnight. They had a BLAST! (missing Tuck and Coop - I think they were outside waiting on the older boys).
The little girls? Well, I think they aggravated the big girls while they were practicing for the show. But, didn't see much of them after that. . . not even to get a picture.

What about watching the ball drop? Well, we scurried into the living room quickly because we had been gabbing so much we lost track of time. . . the guys were trying to watch some motorcycle man do some sort of record jump??? We switched over the TV and the ball had dropped. I got some sugar from my love and said "Happy New Year".

I'm so thankful for the friends God has given us to create a life with, for family, for good health, and for a home to share with others.

Happy New Year!

Reflecting Back

Wow, it seems as if 2011 has come and gone and now we are about to usher in 2012. I once heard someone day, "The days go by slowly, but the years go by quickly." I'm thinking it all goes by too quickly.

However, as I reflect back over the last year it has certainly been a one-of-a-kind year for me and my family. We are beyond blessed and beyond grateful for how God has both given and taken away.

As I reflect back over the last 12 months these are the memories that pop in my head. . .

January started out with me getting the worst haircut of my life. . . totally my fault for trying to be brave amongst my hair "midlife" crisis and go for a totally new look -never.ever.again. In fact I didn't get not one single hair cut again until August, and even then I said "only the dead ends." I endured the perpetual pony tail for months.

February - I think if Upward basketball and cheerleading, times with sweet friends, time with family and all the in-between.

March - I think of our "Tuesdays with Grandaddy's" which started out as just lunch but over the year evolved to the full Tuesday. .. for which I am grateful. Although life stretches me a lot and I tend to get overwhelmed, I would not trade our Tuesday. It is a precious day of the week for us. I really want to write out our Tuesdays, but these days I have a really hard time finding the right words for things that are so dear to me (like why I have written about Guyana :)

April - When April comes I always think of Grandmama's birthday, St. Simons, working at the Concord house with our dear friends the Greenwoods, spending time with family, Christ's resurrection, and my first Passover meal with dear friends.

May -WOW May held a lot for our family. First Jon and I's trip to Sodom and Gomorrah and just the pure shock at everything Las Vegas held and stood for. Unless the Lord calls us there as missionaries I don't want to EVER and I mean EVA go back. . .well to the strip. Other parts of Nevada were absolutely beautiful. This business trip held Jon's first flight (which he's never wanted to fly). Then at the end of March we headed to Florida with some of our favorite people to camp at the beach. This was our family's first tent camping experience, and we are hooked. We made some wonderful memories with people who are dear to us. Also, I think of Twisted Ankle marathon trail run which Jon and I and our other running friends ran. . . so much fun!

June - I think of Melissa's first 5K and how proud I was of her. . . Emory's first birthday, and, of course, VBS (which I just love).

July - A month that changed my life for forever. . . my first mission trip. . . oh to have the words to describe all what God did in my own heart. The Lord did much in Guyana but sometimes I feel that going on a mission does the most change in us. .. I'm not sure??? God is still continuing to teach me so much from a trip I went on 6 months ago. Just absolutely remarkable. My prayer is the young woman I looked like at the beginning of 2011, that I look different from her now. . . even if it is just a little bit. I pray I love more than she did back then. I pray I treat others better than I treat myself more than she did back then. Guyana goofed me up. . .it a really GOOD. . . no. . . I mean, GREAT way. . . I'm just still trying to process all of it. Of course, July brought my first Peachtree Road Race. . . my precious boy's 14th birthday, days at the pool (although much less than in years past), dressing up as cows, my sweet Mama's birthday.

August- we ushered in our 10th year of homeschooling. . . high schooler and 2 elementary schoolers. Although there are days when I want to throw in the towel, I'm so grateful for the days I have with my kids. August also brought in a really cool night at Philip's Arena thanks to Jon's work, more memories with friends and family.

September - Both of my girls' birthdays, soccer season. . . whew . . .nuff said right there.

October - Another camping trip. . . this one was spur of the moment and Faith and Jenn's families met us up there. 14 miles of hiking, God's beautiful creation, and memories that will last a lifetime.

November - a season of thanks, Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon with friends, Black Friday with my mama and girls, playing cards around our table, cuddling up on the sofa and watching TV, being the first to fall asleep amongst the Fab 5.

December - such a busy time of the year. Work is booming, activities galore. I worked on a Christmas book for Jon, Jim, Pat, Holly, and Lee of old memories of Jim from people whose lives he's impacted. I was so honored to do this and be apart of blessing my sweet family. Oh, what sweet words people had to say about my wonderful father-in-law. I think Gigi has been blessed the most and touched the most. She's thanked me over and over again on so many occasions. . . thanks I really don't deserve. I didn't do much. It was the people who wrote the memories down that did all the work. . . . Nonetheless one of my favorite memories from December.

So, as I reflect back I realize how much I've missed on blogging about. Blogging just hasn't taken a priority in my life at this season. However, I don't want to lose the details of the memories, so next week I'm going to blog about some of those special things that happened over 2011.

Happy New Year everyone! May you look more like Christ this time next year then you do right now!

I Want Him to Get Me a Goat

This past Thursday was Jon and I's anniversary. Well we're both snotty. . . thankfully literally and not figuratively. He had to work late (which he never does), but he just had a project he was working on for the VP of the entire company, so we both agreed it was pretty important. I did make him croissant rolls with hot dogs and cheese (one of his favorite meals). We went to bed at our usual early bedtime and that was that. Happy Anniversary, honey!!! We plan on celebrating today with lunch at a little Irish place not far from his work. On my card Jon gave me he said, "I'll give you your present later."

While this would make a lot of wives mad. . . not me. Jon is very sweet and thoughtful, plus it was just a few hours before this that I was at Wal-mart buying his card. . . so I totally get a procrastinator because I is one too :0)

Anyhoo, the morning after our anniversary I was telling him I wanted a goat for our anniversary. The Lord is really doing some remarkable things in my heart, and so I'm hoping years from now when I read this post it will mark the beginning to something beauty-ful.. . . a beauty-ful work of the Lord in the heart of a girl who desperately needs His grace. . . .starting all with a goat for an anniversary present.

Until then. . .

No Show Friday

It has been such a full day. . . a good, full day. We started off the morning by heading to Jenn G.'s for PJs and pancakes. We had such a wonderful time laughing, sharing our hearts, talking, and just soaking one another up. The kiddos all played and the ladies all gabbed. . . it was wonderful. I left just thanking the Lord for such sweet friendships. Noah and KJ came home with me and Ash went home with Faith. I cleaned and got all the Christmas stuff packed away while the kiddos played.

When Faith and Steve brought Ash home they brought pizza with them and we all hung out and laughed and talked and it, too, was wonderful. We love that family that we share the same last name with so much.

Anyhoo, it seems as if every time we're together the girls a-l-w-a-y-s and I mean a-l-w-a-y-s want to put on shows. I know this sounds horrible, but this is something I really have to make myself watch. Every time I watch them I always think, "They are so precious. I'm really going to miss this one day." However, just making myself break away from adult conversation to watch it. . . I force myself.

Steve actually yelled upstairs, "Sorry girls, it's 'No Show Friday.". Bless their hearts they weren't having it, and Faith and I knew we couldn't break their hearts. Before the show though Faith and I were talking. . . . I wonder what is it that makes them want to put on shows every.single.time we're together????? Just thinking out loud here, is it their creativity and they just want to express themselves OR do they feel like they don't get enough attention, and just want to be the center of attention for 3 or 5 or 9 minutes???? Anybody out there put on shows a lot for your parents as kids? I'm just curious as to why they do this so much? I think for now, I'll just rest with the first guess and call it their creative expression. . . sounds good to me!

And So Christmas Continues. . .

Having a lot of family, which I'm very grateful for, Christmas continues for a few days for us. However, I know amongst a body of junk food, a lack of sleep, and a desire just to soak up my family, I'll not get on this blog and blog about the details of Christmas morning. So, here I am, with no pictures (cause I'm too lazy to download them right now). . . only words.

Christmas Eve was a day like no other. A day that I did not wake up to the sound of an alarm clock. Although I was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:30ish, it was really nice to wake up and just talk to the Lord, cuddle up next to my hubby, and just be still. I stayed in my PJs I think until around 2:00 that day. Alec and Jon went to finish up a little last minute Christmas shopping, and I worked on my gift to Jon (a collection of letters from family/community/friends to Jon's Dad with favorite memories of him). The boys got home and we all opened up Alec's Christmas gift to the family. Every year we have a Christmas code (code written on presents to tell whose is whose). If the kiddos guess it, then they get to open one gift on Christmas Eve. This year they cracked it. Those kiddos are getting too smart for their mama. Alec offered his Christmas gift as the one to open. All agreed. Kung-fu Panda 2. We all sat down and watched it together. Then our power went off. . . rats!!! Jon started reading to us a book called, "Christmas Jar". Then everyone coerced me to go and get out of my PJs and get ready so we could go and grab some dinner.

We headed Olive Garden, which was oh.so.yummy then to Marble Slab Creamery (best ice cream ever). We decided to head over to Gigi and Grandaddy's and their power was out. Shucks! Hoping ours was on (which they only live 2 minutes from us), we headed home. I needed to get busy getting yarn all over the house.

Kiddos all piled in Alec's room (their own Christmas Eve tradition). They put the TV in there and all fell asleep watching a movie. I, on the other hand, watched "It's a Wonderful Life" while wrapping presents and proceeding to do "string game", which is a family favorite (minus Jon). It was 10:45ish when everyone gathered around George Bailey and gave his family money to replaced what his uncle had lost (to Potter's hands). I ended the night with my favorite movie of all times and headed to bed . . . 11:00.

4:30sih I awaken to Jon playing with his flashlight. I tease him often and tell him he's the biggest kid in our family. He was flashing it towards the kids room trying to mess with them.

4:55 all out of bed and headed downstairs. We all opened up our gifts and the kiddos were very excited and pleased which makes Jon and I happy. They were so very grateful.

The girls had a surprise for me they were busting at the seams to give to me. I unwrapped a block of wood with a riddle on it which led me up to Ashley's bedroom. (I'll post picture later). My sweet girls had worked oh so very hard to buy me a pair of silver Toms. Can you believe that? Touched my heart so much.

We laid around for a little while, ate breakfast casserole and Happy Birthday Jesus cake, then got ready and went to church. I was happy Gigi and Grandaddy were going with us. However, they didn't sit with us because they didn't want to sit so close. . . I told them they were backrow baptists.

After church we headed to moms, ate, opened gifts, laughed, and just enjoyed one another so much. We were all together which is always a nice treat. I got some good baby love from Emmett. He is a chucka chucka love - absolutely precious!

It was dark when we headed home. We dropped off dinner to Gigi and Grandadddy and headed home.

Probably my favorite part of the whole night we were all gathered in Jon and I's bed and Hanna got this thing called "Paper Jams" - some sort of microphone you sing into. .. she was cracking us up with her questions/comments/commentary etc - asking us favorite memories, favorite presents, worst presents, etc. We are all giggling up a storm. I silently thanked the Lord for that moment with the Fab 5. My eyes were so heavy I was drifting off to sleep, then I'd wake up giggling, drift off to sleep, and the cycle continued until we sent 3 of the Fab 5 to their own beds.

Today, the celebration continues with Jon's family and my Dad.

Makes Me Laugh

Laughter. . . such good medicine for a soul.

This is one thing that cracks me up every time.

This girl. . . she is a hoot and a half. Her chore is to take all the laundry downstairs. She's always coming up with creative ways to do this. This particular morning she was stuffing all the dirty clothes into her clothes.
So. Very.Funny

Christmas Memories

As Christmas day approaches I always think back to times past.

So, to recall a few Christmas memories, I'll start with one that makes me smile and makes me go, "For Real?" at the same time. When I was a little girl my parents told us that the Sandman traveled with Santa. He was there with Santa to make sure no little girls or boys saw Santa. If you got up and Santa was laying out our presents, the Sandman would throw sand in your eyes. Every Christmas morning I would wake up and head into the living room with my eyes barely open. . . feeling a range of emotions, excited about my Christmas presents, yet fearful that the Sandman would throw sand in my eyes.

After we had had Ashley I had been driving a 2-door Toyota Tercel with no air conditioning. We didn't have much money at all. Jon surprised me with a mini van for Christmas. I'll never forget I was on the phone with my friend, JJ, and Jon came home and told me I needed to come outside. . . it was a tan Mercury Villager. . . it was a sweet memory.

I remember one Christmas as a little girl "Santa" leaving our globes outside that we has gotten. It was actually my forgetful mother :)

Then there was the Christmas I had begged and begged my Grandmama to get the Cabbage Patch Kid preemie. I didn't think I was going to get it. She was so sweet. It was under her tree. I was so excited.

And, then the Christmas when I wanted a Jansport backpack and a panda bracelet. . . remember those? Oh, I'm dating myself. My Dad was so sweet to get me both.

The Christmas that brought sweet tears when we gave Jon's Mom and Dad and my Mom old reel photos (anyone know what I'm talking about) put onto a VHS. Sweet, sweet times.

The Christmas that probably brought the most tears to my eyes over and over again was when Jon wrote me a poem called "The Stocking". It is framed and sits in my foyer. It is precious. . .not quite as precious as he is, but precious.

There was that Christmas right before Jon and I said, "I do". I don't remember that Christmas at all, as I was about to be a bride 3 days later. You know one thing I do remember though? I didn't have enough money to buy my bridesmaids gifts. My parents were spent out. My sweet Grandmama gave me $200 that year for Christmas, so I'd have enough money to buy their gifts.

I remember the Christmas on Petticoat Lane. . . we just had Alec and Ashley then. My Daddy was sober for the first time in my life. He spent Christmas Eve night with us. What a special time!

Amongst all of my Christmas memories, I'm reminded of the saying, "The best things in life aren't things". It's the people we share them with. . .

For the Girls

Tonight our church had our annual Christmas program. It's always really good, but honestly, I just wasn't in the mood. My heart is struggling right now, and I'm trying to work through some things in my own head. Anyhoo, Ash, Hanna, and I went to the grocery store this afternoon, got home and unpacked the groceries. It was 5:50 and the girls begged to go to the Christmas program. I took them. We arrived just in the nick of time and even got a good seat.

Boy, the Lord always knows how to meet us at our point of need. The Lord knows my heart, actually better than I know it myself. He knows those things that hurt my heart and the questions I have in my own head of the one that is hurting it. But, He met me exactly where I needed to be met through this wonderful production. Our choir did an outstanding job. I haven't been to worship this good since the Travis Cottrell concert a few months back. My very favorite part was when the lights were off and the choir filed the sanctuary with lighted candles. . . .the whole entire thing really was amazing.

I told each of my girls during the program, "I'm so glad you wanted to come."

And now my heart is full.

Full of the Lord's goodness.

Full of the Lord's grace.

Full of the Lord's mercies.

Full in only a way He can meet me. Praise His glorious name!!!!

The Greener Grass

There are days, thankfully not many days, but days when I do wonder what our lives would actually look like if the children went to school.

Let's see. . . well, rather than a mother who awakens at 4:00 a.m., my children would have a mother that would wake up at 6:00 a.m., prepare them breakfast, get them dressed, and i guess have them at school by 7:30 (is that what time it starts? I'm not sure). Said mother would then go back home, get a work out in, and then proceed on to work while they were in school. Said mother would pick them up with a smile on her face. . . so glad to see them from missing them all day. We'd get home and there would be homemade cookies waiting on them. We'd all sit down and do homework together. Afterwards we'd sing koombaya (sp???), and all would be bliss. They would see a mother who was happy all the time, full of energy, full of life, no frustrations. They would get along exceptionally well because they would have not seen one another all day.

Well, at least this is how I imagine it anyway.. . .

Can't our imaginations do that to us, set us up for disappointment and not reality? The reality of the above scenario is that it doesn't exist, and I'm so thankful for Jon and his encouragement over the 10 years we've been homeschooling. Otherwise, I would have put all the chidlren in school many years ago. But . . .if they were in school I'd miss out on this.

The looks of their little faces (yes, even the 14-year-old) as they learn.

I'd miss out on long lunches when we ask one another silly questions and learn even more . . . about one another.

I'd miss out on their fighting . . . and trying to teach them how to resolve things and point them to Christ and the cross.

I'd miss the giggles.

I'd miss out on the endless, and I do mean, endless chatter.

I'd miss them being on my heels all day. . . for one day I will blink and they will be no longer be on my heels, only my heart.

I'd miss trips to the grocery store and knowing every.single.food they like, dislike, what makes them smile, what makes them gag.

I'd miss the opportunities to teach them to honor me. . . not because I say so, but because God says so.

I'd miss the tattle telling. . . well, I'm not really sure I'd really miss that one.

I'd miss the odd stages of life (like the 11-year-old right now) teaching them to navigate muddy waters and find out who they really are.

I'd miss them telling me really cool stuff they are learning about.

I'd miss the time. . .

For although MUCH is required of me, much more than just researching curriculum, putting together lesson plans, grading papers, teaching, the discipline to both work and homeschool. . . the MUCH of that is my time. And, do you know how children spell love?

T-I-M-E

So, although there are days when the grass on this side is dull, lifeless, lacking in vibrancy, and the mom on this side of the hill is just craving some time all to herself. . . that will come, much sooner than I think and much sooner than I want. Prayerfully and hopefully I am making a great impact on my children for the kingdom of Christ . . . that they will grow in Him and be mighty warriors for Him. . . all for His glory and honor.

Until then, I'll keep my tent pitched on this side of the hill. . . no matter how much more greener and vibrant the other side looks.

A Time for Cold

You don't have to read this blog for very long to know that we are true and blue through and through for soccer.

Well, at least I thought we were. I draw the line at being true and blue, through and through at 30 degrees on the soccer field.

That's how it was this past weekend. We had a tournament. Goodness gracious, when you have to pull out a blanket to take with you . . . that means it's time for soccer to be over.

Look at my boys. . . especially the bigger one who wears shorts in 50-degree weather. You know if they are bundled up THIS much, then it is C-O-L-D!!!
Hanna and I were bundled up tight as well.
Poor Ash. . . we left her with her team for the 45 minutes they practiced and crawled back into the heated van.

Then, to top it off, I didn't take a single picture of my soccer girl. . . I stink, I know.

I really was too busy trying to cheer our soccer team on to at least one victory.

No dice - they lost all 3 games.

Meanwhile, Hanna got a hold of the camera. Here's the pictures she took.
I'm actually quite impressed. They're better pictures than I take.
Here's putting soccer to rest until March. Thank goodness. I don't think I could hack another cold weekend like we just had :)

An Old Memory Served Like Sweet Tea

This was the riddle we got a few weeks back. Jon came home telling the kids and I he had a surprise for all of us. He was so sweet and fun to give us a riddle.

An old memory served like sweet tea.

What?

I even posted it on facebook to get help from my friends.

Friday when Jon got home we all piled in the van. . . here are the surprisees (well minus one, but I was taking the picture) Jon had also told us that I would probably like it most, then the girls, and Alec would probably like it, but would pretend like he doesn't.

Here is the surpriser.
I just love, love, love surprises. I actually thought it was in a totally different town. When Jon started heading south, I was totally clueless as to where we were going.

About 10 minutes away, Alec and I saw a billboard advertising.

An old memory - Disney World - we've been (I think??) 9 times.

Served like sweet tea - how is sweet tea served? Cold - cold as ice.

Disney on Ice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was E-C-S-T-A-T-I-C!!!
This is a show we've all wanted to see for many years now, but just never wanted to spend the money.
It was fabulous.
You'd think our kids would be too old for it now, but they really enjoyed it.
The skaters were so.very.talented.




What a great time we had. I'm so very thankful for such a thoughtful, sweet, and fun husband. He gave us a night we will remember. . . Memories are precious. It's something that can't be taken away from you!

Getting Our Jingle On

The title is courtesy of my friend, Bethany. . . I saw this on facebook where she was congratulating Lydia and I for our run. . . Cute title, huh?

Several of our friends were running a local 5K in town. It's been oh so very long since I've run a 5K, and speed is not something I've worked on lately. In fact, running has really stunk with a capital "S" for me in the past few weeks.

I was somewhat nervous. I thought I'd probably finish in the 26-minute range somewhere, but would be ecstatic if I were in the 24-minute range. Lydia and I decided to try and finish strong together.

Terrible friend and competitor I am. . . there is just something within me that when i hear "go" . . . that is what I do. . . and what I did. I went and just ran, not waiting on anyone. I felt terrible, but Ang. H. and Lydia were together, so that helped me a little.

Anyway, I was super stoked because I won the overall female at a time of 23 minutes flat. What???? I couldn't believe it. My best 5K time ever is 22:50, and that was when I was running ALOT. Oh wow. I'm telling you I was so excited about the 23 flat time. Makes me excited to get back into running 5Ks again.

Here's our race crew minus Stephanie. . . not sure where she was when this was taken.

This was Lydia's first 5K and she won her age group. Whoo hoo!
Here I am in the car with my metal.

Seeing the World Through Gospel-Centered Glasses

A person who I just look up to and admire. . . a person who just oozes Jesus. . . a person that I tease with and say, "Never, ever have I wished I were a man except to be discipled by you". He's precious. I will leave his name free from this blog, but many friends may know him based on the description above.

I was talking with him at Chick-fil-A one day and he was just oozing Jesus as normal. The things that I caught that he said that have stuck with me were 2 things.

1) "I make it a practice of forgiving the moment of offense." (the Lord knew I needed this literally a week before I left for Guyana. . . I know, I know. . . I need to blog about my trip and SHARE). But this post isn't about this quote.

2. ". .. seeing the world through Gospel-centered glasses." I loved that!!! He was actually talking about a movie he had watched and it had nothing to do with the Gospel, yet he pulled it in and related it to the Gospel.

Well, I have been following the advice of my very wise friend, and both of these things have totally changed my vision and view of things. When I watch movies, Gospel-centered glasses are what I wear. When I hear someone telling a story, Gospel-centered ears are what I hear with. Forgiving the moment I'm offended. . . I've learned so much about forgiveness AND myself putting this one into practice. I've learned the longer I hold onto an offence, the harder it is to forgive. I've also learned for me I have to put my forgiveness into action. I just can't "say" I forgive. . . I really need to do something so that I know in my heart I've truly forgiven. I've also learned how to detect when my mouth is saying "I've forgiven", but my heart has not. What does that person's presence do to me? What does the mention of their name make me feel or think? If I'm at peace with a person who has hurt me, then their presence/mention of their name, etc. makes me feel no ill feelings or ugly thoughts whatsoever. . . in fact, I don't even remember the offence. After all, if we are suppose to forgive as we've been forgiven, then that means we remember no more, that the offence is as far as the east is from the west.

I'm so thankful how God uses people in my life to bring me closer to Him.

Precious Girls

I have to just say my girls are so very thoughtful. They teach me so much about thinking and serving others. One of our favorite things every year is "Operation Christmas Child". I would love for one day our whole family actually go overseas and deliver these boxes face to face with the children receiving them. . . . prayerfully one day we will get to do that, if the Lord wills.

Meanwhile, we do get excited about shopping for them and filling them. This year my friend, Christina, encouraged us to do more than normal. We did 6, but next year I think we're going to bump it up to 12. She had great ideas about looking for clearance items at the end of the season and buying year-round for our boxes, rather than just one specific time of the year.

Well, I let the girls handle the dispersion, so off they went.

Thankfully this year, OCC had boxes we could just stuff rather than having to buy or wrap them.
Normally when I leave them to a task together, Ash takes charge and Hanna does as told.

What servants hearts they have.

I've been working ALOT . . .like 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ALOT. I've left the kids to fend for themselves for breakfast. I've actually let the girls cook pancakes unsupervised on the griddle. They are expert chefs. They can handle it. Well, look what they surprised me with one morning. The pancake is in a shape of a heart.
Aren't they just precious?

S-L-U-M-B-E-R P-A-R-T-Y!!!!

Sooo, a few weeks back Lydia and I planned a slumber party with our Sunday School class. We have roughly about 15 girls, and I was very excited when 7 of them showed up. One thing our youth group lacks is unity. .. and a lot of it has to do with catty girls, feelings hurt, exclusivity, etc. I was really praying that this night would bring about some unity. God was so faithful. It did.

After eating spaghetti and playing Kinect for a little bit I had the girls gather around the dining room table. We talked about the early church and how one of the reasons the early church met was to encourage one another. . . they were spreading the Gospel and were getting so "beat up", they would all meet together to encourage and build one another up. I asked them, "Do you feel more encouraged/built up by your brothers and sisters in Christ or by the world?" Their answer? The world. Then we talked about the "whys" of this. Funny thing is, sometimes its the same way with us adults, huh? This is a conversation Jon and I have had often. I went on to tell them it all goes back to love. We often think our "love" for one another is messed up. However, when we are loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. . . then everything flows naturally from that, then we shouldn't have a problem loving/praying for our enemy, turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, building up the body, humbling ourselves when we've wronged someone, etc. EVERYTHING we do should stem from our love for God.

Silliness at its finest.
The girls really opened up their hearts and there were tears. . . It was a very sweet time in the Lord. So, you see all that colored paper? Everyone had a piece with their name on it. We passed it around the table and each girl had to write something encouraging on it. I told the girls to please stay away from shallow things like, "Kat, I like your hair straight." To be real, sincere, and encourage one another with things that really matter.
I had Casting Crowns newest CD playing in the background.
LOVE these girls to pieces! Missing Jaimie though.
Lydia tried to hide. She and I were both so.very.tired.
We then all went to the family room and watched, "The Princess Bride". At midnight, however, I told everyone good night, and I headed up to bed. I didn't mind being the first one asleep. Ha!Ha!

I'm so thankful the Lord has given me the opportunity to invest in these girls. My prayer is that their hearts beat for Him and their driving purpose in life will be to know Him and to make Him known!