A saga followed by a litany of praise....

Last night the Christmas tree fell. I was in one of those deep sleep times that come only rarely.  My heavy heart welcomed the rest. So, when I am awakened by a combination of water pouring all over the living room floor and the crash of the tree, my heart picks right back up on the sadness and feelings of despair.

I am only worried about the fragile hand painted egg ornament given to me by my bible study leader  eleven years ago when Hannah was born as a babygift. In the most delicate artistry, painted is a baby in a cradle with a beautiful array of color and the scripting from Matthew...let the little children come to me...Hannah's First Christmas 2000. It is the only ornament every year that gets its own special box and tissue paper. My prayer is that Hannah can always have her egg as a keepsake. Lawren, my 19 yr old, who has been awakened as well, finds the egg resting sweetly in a chair atop of a pile of unfolded laundry.

We have mice....and not Christmas mice...at least two of them...one that hangs out in the kitchen area and another that stays in the back of the house. It is so bad that the bedroom mouse made a nest in my son's dresser drawer and ate a hole in his Ocean City, Maryland lifeguard shirt. The critter had to pick a fave shirt:(

I pay Cooks $31 a month for pest control. That's $372 a year on a single mom's budget. I don't feel as though this fee should require I scout out mice poison from Wal-Mart and I do not care for cats. So today I will call Cooks AGAIN but I will most likely stop for pellets because I am feeling so desperate in general and need to be rid of the mice. The story about them being friends with Hannah's hampster Squirt just isn't washing anymore.

I had to work a twelve hour day yesterday after a ten hour day on Monday. I am tired.

Forgot to mention the dishwasher leaks...in a family of six that is crisis overload. We eat alot and often. The struggle to be green sets in and I refuse to purchase paperplates but the kids are not stepping up to help wash dishes, saying, "that's not my chore". I try to talk to them about honor and consideration and they look at me like I am an alien. TODAY I FEEL LIKE AN ALIEN...A NON VISIBLE WOMAN who feels completely alone.

Oh yeah, and one of my closest friends has recently moved to Arizona...ARIZONA for goodness sake...across the country. She is the one whose shoulder I cry on over coffee, the one just one step ahead of me in parenting and grace who listens, cries too, and encourages me. AND NOW SHE IS NOT HERE.

I am sure these are issues that shepherd boy/King/man after God's own heart David never dealt with. He was too busy running from enemies, sleeping in fields, fighting his battles and leading his men.

Yet, the emotional gamut that runs through our souls as we walk through life parallel each other.

May I, like David, finish the day in praise:

                                               Litany of Praise (based on David's Psalm 105)

How great is my God, and how I love to sing His praises.

Whereas I am often frightened when I think about my future, and confused and disturbed by the rapidly changing events about me,
My heart is secured and made glad when I remember how He has cared for me throughout the past.

When I was brought forth from my mother's womb, 
God's hand was upon me.

Through parents and people who cared,
He loved me and sheltered me and set me upon His course for my life.

Through illness and accident
My God has sustained me.

Around pitfalls and precipices
He has safely led me.


When I became rebellious an struck out on my own,
He waited patiently for me to return.

When I fell on my face in weakness and failure,
He gently set me upon my feet again.

He did not always prevent me from hurting myself,
but He took me back to heal my wounds.

Even out of the broken pieces of my defeats,
He created a vessel of beauty and usefulness.


Through trials and errors, failures and successes, my God has cared for me.
From infancy to adulthood He has never let me go.

His love has led me, or followed me, through the valleys or sorrow and the highlands of joy,
Through times of want and years of abundance.

He has bridged impassable rivers and moved impossible mountains. Sometimes through me, sometimes in spite of me.
He seeks to accomplish His purpose in my life.

He has kept me through the stormy past.
He will secure and guide me through the perilous future.

I need never be afraid.
No matter how uncertain the months or years ahead of me.

How great is My God, and how I love to sing His praises

Content in relationships

Our first relationships in life are those formed in the home. The relationships we have with parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives. I tell my kids that here, at home, we get to practice on each other how to treat one another so we can be a light to a lost world.

My hopes are that my children respond to one another and me in such a way that they are inviting to others. We don't always get that right.

I keep hoping after nineteen years of parenting that the "policing" years are almost over. Yet, regularly...sometimes more than once a day I am correcting my almost teenage son and administering discipline in some regard.

Presently, we are working on ridding the ugly element of "name calling" in our home. All four offenders have a unique disciplinary consequence awaiting them should they choose to name call someone.

I have come to believe that children, siblings, and even parents "act out" the most at home. Most feel the safest there to be who they are....the good, bad, and ugly.

In reality, when we belong to Christ though, "we are new creations...and have the mind and body of Christ indwelling us" to ward off reacting in our flesh when we are offended.  However this is an ongoing part of our sanctification process as we mature.

Meanwhile, I have found the most needed character traits in the home are love and forgiveness. What does that look like in relationships in the home? I think it looks a lot like the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

In Luke 15 Jesus tells us two stories that illustrate what has already been done for us as believers...we were lost and Christ sought us out. In both stories the shepherd and the woman go to great lengths to bring reconciliation by bringing the sheep back and finding the lost coin.

Realizing what lengths God has gone to procure us....to bring us into the family of God....to give us everlasting life and love illustrates what we are to do when there is separation between individuals in relationships. Because we realize what provisions have been made for us, we seek out individuals whom we have harmed or been harmed by and attempt to be reconciled.

Prayerfully, hearts are softened and turned toward one another. When we "hear each other out" I find not only is there greater understanding but also value is placed on the relationship.

We ward off bitterness which causes walls to build up between us and practice lots and lots of forgiveness over and over again. I find this necessary as a mom almost daily when one of the kids says or does something I deem disrespectful.  There are days I want to throw in the towel, give up, let them go there on way. But the voice of truth reminds me...

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed
Yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
Nor my convenant of peace be removed from you
Says the Lord
Who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10

If God is going to keep on loving me and keep peace with me and I continue to fall short regularly of His commandments....how much more should I extend love and peace to those around me.

Relationships are work. They require careful attention and in my opinion, because human beings are involved, demand personal involvement with either face to face interaction or at a minimum a phone call. We press into those we love who are struggling so like the lost sheep or coin they are found and their value is celebrated.

Who are you pressing into to bring reconciliation? How are you valuing those around you the most. Does your wife feel as important as your boss? How about your kids?

The past fifteen hours....

I was drill sergeant mom this morning when I woke the kids fifteen minutes early reminding them I had an appointment on the other side of town at eight am and  we needed to leave early.

I was encourager/reminder mom when the kids piled out of the car at school and I say, "do good on your science test! I love you!"

I was forgetful and figure it out mom when on the way to my counseling appointment Hannah calls. "Exactly where on the parkway are you because we forgot to send a note so I can stay after today for basketball practice."

I was counselee mom as I sit across from my counselor and she shares the hard things with me about life...and the sweetness of the Father...in those hard places.

I was investigative mom as I phone my cousin in Powder Springs, Georgia to inquire about college for Mary. Three of her four children have all finished high school and her husband in athletic director at Shorter College in Rome. I, as a single mom, have no clue as to how to get my daughter recruited....Of course I think she is a phenomenal athlete and every school would be tremendously blessed to have her!

I was a thoughtful mom as at approximately 10 am I text my friend in Birmingham who is on my mind. I tell her I am praying for her and thinking of her.

I was planning mom as I phone my step mom to arrange tutoring time for the afternoon with my niece.

I was working mom as I served the "Farmer's Market Plate" today at Lyn's  for lunch.

I was take care of myself mom as I met my girlfriend for coffee around 2:30 and we spent an hour and half catching up.

I was push over mom as I stop at GAMESTOP against my better judgement and use John's birthday momey to putrchase a new game.

I am figure out the dinner plan mom before any one leaves for youth.

This only brings me to twelve hours of today and I am tired of remembering all the roles I have as I am most certain you are tired of reading.

As women we have multiple roles every day we find ourselves playing out. Being a mother requires flexibility, intuitiveness, and strength at a minimum. Switching from role to role as our day plays out can often leave us discontent especially if mothering requires us to drop our own agenda to step into the life of one of our children who needs attention, encouragement, direction, or a listening ear.


As a mother of five ranging in age from nine to nineteen many days I find myself switching back and forth between corrective discipline with the younger ones to late night counseling sessions with the older.

 Needless to say, the role swapping can be wearysome. Often we as moms also can't wait until one season changes thinking that as soon as "we arrive" at another time we will find contentment such as waiting for a child to finish potty training or surviving the rough arena of middle school.

In chapter four of Calm my Anxious Heart, the author states, "We grow up when we see life and our role from God's perspective: when we thank God for the role He has assigned us and begin to see our cup as a gift instead of a cross; when each morning we ask, 'God, how can I glorify You today in my given role?'"

Thankfully, the author shares God's requirement for us as believers in our many roles assigned by Him, the blessed controller: the requirement is faithfulness.NOT perfection or success. i Corinthians 4:2 says, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."

Will you trust Him that what roles you are walking in today are from Him, orchestrated by  Him for His glory. How is your present situation conforming you to the image of Christ or causing you to be more dependent on HIm for your every need.

My " Two Birthday " Week

This week we celebrated two birthdays. Hannah Rosie was 11 on Wednesday the fourteenth and Lawren turned 19 on Friday. They are as different as daylight and dark yet have shared a bedroom since Lawren returned from Europe in March. Hannah only wears Nike and Under Armour while Lawren is a fashion diva and accents every outfit with either earrings, a big belt, or scarf. Hannah is athletic playing soccer, basketball, and fast pitch softball while Lawren lights the floor with dance or periodically breaks out in song. The two bring so much diversity to our little nest. Idealistic Lawren thinks big thoughts, dreams big dreams, and embraces truth in a manner that continues to stretch me and inspire me.  Hannah is by far my most joy filled child. She is compassionate and thoughtful knowing just what words to say or action to take to bring joy in a painful moment. Parenting these two polar opposites brings great blessing into our lives on a daily basis. Happy Birthday girls from  your biggest fan!

Chapter Three "Content to be me"

I wonder if every woman embraced the truth that the Creator of all the universe "breathed the breath of life into them" would they hold their head higher?

I wonder if every woman knew their immeasurable value before God would they no longer condemn or criticize themselves?

I wonder if every woman knew their purpose on earth would they continue searching for something else to define them?

Psalm 139 speaks to these three truths. 

Verses 13 through 15 attest to God creating us...specifically stating, we are fearfully and wonderfully made; the psalmist speaking about God says, "Wonderful are your works (you and I  are the work he is referring to), and my soul knows it very well."

I am constantly thinking about people I value...how I can bless them or encourage them or minister to them. Well verses 17 and 18 let us know that God is valuing us by thinking of us.....ALOT! The writer says, "How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand."

My daughter is at the beach right now....I hope she walks along the sand and realizes that her heavenly father has her on his mind in a big way.

Finally, regarding our purpose, God lays it out as well in verse 16 "And in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." In other words, God has eveything planned out for us before it ever happens...nothing catches Him off guard. He knows past, present and future.

So I am made by Him, for Him, and am deeply loved by Him. These truths should produce great contentment in my heart. Then why is it that often I I still feel either inadequate or overwhelmed by my life circumstances producing discontent in my heart?

Maybe it's because I have never fully embraced the truths form the time they were taught to me. Maybe I have never given much thought to what God really says about me but rather have listened to the world with its distorted view of what makes one valuable, successful, and beautiful. Maybe even my parents didn't know these truths so they could not pass them down to the next generation.

Regardless of the reasons the truth is now out. It is inviting to me. And embracing the truths of scripture produce contentment and peace. Why? Because I am choosing to trust in Almighty God...the blessed controller of all circumstances (1Tim 6:15) who is "for me" and has my best interest at heart...who has given me a future and great hope (Jer 29)...plans to prosper me....and not to harm me. Over the past nineteen years I have trusted  little by little and found God faithful so today it is much easier to go back to what I know to be true...His word, His nature, and His character.

I am most assuredly discontent at least once a day if not more. I am only human. The most beautiful part is I now know how to recognize it, who to give it to, what truths to appropriate in my discontented circumstances, and can then rest and be at peace. And what an enormous difference it has made in my life.

Do you believe you are valuable in God's eyes....that He is constantly thinking about you...His creation and how He can bless you?

Do you know God has ordered your days to operate in the passions and giftings He has bestowed to you. It is in that place of corporate businesswoman, doctor, or homemaker that we find contentment. Are you operating in your giftings?

We are commanded in Genesis 1:28 to subdue...or bring to productivity that which is in our domain. Are you bringing to life and productivity what is under and around you?

First though you  must believe that you were created by God and in the image of God. We as believers are the image bearers of God. Are you properly presenting Him in and through your life to those around you.

My prayer for you today is that you WILL walk with your head higher because of who made you, that you will relish the idea of God thinking about you ALL the time when so often our love tank is empty from disappointment in personal relationships and life, and finally will you ponder your giftings and abilities questioning whether  you are content...I would love to know your thoughts regarding these truths.

Content in my circumstances

Learning and practicing contentment will be in the forefront of my journey for this year as our book study group works through Calm my Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. So exactly how does one find contentment in the midst of horrific circumstances?

If Paul, who penned the majority of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had learned contentment in the midst of chains, assaults, near death experiences, to name a few....can't I too find this contentment?

I believe we can. The answer is given in Philippians 4:6-8. "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God." This command is easier said than done when one is in the midst of incredible trials...right now I can think of three people off the top of my head who are walking through unfathomable hardship. One young adult in our youth developed spinal meningitis last summer from a virus. He is now in rehab due to a fall and is experiencing seizures baffling the doctors. My pastor just had to bury his own brother who died from cancer after the brother just lost his wife tragically last November during a routine surgery. A young man, 23 years old, attended the Alabama game on Saturday only to be killed in a car accident on the ride home from the game. One only need to look around momentarily to find someone in a desperate situation of pain be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. This exercise has worked everytime for me. The moment I begin to feel sorry for myself I only need turn on the news to see that someone is in significantly worse shape than I. Remember that old song  "I Sure could use a little good news today?

Once we've embraced the command from verse 6, God's word follows with a promise for us..."and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Isn't peace of mind what many of us long for the most? As one of my moms said, "this means all the irrational thoughts stop flying around in my head!"

As we give our problems over to the Lord in prayer, we must practice replacing the negative thoughts about our current circumstances with positive. The Father does not leave us hanging alone in that area as well. He tells us. in verse eight.."whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about those things."

Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" Our thought life is usally the last to give up as a believer. It is fairly simple to know the biggies...don't steal, don't use coarse language, etc...but no one knows my critical thoughts or judgemental spirit right??....except for God who knows everything and loves us enough to show us our faults. It is these very things for myself that cause me to lose my contentment. Your weaknesses may be different. But we all have them because we live in a fallen world. We take these thoughts (the negative ones) to the obedience of Christ  (2 Cor 10:5) and are commanded to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).


Today I know of women who are struggling with whom to ask to do their $1000 hair weave and families who are longing for their son to get off drugs. Regardless of your social strata, we choose to be content in our circumstances because we believe God is the blessed controller. The author reminds us that, "ultimately, contentment is more a shift in attitude than a change in circumstances."


We renew our mind by learning God's word and using it to replace any faulty thinking we have...The product of this application: CONTENTMENT..why? Because we are appropriating the truths of Christ to our individual life circumstances so we see Him at every turn.

Finally, although the author does not mention it...I want to add the importance of community. When we walk through these hard times, it is imperative to have a group of people around you that love and support you. They are the ones pointing you back to the truths of God's word which sustain you and bring contentment to you in your painful place. They are Jesus with skin on...not one who necessarily can change your circumstance but will walk through it with you always pointing you to the all sufficient one who may not rescue you out of your hard place but promises to be enough and walks through it with you as well. Remember He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5)

That's why I love my MomHeart group. We can meet and share and be there for one another to point one another to Christ but support each other by our presence.

Who do you have? Will you ask the Father to bring you someone to journey with? Will you dive into the truths of scripture that will sustain you during your darkest moments because they are the bread of life.

Contentment....

 The search for and acquisition of contentment, a place of being satisfied, will most likely be debated for years. As I scan through my life years and circumstances thus far, I am reminded there are times when I believed a variety of events, material possessions, and people would bring contentment into my life.

For example,  as a mom I will be content when my toddler is potty trained or my teenager stops rebelling. As a single woman I will be content when I am in a relationship. As a working woman I will be content when I get a raise or promotion. This list goes on and on. You can fill in the blank. I will be content when _________.

However, when we base our contentment on externals, we come up empty handed. We are satisfied momentarily but then continue to look for the next "place of contentment". What we have seems never to quite be enough.

As I am journeying through life I am finding that real contentment is a way down deep place in my soul that is at rest regardless of the fact that I have tummy fat that I can't seem to be rid of, a few varicose veins in my legs popping up, deteriorating eyesight, a man has NOT shown up as a companion, I have not received a promotion, and just when my children move through some difficult phase (which seems constant since there are five of them!), they move into some new arena of challenges because life is just hard and we live in a fractured world.

Recently I finished The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It was my second read of this book. Her autobiography is a glimpse of real contentment, an assurance of the indwelling peace of God, in war torn Holland as her family hides Jews, is betrayed, and she spends years in a German concentration camp. More than anything as a mom I am convinced her faith was grounded in shared experiences with her family during her growing her years.

Now faith is described as a gift from God. Yet this faith is deepened and then tested throughout life as trials come along. However Paul tells us that contentment can be learned. I think before embarking upon this new study of Calm My Anxious Heart in MomHeart I have always approached contenment, like faith. Because Christ is content, we are content. But I see now as I study more that really contentment is a Christlike characteristic that can be taught and cultivated. Paul's life was full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned, chained to a guard, was misunderstood, beaten, deserted by friends. Yet, here are the words he penned:                          

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who strenthens me." Phillipians 4:11-13

As I walk through the various trials of life whether they be parenting or relationships, etc. I can learn to be content regardless of whether these hard situations change or not when I trust that Christ is the blessed controller of every situation. (I Timothy 6:15)  When I choose to believe the truth that God is in control of everything, then I know nothing happens in my life that has not been first sifted through His hands. And I can choose to say from Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure."

Some of my hardest "assignments" have been in the form of discipline for poor choices...choices I made that contradicted the nature and character of Christ. Yet, when I look at those hard assignments through a grid of love....the love of Christ for me....love that came to save and died to save....I can't help but give thanks for a loving God who orchestrated events in such a way to get my attention in order to draw me closer to Him, to depend on Him, to know Him better and to be conformed to His image(Romans 8)....a purpose of our creation.

I keep finding the Father to love me enough to let me often hurt through my circumstances here on earth in order that He might do a greater work of healing my heart restoring me to a place of contentment in Him that stands the test of time.

Are you learning contentment? Will you embrace the truth that the Lord has "assigned" you your portion of whatever you are walking through today. There is rest and satisfaction and knowing as a believer you belong to the Creator of the world and your lot is secure..He is in control and promises to never leave us or forsake us even in them midst of  our most difficult circumstance.

Feasting can be defined as that which affords unusual pleasure to one's mind or senses. In the bible, this morning, I am reminded of the feast Abigail "carried" out to the dessert to David and his men as a peace offering for her foolish husband Nabal's actions against David. Abigail carried two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five bushels of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs. David received her offering and left Nabal alone. Although soon after God had his way and struck Nabal dead and made Abigail the wife of David, the future King of Israel.

Also, I am reminded of Queen Esther, a humble Jewish girl, who providentially ends up in the king's court. Upon the knowledge of Israel's pending destruction from Haman,  she prepares a feast for two days inviting both the King and evil Haman into her chamber. Upon filling their bellies and practicing hospitality by serving these men, she unveils Haman's evil plan to ruin Israel. King Xerxes responds by hanging Haman and Israel is saved.

Two women doing what they do well...cooking, preparing food, serving, making things beautiful change the course of history.

This past weekend I spent 72 hours feasting in the home of my friend Sally Clarkson, pioneer in the homeschool movement as well as author, speaker, blogger, faithful wife and mom. Sally led a MomHeart Leader Intensive Training for 29 of us women from around the globe, literally. There were two moms from Australia along with two Canadian moms.You can find out more about Sally and her family's ministry at www.itakejoy.com, her blog.

Along with wonderful meals, music, candles, and the gorgeous Colorado mountains, we were poured into with inspiring messages of God's design for us as women and inspired to likewise cultivate our own feasts in our own homes. Taking the time to prepare something small like cookies and coffee or large like dinner and inviting others to feast gives value to people. It opens their hearts to listen and respond more favorably to the charge before them to go and make disciples. Thank you Sally and the MomHeart team for a beautiful weekend feast.

Try it yourself the next time you have a run in with your teen or preteen or preschooler....See what gets you closer to  their heart...you yelling and administering punishment or offering a treat and asking questions to better understand their heart. Let me know how this works out for your family. My guess based on experience is that they will soften and you will have an opportunity to shape their thinking, guiding them, and charging them to go change the world as well.

She is beautiful from head to toe

My Mary is 17 today. As a second born daughter she has brought a whole new dimension to parenting. She has stretched me more than I thought humanly possible and grown me deeply as a woman of faith with her unique personality and strong spirit. Many thanks for that beautiful one. I am a better mom because of you. I could complain that you are off in Pensacola playing ball and again in this big family we are  separated but instead I celebrate that you are doing what you love on this special day. Looking forward to celebrating Tuesday with you!  Many thanks for all the laughter, joy, and strength you bring into this family. You can be MC for your fans and teammates but you will always be my Mary.

"You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love..beautiful beyond compare..absolutely flawless."

Song of Solomon 4:7

Happy Birthday Mary Catherine!

Thirty Days Ago

Thirty days ago I did not know Phil Campbell or Hackleburg, Alabama existed. The fury of tornadoes that ravaged through the state of Alabama on April 27 changed that for me.

That Wednesday started out as any other day even though the weather men had been talking storms for a week. When you live in the south, March and April is tornado season. So having severe thunderstorms with tornado watches or even warnings for that matter are quite common.

Yet by Wednesday night things were different. Although the storms passed all around our little town of Lacey's Spring, we did lose power around 5:30 that evening.  By eight or nine that night the worst was over and reports from battery operated radio were indicating several tornado touchdowns and damage.

Because the media tend to sensationalize so much it was hard to know how bad things were. There were thousands without power. We used the down time to pull out Granddaddy's burners from the fish fries and cooked out on the deck. On Thursday we realized obtaining gas was to be a problem because of the power outage. For the first time I can remember the city and county were put under a mandatory curfew for days.  Fortunately our power returned by early Friday morning while most in the surrounding areas were without until the following Monday and many as late as Wednesday. Generators became a hot commodity for many quickly.

Since work was shut down we took the time to travel to Nashville to see Mary Catherine play some softball. We managed to get enough gas from two different stations to get us up there. It wasn't until late Friday night when Lawren opened her laptop in the hotel did we finally see what devastation there was across the state.  The sights were overwhelming. Videos of the many tornadoes were already downloaded to YouTube. It was worse than a horror movie.  It wasn't long before the realization sunk in there were many deaths and many still missing.

My heart became burdened for the communities hit the hardest. One tornado swept just 17 miles south of my home taking an entire family of five. The next closest storm hit about thirty miles northeast of here.  Although I have never lived through a tornado hit, I know exactly what it feels like to wake up one day and your world be turned upside down. Having spent a year in grief from tragic and unexpected loss endears you to those who are suffering their own tragic loss.

Within days teams were formed and people headed out to serve their neighbors. My mother's day gift this year was an opportunity to serve alongside my oldest daughter and oldest son in the  Harvest area. Most of our time there was spent hauling tree limbs from fallen trees.

Less than two weeks later many of us headed over to Phil Campbell, Alabama where a disaster relief team was already in place cooking meals for volunteers serving in the community.  What an eye opening experience to see a community completely leveled and hear the tragic stories of lost lives and loved ones.

These experiences has drawn my oldest daughter Lawren back two more times. Lawren took a team from the southeast family YMCA yesterday to work in Hackleburg. The entire day was spent clearing and protecting a victim's fig tree before her place was to be bulldozed over.

The task is overwhelming ahead for these two towns in particular but for many others as well. There is simply not enough man power to get the job done. I have pondered the following many times over the past month:

Why did the tornado take that route?  Daily I have thanked the Lord for His protection and provision of safety. On my best day I can feel overwhelmed as a single mom of five. It is beyond my psyche to consider what it might feel like to open a closet door and your house be gone or to find dead people in your yard and pool. I just simply can't imagine the hardship even though intellectually I know God would be enough.

Where are all the families that lived in those homes that are gone?

What's the man to do that lost his entire family?

What's the woman to do who was an orphan and widow? While she stayed in a hotel waiting on an adjuster, looters came and took all her valuables from her basement.

The suffering of the tornado victims and the suffering I experienced this past year has propelled me to go and be with them in their painful place. I can work hard to remove brush, debris, etc, I can give them food and water but most importantly I can be present in their hard place. Just present so they realize they are not alone in this difficult time.  I certainly cannot change their circumstances.

I can only hope that my small act of service might inspire someone else to go and be with someone hurting when the time comes. We were not meant to be alone. And in the event that tragedy ever hits Lacey's Spring, Alabama there is someone somewhere who will come be with us as well.

Recently one of my dear friends Carol joined me on a recent trip to Phil Campbell. Presently she is joining forces with her daughter near the Tuscaloosa area to help one family rebuild their home. A FEMA trailer is coming but it will be empty. She is on a hunt for baby cribs, mattresses and bed frames for the family. If anyone has any to share please let me know. 

When I Was a Little Girl..

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a stewardess. I think they call them "flight attendants" now.  But I wanted to fly on airplanes and bring people their drinks.  Most likely this idea came about from my yearly flights to Shreveport, LA to visit Aunt Peg. She would typically fly my brother Jonathan and myself out each year at different times to visit her.

I loved every moment about the flight experience. I especially got a lot of attention being a child traveler. You got to visit the pilot in his cabin and received a pair of Delta wings after every flight. The flight attendant paid special attention to you and brought you extra peanuts and coke.  Somewhere I even have a picture taken with a man at the Delta counter in some airport.

Each year I observed the flight attendants and dreamed about becoming one when I grew up. It was on every grade school sheet that asked, "When I grow up I want to be a ______________."

My work today is a lot like a flight attendant. Rather than a plane I work at Lyn's Gracious Goodness behind a counter. I take your order or deliver your sandwich to you when it's complete, often complete your order by plating your salad, wipe your table, and give you a cup to fix your drink.

Not only do I enjoy serving  but I have grown to love the customers at the shop as well. We have some regulars who eat with us several times a week. They take the time to ask how you are, smile, and are genuinely thankful that you have served them.

Sometimes my job includes leaving the restaurant to go and work a catered event. This past week I served at a local bank board luncheon. So what happens is the following: I go to work in my uniform which consists of shorts, Lyn's lime green tee (with the big orange fork), and tennis shoes covered in red clay from hours at the ball field practicing and coaching.

Once at work, items are loaded into my van for the lunch. All the goodness is hauled down the street and unloaded and carried, thankfully by cart, up to the fourth floor board room where it is unloaded again.

The next hour is spent folding napkins, putting out water and tea glasses, salt and pepper shakers, sugar containers, and silverware, plating the salad and finally filling the glasses with ice, water and tea. Meanwhile, the yummy lunch goodness is warming in the oven.  Everything looks great. I am now just waiting for the board members to arrive.

Meanwhile I forgot to mention that my contact has said hello. I have inquired how her mother is who is transitioning between apartment living with a housesitter to a residential home. My friend relays to me how her mom fell during the day of the tornadoes and had to travel by ambulance to the hospital with a broken pelvis. We share because this job of serving has afforded me the privilege of building relationships with people who care about one another's lives.

Everything is ready...except for my clothes. You can't serve board members in shorts and a tee shirt. So I race into the bathroom and change into my black pants, black heels, and black top. For a minute I feel like Wonderwoman, who had a regular life but when duty called went into a corner and came out a superhero to meet the needs of the moment. The outfit isn't exactly like the flight attendant's navy blue but it's real close.

I proceed back to the kitchen of the boardroom where for the next hour I serve the fourteen board members their lunch. This particular day it's fresh salad greens with tomatoes, toasted pecans, and green onions topped with basil buttermilk dressing. Next there is pot roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread. For desert we have chocolate silk pie with homemade whipped cream and coffee if desired. My bank contact helps me clear and serve while I keep their glasses full of water and tea. As usual, lunch is a hit.

Both jobs..the flight attendant and my restaurant job today are about serving. It's probably a good fit because it's how I am wired. Actually it's how all Christ followers are wired regardless of your profession.

River of life lesson: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider  equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."(Philippians 2)

I believe regardless of your position you can be content and fulfilled in  your work when you operate out of your giftings. Many left brainers who spend countless hours toiling over a project for the space system can be equally fulfilled when a particular problem is solved or project is complete. He or she has served their team or supervisor well.

Likewise, in the countless thankless hours of a stay at home mom, she too can rejoice that when she has done everything there is to do in that day, she can say, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty." (Luke 17:10) This mom has served the Lord as well as her children as she ministered to them throughout the day whether it was fix a cup of juice or wipe a runny nose or stayed up late talking to her older teen or young adult child who is struggling with life issues.

The lesson when we operate out of our giftings in the individual areas the Father has called us to is the realization that He gives us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."When we delight in the Lord and enjoy fellowship with Him, the overflow is joy and thanksgiving that spills out into other areas of life such as work and family. They get the best of us when we delight in Him.

I realize today how the Father has given me the desire of my heart to love and serve others through my role as a mother and also at work. It took getting sidetracked on a business degree in college and many other twists and turns to come to this place of contentment.  Looking ahead, I wonder what it will look like when the fruition of my most recent ten year longing comes about: to open a bed and breakfast in my home. A place to be called  River of Life Inn.

As the longings, ideas, and plans cultivate in my heart and mind, it is with anticipation I look forward to watching how He moves to do what He promises to do: Give us the desires of our heart, when we delight in Him.

If your life lacks joy or contentment, could it be that you are not operating out of your giftings? How are you loving and serving others? If you belong to God, it's your make up. And share your story here. I would love it.

Today is the big day!

After six month's of Lawren's absence, today she comes home. Her plane is scheduled to arrive in Huntsville about 8:30 tonight. It is a day that around the first of the year I thought would never arrive. Lawren has known for several years that the Father was calling her to Europe to attend a YWAM DTS...Youth With a Mission Discipleship Training School. Her lecture phase took place at a pioneer school in Berlin while their outreach occurred in  Chiang Mai, Thailand.

For as long as I can remember we have talked about missions...I am not sure why. Maybe a couple of factors attributed to this mission mindset. First I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist church where we annually prayed for home missions and foreign missions, took up a Lottie Moon Christmas offering and either attended or taught GA's Girls In Action and Acteens. I took my girls to "Mom and Me Mission Camp" every year at Worldsong in Birmingham until they were old enough to go to week long camps by themselves. Also, during my years of Bible Study Fellowship, my teaching leader oftened referred to some of the great missionaries of the past who helped shape our world. Furthermore, because many of our homeschool years were spent reading great stories, we read about missionaries.

On our first mission trip to Poland three and half years ago, God planted a seed in my daughter to return. She sometimes patiently waited to graduate and launch herself into all her heart was crying for.  During our time in Ruda Slaska , Poland, while the Father was revealing Himself to me as Rescuer...past, present, and future, He was stirring the heart of my beloved daughter to Him.

...the Lord knows how to rescue godly men (Pam) from trials and to uphold the righteous...2 Peter 2:9

The first few months of the DTS weren't too bad....Thanks to the technological age we live in we were able to talk via Skype on the computer weekly. I was even able to receive occasional texts via her ipod during the week. I simply cannot imagine what a parent must have undertaken allowing their children to take off years ago without any communication other than rare letters via snail mail. Even Thanksgiving Day was spent in front of the computer with each family member spending time with Lawren.

Once the outreach began the communication lessened which became harder for mom since their were tummy troubles in Thailand...two hospital visits and down time at the base. Probably for mom the loneliness was the hardest around the first of the year, once the hustle and bustle of outreach here and the holidays ended. Because I was talking less to Lawren, I missed our long conversations...her sharing her heart about something the Lord spoke to her that week or whatever struggle she was encountering.

It was then...with communication limited, I realized why missionaries ask for prayer more than money.  Did you know that YWAM staff does not receive a paycheck? I knew Lawren had to raise her own support to go over there but it never occurred to me that the people staffing the bases...pouring themselves into young adults from all over the world...day in and day out...then trusting the Father to get them to outreach and provide daily for their families..were also depending on others for their livelihood. That is not normal.

Lawren's time in both Europe and Thailand  has been richly rewarding and continued to affirm the love for missions that the Father has placed in her heart. You can follow her blog at www.lawrenelizabeth.blogspot.com. I am sure there will be many more stories to come from her recent experiences.

In The Ministry of Motherhood, the author conveys, "Jesus' work in a person's life has always begun with a call to leave behind the goals, purposes, and distractions of this world and to say yes to a whole new life, a new way of thinking. 'Follow me' is what he told the disciples as he recruited them. And they did, abandoning their fishing nets, their tax-collector's moneybags, their permanent homes, their everyday duties and pleasures. And they never went back. Sure they still did a little fishing from time to time! But once they made the choice to follow Jesus, their lives were forever changed. They never returned to 'normal'."

Furthermore, the author relates, "If I seek to inspire my children to understand and own God's purposes for their lives, that means they will grow up with a different set of instructions than people in the world have...God is not measuring them by how much money they make, what kind of car they drive, or how big a house they are able to buy."

"It is Jesus who calls them just as He calls me..what a privilege...(completey humbling) to have been included in bringing about this miracle of calling. What a great idea God had to use mothers as a part of that process....of helping to inspire our children to God's purposes and walking alongside them as they learn to make the choice of leaving the world."

When I ponder sitting in front of this screen that the God of the universe saw my little nest situated here alongside the Tennessee River in Morgan County, Alabama....and saw our hearts loving Him while still trudging through the daily grind of distractions, busyness, not to mention daily battles of the flesh, and chose us...chose us for greatness....plucked my little girl up, carried her overseas, stretched her to the point she felt like breaking, but treated her with lovingkindness while growing her heart even bigger...touching the world with  my daughter....

Wow, what a sweet momma moment....

Many thanks to each of you who have been praying regularly for Lawren and our family. I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God to produce fruit in  the lives of our families. I am so thankful to God for what I see Him doing in and through Lawren's life, It gives me great hope to continue planting seeds in the lives of my other four children that they too may know the secrets of the kingdom of God.

Not many are called to overseas foreign missions and that is ok. However, as children of God we are all disciples and called in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples..wherever we are..at work, school, play, in our homes, wherever the Father has you today. And the command comes with a promise that I love...I will be with you  always even to the ends of the age.

I have the most interesting friends...

I remember a time when all my friends did the same things I did. We all either homeschooled our kids, were stay at home moms, or never missed church. Not so much today.

The circumstances of my life have dictated that my friendships change. My divorce brought working outside the home which altered my schedule dramatically. No longer were there opportunities to meet for play dates with moms and kids or the flexibility to get together with friends often during the week.

Yet, I realize that although my schedule and circumstances of life change, I have some of the most interesting friends. Just in my weekly interacting via calls, social networking, texts, and occasional visits, I have girlfriends who practice occupational or physical therapy, bellydance for fun, dance in drum circles, hunt, deliver mail, and more.

Recently, I encountered a couple of fun situations where I realized just how blessed I was by my friendships. First, there is Dana. Dana is Madisen's mom. Madisen plays ball with my Hannah Rose...softball, basketball; and since I have finally relented maybe even soccer this upcoming fall for the first time..they have even played travel ball together briefly.

For now, Madisen is an only child so Hannah often gets to tag along with their family. Last spring break they visited the Smoky Mountains. Most recently Hannah hung out during the snow storm after I returned to work. Dana spent all day pulling Madisen and Hannah in a wheelbarrow top from the back of a four wheeler all around their yard. I have attached a picture and video to show you how much fun they had.

Dana, and her husband Danny have taken Thomas, my youngest, hunting. Did you know that hunting often requires going the day before to scout out your area? The same weekend they went we had lots and lots of rain. Madisen's poor horse was struck dead by lightening. Yet, as determined people they still buried the horse, scouted the land, and took the kids hunting. There is something to be admired about that kind of dedication to do what you love.

That Sunday afternoon after church they showed up to pick up Thomas. Madisen came to the door with her heels, skirt and black sweater on. I proceeded to the car to find Dana in a dress. I still can't believe someone that pretty is about to go get decked out in camo and hang out in the woods. I am just glad they love us enough to be a part of our lives.

But the greatest thing was several weeks ago I get a phone call. I see from my cell that it is Dana. When I answer she is whispering...She says, "Hey, it's Dana. I'm about twenty feet up in the air. I just killed a deer and I can't find it. Danny is on his way to help me. Can you go get Madisen from her grandmother's and take her to practice?" Did you whisper when you read that...because without whispering while you read you lost the total effect!

I reassure her that sure I would pick up Madisen. That evening after practice both Danny and Dana show up with the deer in the back of their pick up.  She proudly lifts the prize up by its antlers for the kids, who have barreled out of the van, to see. I say, "Dana, I am totally impressed that you hunt. You are my only female hunting friend. I could never hunt with you because I don't like being cold and once I saw a deer I would only want to pet him. But I am thrilled to see your passion about life." Dana reassures me that this particular deer suffered minimally.

Here is a pic of her prize...the deer and her hubby...

My other friend Ingrid is living another great story...She met her husband Robert at a monster truck show in California. They got married and eventually returned to his homeland, which is nestled almost directly across the river from us on Hobbs Island. Our families meet via church; although I later realized we have purchased fish from his mom and dad's fish market for years.

Anyway, Ingrid's mom and step dad are about to retire her from the west coast. A few weeks ago I pick up Hannah from there home late one Sunday evening. When I arrive into their home here is what I found: I AM NOT KIDDING.....I EVEN TOOK PICTURES I WAS SO BLOWN AWAY!

 Ingrid and me hugging the ram..we edited the one where the kids had us picking his nose.

 Sydney and Hannah by the??????????I am sure I should know that!

 This cape horn buffalo is situated on Ingrid's dining table.
You can see the size of this creature, just head and bust, with Ingrid in the background.

These pictures don't even include the spare bedroom where the bed was completely covered with additional game. The story is that Ingrid's step dad has been on four African safari hunting trips. This is what he brought back. Her family had the animals shipped to Alabama to store until they retire here in the near future.

The only problem is Ingrid does not realize the truck will come at 7 am on Sunday morning...the very day of not only church but little Hayley's birthday party as well. So, at seven am with Robert out of town, Ingrid and the truck driver are jump starting the four wheeler in order to attach the animals onto the four wheeler and drive them up there incredibly steep driveway, unload them, remount them onto these bases and place them in her home.


I guess the most impressive moment of all this for me is that while Ingrid is reliving the day, there is never a moment of complaint or aggravation that dead wild game has taken over her home. She is calmly relaying the events and thinking ahead of how she is going to situate all these animals in her home til her folks get here. Never a moment of criticism or whining that her husband wasn't there to help or that there is no where to sit at the dining room table.  What an inspiration.

Before I left I said, "Ingrid, this was a fabulous way to end a hard day...I am going home to write about this.  So, here you have a couple of stories about some fabulous friends that the Father has placed in our lives.

There was a time of my life when people who lived differently or did things I considered weird would not have impacted my life. I was too critical and judgemental and narrow minded to consider the vastness of God and His glory that is manifested in and through the various lives He allows us to interact with.  But today I see Him....His character..revealed through my friendships and find myself humbled and grateful for the privilege of these friendships.

RIVER OF LIFE LESSON: Be open to the people the Father keeps putting in your life. The Lord may be wanting to use them to teach you something about Himself.

Who are you thankful for? I heard a sermon this past Sunday at Buckhead Church in Atlanta that emphasized DTR..define the relationship. The pastor was encouraging us to define our relationship with our heavenly father...is it growing and is there purpose there?  We can filter our earthly relationships through that same grid. How am I growing and what purpose does God have for me in my current friendships. Good food for thought.

I would love to hear your feedback about how the Lord is blessing you through your friendships!

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places

A couple of weeks ago I woke on a Saturday morning to a quiet house...a good thing. I forced myself up out of bed looking forward to that first cup of coffee and quiet time...time to be with the Lord, time by myself..to think, plan, and dream.

I wandered into the boys room just to look at them and offer a prayer of thanks that they were still sleeping only to find John Jay not in his bed. At first I thought he was just up already somewhere else in the house. Then my thoughts went to maybe he had fallen asleep somewhere else like the couch. It was not long before I realized he was not in the house.  With it being only seven am, I knew he was not outside playing.

A feeling of urgency came upon me as I found the front door open. I reminded myself that we live in the country.  There were many nights I had fallen asleep and left my front door opened. I would never make it as a city girl. I am convinced that because Granddaddy lived in this house and ministered to this community for twenty plus years, that my house is surrounded by angels and we are protected from harm.

My first thought was that John had to be next door at the Doyles. He must have gone over to play a game system with Dusty after I went to bed. So I proceed next door, up the back steps to peer into the windows where the boys would be but can't see a thing. By now I have their pixie dog barking hysterically while my objective had been to try not to disturb my neighbors on the weekend. It was too late. My friend and neighbor Debbie had awakened to reassure me that John was there. She had questioned him when he came over that late but trusted he was honest about my knowing he was there.  I told her to send him home the minute he awoke.

I walked back to the house with  mixed emotions  but most of all  anger that my morning time was interrupted and John Jay had acted so disrespectful and without consideration of anyone other than himself.  I relaxed with my coffee at the kitchen table and had just opened my bible when he walked through the door. Everything in me wanted to lash out screaming at him for the trouble  he caused.

From somewhere deep within me, calm and peace resided. Maybe because I now knew he was safe...the most important thing to me.  He sat down at the kitchen table with me. A rare time for the two of us to be alone. I shared my concerns with him...the  panic I experienced when I realized he was gone and I could not find him.

The story following began spilling from me: I asked John if he remembered David from the bible...what did God say about David...David was a man after God's own heart. I reminded John that David was a regular man who made alot of mistakes; yet, God continued to speak favorably about David.

I retold the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel chapter 12...how David as king saw her bathing on a rooftop and sent his servants and took her for himself. All the time her husband Uriah was fighting valiantly for David and his country. David's infidelity found Bathsheba pregnant. Rather than confront her husband Uriah with truth and seek forgiveness, David tried to cover up his lie. He brought Uriah home from battle encouraging him to sleep with his wife so the child would appear to be Uriah's.

However David is unprepared for Uriah's sense of loyalty. Rather than enjoying the time with his wife he slept on David's mat outside the door until David returned him to battle.  One would think David would now be ready to fall on his face and confess but no....he sends his soldier back to battle with this message for his superiors...Place Uriah on the front of the battle line knowing this would surely bring death to Uriah. The remainder of the story includes Uriah's death, David's marriage to Bathsheba and the death of their child. David realizes the baby is taken as a result of sin and is then free to once again worship His heavenly father.

After David's journey through this sinful act, continued deceit, and unfathomable consequences of his sin, these are David's own words about His God: "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." Psalm 16:6. David knew and believed God was for him and only wanted fullness of life for David. David knew God's ways were best.

I continue to share with John Jay that the boundaries God gives us are pleasant because God has our best interest in mind at all times.....He is not interested in handing down lots of rules that if we don't measure up to He discards us. No, He loves us enough to let us make our own mistakes, make things right with Him, and embrace the same truth that David did:  Your boundaries fall in pleasant places. Although should we choose outside the boundaries God has given us, there are usually unpleasant circumstances to deal with. John Jay faced those that day. But my love for him was unwavering as is God's.

Consider these boundaries: Do not commit adultery. When one crosses this boundary, the pain permeates relationships and lives of both families that bring life long consequences.....a very unpleasant place. But if one embraces the boundary believing God is for him and for his good, the individual finds himself in a much more pleasant place.

Our boundaries as parents need to be pleasant as well.....not too controlling....but not an anything goes environment either. As we grow up in Christ, learning more of His word and His character, we are able to flesh that work out in our homes modeling the grace. forgiveness, and love of Christ.

I had to wait 18 years to hear it but during Lawren's graduation she made the following statement...."When it is no longer a burden but a privilege to be home by 11 because that's the curfew your parent has given you"....she was pointing to a relationship with God rather than rules.

Can you say that the boundaries for you fall in pleasant places? If not, ask God to show you His goodness, love, and mercy toward you which manifest through His boundaries for you. He loves each of us so much that He wants to protect us from living outside the boundaries in order for us to most fully enjoy all He has for us in this life.

Can you say, like David,

" Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. " Psalm 16:5-6

I did not enjoy walking through this hard place on this Saturday morning but I am so thankful for these two things: first, God is so faithful. When you need a word to share pointing someone to truth, He is faithful. Secondly, God is protector. He cared for John when I could not. He cares for each of us as well.

How have the boundaries in your life fallen in pleasant places?

I have the best neighbors in the world!

For the past seventeen years I have lived next door to the same family: The Doyles. There are Don and Debbie who have three grown kids and three grandchildren to date.  Two of the grandchildren are about the same ages as some of my own children so they have grown up together. We consider them family. They don't knock. They help themselves to food and drink. They feel at home when they are here. My kids especially like it that since they are considered "family", they don't get any special privileges like other guests do when in our home. The Doyle's youngest daughter along with her husband and little girl fall into the same category even though they aren't our neighbor. Addy Mae, their four year old, comes over regularly for popsicles and to play with Hannah's hamster "Squirt".

God says in His word that the law is summed up in two commands: Love God with all your heart soul mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Love does not happen overnight. It happens over time when people spend lots of time together, survive crises together, laugh and cry together. That love deepens as we get to know one another better and share our hearts with one another.

The same is true for our love for God. We recognize God's love for us by acknowledging His son who died on the cross in order that we might have life forever and life full and abundant. Yet as we walk through life..especially the hard places, when we trust the God who saved us, we get to know Him even more as His love for us manifests through His character. Whether He  provides something that we want or need, or He cares for us or our loved ones, or He strengthens us to get through a difficult situation. As we acknowledge His provision for us, it deepens our love for God himself as well.

Over the years it has become easy to love the Doyles as our neighbors. Just last week I realized we have had three major saves in less than twelve months. Don, who works from home, is often the one coming to our rescue. First, back during spring break last year, my kids asked permission to use the Doyle's kayaks to put in the river. Thomas was out of this experience because he had broken his arm that week on a skateboard outside and was in a cast. So initially the experience began with Hannah, while Thomas and I watched from the bank of the river.  The agreement was that Hannah would not go out any farther from the bank than about fifteen feet and make a circle to come back. My rationale was this:  At that distance I could get to her quickly enough if something went wrong. In addition, I have NO kayak experience. So I wanted to be able to hear and see her well.

Everything was fine momentarily. We experienced that feeling of, "Wow, we are doing something new and exciting." I was grateful for neighbors who had fun toys and shared. We had the river in our back yard, etc....Lots of happy thoughts and feelings. Then trouble began brewing. It started with Hannah's requests to go out farther to which I promptly replied, "No". Moments later John Jay, my twelve year old appeared home from baseball practice. He found us on the river bank and asked to join Hannah. Red flags went up immediately but I set the boundaries and he entered the water in the second kayak.

Within minutes the two kids were farther out than I planned and not listening to directions. Within a few more minutes John's kayak tipped, John panicked, left Hannah alone and began swimming to shore, while the kayak floated downstream. I believe the coldness of the water  scared John the most. He is a great swimmer. His arms and legs were bright red when he reached the bank. Meanwhile Hannah has gone out far enough that she is drifting downstream and trying to save the second kayak all alone. Now she is crying from her position and I am helpless on the riverbank. Finally after various instructions not working, I tell her to forget about the other kayak. Mr. Don can get it. I instruct her to paddle to shore about twenty yards down from where she put in.

When I realize she is safe on shore, I fetch Don, the rescuer, who drives down the road, kayaks out into the river from another location and gets his boat. We get the hysterical Hannah inside and dried off. And that concludes our first major save this year by the best neighbors in the world which led to many teaching lessons regarding not jeopardizing or leaving a younger sibling in a dangerous situation....listening and cooperating with your parent....learning skills at a new venture before embarking with the equipment, etc.

It was only a few shorts months later in late summer I wound up with four preteen boys in my home. Three friends were staying the night with John. We survived the night and the boys embarked outside the next morning while I prepared breakfast...a hearty feast: eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, the works. I am enjoying my time cooking. When time comes to call the boys, I get no response. When I finally leave the house to go and find them, I find two of the boys standing at the place where we usually climb down the riverbank.....neither of which was my son. When I asked where John Jay and the other boy is I get this dumb stare like they sincerely don't know. When I pressure them, I discover the other two have swam across the river.

Panic set in like never before. I search across the water and see nothing. I frantically run into my neighbor's back door and cry out, "I need your help. John and another boy are crossing the river. I can't see them. Will you help me?" I see Don jump from his chair calling for Kevin, his son." While they take off in one direction, I began running through my yard to the neighbor on the other side who has a cleared landing.

Amidst this frantic time I am fervently praying for God to save them.  I stand from the riverbank searching for boys and screaming. To the left about two hundred yards I think I see two heads bobbing about twenty yards from the other side of the river. I am screaming for them not to attempt to come back but naturally they can't hear me. The helplessness I felt at that moment drove me to cry out to the Lord for rescue. A boater stopped, picked them up, and brought them home. I was so upset, I would not even let the boys inside. I took all three home immediately and carried John to his football weigh in in wet clothes. No one got a hot breakfast that morning.  We have had many discussions since about the wrongdoing and danger of swimming where there is moving watercraft. However, still John Jay's favorite song last summer was Alabama, "Play Me Some Mountain Music"..."swim across the river just to prove that I'm a man". Playing on my drive for storytelling, he even said, "Mom, I'll have a great story to write about!"

Finally, the most recent neighbor rescue occurred involving Cocoa, one of our dogs. As I unloaded the groceries after driving in from work, I hear a bark. It is a cry for help bark. I have come to recognize our dog's barks. Sometimes the bark means I have an animal cornered and am trying to get to it. Sometimes the bark is I want to come inside. This was a bark for help. I glance toward the sheds. Our dogs, as well as the neighbor's dogs, have been locked into the shed overnight more than once. But the sound is not coming from that direction. I proceed to carry the groceries in and casually mention that Cocoa is barking but I can't see her. Hannah, the animal rescuer, immediately leaves to find her. As I go for my last bag of groceries and close my car door, the bark forces me to look up. There in my neighbor's barn UPSTAIRS Cocoa is barking from the window. Ok...there are no steps to get up there so I am wondering how in the heck did she get upstairs. Now Mary, Hannah, and Thomas are trying to get her down. Finally, after no luck, I say what I always say, "Go get Mr. Don. He'll know what to do."  Well, he did. He propped a ladder against the barn and pulled Cocoa out by her front legs. Mary said, "I don't know what scared me more.. That Cocoa might bite him in the face or the ladder about falling." I took over a leftover "entree to go" from work for that venture/rescue.

There have been so many more over the years....fresh aloe plant for a kid with a bad sunburn, vegetable soup for me to get over a bad sinus infection, help finding Hannah who had fallen asleep outside in the swing (I had called her for ten minutes when finally Don came over to help look). Guess he was tired of listening to me yell, and many more.

I am thankful that God protected my kids in that water as well as Cocoa. He is so faithful. But I am forever grateful that He gave me such great neighbors. Not only because they help with so so much but also because it is so much better to not walk through the trials of life alone. It is easier to get through them when you know someone cares.

I look for ways to bless them in return but feel like more often than not they are the ones continuing to give. Do you have great neighbors? Are you a great neighbor? I once served with a pastor who told us he could get a hundred people to give and go to another country for missions. But he couldn't get twenty to help in their own community.

Jesus commanded us to serve our Jerusalem (our community) Samaria (other cities) and the uttermost parts of the world (the rest of the world). Who is in your Jerusalem? How are you ministering to them? They may not look like your family or live like your family. Yet, God said to love them as we love ourselves.

If you are having trouble loving your neighbor or even getting to know your neighbor, ask the Father to give you a willing spirit to build a relationship with the person closest in proximity to you....your next door neighbor. And I would love to hear some of your stories!

My Best Christmas Yet

This has been the best Christmas I remember. It seems odd to be able to write that statement when my oldest daughter was absent out of the country and my love is no longer present on this earth.  But it is a true statement.I have felt "more alive" this particular Christmas than ever before. After considering everything, I can only contribute my happiness to my sweet time with the man I love. 

When loved ones are walking faithfully in their individual faith journeys we can collectively celebrate and enjoy even more of what all Christ offers us in this life. 

In other words I think I was able to enjoy Christmas more because Lawren is doing exactly what she is called to do in Thailand. Whoa unto the one who tries to stop the work the Father is doing in a child's heart...a work He has purposed. Releasing her to Him in this way has enabled us as a family remaining at home to function more fully.

Likewise, not becoming lost in my grief, as tempting as it often is but rather focusing on the joy of the experience brought the gift of Christmas into a completely new light.

Really loving someone and allowing yourself to be truly loved opens your heart to sincerely enjoy each moment placed before you. Maybe because you are seeing life through a different set of lens.

True love permeates every fiber of your being no matter how brief. There is no life experience that can touch you without being filtered by a heart touched by love if we allow it.

My love experience on earth is no different than what Christmas is really about. A love offering from the Creator of the Universe to us...His creation. He birthed His own son through a virgin by the power of His Holy Spirit giving us an opportunity to forever be loved eternally, unconditionally, and passionately by The Great I Am. His love is so great for each of us that He gave up his only son born so long ago to a cruel death in order that we might have life.

Not life dreading the holidays, today, or any day but life that we might look expectantly for all that He has in store for each one us. Life to offer that same eternal, unconditional and passionate love for others that He entrusts to each of us.

My life may never touch the lives you touch but in each of our unique ways, when we embrace the gift of life given to each of us by God, we are in for the greatest ride ever as we watch the glory of God be made manifest through the most creative ways.....be it saying "yes" to a child for a friend to sleep over when you are too tired to move or letting your 12 year old son, who is taller than you,  wallow all over you while you feel as though you can't breathe from a sinus infection.  In those moments, the Father reminds me of the privilege it is to be loved so deeply.

How has the Father ministered to your heart this holiday season. Have you felt "new" as a result of the emphasis of His great gift...Jesus.  Behold I make all things new...in Christ you are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) . If you struggle to see the joy in your daily life, maybe the only change that is needed is a good lens cleaning. More often than not we are exactly where we need to be but need only an attitude adjustment for the opportunity before us.

Today I will complete putting up the Christmas decorations for this year. But i will purpose in my heart for the real reason of Christmas to stay fresh and new all year in my heart. It is without dread that I pack away the items until next year. It is with wonderful memories of a great holiday that I carefully wrap each item until I can joyfully pull it back down next year. I am sharing a few pictures of the fun I had decorating my home for Jesus and for anyone He allowed to visit this season.

 

Our dining table decorated with scarves that belonged to Aunt Peg and our traditional Advent wreath.

My Christmas apron collection..some of which my grandmother wore.

No matter the nook or the kindle....real books will never die...I especially love old ones.

Not a Roll Tide decoration. The letters on the sweaters spell Christmas but I can't figure out how to ever get them to stay turned around....War Eagle!

My German scene in honor of Lawren who was greatly  missed this year. Hansel and Gretel dolls, a German miniature tea set and a couple of trees. The tiny angel on the right side of the tray was given to me in ninth grade by a classmate Ann Helms. Some gifts are never forgotten.