It's the weekend! Yay! And tonight's our first concert of the summer. The next three Saturday nights will be fun filled events from 6-8 at the store. But I wanted to wrap up our week with my logger friend Jason Moon. I met Jason when I opened the store three years ago. I watched him pull that big ole log truck right into the lot, pull himself down, and come inside for a Mountain Dew and a pack of Marlboro Lights. He had a winsome smile and legs that went on forever. My granddaddy would have called him "a long talk drink of water:)" Over the years I got to know Jason. I would ask questions about his life and family. You can learn a lot with a few short questions when you've made people feel safe enough to open up. Sometimes Jason's route takes him a different direction from the store and I might go months without a visit. I knew his wife was battling breast cancer so I thought of him often and prayed for his family when I did. Recently he returned from a long absence to report to me he buried his wife two weeks ago. Men can have such a direct way of communicating that pierces your heart but I new underneath there were layers of grief from a life built together. I've spent the last month making sure I asked different questions like, "you look terrible, are you eating? Or I forgot to pray for your family on Mother's Day but I wanted you to know you were only heart." I've fed Jason a couple of times and Thomas even bought his breakfast once he knew of his loss. I've also made sure I hug Jason....physical touch makes a person feel alive when they are hurting and alone. Jesus touched people during his earthly ministry. Who can you touch today to encourage...a smile, a kind word, a prayer, a hug...it makes all the difference in the world to know someone cares. #storyoftheday #lovemyloggers#griefhurts
Saturday, 4 June 2016
Story of the Day....Thursday, June 2, 2016
Probably the hardest part of my job is losing friends who became customers as well. Yesterday after work I attended the estate sale for Ms. Bonnie, who lived a atone's throw from the store. She passed away last fall. Her son Barry Kay played music at the store the previous spring. And I had the opportunity to meet her daughter during our flood victim relief collection when she brought a big bag of donations up to the store. But nothing prepared me to walk into the home of my friend who passed...to see her relics, her style of decor, her kitchen where she cooked. It was an emotional experience. I made my choices carefully to have her keepsakes her in the store and at home. I led a ministry at the local Methodist church for three years. Ms. Bonnie volunteered every chance she could. It reminded me of the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. Every time I think of Ms. Bonnie I am reminded of her servant heart, her kind spirit, and her devotion to God. What are you doing to leave s lasting legacy for your family and your community. #leavealegacy #storyoftheday
Saturday, 14 May 2016
What Happens When We Hope
My Mary and her teammates board a plane at 6am in the morning for the Division II Softball National Championship Tournament to be held in Denver.
Getting to this place hasn't been especially easy, particularly for Mary. After two years of playing for a nearby community college, breaking records, coaching, and loving life, she transferred to UNA after a year hiatus from ball. The year between playing seasons proved to be quite challenging. There were relationship hurts, job disappointments, and those challenging years when your friends are marrying, moving, etc. Yet, the year brought growth as opportunities opened up for Mary to come on board at UNA to return to her passion of ball. After the fall pre-season games, the holidays, and her first semester, Mary was the player posting the following at the beginning of the season:
I believe this post was only a couple of days before Mary broke her hand while moving a sofa down a flight of steps helping a friend to move. As a mom, might I say the next 8 weeks were LONG AND HARD. The injury Mary sustained kept her from returning to the game this year; although, she eventually resumed work outs and practices. There were lots of texts, conversations, prayers, etc. And over the course of the season, I watched something beautiful take place.
Mary's role changed for the team. She became for them what she's been for me and our family. A strong support. My daughter has taught me more about hope the past 18 months than I've ever known. She's taken the hard places of this season of life and found hope to press on believing good was in store for all.
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isa 40:31
When we are walking in difficulties, when the pain is great and the circumstances aren't changing, we can rest in the peaceful contentment of Christ...I shared with Mary I can only imagine what God has been preparing her for these past 18 months because there has been disappointment after disappointment.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow faint or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary" Isa 40:28-30 I've seen this verse come to life in Mary as He strengthened her.
How are you instilling hope in the lives of your own children? Are you hopeful? You cannot share what you do not have. Life can be so so challenging. Would you ask God today to show you how He is your hope in this world for a life of peace and joy in spite of your present circumstances?
You can watch Mary and the rest of the UNA Lions as they take on Arkansas Tuesday 5pm cst. It will be live streamed on the UNA website.
Go LIONS!
Getting to this place hasn't been especially easy, particularly for Mary. After two years of playing for a nearby community college, breaking records, coaching, and loving life, she transferred to UNA after a year hiatus from ball. The year between playing seasons proved to be quite challenging. There were relationship hurts, job disappointments, and those challenging years when your friends are marrying, moving, etc. Yet, the year brought growth as opportunities opened up for Mary to come on board at UNA to return to her passion of ball. After the fall pre-season games, the holidays, and her first semester, Mary was the player posting the following at the beginning of the season:
Today is the day it begins. Today is the day we begin our fight for a conference title and a national championship ring. If one of us fails we all fail. If one of us succeeds we all succeed. The beauty of a having such an incredible team is that each individual has a different skill that will fill the flaws of another individual. We are a team of strength, confidence, talent, and hard work. We will do whatever it takes to overcome our opponents. I love this family.
LETS FREAKING GO. 🦁
LETS FREAKING GO. 🦁
I believe this post was only a couple of days before Mary broke her hand while moving a sofa down a flight of steps helping a friend to move. As a mom, might I say the next 8 weeks were LONG AND HARD. The injury Mary sustained kept her from returning to the game this year; although, she eventually resumed work outs and practices. There were lots of texts, conversations, prayers, etc. And over the course of the season, I watched something beautiful take place.
 |
| Mary's own fan base:) |
 |
| Mary's teammates and roommates! |
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isa 40:31
When we are walking in difficulties, when the pain is great and the circumstances aren't changing, we can rest in the peaceful contentment of Christ...I shared with Mary I can only imagine what God has been preparing her for these past 18 months because there has been disappointment after disappointment.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow faint or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary" Isa 40:28-30 I've seen this verse come to life in Mary as He strengthened her.
How are you instilling hope in the lives of your own children? Are you hopeful? You cannot share what you do not have. Life can be so so challenging. Would you ask God today to show you how He is your hope in this world for a life of peace and joy in spite of your present circumstances?
You can watch Mary and the rest of the UNA Lions as they take on Arkansas Tuesday 5pm cst. It will be live streamed on the UNA website.
Go LIONS!
Sunday, 20 March 2016
The Pre-Conference Weekend Getaway
When my friend Heather first asked me to help with her recent big adventure, I hesitantly agreed but took a deep breath knowing it was merely days from my own next big adventure. There wasn't any available free time as preparations were being made for our first Mom Heart Conference but; yet, I could hear the excitement in my friend's voice. This was really a big deal for her. And she asked me to give two devotions. That was a big deal for me. So, I said yes. And boy, am I glad I was open and available for the unexpected.
Recently, I discovered Heather and I share a dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. This weekend adventure deemed "Heather's Eat, Drink, and 40 Wink Craft Sleepover" was to be a beginning of her dream. About fifteen women had paid money and signed up to sleep over to create and share fellowship with one another. Little did any of us know what we had in store.
I was the first to arrive that morning. The farm dogs chased me up the long driveway, which hides the homes of both Heather and her sweet parents, Mike and Nell. As I topped the hill of the driveway, I felt as though I was entering some sacred place of rest. The cows were grazing on the left. Nell was heading to the barn on the right, with that winsome smile of hers, and I believe I passed Mike on the golf cart as I drove in. Realistically, I don't think any of them purposely intended for things to be so picturesque. They were simply handling daily chores, subduing, or bringing to productivity, what's been given them. Because God's given me eyes to behold beauty, it was truly an inviting entrance.
After literally being threatened by Clem, the blue tick hound, I safely made it to the door. God, how I long to have a male protect me, in that manner. That blasted dog worships Heather. And she treats him like another child. That dog reminded me of Ruth...wherever Heather goes, Clem goes.. Heather's people are Clem's people...although that took a lot of settling into.
Once finally inside safely, before even seeing Heather, I noticed how bright and lovely everything looked. There was light streaming in every window on the east, color splashing, and beauty abounding. Although, I had never seen Heather's home a wreck, it was almost as if there was an anointing pouring out of every room. Sometimes I think, as a believer, you've just got to be looking for God and you will find Him. The ancient prophet Jeremiah says,
Heather promptly reported she didn't lay down til 5am...it was 8:15. I could sense a teensy bit of anxiety or fretting, but only a teensy bit. When you are doing what you love, it's empowering, although; it can boost our adrenaline levels sky high. So I prayed for her. What a privilege to invite God into our day, knowing and believing He only had good in store for the day.
Women began trickling in slowly, relationships began forming, and beauty began increasing. I slipped nextdoor, stepping over the dog barrier, to experience a different kind of beauty, Heather's mom's kitchen. Once I saw Nell's home, I understood where Heather acquired her love for creating beauty in her home...from her Momma, right next door. Nell was finishing up the chocolate gravy and homemade biscuits, which we carried over together to the ladies.
Heather gathered us around to share her heart about our time together, allowing each lady to introduce herself. Afterwards, we headed downstairs to begin creating. Her daddy Mike was ready with the jewelry tools in hand to help us ladies. By the way, Heather, along with her family and friends, had transformed the basement, adding a vintage bathroom complete with a trough shower stall and metal walls. She had made space for eight vintage beds, covers, canopies, you name it. It was literally like entering a fairly tale land.
We shared delicious food and drink. too many snacks, and created til our hearts were overflowing...well after midnight. During the meal times, I was privileged to share my heart about having a life giving home...a place for our families to become and belong. It was a rich time for all of us, to welcome the Bread of Life into our conversations as we broke bread together with shared fellowship and prayer.
In hindsight, it was as if in my perspective, God took his mighty hands, pulled back the clouds a little, and gave each of us women in Heather's home a view of heaven. Through shared time, tears, and laughter, I believe we each left with hearts full and hungry for more of the good life God's promised to His children.
If you ever need a beautiful space to get away or want to join an upcoming event of creating in Heather's home, take the initiative to sign up and go. God is there. You can meet Him, enjoy Him, and leave a better person. Saying yes to Heather to participate in her adventure not only enlarged my heart, but better prepared me to minister the following weekend at the Mom Heart Conference. As shared recently by my mentor Sally Clarkson,
Heather has been one of those friends. Are you open to learn from the people God keeps bringing across you path? Will you ask God to help open your heart to invite others end. I promise the rewards are great.
How are you using your own gifts and abilities to draw others in that they too might better know the love of God? I would love to hear from you about ways you are seeing Him in your daily arenas of life.
Love,
Pam
Recently, I discovered Heather and I share a dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. This weekend adventure deemed "Heather's Eat, Drink, and 40 Wink Craft Sleepover" was to be a beginning of her dream. About fifteen women had paid money and signed up to sleep over to create and share fellowship with one another. Little did any of us know what we had in store.
I was the first to arrive that morning. The farm dogs chased me up the long driveway, which hides the homes of both Heather and her sweet parents, Mike and Nell. As I topped the hill of the driveway, I felt as though I was entering some sacred place of rest. The cows were grazing on the left. Nell was heading to the barn on the right, with that winsome smile of hers, and I believe I passed Mike on the golf cart as I drove in. Realistically, I don't think any of them purposely intended for things to be so picturesque. They were simply handling daily chores, subduing, or bringing to productivity, what's been given them. Because God's given me eyes to behold beauty, it was truly an inviting entrance.
After literally being threatened by Clem, the blue tick hound, I safely made it to the door. God, how I long to have a male protect me, in that manner. That blasted dog worships Heather. And she treats him like another child. That dog reminded me of Ruth...wherever Heather goes, Clem goes.. Heather's people are Clem's people...although that took a lot of settling into.
Once finally inside safely, before even seeing Heather, I noticed how bright and lovely everything looked. There was light streaming in every window on the east, color splashing, and beauty abounding. Although, I had never seen Heather's home a wreck, it was almost as if there was an anointing pouring out of every room. Sometimes I think, as a believer, you've just got to be looking for God and you will find Him. The ancient prophet Jeremiah says,
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Heather promptly reported she didn't lay down til 5am...it was 8:15. I could sense a teensy bit of anxiety or fretting, but only a teensy bit. When you are doing what you love, it's empowering, although; it can boost our adrenaline levels sky high. So I prayed for her. What a privilege to invite God into our day, knowing and believing He only had good in store for the day.
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
Women began trickling in slowly, relationships began forming, and beauty began increasing. I slipped nextdoor, stepping over the dog barrier, to experience a different kind of beauty, Heather's mom's kitchen. Once I saw Nell's home, I understood where Heather acquired her love for creating beauty in her home...from her Momma, right next door. Nell was finishing up the chocolate gravy and homemade biscuits, which we carried over together to the ladies.
The remainder of the day is to be experienced personally but my story is simply to give you a little peek into what happens when a woman leans into God and her dreams.
Heather gathered us around to share her heart about our time together, allowing each lady to introduce herself. Afterwards, we headed downstairs to begin creating. Her daddy Mike was ready with the jewelry tools in hand to help us ladies. By the way, Heather, along with her family and friends, had transformed the basement, adding a vintage bathroom complete with a trough shower stall and metal walls. She had made space for eight vintage beds, covers, canopies, you name it. It was literally like entering a fairly tale land.
We shared delicious food and drink. too many snacks, and created til our hearts were overflowing...well after midnight. During the meal times, I was privileged to share my heart about having a life giving home...a place for our families to become and belong. It was a rich time for all of us, to welcome the Bread of Life into our conversations as we broke bread together with shared fellowship and prayer.
Acts 2:42-47
"They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers."
In hindsight, it was as if in my perspective, God took his mighty hands, pulled back the clouds a little, and gave each of us women in Heather's home a view of heaven. Through shared time, tears, and laughter, I believe we each left with hearts full and hungry for more of the good life God's promised to His children.
If you ever need a beautiful space to get away or want to join an upcoming event of creating in Heather's home, take the initiative to sign up and go. God is there. You can meet Him, enjoy Him, and leave a better person. Saying yes to Heather to participate in her adventure not only enlarged my heart, but better prepared me to minister the following weekend at the Mom Heart Conference. As shared recently by my mentor Sally Clarkson,
"God has friends for you that you don't even know you need."
Heather has been one of those friends. Are you open to learn from the people God keeps bringing across you path? Will you ask God to help open your heart to invite others end. I promise the rewards are great.
How are you using your own gifts and abilities to draw others in that they too might better know the love of God? I would love to hear from you about ways you are seeing Him in your daily arenas of life.
Love,
Pam
Sunday, 14 February 2016
For Singles on the Day Meant For Couples
It seems odd, as a single woman and mother, that Valentines is one of my favorite holidays. The day seems deemed for couples to find that special outing, gift, or experience. Gifts are not my love language. Yet, when you are filled up with the loving greatness of God, it has to be poured out.
The love filling, a lifetime Valentine, has been an ongoing filling as I journey through life. Yet, there have been seasons where it comes freely and fully to the point of overflowing. This most recent awakening to God's love began at the end of November.
Having reviewed my calendar to mentally prepare for what was ahead with the holidays, I became aware that between my three teenager athletes left at home, we had 22 ballgames in 18 days. I didn't find one thing spiritual about that so I took my heart to my heavenly Father.
"Trust in him at all times, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8"
I ask God to help me over the next 22 days as Advent was welcomed. I asked specifically that He show me one thing every day, besides a ball game, that gave me a glimpse of Him affording me the opportunity to worship. I enjoy basketball but I longed for something different to prepare my heart for the holidays...a meeting with the heavenlies, outside a gym that was either beautiful or meaningful. I wasn't prepared for the outpouring of His answer. But it was truly an Advent revelation that filled my heart. Here are just a few touches of the Master's hand during Advent....all because I asked.
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| Saturday Breakfast with Lawren, my oldest, at the Lumberyard |
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Thomas, my youngest, helping decorate the store for Christmas.
|
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| Surprised by Mary...Arab City Park at Christmas |
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| It wasn't all bad:) especially when the newspaper captures a great pic! |
I've been waiting to share this for a while. I considered titles like "The 22 games of Christmas" ,"The 12 Days of Christmas...not". Yet, as I continue to ponder what transpired, it seems Valentines Day is a fitting as any to brag on my heavenly Father.
How are you experiencing the tangible love of God? For many, like me, there isn't a husband to be affirmed by here with skin on at least. Will you consider God to be your husband? His word says it is so. That settles it for me. Will it settle it for you?
"In that day", declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'....Hosea 2:16
Happy Valentines Day friend. May you know the love of God today in the deepest recesses of your being.
Love,
Pam
Friday, 29 January 2016
How I Got To Where I Am
Life seems to moving at a more rapid pace than usual which equates with what feels like fast forward. I thought once the 22 games in 18 days (another story in itself) was complete, there was nothing left but to slow down. Wrong. Business at the store is great. The two high schoolers are finishing up their basketball seasons, some of the decorations are still up...yep Christmas, and the opportunities to join God where He is at work keeps me inspired daily.
Today, what I am most excited about is the upcoming Mom Heart Conference of North Alabama to be held here in Huntsville in March. I had the privilege of sharing my heart online recently. Click here to find out more about this upcoming event and a little about me and "how I got to where I am."
Have a glorious weekend.
Pam
Today, what I am most excited about is the upcoming Mom Heart Conference of North Alabama to be held here in Huntsville in March. I had the privilege of sharing my heart online recently. Click here to find out more about this upcoming event and a little about me and "how I got to where I am."
Have a glorious weekend.
Pam
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Inspiration Fleshed Out: A Different Kind of Thanksgiving
Inspiration comes in various ways for me and I'm never quite prepared for it. As wreckless as grief can be when it blindsides you during a normal day's activities, inspiration will creep in like a wrecking ball as well. The difference for me is grief will subside as I feel the pain, cry out to God, and thank Him for the opportunity to be impacted so greatly by another human. Yet, inspiration won't leave me. No matter how much I try to "talk down" the new crazy idea, plans begin to take shape inside my head. Before I know it I'm actually verbalizing the idea with others for feedback.
That's what happened for Thanksgiving Day. The idea popped into my head to use our family business Graves Grocery as an outreach for the needy as a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. It all started when an elderly customer came in for biscuits for breakfasts. He said, "I can't cook anymore because I can't see well. Yesterday I nearly burnt the house down trying to cook myself something." Then another regular customer who comes in every day for over a year now for his "scrambled egg sandwich", prompted my thoughts that he has no family outside of his twin brother who lives with him. Who will they celebrate Thanksgiving with?
I first went to my family for their blessing to step outside of our traditional family day together. The first response came from my brother, "That's the best idea I've heard of in a long time." One by one each member agreed to venture off our traditional path to spend the day serving our community.
Then I begin reaching out to others more knowledgeable than myself like Fran from the Manna House. She serves thousands on Thanksgiving day. By the time word got out, I had more volunteers and resources than we could even use for the day. I literally had to turn families away from volunteering because we had so many offers to help. There were those who cooked hens for the chicken and dressing. Then my friend Lynette baked every pie or cheesecake from scratch that was served that day. There were so many who gave monetary donations to help with any expenses. Another regular customer, a business man in the community, asked specifically if there were any funds needed. He didn't want me to be out any for the outreach. I assured him we had been generously provided for our day's needs.
I learned something important from this venture on Thanksgiving Day.
I live in a small unincorporated rural community. Yet, I was amazed at the people who reached out to support this endeavor. There were so many verbal blessings, comments on social media, offers to help, money donations, etc..One lady even called from Florida. She said her mother lived in nearby Priceville. She had lost her dad this year. They were looking for something different to do on Thanksgiving to help knowing the holiday would be hard with their loss. Although we had enough volunteers, she was so encouraging over the phone about our outreach. One time I attended a church where the pastor was commenting on church giving. He was saying thanks to the congregation but said, "Your giving is ridiculous it's so abundant." I never forgot that and that's exactly how I feel about my community.
There weren't enough business cards to send out with plate lunches and I never got around to having a little note to include in each bag that shared my heart about the day. I wanted every person eating to know that because I had experienced the transforming love of Christ it was my hope that in some small way their meal would do the same for them. I wanted them to know they were important to me and to God...that their life mattered. But I'm trusting the prayer covering for the day and our actions spoke louder than business cards or notes.
What might God be stirring to inspiration in you? Will you run with it? Start talking about your ideas with a team of friends whose hearts beat for the same purpose.....to share the love of Christ. There are so many creative ways to let people know they are valuable. I hope to hear what ventures the Lord has you on.
That's what happened for Thanksgiving Day. The idea popped into my head to use our family business Graves Grocery as an outreach for the needy as a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. It all started when an elderly customer came in for biscuits for breakfasts. He said, "I can't cook anymore because I can't see well. Yesterday I nearly burnt the house down trying to cook myself something." Then another regular customer who comes in every day for over a year now for his "scrambled egg sandwich", prompted my thoughts that he has no family outside of his twin brother who lives with him. Who will they celebrate Thanksgiving with?
I first went to my family for their blessing to step outside of our traditional family day together. The first response came from my brother, "That's the best idea I've heard of in a long time." One by one each member agreed to venture off our traditional path to spend the day serving our community.
Then I begin reaching out to others more knowledgeable than myself like Fran from the Manna House. She serves thousands on Thanksgiving day. By the time word got out, I had more volunteers and resources than we could even use for the day. I literally had to turn families away from volunteering because we had so many offers to help. There were those who cooked hens for the chicken and dressing. Then my friend Lynette baked every pie or cheesecake from scratch that was served that day. There were so many who gave monetary donations to help with any expenses. Another regular customer, a business man in the community, asked specifically if there were any funds needed. He didn't want me to be out any for the outreach. I assured him we had been generously provided for our day's needs.
 |
| The blessings of family and friends! |
I learned something important from this venture on Thanksgiving Day.
SOMETIMES THE RESOURCES ARE IN PLACE, A COMMUNITY JUST NEEDS A PERSON TO SPEARHEAD THE MINISTRY.
I live in a small unincorporated rural community. Yet, I was amazed at the people who reached out to support this endeavor. There were so many verbal blessings, comments on social media, offers to help, money donations, etc..One lady even called from Florida. She said her mother lived in nearby Priceville. She had lost her dad this year. They were looking for something different to do on Thanksgiving to help knowing the holiday would be hard with their loss. Although we had enough volunteers, she was so encouraging over the phone about our outreach. One time I attended a church where the pastor was commenting on church giving. He was saying thanks to the congregation but said, "Your giving is ridiculous it's so abundant." I never forgot that and that's exactly how I feel about my community.
What a blessing it is to be a part of a place where hearts are big, hands and wallets are open, and I'm trusted to manage that honorably.
There weren't enough business cards to send out with plate lunches and I never got around to having a little note to include in each bag that shared my heart about the day. I wanted every person eating to know that because I had experienced the transforming love of Christ it was my hope that in some small way their meal would do the same for them. I wanted them to know they were important to me and to God...that their life mattered. But I'm trusting the prayer covering for the day and our actions spoke louder than business cards or notes.
 |
| World's greatest customers and precious friends. |
What might God be stirring to inspiration in you? Will you run with it? Start talking about your ideas with a team of friends whose hearts beat for the same purpose.....to share the love of Christ. There are so many creative ways to let people know they are valuable. I hope to hear what ventures the Lord has you on.
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