A View Into Our Lives

New Blog:

2011-10-20T13:46:00.001-05:00

Check me out here:

http://loridreynolds.com/

Moving Blog

2011-10-19T10:25:00.001-05:00

I am going to be moving my blog to a much easier website. Details to follow soon.

Catch Up Post

2011-10-04T09:26:00.001-05:00

The last week or so hasn't be extremely busy or overwhelming. Actually, very relaxing and alot of time to grow as a family and in Christ. I am really not sure why the blogging has been at such a slow pace. Let's see what has been going on the last week or so:
1. I took a true Sabbath rest last week and had the most glorious day. Scott and Dean were on their own while I travelled to Lake Lurleen. A wonderful day with no technology, no connections to anyone or anything except for God. It took a while to "unplug" but once I did, God was there! I am already longing to go back.
2. Dean is still running and "thinning" up quickly. He is becoming quite the social butterfly which is definitely new for us.
3. I still seem to be feeling better with the gluten free diet. Foods are so much richer now, it is quite interesting. My bones in my fingers still hurt, my wrists are still sore, but the muscle pains are still gone, for the moment. If history proves anything, I guess I am waiting for pain to start back. Trying to be optimistic.
4. Scott has joined a leadership network for pastors. It is so exciting to see him learning and growing! The group of pastors are from all over the country, he is loving every minute of it.
5. We had a great weekend visit with Ariel. It is hard to believe she will be 19 on Friday. I still have a hard time wrapping my brain around where my little girl went.
6. We have hired a math tutor for Dean, which starts tonight. He just has absolutely no desire for this class, at all. He doesn't see the point and how can you argue? - I mean how often do I really use (a+b)(d+c)2 = x? figure for x? And if I did, I would just google the answer and move on. Anyway, his passion is science and history. He loves those classes! But we are praying the tutor helps him Learn the math, not just memorize it.
7. And there is a little excitement in our house...Dean is headed for a beach trip on Thursday, Ariel is in Auburn, which means Scott and I get 4 whole date days/nights! Yippee! I LOVE fall break! Thanks Jeff and Danielle for the youth trip! And my date weekend!

Fall Decorating

2011-09-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

It is time to start decorating for fall. I have this strange feeling that this might be the last week to really get by wearing shorts, which puts me in the mood to decorate. I haven't done a lot of decorating in the last year or two, just too busy I guess. With so many different functions at our house, I just feel the need.

Look at all the ideas I have found. Does anyone have any recommendations?

TCBY Invitational

2011-09-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

We experienced our first Cross Country (XC) Meet on Saturday. This was Dean's 1st race ever and he loved every minute of it. Dean is on the Hillcrest High School Cross Country Team, which means he raced with the "big" boys this weekend. He did great! Here are some pictures and video for you to enjoy. Of course, these will not be in any particular order!

This is the boys team getting ready!

This is either the middle school girls or the high school girls getting ready to race!

I wasn't quite prepared for what I saw when I drove up! I really didn't think there were going to be schools from all over the state.

Boys getting ready, calming the nerves!

Harrison - running strong.

Cosmo finishing the race! Brilliant boy!

Dean is somewhere in this pack.

PreRace Team Picture!

Dean is running strong! Great stride.

First dinner Gluten free

2011-09-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

I finally talked to my doctor to discuss going gluten free. She has agreed to the 3 1/2 month elimination diet to see how I feel. Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance are two different but similar health issues dealing with the bodies ability to process gluten. I am going totally gluten free, even down to having to switch my lotions and lipstick (things that accidentally might end up in my mouth.) I am not to stop taking any medicines, except for one that I have to have changed because it contains gluten (crazy!)

Anyway, I have been doing a lot of research and have often thought that this might be an underlying issue. I know my mom has thought this as well. Some of my symptoms over the last 2 years include losing my gallbladder, migraines, bloating, severe exhaustion, iron-deficiency anemia. Strange food cravings and intense hunger (from nutrientmalabsorption). Brain fog. Scary mood swings. Mouth sores. Weak teeth with calcium deposits, and 3 root canals and crowns in the last 2 years. Not to mention my arthritis, "myalgia" pains, the joint swelling, anxiety attacks (that have stopped!) neck and shoulder pain (that requires a tens unit), and the vitamin D deficiency that we can't control. I am sure I am forgetting some stuff, but you get the idea!

Read more »

.....

2011-09-19T14:02:00.001-05:00

It seems that I am starting a new cycle or "flare" in the never ending world of aches, pains, joint, muscle pain, brain fog, etc. Enough to call my Rheumy and to ask for Celiac/gluten intolerance testing. Let's see what she says. In the meantime, starting a gluten-free diet and hope to write about my experiences along the way AND hopefully will be able to focus on life again and blogging about it.

Not a Fan Part 1

2011-09-13T14:59:00.001-05:00

Fan or Follower? In which category would you place yourself?

Defining the Relationship? What does that really mean?

Luke 9:23 states "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, & follow Me"......which leads to a question.... Am I a fan or follower of Jesus? And the question isn't answered by my words but my actions.

Can you tell that we have entered a very interesting and dynamic sermon serious that will cause (and is causing) a lot of deep thoughts and reflections? This past Sunday was just the introduction.
Some notes that I took:
Jesus never wanted fans (enthusiastic admirers) but followers!
Jesus wants us to know that there is a real cost to follow him.
Do I pick and choose where to and what to do? Have I customized my christianity?
Fans come to church, followers are the church!
Has the American church become a stadium full of fans?
How is my heart condition?
.....Is my love for Jesus so strong that it takes precedence over all other loves? - TOUGH

I wish I could give you a link to the sermon but it isn't online yet....but man was it a word from the Lord!

Read more »

A reminder

2011-09-07T14:24:00.000-05:00

Stadium food

2011-09-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

In honor of the start of THE football season, what is your favorite stadium food?

shelled peanuts
pretzels with mustard
Stadium dog
Dreamland BBQ
Anything in The Zone

Mine would have to be the stadium dog - yummy! I will be eating one tomorrow about 11:00 am!

Latest fad

2011-09-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the latest rage in running shoes? Five Fingers Shoes are what they are called. Kinda self explanatory. Of course, I think they are the ugliest things around. Since Dean joined the track team - he has been asking about these crazy shoes. They do receive rave reviews from runners. "most natural", etc. Several members on the track team use these shoes.

Dean has looked and looked and looked. He tried on several pairs, etc. They were just too expensive for growing feet. Until, Scott found a pair online for 1/2 price. So as of Tuesday - Dean now owns and runs in one of the ugliest pairs of shoes every created. He loves them, blisters and all.

What do you think?

Study

2011-08-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

Have you ever spent several days studying over one segment of scripture? These last 4 or 5 mornings, in the early am, I have had the great pleasure in reading over Psalm 131. What an amazing little passage.

Here is the passage out of The Message:
God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain.
   I haven't meddled where I have no business
      or fantasized grandiose plans.
² I've kept my feet on the ground,
      I've cultivated a quiet heart.
   Like a baby content in its mother's arms,
      my soul is a baby content.
³ Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
      Hope now; hope always!

and here it is out of New American Standard:

¹ O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
² Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
³ O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.

I just absolutely love it. I have read it, meditated on it, and prayed over it. I so desire for these verses to sink deep into my heart!

Being composed and quiet, not trying to rule the roost or meddle. Keeping my feet on the ground.............all always me to show gratitude and thanksgiving to My Jesus.

Menu Monday

2011-08-29T11:15:00.000-05:00

So, I have no idea what happened to blogging this last week. There were so many great things that happened. My heart was over flowing with gratitude. God showed out and allowed me to see a glance at how He must feel watching others teach God's word. Dean joined the cross country/track team at Hillcrest and is loving it. Somehow, I just didn't write about any of it. Hopefully, this week will be better.

Monday meal plans are very simple this week, using what we already have in the house based on the extras I bought last week.

Monday - Spaghetti and meatballs
Tuesday - Smothered Pork Chops with veggies
Wednesday - church
Thursday - Dinner at the Riley's house meeting with a Scotland family that is involved with Grain Game.
Friday - Cubed Steak with pasta and veggies!

Game day is Saturday - Super excited and not sure what we will do for dinner because 1. we will have eaten junk all day, included stadium dogs 2. it will be very hot at the game and we will be drained and 3. Ariel is finally coming home.

What are your plans this week?

Menu Monday

2011-08-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful week of food our family enjoyed - all without spending a dime. It was successful. We did decide to eat hamburgers Friday night, grilled outdoors by Dean with Fried Pickle Chips. Can you say yummy!?

My menu plan this week is as followed:

Monday - Parmesan Tilapia and veggies
Tuesday - Crispy Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce and broccoli
Wednesday - Church
Thursday - Book Club, so boys will eat out!
Friday - Cubed Steak recipe from Sherry Elsberry!
Saturday - Date night out!

For desserts I am making Oreo Pie and Frozen Pink Lemonade Pie!

Several of these recipes came from my favorite website Pinterest. You can check out the Parmesan Tilapia, the crispy chicken with Italian Sauce, the Oreo Pie and Frozen Pink Lemonade Pie from my Recipe Board. Man I love that website.

Fight Club Part 2

2011-08-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for Fight Club Part 1 you will not find it on this blog. I was out of town and it isn't on podcast yet. I heard great things about the sermon though (and not just from my pastor-husband.) Rule #1 from last week - don't win the fight, settle the conflict. Sounds interesting! This week....

Rule #2 - Define love biblically, not culturally. We as believers need to know and understand how God defines love. We see in 1 John 4:7-8 that God is love. We see in 2 John 6 that love means walking in His commands. His command: John 15:12-13 - we need to love sacrificially "love one another, just as I have loved you." We need to look and live like Jesus; love like Jesus.

Point to remember: Is what I am trying to accomplish of greater value than trying to show Christ in my relationship?

The sermon moved to Ephesians 5:22 - 30. Beautiful verses that show a healthy marriage. Vs22 Wives be subject to your own husband, as to the Lord. - in the original language this represents an equal relationship where mutual submission is taught, to yields one's right. " I loved the phrase "as to the Lord", and all the times I have read this passage I do not think I really thought about it before. Jesus gave us a great example of yielding one's rights in the Garden of Gethsemane.
More thoughts:
A Christ-centered wife does not want power, she wants a Christ-centered husband.
My actions are NOT contingent on Scott's character but on MINE.

Vs 25 - 30 speak to the husbands. The Holy Spirit will equip Scott to love me. Husbands need to serve graciously, serve sacrificially. The Holy Spirit brought a point to Scott's heart as he was preaching. It resonated in both services and it is so true....No one can see an act over an attitude. How true! Another section of these verse that I have never noticed before were the words" having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless" Scott has a huge task of loving me like Christ loved the church - to present me to God one day without scars from our marriage. Wow - I am praying very different prayers from this point on...he needs them, as does Dean and Ariel's future mate.

The husbands were encouraged to lead out in conflict resolution!

And one final thought: What do I need to do to help Scott receive God's best?

Powerful stuff!

Favorite Breakfast

2011-08-19T11:56:00.000-05:00

Do you have a favorite breakfast? I just love breakfast food, all kinds. Trying to create a list of my favorites was hard but here are the winners:

Mickey Mouse Waffles at Disney World
Special K Fruit n Yogurt Cereal
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal with a side of greek yogurt
Breakfast burritos full of eggs, cheese and sausage
Smoothies
Chick fe la Chicken minis!

Making me hungry just thinking about it.

What is your favorite?

Post # 2 for Thursday

2011-08-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

Ariel has had a busy week or two. She has had to start a whole new life for herself. In the last 2 weeks she has had to leave her home, move to Auburn, create a home for herself in her dorm room, meet her roommate from Missouri and her suitemates from Colorado and California. There were long days of Sorority Rush, book buying sessions, grocery shopping, learning a new city, setting up her mailbox. She has gone to classes, met new friends, attended a worship service one night, and is looking forward to finding her church to worship and a group to keep her accountable as she begins this new phase of her life.

As a pastor's kid - she has never had the experience of having to find a church (nor has she had the opportunity to watch her family do this.) I pray that the Lord will direct her quickly and smoothly to where He wants her! Here are some pictures from Rush Week at Auburn:

New Sorority Sisters!

Aubie coming to help hand out the bids!

Her Pi Phi Group

Waiting

Tuscaloosa girls!

Her pledge class

All the ladies of Alpha Delta Pi

Dean is doing amazingly well but pictures are few are far between. He is a 13 year old boy that only wants pictures when he is a good mood. His classes seem to be going well. He loves being in the oldest group on campus. And I have to admit that he loves the "new" family unit that is centered around him. Well most of the time....he probably gets a little bit too much attention from me after school. I mean I actually have time to check every piece of homework!

He still loves to cook....this week his creation was Spicy shrimp pizza! Yummy! Just look.....

Yummy!

My Wednesday Post on Thursday

2011-08-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

Last night was our Kick Off for fall night at NRC. It was an amazing crowd signed up for preschool, children events, youth activities, and many adult bible studies! I really didn't give myself enough leeway to work, get to the church, help with the dinner, and teach my new class AND right a blog yesterday. Wednesday's are going to be my day to share God moments....I am still stuck on the gratitudes flowing from my heart. This helps me see and open my eyes to areas of ministry that I could never imagine!

With that being said - I did receive an amazing email this morning that I wanted to share. I know it is one of the chain emails that everyone receives. I haven't had time to verify everyone of these - but I know God is in all of the details, that nothing is random - so I will just stand amazed at His handiwork.

God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

For example:

-the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;

-those of the canary in 14 days;

-those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;

-The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;

-those of the mallard in 35 days;

-The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

(Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant... The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs... For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

-Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.

-Each orange has an even number of segments.

-Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.

-Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.

-Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

-The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold - all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.

Eucharisteo - Thanksgiving

2011-08-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

The NRC book club is presently reading the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. What an incredible book that uses very poetic words to teach about offering Thanks in the little things. I have put a link on my website to her blog, please check it out.

I am keeping a list of the little things I am thankful for and want to share a few:

2. My red outdoor chair
3. Cool mornings in August
6. College ministers like Nate
10. Blue eyes
12. Kisses in the morning
14. Phone calls from Ariel
15. Watching Dean sleep.

I will praise God's name with song and exalt Him with Thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

We say the words Thanksgiving, offering Thanks, being thankful with such ease and naturally think of the bigger things. It is time to take the words and make them smaller - being grateful, being thankful for all the little small things throughout the day.

I challenge you to keep a list and watch yourself smile throughout the day. It will definitely change your focus.

Menu Monday

2011-08-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to reintroduce my menus for the week. It is kinda funny to do this again because this is my "no buy" week. I have challenged myself not to spend a dime on food this week. We have to eat what is already at the house - for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I won't bore you with my breakfast and lunch plans - they involve cereal, oatmeal, sandwiches, soup, leftovers, etc.

Dean has become a very good young chef and helps me with the menu plan now because he helps cook.
Our plans for this week:
Monday - Spicy Shrimp Pizza! This is Dean's creation - it involves pizza dough and sauce, mozzarella cheese, shrimp, onions and peppers! It sounds delicious!
Tuesday - Taco Pie and Nachos supreme!
Wednesday - dinner at church
Thursday - Chicken Alfredo with steamed veggies!
Friday - Grilled tilapia, corn, and whatever else Dean decided to add to this!
Saturday - Ravioli with meatballs! Yummy!!!

It is exciting to know that I have all the ingredients in house and the meals are still fresh and offer a variety.

What is your menu plan?

P.S - Obviously there was no Sunday Commentary since I was out of town this weekend to finish up my daughters move to college. Scott and I will try to recap the day after I have a chance to listen to the podcast!

Things to come

2011-08-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

Maybe it is the older I get. Maybe it is the busier I become. For whatever reason....lists are becoming my friend. List of things to do. List about my day. List of quotes. Just lists. The busyness at work seems to make my brain like mush for the rest of the day. Because of that, I have had to come up with a new blog schedule. I need to have a routine, a plan, and something to help my thought process. Here is my new blogging routine:

Sunday - Commentary
Menu - Monday
Tuesday - Gratitudes
Wednesday - God moments
Thursday - Family
Friday - Lists

Also, I am going to try "linking up" to some different blogs around the net by participating in different initiatives. One I am praying about trying is called "Warrior Prayers." More details later!

Summer Recap

2011-08-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

What a great summer! I pray that our summer has brought God glory.

Our first activity was to finish school and watch Ariel graduate from Hillcrest! What an emotional time that was but so full of joy and maternal pride. After that Ariel headed to California for a trip with her boyfriend and his family. Scott, Dean and I headed for a couple of days at Disney before we loaded a cruise ship to Jamaica for Cruise with a Cause.

Scott at the Evangelism training before we unloaded in Jamaica

Great family picture!

Ariel and Spencer at Disneyland!

After these fun trips, we all arrived back in Tuscaloosa for a crazy couple of days. Ariel was at Camp War Eagle, Dean at Summer Kickoff for the Teens at church, and work for the grown ups. On June 12, Ariel and her best friend Ashley left for a couple of days in London and Scotland before joining a group for the Grain Game's Eurotrek 2011.

Gorgeous picture of Ariel and Ashley!

In the middle of Ariel's European Mission work, Dean headed to Pensacola for some deep sea fishing and Scott travelled to Boa Vista, Brazil. It was exciting for Scott to be in town the week the church building for NRC's church plant was being built. AND then to hold its first service. God is good.

Once Ariel arrived home, we packed both kids very quickly for a whitewater rafting trip, a move to college, and then a quick trip to see family. Ariel and Dean went parasailing together, which offered some good memories. And the off to Auburn to move Ariel to her dorm, say goodbye, and then rush home to finish getting Dean ready for school! He loved his classes, has friends in all of them, and I think, likes a certain girl....but that is a story for another day! I will finish with pictures from parasailing....but our family takes Matthew 28:19-20 very seriously....¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." We were in 8 countries, 3 continents (and one Island since I can't remember how to classify it) and had the glorious opportunity, between all 4 us, to see or be a part of 22,000 people accept Christ as Lord! What a summer!!!!

Sorry about the sideways view - crazy computer!

Break

2011-08-03T08:54:00.001-05:00

As you can tell, I am taking a blogging break until school starts next week - August 10.

Rafting

2011-07-28T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today should be an interesting day for my 2 sweet children. They will begin their trek home from youth camp today but not before a white water rafting adventure down the Occoee River. This is such a beautiful part of Tennessee. In years past we have taken family trips to this area, walked out on the rocks, rafted down them (well, just Scott) and had great times.

Ariel has experienced rafting before while in California but for Dean this will be his first experience. He is not my adventurous child and I can't imagine the nerves he must be feeling today. Pray for him please. I will be very happy to receive the phone call from him, letting me know he is ok and made it through the day.

Addiction Growing - Pinterest

2011-07-27T14:46:00.002-05:00

Source: None via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

More dating time!

2011-07-26T11:26:00.001-05:00

Yes, Ariel is home from her summer serving in Europe. Yes, I will have lots to write about (or ask her to write about). Yes, I will have pictures as well.

But for today through Thursday night – Ariel and Dean have both gone to Summer Youth Camp with the church, which means….

1. Date nights with my husband!!!!

2. Actually double dating with Jennifer and Steve – dinner and movies!!!!

3. Time to finish reorganizing Dean’s room while he is away.

4. No shopping trip to Academy with Dean for 2 whole days….even though he doesn’t usually buy stuff – he still loves to go.

5. Did I mention Date nights with Scott!!!!

I hear parents say, quite often..."I miss the younger ages" or "I don't want my children to grow up", etc. Be very careful with what you say - each age is wonderful and alot of grown adults move back home with their parents because they never grow up. My desire has always been to enjoy each phase to the fullest. Love the teenage years, be proud of the independence Dean is gaining, and revel in the adult woman that Ariel has become. They are gone alot more, and SOMETIMES need us less but I have the joy of loving their father and they get to see what a strong marriage is like before they embark on that journey!

My latest obsession

2011-07-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

I really have no idea how I was introduced to this website - but addicted I am....

Pinterest

Just absolutely love it!

Sweet little girls

2011-07-19T13:34:00.000-05:00

VBS started Sunday night. All of the children are having a blast, learning that Jesus is wild for them, along with many biblical truths. Honestly, other than that, I have no idea what is being taught, who is attending, what songs they are singing or what they are eating for snacks.

All I know is that I have had the greatest joy of serving our sweet babies and toddlers this week. They are so much fun. I have to tell you a story....two of the little girls , both under the age of 2, have become the best of friends. How do I know? Watching them play, calling each others names and talking. Monday night, as we were playing on the playground little Kate and Josie carried on the most animated conversations as they took turns on the slide. They just talked and talked. As adults, we couldn't understand anything they were saying outside of hearing Josie call Kate's name or Kate call Josie's name. It was absolutely precious and a memory I will hold dear to my heart forever.

The joy and innocence of children was beautiful to watch last night. What a sweet reminder of my relationship with Jesus. Too come to Him like a child....joyful, animated, trusting and calling His name.
I love seeing teachable moments of my relationship with Jesus.....Did you have a teachable moment yesterday?

NRC Pastor's Wives

2011-07-18T15:16:00.000-05:00

We have a group of wonderful ladies that serve at NRC. They are faithful, uplifting, positive, loving, encouraging, fun, prayerful, worshippers, and importantly they love their God and their husbands. I am blessed to know Danielle, Elizabeth, Katie, April, Jodie and Nancy.

Pastor's wives are a different breed. We are often in the shadows of our husbands. We are usually flexible with our schedules and family time. We hurt when our husbands hurt, we get quite angry when someone is talking about our husbands. Weekends are hard and usually involve alot of "staying close to home" days....forget the weekend getaways.

Our ladies at NRC are wonderful, they are human and faces all the same challenges that any other woman faces. I so desire to offer them encouragement, friendship and support. Sometimes I fail terribly at this and other times I get it right (kinda!) One thing I strive to do is pray for them...for their families...their work...their walk with Our Savior...their health....their marriage....and however the Lord tells me to pray.

NRC family, as you pray for your ministers do not forget their wives, husbands and/or children.

Pray specifically for their love for God, her integrity, her testimony and her personal walk with God.
Pray for her marriage and her role as wife and don't for forget David as he leads his home.
Pray for godly friends, her worship time, and her schedule.
Pray that she will find places of services within the church.
Pray for their finances and "stretching" those dollars.

We, as pastor's wives, covet your prayers!

Iron Chef North River Style

2011-07-14T14:47:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time last night at NRC's Iron Chef Competition. To watch everyone laughing, playing, cooking and talking was such a joy. Children getting wet as all get out on the blow up toys was especially fun. The food was incredible. The highlight of the night was to watch Dean cooking Fried Oreos and grilled bananas for the judges, hearing that they asked for seconds, watching him cook for hours, and the line of people coming back for seconds.
Read more »

Missing my baby girl

2011-07-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

I miss her and I am ready for her to come home. We just got off the phone, and she is loving her experience and her time in Romania. God is showing her so much and knows that she is exactly where she is supposed to be....which really helps my feelings.

The area in Romania where they are located has very little computer access so we have been limited to texts. She did get a message out last weekend and I wanted to share parts of it.
Read more »

Fourth of July

2011-07-07T09:52:00.001-05:00

Dean and I had a wonderful trip to Pensacola and Wetumpka for the 4th of July Weekend. Since Ariel and Scott are serving and seeing the world - I thought that Dean and I should get out of town as well. He LOVES Deep Sea Fishing, snorkeling, swimming, etc and LOVED his time doing all of that. I was going to write about all these things but my freezer going out and losing all that food made me lose any desire to write. Just the smell of all the blood is sickening. I am going to try to hire somebody today just to finish cleaning it up because it makes me so sick.

With that being said, here are some pictures of our week, enjoy! And I loaded the videos - and now I ca can't get them to turn (and I can't delete them! Sorry)

Dean's Red Snapper - which he cooked! See Below!

Time Passes

2011-06-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Time sure does pass quickly sometimes. It seems like just yesterday I was writing on this blog and then all of a sudden a week passes. Crazy.

We have had an opportunity to speak to Ariel several times up until Saturday by Skype (which is the best thing ever invented - well, in this day and age!) She looks great and is experiencing so many different things. Her first week of camp went very well. We have since learned that it was a great beginner camp to start the summer. The accommodations were nice, wi-fi was available, the food was edible, the missionaries were in place and things ran very smooth. Saturday they had an off day to rest, reflect and beginning making the transition to the next week of camp. Ariel needed some time to process everything. One of the boys she shared the Gospel with, one on one, told her he wasn't ready yet - "maybe in a year or two" which left her with a hole in her heart. She is praying for him, this young 10 year old who isn't promised tomorrow. She is learning that sometimes all you can do is plant the seeds that God has called you to do - and allow Him to do the rest.

The group did experience some fun on Saturday as they went to a thermal pool in Debrecen. She said the water was warm, very brown, and speedos on older men should not be acceptable.

This week the group is in Ukraine. There is not an ability to communicate, so we will not hear from the group until next Saturday. Chip was able to use internet from a house to let us know he had arrived safely. The group checked in at the retreat center, had lunch of borshct, cucumber salad and chicken fried in egg batter.

Please pray for the two teams in the following cities:
Gat and Ploske. Ariel is on the Ploske team. She said it went well but will be a rougher week. Please pray for Team Gat - kids of a much younger age, all gypsy kids arrived. They are having to change alot of what they do. Pray for flexibility. Pray for clear weather - it is forecasted to rain every day.

Continued prayers for the whole summer:
The teams stamina. Pray for the local adults to embrace the program and be alert for opportunities to bring more children. Pray for servant hearts.

New Prayer Requests from Ariel

2011-06-22T13:39:00.000-05:00

Directly from Ariel:

So here are my few prayer requests that I'm sure you'd love to pray for:
1. All of the kids
2. Specific names- Levy, Brown, Peter, Tom, Dori, Patrick, Christopher, Yasmine, Hanna, Ben, Valentine, and Noemi.
3. Teams stamina as we slowly run out for this weeks end.
4. The continued gospel presentation
5. My throat, it's been hurting a little bit and I would like for that to go away

Memorization #1

2011-06-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

I am a very slow learner when it comes to memory, made even harder with this brain "fog" I have been blessed with over the last year. Which is still no excuse for continuing to memorize scripture. As I am working through Psalms, these verses God placed on my heart to learn.

Psalms 90:17 "Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands - establish the work of our hands!"

Psalm 124:8 "Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth."

Matthew 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him"

Join me in learning these verses!

Email from Grain Game

2011-06-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

I just received this email from Chip and the Grain Game crew. This describes their first day working the camps....

In part because of your prayers there are now more than 65 kids taking part in Grain Game Hungary this week in Karcag (KART-sog) and Puspokladany (poosh-POOK-lah-don.) Here is an update on most of what went down today:

The members of Team Poosh are Luke, Kaitlyn, Chelsea, Elizabeth, Marcus, Bradley, and Alex.

GGPoosh is taking place on the grounds of Poosh’s public school. Luke had been warned that he needed to be careful during his teaching. Technically, it is not permissible in a Hungarian public school to teach that faith in Christ is greater than any other faith. But GG is here to share the true gospel so…we seem to have a little conflict here.

Gary told me in debrief that Luke did a great job sharing Bible truths, but maintaining a good degree of situational tact. AND that the officials who could have chosen to monitor the program did not show up today so it looks like we’re in the clear. GG will continue to be honorable about our presentations in the places where we are invited. Christ IS in fact greater than all other gods. That is the core truth of Christianity. If the school officials want these kids to have an opportunity to about the world’s faiths, then we are serving the kids by telling the truth about Christianity, rather than lying and pretending that Jesus is not Who we believe He Is in our faith.

When Luke explained early on that the teaching during the camp was going to be a lot about Jesus, one kid visibly shook his head and sighed. Gary told Luke not to be concerned about that. Most likely, Gary said, the kid was not a hard core gospel rejecter. Rather, he is a kid who has experienced a lifetime of boring, pointless, namby-pamby religious seminars in his middle school. They will see soon, Gary told Luke, that what you are teaching and what you are doing is different. Let us pray.

According to Gary, the only kids of the 31 at GGPoosh who have any Christian background are the kids of the phys. ed. teacher who is a believer and pulled the strings to get us the school. Most all these kids have no Christian backgrounds. When Team Poosh is sharing the love of God with them they are starting at absolute ground zero. Can you imagine what that heady experience was like for them today?

When Team Karcag pulled up in the van to pick up Team Poosh on the way back to Debrecen, the Poosh kids were laughing and having a great time soaking each other with water during an intense game of Elimination Knockout. I wasn’t there for hardly any of their camp, but there was just the vibe that our kids had done a really good job for their day one. IMB Gary was pleased…therefore I am pleased.

Gary said that the younger kids who were attending a different camp at the school were really ticked off that they didn’t get to do Grain Game. Good! Go home and tell your parents!

I am so proud of Team Puspokladany. We gave them a very hard assignment today and they “knocked it for a six.” That’s Alex’s cricket term. Its means you hit the cricket ball all the way over the little rail in the air…and earned six points for your team. It’s as good as you can do in a single ball.

Alex also pulled me aside this afternoon and said, “Luke absolutely killed it today.” Don’t be dismayed. That’s Alex’s way of saying that Luke did really, really, really well. (Sometime I will publish a dictionary of the Alex language.)

Meanwhile…

Team Karcag did absolutely nothing today!

Okay, that’s not exactly true…let me explain…

In the great Grain Game Hungary 2K11 scramble for translators, Karcag was the odd man out today. There was only one translator available for GG today and because Poosh was the new and much trickier work, she had to go to them.

Team Karcag’s hope was that we could get through one day of camp because Matthew, Pete, and I already knew these kids from last year…and we felt we could get by with a day of just playing with them, beating them up, and making fun of them.

Praise God, our hopes were realized.

When we got there we put them into nations very quickly. This was easy because all that was done last year and Karcag is where they’ve kept a GG monthly club going throughout the year. By the time we were 15 seconds in, the nation of Hulyscsirkek already had “Stupid Chicken” cheers echoing through the church. Great.

We started activities by making Tamas Ferenczi put on a banana costume and pillow fight with a girl while Matthew played riffs of “Beat It” on the guitar. Do me and Matthew know how to fire up a crowd or what?

Tamas Ferenczi is the creator of the famous “Tamas Ferenczi Hungarian Love Dance” in which he sings the names of two selected Americans then sings “LOVE LOVE LOVE!” while shaking his booty and making a heart shape with his hands. Last year’s match for the love dance was Parker Christian and Elizabeth Evans. This year’s match...

…PETE HARBIN and ARIEL REYNOLDS!

We adore you Tamas…you are a national treasure not only for Hulyecsirkek, but for all of Hungary.

So…for five hours…except for lunch and a brief jaunt into the Cup Game, Team Karcag wore out the Karcag kids by playing with them full-on, non-stop, no-holds-barred…at an absolutely maddening pace. No interpreters? No problem. Just switch over to quality time. Our Team Karcag leaders were absolutely brilliant. That was the best play day ever in the history of Karcag…

Ashley Shamblin showed amazing versatility, moving from volleyball, to ping pong, to sidewalk chalk, to football…taking nary a single break in between.

Ariel Reynolds was showing off her mad Hillcrest volleyball skills and drawing all those girls right into the center of the action. But that all got disrupted when a 10 year old boy named Andris (ahn-DREESH) decided he wanted to start chasing Ariel and attacking her like a ninja. Soon, many of the other 10 year old boys had noticed what fun this was and joined in. For the better part of an hour, we would just see Ariel running back and forth down the church lot being chased by a pack of 10 year old Hungarian ninjas.

Finally she stopped, turned on them, and started doing all this crazy made up Jackie Chan stuff. It worked! The boys backed down for a second. The plan backfired to some degree how ever, because the boys soon surmised that ninja fighting with Ariel would be even more fun than the chase. To scrappin’ they commenced. (I am not making this up.)

I have now been replaced as Hungary’s leading horse player and middle school boy beat-down artist. Who is the new king? Ariel Reynolds.

Brett Blackburn is amazing at soccer, keeping the Americans not only in the game, but in sight of victory. Since Brett is our only good player, it is quite a task for him to play nonstop against ten of their 12 year olds at once. But he does, confessing at one point that he was light headed and delirious with the sight of hundreds of little Hungarian feet.

Brett has the personality of a lovable kids’ game show host, the stamina of a desert camel, and the gentle spirit of someone very close to our Father. Please, Lord, make him decide to be a missionary to kids.

James had never experienced any GG firsthand, but jumped in and did an incredible job for us all day. He has a great way of learning names quickly and using them frequently so that the kids feel as if he’s one of their best friends…even though he doesn’t speak Hungarian and they only met him an hour ago. Good athlete. Very smart.

James and Randy have both spent time as counselors in Jim Reid’s program for fifth and sixth graders at Northport Baptist. You can see how that experience has really prepared them well for what they’re doing here. They have so much to give and are such a big time pick up for our team.

Randy…had a little fever still going when he got up this morning and should have stayed in bed. But we didn’t want to leave him by himself in Debrecen so we put him in the front seat of the van and trucked him out to Karcag intending to put him into timeout all day. But when the action got started, he couldn’t help himself. He was feeling like poo-poo on toast, but he got our there and pitched the football around and gave those kids everything he could possible give them. Sometimes he would have to take a break and sit down…but he would always come back for more.

Stupid to let him go out there like that sick? Probably. But let me tell you something: Randy did not handle jet lag well. Past tiredness he has been full on sick and in bed. He has looked absolutely terrible (and we need to pray for him.) The ONE time Randy has looked great and has had light in his eyes on the trip was when he was out there playing with the kids and doing what he came to do. I like that about him. The joy of being out here serving drove his problems to the side for a couple of hours. When we got him home today we fed him and put him to bed.

We will manage him carefully throughout his illness. But he would not be turned away from his first chance to be a missionary today. He did well under hard circumstances. You should all be proud of him.

Pete? Another continent. Another round of flawless logistics. Ho-hum.

Me and Matthew? We’re awesome. We work together so well. And at this point in our careers it’s getting to the point where we’re like the veteran performers who are no longer being nominated for the awards, but we’re actually hosting the awards show and making little cracks about all the up and comers during the broadcast.

The verdict on Karcag? We didn’t teach them anything today from our material. But I hope we did teach them: the Lord intends for all kids to be accepted and to have a happy young life. This is how the Lord wants kids to be treated.

The college kids you sent over here for Team Karcag did such a good job today that four Hungarian kids came out and pressed their faces onto the van window before we left…and it’s only Monday.

Tomorrow, we will have an interpreter. We will make up the lost time no trouble at all. And thanks to today we will have a pretty good relational platform on which to stand.

For fans of Team Poosh, I’m so sorry I wasn’t on site to give you a more thorough report. Email Luke and get him to send you something. No wait, don’t! Let Luke rest tonight. He’s earned it.

Pray for poosh-POOK-lah-don. Pray for KART-sog.

The Weekend

2011-06-20T09:21:00.001-05:00

We had a great weekend! We spent time together, cleaned and organized the house (which wasn't the most fun, but feels nice to get that done.) We ate some great food and watched a great movie or two.

Dean has a passion for cooking and creating new recipes. Friday's meal consisted of steak, sausage and vegetables cooked over the grill. He and Scott did a great job on this supper.

Doesn't it look good? We ate in the theater and watched the movie Avatar. I am probably the only person in America who didn't see this movie in the theater. I didn't have a desire to see it then but boy was it good. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Saturday, after we cleaned, etc The three of us went to Birmingham. We shopped, ate at Stix, and went to the movies at The Rave. We saw "The Green Lantern." I enjoyed the movie as well.

Sunday was a great day at church. It felt good to be back home, worshipping with my church family. After service, we had a very relaxing day. It was just a nice day!

Did I mention that we got to see Ariel, thanks to Skype, and talk for over 20 minutes on Saturday. It was a great time with her as well. She was able to talk to Scott for Father's Day as well.

I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend as well!

Debrecen

2011-06-17T13:38:00.001-05:00

Ariel has arrived safely in Debrecen, Hungary where she will for the week. She and Ashley had a great time in London and Scotland. They are ready to start the mission work that they have been called to!

Debrecen is the second largest town in Hungary (after Budapest.) I can't wait to see pictures of the whole group!

Here are some specific prayers for this week:

Pray that the team will have good stamina, both mentally and physically. Pray that they will find times to rest both mind and body. Pray for regular, good sleep.
Pray for supplies that need to be purchased in Europe. That they will be available, cheap and easily findable.
Pray for the children that live in these countries - pray that they will have a sense of God's voice and guidance BEFORE the team arrives to meet them.
Pray for the language barrier to NOT be a barrier, pray for the translators and those that are using them for the first time (that they will get used to this very quickly.)

More prayers coming soon!

Questions and Comments

2011-06-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

Questions

Why does hockey have its championship in June? Isn't it a winter sport with ice and all?
Why does the media still try to compare Michael Jordan and Lebron James? There is no comparison
Where is the beginning of summer weather? Did we just skip it and move straight to August?

Comments

Ariel is having a great time in London - she loved her bike tour by Fat Tire Bike Tours. You can check out all she did here. Ariel sent an email and they loved it and also got to walk around Harrod's.
Scott, Dean and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean last night. It was great! Much better than II and III.
Studying through the Psalms of Ascent! What a great study - wish I had studied more of the Psalms before now.
Dean is already a little bored with summer, I have to plan some activities for him while I am working. He is getting bored at home.
I LOVE that White Collar and Covert Affairs is back on tv....now if only Royal Pains and Burn Notice would start back!
and last but not list...working on recommendations for Ariel's sorority rush...if any one is interested, please let me know.

My Boys!

2011-06-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

I have never been able to say...."me and my boys!" or "me and my men!" What a new phase of life we are entering. Dean is so much like me, it is scary sometimes. I know he is going to miss having Ariel around as she works this summer overseas and as she moves to college in the fall but I also think he is going to enjoy some of the perks of being an only child "at home." Of course, I could be completely crazy.

An Answer

2011-06-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

Seeing miracles in our everyday life are so reassuring to God's plan. I experienced one of those moments yesterday. Late last night, Ariel and I were going over any last minute errands that needed to be handled today. I was giving her a list just as she was giving me a list of things to do. Working together as a team. The last item on my list was to make copies of her passport. "Sure, no problem, I just need you to hand me your passport" was my reply. Ariel couldn't remember where she had placed it. She had to have it for several different meetings, plane ticket purchases, etc. This was not a great way to end our day, as we could not find it anywhere. Our passport are usually kept in a very safe, secure place and I was starting to get nervous. We looked in my room, we looked in her room, in all her purses and bags and couldn't find it. What were we going to do? The passport is your life when you travel. As she made her way out to her car to look, I lifted up a prayer to My Helper! "Lord please help me find this passport." That was all that was said. Nothing eloquent, just a desperate plea for my daughter.

I looked under a set of pictures again...nothing.

And then I looked under her bible....and there was the passport.

And all I could say was "Thank you Jesus!"

Miracles are wonderful!

Smiles and Laughter

2011-06-08T15:40:00.002-05:00

How often do you laugh? Laugh around the house? Laugh in the mornings (hardly ever!!!) Laugh watching a TV show? Laugh with the children, neighbors, and friends?

I wonder sometimes if I laugh or even smile enough. Smiling warms the heart, smiling wards off defensiveness, smiling makes others smile.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”  And Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 tells us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven ... a time to laugh."   

Throughout his Word, God has told us that one of the telltale signs that we know Jesus Christ is our outrageous, contagious joy. And a by-product of joy is laughter. So it’s good to laugh!   Sometimes I notice that Scott doesn't laugh enough BUT then there are times where he catches me totally by surprise.....

When was the last time you just let lose and had a great laugh? Practice smiling today....it will lead to laughter....it will show your joy.

In Christ,

Lori

Slowing Down

2011-06-07T15:15:00.001-05:00

I am currently sitting down, relaxing, and wondering what has happened over the last several months. Everything seems like such a whirlwind. Crazy, emotional, relaxing, challenging, distressing all in the same month. So many things were left unattended - one of those being this blog. My hearts desire was to capture our daily life (warts and all.) I want memories of my thoughts, pictures, and stories because I know I will not remember them.

A through a devastating tornado with such great destruction, the busiest time in my work career, and the graduation of my daughter - I missed blogging about all those moments. I could linger on them but God is directing me to keep moving forward. To treasure the memories but write about today and tomorrow.

I was up very early this morning, to a very quiet house. Very rarely do I end up all by myself but with Scott and Ariel in Auburn and Dean spending the night with a friend.....well, a quiet slow morning awaiting me. The air was beautiful, the temperature just right to start my new bible study this morning.... listening to the birds and our dog run around the yard as I began to read these new verses that God had directed me to......inspiring.

Have I really reached a point in my life where the slower paces will afford me more time with Jesus? Is the difference between two children at home and one really that great? Especially one who likes to take things slow? I look forward to the journey ahead.

In Christ,

Lori

Life Goes On

2011-05-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Experiencing life after a natural disaster is filled with many ups and downs. Excitement over plans, dinner, and events mixed with feelings of guilt. Guilt that you aren't doing enough, guilt that you are able to sleep in your own home, in your own bed, guilt that life goes on. We weren't really prepared for this but it is so true...life goes on! We will continue to help, love, and serve our community whenever we can but it is time to celebrate life! Here are some pictures!

Ariel at Hillcrest High School's Awards Day - I think this is when she was receiving all of her scholarships from University of Alabama

At Indian Hills Country Club for the Academic Excellence Awards Banquet. She is one of 16 who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.

NRC's "store" to help our community replenish all that was lost.

Ariel handing out diapers!

New friends!

Love this picture! Life goes on!

Spring Fling! Ariel and Spencer!

Little did I know

2011-05-02T12:03:00.000-05:00

It is absolutely crazy to read my last post about the crazy weather day in Alabama. It seems so distant now. Almost laughable... I have no idea how to put into words what has transpired over the last few days.

Wednesday afternoon was spent in our safe room again. I was already on edge because Cullman had been in the direct path of a Tornado earlier. Our family and friends were safe, but the 1st church Scott and I served took a hit, the courthouse where Scott got his first Alabama drivers license, and the place where our daughter Ariel was born. We lost power at some point and could hear noises, but nothing too loud....we had been spared and so had our town, or so I thought. Cell service was non-existent, texts would come in spurts, but good ole facebook and twitter were a life saver.

I don't think I can wrap my brain around the life we have led over the last 4 or 5 days. I woke up this morning and couldn't even remember what day it was. It seems like a daunting task that will never been fully realized.

It is hard to imagine that total areas of Tuscaloosa have been obliterated, that areas of our county - small towns no longer exist. Tornados are not something you can prepare for, evacuate from or ever understand until you live through them. Pictures:::

This kinda summarizes everything.

15th Street...I think....It should be where Hokkaido's was, houses, Speedy Oil

McFarland

Krispy Kreme...where a picture of Dean used to hang

Rosedale Housing Authority...where we held Christmas parties, VBS, etc for the children for the last 10 years. Every child is accounted for...but they lost their homes and several lost their mothers.

15th St and McFarland

Alberta Elementary - one of 3 schools destroyed

Forest Lake Community

Trees look like play things

Weather

2011-04-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

We are having another one of those bad weather days. There is nothing like being woke up to an automated phone call from the school system letting us know that school has been cancelled for the day. It seems that other areas of Tuscaloosa received major damage last night. The Coaling area, which we have friends that live in, received major damage, friend in Northport had trees on houses, roads blocked, house fires, and 58,000 in Tuscaloosa without power.

The day is supposed to get worse. I am praying for safety and protection throughout this craziness.

Ariel soccer game, Senior Night was cancelled and is being rescheduled. Really scared about this one.

And next week starts her last month of school. More details to come.

Gotta run, and protect my kiddos.

Easter with family

2011-04-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

Totally stealing my sisters post about Easter with my family.

It was great - you can read about it here.

Tuscaloosa Tornado 4/15/11

2011-04-18T14:01:00.001-05:00

Do you ever have those moments where life kinda stops? Friday was one of those days for our family. We had been hearing reports of possible bad weather for that afternoon and knew things could get bad. As people, we kinda get lulled into a sense of complacency and disbelief. Even as schools dismissed early, it was a little too hard to believe that anything would happen.

But everything changed around 3:00 on Friday. The sirens started going off for our area of town, the reports coming from ABC33/40 showed a storm taking a path very similar to the path from 2001, which was devastating to our community. But still, we didn't head to our safe place until we lost power and cell service. Ariel, Dean and I huddled in our closet with flashlights, pillows, and blankets. My ears started to pop and adrenaline began to pump. Another one was headed our way.

The noises got louder, it sounded like hail, the whole house was dark, and the noise was so loud overhead. We waited, and waited and waited. Eventually, I came out to check to see what was going on. Our neighbors houses were missing pieces of their roof, siding, trees, and fences. I could tell our fascia (I believe) was ripped, shingles on the ground, and fence with problems. But the rain kept falling and we couldn't go outside. I had no idea what was going on in Mallard Creek, where so many of our friends, co-workers, and church families live. Or what was happening to businesses in our area, or in town in the Circlewood Area. We were cut off from the rest of the world.

Scott had no idea what was going on - it had just been raining so hard up at the church - and he was focused on leaks in the roof there. He had no idea that his family was huddled up, praying, talking and trying to stay calm or that anything had happened across town. I finally got a text thru - with the words "We are ok, house took some damage." And then we lost cell connection again. I think I might have freaked him out just a little.

He was upset with the building at work, and then that he was away from the house again when I needed him, and that he couldn't come home. Of course, I told him that we were fine, there was nothing he could do at the moment, that more rain was coming, and he really needed to stop everything and start focusing on the Disciple Now sermons he was going to be preaching. God had a message for all those teenagers - and that was the most important thing. Ariel was leading her first home at this DNow. We were prayed up and ready.

Eventually, Dean and I got tired of sitting in the dark - we got all the candles ready, flashlights close to the door, but we left and drove into town for supper. When we got back home, we lit all the candles and played cards for a long time! It was just great! Power came on, for just a little while, before we lost it again - but bedtime was approaching so it was No big deal!

As I was driving to church Sunday morning, early! Dean and I praised the Lord and offered prayers of thanksgiving! He protected us so much! The video shows the tornado right next to our house, it offered damage, but I think only 1 or 2 houses took serious damage. The trees fell on roads, in opposite direction of houses - like angels just turned them a different way. Tuscaloosa could have been devastated on Friday, but a few trees, a few new roofs, and a little cosmetic work is amazing.

Questions to Ponder

2011-04-13T15:23:00.000-05:00

Do I have a teachable spirit?

Does my spirit make it easy for those I live or work with to be around me?

Am I committed to support Scott in every way possible?

Am I committed unconditionally to bless and serve Scott?

Am I a hard worker?

Is my life a godly example to younger women?

Are my priorities in order?

These are definitely thoughts to think and ponder.

Just sharing my reflections for the day.

And so it begins! Lasts and firsts!

2011-04-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

Ariel's last soccer game against Tuscaloosa County High was last night. Great game but a loss. This school has been our sports rival since middle school.

Dean's first in school soccer game is today. I think he is a little nervous - they had to dress up for school today and will play in front of all the students.

Ariel's Senior Prom is tomorrow night. She is part of the lead out (not like Edgewood where all seniors are in lead out, but just Top 20 Seniors and class officers if different.) So this would be a last.

I wish Dean had another first or last - but I guess being 13, he is kinda in the middle of such milestones!

And one more first - Ariel has been asked to lead a middle school girls home for Disciple Now next weekend. The church in town had a girl that had to back out and the minister thought of Ariel. Hopefully she will have this opportunity in Auburn as well! She loves Disciple Now and is super excited to be leading a group!

Connect

2011-04-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Connect - : to become joined : to have or establish a rapport!

Times of connection are great. Church should be all about connecting! Last night we had another Connect Dinner at our house. It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to meet our staff and elders (and all their families!) This has become a treasured time to meet, learn names and stories.

Last night we had 14 children at our house playing and laughing. We had babies, teens, and every age in between. I enjoyed holding little Jack Douglas and watching his brother play in the sand. Watching Izzie and Brewer run races and throw balls. Watching Dean, Andrew, and tons of elementary school children playing soccer, football and tennis!

Children are a blessing! Enjoying life is something they do so well!

Crazy Idea

2011-03-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

Who came up with the saying "our job is to raise our children to let them go?" I can't believe I have taught that for so long to young women and believed it for most of my life. I mean really, they obviously didn't have an 18 year old daughter who was leaving home in 2 months. I mean really!!

I have prayed and hoped that I have raised her with great wisdom, strength, knowledge of the Lord and the world, compassion, and just plain common sense.

I raised her:
to get herself to bed
do her own homework
cut her own meat
study God's word
be generous with her time
wash her clothes and dress with style but modesty
brush her teeth and comb her hair
plan her schedule
drive

We did realize a lot of ordinary things have been left out - last week, she locked her keys in her car and she didn't know how to call our insurance company for roadside assistance (maybe I need to pray for more common sense?)

I should have raised her:
to need me to rock her to sleep
check her homework every night
call me to feed her (just kidding)
need me to brush her teeth, comb her hair, and wash her clothes
to NOT have a desire to drive, be busy, or be generous with her time.

Who am I kidding? God is so good and gracious. I love that she wants to help reach the world for Christ. BUT this is harder than I ever imagined it would be as I add all these "last" dates to my calendar. How strange it is to know my sisters are going through so many "firsts" at the same time.

What happened to my little girl? And seriously, why did I want her to go away to school?

Margin

2011-03-28T09:31:00.000-05:00

When I said I would have a definition of margin tomorrow...I really meant Monday (just in case anyone can't read my mind.) Which shows you that I do not have margin right now but it is being implemented into my life.

Having Margin in an interesting concept that I really haven't heard a lot about. The opposite of margin is being marginless. The definition in this book I am reading describes marginless as

"being thirty minutes late to the doctor's office because you were twenty minutes late getting out of the bank because your were ten minutes late dropping the kids off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station - and you forgot your wallet. Margin, on the other hand, is having breath left at the top of the stairs, money left at the end of the month, and sanity left at the end of adolescents.

Marginless is the baby crying and the phone ringing at the same time; margin is Grandma taking the baby for the afternoon.
Marginless is being asked to carry a load five pounds heavier than you can lift; margin is a friend to carry half the burden.
Marginless is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress; margin is having time to read it twice.
Marginless is fatigue; margin is energy
Marginless is red ink; margin is black ink
Marginless is hurry; margin is calm
Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture
Marginless is the disease of the new millennium; margin is the cure.

Margin is the space between our load and our limits. Do you have it? It is something held in reserve for unanticipated situations. Do you have it? It is the gap between rest and exhaustion. Do you have it?

This is the point that I have reached in my book. Realizing whole heartedly that I have exhausted most of my margin. Which you have none - I have no time to concentrate or meditate on God, my family, etc. We as a family are working on restoring our margin.

Almost normal

2011-03-25T11:29:00.000-05:00

Normalcy is a strange word. What one person describes as normal can be another persons "crazy." Does normal describe me or my life? Have you heard the phrases - normal family, normal job, normal clothes, normal pastor's wife? As I have been reading and trying to add "margin" back into our lives, I came across a saying..."normal is just a setting on the dryer. God's definition of normal is quite different from the one offered by the world.

Normal life might mean:

2 kids, house and a dog
part time job/full time job
supper as a family almost every night
tv on the couch or a book in hand

A normal christian life might mean:

Agree with God's truth
Active in a Community of Believers
Trying to be obedient
Confessing sins
Reading God's Word and Praying

But, when ordinary/normal meets an extraordinary God - life takes on a whole new meaning. It should change everything! My question that I have been wrestling with is - do I have enough margin in my life to NOT be normal? To not desire the status quo, to grow and change and learn and laugh!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Want a definition for Margin! Check back tomorrow!

Refreshed

2011-03-22T13:43:00.001-05:00

I am not sure why God's timing always surprises me. He knows exactly what I need, when I need it. The building program at church was in the process of swallowing our family whole - leaving us mentally and physically exhausted. Months and months before the whole process began, we planned our annual vacation to Disney World. Our whole family loves Disney. We love the escape from reality, the food, the parks, the rides, the benches, the fireworks, parades, shops, hotels, characters...I mean everything.

I really do not want to forget anything about this trip. It was perfect! Here are a few pictures that Disney took for us with their photographers!

Ariel was SUPER excited to see Ariel in her blue dress with Prince Eric!

This was our last Day at Disney. Dean and Scott both get their haircut every year at The Barber Shop on Main Street. The "Fohawk" is Dean's favorite!

Our whole family loves the Hoop Dee Do Review at The Wilderness Resort. Ariel was chosen to be a part of the show!

Our last night, 1 AM, exhausted!

Probably my favorite picture ever! This was our first day - Ready to begin the trip!

Taking a Break

2011-03-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

I think I am going to take a little blogging break. Creative juices are dead, and I just can't come up with anything to talk about. See every one in a couple of weeks.

Just Hanging On!

2011-03-01T12:38:00.000-06:00

It is a crazy world we are living in right now. And I do not mean the world in general (as in Middle East, Wisconsin, etc) but Tuscaloosa, North River Church, Hillcrest, vacation world. March 6 is this day that has been looming on the horizon for so long, and now that it is actually here - I just wonder if we will be ready. The old building has been almost emptied - with just the "big stuff" to go tonight. The new building is getting done, with flooring being completed today (hence the reason we can move the big stuff tonight.) Our members have been so faithful to come and help and I know they will forever be blessed for helping. I think those that haven't been able to help or going to be totally shocked at the work that has been done.

Scott is barely hanging on and I believe will fall into a state of pure exhaustion come next week. Thankfully, we have a vacation planned and I honestly think it comes at the perfect time. He, along with Butch, Ray and Linda Lightsey, Don and Joan Foley, Jean Bolin, David Whatley, David and Katie are working 16 + hour days this week and they all deserve our appreciation.

But, I do have silly questions:

1. If I have soccer tonight in Birmingham, moving Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and all day Saturday
2. If I have church on Sunday (two services!!!) and a Grain Game meeting Sunday afternoon
3. If I have soccer on Tuesday and Thursday of next week and
4. If I have Bible Study on Wednesday.....
When am I supposed to pack for vacation?

Don't worry, I am printing my packing lists today and will start the process with every free moment I have.

Surreal Moment

2011-02-28T10:49:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have those moments where life catches you by surprise? Yesterday was one of those days for our family. Excitement over Disciple Now, the new land in India, the new building, vacation around the corner...and then you notice the moving boxes, the empty rooms, and you realize what a bittersweet moment this is.

North River has been, and will continue to be, an amazing gift from God. We looked around the room, at a building filled to capacity and couldn't help but be in awe of what God is going to do in our next 6 years.
Here is a picture of our teenagers from DNOW Weekend. Hard to imagine that 6 years ago - Ariel, Ashley and Lindsey were middle schooler. And now they are graduating.

Health and Honesty

2011-02-23T14:09:00.001-06:00

Little update for family:

I am starting a new medicine regime to help offset some of my health issues. It is amazing what you can learn to live with and really not necessarily notice. It seems that my arthritis is moving to what is classified as a more severe form with myalgia (will start to test for the cause of this soon.) It has become hard to move and get out of bed in the mornings, my circulation has become poorer, and nodules have begun developing on my fingers. The only thing I have noticed is the stiffness in the mornings, so I am not complaining too much. I had a great visit with the rheumatologist, my primary doctor agrees with the assessments so far and we are making a few changes at our house to help with my stiffness, etc (like knobs on cabinets (new handles, etc.) Momma, don’t fuss that I didn’t tell you when we talked on the phone yesterday – I was more worried about your eye stuff.

Here is a little description of my stuff so far: OA is a degenerative disease of cartilage and results in overgrowth of bone underneath the cartilage. While arthritis can painfully disable any joint in the body, when it presents itself in the hand or in fingers it feels rather serious because those joints are used so often. And fortunately for me I have it in wrists, fingers, hips, ankles, toes and knees. Osteoarthritis often results in a weakened pinch or grip, so turning keys or opening jars may be difficult. If the joints in the wrist have osteoarthritis, wrist strength may be affected, and the wrist may be painful to move, stiff, or swollen.  Chronic pain in the form of osteoarthritis is the most common disorder affecting the joints and is nearly universal in people over the age of 80. (which I am not anywhere close to.) The end result of any of the causes of osteoarthritis, though, is that the protective cartilage breaks down and the bones become exposed and are able to rub up against each other when a joint is moved through a range of motion. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, can develop on the affected bones in an effort to maintain the stability of the joint. Ligaments and tendons can also become irritated and inflamed, and the muscles can get weaker, leading to further instability.

Doesn’t it sound like fun? Myalgia is a symptom of other things but basically it is muscle pain and weakness. Doesn’t it sound glorious?

My biggest fear? I know it seems petty, but I already have 2 fingers twisting plus nodules plus "pinky" finger separation.

Snow Day!

2011-02-18T09:07:00.001-06:00

It is hard to believe, after the beautiful 70 degree weather that we have had over the last 4 or 5 days, that just a week ago we were experiencing such a beautiful snow day. We had experienced flurries over Christmas, we had missed 2 days of school because of ice, but Tuscaloosa had really missed the accumulating snow. Until Feb 9, 2011! When we went to sleep, I took a picture of the snow (just in case it magically melted the next morning)

And this is what we woke up to....beautiful snow......but it didn't stick to the roads.

Gideon has no idea how to handle this white stuff.

Isn't it beautiful!

We learned around 6:15 am that school was not going to be cancelled. Roads were fine and all transportation methods were ok. Ariel was so mad she didn't even get up to play in the snow but Dean....he was up at 6:30 and played until 7:20.

Scott and Dean had snowball fights!

And made snowmen! And had a great time! Dean said it was the best morning ever!

Of course, no one wanted to be at school that day and thankfully most all of the teachers let the kids play, even Ariel went out side at school and played! They did have soccer practice that afternoon and froze their little backsides off. By lunch, some of the snow was melting and looked as beautiful as the snow.

What an exciting day!

Just a thought....

2011-02-17T13:45:00.001-06:00

This is a picture of Scott and I standing in Eliat, on a mountain that overlooks Israel surrounded by Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. We could see all 4 countries with the Red Sea right below us.

Can I just tell you that my heart is breaking for the Middle East right now. Everything else just seems so insignificant compared to the developing stories of prophecy. Israel is surrounded by countries that are in the mist of revolt, "progress", and/or revolution. If anyone believes the future on this earth is "bright" because of this.... the media is deceiving.

Pray for Israel and pray for believers around the world.

Jesus is coming, victory is already foretold!

Game Day!

2011-02-16T09:03:00.000-06:00

Dean's First School Sport Uniform! He is so pumped and has worked so hard with the High School Team! Ariel said, and I agree, that #5 is a great number!

Pictures of both kids and games to follow!

Finding Time!

2011-02-14T09:50:00.000-06:00

Ok...Time to be honest! I do not have enough time in my day and wonder if maybe 25 or 26 hours would have been better? I know, I know....really not being sarcastic.....24 hours is the perfect amount of time.....but why can't I use it better?

Why I am I being like this you ask? Honestly....I just finished unpacking the last bag from our December vacation. Yes, that is right, December. You can laugh all you want - in my defense, it was a little make up bag that didn't have anything important BUT it has been sitting on my bathroom counter since December 24th. Granted it was Christmas, then visiting with family, organizing other areas, the broken rib that sidelined me for over a month....which then meant laundry got weeks behind, food was fast, sheets weren't changed, etc...and then it just got easier to ignore my little pink bag.

But Saturday, after a workday at the new church building....I unpacked that bag and put it up! My bathroom counter is clean again! Granted, I will start packing for vacation in 2 weeks and pull that pink bag back out!

Ok, honestly.....what is something you have been slacking in?

Time is of the issue

2011-02-10T10:21:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while....time is at a premium right now.....work is hectic...."after hours" is crazy...you get the idea! BUT I wanted to take a second to share a few pictures of the new building.

Bathrooms!

Beautiful cabinets made by some awesome church members!

"Mudding" the outside of the church! Updating that ugly brick!

Praying for rain free days and sunshine...March 6 here we come!

Best Commercial Ever!

2011-02-08T08:14:00.001-06:00

Relentless!

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000-06:00

I have started the process of reading Crazy Love, and I do mean process. I am not rushing through this book, I am taking notes, watching videos and studying scripture. I love how faithful God is to reignite passion and to continually draw me closer to Him. He is relentless!

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20

How often do I pass by, not look at, or ignore God's invisible attributes? I get so busy living a life for me that I forget that everything is about God. Summing up the first half of chapter one in a couple of questions:
1. Do I realize that God's art speaks of Himself? Reflecting who He is and what He is like?
2. Do I get so busy that I do not think about God? (why, yes I do)
3. How is it that I can watch an amazing sunset, snow covered mountains or a beautiful full moon, and the next day still forget that God created it all?
4. Is it comforting to know I worship a God that can't be exaggerated?

Supper on Monday

2011-02-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

Funny of the day!

4:00 pm - I decide to make Soup and Cornbread

5:30 - Both kids home from soccer to eat

6:00 Kids love the soup - success!

8:45 - Scott calls and is on his way home!

8:45 - Scott asks, "Do you have supper at home?"

8:46 - I say, "Yes, and it is even hot (leaving out the part about it being soup)

9:00 - Scott arrives to the house - sees the soup and ignores it!

9:01 - Me, laughing hysterically, "Are you not going to eat? I knew it....that is why I didn't mention what I cooked!"

9:02 - Scott heats and eats frozen pizza!

I mean - seriously!? SOUP IS DELICIOUS!!! How do I get him to eat it?

Faithfulness

2011-01-31T08:57:00.000-06:00

I have no idea why I am always surprised when God gives me something at the perfect time - just when it was needed. Is anyone else like that? God knew we needed fun family time full of rest, laughing and play. By Saturday morning Scott had worked 72 hours in one week. Which is insane! By Thursday we had a little "discussion" about his work week and my concerns for his health and sanity much less his time with family. We both agreed, with discussion that included our kids, that we all know the craziness that is leading to the new building and the importance of carving out family time when we can!

Friday, Scott and I went to lunch at Cypress Inn for a long lunch date, thanks to a wonderful gift card! It was wonderful and relaxing and good. God directed some great conversations! Friday night was a time to relax! But Saturday was the best!!!

When Scott got home from his morning meeting - around noon - the grill was ready, hamburgers were planned and the weather was beautiful! Scott and Dean grilled out together and then served us a great picnic lunch. All four of us sat outside and talked. AND THEN - I think Scott challenged the kids to a soccer game or maybe Dean did the challenging. It was so much fun and a gorgeous afternoon. Jambayla for dinner and a good nights rest finished off the day!

God knew we need the time and he was so faithful to provide it. Now, if we can just start moving into the new church!

Here is a picture of the dessert I made!

Brownies with Peanut Butter Icing! Yummy!!!

And here is a picture of the soccer game! I think I was kinda thankful for my ribs being hurt!

Grain Game 2011

2011-01-25T09:20:00.000-06:00

I can't believe the time has officially arrived for one of my children to head on the mission field for an extended period of time. Ariel has felt this calling for years now, it is something we have talked about, prayed about, and dreamed about. She has been meeting with a group for several weeks (months actually) but I met with them last night for the very first time. For the details of Eurotrek 2011, for the deposit deadlines, the cities and countries and the bible study requirements before she leaves. As a family, we are so excited that Ariel is seeing beyond herself to make a difference in the world. The Grain Game is a ministry that is growing by leaps and bounds. God is opening doors in India, Egypt, Croatia, South America and many more places - but all first time students must work in Eastern Europe as their first trip.

The purpose of Grain Game is to give as many kids around the world as possible an opportunity to attend a summer camp where they can learn God's word and the truth of His love for them. Most camps last a week partnering with local ministries. Grain game provides all supplies and leaders. Some camps the kids are dropped off by their parents and picked up in the afternoon. Others are overnight residential camps where kids arrive on Monday and stay on site for the rest of the week. The students will cook, entertain, lead, with these kids - some from gypsy camps, orphanages, special need areas, etc. The number of kids for each camp each week averages around 40 kids.

Ariel departs June 16 (though they are trying to fly out a few days earlier) - with arrival in Budapest.
June 20 - 24 The first camp with be in Debrecen and Karcag, Hungary
June 27 - July 1 Ploske/Beregovo, Ukraine
July 4 - July 8 Hungary and Romania Camps
July 11 - July 15 Slovakia or Hungary and Romania Camps
July 18 - July 22 Slovakia or Hungary and Romania Camps
July 25 - July 29 - Serbia

Ariel is headed home this weekend to prepare for college (which starts then next week). Some of the group will remain behind to finish work in Serbia and visits with the Partner ministry in Scotland.

Some of the cities, I know obviously - some the actual sites are still being determined and the split of the groups. The time in Serbia might be split as well with Albania or Croatia.

Please begin praying now for the children that will be affected by these ministries. The bible stories, activities, food, rest, travel and all of these young people. Pray that the experiences will forever change Ariel and her calling to work with missions is forever in grained in her heart.

We will be doing fund raisers, support letters, photography sessions, etc as she raises the money needed for this trip. Kinda scary confirming the trip, when I wrote the deposit check yesterday.

She will be in pre bible study classes for this trip every Monday night between now and June 6. We have 4 team/prayer meetings, one overnight trip, and then at least 2 days of making tie-dyed shirts to give away.

If anyone would like to buy some supplies that are needed for the children and that are used to teach lessons, a few I have been told that are needed and easy to transport:

shower caps, duct tape, pop rock candy, 10-pack matches (very hard to get around the camp areas), Warhead candy, white tube socks, scotch tape, un-inflated beach balls.

If you would like to send those to: 1355 Auxford Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 - the group can never have too much. More things will be added as these supplies are received. I have a more specific list of items need to run a camp for a week - for example - only 1 roll of duct tape is needed per camp per week (so total - 16 rolls of duct tape is needed!) I love to shop and find deals. And I love they gave me this list early. I told Chip that this is one way I can help!

Between the excitement of church planting in Europe, Brazil and India - our newest World Vision sponsored child in Bangladesh, and Ariel's trip - our family has become much more aware of the world around us!

Thoughts to Ponder

2011-01-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

Do others see an inner radiance and beauty?
Am I more concerned about holiness or happiness?
Do I desire to please God more than I desire the approval of others?

Can you tell I am having one of those days?

Three Days of Clouds

2011-01-20T09:45:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have days where you just miss the sun shining? The weather has been so dreary over the last 3 or 4 days - not even partly cloudy. I mean, all clouds, all the time. Just blah! BUT I can decide to have a great attitude and look for positives!

1. Dean is loving soccer! I think he enjoys walking to the high school everyday. He likes being active, and He likes to complain about the running!
2. Ariel is having a great last semester of school so far. Only one break down in AP Calculus - so far, so good!
3. I am feeling better! and The Ribs are starting to heal!
4. Taco Casa has great taco salads! So thankful one is close to the office and the house!
5. Date Nights with Scott are happening again! Which are great!
6. Dreary clouds and cold weather mean long pants all the time - I don't have to shave as often!
7. Great bible study last night on Revelation 9. Probably the best discussion I have ever had in a bible study!
8. Getting to see Lindsay for several days in a row next week - excited!
9. Knowing sweet Reagan has been my niece for 5 years! I can't believe she is 5 years old!

And more positives! Bama beating Kentucky in basketball, White Collar and Royal Pains are back on TV (just missing Covert Affairs), reading books on my Ipad and kettle popcorn.

Devotion

2011-01-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful family devotion last night that I wanted to share. As a family we discussed Proverbs 15.

¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

³ The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

⁴ The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

⁵ A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

⁶ The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
but the hearts of fools are not upright.

⁸ The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

⁹ The LORD detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

¹⁰ Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Death and Destruction^[a] lie open before the LORD—
how much more do human hearts!

¹² Mockers resent correction,
so they avoid the wise.

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.

¹⁴ The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.

²¹ Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

²² Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word!

²⁴ The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

²⁵ The LORD tears down the house of the proud,
but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

²⁶ The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,
but gracious words are pure in his sight.

²⁷ The greedy bring ruin to their households,
but the one who hates bribes will live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.

³¹ Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.

³² Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

³³ Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD,
and humility comes before honor.

We discussed different sections of the verse - talked about what we were struggling with - and then had to choose a verse that God was using to speak to us. Mine was vs 23, which in the NASB talked about pondering our words before we reply. I am struggling with apt words, pondering my thoughts, and the verse spoke to me.

Is there one that speaks to you?

Growing

2011-01-11T11:45:00.031-06:00

I have a sweet, sweet sister who always offers words of wisdom and pushes me in my walk with Jesus. Last week, I mentioned about a broken rib that I had sustained and the pain it was causing me. In her sweet, kind, challenging words she asked if God was teaching me or wanting me to learn anything from this. I laughed with her as we talked and I told Lesley that I had been dealing with pains and illness for a year - that I felt like I had learned a lot but obviously my family hadn't - and they needed to learn quickly. In all seriousness (though, I do believe that to a degree) I wanted to share what I have been learning over the last year. It has been a struggle. There have been times when I felt so distant from the Lord that it hurt. Times when I was extremely angry with "the church", people, cell phones, text messages, schedules, medicine, pain, doctors, appointments, blood work.... so angry that I didn't want to pray, study, teach or anything. I know everyone goes through times like this but it was a complete turn around from the previous year. BUT, I have learned some things and definitely have grown in my relationship with Jesus:

God's ways are higher than our ways
During my suffering with joint issues and injury, my focus was not always on God but on me
Sickness isn't always from God, but can be used for His glory
Sin, sickness, disease and death will always be with us until Jesus returns
Our physical bodies are prone to disease and illness
Studying Job over the last few weeks, I have learned that sickness is not always from God but also from Satan. BUT, God is still in control.
Sickness can be used for loving discipline.

There are scriptures that directly affirm each of these, but my favorite at this moment is from Psalm 73. I love verse 26:

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

One final word on something I am learning. In my human nature AND on the spiritual gift side of things, I score VERY, VERY low in mercy and compassion. I mean VERY, VERY LOW. I even had a test giver ask me if I was really married to a minister. With that being said, I have learned when people are suffering, it is our responsibility to minister to them, care for them, pray for them and comfort them. Thank you to everyone who has done that for our family and I pray I can get better at it myself.

Womanhood

2011-01-06T11:26:00.000-06:00

Being a woman is hard and being a woman in this day and age can seem incredibly hard. I know I have been exhausted from working and handling family. I was exhausted when I stayed home and "just" handled the family. I know I have dealt with guilt for not living up to some kind of expectation or a fear of "destroying" my children. I have worked through times in my marriage where we were so busy we had no time for each other. I have cried out for a sense of purpose and belonging! Hopefully, just like so many other women. As a new year begins, I needed a refresher course on exactly what God's calling for a woman involves. I pray this makes me uncomfortable, stretches me and reminds me!

Thought for the day

Why was I created as a woman?

"The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" Genesis 2:18

Something I have never noticed before is that this verse comes before the verses about marriage. That relationship is special, I am definitely to be Scott's helper - to be support him, not tear him down, to love, honor and cherish him. Am I sacrificing my ambitions to fulfill my calling to Scott? How can I help Scott fulfill God's purpose for his life? These are important questions about the Covenant relationship that we have. BUT something that I just noticed - and I think this is huge - I need to be a helper to the male gender. Are my words kind? Are my actions and attitudes helping christian men to become what God wants them to be? Am I helping to promoted godly marriages in the way I respond and talk to other women and men about their relationships? Do I dress appropriately to protect others? I am not talking about situations where you become to close but how I dress, the jokes I listen to or tell with others, the words I offer other wives about their marriages - does that make sense?

I need to remember why I have been blessed to be a woman?

What I have learned

2011-01-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

I have learned:

Broken Ribs hurt.
Broken Ribs cause some of the worse pain you can have.
Broken Ribs get worse before they get better.
They can take up to 50 days to heal but the pain will get better within 3 weeks or 21 DAYS - Yikes!
You can't put a cast around a broken rib because you have to breathe which makes me understand "invisible" diseases and injuries even more.
It hurts to breathe.
Sleeping in the recliner isn't so bad - especially when medicated.
I can't lift anything, turn, spin etc and please don't ask me to breath deeply.
You have to breathe deeply to keep from getting pneumonia - which hurts like crazy.
Breathing is something we take for granted. Can you tell breathing hurts? I am sensing a theme!
Ariel does a great job with laundry.
Dean is my cook
There is no one that likes to clean up the kitchen in my house - especially with the dishwasher that is headed out the door. I wonder which one of my 3 will finally break down and do something about the dishes? Bets?

Christmas Adventures - Actually on Christmas!

2011-01-01T00:38:00.000-06:00

We had a very different Christmas morning than usual – in the sense that we would not be travelling today that day. Dean was super excited about opening presents and being able to hang out all day that he woke up at 5:00 AM – yes that is right! My 12 year old woke up at 5:00! He didn’t come into our room until 6:00 AM and we managed to convince him to sleep until at least 7:00 AM. The thought of waking my 18 year old so early was not exciting, but Ariel did great and woke up very pleasantly! We took our time opening gifts and trying to stay warm. Counties all around us were already receiving snow and as we looked out our windows – we were receiving NOTHING.

At this point, we usually have a quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls and milk – which doesn’t sound like much but our family loves them and it has become a tradition. I say quick because by this time it is already 9:30 or so and showers and packing will need to start soon. I love visiting family and spending Christmas with them all but it does involve a several day process and makes our Christmas day feel rushed. BUT this morning we had a nice big breakfast at the dining room table on my Christmas China. We prayed, ate, took our time!

After breakfast we talked to family, took the presents to the correct rooms, actually cleaned up all the boxes, paper, etc and then took a little time for naps and resting!

I cooked a huge Christmas Day lunch and we ate again in the dining room. Some of the items we had were a Honey Glazed ham, hash brown casserole, salad with fruit, Mac and cheese, sautéed veggies, Sister Shubert rolls, etc. Just as we sat down to eat, the snow started! It was magical!

After lunch was put away, our family spent some time in prayer, we read a novella by Max Lucado about the Angel’s story of Christmas. We played board games and then watched The Nativity Story as a family. We were still in our pajamas. It was a wonderful afternoon that allowed us to reflect on the Birth of Christ. He was at our house and His presence was strong. The snow remained beautiful and continued throughout the day on Sunday. Hot chocolate was made and bedtime came with a sense of peace and serenity!

NOW with that being said: A typical Christmas holiday normally goes like this:

Christmas Eve – Scott works, visit Sutton’s, off to bed

Christmas morning – presents, breakfast, pack and leave house by lunch

Lunch – pray for a store open – usually Sonic to grab a burger and then drive to my parents

Dinner – With my family and then usually (not last year) drive to Pensacola to see his family.

Day after Christmas – Christmas with Reynolds, lunch with his grandmother and then either drive home or stay one more night

Day after Day after Christmas (Dec 27) – start the journey back to our house, with a stop by my Granny’s when she was alive. Home to finally let the kids enjoy all that they got for Christmas.

The day after the day after the Day of Christmas – (Dec 28) – Usually leaving on some church/youth trip or back to work! Which explains why this last Christmas before Ariel heads off to college was so important for us to be home and rest.

Scott and I both know that Ariel will be home for Christmas’ in the future but we aren’t guaranteed the days for sure – she could have a job that involves working on Christmas or Christmas eve (I did!), she could be bringing a future mate home sooner rather than later (or spending time with him) or God could use her in some way over the holidays serving others. Thank you family for allowing us the day and for realizing that our time with family is changing. Thank you Mom and Dad Reynolds for joining us in Orlando (even if sickness followed.) Thank you Mom and Dad for coming up early to celebrate with us, for driving to Birmingham on Dec 27 and for spending time with Ariel and Dean! And thank you Lesley and Lindsay for coming to Birmingham - for shopping with us, for letting us spend time with your sweet kids, and for exchanging gifts on a very cold night in a parking garage! Flexibility was definitely the word this year!

Christmas Adventures Continued - Again!

2010-12-30T08:52:00.000-06:00

After a great trip to Orlando, a LONG car ride back home (which was extra long because we decided to drive through Dothan – WRONG CHOICE!), and a good night sleep it was suddenly Christmas Eve. This day is always a long workday for Scott. NRC hosts a community Christmas Eve service that has grown in attendance every year. We have an awesome staff, praise team, and other volunteers who really stepped up to the plate this year during all the “pre-work” and during the actual service. Scott had a very long day, as did others who wanted to serve. The service was beautiful and very worshipful.

While Scott was working, I headed to the store for supplies to make a few treats, finish purchasing our goodies for Christmas lunch, and a few last minute gifts. Notice that I didn’t say anything about unpacking! The weekend before I had made Butterscotch Haystacks and different kinds of Holly Jollies! Our Christmas Eve treats included Oreo Balls and Sausage Balls.

After the Christmas Eve service our family usually heads to Linda and Mike Sutton’s house for a time of fellowship and food. I just wasn’t feeling up to par by the time the Bama Theater was cleaned, so we headed home. I wish I could say we had a great family prayer time, etc but Scott was exhausted and starting to get sick – he went straight to bed. Ariel’s new boy “friend” came over to exchange gifts and watch a movie (Dean loves him and they have a great time all hanging out) so while they were distracted I did fill some stockings in my closet and then watch a little TV!

I have to say – Christmas Eve is definitely a workday for our family and a very exhausting one at that. I am so glad that we had a vacation before! Our Christmas Day was wonderful though! I can’t wait to write about it tomorrow!

Christmas Adventures - Pictures!

2010-12-29T08:27:00.000-06:00

I think this is a great family picture!

Margaritaville - Awesome balloon creativity!

Butterbeer in honor of our time at Hogwarts!

When Dean was young - Scooby was his favorite! On the last day of the trip, we convinced him to have his picture made with Scooby and Shaggy - "for old times"

Grammy and Poppa joined us! Our first morning into the parks - Can you tell it is cold?

Scott finally looks relaxed!

Christmas Adventures Continued!

2010-12-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

Sunday Morning December 19, 2010 was a wonderful day - not only because we were able to worship freely but because at 12:10 pm, we started our family vacation. I had been teasing Scott about not preaching a long sermon that morning, and the first thing he said to me after service was over, "I am so sorry I ran long, but what do you do when the Spirit is moving?" You just preach it! We arrived at Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Studios around 10:30 pm and promptly met Scott's parents who were joining us for Christmas. It was a beautiful hotel!

Opening of presents began very soon after we arrived. I am really not sure who was more excited - Grammy or Dean? Of course my eyes opened with excitement when I received my Alabama Houndstooth picnic basket! Thanks Grammy!

Universal Studios was a wonderful family time! We laughed, held hands, acted silly and ate alot! We shopped for Christmas goodies, ate desserts, and played! It was a much needed family vacation. The only sad part was that Grammy got sick and had to spend more time in her room than anticipated! But thankfully she is feeling better! Look for more pictures later!

The Start of our Christmas Adventures!

2010-12-27T08:51:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that our Christmas Celebrations are almost over. December ended up being so busy for me but not near as stressful as I thought. When Scott and I found out about my jury service, we knew we were going to have to make some changes. We didn't plan our yearly Christmas Open House, I did most of the shopping online, and we didn't send out christmas cards this year (which Scott is hoping we will do now and call them New Year somethings.....) Let's see if I can sum up the first few weeks of December:
Dec 6 - 10 - Jury Duty from 8:30 - @ Least 5:30 pm. This involved a tour of the county jail and some of the food.
Dec 7 - Women's bible study
Dec 8 - Church bible study
Dec 9 - Grain Game Reception
Dec 10 - Respite Night which Scott did, baking cookies for homeless, which Dean and I did, Ariel's winter formal.
Dec 12 - Every LCBF class had christmas parties this night! And Scott and I made it to every single one!
Dec 14 - Mom and Dad came to Tuscaloosa to celebrate Christmas!
Dec 15 - Christmas Party with Boys and Girls Club of Tuscaloosa! This is one of our favorite events of the year!
Dec 16 - FINAL day of Jury!
Dec 17 - Staff/Elder Christmas Party at our house! We had an absolute blast!
Dec 18 - Time to Pack!!!!
Dec 19 - LEAVE ON A MUCH NEEDED FAMILY VACATION!

Vacation, sweet wonderful vacation! Our family hasn't been on a trip together in a very long time and we had a blast. Our whole family loves Orlando - everything about it and we wanted a special trip with Ariel before she graduates. Spring Break was the plan - and we wanted to see Disney World and Universal Studios. Two very different parks with two very different feels. As we were planning, etc we all decided to split the trip into two separate vacations so we wouldn't be rushed, etc. It was the absolute best idea!

I can't wait to share our vacation with you! The month had been busy, but knowing I was completely done with shopping, planning, etc has made the last week unforgettable!

Cold?

2010-12-14T09:37:00.000-06:00

The weather in Alabama can be so unpredictable. Fall - what fall? Spring - what spring? Summer and Winter - they come quickly and seem to stay forever. I really think it was just 2 weeks ago that I was standing in my closet ready to wear sweaters and boots and long sleeves and gloves and jackets and scarves.

Sunday morning comes and we can hardly believe that our morning drive to church involves driving through snow! Flurries count as snow right? It was beautiful and exciting and cold. And then the temperature dropped more and the wind picked up. Before we knew it, Tuscaloosa was enjoying a wind chill factor of 19 degrees in the sun. Now that the wind has stopped, 26 degrees doesn't seem as cold.

Needless to say that my body has completely revolted on me and it has been a long couple of days. I have no idea if this is because of the weather or what but I am clinging and learning a new verse because this has upset me. I have felt good for a little while now:

When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. Psalm 94:19

Another Catch Up!

2010-12-12T14:16:00.000-06:00

I am finally sitting down at my computer for the first time in weeks. I can finally say that my stint serving on jury duty is over and it is officially time to get back to reality. I didn't realize how long it had been since I last posted until sweet Ariel brought it to my attention. Yikes! Life in a nutshell:
1. Ariel and Dean both made the Hillcrest High School Soccer Team!
2. Deeper Still was absolutely amazing and such a sweet time of refreshing!
3. Scott has been so busy that my christmas trees sat completely empty for a whole week, waiting on the ornaments in the attic! Crazy building! February is coming though!
4. Revelation is an awesome!
5. Snow flurries are beautiful but it is cold
6. Grand jury helped me slow down and remember what is important.
7. Picture time:

Ariel and Dean before her Christmas Dance!

Ariel with her sweet friends. The lady on the right, Brittany has been accepted to West Point!

Ariel and Taylor

Ariel and Spener! They had a blast!
And finally.....I have pictures of Dean....they are great, and yes I am sending by snapfish to family!

Friends!

2010-11-30T10:52:00.000-06:00

We had some sweet friends visit us for the Alabama vs Auburn debacle! We absolutely love Jason and Jennifer Arrington. They have 2 sweet boys and all 4 of them are huge Auburn fans. It was a shock to the system to been outnumbered at our house for the game (this includes Ariel in her Auburn clothes) but we had a great visit and a wonderful time.

I had a rough trip physically to Montgomery and back on Thanksgiving, with some joint pains while in the car - so bad that I am still thinking about buying a one way ticket to Orlando in a couple of weeks. I can't convince Scott to leave Sunday morning before he preaches (inserting smiley face!) and with the stops we will have to make for me, it is going to take forever! I am not worried about driving home because we will not be "rushed" for time! It took several days to recover - not that I let it stop me from enjoying time with my friends, but I did go to sleep every night before 8:30.

The Arrington's arrived Thursday night where we met at IHOP for dinner! We shopped a little on Friday, watched a game or two, ate great BBQ, the boys played golf, went to a Alabama basketball game, ate some chick fi la, and some great worship at church! It was a great visit!

Ariel took some pictures of their family while Scott and I worked on his dead battery! Aren't the boys precious!

I wanted to share a couple of quotes from the weekend:
Dean (after he was told to get ready for shopping at Academy on Friday): "Daaaad, No one brushes their teeth on Black Friday!"
Travis (when the Alabama Dancers, arrived at the basketball game): "Dad, I really like these girls, they are so pretty!"
Taylor (at the Basketball game, Alabama was winning big): "Dad, Alabama is winning pretty big, they must have Cam Newton on their basketball team"
Jason (loose quote): " I have met many Alabama fans that aren't rednecks, but I have never met a redneck that wasn't an Alabama fan. " It was so funny, because we were watching the same game and would see the same play from two very different perspectives. Hysterical!

Pictures from Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T11:20:00.001-06:00

Dean decided to lean away from me - so I decided to do the same thing!

Dean aggravating Reagan!

My Family!

Two Peas in a Pod!

I think this is a great picture!

Lindsay's family!

Lesley's family!

The 3 Girls!

Sweet mom and dad!

Her eyes are beautiful!

My sweetie!

Exaggerations

2010-11-23T08:18:00.001-06:00

Exaggeration: Our house almost caught on fire last night
Truth: Something was cooked 10 minutes too long in the microwave (from 1 1/2 minutes to 11 1/2 minutes) that caused the food to catch on fire.

Exaggeration: The smoke was so thick we couldn't breath
Truth: The smoke was pretty bad, and has caused our whole house to smell. Our fire alarm didn't work (battery was dead, and is being changed.)

Ok - I can't come up with anymore exaggerations!
Truth - I lost another plate last night because of the accident.
Truth - Reading directions are very important. And then double checking them to make sure all numbers are read correctly.
Truth - I should have made a little more food so that everyone had plenty to eat (though I thought I did)
Truth - If it was a little bit cooler, the flies would be dead and I could have opened the doors longer to help with the smoke.
Truth - 6 chicken fingers in a microwave, cooked 10 minutes longer, can stink and burn and turn to ash pretty impressively!

In all seriousness, I Praise God because He was watching out for our family and kept us all safe. It was a rare night at home together and once it was all over, we did share a good laugh.

Blogs

2010-11-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

I love to read other peoples blogs. I wish I actually had more time to do this. Thank goodness for google reader and the ability this program gives me to "catch up." Sometimes I enjoy reading other pastor's blogs (and sometimes I don't.) I have gone through times where I have liked this pastor.and then times where I haven't - not sure why, nothing unbiblical - maybe envy, exhaustion, or who knows.... anyway -
He posted a great article about pastors and leadership. I know my husband is exhausted beyond almost anything humanly possible. I see him aging before my eyes as he carries other peoples burdens, expectations, comments, etc on his shoulders. The building project is taking longer than he thought and our children are growing up quicker than he can handle. I love him dearly and pray for him often. I thought this post summed up alot - I am not sure if I am allowed to post his article like this - but he does great job. Check out his website that I listed above.

The Five Prices A Leader Must Be Willing To Pay November 17, 2010

Jesus gave some INCREDIBLE advice in Luke 14:28-30! Today we will dive into five areas where we need to be willing to pay the price as a leader.

#1 – There is a Financial Cost – Books cost money. Conferences cost money. Putting yourself in a position to be stretched and grown cost money. AND one of the qualities that I’ve always noticed in leaders who were “getting it done” is that they were personally willing to pay a financial price. (I actually wrote two posts on this last week–here is part one andhere is part two in case you missed them.)

#2 – There Is An Emotional Cost – Leading in the church is one of the most emotionally draining things you will EVER do. You will discover that you can go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows with one email or phone call. Your heart and motives will be called into question. Critics who don’t know you (nor do they want to know you) will malign, misrepresent and attack you. On most days you will feel overwhelmed and unworthy of your calling…and all of this requires that we be willing to pay the price emotionally.

#3 – There is a Physical Cost – Laziness and leadership do NOT go hand in hand. It takes blood, sweat and tears in order to be developed to your fullest leadership potential…which means you get your butt out of bed and go to work! And yes, REST is essential…but it isn’t possible to burn out if you’ve never actually been on fire. There are seasons where lots of time, energy and focus is demanded—period.

#4 – There is a Spiritual Cost – The more influential you become as a leader the greater the intensity of spiritual attack on your life.

(BTW…I’ve had shots taken at me for saying this, but it’s true. I’ve experienced it personally…and in the Scriptures we see in Acts 19 a demon literally having a conversation with seven guys…he tells them he knows Jesus and has heard about Paul, probably because he was causing such a disturbance, but then tells the guys he hadn’t even heard about them!!! Like it or not…the enemy doesn’t pursue everyone with the same intensity.)

You will experience spiritual warfare. You will encounter temptation on a level that is greater than anything you could imagine. You have to be willing to fight the fight and pay the price if you want to be a godly leader.

#5 – There is a Personal Cost – All of the things listed above comes around to this…there IS a personal cost when it comes to leadership. It will NEVER cease to effect you. Jesus knew this when He was in the garden and yet still fully surrendered to the Father and went to the cross.

Galatians 6:9 is a promise we should take to heart as leaders. Do not give up…do not throw in the towel. At times the price is incredibly high…but none of us have been asked to pay the price that the ONE we say we follow had to pay! His assignment was MUCH tougher than ours…and it brought Him joy to fulfill it.

So…let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and keep doing exactly what He has called us to do, knowing that He is with us, has equipped us, empowered us and that II Corinthians 4:7 is as true today as it was when Paul wrote it!

DON’T GIVE UP!!!

Nerves!

2010-11-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days where your nerves will just not settle down? I seem to be having one of those. Not nerves as in anxious, sick, etc but nerves as in nervousness. For the first time ever - Dean is trying out for a team sport. Nerves, I tell you. We have been a sports family for years and years and years. Ariel has played travel basketball, travel soccer, middle school volleyball, basketball soccer, high school basketball, volleyball and soccer - and only once was I nervous (and even then, it was more excitement.) She is just naturally athletic and secure in herself and loves team sports. This is her last try out and Dean's first. There should be some kind of comfort in knowing that they will be together during some of the afternoon.

Dean started playing soccer several years ago and really does like it - I just can't believe we are to the point where it is now his turn. Hillcrest Middle doesn't have a soccer team so all the boys have to try out for the High School team. It is cold, rainy and dreary for both kids today. I will have warm blankets and supper ready when they finally get home

Veteran's Day

2010-11-12T20:50:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful family experience yesterday at Pine Valley Nursing Home. A Veteran's Day Service in honor of those that served our country. It was my first experience (along with my family's) to actually be with Veteran's of World War II on Veteran's Day. Our whole family was moved by the experience. I met a marine who served until 1946 and began to cry as he remembered his friends that did not come home. I met a 98 year old man who was part of the Navy. Scott met and visited for quite a while with a man who was stationed at Pearl Harbor, whose orders arrived several weeks after the bombing. His daughter came to be with him on this day because she wanted to be with him while he was honored. I know that Ariel was moved by our experience (Dean was a little anxious and still is not very comfortable in nursing homes) and hope the memories will be strong.

We sang, prayed, ate and honored these great men and their families. The group we were with didn't have any nurses, etc during that time but I know the widows in the room missed their husbands greatly and appreciated the remembrances. It reminded me again, that these holidays are fun days off from school and work but they come with a high price. Our country is blessed by great people who are willing to serve and defend us and I am so humbled being with a generation, even for a while, and creating memories.

2010-11-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

This time last year I was in Israel. The most wonderful. amazing place that has stolen my heart. I dream of going back... being on the Sea of Galilee, at the Jordan River, touring the countryside, walking where Jesus walked. I think it is time to reexamine some pictures and to reflect.

My heart actually aches!

Family

2010-11-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

I think I am going to scream if I don't get some new pictures soon. I need family pictures and pictures of Dean. Ariel is supposed to be working on setting us up an appointment for some outdoor pictures! I am the worlds worst at this, not really sure why but I just am. As a family, our last couple of days have been very interesting, new, and fast.

Ok....let's talk about some topics:

Pictures - Ariel worked Friday, Saturday morning and afternoon taking pictures for people in the community. She loved it! Friday she worked for a low income housing project here in town taking pictures of families who normally would receive or be able to buy family portraits. She raised money for this project with a few non-profits in town and will be able to provide these families with pictures. Saturday morning she was hired to take pictures of a couple in town - and she ended up being able to photograph their engagement. Ariel loved it! Saturday afternoon she took pictures for a sweet family at our church. It was a great birthday party and the pictures are gorgeous! Here are a few of Ariel's pics or pictures of her taking pics!

Aiva's 3rd Birthday!

Ariel hard at work. She does have a heart for others.

Love!

She said Yes!

Paintball - Dean had a great time at the Halloween Bash Saturday night. He had never played paintball in the dark. He loved it! They played in the woods, around the course, ate pizza, swapped teams, etc. It was probably, just about, every boys dream. I did come to a new realization this weekend (call me crazy.) Dean is growing up, he isn't my young one anymore and life can be cruel. What do I mean by that - just when you get used to having a child driving (which means I don't have to be out late, etc) then the next age comes along and I am back out running all over Tuscaloosa.

Elections - Ariel was so excited to vote yesterday! I am so excited that I had the opportunity to do this with her. She was nervous, excited, and really didn't want to mess it up. She had gotten up early Tuesday morning to help John Merrill's campaign hold signs and wave at one of the intersections in town (before school!) She loved it! We met right after school to vote and I loved explaining the process to her! But her night wasn't complete. She was asked to help with the phones for John's campaign at the victory party. She loved it! It was a great American experience for her. She has even been asked to serve as a Page in Montgomery next spring. Dean was very sad that he was the only one in the family that didn't get to vote! He thinks that is un-American.

Revelation - I did get a kick out of watching elections returns last night, after studying Revelation 6. It really does put everything in perspective. I hope to write more about this after our discussions at church tonight!

Learning

2010-10-30T21:41:00.000-05:00

This past week has been very interesting. I have learned so much and hopefully will be forever changed. Why?
Maybe it is seeing my family take care of themselves, work together and help?
Maybe it is because of a great work environment that allowed my week to be "less" stressful?
Maybe it is because of new people I have met?

It is all of those reasons and so much more. Serving on this grand jury (with more weeks to come) has been the absolute most interesting week. I have learned so much about our laws, the "process", the attorneys, police officers, victims and even those accused. My heart has hurt, been made, concerned and even experienced times of laughter and utter disbelief.

I am very proud to be in Tuscaloosa, so very thankful for our officers, investigators, social workers, etc - I never realized how far they go to protect not just our lives but our rights as well.

I was pretty opinionated before this experience - hopefully, I will have more concern for people hurting and those around me but I will tell you that a lot of my opinion are still very strong. People are buying into the junk the world sells us at an alarming rate: alcohol, drugs, and a desire for love cause huge issues. There is no book on this planet except for the bible that can help with any problem, hurt or pain.

I am so thankful I was called to serve (I can't believe I said that!) and pray that my heart continues to be heavy, that I take my job very seriously, and that the Lord leads me to do what is honorable in His sight.

Jury Duty

2010-10-25T19:43:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I am writing this....or that I was actually selected for a jury. Not just any jury, but Grand Jury. I have had the longest day, sat with 17 other shocked adults as we learned what our days were going to be about and....to learn that our term of service is 4 weeks...yes, that is correct - 4.

I am happy to serve, happy to perform my civic duty but seriously...4 weeks? My head just hurts thinking about it.

Needless to say, my blogging has officially become bi-weekly. Sorry folks but family, work and church are calling.

Memories and Vanity

2010-10-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

I have such a weird mind, and can be (or used to be) vain in a couple of areas. One has always been the fact that I did not need glasses. Not that they are bad, not that they look bad, etc - I just always had great vision and I was the only one in my "growing up" family that didn't need them. I can remember my mom, my dad, and both of my sisters when I heard they had to get glasses - either to drive, help them read, etc. And I was always so happy that it wasn't me....not yet anyway. You see, I was going to have great vision until I died....I guess!

Laughing at me yet?!?? I know...silly, crazy, vain, all of the above? But....

I have now joined the my family...but when I join, I am all in. It seems that not only do I need glass for reading but for driving, walking, living, etc - in other words - all the time! Gotta love it! I hope I look as cute as my sisters!

Another Random List

2010-10-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

1. RED is a good movie with great action and hysterical "old" comments. Pretty funny!
2. Alabama needs to find their offense
3. Kentuck Art Festival is a really neat place. Scott, Ariel and I went Saturday and enjoyed our afternoon together. We also wondered why we haven't been more often? We love it?!
4. We had 60 children/adults in Children's Worship Sunday - that is grades K-5. What an amazing number!
5. I hate doing laundry! With a passion! And I really hate that my dryer went out last week, putting me a week behind. Thank goodness the repairman came yesterday to fix it. Now I just need to get caught up on the piles!
6. I have lost the lotion from my desk at the office. Yikes!
7. I cooked Lindsay's recipe for the Tilapia. I posted a link several days ago on my blog. It was a HUGE hit at my house! I think it was Scott's new favorite. Thanks Lindsay!
8. It is supposed to be 88 degrees today. I think I am ready for fall. I know my closet of clothes is ready.

Do you have Random things that you want to share?

Vintage Cooking

2010-10-15T10:02:00.001-05:00

Several blogs around the web have been hosting what are called "Vintage" cooking days. Obviously it is putting the use of older recipes books, etc. Last night, I decided to pull out several of mine. One cookbook was a family favorite that Scott's mother had copied for me when we first got married. I enjoyed reading through it and finding some recipes that I haven't cooked in a while.

I wanted to tell you about the next book I found: The Bride's Book of Ideas....A Guide to Christian Homemaking. I have the eighth printing from 1973. Someone, years ago, was cleaning out and gave this to me. What an incredibly neat book and a reminder of how times of changed. I wanted to share some wise words of wisdom from the book:
1. Be content with what you have.
2. Treat your husband with courtesy and respect and expect the same treatment from him.
3. Remember that your husband is the head of the house.
4. Don't let disagreements and differences go unresolved.
5. Give the Lord his rightful place in your marriage
(These precepts are for a happy home!)

The sections of this book are so cute: being prepared for guests, staples to always have, singing while your work, old recipes, importance of insurance, managing money, how to choose a family doctor, all the way to a schedule of cleaning.

And my last little thought from this book - and an area I fail miserably in:

"You can put a bowl of cold cereal and a lukewarm cup of coffee before your husband in the morning and he may not mind for a while. But if you want to send him to work with a bounce in his step, you will do better than that." It then gives menus and recipes for breakfast including a recipe for soft-boiled eggs, bacon, and homemade syrup for the french toast. I am not sure how Scott will feel about all this?!

Last Night

2010-10-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

So no one offered any advice for my dinner last night! That is ok - I completely understand! I made a decision all by myself - we had Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cheddar Cheese Muffins! It was absolutely delicious and super, super easy! You can check out the recipe at Eat at Home. It is one of my favorite cooking sites! I had several cans of already cooked chicken that I used - along with just 1 can of diced tomatoes! And YES, I made the muffins from scratch! I did have enough of both left over to be frozen for another meal!

Luckily tonight I do not have to make a decision about what to eat - church night!

Dinner!

2010-10-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

I love that my younger sister had her menu for the week listed on her blog The Wright Family. I have done so poorly at cooking the last several weeks. I think her menu was the "kick in the pants" I needed (of course, feeling good sure does help!). Last night we had poppyseed chicken with rice and some great green beans! I have been going through some menus, trying to decide what to cook and I am having a hard time deciding what to cook for tonight!

I need help: Jambalaya or Chicken Tortilla Soup with cheddar muffins! I have great recipes for both and just can't decide. Which would you choose?

Weekend and a movie!

2010-10-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

Our family had a wonderful weekend! We spent time camping, visiting with Scott's family, and worshipping our Jesus! As everyone has known, I haven't been feeling my best - but I decided Sunday that I was not going to complain anymore or dwell on it! I don't want to miss my time with my kids and husband! Scott has been asking for weeks for me to go to a movie with him - A. either I wasn't interested in the movie, B. the kids needed something (me) or C. I just didn't feel like it.

Last night, I decided to A. be interested, B. tell the kids that they could handle themselves and C. Not worry how I felt.

Scott and I had the best time and saw the BEST movie. Secretariat is incredible! Everyone should go see it! What an incredible message, story - and oh my, the horses are beautiful! We left the theater hugging and laughing! It was a great night all the way around! I sure have missed my date nights!

God's love

2010-10-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

NRC started a new women's bible study last night and I wanted to share a few "nuggets!" Carol talked about God's love - asking us if we really believe it, even when we don't feel it. We had a few good discussions (and I believe those will get better and better with time!)

A great point was God IS love....not was, will be, etc but IS - this is an important attribute of His character. I wish I had my notes in front of me for the verses used, but alas they aren't with me! The 10 "points" we discussed about God's love are:

God's love is everlasting!
God's love is unconditional!
God's love is sacrificial - we talked about how our generation really doesn't understand sacrifice - I mean we think we sacrifice when we forgo something we want for our children, church, etc
God's love is patient - thank goodness!
God's love is joyful - which is different from happy!
God's love is disciplining - not just punishing but always to bring us back to what is right.
God's love is protective! This is my favorite right now!
God's love is paternal! This one is easy to imagine because I had a great dad!
God's love is individual!!! He loves me!
God's love is undeserved. Thank you Lord for not giving me what I did deserve!

It was a great night and allowed a sweet time of fellowship and refreshing for me personally!

Thank you Carol!

High School Football

2010-10-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

Our whole family did something this past weekend that we haven't done in probably 7 - 8 years. We went to a high school football game and we had a great time! We used to go, during our youth ministry days, all the time but slowly Dean developed a complete aversion to anything sport related. I tried not to take him to many of Ariel's games but I still think he went to one too many. But, Dean's outlook is changing. It started slowly with soccer and now football. He is playing the game with friends, trying to learn it, and for the first time had a blast at the game.

Hillcrest played Carver of Birmingham Friday night. Scott grabbed our stadium chairs and off to the game we went. It was a beautiful night, very relaxing, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I got to see some sweet teens from our church and our neighborhood cheering, got to watch some great football players (Hillcrest is undefeated), and got to watch both children with their friends!

Scott and I decided that we just might have to do this again!