On Our Journey

Beach Trip 2009

2009-08-16T21:37:00.008-05:00

We had a great time at the beach. My youngest learned to ride the waves. Both my girls love the water.

These 3 stopped long enough for a photo then right back to their horse play.

This is my family at Captain Hook's Miniature golf. MAMA WON!!

Thanksgiving with Friends

2008-12-09T22:30:00.002-05:00

This was our 2nd annual Thanksgiving with our great friends. Me and my family really enjoy our time with them. (Names have been concealed to protect the innocent!)

We love you!!

Gator Buddies!!

Hay Hay We're the Monkeys!!!

Sweet girls! Best of friends!

Sweet girls! Best of Friends!

(couldn't find bandanas big enough)

Love you! Miss you!

Louisville Slugger museum

2008-09-23T20:33:00.005-05:00

This is my youngest at the Louisville Slugger batting cage in Louisville, KY. We took a tour of the factory to see how the bats were made. We also learned a lot about the history of Louisville Slugger. We had a blast!

This is my oldest swinging fast pitches with a Louisville Slugger TPS in the batting cage.

This is me, swinging my bat to a slower, old woman pitch!

This 'glove' bench was on the 1st floor of the museum. I stood on the 2nd to get this one.

Celebrating Birthdays

2008-08-05T17:32:00.004-05:00

My oldest turned 11 a couple of months ago. Here are a few pictures from her party. I can't believe she's 11. Time has flown by so quickly. She has brought so much joy to my life.

Do ya think she liked her present?

We weren't really sure if she liked it.

Her first camp!

2008-06-30T21:35:00.005-05:00

My oldest went to camp for the first time this year. She went to Teen Valley Ranch. It's a Christian Camp near Boone NC. She had a great time!

She did many fun things like the zip line, tubing and many other fun games. She and a friend each sang in the Talent Show.

But more important than that was the spiritual growth. She took classes on Quiet Time and Seeking God's Will For Your Life. It is awesome to see the Lord working in her life!

The scenery was beautiful. Her Dad and I and two other couples from church went up on Friday for the last night. They had their last service by the campfire. It's was really fun. I forgot how much fun it was to go to youth camp.

They really loved their counselor, Kristina.

The worship time was awesome as well! Many of the kids stood and testified of how the Lord had worked in his/her life that week.

This week was just another reminder of my girl growing up; leaving elementary school and going to her first camp.

Saying Goodbye!!

2008-06-24T22:35:00.007-05:00

Here are some of Leah's friends. Many of her friends are going to a different middle school. It made this day sad for them as you can tell.

This is LR and her 5th grade teacher. Leah had a great 5th grade year.

This is LR's friend since Kindergarten. They are going to different schools next year.

This is Logan Ann with her friends competing in tug of war!

This is LA and her Kindergarten teacher. She is so sweet. LA couldn't have had a better teacher her first year at Elementary School. Logan Ann received the "most dependable" reward for her class. LA had a great year.

SCHOOL'S ALMOST OUT!!

2008-05-21T21:23:00.008-05:00

I can't believe the school year is almost over. My oldest, is finishing 5th grade and my youngest is finishing Kindergarten. This is the only year they will attend the same school. The final awards day iand 5th grade graduation is coming up soon. I went to my niece's 5th grade graduation last year and it was a total waste of Mary Kay. This year I have already scheduled the day off. I know I will be a washed-out looking Mama that day.

This is LA at the last awards banquet. She received an Awesome Eagle Award for her character and behavior.

This is LR at the last awards banquet getting recognized for making the A honor roll.

MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY.....

2008-05-13T21:25:00.003-05:00

The other night me and my family were riding home from 'town'(you country folks know what I mean). My youngest daughter was being very talkative. You know why they get like that; they think if they stop talking then they'll fall asleep. You know for them that is just the worst thing!!?? But anyway, before each of her sentences, she would say "Mommy". She wanted to make sure I was listening. When we were about 5 minutes from the house, I looked over at "Mommy's husband" and said "I think she has said Mommy at least 20 times since we left "town". Even though my flesh was getting a liitle annoyed, the Holy Spirit stepped in. I smiled and realized that hearing my sweet little girl call out to me was a GREAT thing. How many Mothers only have a memory of their children calling out to them as "Mommy"? How many women longed to be called "Mommy"?

I'ved been a Mom now for 10 years. I love being a "Mommy". The Lord has entrusted me with 2 beautiful daughters. What a privilege and honor. But even more than that, what a responsibility! My girls are watching me; how I respond to life's struggles, difficult people, maybe a bad day at work and especially how I react to them when I'm tired. Do I listen? Do they call out "Mommy" because they think I'm not listening? Maybe that's why sometimes they don't listen to me. The Lord has used that ride home to show me the importance of listening. As my girls get older, I know they'll need to call out to me more and more. I want them to know that they can depend on me to stop what I'm doing, give them my attention and listen with unconditional love. If I don't, they will call out to someone who will. I'm not perfect, but my Lord is! I have a lot to learn. I want to live so close to Him that I can hear His perfect voice as I continue my journey in "Motherhood".

Spring is here!

2008-04-20T19:57:00.003-05:00

Good Evening! Spring is in the air. The break is over though. Softball season has arrived in full force. My games start tomorrow night. The girls' practices started up and we are doing a lot of running. It's worth it. I love watching them play. My oldest is starting her first season of fast-pitch and my youngest is in her first season of pee wee softball. I plan to have pictures to show you very soon. I'll be back!!

In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics

2008-03-27T01:35:00.001-05:00

YouTube - In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics

2008-03-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

YouTube - In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics

In Christ Alone!

2008-03-25T20:25:00.003-05:00

Happy Belated Easter! I love Easter. Easter means 'There's Hope'. I am so glad I serve a risen Savior. I love the Lord so much. I am so thankful He went all the way for me. I hope everyone that reads this has a personal relationship with the Jesus Christ. Without Him there is no hope. Christ is my constant companion. Through the good times and the bad times He is always there for me. I do not know how people live life without Him. I am so glad I will see Him face to face in Heaven one day. Do you have that assurance? If you were to die today, do you know you would go to heaven? John 14:6 Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to Father except by me". You cannot work your way to heaven. If there was anything you or I could do to gain our own salvation, God would not have sent His only Son to die for us. Ephesians 2: 8-9 says ""For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Trust Jesus Christ today! Here's what you must do:

Admit you are a sinner.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)

Turn from your sins
Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)

Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried and rose from the dead.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Saviour.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

What to pray: Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.

Daughter's priceless art!!

2008-03-02T21:40:00.003-05:00

It's been 2 years since my Mom passed away . My youngest daughter had just turned 4 years old. Last Sunday night she asked me how to spell 'taking' then she asked how to spell 'MeMaw'. She had drawn this picture and wanted to add words. She said "Mommy, this is Jesus taking MeMaw to heaven". I was truly amazed. It is very touching. You see Jesus' hands coming out of the clouds and MeMaw with her hands up ready to go. When my Mom got sick in 2004, LA was was 2 years old. It is so amazing at all the things she remembers about MeMaw. This picture is truly priceless to me. My girls miss their MeMaw and its so great that they have the assurance that MeMaw is okay now. She's in heaven with Jesus! She's there with my Dad. Someday we'll all be together again!!

Just do it!

2008-02-19T21:04:00.003-05:00

Well, I did it! My first mammogram! I was a little nervous. I have heard so many stories about the vice-grip, cold concrete, slammed-in-frig door pain that others have experienced. I have to say that it just wasn't that bad. The tech was hilarious. She said some pretty witty things. You all know I love 'whit'. After she was done, the images came up on the computer and she said "Oh, there they are. It looks just like 'em". Her last instructions were 'no cooking or cleaning for the next 24 hours'.......so I didn't.

If you've been putting it off, please schedule it today!! If you don't have an appointment, just stop by the Mammography department and see if they can 'squeeze' you in!! haha

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

2008-02-14T21:33:00.002-05:00

It snowed again. We had no idea that we would have snow on the ground this morning!

I don't think this one was on the 'doppler'!

Snow makes everything so much prettier!

Welcome Buster!

2008-02-08T20:18:00.001-05:00

This is our new pet! His name is Buster. He is 3 1/2 years old. We got him from my husband's aunt and uncle. He is so sweet and gentle. We are really enjoying this new edition to our family.

Rebs and KC

2008-02-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics for the Reba and Kelly concert.

This is Melissa Peterman more known as "Barbara Jean". She opened up the show and had us all laughing till it hurt.

Here's the crew. We all had a great time! It's definitely a time I will not soon forget.

What a awesome duo!

Reba's still got it!

Here they are singing some of the Reba classics!

Step aside, Barnum and Bailey, this is the 'Greatest Show On Earth'

Snow days!

2008-01-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

Here are the girls enjoying the snow fall!

We are so glad that it snowed while our good friends were here from Alabama. As you can tell we had a great time playing!

This was earlier on Saturday when the snow was beginning to accumulate. WE LOVE IT!

Before and After

2007-12-30T21:48:00.000-05:00

This is my sister Angela, our Mama and myself 2 years ago. It was our last Christmas with her. She passed away 2 months after this photo was taken. We miss Mama so much. There is something we do not miss and that's the pounds! My sister starting losing weight in the summer of 2006 and it inspired me to do something as well.

Here we are Christmas 2007. Angela has lost 45 lbs and I have lost 30. I hope to catch with her soon. We both feel so much better. I know Mama would be so happy for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

2007-12-18T00:06:00.000-05:00

This is my baby! She just turned 6 years old. I can't believe it. It seems like yesterday she was posing for this picture. She is my prissy girl. She loves make-up, pocket books and such. She must have gotten that from her Nana and MeMaw cause she sure enough didn't get it from me. L.A. is a precious little girl. I love her very much!

HILARIOUS!

2007-12-01T23:26:00.000-05:00

My favorite radio station is JOY FM. We've had the radio station in our area for a little over a year. I was checking out their website last night and came across the funniest thing. This guy is a Christian comedian. I seen him a few years ago. He is hilarious! Click on this link Artist Jokes (JOY FM) and scroll down to the last picture that says "Aaron Wilburn". I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

We're BACK

2007-11-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

We just returned from spending Thanksgiving with our good friends in Alabama we had a great memorable time. Leah and I went shopping on Friday with everybody and their Mama. We headed out at 5:45 am and shopped until we met the rest of the crew for supper about 5:30. We had a great time with a lot of laughs. Our sweet husbands watched the kids. I thought I would share some pictures of the fun they had while we were out shopping.

Aren't they cute!

Gone fishin'

Thanks for letting me share our Thanksgiving memories and photos with you! God bless you!

Now we have moved in to the Christmas season. Only 35 days till Christmas. Let us not forget during all the hustle and bustle of this season that Jesus Christ, 'the Way, the Truth and the Life', was born to die for us. Let's keep Christ in Christmas!

What's Cooking?

2007-11-22T22:09:00.000-05:00

Yes! This is me making gravy. As Leah explains in her blog, it was our first time making the Thanksgiving feast without our mothers (and aunts) doing all the cooking. I have a whole new appreciation for all the work my Mom put into making Thanksgiving so special. By the way, the gravy was 'the bomb'. Leah prepared a brining to soak the Turkey. It turned out so good. It was so tender and tasty.

This is Leah Belle making her first butternut squash dish. It was tasty but the rest of the crew decided they 'butter nut' try it (ba-domp-bomp)!

We had a great time spending Thanksgiving together. After lunch, Joel read a devotion and Leah read a Thanksgiving book to all the kids. It was a special time for us all.

I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving; making memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Alabama Home Sweet!

2007-11-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

This is our redneck table wagon with all the condiments!

Three Amigos stop long enough to pose for the camera before taking off on another adventure!

We had a great time by the fire last night. This is LR and her Alabama friend enjoying smores!

We are wondering if we should be singing "Cum-Ba-Ya". Where's the guitar!!

We are certainly having a great time with our friends here in LA (lower Alabama). For more details on all the fun you're missing you can check out Leah's blog!

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful! (I think that's how the postcard reads)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

GLORY! GLORY

2007-10-22T21:22:00.001-05:00

I am alive! Several have commented they're tired of seeing the orange walls of my bathroom. I decided tonight was the night to update my blog.
Shawn and I were able to go with the group of Senior Citizens (Frontrunners) from our church to the Gloryfest conference in Pigeon Forge. We had a great time! They kept us hopping the whole time. We enjoyed our time with everyone. It was great getting to know each other better and laugh and cry together. You all know I do both quite often. While we were there, we heard some great messages by some great men of God. Junior Hill, Bobby Welch and Dan Spencer were the preachers. They all brought great messages. We learned in Psalms 37, not to fret. Junior Hill compared the word 'fret' to the phrase; 'that burns me up'. When we grumble and complain, we become critical people. When we're critical, we tend to spread it "among the brethen"! Critical people are discouragers, not encouragers. When we act that way, we also confuse the lost. They don't understand why we say we love Jesus, but we act like man. Bobby Welch spoke on moving forward with the Lord. Get past your past, live for today. See what the Lord wants you to do today and guard your future. Seek God's will for your life. I just remembered another message that Junior Hill brought to us. He used Paul as an example about how the Lord can take our weaknesses and make us stong. Nothing's impossible with God! God's best servents are those who are totally dependant on the Lord for His guidance and direction through the power of the Holy Spirit. We don't have to be eloqent, savvy and have all the answers to speak for the Lord. We just need to be obedient and faithful to the Lord and seek His will for our lives. I cannot remember who said this but I like it.; "God's will for your life is not under a rock somewhere for you to find. God's will is found one right decision at a time". In life, we have many decisions to make, both great and small. We need to let God lead us to make the right choices. I know behind a shadow of a doubt that God has a plan for my life and I don't want to mess it up. I love this portion of Psalm 37, which states "Trust in the Lord, and do good, Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" AMEN! SHOW NUFF!!

Labor Day Laboring

2007-09-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

Well on Friday we went on our annual day trip to Hillsville, Virginia for the Labor Day Flea Market. On Saturday, I started my Labor Day project which was to paint our half bath. I worked on it Saturday and today. I am finally finished! I wish I would have taken a picture of the way it looked before. It was a pale yellow, but now it's Clemson orange (not Florida Gator or Tony Stewart orange). My next project is the laundry room. Any color suggestions are welcome. Let me know your ideas.

New School Year

2007-09-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Another summer is over; another school year has started. This one is very special. I have one starting her first year in Kindergarten and one starting her last year in Elementary school. They have completed their first week. This year will be the only school year they will be at the same school. Both seem to have had a great time and love their teachers. It seems they grow up so fast. No matter how old they are, they will always be my babies!

Here She Comes Miss America!

2007-08-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted on my blog. The above picture is of my girls, with their cousin. She has been clogging half her life. She's very good! This was the night she was crowned Petite Miss American Clogger. This was a very special night. We were glad we were there to share in this moment. I'll be back soon!

2007-07-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

We are back from our Rudd adventure! We enjoyed seeing the sights in VA and PA. The picture at top left is of an Amish Farm. Isn't it beautiful? The top right picture is the'fam' aboard the Strasburg Railroad. The picture below is from our first stop at Natural Bridge, VA. We had a great time. We walked the trials at Natural Bridge, visited the wax museum, toy museum and the Caverns. Then we headed toLancaster, PA to see the Amish farms via the Strasburg Railroad and a buggy ride. We visited the Train Museum. Out of all the children, Shawn liked it the most (haha). I made a mistake of letting him take pictures. He took over 100 of the Train Museum. The only part of it he missed taking pictures of was the rest rooms. Our last day in Lancaster, we went to see the drama, Psalms of David. It was awesome. They acted out scenes from the life of David; They showed how the Psalms have inspired songwriters for so many songs written today and many, many years ago. After that we headed to Harrisburg (Near Hershey). There we visited Chocolate World where we took a trolley through Hershey. We went through a simulated factory tour (3 times) to see how Hershey makes their world famous chocolate. It was great. On Friday, we went to Hershey Park for the day which included ZooAmerica. We all had a great time. We enjoyed it. The girls enjoyed this part of the trip the most. A great time was had by all.

2007-06-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

I couldn't get too far past Father's Day to write about my Daddy. As you can tell by his smile, he was a happy man. He always had a smile even when he was sick. He passed away February 13, 1993. I think of him everyday. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior I know I will see him again. My Dad was a truck driver, but when he would come home from a trip, he would get his 6 hours (that's all he said he needed), then he would get up and spend time with us. If he wasn't on the road, he was at my sporting events and my practices. He would play catch with me in the yard and pitch for the neighborhood softball games and shoot hoops with me in the back yard. He taught me the hook shot. I love my Daddy very much and I know he loved me. What he taught me goes a lot deeper than just a hook shot. He taught me the importance of good character, treating people the way you want to be treated and to be honest in all things. What a great man he was. I know he's enjoying Heaven especially since Mama arrived on February 20, 2006. They're singing and praising the Lord together again. I thank the Lord for my Daddy this Father's Day. I am so glad to have had him in my life for 23 years. He impacted my life so much.

2007-06-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEAH!!

My friend Leah T.'s birthday was yesterday (I will not release her age). I just wanted to give a shout out in her honor. Leah and I are such close friends even though we live so far apart. We still talk frequently on the phone and visit each other about twice a year. During my Mama's illness, she was there for me. She helped me through so much. When my Mama died, she and her family drove 10 hours to be here with us. Leah T. has a special place in my heart. She is such a kind, humble and geniune person and I count it an honor to have her as a friend.

2007-06-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd show you some pictures of my 'baby' graduating from pre-school. I can't believe that she's starting kindergarten this year. I cried when I saw her in that cap and gown. She had a blast at her commencement program. She walked right up to the mic said her lines and sang her heart out.

HEY EVERYONE!

2007-05-31T22:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I have been so busy. I can't believe that it's been since Mother's day since my last post. Tonight me and L.A. went to see our friend Kim graduate from high school. We became close to her at our previous church. She's been through so much in her 18 years. I am so proud of her. She accepted Christ a few weeks ago. We were able to go to her church for her baptism. Kim wants to become a nurse and work at Duke's Children Hospital. She loves children and children love her. My children always want to know when she's coming over to spend the night. I took a picture of her and L.A. tonight, but of course my camera batteries died so I was not able to download them. I did attach a picture of us taken at a birthday party. Congratulations, Kim on your Graduation.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

I would like to pay tribute to my mother today. I do miss being able to pick her out a card and give her a hug and kiss. Even though I'm not able to see her on Mother's Day, I am forever grateful for the 37 years I had with her. When I think about missing my Mama, I think about what I miss the most. That is a her love that only my Mama can give. I remember when my oldest daughter was 3 years old. She would quote Johnny Bravo (in an Elvis voice) saying "Nobody loves ya like ya Mama". It was so hilarious but so true. Nobody will ever love you like ya Mama. She made me feel so special. My Mama loved me so much. I loved her too. I loved being her baby. She taught me how to live and how to die. I will never forget on her birthday (Feb 8,2006) when I gave her birthday card to her she began to cry and said "I'll be waiting for you". She passed away 12 days later. I know that I will see her again. I am so glad that I know Jesus Christ as my Savior. Without Him I don't know what I would do. I have a hope in Him that I will see my Mama again. But until then, I will cherish the memories that I have of her and my Daddy. The picture above is of my Mama her last Christmas with her grandchildren.

I would like to also say how thankful I am to be a mother. I have the greatest daughters in the world (see their picture above). I cherish my relationship with them. I love being a mother. I pray that I will be the mother to them that the Lord wants to be. I am so proud of them. They are smart and beautiful, but even if they were dumb and ugly, I'd still be grateful.

In all things, praise the Lord. I am truly blessed!

Happy Birthday

2007-05-03T21:04:00.000-05:00

I would like to give a shout out to my friend Candy. She celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. She and I have been friends since 7th grade. We became inseparateable our Junior year of HS. It's hard to believe that was that was 20 years ago. We have a lot of great memories. She was a member of our family. She ate many-a-meal at our house (her favorite being my Mama's spaghetti). We had some great times. I told her that we were content to have $2 to put gas in my Toyota Corolla and $5 for us to eat at Hardees. Today if we only had $2 to put in the tank, Hardees would have to be right across the street. We've shared a lot of great memories. Here's just a few things we've shared.
1. The Shakers- Lip-singing to Motown
2. Winter 1986 - Sickness and a garbage bag
3. Swimming at the Colony Apts. Learning to dive.
4. Summer 1987 - Worked summer job at Hardees. We had to be at work at 6 am
5. Almost Carowinds!
6. Buenos Dios!
7. Rhinestone and Top Secret
8. Graduated together- Class of '88 is great!
9.. We both married our husbands in 1993.
10. We were in each other's weddings
11. We both had our first baby in 1997.
12. She was my nurse when I had my second.
Wow! (Candy, I'm sure you will probably have more to add.)

We don't get to hang out as much as we used to. We are all grown up now (well maybe a little) and have families of own. We usually talk to each other at least twice a month. No matter what, we know we can depend on each other.
Happy Birthday Candy!!
Love ya Candy Elaine Brain!!

2007-04-10T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm back. It's been very busy around here. Hope everyone had a terrific Easter weekend. We had a sunrise service and an 11:00 service. The services were a time to reflect on the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His triumphant resurrection. My 10 year-old daughter took notes during the 11:00 service. I wanted to share what she took away from the message.

The Miracle of the empty tomb.
Christ is the Christ of Calvary.
He died for you and me because He loved us.
He died to prove our sins were forgiven.
Jesus says that whoever trust in Him shall be saved.
Christ is the Christ of Victory.
He is my Lord.
I am tired of sinning.
The Lord loves you with all his heart that's why he died on the cross and rose again.
The Lord also sent an earthquake so everybody would know He was risen.
There was an angel to tell Mary Magdalene & Mary to go tell the disciples that He is risen.

I am so glad that she likes to take notes during the messages instead of writing them to her friends. Leah asked Jesus to be her Savior when she was 6 years old. She is such a sweet and considerate girl. She loves Jesus and has so much compassion for others. I love her dearly.

Are you sure Room 12 is ready?

2007-03-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day! I think it got up to 80 outside this afternoon. The kids actually were able to play outside after we got home. They really enjoyed playing catch with their Daddy, swinging and finally eating supper outside on the deck. I don't know about you but I'm ready to wear some shorts and flip flops. The question is,are YOU ready for me to wear shorts and flip flops? I am told, sunglasses are required in order to look at my legs! I am working on my tan at the 'fake and bake'. For all you who need a translation that's a tanning bed. I am so white, I've been twice and I've only used 11 minutes. I know right now you're thinking , "Where did I put my sunglasses?". Don't worry, I will not reveal them until they're ready. I was traumatized last year as I was trying to cover-up my whiteness at the "fake and bake". It was an ordinary day. I got off work and went to the tanning salon. When I arrived a little blonde girl took my number and marked my card. She said room 12 was available. As I approached the door to Room 12, I noticed it was closed. Now the first thing I'm thinkin' is "Somebody's in that room". I conveyed my concern to the young lady. She walked back to where I was and said "Oh, the air sometimes slams the doors shut on this side of the room". Right after she says that, she turns the door knob and pushes the door all the way open. SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE. The bed was empty but the room was not. I never did see her face. Believe me, I would have rather seen her face. She was facing the wall in the 'buff' and I'm not through. She was bent over. At this point, the little girl ran back to the front of the place, in a panic, leaving the door wide open and me standing there with that "oh my goodness" look on my face. So at this point, this big girl, "me", runs to the back of the place. I guess the 'nude tanned lady' felt a draft because she turned around and slammed the door. Bless her heart. Judging by her skin tone, she was an experienced tanner and maybe even a charter member of this salon. Even in all her experience, I'm sure this day would be one she would not soon forget. I would say I haven't seen the lady since then, but I wouldn't know that now would I? But if I did and could ask her what she had learned from that experience I'm sure this would be her advice to us. 1. When you enter the tanning bed room, shut the door and push your entire body weight against it to make sure it is closed. 2. Then push the lock button really really hard. This step should leave the an impression in your finger tip (you don't want to take any chances) 3. Right before you get in the tanning bed, repeat 1 & 2. This has really helped in my recovery. After I complete all "3 steps", I can know that unless a fire breaks out in the next 5 minutes, I'm good!!

I know you are thankful that I do not have any photos to attach to this story. I think the picture you have in your head is enough.

God To Our Rescue

2007-03-16T19:38:00.000-05:00

Last week one of my devotions took me to Romans 8:28. It was really good, so I wanted to share it with you.

When Satan thinks he's done a terrible thing to us and that it will finish us off, God has another plan altogether. He'll take what Satan meant for harm and work it out not only for our good, but for the good of the many to whom we will minister

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We need to remember that we are valuable. God sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and then rise again on the third day. He would not have done all that just to leave us to fend for ourselves day to day. He is in it for the long haul. There's nothing we will face that He will not be right there with us. When just need to seek Him and find our strength in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Birthday Surprise

2007-03-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had a nice surprise for my birthday. My friend, Jenni (my sister-in-law's sister) told me a couple of weeks ago she wanted to take me out to supper and bowling for my birthday. Well tonight was the night. Little did I know more of my friends were invited. When Jenni and I arrived at Rockola, my sister-in-law (and friend) Juli and my friend Susan were there. After we sat down, Penney and Traci (friends from High School) came in. We had a great time there, then we went bowling. My friend Lisa met us there. We had a great time and we have pictures to prove it. I am thankful to my friends for giving me this special night. They will never know how much it meant to me. I will never forget it. The only other time I was surprised for my birthday was when I was 17 years old. My friend, Candy surprised me with a cake and a small party at the skating rink. I LOVE TO SKATE! That was 20 years ago and I still LOVE TO SKATE! I will never forget that either. I had a great time making memories! This is a special SHOUT out to all friends. I Love you all!!!

A New Song

2007-03-05T22:49:00.000-05:00

About a month and a half ago, the Lord revealed Himself to me in such a powerful way. A sat down with the Lord for 3 hours. This is something I had never done. I was saved many years ago, but it was January 18th, that the Lord got my attention. I felt His presence so strong. I was the only one at home at the time. When I 'finally' sat down with him, I wept. I was so ashamed at how I had treated my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord led me to so many scriptures. I went to Matthew 27:34 where the scriptures says Jesus was offered 'wine mingled with gall'. He spat it out and refused to drink it. You see, this drink would have eased His suffering. He wanted to feel the full punishment of my sin for ME. He went all the way for me and I hadn't even been going half way for Him. Each day I would pass Him by. I thought of how I would feel if my children would come in the house and walk past me, not even acknowledging that I was there. How that would break my heart. Well, that was just what I was doing to my Father. I realized that I couldn't pass Him by any longer. I fell back in love with Jesus. I never lost my salvation (I never can), but I had lost my passion for Christ. The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of the beatings, mocking and finally the crucifixion that Jesus went through for me. I realized just how much He loved me. Realizing that fact made my love for Him stronger than ever. He went all the way for me. He didn't have to, but He did. He led me to Isiah 53, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:24, 1 John 1:5-10 and Matthew 7:3-5. The Lord opened my eyes that night. In the past, I've made a lot of empty promises that were unkept, but this time is different. I am enjoying such sweet fellowship with the Lord, like never before. I don't want to miss anything God has in store for me. Since then, I have been able to resolve situations in my life. I've been able to truly forgive others. The Lord is working in my life and in the lives of my family. I can't wait to see what He has in store. About a week later, I was going over some chords on my guitar (G,C,D). These words came to me. I titled the song, 'Passing Him By'. If you've been passing Him by, I pray that today, you too will fall back in love with Jesus!

He was beaten and bruised.

Relief for the pain, He refused.

He died to pay your debt.

He went all the way

up Calvary that day.

Why do you pass Him by?

The Holy Spirit spoke to me.

I realized where I was

and where God wanted me.

Oh how I'd let sin reign.

I cried to the Lord in shame.

I cried 'Oh Lord, forgive me!

For passing you by.'

Cause you were beaten and bruised.

Relief for the pain you refused.

You died to pay my debt.

You went all the way

Up Calvary that day.

I will not pass you by.

No more just going through the drill.

Cause what we have Lord, it's for real.

In my heart you do abide,

and I will not pass you by.

2007-02-27T22:12:00.000-05:00

My husband, Shawn's birthday is March 4th. Happy Birthday Honey! I love you! You still got it!

What Is She Wearing Tonight?

2007-02-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

We went to our church's Valentine's banquet. On the way my husband says "Now, don't volunteer me for anything when we get here". He wanted to be saved from any embarrassment that might would occur in a "newlywed game". If you don't remember it, this game tests the "memory" of your spouse (i.e, where he proposed, what I cooked last, my shoe size). Our names were not drawn to play this "memory" game. You are getting ready to find out just why that's a 'good thing'. I love and respect my husband however I do laugh (along with him) at many things that he does. However no one laughs harder at Shawn than Shawn does. All the couples were asked to participate in the last game of the night. The ladies were asked to leave the room. The men stayed and each were asked to write down as many things as they could remember about what their wives were wearing that evening. Now remember, I've been sitting beside my husband since 4:45 p.m. (including the ride in the car). It is now, almost 3 HOURS later. We come back in the room. My husband wrote down a total of 3 things. 1. Blue jeans 2. White T-shirt 3. Green sweater. Well, 1 out 3 ain't bad! I was wearing, blue jeans, blue T-shirt and cream-colored sweater. That was our laugh for the evening. You'd think that by the next morning, he'd be paying more attention to what I was wearing. On the way into church, one of our friends asked him what color sweater I was wearing. I heard a long pause....then "I'm not sure". I do love him, bless his heart!

Come along with us!

2007-02-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone

Thanks to my friend Leah Belle for showing me how to start this blog.
I look forward to sharing my life's journey with you all. I am starting this blog on my 37th birthday. Wow. It seems like I just graduated from high school. Time sure does fly. I do love my life. I've had my share of troubles and trials, but the Lord has brought me through each one. In my relationship with Jesus Christ, I find joy and contentment no matter the circumstances. I have a great husband and two precious daughters who share this journey with me. Thanks for joining us.

Enjoy the ride.

Love in Christ,

Jennifer

Come along with us!

2007-02-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog. I hope you enjoy it.