So...

I really didn't have a very good day yesterday. I basically had an emotional breakdown from a combination of just EVERYTHING going on in my life right now....frustrations, stress, exhaustion (physical and emotional), and holiday. Everything just kinda piled up yesterday and I just had to cry...so I did...all day! I'm so thankful to have a very understanding and patient husband who would put up with me when I get like that. And especially thankful to have such awesome friends who always have an ear to listen and words of encouragement to try to lift my mood (Kim & Kayla). I am probably MOST grateful for a God who will love me despite me. Even though I had a pity party yesterday I know that He was there loving me through every bit of it and reassuring me that tomorrow would be a new day and that His mercies are new EVERY morning. So, I am MUCH better today, Praise the Lord!!! Jordan and I took a MUCH NEEDED night off last night. We didn't work in the house, didn't go anywhere. We nestled down in the recliners and watched a little bit of TV, had dinner and went to bed early (8pm)! It was so NICE!! So I have a fresh start today and I'm re-energized to tackle what must be tackled today. Work in the house this afternoon with a clear mind and a little more excitement that we are yet again ONE DAY CLOSER to moving in. Hopefully, the plumber will be by there today to fix our plumbing leak and we can turn the water on. I'm refusing to have a prospective MOVE IN date since every one we set never progresses. We'll move in when we're finished and we'll move in when God's ready for us to move in. We have 7 days till Christmas!!! I will be one of the lunatics out there on Christmas Eve trying to buy for the few I need to buy for. I wish I could buy for everyone in my circle of familiy and friends...one day I will! With all of the construction going on right now I really have not had a chance to just really enjoy the excitement and thrill of Christmas this year. It has basically been an afterthought thus far b/c the house has consumed my thoughts. But I want to take this opportunity to recognize the Reason for this CHRISTmas season: the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With all of this garbage about changing the name of CHRISTmas to Holiday b/c it may offend some, go ahead. But it will still never change the fact that CHRIST is the Reason for CHRISTmas! And NO ONE can stop me from wishing ANYONE a Merry CHRISTMAS!!! Nope, no one! And for anyone that is bothered by that statement, let me take you to a 3rd world country where there are far MORE issues to be more concerned about. To you, I say: GET OVER IT & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! This blog sends love to all of my family and friends who do happen to read this. May you have a tremendously blessed CHRISTmas with your loved ones and may this new year truly be a year of new beginnings in every area of your life! With love, Me :O)

Faith

Last Sunday morning, December 2nd, I had a greater revelation of faith through a message preached by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. I cannot list everything from his message in detail but I wanted to share an overview of what I received. This may seem elementary, but for some reason, that morning, it was Rhema Word for me. It was just one verse. A verse that I've been familiar with for years. But that morning, God dropped it in my spirit and I understood it even more. Hebrews 11:6 And WITHOUT faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. For the majority of my life I have always prayed "God may my life be pleasing to You. I just want to please You and I want to know that I am doing what You want me to do." The desire of my heart was to please my Father. So everyday I would strive to do the right things, be a good example to others, obey authority, do everything "as unto the Lord." I felt that DOING things that were good and right would please Him. But I can DO all the right things and be faced with a tough situation and allow that situation to seem hopeless to me, and I can lack the faith to believe that God can still handle it and work it out and I would have failed in pleasing God despite my good deed b/c I lacked the faith to believe HIM. His Word IS true! Matthew 19:26 With God ALL things ARE POSSIBLE!!! There is NOTHING too big for God! Pastor Franklin also spoke on when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace. He made note of the fact that when the King had the guards turn the furnace up 7 times hotter that when the guards opened the door to the furnace they were burned and died. The devil will place people in front of you who have faced the same situations you're in and been through the same things you may be going through and they're situations did not turn out well. The devil does that to steer your faith and cause your faith to be questioned and to fail. But make note of the fact that when the King looked into the furnace there were 4 men WALKING around in the fire. You see, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not just sit down in the middle of their trial. They WALKED BY FAITH right in the middle of it! So despite the fact that others may have gone through the same situation you're in and their situation did not turn out in a positive aspect, DO NOT allow the enemy to use that in your life to cause you to doubt what God CAN do. Just have FAITH! Another thing to note in Hebrew 6:11: It says that God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him. Pastor Franklin mentioned this and I will agree that I, too, had the same misconception. But this verse just says that God will reward those who earnestly seek Him...it does not say that you have to find Him in order to be rewarded. If we will just make a conscious effort on a daily basis to SEEK HIM then He will reward us. Reward us with what? I believe He will simply reward us with what we NEED each day. His Word also says that if we seek Him we WILL find Him! How can we possibly lose anything if we just seek Him? One, He will reward us. Two, we will find Him. I can only see us gaining in this scenario. My prayer now is, "God increase my faith because I want to please you! You are God and there is NOTHING impossible with You. I have surrendered my life into Your Hands and I trust You completely with it. Increase my faith." I have been a witness to miracles, signs and wonders and I know that God can heal, set free and deliver His children. He holds my life in His hands and EVERYTHING that happens is b/c He has allowed it to happen for some reason. I just have to trust Him to order my steps b/c He said He would. God is so Awesome!!!! Put your faith in Him today!!!!

House pictures

I just wanted to post some recent pictures of the house. This last picture to the left is the view from the front door. The hardwoods are already laid up to the place where the arches meet. We should finish laying the hardwoods in the living room tonight and the spare bedrooms tomorrow. Then the flooring is finished...we just have to lay the baseboards! The plan is to be moving in next weekend!!! Hallelujah!!!

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is the one day a year that is set aside to actually give Thanks for our many blessings. It's really kind of sad that we designate just one day to give thanks when we should all give thanks on a daily basis. I recognize more and more that EVERY day is a blessing from God and that without Him we would not even be here. The Bible says that IN HIM, we live and move and have our being. I believe that Scripture to be very much true! My new goal is to really take on an attitude of gratitude and live every day with a thankful heart for ALL that God has given me and ALL that He has done IN my life. He has done SO MUCH for me this year. Let me list just a few things:

• I was blessed with the opportunity to go back to Uganda twice this year and witness miracles, signs and wonders!
• We were able to sell our house.
• God told us He would build us a house and that is exactly what He has done.
• God brought my dad home from Louisiana and he and my two brothers were the instruments God used to build my house.
• I will be moving into my new house before Christmas and it really is a beautiful home that I know was built out of love. My two Daddy's built my house for me.
• I have been in excellent health this year.
• I have had food on my table and a roof over my head and I am thankful for that b/c I know that there are so many people in this world that do not have such things.
• I have a job that I enjoying being at (most days! LOL)
• I witnessed God's hand in the healing and renewing of my favorite supervisor who is like another mother to me!
• I was able to buy a brand new car this year.
• I am blessed with so many wonderful friends!
• I am EXTREMELY blessed with a WONDERFUL family that LOVES me and would do anything for me.

I would love for everyone who reads this to just take a short amount of time to reflect on all that God has done for you this year and just send up praises to Him. He is so WORTHY of them!

I pray that your Thanksgiving is blessed and that you all have a wonderful and safe time visiting all of your family and loved ones. Don't eat too much...but savor all that you do! :O)

I love you all so very much!!!!

P.S. Tomorrow is also my birthday~just one more thing to be thankful for...well you should be thankful for me at least!!!! LOL Just kidding! Muah!

Pictures from London & Uganda

My Child

My Child, Not only can I hear you, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in My image. (Genesis 1:27) In Me, you live and move and have your eing. (Acts 17:27-28) For you are My offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you, when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in My book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me. (John 8:41, 42, 44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is My desire to lavish My love on you. Simply because you are My child, and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift that you receive, comes from My hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider, and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are My treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all My heart, and all My soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) Adn I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I, who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) And nothing will ever seaparte you from My love again. (Romans 8:38-39) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) Love, Your Heavenly Father

Uganda October 2007

On both of my previous trips to Uganda I went with great expectations of creative miracles, signs and wonders, such as, limbs growing back or the dead being raised. Maybe because of all that was going on in my life before we left for this trip I really did not have a lot of time to think about it in terms of gathering any preconceived ideas of what would take place. Honestly, I did not have any feelings whatsoever. It was very unusual for me and I was concerned and disturbed by it. I am glad that I did not have such expectations because I was not disappointed by what took place. I was in awe at the children as in times past but they did not consume my thoughts or my emotions. What I was in awe of was God in the little things. I noticed God in the smaller moments: I witnessed courtesy to our bus drivers that led one to a hunger for salvation. I watched a sinner being led to repentance inside a mini-bus in the middle of the Kampala jam. I, then, remembered how we never would have had that moment if a mini-bus we were riding to the crusade in had not broken down which caused us to swap buses on the side of the street. I saw God’s hand in that. I recognized God’s love for Michael that He would cause all of those events to take place just so Michael could be born again. I noticed the true importance of a Father/Son relationship and how it is longed for by so many when the tears fell from Michael’s cheek as Pastor called him his new son. I witnessed the salvation of hundreds of lost souls which is the greatest miracle of all. I was touched by the tears streaming down faces as they repeated the sinner’s prayer. I could almost see the angels peering down from Heaven and counting them one by one, then turning around to start the jubilant celebration. I saw the Gospel message, the Great Commission, manifested as every newborn soul was jotted down and would become a part of the discipleship program and taught the Truth. They will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ. I was humbled by messages that were preached because they were as much for me and my situations here as it was for the people of Uganda. Jesus is no respecter of persons and I am truly blessed that God spoke to me as He spoke to others. If we would strive to have a teachable spirit and open our hearts to receive what the Lord is speaking we would be so much stronger spiritually than we are. Though we came to minister and bless these people, I, in turn, was ministered to and blessed; maybe even more so than they. My heart leapt as a little boy was thanking God for sending an angel to chase a demon away from him and acknowledging God as the provider of a sponsor for his school fees. I was humbled to see the generosity towards a waitress who was saving all of her tip money in order to buy a new mattress. I watched as God’s hand outstretched to give her the last 10,000 shillings (which is about $6.67) she needed to finish her purchase. I saw the heart of God in the humble servant hood of Damalie as she carried Bibles and escorted Ms. Wanda to our mini-bus every day. Not only did she have a humble spirit but also a sacrificial spirit. She does not have much but she gave each of us ladies a beautiful beaded necklace; a modern day widow’s mite. I experienced the magnitude of a touch and a hug as the children pressed all around just for one hand shake and one squeeze. One little boy even sat on the end of the bench I sat on one night but inched his way over to the point of being right under me. I spent the rest of the night with one arm around him and he just nuzzled right up to me and loved every second of it. I remembered feeling like the Pied Piper as I looked on either side of me and behind me to see that I was surrounded by children whose faces lit up when I acknowledged their presence. I saw the impact of a prayer for a little boy who was having nightmares as tears streamed down his cheeks. We have no idea what they go home to and the demonic forces are very real and tangible there. But I believe that God is raising up a new generation of young warriors. They will never forget our visits and they will never forget the message we brought. They will know Jesus and all that He can do for them. I also witnessed Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, in action as He directed us from an unsafe hotel into a sheltering place that was far more comfortable and welcoming than the other. I witnessed a group of people with a determined heart and mind to do whatever it took and whatever it cost to make everything work out because every soul was worth it. God stretched the finances of each of us just in order to meet our needs and the needs of the people in Uganda. A new ministry was established in the city center. It will grow and spread throughout Kampala, throughout Uganda, and throughout Africa. I played just one small part in it by being in its attendance. So what I leave from Uganda with this time is that God doesn’t always have to do something big because He is ALWAYS in the little things. I know it seems so elementary but its importance is no less. Did I see something this time that I never have before? Most definitely! And it was probably the greatest thing I could have seen. I saw the little things. And I saw that God loves us so much that He probably pays more attention to the small things than we realize. It’s in those small things that birth out large things. The small things must take place before anything large can because the large things are just a combination of the smaller things working together. As I wrote that on the airplane God even revealed to me the importance of that within the church body. We are eagerly looking for the big things of God to take place but they will not come until all of the smaller parts and things are working together, unified. It won’t take much to work together for something big but think how much greater that big could be if more small things would pull together! My prayer is that God will reveal to each of you the importance of the small things in your life and in our church and that it would so overwhelm each of us that it pushes us into a unified action. For His glory and His renown!!!

Uganda again

So, one week from tomorrow Jordan and I will embark on another journey to Africa for a mission trip. I am excited yet nervous about this trip. I'm nervous b/c I have so much going on here at home that I haven't had time to really prepare for this trip...in terms of packing and getting all of my travel stuff organized. That means that I will be going crazy by next week if I don't get some of it accomplished before then. Monday and Tuesday I woke up with a sore throat and I decided I would go ahead and go to the doctor to get a shot in hopes of knocking out whatever is trying to plaque my body. I will not be sick and miserable on my trip next week. So I make an appointment yesterday and go see the doctor. The nurse lady comes in and asks for my symptoms and she writes them down in my chart as I call them out one by one. I proceed to tell her that I am going out of the country next week and will take a shot or whatever I need to get better. She asks where I'm going and when I told her Uganda she says, "Must be for a mission trip b/c that doesn't sound like a place you'd like to go on vacation." I confirmed her assumption and she left. The doctor comes in and I give him the whole spill again (why does the nurse ask for our symptoms only for the doctor to come in behind her and ask for them all over again?)! I tell him that I'm going out of the country next week and I am very open to him giving me a shot. He agrees and sends the nurse in to inject me. The nurse is rubbing the little alcohol swab on my arm and she asks me, "are you going over there to feed them or to preach?" I reply, "to preach." She very matter of factly says, "I'm sorry but I believe that's just a waste of time." At that reply I am basically caught a little off guard and shocked that she would say that to me. So I reply back with "Really?!" "Yes," she replies, "I just feel there are a lot of people over here that need help." I then inform her, "Well, we do help a lot of people over here too. Our church ministry has helped a lot of people over the past several years. We happen to have a contact in Uganda who sets up crusades for us there and that's why we go over there. But we do still help here too. We just do both." I'm spitting out all of this info as she's closing the door and just has that "whatever" kind of look on her face. Now I'm mad! I do not like confrontation at all and I do not like disagreements. Whenever I encounter those things I tend to get emotional. I can feel my neck start burning and the nerves are pulsating up and down my weak legs. Doctor, can you please hurry and bring my prescription in here so I can leave? What I would have liked to have said to her is the following: "Are you upset at the fact that we're going over there to preach and not to feed them? Is it better that they die and spend an eternity in hell so long as they had a full belly before they did. Or is it better for them to miss a meal here only to spend an eternity in Heaven b/c they heard the Gospel message and Jesus Christ saved their soul? Not saying that I'm not in favor of feeding them b/c I strongly believe that they will not care what you know until they know how much you care. But we are not going to an area where there is an immense lack of food nor high malnutrition. And if you strongly believe that there are people over here that need help and that seems to be a concern of yours then why don't YOU help them? Or are you upset that we're going over there to preach when there are plenty of people here who need to be preached to? Well, can I just remind you that there is basically a church on every corner here in the United States and we have the freedom of choice to attend any church we so desire. So if people here needed to be preached to but they fail to get off their duffs and go to church then should you condemn me for being called by God to travel 10,000 miles away to preach to a people who are hungry for the Word of God and cannot get enough of Him? Forgive me for being a little perturbed at the ignorance of some people. You do what your convictions tell you to do and let me do what I feel God is calling me to do. Jesus said to go into Samaria, Judea and all parts of the world preaching the Gospel. Well, we're here in our community preaching and we're reaching out to the world too. Who are YOU to judge and condemn me? God is my judge and I believe He is more pleased with those who obey His commandments than those who condemn others for doing His commandments and who sit idly by waiting for someone ELSE to reach out and make a difference. So, I just needed a moment to vent that out! God have mercy on the ignorant and open their understanding.

*Walls*

I finally have real walls in my house now!!! This is a view from my front door looking into the living room.

They came out and started hanging the drywall in the house on Saturday. The crew worked so hard all day long and got the majority of the whole house finished. They ran out of some certain drywall that they needed but they're back out there to finish hanging it today. Tomorrow the finishers will come out and start taping and mudding the drywall. By next week we should be ready to start priming and painting them!

We've already picked out the colors we want to use in every room and I am very excited about them. They may be bold and bright and a little different than some people's taste but they are all rich, warm and happy colors that all go well with each other from room to room. The walls in our other house were all the same color and just a pale tan color so I'm looking foward to having some real depth and warmth in this new house. And all that really matters is that Jordan and I like them.

I just think its amazing the transformation that takes place during a house building project. I can remember staring into the wooded land trying to imagine my house being nestled in the middle of the trees. I remember as each step progressed how I still kept trying to picture my house there and now its finally emerged from the bottom and sprung forth into this massive structure that even I am amazed by. It's even more than I could have pictured or imagined. As each day passes and the reality hits me more and more I am suddenly becoming so overwhelmed by what God has done and how He did it.

It will forever hold a special place in my heart b/c it was the labor of my dad, brothers, mom and husband...as well as other family members too. It has truly been a miracle and I am ever so grateful and thankful! As soon as I can load some more pictures up I will try to post some so that you can all see and appreciate all that has transpired over this last 6 months. I am as anxious to be finished as I am to watch the remaining steps go by!

Wow! =)

It's almost here

Fall weather, that is! There are several things to love about Alabama weather: when the seasons change, they change! A couple of weekends ago (I know I'm posting this late) I woke up to a chill in the air. I walked outside and actually thought that I may need a light jacket. We went from high 90's to low 80's overnight. Talk about a drastic change! But I absolutely LOVE it! Spring and Fall are my two most favorite seasons ever! I love how the weather is never too cold and never too hot but always just right. Spring has this feel of life and new beginning in the air. The colors of the grass and trees budding and all the new flowers that spring forth are so vibrant and lively. Fall has a totally different feel. The leaves start to change into brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. Absolutely beautiful! But the atmosphere seems to be unlike the other seasons. There's almost this cuddly, fall in love excited atmosphere. Maybe its just me but there is just something in the air in the Autumn months that just isn't there in the Winter, Spring or Summer. Does anybody out there know what I'm talking about?

I hope you are all looking forward to this new season as much as I am! I'm really hoping that I will be able to get back to running now that the temps have simmered down...oh how I miss it!

New toy!

This is our new toy! It's a Samsung mp3 player. We had a mail in rebate for 2 Free mp3 players with the purchase of our new refrigerator. I just got them in 2 days ago and got some songs uploaded on it yesterday. I just LOVE it! It's not a Ipod but its still a 4GB player and holds tons of songs, photos and even has FM radio. I ordered a cover and an armband for it. Now I can listen to music as I'm running (when I have time to get back into that!). We will take them with us to Uganda next month and any other trips we go on from here on out. I think I'm finally becoming a techie! If anyone already has one of these though I'd love to know how you create a playlist on it. I go to the playlist icon and it says No File. Any clue??? I'm new to this and could use some more detailed isntruction!

I just wanted to share it with you b/c I'm so ecstatic over it. I carry it everywhere now! Love! :O)

*A Getaway*

So lately (for like a year now) my life has been hectic, hectic, hectic. I'm not complaining at all b/c I am thankful that I have a life and that I am involved in activities. But when you're constantly on the go and you never have a second to take a break it can really start to wear on you mentally and physically. Last week I was mentally, physically and emotionally drained. It also didn't help to remind myself that all last week Jordan and I would have been in Orlando on a long overdue vacation...sitting by the pool, visiting some theme parks, visiting with my grandma whom I haven't seen in 4 years. So many things that I would have loved to be doing last week but instead I was getting up at 4:30 every morning to come work at CRC, going home in the afternoons to work in the house, getting in bed late just to get up at 4:30 and start it all over again. I didn't want to be anywhere...I would have loved to just get in my car and drive till I ran out of gas. I didn't want to see the house. I didn't want to see the camper. I definitely didn't want to see CRC. I wanted a change of scenery; a break from the monotany. Jordan told me earlier last week that he was going to take me on a date Friday night. That was a relief and a break to look forward to. However, our "dates" consist of going out to dinner and catching a movie if they have anything decent and worth seeing. So Jordan calls me Friday morning and asks me what I want to do that night. I said, "I don't care but I don't want dinner and a movie." He says, "Oooh, you had to make it tough on me didn't you." I just stressed to him that I wanted to do something different. With so much going on in both of our lives we really haven't had any "us" time so that was another area that we really needed some TLC in. He calls me back a little bit later and asks what the earliest I can leave from work is b/c what he wants to do we would need to be there no later than 6pm our time. We would have a 2 1/2 hour drive so it was important for me to leave as soon as I could and that I would need to pack us an overnight bag. What could this be?? I left work around 2:15, rushed in and packed a bag and then we were off. As we drove I realized we would be heading to Chattanooga but I still had no clue where he was taking me. In my mind I am praying that he's not taking me to the Chattanooga aquarium but trying not to think of things I'd like to do so as not to be disappointed if that was not what we did. I like aquariums but they are so much more fun with kids. I just can't enjoy all the fish as much as enjoying the excitement on a kid's face as they experience the vastness of ocean life up close and personal. Fortunately, we passed by the aquarium and headed down towards the Tennessee River. He took me on the Southern Belle Riverboat!!!!!! We had a buffet style dinner with prime rib, veggies, rolls, herbed potatoes, salad and some other soup type stuff that I didn't eat. While dinner was being prepared we were able to go outside and stand on the bow of the boat as we headed up the river. The weather was perfect...not too hot and not chilly enough to need a light jacket. That perfect in between temp that just makes you feel snuggly! After we ate dinner we were able to go back outside and enjoy the view on our way back down the river. It was a total of about 3 hours and quite possibly the best 3 hours I've had in a LONG time! Jordan and I were able to talk about a lot of different stuff...quality time that we had not had in a while-no discussion of house construction or house budget. It was a very romantic and special time for both of us! After the boat ride we headed back into downtown Chattanooga to find a hotel to stay at for the night. We chose the Hilton Garden Inn...it was not very expensive at all!! It was worth it for the king size bed and large flat screen TV in the room. They had a big fluffy down comforter on the bed. I felt like I was in heaven...especially if you could see what we live in every day right now! A full size bed tucked up in a cubby hole and when you roll over you hit the wall beside you. Ugh! This was lavish and luxurious in comparison! We brought our bag in and decided we would stroll down the streets of Chattanooga. We wandered back down to the River and sat by a big fountain display. That was relaxing! Then we moseyed (sp?!) our way back towards the hotel. We detoured through the grounds of the aquarium and past some restaurants. We saw horse drawn carriage rides...Jordan said he wishes he had known they did that b/c he definitely would have planned that for us! Sweet! Could we afford this one night getaway? No! But we couldn't afford not to either. As our lives continue to be as busy as they are it will be mandatory and beneficial for us to have moments and weekends like this in order to keep our sanity and keep our marriage as strong and healthy as ever. We will definitely go back to Chattanooga and visit some other places there to see. How soon? I do not know; but when life seems a little too much and it seems difficult to make it through each day, I know the time will be drawing closer for another getaway. I'm thankful for a husband who dropped his schedule, his budget and his time to plan a special weekend away. He is the BEST and I love him so much more every day! Next month, October 11th through October 21st we will be in Kampala, Uganda establing a ministry headquarters for the Bishop. We are excited about returning and anticipate the Lord to do many awesome things while we are there! Please be in prayer for us during that time and I will post details when we return! Stay tuned to this blog in the mean time b/c there's no telling what's going on!!! Love you all!! And if you're reading my blogs...just post a comment so I know who's actually here! Thanks!!!

Thankful

Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 4:15 am I am awakened to my cell phone ringing. Odd that I receive a call so early on a Saturday morning but I answer it. My mom informs me that my brother, Johnny, has been in an accident and is being taken to the emergency room via ambulance. She has no details at that time but is on her way to the ER and will call me once she gets there to let me know how he is and the extent of his injuries.

Naturally, I could not go back to sleep and immediately spent that time waiting, in prayer. I did know that he had been somewhere he didn't need to be and was doing something he didn't need to be doing but when God has a plan for your life, you can run all you want but it can't change the plans He has for you.

About and hour and a half later mom called me back. Johnny was coherent and appeared to be fine. His upper lip was cut open on the inside from where he hit the steering wheel and he had several cuts, bruises and scrapes on his arms. The doctors were going to do a CT scan and X-rays to make sure there were no broken bones nor internal injuries. Results of that would be a little later.

In the meantime, the details of the accident go a little something like this according to the eye witness who made a statement to the police:

Johnny was driving on the interstate and passed this man. As he was passing the man looked over at Johnny and saw him slump over. He had fallen asleep at the wheel and apparently when he did, his foot became lead on the gas pedal. He accelerated and went off the interstate headon into a tree. The truck caught on fire upon impact but Johnny was still asleep/unconscious. The man ran down to the truck and knocked on the driver window trying to wake Johnny up. Johnny woke up *miraculously* and got his legs out from under the dashboard to kick out the driver side window. The engine was shoved into the cab of the truck. The gas pedal was shoved up to where the steering wheel was...the steering wheel broke off completely. The gang box that was in the bed of the truck collided into the cab of the truck. The whole truck basically folded up like an accordion.

CT scan and X-Rays came back clear. No other injuries! The first picture above is a view of the front of the truck. The passenger side sustained much more damage than what is pictured. The 2nd picture is a picture of the driver seat where Johnny sat. The 3rd picture is the extent of his injuries! Just a busted up lip, scrapes, bruises and a knick on his right knee cap where the gas pedal came up at. He is a walking miracle and I give God the glory for the angels He commissioned to protect him that morning. I am thankful for the man God sent on the interstate at that time of the morning who ran down and risked even his own life to try to wake Johnny up. If he had not been there I believe Johnny would have burned up and never known what happened. See, when God has a plan for you there is NOTHING the devil can do to stop it!!!!!

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY & PRAISE!!!!!!!!!!!

Simple Thing

"I felt the earth beneath my feet; Sat by the river and it made me complete; Oh simple thing where have you gone?" This quote reminds me of my childhood days. Do you remember yours? Carefree days You played outside all day Ventured out into uncharted territory--always to discover something new and exciting Chasing butterflies in the Spring Playing in the creek in the heat of the summertime Pretending the leaves that fell in Autumn were dollar bills, so you tried to see how many you could catch before they hit the ground or it wouldn't count Counting down the days till Christmas with anticipation Vacations Visiting grandparents Playing on swingsets... Where did those simple things go? Now, its all about jobs, bills, vehicle maintenance, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, spending equal time b/w two families, running here, running there, busy, busy, busy. Is it possible to find the simple things in the midst of the chaos? If so, please tell me how! I've concluded that if our bodies did NOT require sleep, I could probably takcle the world! But, even in the chaos, I have peace and joy that no one can take away. I can face the chaos with joy b/c of Who is in control of my chaos. Occasionally, I'd just like to take an enjoyable vacation away from my chaos. Even still, I am thankful for my chaos...b/c I know that my bills get paid, I have food on the table, I have a home to clean, I have a vehicle to drive, I have a job...See, what could almost seem like a negative blog can turn into something beautiful...and my life...beautiful! Wow! God is so good!!!!!!!!

Opinions...

Everyone has one and if you don't believe it just ask someone! But in the grand scheme of things what is the importance of someone's opinion? This is something the Lord has really been showing me recently. If someone comes to me and shares with me somthing they feel the Lord is telling them to do but I am not in full agreement with, who am I to judge? In telling someone that I don't think that is the right thing to do b/c it doesn't exactly line up with what I think they should do I am really limiting God and His ability to be God. Who am I to determine whether someone has clearly heard from God or not? As long as what they feel led to do is not contradictory to the Word of God then who am I to try and persuade someone to do otherwise? I would, in fact, be hindering God's plan for that person's life and what a travesty that would be on my part. I think too much of the time that we are all so much more focused on ourselves; what we want; what we think and its all about ME that we don't even allow room to help others or encourage others. We criticize some in the church for doing something God calls them to do b/c we may not agree with it or we may think WE have a better idea of what should be done. In the midst of deciding between what we should or shouldn't do the world is going to Hell...and we are partly to blame b/c we're too self absorbed with getting our way rather than letting God have HIS way. For example, if a group of people are called by God to travel 10,000 miles away to Africa on a mission trip but you disagree with them going b/c you feel that the money spent on going is more needed in other areas within the church, does that make them wrong and you right? If God has not called you or given you a heart for the mission field then who are you to judge those whom He has called and given that heart? If we all tapped into the real heart of God I'm more confident believing that His heart is for the advancement of the kingdom in terms of souls not dollars. It does take dollars to reach souls and it does take dollars to advance the kingdom of God to some extent...but do we sacrifice the souls in order to put more dollars in the bank? And in the topic of dollars...it all belongs to Christ anyway so who are we to hold back His money from sending a team to Uganda to reach His lost children just b/c in OUR OPINION, we need it in our bank acct? Is it really about putting money in the bank for the ministry or is it about getting YOUR way and proving that you're right? If everyone in the church would tithe at least the 10% God requires (even though 100% is HIS), I believe we'd be able to keep the money in the bank for the necessary functions of the ministry as well as being able to travel the world reaching the nations. Would it be possible for all of us to really seek God's will and not our own? Would it be possible for us to all be in one mind and unified in our thinking and our actions? Imagine what we could all accomplish if we did...Imagine how God would empower us as one unified body like He did in the upper room at Pentecost! How awesome to think...and yet how sad to know that we continue to get in His way...we continue to think what we want to think and we judge and criticize others when, if we disagree with someone else, we should really just pray for ourselves and ask God to show us His way and help us to crucify our own opinions and lay our flesh on the altar. No, its not easy. No, it doesn't feel good. But the end result is so much more worth a little time in the fire than our own comfort and complacency. The souls that will be added to heaven will be worth more than anything we could enjoy here on earth. So...everyone has an opinion...but unless your opinion helps save someone's life or changes the course of history for God's kingdom, then it holds very little importance and is better left unsaid. Let's focus on what God has called US to do individually and use the gifts and talents He's given us to fulfill His plan for our lives and let's encourage others to do the same...we can't all do the same things...but we can all do what God created us to do and when we all work together in those areas the Kingdom of God will benefit and prosper! *Much love* ~me~

Dreaming

This is from a recent session I did. One of my favorite things to do with newborns is watch them sleep. They seem so content and at peace no matter what is going on around them. During those sleep times they make some of the most interesting expressions. I could sit and watch a sleeping baby for hours. Baby "J" was such a great, cooperative subject and it was a joy to capture this special time in her family's life. Babies are truly a blessing from above! Congratulations JJ & Jennifer on your little angel!

When to stop...

That is the question I've been pondering inside for the past few weeks...moreso this week. So much has been going on; so many things to do; so many places to be. "Home" is just a figment of my imagination. This blog may sound kinda down and I apologize in advance for that...this is just where I am right now and I am reasoning that jotting down the way I feel may help me feel somewhat better. One can only hope! I guess between working a full time job, building a house, being involved in church activities, and just having family, that the "you" time just manages to disappear into an oblivion. I know that's when you're supposed to "make" time for you but HOW?! My thoughts are foggy, my body drained and lately I have zero motivation to do simple things like brush my teeth or even eat. I want to spend a whole day in the bed with the covers pulled over my head and turn off every cell phone. But at the same time I don't want to be anywhere near the camper...I want to be far, far away doing something fun, relaxing and enjoyable. But I really don't even know what that is. Trust me, I am completely thankful for where I am in my life right now. I know that the reason I am living in a camper is b/c I am building a beautiful house and soon I will be able to live in my beautiful house. I know the reason I am not getting a vacation this year is b/c I am going back to Uganda on a mission trip and the souls that will be transformed is worth way more than a selfish vacation. I am thankful that we have so many extracurricular activities going on b/c we are able to impact the lives of young people. I think it all just boils down to being physically, mentally and emotionally drained and exhausted. I know this is just a temporary place for me right now and eventually life will be back to somewhat normalcy. I just need a getaway that I know I can't have. I am using the rest of my vacation days at work to go to Uganda. We had plans to go to Orlando for a week and I was going to get to visit my grandmother, whom I haven't seen in 4 years. I think I'm just disappointed that I can't do both...have my cake and eat it too. I guess I will just be most relieved when the house is finished and I can have more space to just relax at home, cook a healthy dinner, sit on my back deck and watch the deer graze in the woods, have some quiet time, spend quality time with Jordan without having so much on his mind, and just BE. But I'm ok and I'll be ok...just looking for when to stop...when I can. :O)

New Baby

Just a quick post to say that Jordan and I will be...an aunt and uncle again! For those who just got really excited b/c you thought I was going to say that we would be parents, slap yourselves on the hand for thinking such a thing! LOL Jacob & Jessica found out last week that they are expecting a brand new blessing. Miss Brooklyn will be a BIG sister! Jessica goes to the doctor today to find out all the details. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. We are very happy and excited for them! Keep them in your prayers during this time as a pregnancy and new addition to the family can be an adjustment both physically and financially.

Girls Rule

She looks sweet and innocent, doesn't she? Well, for a little girl who is not even 3 years old yet, she is the most intelligent, independent, strong willed child I have ever met. She is Miss Brooklyn and she is my niece. She can hold a full conversation with you if she has the right topic. She reasons more than adults can some times. If you know her you know exactly what I mean. If you have not met her yet, I can assure you, she will absolutely amaze you! I've also never seen a child with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) but she's got it...not in a crazy way but in a somewhat interesting, cute way. She's a neat freak...everything has its place and it has to be in that place or she will change it. For instance...Brooklyn's mom and dad, Jordan and I, and Brooklyn were at Waffle House eating. Brooklyn was in a high chair at the end of the table. Jordan and I were sitting beside each other; I was on the inside and Jordan on the outside. Jacob was sitting across from me on the inside and Jessica was sitting across from Jordan on the outside. Brooklyn looks at the setup and realizes that we're not sitting girls across from girls and boys across from boys. She proceeds to say, "TeTe, you sit right here." To which I have to move to the outside so that now Jessica and I are facing each other. How does a 2 1/2 year old notice something so trivial?! Hilarious!

Well, onto my topic of "Girls Rule". Jordan's parents, Jordan and I are all over at Jacob and Jessica's. We had just finished eating and we were all sitting in the living room. For the pleasure of Brooklyn's OCD, I pointed out to her that all the boys were sitting on one side of the living room and all the girls were on the other side. Theresa proceeds to tell her that there are more girls than boys. Miss Brooklyn, matter-of-factly, exclaims to the boys, "Girls rule~YOU don't rule!" Yet another hysterical statement out of the mouth of a brilliant child!!!! I had to share that with you for your entertainment purposes only!

May you have a blessed day!!! I also have more news to share but will do a separate post for that!

Makes me smile...

This is a picture of Jordan and I completely surrounded by dozens of little African children. I have this picture on my cubicle wall so that I can see it every day. It makes my insides light up b/c I remember their fascination with the "muzungu" (white people) and I recall so many other memories with the children. For many of these small children it was their very first time to see a white person. There was one afternoon as we left our hotel that we waved to all the little kids across the street. All of the kids are waving and shouting with excitement, "Muzungu! Muzungu!" One little boy burst into tears and started screaming. He had never seen white people before and he was so scared.

This is my most favorite picture of us from our Uganda trip. I remember feeling all the kids pressing in just to get close to us. Some were even shoved out of the way. If you can see, there is one boy with his arm around my neck and another boy is reaching out to touch my hair. They simply LOVE and they look into your eyes with an anticipation of hope; hope that you are there to change their poverty situation; hope that you can give them $20 to pay for their school fees for a year; hope that you will love them b/c their parents died of AIDS and they have no one else; hope that you can buy them medicine to treat the malaria that they will otherwise die from... Those are the thoughts that break my heart and cause me to want to do more but for now I can look at this picture and remember their smiles and know that for one small moment they were happy and I played a small part in it. That alone is worth it all!

Lovely Thoughts...

I was looking through a children's clothing catalog when I noticed a cute little bracelet with a little inscription on it. For those who are familiar with Peter Pan you will recognize this quote. I just wanted to post it because it made me smile from the inside out...how could I not share something so enlightening?!

"Just think lovely thoughts and they lift you up in the air." J. M. Barrie

If you're feeling down today~just begin to change the things you're thinking of and ponder things that are more worthwhile and things you KNOW make you happy. I truly believe that your lovely thoughts will begin to lift you up out of your despair. And ALWAYS remember that "NOTHING is impossible with God!"

I just had to leave you with that for the afternoon...here's to lovely thoughts! May God's richest blessings abound to you today!

Intro *drum roll please*

I had this lovely, beautiful long post with pictures of my nieces and nephew but I managed to delete the whole stinking thing b/c of some confusion between this blog and another blog I had done 2 years ago. My newest long post wasn't posting on this blog so I just decided to start from scratch and delete everything I had previously.

So...here I am...a self appointed blog junkie, a blog reader junkie that is! I have a list of favorite blogs that I view on a daily basis and today I decided to join the ranks of bloggers worldwide! I would love to get to know anyone who cares enough to stop by and check in on my Simply Me*Set Apart blog. I consider myself your average, every day, girl-next-door type but in the midst of that I am also "set apart for a greater work" that God reveals to me more and more every day.

I have found myself on foreign soil thousands of miles from home on 6 different occasions spreading the love of Jesus Christ...Russia, Belize (twice), Uganda-East Africa (twice) and the little island of Trinidad. There is nothing more fulfilling than sharing Christ with those in need and being His hands and feet in a hurting world. The Great Commission-"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." ~Matt. 28:19, 20

I have been married for 4 years to the love of my life and the one God created just for me. He is my soul mate through and through and could not imagine life without him. He is my best friend and the priest of our home. He makes me laugh at the most random moments imagineable! We do not have any children of our own...yet! We feel blessed to share our lives with our nephew and 4 nieces. They are a true joy in our lives. We are Jordy and TeTe to them and we LOVE it! I'll try to re-post their pictures for you to see.

I will try to keep this blog updated as much as possible. God is blessing us with a brand new home...new construction and it should be fully blacked in by the end of this week. Next week we will begin on the plumbing, heating & air and electrical work. We're hoping and praying we'll be completely moved in and close on the loan by Thanksgiving...and we will have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

I hope you'll stay tuned!!!!

Be blessed!