And now, on to Christmas!!

Thanksgiving was a blast! The weather was cold and dreary outside - but the atmosphere was warm and cheery inside. The food was wonderful - Paula Deen didn't have anything on us yesterday.
We ventured all the way next door to Frank's Aunt Sharon's house. Forty-six of Tennessee's finest graced our table(s). The kiddoes had a blast playing outside - even though the high was 44 degrees. Of course, Jacob managed to fall into the creek along the edge of the yard. And, of course, he was wearing his school shoes. And, of course, I had to trek back to our house for clean (and dry) socks and shoes.
Oh, it was a lovely day.

Several of the cousins were making big plans last night for thier annual "Black Friday" shopping adventures. Me? Oh No!! I don't get out of my house on Black Friday. I'm afraid!! The stories I've heard are scary!! People snatching and grabbing. The arguing and the fighting over that last do-ma-jiggy. The running around in the wee hours of the morning for THAT bargain. Nope! Not me!!
I'm a firm believer that 4:00 a.m. is made for some serious sleeping.
However, I have the greatest respect for those of you who dare to catch those unbelievable deals. As a matter of fact, you have my prayers, too.
I just happen to be very traditional. I go shopping with my list - pay the regular prices and of course, it's usually at the last possible minute. I love everything about Christmas EXCEPT the shopping. Oh, how I wish there wasn't such an emphasis on the "perfect purchased gift." We've already been given the most perfect gift of all - shouldn't we simply rejoice in the birth of Christ? Shouldn't we enjoy the true meaning of the season? Oh, how I wish!!! But, I am just as guilty. I want my family and friends to love the gifts I give. I love to see the look on my son's face when he rushes down the steps on Christmas morning to see what Santa has delivered. I adore the sights, the sounds, the smells, the feeling of Christmas - I love it all. But, I love my Jesus more. I adore Him for coming to this earth on that first blessed Christmas night. I cherish, yet am humbled by His love for me - that He would love me enough to die for me. Oh, my wonderful Savior! You are Christmas. You ARE Christmas! Maybe that is why I love Christmas all year long - because I love my Jesus all year long; every day; every hour; every minute. He is everything to me.
So, even though I will still have to go shopping. I am going to do my best to share the love of my Jesus a lot more than usual this Christmas season. That is the truly the best gift to give. And, anything that makes it home in a shopping bag to get wrapped in pretty paper and placed under the tree can be counted as a bonus.

As we embark on yet another Christmas season - I pray that each of you will be blessed with the true meaning of the season. I pray that the Spirit of Jesus will be on you every moment. Many, many wishes for a blessed, happy and safe Christmas season.

Warning! Too Much Drama Could Cause Gray Hair

Honestly, I did not plan to stay away for so long. There has been so much going on - I feel as if I've been in a whirlwind for the past two weeks.

The rather large nutshell version is this - Jacob has been having stomach issues - mainly vomitting at random. First visit to his doctor yielded zero results - because he (the doctor) did virtually nothing, no tests, nothing. Jacob's blood pressure was elevated and doctor did not seem to be aware of the fact that I was concerned. He didn't even order Jacob's bp to be monitored. I was not happy. Also, doctor just simply said that "sometimes kids just throw up." Well, not my kid!! This very doctor's visit was Jacob's second - yes, second, sick visit in his entire life. So, don't tell me that kids just throw up - my kid doesn't just throw up!! Thank you, very much!!
So, I did what any calm, cool and collected mother would do - I took Jacob to another doctor . . . a woman doctor!!! And, she is awesome. She listened, she asked questions, she answered questions, she ran tests and more tests. AND, the pinnacle - she called me at home when she got the blood test results. I am so glad that we found this doctor. She is very thorough - just what a mother wants in her son's doctor.
The test results showed that Jacob has H Pylori bacteria in his stomach. It is the type of bacteria that, left untreated, can cause ulcers or eventually cancer. So, Praise the Lord that it can be treated. Jacob is on two antibiotics (first time ever for him) and Prilosec for the next fourteen days. Then, he'll go back to be rechecked to see if the bacteria is gone.

As if that isn't enough to keep me up at night - this past weekend my Mom and Dad were travelling to Richmond, VA (about six hours away) and were involved in a car accident. By God's grace and mercy, no one was hurt. But, the car was damaged and they were unable to drive it home. So, my darling husband, Frank and my sweet stepson Alex, hitched up the trailer to the back of the Dodge and went to Richmond to rescue Mom and Dad.
Can ya'll see the Hand of God in all this??? He is all over it - every little element shows His love and His protection.

So, I'm tired and I haven't felt like blogging lately. But, I hope the holidays will bring me lots of good news to share. I'm really looking forward to the Christmas season. Jacob was born just a few days before Christmas, which just makes the season more special. This year we are reading Lisa Whelchel's book, "The ADVENTure of Christmas." I recommend it for anyone with children or grandchildren. There are so many wonderful things to do for the Advent season. You can find it here or here or other places.
I know this may sound awful - but, I'm really not a big fan of Thanksgiving. I don't need one day a year set aside to remind me to be thankful. It's a daily event in our house. But, Christmas - oh, my - I just adore Christmas.

For now, I pray blessings to all two of you who will read this blog and special blessings to all those who will never know this blog exists!
Good night!

Stuff Just Keeps Happening

Well, I love my job! O.K. I know I've only been there two days but it is just wonderful. Dr. Principal is so sweet. She worked out my schedule so that I can still substitute one day a week if I want to. She said she wanted to give me the opportunity to earn a little extra money. How sweet is she?? And, how good is God to give me a boss like Dr. Principal? All, the teachers are so nice. They have been most helpful and seem so excited to have me in the classrooms.
During the morning, I travel from class to class. I begin my day in 3rd grade classes and then move on to the 4th grades. I assist with the kids who are struggling. So, I'm actually having the opportunity to teach. I'm so excited.
Then, after my lunch break, I go to the kindergarten for the rest of the day. I just love those little guys. And, Mrs. W, the teacher is such a good Christian. We had the best discussion today about our favorite Bible teachers and books we've read. We have so much in common, we are already good friends. Also, I've discovered that many of the teachers and staff throughout the school are Christians. The teacher's lounge is always abuzz about church events and Bible studies. It is just a great place to work.
I am praising, praising, praising!

Then, there is a little bit of other stuff going on. My bff, Lezley may be moving away. Notice, may be moving. Her husband is a regional manager for a credit company and was offered a position in Louisville, Kentucky. That is 6 1/2 hours away. They went there Monday for the interview. Brian said it went very well and he should know something by next Monday. If he is offered and takes the position, they have to be in Louisville by December 1st.
I'm having a little bit of trouble wrapping my mind around the whole thing. You see, Lezley and I have been friends for about 4 years, but it feels as if we have been friends all our lives. We are as different as night and day - but we compliment each other. We are sisters and I love her dearly. She is such a rock for me. But, there are so many good things for thier family if this move happens. Money, for one. Brian will be making more money - we all know how handy that can be. And, Lezley wants to go to Asbury Seminary, which is close to Louisville.
I hope and pray for the best for them and I'm especially praying for God's will to be done. But, the selfish part of me really wants them to stay.
But, I have to wonder if God has provided me with this fantastic new job to help me get through if they do move. I mean, my God is such and awesome God and He loves me so much that He doesn't want me to hurt. So, it makes sense that He would be preparing me ahead of time to make the transition easier.
So, for now, we wait - and pray - and know that God is Good all the time!

It's Been a Crazy Week But Full of God!!

I have had the craziest week - but crazy good! It all started last Sunday night. I was browsing through some of my favorite websites - you know, just checking to see if there was anything new going on. I clicked on the website for the local school system to check job postings (something I try to do on a fairly regular basis.) Lo, and behold, there were several new listings for a State Instructional Aide in the elementary schools - one in my son's school. So, I promptly printed out an application, typed me up a resume and a nice cover letter.
On Monday morning, I dropped Jacob off at school and made my way to the school board office. I talked to God on the way over there asking Him to show me His will and that whatever was His plan, I am good with that! So, I waltzed into the office, politely handed my application and stuff to the lady at the desk and asked if I could speak to the director of Human Resources. She kind of looked at me like I had asked her for all her money - but she went into the inner office to forward my request. Mrs. R came out to meet me. Now, let me interject a very important little tidbit here - Mrs. R is not a friendly person. Yeah, I know, she is the Director of Human Resources and works with people all day long - but that does not make her a personable person, not by any means.
So, in her very stoic way - she stood and stared at me while I rambled on about how I appreciate the opportunity to apply for this job. How lame can I be??
Anyhoo - she thanked me - shook my hand and disappeared back into her inner santum. So, I left. What else could I do? The rest was in the Lord's hands. I'm good with that.
Tuesday afternoon, there was a voice mail on my home phone letting me know that I had an interview scheduled for Wednesday morning. So, on Wednesday morning, I dressed as professionally as my closet would allow and waltzed back to the School Board office. When I was finally called in for my interview I had the nicest surprise waiting on me. The principal from Jacob's school was sitting in on the interview. Talk about relief!! Did I mention that Mrs. R has zero personality?? I was really feeling some anxiety about interview with her - but with Dr. Principal sitting there - I relaxed a ton. Dr. Principal is a wonderfully warm, Christian lady who has become a good friend. Now, having her in there was just God - He was taking such good care of me.
My interview went very well. I felt really good about it. As I was leaving the building, I just felt in my heart that I was going to get the position. Mrs. R had told me they would make a decision by noon and only the successful candidate would be notified. So, I went home and waited. At five minutes to noon - yes, FIVE minutes to noon - the phone rang. Mrs. R called to let me know that I was selected for the position. Well, I did some serious praising!!
Maybe I haven't made clear the importance of this position. I've been substitute teaching since the beginning of the school year - but it's a feast or famine situation. I might get five calls one day and then none for the rest of the week. Hard to earn a paycheck that way, you know what I mean?
So, this position will give me a steady paycheck AND a position in the school system that could lead to bigger and better things later on.
Can ya'll see God in all this??? He is all over it!! I needed a steady job - He provided it. I wanted a position, either in my son's school, or very near by - He provided it IN my son's school. Is God cool, or what??!!! I LOVE HIM!!!

Now, more God. While I was at the School Board office waiting to go into my interview, I was reading "In Touch" magazine. Dr. Stanley wrote an article about waiting on God (something I have a LOT of trouble doing.) And, I really felt God telling me to slow down for a while. I believe God wants me to slow down regarding graduate school for right now. I don't think He wants me to give up - just wait a little bit longer. Why do I think this? Well, I'm not sure the school I had chosen is the one God has chosen for me. The whole grad school application process has been very frustrating for me. So, I'm going to sit still and wait. And, you know what? I feel really good about it. Hey, I might be growing a little bit here! How cool is that?

Well, there's my week FULL of God and I am still so excited about it. I hope you have had a week full of God too. It's a great and wonderful thing.

Blessings!

A Tribute to Miss Grace

Every once in while someone will cross our path and truly impact our life. If we are lucky, we will have the opportunity to spend time with this person and get to know them.
In my life, there have been many extraordinary people. All of them have impacted me in some way - once or twice not necessarily for good. But, in recent years, there was Miss Grace. Miss Grace can only be described as a sweet, gentile lady. Her entire life revolved around her love for God and her family and friends. She is known as a matriarch, a pillar, a cornerstone and even and icon in our church family. My husband has known Miss Grace his entire life - she and his grandmother were friends from childhood. He can never remember a time when Miss Grace lost her temper, said an unkind word or raised her voice. She has taught Sunday School for so many years that nearly everyone in our church has been in her class.
Miss Grace lost her husband many years ago and her three children live away. But, she never complained and she never faultered in her dedication to the church and church family.
A few years ago, at the age of 90, Miss Grace gave up her driver's license. Not because she was forced to do so - she became ill and decided she didn't want to drive anymore. Over the last four years, her health became increasingly worse. She could only come to church on occasion and was bound to her home - mostly her bed.
Tonight, my husband and I visited Miss Grace for the last time - at the funeral home. She went home to be with the Lord, peacefully in her sleep two nights ago. She was home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her family and friends. What a blessed way to be called Home.
I am saddened by the loss of Miss Grace - but I am so blessed having known her. I still have the little coat and hat that she made for my son when he was born. I will treasure it forever. I will treasure the lovely memories of Miss Grace - her smile, her dedication, her determination and her sweet, gentle ways.
There are just some people who pass through our lives that leave such sweet memories. Miss Grace is that person for me. I pray that you have someone in your life that will touch you in the same way. I pray that you have someone to bring only love and blessings to you simply by their presence.
May God bless and keep you, Miss Grace. I will see you again.

And Now, I Pronouce That You Are Man and Wife . . .

The newlyweds left this morning for thier wedding trip. Yes, my step-daughter, Amanda, was married to her beloved Andy yesterday. This should explain my semi-absence from Blogville the last few weeks.
The wedding was wonderful and the weather was perfect. It was a clear and sunny fall day here in East Tennessee. The trees are so full of color - it was as if God tailor made the day just for Amanda and Andy.
As I think back to all the hard work we've all poured into making this day happen, it was more than worth it to see her lovely face shine with love as she said her vows. Oh, and speaking of faces - darling Andy had a little surprise for all of us. Andy wears a full beard - a bushy, full beard - until yesterday that is. He left the rehearsal dinner Friday with a beard - but he showed up at the ceremony clean shaven. We were all stunned - but he is so handsome. Andy is a darling person. We like to refer to him as "Jacob's favorite toy." Jacob adores Andy and he is so good with Jacob. He won my heart by the way he loves my son.
Here are a few pictures from the Big Day.









It was a very blessed day and as you can see, we are very happy parents.

Another Answered Prayer

A few weeks ago I wrote about finally earning my bachelors degree. I also wrote that I couldn't get my diploma because I still owed money to the university. At that time, I wasn't too stressed over the situation because I believe that God is in control. Well, I was right.
This past weekend, my darling husband sold six of our cattle. They were old and ready for market. Frank gave me enough of the money from the sale to pay the entire tuition bill. I went to the university on Monday, paid the bill and received my diploma. The hold on my transcripts was also released so now, I can apply to grad school. Can I get a "Praise the Lord?" Because that's exactly what I'm doing.
I am so glad I left that request at the feet of my wonderful Father. He is so good and with Him, I have nothing to worry about.
How awesome it is to serve such a loving God. I am always amazed at how much He loves me. I certainly don't deserve it yet He continues to show me His unfailing gracy and mercy.
So, now that this part of my detour is behind me, I look forward to the road ahead. For now, God is allowing me to work as a substitute teacher to help with the bills. I love being in the classroom, but my true dream is to be a Media Specialist (librarian). There is a position opening at the end of this year in the middle school in our neighborhood. I would love to have that position, but I want only what God has planned. I know that whatever He has in store for me will be more than I could ever dream.
The future looks so bright and I'm excited to walk with my Lord.
Blessings!