One Very Blessed Shoutin' Sunday

I don't know where to begin with this post. There is so much I want to write and all of it is wrapped up in God's Glory. Bear with me as I try to relate what happened yesterday at church.

Sunday was our Homecoming at our little country United Methodist church. I make a point to tell you that we are a UMC because it may also let you understand that there is not a whole lot of shouting, out loud, stand up praising that goes on in our church. That is, until yesterday. The Holy Spirit was so thick in that service - I thought I was going to walk the pews. It was AWESOME!!!
And it all came from God answering years of prayers by many of us.

Here's the story - my brother-in-law is 72 days sober after 15 years of heavy drinking which often led to barroom brawls and nights in jail, not to mention a few hospital visits that included stitches, concussions and some memory loss. Praise His Holy Name!!
J stood up when the preacher asked for prayer requests and praises. He proceeded to give his testimony and told the congregation everything he had been through over the years. Then J, with tears streaming down his face, thanked God for his beautiful new baby boy, his sweet little girl and his loving wife. He also told us that he knows that God has delivered him from the demon alcohol that held him in bondage for so many years. He also said that although he might still have cravings, he knows it is the devil trying to tempt him back.
Let me tell you, we were standing up, shouting praises to our magnificent God, tears streaming down faces all over the sanctuary and rejoicing all at once. The Holy Spirit was so thick and so very real that no one could have missed it.
When J finished giving his testimony, many of us gathered around to lay hands on him. Even my son, Jacob, went up and prayed over his uncle J. Even my six year old felt the moving of the Spirit.
Sisters, can you say BLESSED??

The beauty of the day did not end there. When J sat back down beside me, I noticed he was carrying his Bible - something I have never seen him do before. During the sermon, J was reading along with the guest pastor and was actually so engrossed in the service he didn't hear the baby cry. Now, that's listening to the Word of God.
When the altar call was given, J went up and had the preacher pray with him.
God is doing miracles in J's life and in the lives of his family. They have struggled for so many years and now, they can rejoice in knowing that God is moving by leaps and bounds.

Sisters, I am still walking on a cloud. I just can't help but shout praises to my King when I think about it.
I pray that you are blessed by what God has done here. And I pray that, if any of you are struggling with something in your life that seems so big that it feels as if you might never get out, remember: God IS Able!! and He IS working. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He LOVES you!

Blessings, my dear sisters.

New Nephew - But No Pictures Yet

Jackson Bo has been born! He is a beautiful baby - but I have no pictures to share at this time. Why? you might ask - because I kept forgetting to take my camera with me to the hospital. Try to remember that I was keeping Jane Ann and my main focus was to make sure we had all her needs when we visited the hospital. And, I just forget things sometimes.
I'll try for those pictures this weekend.

Is anyone enjoying the cooler weather as much as I am? I just love these cooler mornings and evenings. I actually wore a light jacket this morning. Of course, I shed it rather quickly during my morning walk. I just love fall. I love the cool, crisp air. I love the wonderful breeze that blows through my open windows. I love to fix a big pot of homemade vegetable soup for my family or a big pot of soup beans with cornbread and fried potatoes.

This fall is extra special. We are in the midst of preparing for Amanda's wedding on October 20th. It is coming fast and there is still lots to do. But, it's coming along. I know it will be a wonderful day. Her mom and I are giving her a bridal shower on October 6th. We've had a good time planning it.
It is a real blessing to be friends with the mother of my stepchildren. She is a very nice lady and she loves the Lord. She blesses me by telling everyone that Alex and Amanda have two moms. How great is that? It's all God and I am thankful. I can't imagine being in constant battle - that would just be too much to bear.

Life is good here in Tennessee. I have so much to be thankful for. My God is wonderful - I love Him more and more each day. I pray blessings for you, too.

Anticipating the Arrival of Jackson Bo

My very pregnant sister-in-law, Deanna will be bringing my darling niece, Jane Ann over tomorrow night to stay with us for a few days. Jane Ann will be our houseguest while her Mommy goes to the hospital to deliver baby brother, Jackson Bo.
Deanna will be induced Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. Since we have known about this pregnancy since early January, it seems as if she has been pregnant forever!!
We are all excited about the blessed event. Jane Ann, however, doesn't seem to care one way or the other. Her sweet little two year old mind isn't able to comprehend the change that is about to take place in her little world. It will be interesting, to say the least. Having been the center of attention all her short life, I doubt she will want to give up the spotlight easily. Actually, since I get to sit on the sidelines, it might be amusing. That's the beauty of being the aunt - I can laugh over things that don't upset my own world.
We are looking forward to having Jane Ann with us for a few days. I was her babysitter for the last two years, so she feels right at home here. And, she adores Jacob. She calls him "my Jakie." How cute is that?
So, only a day or two more and my baby nephew will be here. Hopefully, I will be able to post a few pictures of him by the weekend.
Have a blessed day!

Lot's to do!

This was a fun-filled weekend. My husband's family reunion was Saturday. We had a good time even though, I hate to admit this, I really didn't want to go. But, after we got there, we really did enjoy it. The food was wonderful and the place where they have the reunion is beautiful. They always have the reunion back in the hills of Southwest Virginia in an old school that has been refurbished. We have to travel - but the scenery is breathtaking. So, I'm glad that we went.

Then, Sunday was Frank's birthday. The congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to him at church (don't know who might have let that slip out - hmmmm)LOL
After church, Alex and Amanda came for lunch - so all three of Frank's kids were with us. It's always such a nice feeling to have all the kids at the table with us. And, my Mom and Dad joined us to celebrate Frank's birthday and Grandparent's Day. Did ya'll know it was Grandparent's Day yesterday??
So, we've had a busy weekend and the week looks pretty full too.

This afternoon, I am going to Alex and Amanda's mother's house to plan Amanda's Bridal shower. Oh, did I mention that Amanda is getting married in October? It's going to be a lovely wedding. So, Robin and I decided to give her a shower. We are going to get our guest list together, decide what to serve, etc. We need to get it done this week because this wedding is coming quickly.

Now, with all this going on, I am still praising God for all His blessings regarding my financial situation. Although I'm not working today - I have some dates marked for future days. He is in control and I'm not going to worry. I would much rather praise Him and spend my days in worship.
Ever notice that "worry" and "worship" start out the same - "wor" but the ending is different making them totally different words. It's kind of that way with us - we can start out in the "wor" part. We can choose to make it "worship" or we can choose to make it "worry" - it all depends on our attitudes. We can have an attitude of worship or we can have an attitude of worry.
Just a little food for thought on a Monday morning.

Blessings for a worship-filled week.

Something to Talk About

Well, God Is Good! All the Time! In my last post, I was between a rock and a hard place - financially. O.K., well, I'm still in that hard place, but God is providing me a way to get out of it. This is so cool! God is sooooooo good!

Yesterday (Wednesday) I went to the school board office to apply for a substitute teaching position. I was interviewed, finger-printed, had a background check (nothing in the local or federal police files, thankyouverymuch) and was immediately approved to substitute in the county. It's all God - nothing I could have done or said would have mattered a hoot if He didn't want me to have this opportunity. But, He does.

Here's the really cool part. After the interview (and approval) I went by my son's school to let them know I am available to substitute and also by the nearby middle school to let them know. The secretary at the middle school gave me work for today and tomorrow. How cool is that?? I substituted for the computer teacher today and will be in the sixth grade science class tomorrow. AND, I have some days already lined up for later on.
I have been so excited and so full of praise for my Father that I have hardly been able to contain myself in the classroom today.

I am so thankful, so grateful and so in love with my Lord. He is so wonderful. He NEVER fails and His timing is always perfect. I just know that He is providing me with a way to pay down this debt. I also know that He has a plan for me and I know the journey is going to be wonderful.
Think I'll go read some of His good Word and sing some praises! Might even dance around the house a few times - uh huh - I feel a shout coming on!!!

Blessings!

God has set out a roadblock - a really big one!

By now anyone who has read this blog knows that I have just finished my undergrad work and am planning to apply to grad school. Old news!!
But, it seems that God has a different plan. I don't know what it is - but it ain't the one I had. That's o.k. cause His plans are always better than mine anyway.

Here's what happened.

I called the university to find out what to do to get my diploma. I mean, after 13 years, I want that thing on my wall. The nice lady in the graduation office informs me that there is a "hold" on my transcripts. I can not explain the cold chills that went through my body at that moment. I mean, I was finished with all the required courses - f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d!! Done!!

As it turns out, the financial aid didn't cover the entire bill and I still owe about 1000 more dollars. I am crushed. That's alot of money for me not to mention the fact that I thought the entire bill was covered. To top things off, I did not recieve a bill or any type of statement during the time I was actually enrolled in this last semester.
Anyway, since I have to come up with this rather large amount of money before I can get my diploma OR have my transcripts released - I can not apply to grad school.

So, after I regained my composure I remembered that GOD IS IN CONTROL and He has a plan. Actually, this IS His plan. What ever His plan, I am not supposed to apply to grad school at this time. Now, I'm o.k. with that and I'm looking forward to the next step. He will provide a way for me to pay that bill. I know this because He has brought me this far - walked with me step by step - allowed me to learn and complete the courses - and showed me how to get it done. So, I know He will show me how to pay that bill.

This is just a roadblock and where there is a roadblock, there is always a detour - a different road to take to get to the destination. Maybe it's not the road I would have chosen but a better one. I have found that when there is a detour, then the road that is blocked is full of potholes or maybe covered by a landslide. So, the detour might turn out to be a little longer - but much smoother.

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

How can I possibly worry - God is in control. I will lean on Him and He will lead me. He promised and He has never let me down.

Blessings!

A Great Book

I love to read. Actually, I've been known to let other things in my house go unattended just to finish a book. I will stay up much too late just to read a good book. I just love books. Sometimes, I will have four or five books stacked up waiting to be read and I'll go out and buy some more. I love all kinds of books, but I especially love books about real people.
I also love to watch the Food Network. I usually have it playing in the background on those days that I am not reading a good book and am actually doing my housework. My favorite Food Network personality is Paula Deen. She is a Southern Sister. We speak the same language (in every sense of the word). So, imagine how excited I was to find out that Paula wrote a book - her memoirs. Well, I'm about half way through it and I just can't put it down. I feel as if I'm reading the diary of a dear friend. It is a true tell-all. But, what I've discovered as I read is that I just admire her all the more. She is honest about the most humiliating details, but it's not like a gossipy, tattle-tale story. It is full of feeling and her heart shines through every page. And, her life has not been an easy one. I just want to march myself down to Savannah and give her a big hug. She has literally pulled herself up by her bootstraps.
It really is a great book. I recommend it to everyone who loves a story with a happy ending.