Things I Love!

I took photos on Saturday afternoon of a high school senior who is just beautiful and precious to boot! We've done swim team with her since she was tiny. She also runs cross country, and we see her quite often at meets. Needless to say, we had a BALL!!! We went to a farm owned by some wonderful folks at our church. The property was simply breathtaking. Many brides have been photographed there for their wedding portrait. I could see why.
Is she adorable or what? Y'all, I am simply having a great time doing what I love!

Another thing that I am loving is spending time in God's Word! Oh, it is so rich in Truth! I keep finding nuggets hidden in the pages just for me from God! This Wednesday, I am leading a workshop that I mentioned awhile back--praying the scriptures for your husband. I cannot wait to share more nuggets of His Wisdom with some of our gals at church. It is so exciting to see how God can use each of us for His purpose. Please keep these ladies and myself covered in your prayers! I really do appreciate it!

Here is the scripture that I am leaving y'all with today: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." 1 Cor. 14:33. I am trying to become obedient to that--therefore, the dishes are calling to be unloaded from the dishwasher, and the clothes need to be folded. Order...order!! And, once I get all of that done, I am pulling the Christmas boxes out of the attic and cranking up the music! Got to when it's 75 degrees outside!!

Sweet Blessings!

Beginning and the End

THE END

Bless your hearts! When you people come to my blog, you NEVER know what will greet you! Orange Children are on parade today!!!! The boys junior varsity cross country team painted themselves at the State Cross Country meet on Saturday. They spelled out Go!Mavs! (our mascot is the maverick) Child #2 is the first exclamation point in that first picture!! Those kids had the MOST fun standing out in a dusty field painting letters and painting the names of the varsity boys on their backs! The JV girls got in on the fun and helped out too. I just stood there and laughed and took pictures! This was one of the highlights of the season! The beauty of this team is that the kids have bonded and are more like brothers and sisters than anything I've ever seen. They pick on each other but will take up for each other in a skinny minute! They all cheer their teammates on...in good races and ugly ones alike. And the parents...oh, mercy! We have a ball! We have spent the past 3 months together twice a week! The majority of our parents make it to most of the events. We, too, have bonded! I am going to miss my buddies!!

THE BEGINNING

This has nothing to do with cross country!! Saturday night, after flying back home, I "fru-frued" up a bit (gone were the pink running shoes and t-shirt!). We had "Holiday for Her" at my friend Phebe's church. 25 women in the church decorate a table--they pick the holiday of their choice. Then, they invite 8 friends to join them for a delicious meal, singing, and a guest speaker.

Here is Cindy, me, and Phebe. We love to run, and Cindy is our bicycle babe!

This night gets you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. Here's my question for y'all today! When on earth do you begin decorating for Christmas? I have a friend who has already begun! I still have not gotten my pumpkin people back in the attic for their 12 month nap! I did buy two Christmas presents today! That's it! I need some encouragement to get on the ball! Let's hear your ideas for getting ready to decorate. I'll get to the decorating part in another post!

Still have errands to run! Have a fabulous day, my friends!

Sweet Blessings!

Thankful Thursday #3

Hey, y'all! I cannot believe that this week is almost over! It has flown by! I am subbing today and tomorrow in third grade...we will have a blast! They are a precious group!


I am linking up with Truth 4 the Journey today to share five things that I am thankful for. We would love for you to join us! 'Tis the month for thankfulness!


1. I am so thankful for good results from my Mama's surgery. Whoohoo! God is good! The surgeon removed 18 lymph nodes, and all 18 were clear! Our God is still in the business of healing! She will go back next week after the oncologist and endocrinologist have determined the best plan for her treatment. She said to tell you all "thank you" for the prayers and please keep them coming!!


2. I am so thankful for my precious husband! Bless his heart! He met with our accountant yesterday to get the real scoop on my starting my photography business! There are several legal errands that I need to do, but God is helping me to take it one step at the time!


3. I am thankful that a workshop I am leading in a few weeks at church is being prayed for and that women are signing up! It is based on a devotional that Renee Swope did back in June! It's how to pray the scriptures for your husband. I cannot wait to see what plans God has in store for these ladies!


4. I am thankful that cross country is ALMOST over!! I love it...don't get me wrong! But I am so ready for things to settle down a bit on Saturdays at our home! The kids are running at the State meet in Columbia this weekend. Running, picture taking, and eating....I will be in my element!!


5. I am thankful that my sweet friend from She Speaks and one of the Proverbs 31 gals is going to meet me for coffee (She'll have the coffee, and I'll have sweet tea! I still haven't learned to like that stuff yet!! Mama keeps hoping that I will!) on Friday after school. Lynn Cowell is speaking in Roswell, Ga. on Friday morning, and will be nearby on I-85 to stop for awhile and visit! She is just darlin'! I can't wait to see her!


Now, take a minute and reflect on some things that God has done for you this week! Count those blessings, chickadees!! Share some of them with me if you get a minute! I would love to hear them too!






Sweet Blessings!

"God Moments"

On Sunday after church, I spent some much needed time enjoying "God moments" on the trails. The fall colors were just gorgeous and so vibrant. One of my trail running buddies and I simply ran. No certain distance. No certain speed. We just ran and talked and talked and talked. We stopped when we wanted and just listened. Utter silence. No cars, phones....anything. Just us and God's creation.

As we traversed the winding trails, our conversation was filled with serious discussions....mama's surgery, her son's new school--she moved 100 miles away from me due to her husband's job! It was also filled with joy over the changing of the leaves! We'd jump over a patch of leaves, and both of us would be so squeal about one that was both red and yellow! "God moments!" Before we had even left the parking lot to run, a group of Japanese families were grilling out under the picnic shelter. (It smelled wonderful!!) Also under the shelter was a family member playing a keyboard! On the side of a moutain!!! I had never seen such a thing! As Cheri and I left for our run, he began to play a familiar hymn, and the other family members joined in! It was beautiful! I knew the words, and I listened for Jesus' name in another language! I've never begun a run with church music like that before!

This morning, I had another "God moment" after reading my e-devotional with Wendy Pope. She challenged her readers to put aside fear of not succeeding and not understanding God's Word to join her in reading through the Bible in a year. I have so much on my plate right now, I almost laughed! Then, God spoke to me through these words.

Isaiah 50:4b, "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." (NIV)

Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (NIV)

Proverb 2:1-5, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (NLT)

Stillness and peace came to my heart. Could I actually do this? Would I have the discipline that it requires? Before I could just shake my head "no" and go on to read my next email, I ordered my Bible study tool for January. It's a new Bible! We have so many Bibles here at the house, but this one is different. It is a chronological NLT that is set up to be read in a year. Wendy says it is only 15 minutes a day. I spend 15 minutes a day on the phone! I know I can spend that time with God!

I forwarded this devotional to some friends of mine. Several of them have responded "yes!" I love it when women say "yes!" to God! If you are interested as well, click on Wendy's name to read her devotional today! It is very encouraging and motivating. I would love for you to join me in this adventure! I'll need all of the encouragement I can get!

My mama goes back to the doctor tomorrow morning for her follow-up. I just got off the phone with her. She said that she is SOoo ready to get the dressing off and take a shower! I totally understand. I'll keep you posted! We'll know which treatment she will need then. We are really praying for the homone pill and no radiation treatment. Thank you all for your prayers! We're still holding onto them! Please keep them coming, you precious friends!





Sweet Blessings!

Really Scary Stuff

I want to thank so many of you for your thoughts and prayers over the last few days with Mama's surgery. Being the week of Halloween, this story is quite fitting. Monday night after I posted, I finally got to bed. Normally, I sleep heavily after not getting much sleep the night before. But Monday night was different. I was in my own bed and should have slept great! But, I kept waking up throughout the night. I didn't know why! Each time I did, I prayed immediately for Mama. Then, I would quickly fall asleep again. This continued all night. But I didn't think too much about it until I talked to my sister the Tuesday morning.

She told me that the night shift at the hospital wasn't quite as "with it" as the earlier shifts had been. Mama got frustrated with the lack of help and actually called Daddy to come back and spend the night in an uncomfy chair in her room. In the middle of the night, her blood sugar levels were over 500! They have never been that high before! Daddy questioned the nurse as to when her insulin had been given. Y'all, they NEVER EVER gave her the insulin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My precious mama could have died because of that! Negligence on the part of the night shift! We are still very upset over this and are looking into the breakdown.

I am thrilled to say that Mama made it home last night just in time for supper! She should have been released Tuesday morning, but because of the insulin issue, it took all day to get her blood sugar level back to normal. Quite frustrating.

It finally clicked in my little 'ol head as to why I was awakened throughout the night. It was none other than the Holy Spirit! I was praying Mama through during this dangerous time, and I didn't even know it! There is a scripture in Romans that talks about this. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

Y'all, God is so good--I know that I say that over and over, but it's true! And I am very thankful.

So that brings me to the pictures that I have posted. Mama's episode was really scary stuff, but my Halloween decor is not! It's fun, and the children love it. We've always talked about the fact that Halloween is a time for pretend --nothing more serious than that...our costumes when the boys were little were football players and karate guys and super heroes. Our church had it's second annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday and collected shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child through Franklin Graham's ministries. We love the fall! And I love my paper mache pumpkin people collection! Take a peek!
Hope you all have a wonderful day! I have my second photo shoot in the morning--as long as the weather cooperates! I am loving finally knowing what I want to be when I grow up!

Sweet Blessings!

Mama

It is 8:30 pm, and I am SOooo ready for bed! Daddy got me up at 4:30 am this morning...when most folks are still enjoying their deep sleep! An hour later, my parents and I were on our way to the hospital for Mama's mastectomy.

I made the 2 hour trip home after church yesterday. It was strange being at "home" without my hubby and boys. Just Mama, Daddy and myself. As we chatted at supper, the laughter grew, stories were shared, and we talked about her upcoming surgery. We discussed all that we knew, and I pondered questions that I wanted answered--that neither of my parents had asked the surgeon.

I gave Mama a beautiful yellow prayer shawl that our church's prayer ministry had made just for her! Her eyes lit up, and she just glowed! Just lovely! We finished packing and then started the joking and had more stories. Then...the boobie jokes began! Y'all, we were all laughing so hard! It reminded me of the scene from "Steel Magnolias" where the family is playing cards the night before Julia Roberts' and Sally Fields' surgery--the kidney transplant. That, my friends, is how we were! No sadness or regret...just peace and joy!

This morning, as we waited to be admitted, another couple came in the waiting room. The man smiled and waved at Daddy. The lady looked familiar, but I couldn't place her face. When Daddy called the man's name, I realized who the lady was. Y'all, she was my art teacher from high school!!!!!! She remembered me, and we hugged and squealed at 5:45 am! It's been a LONG time since I took art from her! A very long time!

After Mama was finally taken into surgery, my sister who had arrived began to lighten things up even more. When we all get together...watch out! Some poor man who was in the waiting room with us....in close proximity...kept falling asleep and snoring! After the third time, sweet sister whipped out her cell phone and took his picture! We started laughing again! My parent's preacher was also there by this time, and I know she thought we had lost our looney minds! But you know how it is once you get going?? You can't stop the laughter!

The call came that Mama was out of surgery, and everything was good. The doctor removed all that needed to be and then some. By the time that we got to her room, she was waking up and feeling good. The anesthesia did not make her sick--praise! She was just thirsty and hungry! Bless her heart....she had not eaten or had anything to drink in almost 12 hours! Talk about dehydration!

When I finally left the hospital for home, she and Daddy were talking and laughing. He was holding her hand and smiling at her with all of the love that they've shared for over 56 years. Beautiful. God is still in the business of miracles. I witnessed one today. This is an 81 year old woman who has been on insulin for diabetes for over 60 years. That in itself is amazing according to the doctors. She suffered a stroke 10 years ago and had to relearn to walk and write and count money. God is SOoo good. He still has plans for her.(Jeremiah 33:11) She still has work to do for Him. As do I.

My friends who rode to Texas last Sunday are back home in Greenville. I chatted with Robin for a minute tonight. She is simply exhausted...physically and emotionally after a 1200 mile bike ride. We're going to have lunch this week to talk about her trip and how God was right there beside them. I can't wait!

It's time to wash my face and go to bed, people! I am falling asleep as I type! Hope it makes sense! Thank you for your prayers! Please don't stop....we are not quite finished yet!

Sweet Blessings!

From the Hills of Hincapie to the Land of Lance

Sunday afternoon, a group of a hundred or so gathered at the hospital's Cancer Center for a huge send off celebration! The Challenge to Conquer Cancer(C3) was ready to roll! Cancer survivors and those with loved ones having cancer had been training for MONTHS for this 1200 plus mile ride. They left Greenville, SC (home of George Hincapie) for Austin, TX (home of Lance Armstrong) on a week long journey to raise awareness for cancer detection and treatment. Have you seen them in your town??? They are scheduled to arrive in Austin on Friday for another huge celebration! I am so proud of these folks!!
These are two precious friends of mine! Robin--on the left--whose Dad is a cancer survivor, and Jeni--on the right--who is a cancer survivor herself. She has had over 100 skin cancers removed. That is NOT a typo! Y'all--sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!! I have run marathons with these chickadees and love them dearly!

Caught Jeni digging in the back of her team's van (they are the polka-dot team!) for her gum! Too cute! Check out her socks! She even has polka-dots on her bike helmet. Here is the link to follow the team as they journey out west. http://www.ridetoaustin.com/They would so appreciate your thoughts and prayers! The website is cool--you can track them on their bikes!
Robin made my Mama a magnet for her Yellow Team's car! I told Mama that she was going to Texas and would be famous! She just laughed at me. She has decided upon her treatment option. Monday, she will have surgery and follow it up with radiation. She has some pre-op tests tomorrow. Y'all, we have been surrounded with prayers and peace! God is using this time to fill us with joy--as only He can. I so appreciate your prayers for Mama and Daddy during this time. Again, we are all very positive and know that God will see us through no matter what. He is so good!!!

And this cutie pie is the darling that I took pictures of on Saturday in the pumpkin patch! The scheduled time for us was the only hour in the day that the rain stopped! God was watching over us there as well! I had more fun chasing him around the pumpkins! A true moving target! I took over 100 shots, and we all had a ball! Working on a website for this now--but they are not cheap!!

Y'all have a wonderful day! Thank you for all of the prayers!

Sweet Blessings!