Freedom of Speech.. sensored

I could not believe the bumper sticker I saw on a mini-van this morning, while I was on my way to take Nate to school. At first, I couldn't read it, but once we stopped at a stop sign I got to fully read what the bumper sticker said. "It's such a nice day.... Don't f*** it up". The 4 letter word was completely spelled out. I was in shock that a MINI-VAN would have such a vulgar sticker on it. Then after we turned, she pulled into the Middle School. I was appalled that a mother could put or would allow that to be put on her vehicle. A vehicle that she uses to shuttle her kids to school. Good grief. I really didn't want to start my day out reading something like that.
Application for freedom of speech... DENIED ..at least in carpool line! Where's my duct tape??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLY!

Well, I don't have any pictures of my uncle Billy to share. Unfortunately, he passed away before all this new technology such as the internet & digital photography that we have readily available to us now. But, today would have been his birthday. He would have been 56 years old, I believe. It's been 19 years since he passed away. It doesn't seem like that long ago. I can remember it like it was yesterday even though I was just a kid. Another victim of the tragic illness, cancer. So... HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE BILLY!!
Today's RBC.org devotion.
November 6, 2007
Better Yet
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. —Philippians 1:21
Sir Francis Bacon said, “I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death.” Woody Allen said, “I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
It’s not death that’s so frightening. It’s the dying that scares us. As Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a jail cell, he shared his view about life and death: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). What a perspective!
Death is our enemy (1 Cor. 15:25-28), but it does not possess the finality that so many dread. There is something waiting for believers beyond this life—something better.
Someone has said, “What the caterpillar thinks is the end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the beginning.” George MacDonald wrote, “How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.”
I love this paraphrase of Philippians 1:21, “To me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying—well, that’s better yet!” (TLB). During our physical life, we have opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we will actually be in His presence. Our fear will melt away when we see Him face to face.
That’s the “better yet” the apostle Paul is talking about!

Personally, having a better understanding of Eternity helps me to be totally at peace with death. Where will you spend Eternity? Do you know without a doubt that you'll go to Heaven when the end of this life is done? If not, please don't hesitate on starting that relationship right now! This world could come to an end right now, tomorrow or next week or several years from now. The point is to be ready at any given second. Unfortunately, many aren't given the last days of sickness to "get things right" before death comes. We could leave this world very unexpectedly and I want You to know without doubt where you'd end up. First, you have to admit & acknowledge you are a sinner. If you think you haven't sinned... maybe go through the checklist of the 10 Commandments. Ever lied, stolen anything? Ever said Oh My God? That's taking the Lord's name in vain! Do you realize that there is no amount of good works that can get us into Heaven? Simply being a good person, donating to charities, etc. won't do it. Going to church every time the door is open won't purchase our ticket to Heaven. Nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ can buy your ticket. Believing that Jesus died an innocent death on the cross for yours & my sins, is the ONLY way to enter into His kingdom. I know without doubt that God has prepared a place for me in Heaven. A place where there is no more sickness, no more tears, no worries, no more mean & hurtful situations/people. My next life has sooo much more to offer than this life. Acts 17:30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. He will forgive us of our past, but we have to repent & ask forgiveness! It's my prayer that I see you all in Heaven with me!
Sorry... got carried away there, but I'm seriously passionate about it! And, if you aren't sure, you better call me right away!!

On to other ramblings... Nate has gotten to the fun stage of asking "WHY?" to every single thing! Oh my goodness... the WHYS don't stop. And, today at the lunch table he cracks me up by counting on his hand/fingers things that he thinks we "have to do" today. We gotta go to Lance's house, Conner's house, Brady's house, pick up socks & shoes, ride bikes, play on swingset, go to DahBuh's house and go to the ballfield.
Funny little kid. Then last night, Alex told me he had boogies. So, I told him he needed to go get a Kleenex. Nate said, "no, he needs a tennis shoe." I was like huh?? Then I realized he was trying to say he needed a TISSUE. HAHA..

the Trophy

Today was the official end of Nate's first season of TeeBall. We had the season-end party today! So much excitement... pizza, cheetos, juice boxes & of course the prize... THE TROPHY!
Nate is sooo proud of his trophy. He has been carrying it around with him all day long. I'm sure this is only the beginning of his trophy collection.
We're so proud of Nate. He really did a great job. Spring season will be here soon & then he & Alex will both be playing. I can only imagine how busy that will be!

Here's a sweet pic of Daddy & Seth. Too bad you can't see Seth for the big thumb in his mouth!!!

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight!!!

Hebron Fall Festival

Yesterday started off weird. My alarm clock went off & the first thing I heard was "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas"... I was like "WHAT?!?! Please tell me the FISH isn't starting Christmas music on Halloween!" Then, finally after listening for a while, I realized it was their way of "tricking" listeners. I mean, I love Christmas music, but about a month of it is all I can take. I thought I was in for big trouble if I had to listen to it for 2 months! Last night was Hebron's Fall Festival. They boys had a great time. It started off kind of rocky since Seth was feeling awful, but it ended great. Seth cried for the first hour. Very unhappy camper. I got the docs to give him a mean ol' shot of antibiotics to kickstart those ears to getting better since the oral wasn't doing any good. Thankfully, he's been fever free ever since. 4 days of a high fever can take it's toll on such a little body!

Pumpkin Party Weekend

Saturday we had Nate, Alex & Seth's combined Birthday Party.
It was so much fun & we are still trying to recoup from it! It absolutely exhausted us, but was so worth it. It was so nice to spend the day with family & friends. Watch the little movie I made with the pictures. Everyone had a blast!

Here's the link to see the movie.
http://www.onetruemedia.com/my_shared?z=545f7b77550da80a75170&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

OH... and GOOOOO DAWGS!!!! Nothing like having Gator for dinner!!

Just Three Short Years Ago....

Awe.. just look at little NateNate!! I remember this just

like it was yesterday!

Another attempt at pics...

Seth in the pumpkins..


Here's Alex holding on for dear life in the tunnel slide.

Alex & Nate with the BIG Pumpkins


Cow train ride... Nate LOVED this part! Seth took his nap.




Nate & Alex doing duck races and Nate in the corn crib

Weeeekend Recap

We had a really good weekend.

Friday we took the boys for our annual pumpkin farm trip. They loved it. We got to play in a corn crib, pet animals, slide down a big tunnel slide, go on a cow-train ride, see pig races, and go on a hayride! It was so much fun after such a rough start.

We got to the farm at 1:30 after a struggle to get out the door. I mean a STRUGGLE! Kids kickin' & screamin' everywhere. Well, the stinking sign told us they didn't open til 3. Geez... so we rode around in back-country for 1.5 hours til they opened. Alex & Nate ended up catnapping. Seth was wide awake so I knew he'd have a melt down moment once we got to the farm. But, actually, he was pretty good.

Saturday was Nate's last ball game. Then we came home & worked in the yard all day long. Got a birthday party coming up this weekend, gotta get ready for the festivities.

Then Sunday, we enjoyed a nice lunch with our sunday school group at Seth & Chasidy's house. It was so nice. After that we went to Allan's sisters 40th BD party!

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY DEBERA!!

Here's some pumpkin farm pics... we had such a good time.

So, blogger is giving me fits about uploading pics. So, I'll post more later in another post... still have many to share.

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!

Happy Birthday Stanley!

If my Uncle Stanley were still alive, today would have been his birthday. I miss his hilarious sense of humor, all his jokes & I really miss that sarcasm!! Stanley was one who could really tell you a joke & you'd buy into it hook, line & sinker.
He is missed by so many people. Although, he left this world in a terrible car accident, Stanley had been battling a horrible sickness, cancer. Today's RBC devotion relates to sickness. I truly believe The Great Physician has healed Stanley's body. His body is new and without pain. In our grief and anger we ask why God allows his children to suffer and be sick. But, think about it, if there were no sickness or suffering, would we ever fully trust & rely on God? Romans 5:3-4 also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.
As much as I would love to have Stanley back here, I want him to be cancer free and pain free. And with Jesus, he is enjoying his new cancer free & pain free body! And, I'm sure when we see each other again, he's going to have so much to fill us in on since we last saw one another. And, it's going to be a great story!


The Great Physician
He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. —Matthew 8:17
In reflecting on his deteriorating health, John Donne (1572–1631) described his feelings as physicians examined him to find "the root and occasion" of a serious illness. In hushed tones, they discussed their conclusions outside his room.
At first Donne was afraid, but in time he saw compassion in their faces and began to trust them. Their concern reminded Donne that he could trust the Great Physician. As he read the Gospels, he saw God the Father’s face in the tender, compassionate face of Jesus.
Many of us struggle with our thoughts about God, especially during illness. Perhaps we grew up attending a church that portrayed an angry God who inflicted sickness on us. Can we trust Him? Like Donne, we turn to the Gospels for our reason to trust God. And we find it in His Son Jesus, who was unfailingly compassionate toward those who were afflicted, regardless of the reason.
So we pray as Donne prayed, "Deliver me, therefore, O my God, from these vain imaginations"—the belief that by our sin we have forfeited God’s goodness and mercy. As Donne wisely said, the Great Physician "knows our natural infirmities, for He had them, and knows the weight of our sins, for He paid a dear price for them."

Pics from today

Here's a couple more from his mini-birthday celebration.



Sweet Baby Seth with his homemade crown!


It's MY Birthday!!


Cupcakes Mommy made especially for me!


And, man, are they yummmmyyyyy!!!


It was a great day today!! I could get used to this birthday business!!

Happy First Birthday, Baby "Say"!!

So, one year ago today, Elijah Seth entered this world at 11:19 AM. What a chunky monkey he was at 9 pounds (3 weeks early)!! I remember bringing him home & Nate being very protective of him. Didn't want anyone holding him & proudly announcing that was HIS baby brother. Alex, well, he was a little less enthused. Now, I can see that Nate still has a protective instinct about him. Alex is his fight partner. I can see Alex starting to realize that Seth will be on the receiving end of whatever it is he wants to dish out. And, I see Nate scolding Alex when he's being ugly to Seth. Never mind Nate just did that to Alex 2 seconds prior!!

I can not believe how this past year has just flown by. Little milestones he has hit, all the firsts... wow, our baby boy is on his way to being a little boy now. Does that mean it's time for another?? LOL! Ya just never know! We'll keep ya'll guessing on that one! ;-)

I have to reminice a bit with pictures.

3 days old

6 months

He Reigns

I really enjoyed this video montage someone put together with this song. Helps me to know I have brothers & sisters in Christ all over the globe!

Nate Nate is sick... AGAIN!

I just can not get Nate well. Beginning of Sept he had a sinus infection. Then by Oct. 1st it had turned into bronchitis and now today he has an ear infection! It seems like he's been on antibiotics for 2 months solid.
Funny thing is the docs always tell me he's not contagious. So, to take him OR not to take him to church?? Quite the predicament since Allan & I teach. We have about 14 kids who depend on us to be there each Sunday. Not really sure what we'll do tomorrow.

Seth is nice & snotty today, too. He just got finished throwing a mini-fit. For whatever reason I don't know. I gave him some milk and he threw it down & proceeded to scream and cry for 10 mins. I guess he finally realized I wasn't going to cave in and baby him. So, he picked up the milk & is happy. Mr. Attitude! Guess he figures since Monday is his birthday that he can cry if he wants to!

Finally, GA is having some fall weather. It was nice & cool, so last night, I went & bought a firepit. We built a fire & roasted hotdogs & marshmallows and stayed outside til about 11 PM. The Johnsons came over the boys all had a blast running around outside with flashlights. Then, Nate was up at 4:30 AM complaining & crying that his ear was hurting. So, off we went to the doc this morning. Hopefully, he'll feel better soon. Poor kid. I really felt bad for him. This is the first time he's been able to really tell us when something hurts him in re: to sickness.

I'm cooking some Cheesy Chicken Corn soup right now & it's smelling good. I made some for a couple in our Sunday school class since they just had a baby & decided it sounded good for us, too. Nothing like good, cheesy soup w/ some warm chewy bread to dunk in it while watching the Bulldogs!

Off to finish dinner before the Dawgs get fired up!!

Do you & I give with the right attitude?

I really liked this devotion today. I have been known to enjoy raffle ticket style fundraisers more so than giving money. Never really thought of it as a something for me/something for you kind of donation. But, I guess that's what it really is.

Why Do We Give?

When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. —Matthew 6:3

Whatever happened to the notion of giving for the sake of giving?" asked Tim Harford, columnist for FinancialTimes. "The closer you look at charitable giving, the less charitable it appears to be." A study of door-to-door fund-raising campaigns, for instance, found that organizations earned far more by selling lottery tickets than by asking for donations.
"This hardly suggests a world populated by altruists seeking to do the maximum good with their charitable cash," says Harford. At least for some people, there’s a something-for-me/something-for-you approach to giving.
Jesus also dealt with the issue of motives in giving. When He said not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, He was teaching that our motives for giving to God and to others must be pure. Our giving should be in response to God’s love. To encourage pure motives, Jesus instructs people to give and to do good deeds in secret with no thought of themselves. God, who sees everything, will reward them (Matt. 6:3-4).
Our generosity should be God-centered—not to make us look good, but to please the Lord. With your next good deed, ask yourself: If I knew that no one would ever find out that I did this, would I still do it? —Marvin Williams

God sees the giver as well as the gift; the heart as well as the hand.

Cheers & Jeers

So, today's been a great day, despite Nate's antics at school that resulted in his clip getting moved to Yellow!! Apparently, he likes to look under the bathroom stalls. We need to work on this little behavior! Good grief! And, he was talking too loud in the halls at school. He thinks his echoing voice is the greatest thing since PB&Js. He loves to do it in Sams Club, too.

CHEERS
So, this morning, I went to a chain hair salon. Anyone who knows me, knows that I generally do not have good luck at these places. I've had mullets & gapped hair as results from these places. But, today, I was tired of fighting the mop on my head & on a whim, decided to go after I dropped Nate & Alex off at school. For once, I was actually pleased with a $13 haircut! Even if the place wreaked of cigarette smoke! GROSS! The guy was pretty weird, too. I need to find a good beautician who I can afford. Why can't there be tons of fabulous stylists for $25 and under, close to my house?? When you have short hair, $40+ haircuts gets pretty pricey when you're going every 5-6 weeks!

JEERS
I went to Wal-Mart again, today. I can't seem to figure out why I can't go in there and not spend less than $100. I can literally, on one hand, count the number of times I've gone in & spent less than $100. I need to steer clear of Wal-Mart for a few days! Geez!