I am so far behind it isn't even funny.  :)  Do people even blog anymore?  It seems there are so many other ways to keep in touch but I am not one who uses them.  I do get on Facebook but am not one who uses Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat or anything else for that matter.  Wonder what that makes me?  :) 

 

So many things have changed in my life since I blogged last that I am not sure where to start but this one thing I know - not EVERYTHING is meant for the great world wide web.  Too bad not everyone else knows that! 

 

Let's see - where do I begin?  David and Christa are having the "time of their lives" with three of the most wonderful grandchildren EVER!  (Yes, there are more of them but there are more paragraphs too!)  Addison is 7, D is 4 1/2 and Reagan is 17 months old.  Addison will be graduating from Kindergarten in a few short weeks and has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to a wonderful teacher and some awesome therapists.  Autism has opened up a whole new world to our family and we are all doing our best to pitch in and help where we can.  Trying to get her to read has been a fun and challenging experience but the school has been remarkable in helping with this!  D is a hoot and we lovingly refer to him as our "drama queen".  His favorite activity has ANYTHING to do with his dad and Papaw and working outside!  And, if they do anything without him, woe be unto anyone who prevents that activity!  Reagan is one big boy and full of vim and vigor let me tell you! I am pretty sure he will soon dwarf us all!  But his smile gets him out of trouble I am afraid!  As for the parents - well you know, it's all about the grandkids anyway!  :)  No really, the parents are doing well and staying busy!

 

Josh and Carrie are buzzing through life with Molly who is 3 and Amelia who is 18 months old!  Let me tell you - these two girls are a hoot!  Molly has some of the funniest things come out of her mouth!  But, we love her to death! Amelia is our little red head and so far, our only one.  But, she is a ham!  Molly may be starting preschool this fall and I am sure she will be loving that! She loves to be busy and if she isn't, well.....then things can be fun!  Amelia is just going to give everyone a run for their money and that is pretty much all there is to say about that!  These two have a favorite activity as well and it involves Papaw, and the other Grandpa and Grandma too!  Which brings me to the cool piece of news for Josh and Carrie - his parents moved here a few months ago!  They were able to buy a really nice piece of property just outside of town and we are loving having them close by!!  And, Josh's sister and her husband and two little boys will be joining us in a few weeks as well!  It's so cool when family gets here!  We are working on others but that will be my secret with the Lord!

 

Andrew & Ashley are living the dream of living in their very own home!  They are still getting settled in but loving it!  Estaley is now a big 4 years old and Brock is well on his way to 2 which doesn't seem possible.  Estaley gets to start pre-school this fall as well and we just can't talk about it or she will never be quiet!  :)  She goes into fits of delight when her eyes land on Papaw!  Brock is one busy little dude.  He has some physical issues going on which they are steadily working on.  He will soon have an appointment with his ENT who will be looking at his tonsils and adenoids.  Then a sleep study will be done.  This little one just simply doesn't sleep much at night which wears out his parents - that may be an understatement. Again - two little busy ones but hey, we will keep them!

 

Dave is still as busy as ever - pretty sure that won't stop.  He is either working or preaching, his two favorite things other than playing with his grandkids.  Due to the rain and cold, I am pretty sure he will be replanting the garden he worked so hard on a couple weeks ago before he left for two revivals.  He's a busy guy and it will only get worse when he starts on his wife's "to-do" list.  :)  The house is ready for some major work.....and a whole lot of minor stuff too! 

 

Me?  Ehhhh....that is boring so let's just say I am working, playing and working some more and playing on occasion.  :)  Life is moving along and sometimes I wish it would slow down.  I am trying to just learn to roll with each day - not an easy thing for me but I am working on it. 

 

Wonder how long it will be before I update again?!?!

Family Update

 

There has been so many changes in our family in recent times that I may need to use this blog as a means of keeping it all straight for me!  :)

 

Let's see - nothing has changed with Dave so that helps!  Still traveling, still preaching, still working on the side, still the Superintendent of CYM and still gardening! And, still the love of my life and very best friend!!

 

Me??  Well, I believe I have fully recovered from the previously blogged about foot surgery which is wonderful!  I can actually walk and not have numb toes!  Also, a little over 3 weeks ago I took a different position at the bank which has me about 3 minutes from work instead of 30.  I am very happy with the change and also the new training that will be coming as well.

 

This past weekend, for the first time in 9+ years, our whole family is living in the same town.  David and Christa have made the long move from Florida to Indiana.  This momma is BEYOND excited! Addison and D are adjusting as well as they can and enjoying playing with their little cousins as well as their Papaw!  :)  Christa is expecting their third child and due in December so there is a lot of excitement in their world!  David is adjusting to a normal work schedule of days instead of nights which I believe he is actually enjoying!

 

Josh and Carrie are expecting as well and she is due in November.  A few weeks back Josh was able to get a different job so they are relishing a normal work schedule as well!  Molly provides us with a lot of entertainment - some of which is behind her back!  :)  We simply can't laugh out loud when her parents are correcting her for something but there are times when that is mighty difficult!  But then, if you could see her "scowl" you would understand EXACTLY what I am saying! 

 

Andrew and Ashley are fast approaching the birth of their own little boy due August 5th.  And, they are in the process of building a house!  Talk about a lot of life changing events all at once!!  Estaley is growing like a weed and I mean that literally!  She is a tall girl!  But, I think she will be an awesome big sister!  

 

I think that catches me up!  I wonder what I will think when I look back on this in a few years??  :) 

 



A Mess in My Foot

Before I get to my foot, let me tell you a story.  A few years ago, I went to spend the weekend at a church camp where Dave was the evangelist and Larry & LaDonna Thomas were the singers.  In the evening service, I was sitting on the front row with Larry & LaDonna when it was time for Dave to speak.  He got up and as he was doing his opening remarks, he kept holding his one foot kind of funny and would randomly pick it up and shake it.  I was trying my best to remain calm and not be nervous but I could not figure out what in the world he was doing.  A couple minutes later, he came down a couple steps off the platform and would shake his foot and to be honest, I was starting to get somewhat embarrassed.  Finally, he stopped - sat down on the edge of the altar and said "Pardon me while I see what is wrong with my shoe".  As a side note, I thought poor LaDonna was going to fall off her seat from laughing and Larry was trying to get her to stop which made things even more funny!  Anyway, Dave picked up this tiny little stone and proceeded to preach a message about how little things in our lives can make us uncomfortable and walk different and become a bigger irritation.  A very good message and not one that many have forgotten. 

 

Fast forward to now - this past Friday, I had surgery on my foot to remove an neuroma. 

Do you see that little thing?  I have been dealing with - translation: ignoring - that little thing for a year or more.  Finally, after a couple trips to the podiatrist and two very painful shots, the decision was made that it had to come out.  This past Friday, I went into the surgery center and had it removed.  The doctor told Dave that it was bigger than he had anticipated so it was a good thing he got it out when he did.  I am now in a lovely walking shoe and bright red bandage, no driving for the next 10 days or so and pretty much sitting at my desk with limited walking.  Why?  Oh - because I chose to ignore something very little which turned into something very big.

 

So - why do I mention this?  Man, there are these little things in our spiritual life that can make us so uncomfortable and cause such pain.  In my case, I walked funny - couldn't wear any shoe comfortably - couldn't exercise more than 10 minutes at a time - couldn't be on my feet long - had to remove my shoe at such random and inconvenient times.  This little thing really became a huge burden to me!  Why didn't I take care of this when I first noticed it?  Why didn't I go see the doctor in the beginning?  Oh there are a litany of excuses - no money, no time, and the general thought that "it's no big deal, it will go away soon".  I chose to ignore it. 

 

While propped up in my husband's recliner yesterday afternoon feeling sorry for myself that I was by myself, bored and lonely - a gentle voice began speaking to me about some "little" things that were in my life that I have been ignoring and are on the verge of becoming large enough to have them "cut" out.  Another painful procedure if you ask me and one that I can avoid.  Little things like - eating too much or eating the wrong things, not reading and praying more consistently and with specific purpose, speaking my mind when I should be quiet, spending too much time on Facebook or Pinterest or the internet in general.  I know - little things but things that can become way bigger.  So, while I "convalesce" I am working on getting rid of the little things. 

Happy Birthday Sandy!

Happy birthday to my wonderful sister, Sandy! 

 

Since I have no worries whatsoever about her reading this blog, I shall take this opportunity to just tell it like it is!  :)  I have searched and searched for a picture of her to put on here but I don't have one with me!

 

Sandy is 9 years older than I am.  I have always said that we were never close growing up.  We were and are so very, very different.  I was outside with the boys, she was inside cleaning.  I can talk about sports and she can easily make fun of sports. 

 

But, life has happened and I consider Sandy to be one of my very best friends.  She probably still considers me to be her pesty little sister but that's ok!  :)   So here is a blog about my sister!

 

Sandy:

1) The one I call when I am sick and need to know what medicine to take!

2) The one I email and text just about more than anyone else on a regular basis!

3) The one I whine and complain to when things are going rough for whatever reason.

4) The one who loves my kids, their spouses and their kids unconditionally and does whatever she can to help them and support them - even IF she may not agree with them. 

5) The one who patiently cares for her mom and another lady without complaint.

6) The one who spends money on me at Christopher and Banks! 

7) The one who buys me high-quality shoes!  :)

8) The one who kindly loans me a Coach bag to use whenever I ask!

 

There are so many other things I could type here but I won't.  Mainly because I don't want the shopping excursions to stop!! :)

 

Sandy, thank you for being you and loving your pesty little sister! 

Daybook 01/09/2015

While this picture was from a couple years ago, it is pretty much what our house looks like right now - minus the greenery and the little flag in the window.  We have snow and ice and VERY cold weather at this moment. 

Outside:  I think I covered that in the above picture.  My drive to work this morning was uneventful except for the people stuck behind me.  I refuse to go flying down a road with snow blowing over it to cover all the ice.  Nope - they can either have a heart attack or wind up in the ditch but not me.  :)

Reading:  Love and Respect - and I will explain why a little father down but I still love that book and wish I would have had it a LONG, LONG time ago!  Also, re-reading Lori Wick's book "Every Storm" and her book "Pretense".  Please don't ask me how many times I have read them - they are just my favorites and I haven't had a chance to make it to the library yet! 

Work:  Still thankful for my job although some days that may be harder than others.  Don't get me wrong - I like my job and the people I work with but both of those make me bang my head against the wall every once in a while.  Then I stop and thank the Lord I have a job, that it meets our needs and pray FOR those people and my attitude gets back in line.  :)

Family:  My house is quiet again.  Both a positive and a negative!  :)  Everyone in our family except maybe Andrew and Dave and David has been sick in one form or another.  This "cold" and "flu" bug just knocks a person down and getting back up is a challenge!  But, I think we are all about on the mend except for Christa who is really just getting it.  It is just another reason I will be glad for spring!  :)

Dave:  I am blessed - he took the car and filled it up with gas, shoveled the drive AGAIN this morning and sent me on my way.  I am glad he is usually home this time of year because shoveling is probably my VERY least favorite chore! :)

House:  Thankfully is clean!  Back to the Love and Respect book - A couple weeks ago our pastor and wife decided to do th3 6 week small group study with this book.  They had such a great response that they needed 2 sessions on Tuesday nights.  Then, a third one for Wednesday night which we offered to do at our house.  Hence the reason for reading the book again AND why the house is clean.  :)  I can't say my house is all that big and my little living room gets pretty full but our first meeting was fun!

Eating:  Homemade vegetable soup.  The cold and snow just screams SOUP to me!  Next on the list will probably be chili!  :)

Praying:  Hmmmmm....not sure where to start here.  There are several things I am praying for but for some reason, most of them are centered on me.  Don't get me wrong, I pray for a LOT of people and a LOT of different things but right now, it is "me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer".  I just want my life to be in complete harmony with my Savior and the one way to do that is to be in communication with Him.  Sometimes I have a tendency to get too wrapped up in the problems and situations around me that I lose track of ME.  That may not make much sense to some but it does me.  :) 

Going to try something new.....

I really do enjoy my blog although it probably seems I don't since I don't update it very often.  I have said before that writing things down is somewhat therapeutic for me.  And, have you noticed that I like to have my words centered on the page?  :)  There must be more OCD to my brain than I care to admit to. 

 

I have seen several blogs that do something like a "Simple Daybook".  I believe I shall try that and plan to do one once a week.  And, I will start today.

 

Outside: The sun is shining but it is oh so cold.  I can handle the cold and even snow as long as

the sun is shining.  I am not one for the dreary days.

 

What I am reading: Nothing.  Sad but true.  However, one of my resolutions for the new year is to

change that.  But, to carefully consider what I read.  I can speed right through a fiction book

in no time at all but I don't want to just fill my brain with fluff. 

 

At work: I have to say that for the most part I love my job.  I really do!  I am a firm believer in making myself an employee that has job security simply because my

employer can't make it without me.  Weird I know but fact.  So, this next year I may be taking

some classes and extra training.  That should mean some busy, interesting days.

 

The family: is currently enjoying all being together except for David.  His job and training in Florida did not make it feasible for him to come home.  Stinks being an adult at times.  However, my little house has been overran with tiny little creatures who obviously love

their Nana.  Want to know how I know this?  One or two of them has graciously

decided to share their germs with me and now I have a monstrous cold.  Fun times. 

But, David is doing well with his new job, Christa is way busy with two busy children.  Addison is improving by leaps and bounds with the help of speech therapy and occupational therapy. 

She looks so much like her dad it is scary!  :)  David the III??  Now he is one active little

fella!  And, looks like his Momma and acts like his Daddy.  He is very vocal when he doesn't want to do something which is cute at times and not so cute at others.  However, watching him pray for a meal is quite precious! 

Josh and Carrie are doing their best to adapt at living in the

North Frozen Tundra of Indiana.  :)  They are enjoying their new house and letting Molly have actual floor space to play!  Molly has developed quite the attachment to her Papaw let me tell you!  It is actually quite comical.  If Papaw has one baby in his arms and it isn't her, there is trouble!  She has the funniest "side" walk to be seen! 

Andrew and Ashley are currently residing in a small trailer.  You know that statement Dave Ramsey makes "Live like no one else so you can live like no one else later"?  Well, that is what they are doing!  :)  Estaley is developing a personality of her own that at times makes me laugh out loud and at others I laugh quietly to myself while she is receiving a form of correction from

her ever vigil parents. 

Being a grandparent is not for the weak at heart let me tell you!  But - I wouldn't trade a one of them for anything! 

 

Dave: I will just say that I am one blessed wife.  He never ceases to amaze with me with his talents, his work ethic, his patience, his relationship with God - I just am blessed.  You should see what he made the girls for Christmas!!He built these "table troughs" and custom painted them for each one's kitchen or dining room decor.  Awesome!  And, I get one too!  :)  Want to know what true love is??  He puts gas in my car so I don't have to get out in the cold!  Yep - he's a keeper! 

He stays busy between working for a guy in our church, being superintendent of the CYM and his revivals.  Oh yes, plus all the little side jobs he does here and there!  :) 

 

At the house: Nothing new and there won't be until all the little and big "extras" are gone.  :)  I desperately need to get my tree down and put away.  I can only handle it for so long.  Plus, redirecting little fingers gets tiring!  :)  However, come spring or summer we are hoping for new carpet in the living room and trim replaced so that our living room remodel will be complete.

 

What I am eating: Anything and everything at the moment with company and the holidays but that is about to change!  :)  I shall leave it at that! 

 

So - here is my first (kind of) Daybook and I am ready to take on the New Year.  Well......after I get the elephant to move off my face anyway! 

 

 

 

Technology Blessings

This coming April will be 20 years ago that my dad passed away.  It just does not seem possible some days.  There are moments when it feels like it happened yesterday and then there are those times when it feels like it has been every bit of those 20 years. 

 

One of the things that has bothered me the most about losing my dad is knowing that my kids have grown up not really knowing him or remembering him.  And, that my grandkids will never know him until we all get to heaven.  There are times when that knowledge really, really bothers me. 

 

As for me, there are times when all I have wanted was to just hear his voice again.  Then, thanks to technology - it happened! 

 

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I made a quick trip to Arkansas to visit a CYM church.  On our way, my mom sent me a text and said that someone had posted a video of my dad.  And wouldn't you know it???  I was in a place with NO reception or access to the internet on my phone.  Because, when you are in the middle of NO WHERE in Arkansas, cell phones don't really work! 

 

That evening when we got settled in at the hotel, I pulled up the video on YouTube.  And, there he was - preaching the message at the funeral of a pastor in Georgia.  My heart literally skipped a beat as I sat there and watched my Daddy preach.  Several things stuck out to me while I listened.  One is that all three of my brothers sound just like my dad!  Two, my husband has many of his mannerisms while preaching.  Now THAT was uncanny!  I mean - they are not even related but yet act so much alike. 

 

Then, I just sat back and closed my eyes and listened to what he was actually saying.  I think one of my Dad's favorite topics to preach about was the verse that says "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land" found in Ezekiel 22.  He firmly believe and preached often that God was looking for men, women, boys and girls to stand up for Him. 

 

So - I am so thankful for the following:

1) technology used to be a blessing

2) that I could hear my Dad's voice again

3) KNOWING without ONE doubt that my husband is carrying on the tradition of preaching and living like Christ for our kids and grandkids

4) being reminded that even I can stand up for God right where I am.

 

 

 

Because of 13, we have 8.....

*****This post is edited because I can't count!!!!  :))

 

Strange blog title huh?  I am not sure why I keep updating this because I doubt if anyone even reads it.  But, maybe it is more for me than anything else. 

09/11/2001 - That date ring a bell with anyone?  It does me for so many reasons.  I remember the panic I felt that day and the overwhelming desire to get my little family all in one room.  David had just turned 14, Carrie was 12 and Ashley was 10.  Shortly after, I believe David started thinking about his life after high school and what he would do. 

Time marched on it seemed and 2006 was in full swing.  He graduated from high school, I had surgery, and we went on a 3 week family vacation which included a stop in West Virginia around July 4th.  During the church service, the pastor sang the National Anthem and I stood holding tightly to David's hand knowing in my heart, things were about to change.  We got back home and the last Sunday in August of 2006, we drove to Fort Pierce and said goodbye as David left for Marine Corp boot camp.  Even today, I can remember very vividly my heart tearing in two.  We waited every single day for a letter and received them usually once a week.  I actually still have those letters and pull them out every once in a while.  We attended his boot camp graduation, spent some time with family and then had him home with us until right after Christmas. 

And then, September of 2007 came.  The dreaded deployment was here.  We were facing the longest 7 months of our lives.  I still can remember the last glimpse I had of him before he left.  Prayer and faith clashed on a daily basis with worries and fears.  But, finally April of 2008 came and homecoming was a reality!  Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of 3 long buses full of Marines coming home.  Again, another scene firmly planted in my memory. 

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago when Christa called me.  "Hey Mom, we got David's official discharge from the Marine Corp".  Four years active, four years inactive and it was finally over.  I am so very proud of him for his service to our country.  I can only image the difficulties of the last 8 years.  David hasn't shared a lot about that time frame and I am a little ok with that.  :) 

But, here we are - a couple of days away from the 13 year anniversary of 9/11.  And I am curious - do we remember?  Do we think about all the mom's whose boys have not come home from overseas?  Yes, there are one or two stories that have made the national headlines but what about all the ones that haven't?  I thank God on a regular basis that David is here and that I have no idea what that loss feels like.  Oh I pray we never, ever forget the sacrifices that have been made!  And, along that line, take a minute to stop and pray for our military.  We have NO idea what they face and the struggles that abound while they are deployed and when they return!  We absolutely MUST hold them up in prayer! 

Do something out of the ordinary today and thank a soldier!  :)

Campmeeting

 

 

Today I am heading here! I know - it isn't the greatest picture but it is the only one I could get my hands on right now!  :)

 

Just outside of Muncie, Indiana sits this lovely little place on about 5 acres of beautifully shaded land.  It holds a very special place in my heart!

 

Dave and I started dating in the month of February and that June, he invited me to his church youth camp.  I think a little later in August, I went for family camp but it has been long enough ago that my memory is a little bit "faded"!  :)

 

With few exceptions, we have been at family camp just about every year since then.  If you want to hear any traveling stories of our trips from Florida to Indiana, just ask my kids.  Probably the most memorable would be the time I think David, Jr started out driving us home that Sunday night but shortly after he ran his second stop light in New Castle I realized he was "sleep-driving".  Not good.

 

Anyway - MUCH has changed since that first visit so long ago.  The Central Yearly Meeting of Friends will be convening their annual family camp in just about 10 or 11 hours.  One major change is that Dave is now the Superintendent of this group which is really cool for him and very nerve-wracking for me!  :)  It is an extremely busy time for him but......here is the best part!

 

In my mind and heart, God chooses to meet with us in a very special way every single year.  I would have to say that just about every year is different.  This year will be no exception to that I am sure.  I am ready and that is what I am telling God throughout this day.  I am ready for what He has in store for us!

 

Lately I have been thinking of those older saints who are no longer with us.  I think this is really because of the loss of Sis. Emma Grile in the last few weeks.  She hasn't been at camp for a few years but now she is in Heaven.  There was something about her that absolutely radiated Jesus Christ.  And, when she prayed you knew with no doubts her prayers were being heard.  My prayer is that God will help me have a fresh and renewed vision of the power of prayer. 

 

So - I am anxiously awaiting this day to be over so I can run a couple last minute errands, take care of the last minute things at home, pack the last minute things and not get a speeding ticket between home and camp!  :) Have a blessed day! 

I'm Glad I know Who Jesus Is

  As a wife and mother, I am fiercely protective!  Just ask my husband and children.  Here is what I often say about me at this stage of life - hurt my kids and you better look out.  Hurt my husband and you better be on a dead run somewhere.  I know - doesn't sound very Christ-like does it?  It's just words right?  But there is something profoundly protective in mother that she wants to protect her family.  And I for one believe we can do it in a right way. 

 

But -----------Today, my heart is broken. I have read some of the most awful things on Facebook this morning and I feel something that I can't remember ever feeling before. The things I read were about my Jesus. Horrible, awful things.

I feel more strongly than ever the NEED and the DESIRE to defend my Jesus.  My heart is burdened, broken, crushed - whatever else you want to say.  Someone has been so very mean and ugly about my Jesus.  I feel a deep, deep longing to defend Him because of what He is to me.  Where oh where would I be without Him?  How can anyone turn their back on Him? 

 

I know that everyone has been given the ability to make choices on their own.  No one is forced to serve or love my Jesus.  That is the neat thing about this relationship we have - we can do it because we WANT to. 

Jesus is everything to me!  I cannot imagine my life without Him in it!  My entire life has been surrounded with Him.  I learned of Him from the very beginning of my life.  I wasn't taught to fear Him or to love and serve Him out of fear.  It is because it is right and it is what I WANT to do. 

 

When we have friends and family that are being hurt by others, our natural reaction is to want to protect them.  We want to make sure whoever is doing the hurting KNOWS it is not acceptable.  Why oh why are we not that way even more so with Jesus??  I did my very best to stand up for Him today in a loving and kind way yet firmly so there would be no mistaking where I stood. 

 

I stopped and prayed with the tears flowing that God would see fit to rebuke Satan and the deceit he is sowing in these lives.  I asked my Jesus to forgive me for my lazy approach to defending Him and His reputation as my Savior.

 

And then, I promptly sent all "six" of my kids and text and told them that they absolutely HAD to make sure they were where they needed to be spiritually in the eyes of God.  I also reminded them to make sure NOTHING could ever make them doubt Him!  See - I am just that kind of mom.  I will do whatever I can do to make sure my kids make it to heaven!  And, they all know this already!   :)

 

So - if there has been any doubt before, let me make it clear!  I love my Jesus and am so thankful I KNOW who Jesus is!

 

In a little town of Bethlehem so many years ago,
They told Him there was no room in the inn.
But they had no way of knowing Who they had turned away -
The Lamb of God Who would take away their sins.

Chorus
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

So many people still today don't know who Jesus is;
They've never felt His peace within their souls.
But I want my life to show them how His love can set them free
He's the only One Who can cleanse and make me whole!

Chorus
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.
He's the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End;
He's Counsellor, Deliverer to me.
He's the Everlasting Father; He is the King of Glory,
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!

 

 

"I desire that my life shall be ordered by Thee"

Sunday evening our church dismissed service so we could attend the last night of Pilgrim camp here in Frankfort.  One of the songs in the pre-service was a medley centered around "I Want to Be Like Jesus".  Since then, this phrase from the hymn "My Wonderful Lord" has been going through my mind over and over. 

 

I desire that my life shall be ordered by Thee!

 

What exactly does this mean?  I think a common misconception by Christians is that as long as we live a sinless life, go to church, dress appropriately, and "follow the rules", it will all be fine.  But, to go along with this phrase, we have the verse in Psalm 37:23 that says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord".  "Ordered" is a word that usually has a negative connotation to it.  Just ask my son David about being "ordered" in the Marine Corp.  As soon as I typed that, a thought came to me - do we feel that way about God?  That He is like a drill sergeant yelling out His instructions to us?  Oh my - I sure hope not! 

 

No, here is what I think instead.  When we live in full surrender to God, it won't matter what He asks of us.  His words, His leadings, His guidance, His direction - these do not come about by "orders" but by a loving Father who sees exactly what we need to do. 

 

Here would be the best example I can give you.  Sometimes wives have a hard time with this whole word of "submission".  I would confess this hasn't always been easy for me.  However, I have learned a valuable lesson.  This will probably sound weird but following my husbands "orders" gives me a sense of relief.  I trust him, trust his leadership, trust his Christ-centered spirit and know that what he asks of me is best for me.  And, it also takes a load of my shoulders - because I trust him, I don't have to fret and stew and worry as much.  To me, that translates to my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  His "orders" are in my best interest.  He knows what is best, what is right, what is needed, what is necessary.  I can trust Him, trust His leadership, trust that He will not lead me astray.  I am not sure if my analogy makes sense to anyone but it does me so.....:)

 

The part of this phrase that really stands out though is this....."I desire".  There are a lot of things I desire - vacation, date nights, time with my kids and grandkids, a new car, a remodeled kitchen, new shoes, new purses, to not work anymore, to go to London - this list could get pretty long.  I desire a lot but, do I really desire that my life be ordered by Jesus?  The meaning of the word desire is to wish or long for, to want or to crave.  Do I long for my life to be ordered by Christ? 

 

For me personally, to dig a little deeper means that I desire EVERY area of my life to be ordered by Him no matter what it is.  What I wear, how I comb my hair (I know, that one is weird but not for me), my home, and a big one for me - what I eat.  I think every area of my life would be much better if I allowed it to be ordered by my Jesus.  How much better off would we all be and our world would be if we allowed every step in our lives to be ordered by Him!! 

My prayer today is that Jesus will help me ask for His leadership and guidance and then to follow as He says.  I pray that my ears will be in tune with His voice in EVERY area of my life.  



Father's Day Weekend

 

This is my daddy.  He is currently celebrating year number 19 in heaven.  Oh the memories we have of him!  From my earliest memories, Dad was a huge presence in my life in more ways than one.  I remember the first time I went to the altar at our church in Ohio and Daddy standing over me patting my head while I cried my little 3 year old eyes out.  And, I am pretty sure no one could hit a softball like my dad.  He would stand around home plate, tell us all to "back up", toss a ball in the air and hit it with one hand - usually waaaaaaaaaay over our heads.  Most people don't know this but my dad had an ornery streak about him.  If you don't believe me, ask the people who went to youth camps with him!  :)  He had a very healthy fear of snakes and water.  For proof of that, the only time he came close to bopping David Jr. upside the head was when he tossed a rubber snake at Dad.  Naturally, I was cracking up but one look at Dad's face reminded me I had better "gently" remind my son to NOT EVER do that again.  I think the thing I am most grateful for that my Dad taught me was about the power of prayer.  I can't answer for my siblings but for me, when Dad prayed about something I quit thinking and worrying about it because it just seemed like Dad had this "direct connection" to Jesus.  He prayed for something, it happened - plain and simple.  Now, if he were here he would probably correct that but in my mind that is the way it happened.  I miss him.  I miss taking him a cup of coffee and hearing him say, "Sis, quit watching the cup you are going to spill it".  :)  I miss him NEVER getting beat at "mercy" with my brothers!  :)  I miss his loud, usually on tune singing.  I miss his preaching.  I miss his hugs.  BUT, he makes heaven sweeter and for that I am grateful!

This is my father-in-law.  I should probably explain a bit......Dad has Parkinson's.  We always said that Dad Fulton would never be able to get any slower.  Oh man, were we ever wrong!  :)  At Christmas a couple years ago, we set up the Wii and convinced Dad to bowl.  There was a problem with this.  He beat everyone.  And, I do mean everyone.  It didn't matter who he played - kids, grandkids....he beat them.  Do you know what I get from this?  That man lets nothing get him down.  Yes, he is slowing down and things are getting more difficult and life just isn't as easy as it used to be BUT, he is still going at it.  His body is failing but his mind is sharper than ever it seems.  One of my favorite things to do around him is to get his two boys telling stories and watch him laugh so hard but never make a sound. :)  A couple weeks ago, without him know it, he taught me a lesson.  His voice is much more quiet than it has ever been but, he ALWAYS has something to say that you need to hear.  So many of his qualities have been passed to his son that make me love and appreciate this man more every single day. 

This is my husband - and if you read this blog, you already know that!  :)  We are the proud parents of three kids, have three "in-law" kids, and 4 completely wonderful grandchildren.  When I think of this family, I thank God every single day that we have this man in our lives.  He is the best husband, dad and Papaw we could ask for and we love him.  Dave loves his kids.  He loves being with them although it "looks" a lot different now than it did a few years back.  :)  But, here is what I know.  My children have always known that their dad loved their mom.  Always.  They always know that God is first.  Always.  When they were little, they could always count on a wrestling match at some point before bedtime.  Always.  They know that Dad loves Adventures in Odyssey.  Always.  They could always count on Old Time Radio at some point on a trip.  Always.  They can always count on a long discussion EVERY Christmas while reading the Christmas story.  Always.  (Yes, that drives certain members of our family crazy!!!)  They know if they ever ask what's "wrong" with something he will ask them what's "right" with it.  Always.  They always know that Dad is there for them.  Always.  They know that Dad prays for them every single day.  Always.  They know that Dad can pretty much fix anything that is broken.  Always.  There is so much more to this man that there will ever be blogger room.  But, this I know - between me, my kids, their spouses and their babies - we will definitely make sure that he knows what we think of him tomorrow.  And, you know what I think is pretty neat??  We actually try to tell him that ALL YEAR LONG! 

So there you have it - my thoughts on Dad's.  What a heritage we have and how awesome that we get the wonderful privilege to pass it on!

 





 



My Favorite Time of Year

This is my favorite time of the year!  You know how so many people come up with all these changes and goals they want to make for themselves on January 1st called New Years Resolutions?  Well, for me - that usually happens about right now.  Spring and summer and warm weather do that to me.  :)

 

Monday evening after work, Dave got our garden planted with a small amount of help from me and a few onlookers from the edges in the form of our kids and a couple babies who could have cared less!  I love looking out our window and seeing the garden back there knowing that in a few weeks we will be seeing such wonderful things coming from that garden!  Fresh tomatoes for salsa and juice and just plain ol' slicing to eat!  Cucumbers to eat, carrots to freeze for the winter, onions and green peppers to eat AND freeze for later!  And, plenty of green beans to eat and can!  See?  It's just a lovely time of year!  New growth in the garden!

 

And - you know what else it makes me think of?  New growth in me.  This is when I tend to think about the things in my life I want to change and work on.  I come up with all kinds of deep cleaning projects around my house.  I usually try to move around furniture much to the dismay of my husband and whatever kids are around who get roped into helping me!  I like a fresh new look at this time!  I go one another diet - always thinking this one will be more successful than the last one!  :)  I want to be outside and often look longingly out my office window at the sunshine!  I find new "self-help" books to read and buy a new notebook for all the notes I like to write.  And, I think more about my spiritual life and where I can change and grow in this area.  It's just my favorite time of year and I look forward to what God is going to help me do this Spring and Summer.  While we get out and take care of the weeds in the garden, we water it, we care for it, we work hard towards a bountiful harvest - that is what I am looking forward to doing in me.  Take care of the junk in my life and look forward to the harvest!  :)

 

Happy Spring and Summer everyone!  Now go grow something!  :)

Daybook April 27th, 2014

Outside my window:
It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining, the windows are open and the breeze is blowing my curtains around.

Out in the kitchen:
Confessing that there are some dirty dishes in the sink but they aren't calling my name right now. There is more food in the fridge and sitting around than we are used to but the explanation to that will be somewhere in this blog!  :)  I must confess that my eating habits are not all that great right now but I am seriously hoping to change that soon.  And, my new favorite meat is a pork roast cooked overnight in the crock pot!

The rest of my house:
So the reason for the extra food is the same reason there is baby stuff sitting everywhere.  Josh and Carrie  moved back to Frankfort a little over a week ago and have been staying here until their apartment is ready. That means Andrew and Ashley have been here more frequently.  So - I have a baby swing borrowed from a neighbor, a stroller, a little rocker bed (because I have no idea what it is really called), a pink little tykes car, a bag of toys, and that is just what I can see from my spot!  And just in case you misunderstand me or or in the off chance one of my kids reads this blog - I am NOT complaining in the least!  I am glad we can help our kids but I am pretty sure they are MORE than ready to get settled in their own place!

What I am reading:
I am still working my way through my Bible chronologically with an app on my phone.  I will admit that I have missed a few days here or there and clicked on the button to "catch me up" more than once.  Strange thing - I ended up reading the Easter story the week leading up to Easter.  It was so special to me!  And now, I am reading the book of Acts and must admit I am preferring it by far over the book of Chronicles!  :)

What I am looking forward to:
Dave has tilled up the garden spot and will be getting it all planted in the next day and a half before he heads out for a revival.  I LOVE looking out my bedroom window and watching all that lovely produce growing in my back yard!  And, I am so excited about spring and summer!  Love, love being outside and I am trying desperately to figure out more ways I can be out there even with working full time!

New at church:
We are getting ready to say goodbye to dear Pastor Mowery and his wonderful wife!  I don't think they are going far because there is no way they would want to leave their next door neighbors!  :)  But, we are also saying a hello (of sorts since they are already here) to our new Pastor Fry and family.  Looking forward to what is happening here!

News of the family:
Dave is busy as usual with all his many jobs but NEVER, and I do mean NEVER too busy to play with his grandbabies!  David and Christa along with Addison and David are plugging merrily along in Florida!  I think they should come live close to me and while I am in serious discussions with God about that, HE is telling me to mind my own business!  :)  Josh, Carrie and Molly are here now and having LOTS of adjustments to make but I will admit that my heart rejoices at them following God's will.  Andrew, Ashley and Estaley are are entering the world of very mobile toddlerhood and attitude "adjustments" and I promise I only laugh when no one is looking!  :)  I text my six "kids" on a frequent basis to remind them to follow God with their whole heart and leave the devil no room to cause trouble!  Ask them - they will tell you I am GOOD at passing on that advice!  :)

What I am learning:
Trusting God for big things, setting aside ANYTHING that takes my time from HIM, living clear in HIS eyes at work while taking care of "issues" that come up, making sure my lifestyle, standards and convictions are glorifying to HIM and not others, remembering that my kids and grandkids will not forget the TIME I spent with them.  And, that prayer is THE answer!

Daybook April 5th, 2014

Outside my window - The sun is desperately trying to shine, the clouds are hopefully moving out, the grass is finally starting to turn green, the trees have little buds on them and everyone is hurrying somewhere today.

What I am reading - I have several books on my iPhone by Beth Moore and for now I am reading "A Heart Like His" which is the story of David.  So far, it has been very good.  Also on my iPhone is the devotional for "Daily Streams in the Desert" and I can't tell you how many times that has spoken to me specifically on a given day.

What I am eating - unfortunately, everything in sight.  And whoever the person was that invented the individual chocolate chip cookie needs to be hanged.  :)  Made my first one the other day and that is pretty much all I think about!  My mantra is the less I have to cook, the better I am!  :)

What I am learning - to be patient and understand that God works things out in HIS time and not mine.  To NEVER forget that HIS mercy endures forever!  That breaking my constant connection to technology and social media is NOT a bad thing.  That some relationships are not good for me and it is ok with me and God that distance is there.  That some relationships need to be more important and that takes work on my part. That gut wrenching pain deep in my heart and soul can be both good and bad for me.  And, that God is more dear to me with each passing day. 

In my house - things are the same.  I love the paint colors in my living room and am pretty sure I will enjoy that room more when the carpet is replaced!  I went bold in my bedroom with a dark blue and yellow.  I am loving the colors but am just needing to get the rest done.  There is nothing on my walls and no curtains at my window but I can't decide about those things either!  :)

My work - hasn't changed but yet it has.  Cryptic sounding huh?  In my line of work though - cryptic is the key.  :)  I like my job and am thankful for it!  I like having my own office - just don't care that I have two pictures of farm equipment hanging on my walls!  :)

The family - love my kids, love my grandbabies more!  How's that for honesty??  Addison is 4 and loving preschool!  David is 18 months old and his favorite thing to say is "Whasat"?  In other words, "what's that".  It's hilarious!  Estaley will be the big "1" in a little over a week.  She has been walking everywhere for at least a month and brings sunshine everywhere she goes!  Molly is almost 4 months old and cute as a button which is what her Papaw calls her!  Oh and the parents of these blessed children are fine too!  They would tell you they are just "chopped liver" since they had children.  That's probably true!  :)

In my church - our beloved Pastor Mowery and his lovely wife are retiring and David & Sarah Fry are taking their place.  While my heart is sad for the Mowery's are special people, I am excited for the future as well.  David and Sarah are awesome people and I know that God will continue to use them!

My favorite person - has always been and will always be my hubby.  Life with him is better than I ever dreamed and I thank God every day for him and his Godly example to me and those around him.  We have so much fun no matter what we are doing - unless I am asking him to move furniture around in my house! :) 


 

My Own Scary Friday

Today, I am in a grateful yet somewhat unsettled mood so my blog is the result of that.  Time will tell if it is a good thing or not!  :)

Yesterday morning I was sleeping soundly when my dear hubby woke me around 6:00 with the news that he was rather dizzy and could not lift his head off the pillow.  Apparently, he had gotten up around 5:00 and was very dizzy on his trip to the restroom.  He made it quietly back to bed so as to not wake me (silly man) but finally around 6:00 could stand it no more.  I took his blood pressure and nearly had my own heart attack when it registered at 180/120.  I called my wonderful sister who is an RN and she suggested I give him his blood pressure pill, let him rest and check it again in an hour.  I did that and hurried to get ready for a day I had no clue what would hold for us.  An hour later I checked it again and it was still the same.  I called her back and we decided to hold off until the doctor's office opened at 8 and go from there.  But then, Dave decided he needed to go back to the restroom so I helped him sit up on the side of the bed where he promptly passed out.  As I watched his eyes glaze over and he would not respond to me, my heart and mind went to places which scared me senseless.  I made the decision to take him down to Indy to the hospital where my sister works because I knew if there was a problem, Sandy would be able to help decipher all the medical jargon.  Bless Andrew's heart, he flew in here and helped me get Dave in the car and off we headed to ER.

Dave always has a sense of humor and this time was no exception.  I am pretty sure the nurses and doctors there felt this patient was clearly off his rocker.  Pretty much everyone who walked into the room was promptly asked some question that had to do with pizza.  I knew this was the real Dave but I am convinced the doctor felt there had to be something serious going on because of that, his slurred speech and his inability to touch his nose with his right hand.  On his second try at that little chore, he asked the doctor who moved his nose.  Yes, I am quite serious about that! 

I shall digress here to say that a young girl from the reception area stopped in to just make sure she had all his correct information.  She asked me what my name was and Dave promptly corrected my by saying, "Her name is Pretty Girl" because that is what he calls me.  I looked down at him with one of my "looks" and he said, "Well at least I didn't call you a loser like the last time".  All air got sucked out of the room AGAIN.  See, several years ago Dave had surgery and to say he did not tolerate the anesthesia well is an understatement.  When a nurse from our church came to get me and I walked up to his bed, he looked at the nurses and said, "That's my wife - she is such a loser".  Every ounce of oxygen was sucked out of that room!  I was given the wonderful opportunity to explain that I was going to Weight Watchers and after every weigh in, I would call him to tell him what I lost and he always said "You are such a loser".  It was NEVER meant in a mean, ugly way but rather his way of being proud of me.  Once I explained it to the nurses they saw the humor in it as well.  This time, I was pretty sure that young girl came close to having a heart attack!  :)

On to the rest of the story....the doctor ordered some blood work and an MRI which thankfully all came back normal.  What we finally determined was that Dave had become severely dehydrated which caused his blood pressure to go dangerously high which caused severe dizziness.  It took a few hours for everything to calm down and we were back home by 3:00 in the afternoon.  He will be seeing his regular doctor for some follow up and to hopefully get some answers to a few remaining questions we have but all is well at this point and for that we are grateful! 

This whole scenario has me thinking about how blessed I truly am.  Earlier in the day as we were waiting for Dave to be taken for his MRI, I heard these words from across the hall - "Yes he will survive but he will be paralyzed".  I was so worried and nervous about Dave and yes, there were the thoughts of what could have been or what might have happened but instead, we were walking out the door.  It was a scary day and one that I am glad is over but yet has taught me to slow down and remember the things that matter!
  

A New Year

Being as how the white stuff you see in the picture above is preventing me from leaving the house, what better way to spend my time than to update the ole blog.  I have not left this house since Saturday evening which has actually been pretty nice.  Christmas decorations were taken down, some furniture was moved around a bit and some extra cleaning has been done.  I actually thought I would be going to work at noon today but we are still in a level one emergency which means no one should be out and about.  I am not really complaining one little bit.

So - it is the new year.  Time for new beginnings, new resolutions, new goals, new "whatever else you want to say" and I am doing some deep thinking about these things.  I am usually not one to make goals or resolutions public and this will be no exception.  Some things just are not for public viewing.  I know there can be both good and bad from not sharing these things.  Some would say that if you don't tell anyone then you have no accountability and that is a valid point.  But for me, I am keeping most of my goals to myself. However, there are a few that I am going to talk about here.

One is that I am asking the Lord to help me pray specifically about things.  It is one thing to pray each day in general but I believe the Lord is asking me to pray about some specifics.  Naturally, praying specifically about ME is first on the list which will probably take all my time. :)  Second, I am praying for specific things regarding each of my kids.  Sorry - David, Christa, Josh, Carrie, Andrew and Ashley but your lives could be getting interesting!  :)  On the serious side, if I don't pray for my children then I can't complain about them!  :)  I am also going to be praying specifically about other things as they come up.  I just feel like God desires His children to ask for and BELIEVE Him for specific things and that is what I am doing. 

Another goal I have is to read more.  I have iBooks on my phone and have downloaded some good books for me to read.  Also, Dave would probably want me to point out that he has 4 book cases jammed full of books and could really use another one!  :)  I have been working on reading my Bible chronologically which has been really neat to do.  I just think I can profit greatly by reading so that is another thing I am going to work on.  Who knows, maybe I will do a book review or two here.  

One final thing I may or may not do is to update my blog more frequently.  I mostly use Facebook to communicate with friends and family but I can't write a book as a status update.  :)  So, I may just be writing here as an "outlet" for what little creativity I have and just general expressions of food, fun, faith and foolishness!  :)

Happy New Year Everyone!

My treasures.....

This picture was taken at our church camp in August.  There is a story behind this year's camp that I shall share with you.  

Dave was born and raised a Quaker.  When I married him, I just followed along with him.  We spent almost 10 years in Florida where our main goal every August was to come back home to Indiana for family camp.  In August of 2012, this small group of churches asked Dave to be their Superintendent.  About 5 minutes later, I started talking to my kids about making plans to come to camp.  David had not been to family camp in probably about 7 or 8 years and I don't think Christa had ever been.  Carrie and Josh had been to camp for one service in the past 5 years or so.  Ashley and Andrew have been there for a service here or there in the past 5 years since we have moved back to Indiana but not to stay.

  

The Superintendent always preaches the first Sunday morning so I told the kids they needed to be at camp for the first weekend.  I spent pretty much the entire year praying that God would work out every single detail for this to work and HE answered my prayer.  Everyone arrived for the first service Friday evening and the Florida kids were able to stay until Tuesday evening.  What a time we had together!  

My little heart about came apart with joy as I sat in church Sunday morning with my whole family all around me.  I felt so blessed to have them there!  What a privilege it is to have such a great relationship with all of my kids!  They were all so excited to get to be at camp and to get to hear their Daddy preach again!  

Honestly, my prayer didn't just stop with wanting my kids to get to be at camp but what I really, really wanted was for my kids to sense the presence of Jesus close like they had experienced as little children at camp.  And you know what??  Jesus did NOT disappoint us.  Sunday night's service was just one of those times.  It was so wonderful from the very beginning.  His presence was so real and so close and He chose to meet with my kids as only HE can.   It was so wonderful to be together as a family but more than that, it was absolutely wonderful to see Jesus meet the needs of those who sought Him.  

Thank you Jesus for my treasures and the knowledge that YOU treasure them more than I do!  

And Miles to Go Before I Sleep.......

So, I am typing this blog from a place where I can't add pictures.  I know - shocking that I would blog without pictures!  :)  And trust me, I have plenty of pictures to share!  After all, we have had the birth of another grandchild!  And Christa is EXCELLENT at sending us constant pictures of the beautiful grandchildren my kids keep tucked FAR AWAY in Florida.  No, I am not bitter or upset by that at all!  After all, (as David often reminds his parents) WE are the ones who moved away!  :)

April 15th is normally a day that strikes fear in our hearts since we have to pay taxes that day.  Isn't self-employment just the dreamiest thing????  Or not!  Anyway, I digress!  :)  After more than one hour of labor, little miss Estaley Bronwyn Ruth Wilhelm entered this world at 12:52 pm weighing 8.2 pounds and 21 inches long.  A beautiful little girl who has turned her mom and dad into complete mush!  :)  Mommy, Daddy and baby are all adjusting as normally as possible with proud grandparents close by.  She is a good little baby when she decides to let her parents sleep at night but I am pretty sure they wouldn't trade her for anything!  Now, the little four legged creature who barks loud on occasion and wakes her up - he might be traded for a little copper penny!! 

It appears this post is turning into a sappy "Nana" post!  But, want to know something really cool??  I love my iPhone!  I love being able to do Facetime with all the kids!  What is so neat is when Christa calls and she shows Lil' David my face and I say "Hi" he just instantly smiles!  It is pretty neat this technology thing! Listening to Addison chatter away and watching her little mind work is so cool!  I can't always understand what she is saying but let me tell you, she works hard to get her point across!  Being apart is not easy but our handy, dandy little smart phones help a lot!  :)  David is not necessarily fond of phones much but it is a neat thing to watch him interact with his kiddos!  He and Christa do a pretty awesome job at the parent thing as well! 

As for Josh and Carrie, I love being able to call and see them whenever.  That is especially easy with them because they aren't often apart - a fact we tease them about a lot!  :)  They are both finishing up some college courses and working!  And yes, so that you all know - I keep asking for more grandkids but man, adult children just don't always listen to their parents!  :) 

So - once again I am posting about my great kids, wonderful grandchildren which problem draws groans from the few who read here.  But, want to know what is really great???  Enjoying this phase of life called the "empty nest" with my best friend ever.  We are gone a lot on weekends - it is obvious if you go look inside my house.  It suffers greatly from a dust overload.  But, dust or no dust, I am thoroughly enjoying spending time with Dave and just "living life" together! 

Ok - that is it for now!  Who knows, I may go home today and add some pictures to this!  :)  I guess you will just have to wait and see! 

Resting

I heard someone tell a story not long ago in their testimony at our prayer meeting.  They had been going through a very dark time and finally got to the point where the only way they could rest at night was just to picture themselves crawling into the arms of Jesus.  That testimony spoke volumes to me and has continued to do so. 

One of my very favorite pictures of me and my Daddy was taken long before my "memory" kicked in.  I was a baby - Dad was in a rocking chair with me laying on his shoulder and we both were asleep.  Being held by my Dad - that picture is such a treasure for me.  My Dad was no weakling let me tell you!  Just ask my brothers who often tried to get Dad to play "mercy" with them.  Remember that game where you lock hands and see who says "mercy" first?  Yea - it was NEVER Dad!  :))  Anyway, the older I got the more I enjoyed those times when Dad would wrap his big arms around me.  That emotion??  One of rest.  I was safe because Daddy was holding me. 

April 16th, 1995 - Easter Sunday - my Daddy went to be with Jesus.  I can choose to either sit here and smile as I remember him or I could burst into tears.  Given my current location - I think I should stick with the smile.  :))  There have been some pretty dark times when I longed for a hug.  That place of safety and rest that I thought only came from Dad.  Fast forward to now - that testimony spoke VOLUMES to me.  When the load gets heavy, the path dark, the way unknown, the fears huge - when life becomes unbearable....I picture myself being pulled into the arms of my heavenly Father.  Rest.  It doesn't change my circumstance at the precise moment.  I still "feel" the heaviness of life but.....there is comfort in knowing that I can rest in His arms and trust that all is well because HE loves me so much more than my earthly Father could have. 

So - I am resting.  Today?  Not an easy thing to do.  Burden is heavy, life is.......interesting.  But, my Father is holding me and that is all I need for now.