Well, it's Thanksgiving week already. I can't believe this year is almost over. I just love Thanksgiving. It's a time to get together with family and friends without the expectation or obligation to give each other gifts. It's just a time of togetherness, fellowship, and being thankful. However, EVERY DAY should be thanksgiving. As humans we complain more than we count our blessings. If you think about it, what we consider to be burdens and complaints would be blessings to many people. I'm forever complaining about our monthly mortgage creeping up every year due to escrow. When I don't even think about the millions of people around the world who don't even have a roof over their head, or their "roof" is made of grass. I complain that my feet hurt, when I should be thankful that I can walk. I complain because I don't have enough money to buy a Christmas gift for everyone who is special in my life. I saw a saying the other day that really made me think...."Being rich is not determined by how much I have, but by how little I need". Oh man, talk about stinging!! Anyway, all this brings me to this...I know resolutions are typically made at the beginning of the new year, but I'm making a resolution today to make an entry in my journal EVERY day for what I'm thankful for each day. By November 24, 2009 I should be able to list 365 things I'm thankful for. So, hold me to it, if I don't have that list posted on my blog one year from today, Lord willing, of course!! Hold me accountable, I dare ya!! Oh, by the way, you all are welcome to join me!!
I'll leave you with this....
"A thankful heart is a happy heart"
Monday, November 24, 2008
Coleman needs your prayers....
I know it's been quiet a while since I've posted. It's just been busy, busy, busy around here. Which is a good thing. I just wanted to ask a favor of everyone on behalf of my little guy, Coleman......
PRAY! PLEASE! We all have one BIG contact in Heaven...call on Him. Pray for a miracle! If you do NOTHING else...just pray! Coleman Larson is 4, he will be 5 on December 10. His twin Caden has been a trooper for the last 2 1/2 years that Coleman has been fighting a beast known as Medulloblastoma...BRAIN CANCER! Together they are TEAM LARSON! Coleman has endurred brain surgery, chemo, radiation, CT scans by the dozen, MRIs that he no longer has to be sedated for...he is a pro, multiple lines, port-a-caths, a stem cell harvest and transplant and two relapses. His fight is getting harder and there are less and less options for him.If you would like to, I know they would be very greatful to receive a birthday card. They love to get mail and they are very appreciative of every peice of mail they receive. Again, their birthday is December 10, 2008. Here is their address:
Coleman & Caden Larson
c/o Team Larson
Box 251
Callender, Iowa 50523
How can a doctor look into these eyes and say, "We are out of options."? 
Coleman and his family are in IOWA. But they are "regulars" at the Ronald McDonald house in NYC. Team Larson needs YOU, those of you who kept reading even though tears are streaming down your face, to PRAY, and PRAY like you've never prayed before! Because if TEAM LARSON has taught me ANYTHING it's to NE-VA DIV UP!
Coleman and his family are in IOWA. But they are "regulars" at the Ronald McDonald house in NYC. Team Larson needs YOU, those of you who kept reading even though tears are streaming down your face, to PRAY, and PRAY like you've never prayed before! Because if TEAM LARSON has taught me ANYTHING it's to NE-VA DIV UP! They got back home Saturday afternoon and are going to be able to spend Thanksgiving with their family for the first time in 2 years. However, when they got home, due to side effects of this new treatment, Coleman can no longer walk without falling. So, he is having to be carried everywhere. Can you imagine how frustrating and frightening this is for him and his family? He is still a happy little boy, just very scared and confused. HE NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS.
Coleman and Caden will tell you exactly what they think of Cancer if you ask. Peggy, their mom asked them and this is what they said:
Coleman explains, “It’s hard to be hooked up to a pole all day when it’s a sun-shiny day, ann be in your hos-pita woom all day when yoa don’t wanna be there ann wish ya tould be outside in-said, but NO, ya tan’t. I wish that no more tids would det tancer, tuz it's tewwible to haffa do all-a the suff what ya dotta do. If no more tids dot it, then we tould all yust be no-mal wif no more pokes."
Coleman’s twin Caden chimed in and gave his two cents, “Cancer is the worse day of my wife (life) because you don’t getta pway wif your brudder when ya weally want to. Sometimes the hospital is fun …if ya aren’t froe-in up wike Coleman does sometimes. I wish that no tids ever det tancer, so they tan haff fun all-a their days until they be daddies."
Coleman explains, “It’s hard to be hooked up to a pole all day when it’s a sun-shiny day, ann be in your hos-pita woom all day when yoa don’t wanna be there ann wish ya tould be outside in-said, but NO, ya tan’t. I wish that no more tids would det tancer, tuz it's tewwible to haffa do all-a the suff what ya dotta do. If no more tids dot it, then we tould all yust be no-mal wif no more pokes."
Coleman’s twin Caden chimed in and gave his two cents, “Cancer is the worse day of my wife (life) because you don’t getta pway wif your brudder when ya weally want to. Sometimes the hospital is fun …if ya aren’t froe-in up wike Coleman does sometimes. I wish that no tids ever det tancer, so they tan haff fun all-a their days until they be daddies."
Thanks for hangin' in there and loving Coleman already! How can anyone not love this kid and pray for him continously??For more info on Coleman Larson and his family, go to http://www.carepages.com/ and register (it's FREE and takes seconds). Click on Visit and type in ColemanScott (all one word). Be prepared to fall in love. This is ONE AMAZING FAMILY!!!!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Just a Thought
I received this e-mail earlier today, I can't even remember where it came from, but even though we all know the outcome of the election, I still think this is a great thought provoking message...
Today, millions of people in the United States will cast their votes for a slate of political leaders, including President. After months of campaign speeches, television ads, and debates, each voter has the opportunity to say to one candidate, "I choose you." Not everyone's favorite will win, but every voter has a choice.
Unlike a political election in which the majority rules, each of us is given the opportunity to select our personal leader each day. In the spiritual election deep within our hearts, our choice will stand no matter what others may decide.
After many years in the Promised Land of Canaan, the aged Joshua called the people of Israel together and issued this challenge: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15). In a great collective response, the people said, "We will serve the Lord!" (v.21).
Everyone serves some kind of god. Whom will we choose to have rule in our hearts today?
Honestly, that's about all I have to offer right now. I'll try to post something again tomorrow. I think I'll go say a prayer and continue to put my trust in God. May God bless this land! I'll leave you with this....
"Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
--William Penn
Today, millions of people in the United States will cast their votes for a slate of political leaders, including President. After months of campaign speeches, television ads, and debates, each voter has the opportunity to say to one candidate, "I choose you." Not everyone's favorite will win, but every voter has a choice.
Unlike a political election in which the majority rules, each of us is given the opportunity to select our personal leader each day. In the spiritual election deep within our hearts, our choice will stand no matter what others may decide.
After many years in the Promised Land of Canaan, the aged Joshua called the people of Israel together and issued this challenge: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15). In a great collective response, the people said, "We will serve the Lord!" (v.21).
Everyone serves some kind of god. Whom will we choose to have rule in our hearts today?
Honestly, that's about all I have to offer right now. I'll try to post something again tomorrow. I think I'll go say a prayer and continue to put my trust in God. May God bless this land! I'll leave you with this....
"Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
--William Penn
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I think Tuesday was actually Monday!!
Tuesday felt like a Monday to me, that's going on the way the world perceives a "Monday" to feel like, not that I actually know what Monday feels like. The first thing I do when I wake up, before my feet hit the floor, I reach for my glasses. You see, when you're blind as a bat, which I am, grabbing your glasses is a prerequisite to making your way to the bathroom. Well, I went to put them on and something just wasn't right. The left arm was missing!! When I went to bed the night before, as every night the last thing I do is fold my glasses and place them on my nightstand. They were folded when I went to grab them, but obviously when I grabbed them the arm fell to the floor. Well, after scrounging around I finally located the straying arm. This is the first time I've had any trouble with these frames since getting them about 2 years ago. So, as in the past with other frames I assumed the screw just fell out. I go to try to put the arm back in place and try to figure out where the screw actually goes....well, nothing is easy for me on a "Monday", even though it was Tuesday. There is no screw, nor a place for a screw. The arm just mysteriously decided it wanted to strike out on it's own, I guess. I tried, unsuccessfully to insert the arm back in it's rightful position, but It didn't want to stay. Almost running late, I had to put it aside until I could make it to the kitchen to figure out what to do. Actually getting dressed and presentable for the day went surprisingly well. I make my way down the hall with my one-armed glasses resting cockeyed on the bridge of my nose. I arrive in the kitchen and search for some "super glue", what a hero "super glue" is. I squirt a little down the hole where the staying arm is supposed to be, hold it for a couple of seconds, and all is well with the world. On with the morning....
I get back home from taking Alison to school, which went amazingly well, since I am insisting that she drives as much as possible, seeing as she will be "legally" driving in a couple of months and needs all the practice she can get. Now my next task is to get Abbey out the door and to her "job coach" by a certain time. As we're trying to get out the door, of course the phone rings, and of course, I feel drawn to answer it. It is my good friend Jennifer. She and her family (our youth minister), bless them, live next door to the church that we attend. I am assigned to change the marquee sign in front of the church building, which I enjoy doing, since I'm such a quote freak. Well, that task was taken care of Monday morning, the real Monday. Jennifer is calling to inform me that one side of the marquee has been violated sometime during the night. The saying (which I love) that I had put up, said,
I get back home from taking Alison to school, which went amazingly well, since I am insisting that she drives as much as possible, seeing as she will be "legally" driving in a couple of months and needs all the practice she can get. Now my next task is to get Abbey out the door and to her "job coach" by a certain time. As we're trying to get out the door, of course the phone rings, and of course, I feel drawn to answer it. It is my good friend Jennifer. She and her family (our youth minister), bless them, live next door to the church that we attend. I am assigned to change the marquee sign in front of the church building, which I enjoy doing, since I'm such a quote freak. Well, that task was taken care of Monday morning, the real Monday. Jennifer is calling to inform me that one side of the marquee has been violated sometime during the night. The saying (which I love) that I had put up, said,
Forgive
Your Enemies--
It Messes With
Their Head
Well, some twisted, sicko, I mean some troubled soul, with nothing better to do thought that they would have their jollies and break a limb off a nearby tree and proceed to remove some letters (which several were not recovered--in other words, stolen) to reveal a rather perverted, disgusting phrase (which I will not post here). While out for her morning walk, Jennifer ran into a neighbor who brought it to her attention. She immediately had her oldest son throw on some clothes and go take down the altered message. Well, it turns out that there were a few calls of concern, meaning several people-- members of Greenbrier, acquaintances, and passer-bys --had seen the vulgar message....not good for "business".
Well, I was trying to get Abbey to her appointment, so there was nothing I could do immediately, except fume. I'm thinking, I'll get Abbey to her appointment, then go figure out how many letters were missing (whether it was worth the hassle to report the wrong doing) and what to do next.
I get Abbey to the appointment, not realizing that the appointment was meant for me also. Obviously a lot of "routine" paperwork and acknowledgement of obligations on both the agency and our part. Oh joy, I felt like we were closing on a house.....sign here, here and here, and initial here, here and.....here. Anyway, an hour and 15 minutes (a valuable hour and 15 minutes) later, we're back in the car headed back to Oxford. We stop to get lunch, which thankfully was uneventful). We move on to one of the job sites so Abbey can turn in her job application, again uneventful. Things are looking up....it's actually beginning to feel like Tuesday, instead of Monday...oh, I forgot, it IS Tuesday. Anyway, I run Abbey home, so I can run some errands and she can do some things around the house.
One of those errands is to make a deposit at the bank from a Wedding that I shot this weekend. (Oh, another story all it's own). I must insert here, that I had already been to the bank the day before to make this deposit, which the check to be deposited just happened to be drawn on the same bank I use for my business. Well, you can guess why it wasn't deposited the day before....I had my suspicions, so I wanted to be sure the funds were there.....you guessed it. Again, today, Monday, uh, I mean Tuesday, still not there. I immediately call the customer (they didn't take a honeymoon), at home to leave a message....no answer, no answering machine. At work....she isn't at this office any longer. I get new work number....she isn't here today, she may be off this week, you know she got married this weekend (oh yeah, did she??!!). I head home long enough to fire off an e-mail to her, which she responded late Tuesday night to say she gets paid Friday, and could I wait until Friday and it should be there. Hello, why couldn't you have just told me that LAST Friday, and saved me a couple of trips to the blessed bank. I honestly have no problem with post-dated checks....just clue me in!! We'll see what Friday holds....
I head to the church building to find out what I need to put on the defaced, bare sign. It is suggested what to put, so I go with.....
Our Apologies-
Victim of Vandals
Well to be honest, I wanted to put my favorite previous saying back up there, but I know the twisted, I mean sweet mischievous child, would probably return.... I'll come up with different wording, but the same message and post it again in a few days. "Hakuna Matata"....there are no worries here. God knows who you are.
Ok, now I have to get my equipment ready for a "minor" senior session. Then I'm off to get Alison from school. Once again I get her to drive, to get that all important practice in before the "real" thing. Only this time, a friend (the sister of the senior that I'm photographing) is coming with us. It's soooo much fun to "coach" a 15 year old driving with a friend in the car. What is it, that the 15 year old all of a sudden is a pro and knows more than her mom, who's been driving 28 + years. Anyway, after being in continuous prayer, we made it home safely. We're home for oh, 45 minutes, before we head out to Oxford Lake for the senior session. Once again, I am the driving coach. Student has somewhat of a better attitude. Coach continues to pray and yes, God is good, we arrive safely. The senior session is short and sweet, we are less the friend, who went on her way with her brother and headed home....sweet home.
I must say the evening was uneventful and I enjoyed the peace. God is Good all the time, He just likes to keep things interesting and keep us on our toes. I know my tomorrow is a brighter day, because, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart....For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." My worst day here on earth WILL be worth it all...
I pray you all have a blessed day and remember.....
If you find a pathway with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.....
I know, it's been over a week since I posted. I really doubt this fact affected any one's ability to go on with their life....so, get over it, already! I'm just kidding, of course. I've been a little busy, ok, maybe I should say....lazy.
Also, since my last post, my oldest daughter, Abbey had a birthday...October 9 she turned the big "20". Happy Birthday, Abbey!!! Yes, I know, I'm getting old....and have been for some time now, thank you!!
Please continue to remember my little guy, Coleman. He's in New York again, and started his next round of chemo, today after a second relapse. The kid is a fighter and he deserves our prayers. As he was receiving his chemo today, he was actually praying for the kid on the other side of the room who was having a rough time with mouth sores and throwing up. Coleman is only 4 years old, but his faith in God is HUGE!! We could all learn from him.
Have I mentioned lately that I love this time of year. I love to get a good book and sit in my "air chair" on the screened in porch and escape to another place. Well, I have the book, The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks' newest novel. And speaking of, yes, I got to finally meet my favorite author...Nick!! That one deserves a post all of its own, so you'll have to wait on that one!!
My sweet niece, Katie tagged me, therefore I must oblige....
10 years ago I:
1. Had a 10 and 6 year old & had been married to my sweetie for 12 years.
2. Weighed about 20 lbs. less than I do today :(
3. Lived in another house.
4. Had a different JOB.
5. Was even more computer illiterate than I am today :)
5 things on today's "to do" list: (seeing as it's 11 pm, I'll go for tomorrow's list)
1. Take Alison to school
2. Change the sign at church
3. Visit the "alteration lady"
4. Go to the grocery store
5. Prepare for the wedding I am photographing this weekend.
5 snack I enjoy:
1. Chocolate
2. Popcorn
3. Fresh peaches
4. Gummy Bears
5. Frozen cappuccino from Joe Muggs
5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Give back to God
2. Of course, pay off all of our bills
3. Go back to college and set aside enough for Alison's college
4. Invest for Abbey's future
5. Buy a house in the mountains....any mountain.
5 places I have lived:
1. Anniston
2. Montgomery
3. Auburn
4. Birmingham (Roebuck, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster)
5. Oxford
5 jobs I've had:
1. Cashier (Hardee's)
2. Photographer's assistant
3. Office Clerk (BellSouth)
4. Bookkeeper (Hammett Service Center)
5. Photographer (Studio One, Creative Image, Self-employed)
Ok, Casey's already participated.....so I'm tagging Amanda, Bethany and anyone else who might have time to kill. (By the way, be sure to visit my friend, Amanda's blog, Kughn Watch.)
I hope everyone has a blessed week. Here's my quote for the day....
"If you have never been hated by your child--You have never been a parent"
Also, since my last post, my oldest daughter, Abbey had a birthday...October 9 she turned the big "20". Happy Birthday, Abbey!!! Yes, I know, I'm getting old....and have been for some time now, thank you!!
Please continue to remember my little guy, Coleman. He's in New York again, and started his next round of chemo, today after a second relapse. The kid is a fighter and he deserves our prayers. As he was receiving his chemo today, he was actually praying for the kid on the other side of the room who was having a rough time with mouth sores and throwing up. Coleman is only 4 years old, but his faith in God is HUGE!! We could all learn from him.
Have I mentioned lately that I love this time of year. I love to get a good book and sit in my "air chair" on the screened in porch and escape to another place. Well, I have the book, The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks' newest novel. And speaking of, yes, I got to finally meet my favorite author...Nick!! That one deserves a post all of its own, so you'll have to wait on that one!!
My sweet niece, Katie tagged me, therefore I must oblige....
10 years ago I:
1. Had a 10 and 6 year old & had been married to my sweetie for 12 years.
2. Weighed about 20 lbs. less than I do today :(
3. Lived in another house.
4. Had a different JOB.
5. Was even more computer illiterate than I am today :)
5 things on today's "to do" list: (seeing as it's 11 pm, I'll go for tomorrow's list)
1. Take Alison to school
2. Change the sign at church
3. Visit the "alteration lady"
4. Go to the grocery store
5. Prepare for the wedding I am photographing this weekend.
5 snack I enjoy:
1. Chocolate
2. Popcorn
3. Fresh peaches
4. Gummy Bears
5. Frozen cappuccino from Joe Muggs
5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Give back to God
2. Of course, pay off all of our bills
3. Go back to college and set aside enough for Alison's college
4. Invest for Abbey's future
5. Buy a house in the mountains....any mountain.
5 places I have lived:
1. Anniston
2. Montgomery
3. Auburn
4. Birmingham (Roebuck, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster)
5. Oxford
5 jobs I've had:
1. Cashier (Hardee's)
2. Photographer's assistant
3. Office Clerk (BellSouth)
4. Bookkeeper (Hammett Service Center)
5. Photographer (Studio One, Creative Image, Self-employed)
Ok, Casey's already participated.....so I'm tagging Amanda, Bethany and anyone else who might have time to kill. (By the way, be sure to visit my friend, Amanda's blog, Kughn Watch.)
I hope everyone has a blessed week. Here's my quote for the day....
"If you have never been hated by your child--You have never been a parent"
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Blessed Weekend Indeed...
What an amazing, spirit filled weekend I had this past weekend. Thursday afternoon, seven of my sisters in Christ (Deb, Diane, Denise, Sue, Wanda, Roberta, & Christie) and I headed to Atlanta for the Women of Faith convention. We absolutely were blessed beyond our expectations. Here's a picture of our group....not a great picture, but a picture....
Friday was the pre-conference where there was free seating (not reserved seats). There were probably a couple thousand women or more there by this time. During one of the breaks, as the lights came on, I looked down 2 rows in front of me and saw a friend of mine from Crossbridge Church of Christ in Birmingham, Wendy Hall. I couldn't believe in that crowd of women from all over the Southeast, there, two rows away was a friend. We visited for a few minutes before the next session started. It was great to see her, but I never saw her again the rest of the weekend.
The Women of Faith speakers were wonderful. Some of them included, Patsy Clairmont, Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Sandi Patty, Nicole C. Mullen, Jan Silvious, Luci Swindoll, and several more. They all had a message about God's Infinite Grace, either through comedy, music, everyday life experiences, from the standpoint of a psychologist, etc. Each were unique in their presentation.
The main message I got was that at some point in our lives, sometimes it's a one time thing, for others it's continuous, but, our lives will be scorched, burned, destroyed....BUT Spring will come and make that life beautiful again, possibly growing something even more beautiful than before... God's grace is a gift, a gift we can't do anything to earn.....it's God's gift to us, no matter who you are, where you are, or where you've been.....you've just got to accept it. Let God bless you.
Another message that stuck with me was Emotions....There are, of course, positive emotions and negative emotions. It's not the positive or negative that's important, it's how we react to the emotion--good or bad. What determines the quality of your life? Your emotions OR your relationship with Christ? The same way that our negative emotions can control our lives, our positive emotions have that same power. Emotions can do two things: they can bring glory to God or they can make people wonder if I really know God. Romans 12:2 tells us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." It really comes down to the question, is God really in control of my life? Or, am I trying to control everything? Wow, did I need that. I pray daily that I will have the wisdom, to give it all to Him, to allow Him to have control in my life. It's a daily struggle, but God's grace will see me through. He will do the same for each and everyone of us, we just have to accept His grace and seek His will. He is, after all, in control of everything. We were never promised that life would be easy, just that it would be worth it if we follow His plan.
Ok, that's it for the lesson today. Sorry, I got carried away. But the messages from this past weekend and how they were presented absolutely blew me away. The message has been there all along, I realize that. It just really hit home and touched me in a way it never has. Thanks for allowing me to use my blog to put into words what has been swimming around in my head since I got home Saturday night.
Sunday night, my wonderful husband took me to see the movie Nights in Roadanthe. It was nice to have a date with my guy!! The date was great, the movie, no so much. Let's just say I liked the book much more. I do recommend the movie, but if you haven't read the book, I recommend that more so.
And yes, I DID get out bright and early Tuesday morning, to purchase Nicholas Sparks' brand new book "The Lucky One". I haven't been the lucky one and had the time to get started on it, but I plan to in the next few days. Actually, I'm reading "The Shack", (which I highly recommend), for the second time. There is a group of ladies from Greenbrier (WINGS) who meet on Thursday night to discuss "The Shack", so I'm back into that right now.
I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to this October weekend. I am just loving this weather. We are so blessed....God handy work is so awesome!!
I almost forgot, my little guy, Coleman and his family made it back to New York for his next cancer treatment. Please keep "team Larson" in your prayers as Coleman goes through this new experimental treatment.
"Life is hard, but God is Faithful"
Friday was the pre-conference where there was free seating (not reserved seats). There were probably a couple thousand women or more there by this time. During one of the breaks, as the lights came on, I looked down 2 rows in front of me and saw a friend of mine from Crossbridge Church of Christ in Birmingham, Wendy Hall. I couldn't believe in that crowd of women from all over the Southeast, there, two rows away was a friend. We visited for a few minutes before the next session started. It was great to see her, but I never saw her again the rest of the weekend.The Women of Faith speakers were wonderful. Some of them included, Patsy Clairmont, Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Sandi Patty, Nicole C. Mullen, Jan Silvious, Luci Swindoll, and several more. They all had a message about God's Infinite Grace, either through comedy, music, everyday life experiences, from the standpoint of a psychologist, etc. Each were unique in their presentation.
The main message I got was that at some point in our lives, sometimes it's a one time thing, for others it's continuous, but, our lives will be scorched, burned, destroyed....BUT Spring will come and make that life beautiful again, possibly growing something even more beautiful than before... God's grace is a gift, a gift we can't do anything to earn.....it's God's gift to us, no matter who you are, where you are, or where you've been.....you've just got to accept it. Let God bless you.
Another message that stuck with me was Emotions....There are, of course, positive emotions and negative emotions. It's not the positive or negative that's important, it's how we react to the emotion--good or bad. What determines the quality of your life? Your emotions OR your relationship with Christ? The same way that our negative emotions can control our lives, our positive emotions have that same power. Emotions can do two things: they can bring glory to God or they can make people wonder if I really know God. Romans 12:2 tells us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." It really comes down to the question, is God really in control of my life? Or, am I trying to control everything? Wow, did I need that. I pray daily that I will have the wisdom, to give it all to Him, to allow Him to have control in my life. It's a daily struggle, but God's grace will see me through. He will do the same for each and everyone of us, we just have to accept His grace and seek His will. He is, after all, in control of everything. We were never promised that life would be easy, just that it would be worth it if we follow His plan.
Ok, that's it for the lesson today. Sorry, I got carried away. But the messages from this past weekend and how they were presented absolutely blew me away. The message has been there all along, I realize that. It just really hit home and touched me in a way it never has. Thanks for allowing me to use my blog to put into words what has been swimming around in my head since I got home Saturday night.
Sunday night, my wonderful husband took me to see the movie Nights in Roadanthe. It was nice to have a date with my guy!! The date was great, the movie, no so much. Let's just say I liked the book much more. I do recommend the movie, but if you haven't read the book, I recommend that more so.
And yes, I DID get out bright and early Tuesday morning, to purchase Nicholas Sparks' brand new book "The Lucky One". I haven't been the lucky one and had the time to get started on it, but I plan to in the next few days. Actually, I'm reading "The Shack", (which I highly recommend), for the second time. There is a group of ladies from Greenbrier (WINGS) who meet on Thursday night to discuss "The Shack", so I'm back into that right now.
I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to this October weekend. I am just loving this weather. We are so blessed....God handy work is so awesome!!
I almost forgot, my little guy, Coleman and his family made it back to New York for his next cancer treatment. Please keep "team Larson" in your prayers as Coleman goes through this new experimental treatment.
"Life is hard, but God is Faithful"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I LOVE FALL!!!
I know, it's been a while. This is such a busy time of the year. But then again what time of the year isn't busy? This year is just flying by. Anyway, this post is going to be all over the place, so bear with me.
First of all, don't forget September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. SO, please remember, if you are near a Chili's restaurant on Monday, September 29, PLEASE eat there. ALL of their proceeds that day are donated to Childhood Cancer Research. I know there isn't a Chili's around Oxford, AL. But there is one in Gadsden, which is only about a 30-45 min. drive. Our family will be making Sept. 29 a family night out and take a trip to Chili's. I hope others will also. Please spread the word.
Another little guy I follow on Caring Bridge--Cole--earned his angel wings this past Friday. The little guy was just diagnosed July 26, 2008, one month after his 3rd birthday. His family had less than 2 months from the time he was diagnosed, and more than half that time he was sedated. His Caring Bridge site is http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit. Please pray for Cole's family...no parent should have to bury their child!
And please remember Coleman, as they will return to New York next week to begin his new treatment. They were pretty concerned about the date, Sept. 21, this past Sunday. You see that was the date 2 years ago that he was diagnosed, then on that same date 1 year ago, they were told he had relapsed. He is in his second relapse and remember he won't be 5 years old until this December. That little guy has been through more in his short 4 years than most adults will go through in their entire lifetime.
Here is a portion of Peggy's (his mom) post from yesterday.....
One more week before we leave for NYC. We have a LOT we want to fit in, lot
s to get ready and much to do before we go. It will be a busy week around here! Sept. 21, 2008 It was MUCH better than the two previous years! It started out with us deciding to ‘chance it’ and take Coleman to church with us. We’ve been keeping him home, trying our best to keep him away from germs with his low counts. He was SO happy- and was the first one ready to go in the morning. The boys and I headed out to the van and were waiting for Scott. Coleman said, “ohhhhh, I for-dot bunny!” (I had told him to make sure it was by the door before we got ready, so he wouldn’t forget it) I went into…. “remember when I told you to put it by the door?.....” Caden stopped me and said, “I’LL go get it Coe-man” and took off for the house. He came back and tossed it on Coleman’s lap. Coleman said, “FANK YOU TAYD! You are the bessess bwuver I ev-va had, ann I doan know WHAT I would do wifout you.” Caden answered, “I would do ANYFING for you Coe-man!”
Cman’s prayer when he went to bed last night…“ann Dod, Fank you for wettin us haf the BESSESS day in the woe-ld (world) today. You maked it a DWATE (great) day for me. Fank you Dod. Ann pweeze Dod wet Day-weck (Derek) det outta the hos-pi-ta ann have fun too.” THAT one was already answered! Our little friend Derek got to go home today- YAY Derek! (cp: derekellerbeck2007)
Oh how I love to hear Coleman pray. His prayers are so heartfelt, and he never ends without thinking of someone who needs to be prayed for…often many…)
We appreciate your continued prayers for Coleman’s complete healing. We not letting up…we’re letting God KNOW our desires, and we know He’s listening….we’re praising him for the blessings He’s given us yesterday, today and tomorrow.
This is the link to Coleman's link, if you want to read more of his deep thoughts and prayers....http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott. You'll have to create a password, if you haven't visited CarePages before.
Okay, everyone......Are you ready for this Friday, Sept. 26, 2008...it's the opening of the movie.....Nights in Rodanthe, based on Nicholas Sparks' book. Here's a link to view the trailer.....http://nightsinrodanthe.warnerbros.com/ I'll have to wait until Saturday or Sunday night to make my first viewing of the movie (notice I said first), because I will be leaving Thursday afternoon headed here.....
About 8 ladies from church are attending the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta. The theme is Infinite Grace. We'll be back Saturday evening. So, Nights in Rodanthe will have to wait a day or two. I'm pretty pumped about the women's conference and spending time with my sisters in Christ and meeting other sisters I didn't even know about!! I'll let you know more about that next week.
On to the next news....Tuesday, September 30, 2008 I will be headed to the local Books A Million first thing to purchase this beauty.... The newest Nicholas Sparks book....The Lucky One. Can you
tell that I'm an avid Nicholas Sparks fan? Well, on October 9, 2008 I'll even make the trip to Birmingham, along with a few friends, to his book signing. I'm just a little excited! And yes, for those of you who know me well, know that date rings a bell with you. It's my oldest daughter, Abbey's 20th birthday. So I don't get the "worst mom" award, the book signing is at noon that day, so I'll be back in plenty of time to "celebrate" with my (sigh) 20 year old. Talk about time flying....
Well, except for the nip in the air and sleeping with the windows open, I guess that's all the excitement I have for this post. I pray that everyone is feeling as blessed as I do. God is Good....ALL the time!! I'll leave you with this quote....
"Every 60 seconds you spend angry, upset, worrying or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back"
First of all, don't forget September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. SO, please remember, if you are near a Chili's restaurant on Monday, September 29, PLEASE eat there. ALL of their proceeds that day are donated to Childhood Cancer Research. I know there isn't a Chili's around Oxford, AL. But there is one in Gadsden, which is only about a 30-45 min. drive. Our family will be making Sept. 29 a family night out and take a trip to Chili's. I hope others will also. Please spread the word.
Another little guy I follow on Caring Bridge--Cole--earned his angel wings this past Friday. The little guy was just diagnosed July 26, 2008, one month after his 3rd birthday. His family had less than 2 months from the time he was diagnosed, and more than half that time he was sedated. His Caring Bridge site is http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit. Please pray for Cole's family...no parent should have to bury their child!
And please remember Coleman, as they will return to New York next week to begin his new treatment. They were pretty concerned about the date, Sept. 21, this past Sunday. You see that was the date 2 years ago that he was diagnosed, then on that same date 1 year ago, they were told he had relapsed. He is in his second relapse and remember he won't be 5 years old until this December. That little guy has been through more in his short 4 years than most adults will go through in their entire lifetime.
Here is a portion of Peggy's (his mom) post from yesterday.....
One more week before we leave for NYC. We have a LOT we want to fit in, lot
s to get ready and much to do before we go. It will be a busy week around here! Sept. 21, 2008 It was MUCH better than the two previous years! It started out with us deciding to ‘chance it’ and take Coleman to church with us. We’ve been keeping him home, trying our best to keep him away from germs with his low counts. He was SO happy- and was the first one ready to go in the morning. The boys and I headed out to the van and were waiting for Scott. Coleman said, “ohhhhh, I for-dot bunny!” (I had told him to make sure it was by the door before we got ready, so he wouldn’t forget it) I went into…. “remember when I told you to put it by the door?.....” Caden stopped me and said, “I’LL go get it Coe-man” and took off for the house. He came back and tossed it on Coleman’s lap. Coleman said, “FANK YOU TAYD! You are the bessess bwuver I ev-va had, ann I doan know WHAT I would do wifout you.” Caden answered, “I would do ANYFING for you Coe-man!”Cman’s prayer when he went to bed last night…“ann Dod, Fank you for wettin us haf the BESSESS day in the woe-ld (world) today. You maked it a DWATE (great) day for me. Fank you Dod. Ann pweeze Dod wet Day-weck (Derek) det outta the hos-pi-ta ann have fun too.” THAT one was already answered! Our little friend Derek got to go home today- YAY Derek! (cp: derekellerbeck2007)
Oh how I love to hear Coleman pray. His prayers are so heartfelt, and he never ends without thinking of someone who needs to be prayed for…often many…)
We appreciate your continued prayers for Coleman’s complete healing. We not letting up…we’re letting God KNOW our desires, and we know He’s listening….we’re praising him for the blessings He’s given us yesterday, today and tomorrow.
This is the link to Coleman's link, if you want to read more of his deep thoughts and prayers....http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott. You'll have to create a password, if you haven't visited CarePages before.
Okay, everyone......Are you ready for this Friday, Sept. 26, 2008...it's the opening of the movie.....Nights in Rodanthe, based on Nicholas Sparks' book. Here's a link to view the trailer.....http://nightsinrodanthe.warnerbros.com/ I'll have to wait until Saturday or Sunday night to make my first viewing of the movie (notice I said first), because I will be leaving Thursday afternoon headed here.....
About 8 ladies from church are attending the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta. The theme is Infinite Grace. We'll be back Saturday evening. So, Nights in Rodanthe will have to wait a day or two. I'm pretty pumped about the women's conference and spending time with my sisters in Christ and meeting other sisters I didn't even know about!! I'll let you know more about that next week.
On to the next news....Tuesday, September 30, 2008 I will be headed to the local Books A Million first thing to purchase this beauty.... The newest Nicholas Sparks book....The Lucky One. Can you
tell that I'm an avid Nicholas Sparks fan? Well, on October 9, 2008 I'll even make the trip to Birmingham, along with a few friends, to his book signing. I'm just a little excited! And yes, for those of you who know me well, know that date rings a bell with you. It's my oldest daughter, Abbey's 20th birthday. So I don't get the "worst mom" award, the book signing is at noon that day, so I'll be back in plenty of time to "celebrate" with my (sigh) 20 year old. Talk about time flying....Well, except for the nip in the air and sleeping with the windows open, I guess that's all the excitement I have for this post. I pray that everyone is feeling as blessed as I do. God is Good....ALL the time!! I'll leave you with this quote....
"Every 60 seconds you spend angry, upset, worrying or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back"
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