JOYOUS FRIDAY

My daily bible verse today was Psalm 71:5 from the King James Version which says:

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

I went to www.biblegateway.com (which is an awesome resource tool) you can look up any passage in any version of the Bible. It helps me a lot. Anyways, when I went there it defaulted to the following passage.

Nehemiah 9 5-6 Blessed be your glorious name,
exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one,
God, you alone; You made the heavens,
the heavens of heavens, and all angels; The earth and everything on it,
the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive;
heaven's angels worship you!

Which really seemed to fit my mood today. PRAISE GOD!!! The weather is beautiful. It's Friday, we have the weekend ahead, next weekend is Family day at AR Tech, the next weekend is mine & Dale's weekend at Petit Jean. Then on the 24th we have Renee's 18th birthday, and my Soulfood Sisters retreat. So much excitement, so much too look forward to doing. So different than I've felt lately. I've felt so down, so lost, but I feel myself lifting out of that pit. The pit that I helped dig. Why is this Friday so much better? Because I've been remembering to be thankful! My situation isn't that different this week from last week, but I'm different. I feel every day like I am walking closer in the word of God.

Then.... I finally made it to Psalm 71. I'm copying the whole Psalm from The Message Bible. It so fits, I can completely identify with this Psalm today!

Psalm 71

1-3 I run for dear life to God, I'll never live to regret it.
Do what you do so well:
get me out of this mess and up on my feet.
Put your ear to the ground and listen,
give me space for salvation.
Be a guest room where I can retreat;
you said your door was always open!
You're my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.

4-7 My God, free me from the grip of Wicked,
from the clutch of Bad and Bully.
You keep me going when times are tough—
my bedrock, God, since my childhood.
I've hung on you from the day of my birth,
the day you took me from the cradle;
I'll never run out of praise.
Many gasp in alarm when they see me,
but you take me in stride.

8-11 Just as each day brims with your beauty,
my mouth brims with praise.
But don't turn me out to pasture when I'm old
or put me on the shelf when I can't pull my weight.
My enemies are talking behind my back,
watching for their chance to knife me.
The gossip is: "God has abandoned him.
Pounce on him now; no one will help him."

12-16 God, don't just watch from the sidelines.
Come on! Run to my side!
My accusers—make them lose face.
Those out to get me—make them look
Like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you,
and daily add praise to praise.
I'll write the book on your righteousness,
talk up your salvation the livelong day,
never run out of good things to write or say.
I come in the power of the Lord God,
I post signs marking his right-of-way.

17-24 You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I'm telling the world your wonders;
I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray.
God, don't walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you've done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I've been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I'll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I'll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel.
When I open up in song to you,
I let out lungsful of praise,
my rescued life a song.
All day long I'm chanting
about you and your righteous ways,
While those who tried to do me in
slink off looking ashamed.

I feel like I have faced so many things recently. The hardest being seeing my daddy so sick and weak. I'm thrilled to tell you that Daddy is doing wonderful! (Just like everyone assured me he would be doing.) During that same time, Dale was sick (and he's never sick) he actually missed 2 days of work (again, he NEVER misses work). It was so hard to see these 2 strong men, part of my foundation, in a weak position.

Verses 8-11 really struck me. Though, I don't feel that there are those "humans" that are out to get me, I do know that Satan has been after me and trying to get into my head. I actually started to feel like maybe it was time for me to step away from the youth group. I realize today, that I will always be part of the youth group, even if I'm 100. We have 80 year old Ms. Dorothy that still hangs out with the kids, and Ms. Roberta who's in her 60's, both are like grandmothers. Right now, the kids call me "Aunt Kim", maybe someday I'll be Granny Kim. I don't know, I just know that Verses 17-24 are my hope for the future. Even when I'm old & gray, (the gray part is already here)I'll still be working to get out the Good news. I may not be as "relevant" with the kids, but the Spirit of Praise is ageless.

I've already learned that from Ms. Roberta, Ms. Jackie, Ms. Dorothy, my Grandmommy...... I could just keep naming strong women that influence me.

So I'll stop. It's Friday, the weather is beautiful. PRAISE GOD!

Sunrise at Dauphin island

I love Dauphin Island. Anyone that knows me knows that! The first time we ever went to DI we had the benefit of a beautiful sunset. I was hooked! I couldn't wait to see the sunrise. If you've known me very long, you've also probably heard this story, heck I'm getting so old I might have already blogged about it. Anyway, this video reminded me so much of that morning that I'm telling it again. I miss my Cort, he is away now being a Marine (having grown up like Brett & Jeff). Oh how, I miss those "little boys" that I took to DI that first year.

Anyways...Cort and I got up and walked down to the west end beach. (We were staying in the 2nd to the last house on that end, so it wasn't far). We walked around until we had a beautiful view of the bridge. Our calculations were a little off so the sunrise itself was actually more over the middle of the island, but we weren't disappointed. The colors we saw that morning were much like those that are in this video.

As we were watching and waiting, just enjoying the feel of the breeze and the sound of the waves we heard another sound. We both looked to the gulf side of the island and there were a group of dolphins. Just playing in the surf. One was slapping the water with it's tail. They were all jumping and spinning. We felt like we were getting our own personal show (even though they didn't even realize that we were on the beach). I believe now that they were probably feeding, but it is still such a special time. We're looking at the horizon for the sun to appear, then quickly turning to watch the dolphins. We just didn't know which we to look without feeling like we were going to miss something. We just laughed and hugged and worshipped God. Cort looked at me and said "How can someone see all this and not believe in God?" then in all seriousness since it was Sunday morning he said "Aunt Kim, this is way better than church!" I have to say that I agreed with him. I felt so close to God and so close to Cort in that moment. Cort and I have shared many Holy Spirit "moments", but that one will always stand out.

This says it all.....

Psalm 9 Verses 1-2
1-2 I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, High God.

This is AWESOME - Please watch

Traditions

When I was a little girl my mom and I had a regular bedtime tradition. We would sing the same song every night. If I had friends stay over then Mom had to sing it with them. (Not with "us" but with her, she would sing it with me and then with each of them. Everyone loved my mom because she was the "cool" mom). Of course she was only 17 when she had me so we grew up together. She may not have done everything right but she did love me.

Anyway our song went like this:

Gimmee a little kiss,
Would ya huh?
And I'll give it
Right back to you! (muah, muah, as we kissed each other)

You are the B E S T, best
Of all the R E S T, rest
And I L O V E, love you
All the T I M E, time.

When I had Brett, I sang to him because that was what my mother did with me. It didn't matter to him that I couldn't sing (actually it stilll doesn't seem to matter to him). Since he was such a colicky baby, some nights it seemed like I sang every song I had ever learned from Amazing Grace to Found a Peanut. I'll never forget his face in church the first time we started to sing Amazing Grace. (I guess up until that point he thought we were the only ones that knew that song).

Anyway, we don't sing "Gimmee a little kiss" anymore, he's all grown up now. Although there have been a few times when he knew that I was struggling with something, that he would come and "tuck"me in and sing it. That's special. Occasionally since he has been gone to college, I'll text "Gimmee a little kiss" and he'll text back, I love you too. I hope that someday he will carry on that tradition with his children.

Another tradition he & I had was me "telling" him bedtime stories. He loved for me to read to him when he was little, but once he could read himself, he still wanted me to tell him stories. Usually these stories revolved around him hitting the game winning homerun or scoring the game winning touchdown. I miss those stories!

I can't tell you how many times that as Dale & I were falling asleep, we would remark about what a great day we had, and that would lead to the stories about other great days that stand out. (Besides the usual-- day we met, Wedding Day and Brett "gets born".) Days spent at Petit jean, days at Dauphin Island, time at Los Bos Landing, simple Sunday drives to the Buffalo River. Just time and days spent together. Last night as we were drifting off to sleep, I asked what's the best day you've ever spent with me?

His reply......tomorrow.

I just can't say how much I love that man!

Fallen Heroes

The following is from a report by local CBS affliate KTHV. Unfortunately they along with our local FOX network seem to be the only ones that followed this story yesterday.

I knew about it because Dale was in charge of scheduling the move. His company (Riggs Caterpillar) provided the truck and trailer (and the driver). His driver is a volunteer fireman and assisted in fundraising for the statue.

The mood was both somber and exciting. Through downtown Little Rock sirens echoed through the streets as 40 fire department trucks formed a parade.

The flatbed truck that carried the heavy bronze statues had to maneuver several times to position the 70-foot trailer in just the right spot in front of the steps of the State Capitol.

Onlookers were taken by the strong presence of the firefighters along with the humble presentation of the lifesaving grasp of the firefighter holding a small child. About 200 firefighters, city officials and families greeted the procession. The statue stands 16 feet tall and is sculpted out of bronze. The designers, Bob and Rob Daus were on hand and recognized for their work.

Memorial chairperson Johnny Reep made remarks and introductions as photographers filled their lenses with the awesome presentation. The quality of the detail is something that needs to be experienced first hand.

The statue is the main part of the Memorial Plaza. However, funds still need to be raised to total at least $390,000 before breaking ground on the Capitol Mall. Several events are being planned by the fund-raising committee.

Today's THV has been a proud sponsor since the inception of the fundraising drive by providing promotion on the air and at todaysthv.com.

The purpose of the Arkansas Fallen Firefigthers' Memorial is to honor the men and women of Arkansas who have died in the line of duty as firefighters while serving the citizens of Arkansas, to bring recognition to all firefighters and to teach fire prevention to all visitors at the 110 seat amphitheater planned on the east side of the memorial. After dedication, there will be an annual service to add the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since the last service. Tax deductable donations can be made to:

AFFM POB 56470 Little Rock, AR 72215

501-377-1110 www.arfallenfirefighters.org

The detail is incredible!

The future......

I know that Dale was so proud that his company was able to assist in this move. His driver was very honored to be part of the delivery.

I thank God that there are men and women willing to risk their lives for us. Whether it be fireman, policman, or the military. I just say Thank you to all the public serveants.

Leaning and Learning

I'm having to remember to Lean on God. He is in control of this situation and he will help us to get through it. Last night working with the youth was so great. It was back to doing something "normal" whatever that word might mean. Throughout the last week, I've really had to rely on the Lord's Prayer a lot. Sometimes, I just repeated "Give me strength, Give me strength", sometimes it was "Heal my daddy, heal my daddy". I long ago learned that the Lord doesn't care how eloquent our prayers, He just cares that they are heartfelt and sincere. I really got to youth with no true lesson plan. We had planned to go and watch Tri-chord in Hot Springs, but with everything up in the air with Dad, that just didn't happen.

Anyway Pebs shared her lesson plan for the KCIC, and I decided it would work great for my youth. Re-write the Lord's prayer in a way that they could really identify with it.

We broke into 4 groups:

The first group wrote a "rap" version:

Our Father up in Heaven
Reveal yourself 24/7
Your kingdom on earth
bring here your worth.
Give us today our daily bread
And forgive us for our messed up head
Forgive those other brothers
Who keep crackin' jokes about Yo Motha
Keep us from doing wrong
So we can keep on rappin' Yo song.
Protect us from the devil.
So we can keep our heads on, straight & level.
For Yours is the kingdom, glory & power.
And Your love reigns down like a shower.
When I say "A" you say "men"

The second group came up with:

Our Poppa who lives in Heaven,
We honor Your sacred name.
Make Your sanctuary on Earth
As it is in Heaven.
Give us Your daily gift of nutrition.
Forgive us our weaknesses,
As we forgive those in their
times of weakeness.
Lead us away from deception and
onto a path of faith.
For in Your sanctuary
is the strength and
Victory for all Eternity.
Amen

The 3rd group were a little less "formal" but no less enthusiastic:

Yo, Father in Heaven,
Show us who you is.
Make our home right,
fo sho as you do in Heaven.
Keep our bellies full.
Forgive our brothers & sisters
for what they have did.
Keep the devil from
doing his thang.
Because You are the King.
'Cause You can do what you want.
Fo sho
Peace to my Peeps.
Amen

Finally the KCIC (kids under 5th grade)

Yo, Dad who lives in Heaven
How rad is your name.
When You make this Your home,
Your words will rule,
The same as in Your crib.
Feed us big Daddy.
Show us mercy and
we will show everyone else mercy.
Let us make good choices.
Give us Your helping hand.
For You are the King, You have the
rad power, and you have the
awesome glory.
To infinity and beyond!!!!!!
Word!

This exercise reminds me that sometimes we take ourselves to seriously. Sometimes, I felt we were walking a bit of a line between prayer and blasphemy. The most important thing to me, was the fact that these kids had out their Bibles, there was discussion, and they worked as a team to take each line of the Lord's prayer and really understand what it means. For some of these younger kids, it was probably the first time that they realized that we aren't called to pray "AT" God, but rather to Him. It's a conversation, a dialogue. That was the real lesson learned (and re-learned)last night.

Daddy continues to improve S L O W L Y but surely. I want to see immediate results, but that's just not the plan here. I'm slowly learning to accept that fact.

We just keep reminding him of Brett's favorite verse:
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength".

Helpless

I feel so helpless today. I seem to be coming down with a cold that is going around. The girls in the office has been sick and so has Renee. Daddy is doing better this afternoon but had a rough night and morning. I guess that is how it will be up and down. I just want to be there and do something, but then I don't want to take the chance of making him sick. It is so hard to leave the hospital. I should be used to it. I played "nurse" enough for Mom, Memee & Papa. But somehow this is so different. Unfortunately I never remember my mom being well. She was sick from the time I was a little girl. So that was how I knew her. It seemed she was always in the hospital. With my grandparents they were older and the decline in their health was somewhat gradual. Even still they were both hospitalized at various times while I was growing up.

Daddy is just not supposed to be sick. That's the bottom line! He is one of the strongest people I know. He is sooooo full of life. He is the life of the party. The strong one. I love my daddy so much and sometimes I don't think I've told him enough. Yes, Brett looks like me & he looks like Dale, but he actually looks the most like my dad.

I really love this pic of Brett! He looks so much like Daddy in it!


We had a great Labor day weekend in Memphis. Stayed in the Peabody, went to my cousin Adam's wedding reception, wandered down Beale street, took a trolley ride, ate at Neely's. Just a really good family time. I am so thankful for that time!

I hope my suggestion of lunch at the Neely's is not what finally clogged those arteries!

Daddy ALWAYS has a story to tell or a joke to share!

Nothing will make me laugh harder than when Shirley gets tickled!

The whole table was in stitches!

Somehow half my family ended up trapped in the elevator between the Peabody and the parking garage. Even Daddy can turn that into a fun time! As we got ready to go onto Beale street, he looked at Brett and said, "I don't even go to the fair, what in the world am I doing here." After that he just kept us rolling.

Evan after 30 years of marriage, they're still holding hands.

I'm not saying my daddy is perfect, because none of us are. I just hate to see him hurting it makes me hurt. As I've gone through all of these emotions since I received that phone call last Saturday night, I have to know that God is completely in control of this situation. He's guided Shirley to take daddy to the best hospital. He provided the best surgeon and wonderful care at the hospital.

I am thankful for all the new stories that Daddy will be able to share. I'll leave you with one last pic.

Daddy's other babies. Jerry Wade & Eva Kate

Never take things for granted.....

It's been a rough week! My dad suffered a heart attack on Saturday. Thankfully it was mild and did no serious damage to his heart muscle. It did however reveal several blockages. On Tuesday he underwent "sextuple" by-pass surgery (they did six by-passes.) It was a wake up call for him and for us. The Dr. told my little brother and I that we better quit smoking. Shirley was quick to tell him that we didn't smoke and never had.....I'm sure he wanted to tell me to lay off the fried foods. We have all agreed to start taking better care of ourselves. Eat right, exercise, the whole nine yards. I have to do this. I have heart issues on both sides of my family. Dale's dad died waiting for a heart transplant. I've got to get healthier for myself and my family. I want my family to be healthier as well. We've already passed on so many bad habits to Brett. Hopefully, we can all be re-trained.

Despite being allergic to morphine, so he's had issues with pain management. Dad is doing a great job so far. He exceeds every goal they set for him.

I really appreciate all the prayer support that our family has received this past week. You have know idea how much it means!!! That is the thing that has gotten us through all of this. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

P.S. Insurance estimates are $4750.00 on Brett's truck.

Hurricane Gustav

I worried so much about this storm. Worried about Dauphin Island. Worried about Lona, Davis & Jared. Worried about other friends in Louisiana. Didn't think to worry about my son.

Sometime Tuesday a huge branch fell out of a tree and on to his truck and two other vehicles. Thank goodness, no one was around. To me it's only a truck, it can be fixed. To my son, it's his "baby" and his heart was as crushed as the windshield. Again, I'm just thankful that no one was hurt.

The Shack

http://www.theshackbook.com/index.html

I don't even begin to know how to describe this book. It's different than anything I've ever read. I love "Christian Fiction" but this one really steps out there. I could see it stepping on some toes as well. I really enjoyed it, and I don't think I will ever look at things in quite the same way. It makes you question what you think you know. (And trust me, I don't know near as much as some people think I do!)

I would suggest that you visit the website. If you've ever said, "When I get to heaven I'm going to ask God why......." then this is a book for you. Does it answer all of those questions? No of course not, because we as humans can't answer those questions. It did make my realize that we as humans limit the amount that God can explain to us even when He tries.

A friend gave this book to me on Friday, and I finished it last night. I know that it is a book that I will need to re-read because the lessons it teaches will be different for me each time I read it. I wish I could say more, but I would not want to ruin it for you. However, I would LOVE to discuss it with you after you read it.