Rowdy Mom's Guide to Life

2010-08-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

At the beach again. Who would have dreamed that I would be blessed enough to go twice in one year? I am "On Vacation" as Kat likes to say with 7 other ladies. We are a very different bunch, but God put us all here for a reason. Just like he does with every situation. Destin is very beautiful and a nice place to visit. Probably when I get to move to Dauphin Island someday (I'll never stop dreaming) then I can vacation in Destin. :) Kat, Teri and I left out of NLR on Friday afternoon and the bonding hasn't stopped yet. I look forward to adding some pics soon. I'll keep you updated on the week. Although what happens on the island stays on the island. The waves were huge tonight and so beautiful. Another wonderful sunrise. Thank you Lord for all Your many blessings in my life including 4 new friends.

Rainy Days and Monday's Usually Get Me Down

2010-05-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Amazing how a Rainy Monday at the beach is different. There is a beautiful blue Shrimp boat anchored in front of the house. The waves are crashing on the shore. The scent of coffee and bacon fills the air. Parked on the couch in front of the window, watching the Pelicans fish. Life is good today!

Amazing

2010-05-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 5:37 this morning, just in time to head to the beach to watch the sun rise. I love the alone time. Just me and God. I sang at the top of my lungs. Awesome God, Sanctuary, Jesus Loves Me and of course Wade In the Water. I am so thankful today. Last night was really scarey. We had a horrible thunderstorm here on the island. A small boat was stranded about 100 yards out from our house. They sent off flares so I called 911. We tried to keep up with where they were in the water, we could only spot them during the lightning strikes. The rain came down so hard we could no longer spot them. Finally the Coast Guard called me back and told me that they had found them. It looked like they had drifted about a mile out. So thankful they were okay!

Really exhausted tonight, hopefully I will catch up on sleep and be way ahead of the game by tomorrow.

I'm back

2010-03-23T16:55:00.001-07:00

A friend reminded me how much I love to blog, so I am going to start making more time. SOON, I promise. Is anyone still out there?

Wow, what an adventure!

2008-12-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

As always, I'm behind, but I just realized that I never actually posted about the adventure that me, Brett & Renee had one Saturday in October. It was October 4th to be exact. That was "Family Day" at Arkansas Tech. The date had been on our calendars since Brett registered for college. A big concert with 38 Special and then a football game. Unfortunately, it was just not meant for us to attend. Dale's grandfather passed away, so he was going to be in Iowa with his mom & sister for the funeral. Daddy was still recovering from his surgery and it was just too soon for him to expend that much energy. Brett didn't want to go to the game without his Papa or the concert without his dad. So here we sat on Saturday afternoon, what to do????? Well, our family has always loved going for drives, usually with no particular destination in mind. When I say "our" family, that means all of us. Dale & I both grew up going for drives with our parent's as kids. Brett doesn't know any different. Renee was not easily convinced. She just didn't understand about going for a drive just to drive. Then we decided okay well maybe we could go to Pinnacle. Then I decided, hey maybe we could go check out where Dale & I would be staying at Petit Jean. So that's what we decided to do.....

We found "The Studio" at the Winthrop Rockefeller Center with no problem. It and the view were even more beautiful than I could have imagined.

Once we got there I think Renee was pretty happy. She got the chance to take some pretty cool pics. Most all of the pictures used today are her's. (I actually copied these from her Facebook and the title of the album is "Wow what an adventure"). So now you know, I'm not afraid to plagerize!

This is actually someone's house and this sign was in the front yard. When Dale and I went back the next week, the sign was gone. Hopefully the thief brought the stuff back, and didn't steal the sign.

We explored the mountain a little. Went to Mather lodge. We actually ran into a gentleman that we had met at the hospital when daddy had his surgery. It was so odd running into him there. We had talked in the hospital cafeteria. His daughter had just had a baby, and then developed a blood clot. The baby was precious (not as precious as Eva Kate, but still precious.) Anyway, I never thought I would see him again, and had often wondered about his daughter. We had agreed to pray for her and they had agreed to pray for Daddy. I could not believe it when I saw him standing there in Mather Lodge. Thankfully, his daughter is fine! We found out that he actually has 8 daughters and now 2 grand-daughters, so he & his wife are very blessed.

After leaving Mather lodge we saw this road with the sign saying Jct. Hwy 10. We decided to take the road, it seemed like a "short cut". Yea, right.............

After we got to the end of that road we had the option of turning left (which would have taken us to Hwy 10) or going right....where the sun was setting. It seemed like we should be able to go right and then find another road to get us back home, so off we headed into the sunset. Mistake....big mistake. After driving forever, looking at the sunset, we found a place to stop to try to capture some pics. I took off running up the fire road. Yes, I said running...... The next thing I knew I was falling, I could feel myself going down but it was in slllloooowwww mmmmooootttiiioon. Brett & Renee did not know what to do (thank goodness she did not capture that on camera!!!) I jumped up and kept running. We arrived in a field that had been clear cut probably last year because there was a lot of new growth. We could see Lake Nimrod stretching out below us in the valley. Below is one of the pics that Renee got of the sunset.

After driving FOREVER, on dark, windy, foggy roads (without seeing even one deer). We finally ended up going through Hot Springs Village and then found the interstate just outside of Benton. Yes, you read that correctly, from Petit Jean to Benton. The kids may never forgive me, but WOW, what an adventure..............

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Bah humbug. I'm so tired of everyone telling me to get in the Christmas Spirit. It doesn't help that I'm sick right now. I have a nasty chest cold, and I really just want to be left alone. It wouldn't matter if it was September or February. I feel icky and that's the bottom line. Unfortunately, now it has become a "thing". Everyone is worried about me. "I'm down because of the holidays." "I just don't have any Christmas Spirit...." What does that even mean any way? Christmas Spirit? I'm excited about Christmas itself but all this commercialization of Christmas is just so out of hand. I've been seeing Christmas trees since October. They've been playing Christmas carols since before Thanksgiving. It's so sad to me. For me there are lots of things that are Christmas tradtions, and those things are gone. Losing my mom & my grandparents have certainly made things different. Brett growing up has made a big difference. I miss being able to find that perfect present that made those blue eyes dance.

Next year should be really fun. Eva Kate will be at such a fun age! I'm sure we will start some new tradtions then.

I'm so blessed to have so many friends. Last week I celebrated with some of my sisterchicks and we watched "White Christmas" shared some good food and good wine. For me Christmas is about the relationships between us. Not the biggest or best presents. Tonight I'm blessed to be spending the evening with another group of friends, The Fabulous Forty Princesses. Tiara's are optional tonight. Sick as I am, wearing something sparkly just might make me feel better.

As we lose those that we love our traditions change. Change is hard for me, but then I guess it is for everyone. I've learned that it's okay to be happy, even if you really miss those that are no longer here to share the holidays with us. Christmas Eve is spent with my dad & that side of my family and we have the big "traditional" meal. We all bring part of the meal to keep the stress from falling on just one person. The next tradition is my favorite, the the midnight service. We started a new tradtion 4 years ago with Dale's mom and her husband for Christmas Day. We both gave up cooking for Christmas. We drive to Searcy, exchange gifts and head for the local Chinese restaurant. Afterwards we watch a movie, take a nap or play a board game or cards. I must say that I really enjoy it. I think we all do. The stress is gone and we just get to visit and enjoy each other's company. Some people might think that's horrible, that's okay. It makes my family happy so that's what's important to me.

Back to my original question, what is Christmas Spirit? I think it's different for each of us. For me it's kinda low key and subdued. For others it's all out decorating and celebrating for a month. If decorations = Christmas Spirit, then Tim Bir beats all of us. (I'm not talented enough to place a link directly, but if you cut and paste this url, you can see Tim's house yourself.)

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/Holiday_news_Fulltext?cid=161311

Seeing Tim's house certainly warms my heart, and maybe it does fill me with the Christmas Spirit. Does it make me wanna decorate that much.......NO! I just think about all the cleanup. (Guess that's where having 4 boys comes in handy).

Anyway...so those of you that have been worried about me, I'm fine. I'm not depressed, I'm just a little sick. I'll be better. I'm not Scrooge or the Grinch. I love Christmas, I just don't have to do it the same way as you.

Merry Christmas

Eva Kate

2008-12-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to find the time to blog anymore, but maybe the world will slow down one day soon. At night as I try to drift off to sleep, I think about all kinds of things that I would like to write about...........then morning comes and the real world is back and I just can't seem to find the time.

I just happened to have some beautiful pictures of my favorite brother and neice, so I thought I would add them.

We didn't get to spend Thanksgiving together. Jerry was with Brooke's family, and Dale & I headed down to Monroe, LA. It was still a very nice Thanksgiving. I know that Dale really enjoyed the time that he got to spend with his cousin, Brian. We also enjoyed spending time with Mona and her family. Overall it was a very good Thanksgiving. Now we are just 2 weeks away from Christmas. I can hardly believe it. Where does the time go? Christmas is going to be pretty subdued this year. After all it isn't all just about the presents. We have a wonderful "midnight" Christmas Eve service at our church. It starts at 11:30 on Christmas Eve and is surprisingly well attended. It is a tradition at our little church, and is quickly becoming a tradition for members of the community. It's simply a service where we read the Christmas story and sing appropriate Christmas hymns. As the service draws to an end, most of the lights in the sanctuary are extinguished. Each person is given a candle. We generally sing Silent Night, as we process out down the aisle and out to the church yard, but sometimes we sing Joy to the World. I love it either way. Quiet and reverant, or joy filled and exhuberant. Either way we are worshipping the birth of Jesus together. This service is Christmas for me. If you find yourself with nothing to do around 11:30 on Christmas Eve then come join us at Amboy UMC on Military road in North Little Rock!

Oh well, enough rambling for today. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And I look forward to a very Merry Christmas.

Hurting

2008-11-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

I've been reminded again how very fragile life is, and not to take it for granted. Heaven gained another wonderful man today, Andy Andrews. A retired NLR policeman, and a building block of Levy United Methodist church.

Yesterday was busy, so busy, perhaps too busy. We had a chili cook-off fundraiser for the youth. Hustle and bustle, decorate, make sure everything is in order. Was there enough time to hug those that I love? Did I make time to visit? No I didn't, I felt pulled in 10 different directions.

Off to a meeting at Amboy, then back to Levy for another meeting and youth group. I just ran into the sanctuary, hugged Cindy, Ms. Roberta and Ms. Dawn and right back out the door. I saw Andy earlier in the day in Ms. Bobbie's office, I saw him again in the sanctuary. I'll never see him again. I cannot even comprehend it. Not at all. He seemed so strong. You would never have guessed his age just meeting him. How ironic that today we would celebrate Mr. Goss's 100th birthday, and at the same time be mourning the loss of Andy Andrews. Again, I cannot grasp this.

I know he had a heart attack, I don't know much else. Gina called to tell me the news, I just kept saying NO! NO! NO! with each thing she said as if that would make it not true. I don't worry about where he is, I know that answer. I hurt for Dawn. They relied so much on each other. For all the years that had been married, you could still tell how much they treasured each other. One of the last things they did together was pray. How awesome!

I worry even more about Daddy now. He and Andy are so much alike. Stubborn old policeman, always with a joke or story to tell. Oh that great big smile, always looking like he's up to something.

I pray for Heidi, Laci & Josi. I know how hard this loss will be for them. Andy was the glue for his family. How do I go to Bible Study tonight with my girl's? I feel so lost myself today. Once again, I have to put it all in God's hands. I know that He will guide me and give me comfort.

Club Matthews

2008-11-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

How do you explain "Club Matthews" to someone that has never been? You just can't.....it has to be experienced. For many years now we've celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Duane & Brenda Matthews hence "Club Matthews". They graciously open their home, their pool, the front porch, the decks etc... to friends and family (it's hard to say which we are, I guess technically friends, but we feel like family.) That's how Brenda and Duane are, they make you feel like family. There is no doubt that Hospitality is one of their spiritual gifts. (I guess that is also why they own and operate Just Like Mom's restaurant). Anyway, fall brings on new excitement. The bonfire.....it is legendary. One might think the fire below could be considered a bonfire. They would be wrong, this is the "cooking fire".

This is what the real fire is made of...as you can see it's rather large. (Duane NEVER does something halfway....)

Waiting for the cooking fire to get ready. We're having Nathan's famous hot dogs, brats, etc... YUMMY!

I tried to tell them the fire was too hot for cooking but everyone was starving.
We were afraid Mr. Bill's wheels were going to melt.
Finally Perfect!

Time to get ready for the "real" fire. Don't worry Cody is a volunteer fireman.
NOW THAT'S A FIRE! Look at the reflection in the next few pics. The fire lit up the whole sky. It was quite extraordinary!

I'm not going to name everyone but just suffice it to say that a good time was had by all!

Duane had to get on his bulldozer and push fire back up. I'm really not sure exactly why, but I'm sure it's necessary or he wouldn't do it. (Michael seemed to think that he just wanted to show off his tractor skills.)

The fire was actually very beautiful! Although it was very easy to convince all of us on where we DON'T want to spend eternity!

Everyone's gone....the old folks, Me & Dale and Brenda & Duane were the last to leave the fire. We pretty well solved all the world's problems and we're already talking about next year.

Thanks guys for another great time!

2008-11-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I'm late as usual. It's just been so hectic that I haven't had a chance to post a lot lately. The Soulfood Sisterchicks went on our annual retreat at the end of October to Shepherd of the Ozarks (SOTO). As usual it was very beautiful! Although this year was maybe not as relaxing as past years, it was definitely a learning and growing experience. Never have I felt more that I was exactly in the place that God wanted me to be. (Although, initially some conversations were somewhat uncomfortable, I pray that God used me to help my sisters!) I have formed new friendships and feel even closer to many of my sisterchicks. Being a sisterchick is not for the faint of heart!

Mandy and I had a great ride up (along with some awesome Chik-fil-a) and even saw a great sunset. I'm not as good as Renee at taking shots from a moving vehicle through the windshield, but these make the point of how beautiful it was that night.

I had to get a picture of the door for Yaya. She's given me a new appreciation for the doors and gates that we enter in our lives. There is now a greater expectation of what's waiting for me on the other side of a new door.

Most of these shots are just kind of random. They show the girls and some of the things we did....hiking, eating, swinging, eating, more hiking, eating, horseback riding, eating, exploring the area and other cabins, eating, playing games, eating, rocking.... You get the idea

During the flooding we had this spring, the camp took a big hit. Thankfully none of the cabins were damaged, but the walking bridge was knocked out. This is a root system from a tree that ended up in the yard of our cabin. It was quite impressive.

After we got to the cabin, I realized that several of my sisters are hurting. Hurting more than I could have ever imagined. Many were facing similar troubles, just in different situations. I feel so incredibly blessed to have Dale. We've been married for nearly 20 years, and just hearing his voice still makes my heart go pitterpat. Before our weekend away, I took that for granted. I hope that I never will again. I also feel incredibly blessed to have each of these women in my life. Of course I also missed those that are usually with me and weren't. (Namely Barbara!) Pebs has come but not lately, and I wish that Karla & Lisa would join us. But I digress...I am again thankful for this opportunity to get away with my friends. Most were in the process of reading the Shack. It's been really interesting to hear each person's thoughts on the book. It seems to touch everyone differently but so far I've heard a lot of positive feedback. So thank you to whoever sent these books out to so many folks that I love.

I'm so excited because we are going to take the kids to SOTO next summer. All the kids from KCIC to college age. It's gonna be great!!! Two weeks after we get back from taking the kids to SOTO, then my family is headed for Dauphin Island! My how time flies when your having fun!

I'll leave you with another effort of me holding the camera out of the car and capturing a picture. This is just right before you come into Clinton.

Love ya, mean it!

Friends

2008-11-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

I've posted it before but feel the need again. I am so blessed to have so many friends. I've gotten so behind in posting. In October, Renee celebrated her 18th birthday. She was blessed to have so many people there to help her celebrate. Friends and family from many generations. These are some pics from that great night!

A special thanks to all those that helped decorate. Granny Shirley provided the cake through a work friend, it was Christian's first cake for a big event. She knocked it out of the ball park! It was really beautiful, (just like the Birthday girl!)

Don't ever play Trivial Pursuit against Dale Barker!

I could not have made it through this day without Pebbles help! Cooking, cleaning, decorating, cleaning up and just overall moral support.

Renee was so precious! I am so glad that she had a great birthday and party. She deserves it!

Love ya, mean it!

Good-bye Ron Jones

2008-10-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'm crying as I try to write this post. Crying for a friend that passed away before I actually got to meet him. Ron Jones of Dauphin Island, AL passed away last night in his sleep. (A truly wonderful way to go.) Even though I never actually met him, I know what a wonderful man he was; I learned that from his writing. He used to post stories on the DIBBS about his fishing trips. They were so vivid that you could smell the salt air and hear the cry of the gulls. I know that we all loved to log on and see that he had posted a story. Ron was extremely encouraging to me when I first started this blog. Writing is therapeutic for me. I really started the blog to express my feelings about Brett. Then I wanted to talk about DI, and of course my kids. I felt like my original posts were too long, but I really just felt like they were for me, so I just kept typing and posting pics. Growing up I wanted to be a writer. I still have a novel in me, I just need the time to get it out. Time that suddenly seems much shorter after this news today. Reading Ron's stories and Becky's blog, they made me want to write again, reminded me how important it is to remember my stories, and made me want to make a difference.

As I mentioned Ron often posted stories about fishing. This is a sample (note the name of the post, it shows his sense of humor).

Brief fish report

---------------------------------------------------------------
I really was in my underwear. (Sorry just read Vinces' headlines).

From my bedroom you could still see the green flashing light on the piling that marks the wreck of an old Vietnamese pogy boat a few hundred yards offshore when the four legged alarm clock went off this morning. She was barking at a kayak moving slowly along in the pre-dawn darkness toward the blinking light. The surface of the Sound was mirror smooth reflecting the first hint of sunrise that had illuminated a towering cotton candy colored thunderstorm off to the west. Normally this is when I would roll over and go back to sleep but the conditions had all the makings for a fantastic appearance of the orange orb so I got the binocs and a cup of coffee and walked out on the deck. It was a blue and white kayak the color of mixed clouds and sky. I could see that he had one rod rigged with a popping cork and another with a topwater bait with a yellow and white bait bucket in the well. It was still pretty dark but I believe he made his first few casts with live shrimp under the cork. I could see vicious strikes hitting his red and white bobber instead of the shrimp offering so he soon switched to the topwater bait. The sun still had not risen but I could see him set the hook on the topwater, possibly a spook judging from his retrieve, and reel in several what looked to be large specks in quick succession. Putting them on a stringer pretty much confirmed that supposition. And right in front of my house, too. Damn, why don't I get up early and do that some time was my thought. Because I'm too lazy, answered my thought. As the sun first peeped over the horizon I could see schools of little minnows dappling the surface everywhere I looked and an occasional explosion where some predator blasted through the schools sending out concentric circles of ripples across the flat surface . The kayaker caught a few more but when the sun topped the bridge the topwater bite seemed to stop. He switched back to the cork and shrimp combo and made a short cast, letting the incoming tide carry his offering away from his little craft. In little time the cork disappeared and he reared back on another good one. After stringing several more the heat of the rising sun made itself evident and even that bite seemed to cease. By the time I left for work about 7 it was all over and he paddled off into the now blazing sun with at least 6 or 7 very good size fish.

Moral: Be there early if you want to catch trout this time of year.

I responded to his post with, "Lovely story. I've been trying to convince Vince for a long time that sunrise is soooooo worth it. It's my favorite time on the island. I hardly ever take the time to watch the sun rise at home, but I'm up and on the beach right away at DI." and thus our friendship began. At different times, he would post or private message me that he had gotten up and witnessed a beautiful sunrise. He even blamed me for missing sleep to get up and watch the sunrise.

Like I said before I started writing this blog just as a way to express myself and I received lots of encouragement from many people, Marina, DD, Yaya, Dale and Shannon. I felt like maybe it did mean something after July 30th, when I opened the DIBBS, I had this PM from Ron. (In response to my July 26th & 27th posts).

Hi!!

I read your blog for the first time a few minutes ago and big ole gruff me teared all up. Enjoyed it very much. There is much love and compassion in your writing and your work with youth. There has to be a special place in heaven for you. It also elevated my opinion of "mean old Bruce" too to do such a thoughtful thing. Thanks for sharing.

When I first moved to the Island the year before Ivan the blue house with the green shutters was my landmark to turn onto Sehoy and then to my little house on Bridgeview. I spent many days at the Gulf beach at the south end of Sehoy by that house. The sunsets that first winter seen from there are forever etched in my minds eye. Seeing it again in your pictures brought back a flood of memories from my first year there and made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place.

Now that the sun has moved farther south it doesn't come through my bedroom window and hit me in the eyes when it rises but I often still get up to watch sunrises because of your praises of them, and I thank you for that too.

ron

The day I received that PM, it put tears in my eyes. I immediately called Dale and read it to him. It was just so nice and meant so much. I also made Kimberly (here at work) read it, and we agreed that he was indeed a special guy. Although if you ever spend much time on the DIBBS you will quickly learn that it is full of very special people with BIG HEARTS!!!! After learning of Ron's death, I posted that PM on the board (I really didn't think he would mind). Reading his words, "made me realize that I need to be very careful not to take for granted the special and wonderful experience it is to live in such a place", really made me think today.

I take way too much for granted!!! While I was away this weekend with the girl's I realized that I take my son and husband for granted. They are both truly wonderful! They are my biggest blessings. I love you guys, and I don't tell you that enough.

I actually take for granted the freedom I have to write this blog, and write about the God of all creation. The One that creates the sunrises and sunsets that I enjoy so much. While I may not live on DI (yet), I do live in a beautiful place. One way or another tomorrow I will watch the sunrise in honor of Ron Jones. I'm reminded that I don't have to be on a mountain, at the lake, or the beach, the sun rises everyday. I'm sure it will be beautiful from the end of Maryland Avenue.

Ron overcame "painful shyness" (his words) to post a lot of things on the board. His wife, Linda, is battling cancer. Please remember her as well as their daughter, Allison in your prayers, they will need them.

I'll leave you with Ecclesiastes 3 (The Message)

There's a Right Time for Everything

1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

2-8 A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
9-13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

14 I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
15 Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That's how it always is with God.

Prayers please

2008-10-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

We have another joy to report. Marley is here weighing in at 6 lbs 13 ounces, her mom Sarah is doing good. Expect pictures soon.

I really feel that our Soulfood Sisterchicks retreat is under attack. So many going have had something happen to get in the way of this trip. I would ask that you pray for all those in this group going and also for those unable to attend. We know that Satan works on those working for God's kingdom. No this trip is not a "mission" per se, but there are several going that need lots of prayer support right now.

I would specifically lift up Carolyn who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Also Phyllis who has had a mammogram come back bad (she lost her mom to breast cancer). For Gina who lost her mom, dad & grandmother this year. Carolyn is a dear friend to her, and also Gina's aunt has been given just weeks to live due due to cancer.

So many illnesses. I feel overwhelmed. Also for another friend Tammy, who's husband lost his job yesterday. Her daughter, Taylor, who is suffering with depression. Another Tammy who faces uncertainity in her husband's job, a son struggling in school, a step-dad with health issues. I feel like I could go on & on. Karla whose baby just turned 21. Pebbles with all the struggles of just being a wife & mom. Carrol on the loss of a loved one. Lisa and all that she has faced and continues to face. Jan dealing with so much right now. Brenda taking care of everyone. Mona with a sick husband, and a son away in the Marines. I've had so many women say to me in the last few days. I just don't think I can take anymore. I've reached my limit. That's when we have to take it to God. But oh it is hard. Roberta who is still struggling. Lona who's precious baby is fighting for his very life, and the doctors trying to do their best but at the same time treating the symptoms not the baby. For Ann who lies in a hospital after being beaten. For Anndra who is lost but searching. For Shirley who again, tries to hold it all together for her family. For Sandi her lost her husband and best friend. For Brigit that is fighting cancer.

I almost wish I hadn't started naming names because I want to name them all. I can't, but God knows their names, He knows the hurts, He knows the pain and the joy. In Him alone we can trust. I'll go back to Ms. Hope's old saying. Whenever you're in a fix, Phillipians 4:6.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

So I claim this weekend for that chance to bask in God's strength and His peace. I ask that God send legions of angels to comfort each of these women. I claim that Cedar Lodge will be a haven of comfort and rest. A chance to renew our spirits and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Random Thoughts on Soulfood Sisterchicks

2008-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, you should be scared with a headline like that! I'm excited about this weekend, I'm heading off on another "Soulfood Sisterchicks" retreat. It should be fun. I'm bummed though, Tri-cord is playing for the 3rd year in a row at the McRae fire festival and I won't be there. I hate missing their performance! As a matter of fact I feel pretty guilty. But....my girl's need me. We are headed to the Shepherd of the Ozarks.

We went there last year and had a wonderful time. It should be perfect for the foliage this weekend. There is a cold front coming in the next few days. Of course I felt bad because they postponed the trip last year for Barbara and I. We REFUSED to miss a single football game. It was, after all, our baby boy's final football season! So they postponed the retreat to November. What happened? You guessed it the Bears made the play-offs. We headed to Lake Hamilton for a heartbreaking loss on Friday night. I felt doubly bad because the Manor side of my family always celebrates Thanksgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Who would have thought Nov. 17th would be the Saturday before Thanksgiving???? I took over the dressing making from Memee so I didn't want them to do without. I cheated and cooked my chicken in the crockpot all night on Friday. I baked my cornbread on Thursday. So I got up early and got it all mixed together, and Renee was a trooper and agreed to bake it for me. (Brett was working, and I just didn't really trust Dale, no offense honey.) She did a great job!

Once the dressing was dropped off, I met Ann at Barbara's and we headed for Harriett, AR. It is definitely in the middle of BFE!!! We stayed in the Eagles Watch Lodge, which ironically had a Fishing theme. It was beautiful. I'm not sure exactly which lodge we will have this year. But it doesn't really matter they are all very nice.

I'm not exactly sure who I'll be rooming with this year. I've warned them all that my snoring is extremely bad this year! The first year I roomed with Pebbles, the second year I think I had my own room, last year I roomed with Mandy. It's always such a great time for developing new friendships and revitalizing old friendships.

I'll have my new camera so ya'll will have to suffer through a bunch of pictures of this year's retreat.

Monday at Petit Jean

2008-10-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Monday we awoke to mostly cloudy skies. I had an upset stomach, and Dale had a terrible crick in his neck. Honestly, it was probably just the dread of heading back to reality. Of course we woke up early so we headed out to watch the sunrise. This time we had it all to ourselves. Of course it was so cloudy that we didn't actually see anything, but still the view was beautiful. I love the peace you feel right at sunrise and sunset.

The other pictures were taken on the UAWRI property, and just show some of it's beauty.

These shots are from the Pallisades overlook. The road was the "shortcut" that Brett, Renee and I took a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't a shortcut. That might actually need it's own blog. LOL

We had a great weekend "away" but we both missed Brett a bunch, so we headed to Russellville for lunch at Brick Oven Pizza. We had a nice visit, and then headed for home.

While it's great to get away, it's also nice to get home to your own bed.

My next adventure is next weekend, headed away for the annual Soulfood Sisterchick's retreat. (THEY ARE NOT GETTING ME ON A HORSE THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!)

Sunday at Petit Jean

2008-10-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

As usual we woke up at the butt crack of dawn. (When did we get so old that 7:30 is sleeping in?????) Anyway Dale gets up around 6:15, so YEAH! we can go watch the sunrise from the overlook at Petit Jean's grave. New camera in hand, and out the door. Whoa....what's with all this haze and fog? There is no way we're going to actually see the sun rise. Oh well, we're up and out let's keep going.

Arrive at the overlook at approximately 7:05. According to all the others there (and there was a crowd in my opinion) sunrise was expected at 7:11. At 7:08 realize that my camera batteries are dead. Where are the spares? That's right the room. Where's Dales handy camera phone? That's right the room.

At 7:12 the two guys from Louisiana head to the car to head home. About the time the get their car started the first edge of the sun appears. Hopefully they could see it as they drove down the mountain. Thankfully one of the many folks watching the sun rise gave me her email address to get a couple of pics.

Off on an adventure down "Red Bluff Drive". The last time we were here was 22 years ago. That fall we came up for a picnic. I remember a beautiful, romantic fall day. What does Dale remember? He remembers that KFC left out our plasticware so we had to use the plastic lids as a scoop for our slaw & potatos. Oh well, at least he remembers the day. Some random shots from the drive. Quite beautiful.

Dale in front of the Turtle Rocks. These are way cool!

We decided to walk along the trail to the Falls Overlook and the Rock House Cave. We were told by one young hiker that it wasn't hard and just right down there. YEAH RIGHT!!!! Not hard if you're part mountain goat. After walking for quite a ways. I came to the end of my line. The trail seemed to go straight down. I handed the camera down to Dale and he carried forward. Across the valley we can see another overlook (more on that later). Dale did a good job getting some pics of the falls. Of course the one with the red post showing in the corner was taken ouside the "safety zone". A few more gray hairs on my head!

The Cave was really neat!

This looked like a giant piece of driftwood to me. To much Dauphin Island on the brain.

These shots are from the "other" Falls overlook. Which is at the end of giant wheelchair accessible ramp. Boy did we laugh our butts off. Seriously, Dale sacrifaced a lot to get those other water shots and here were clear, unobstructed views of the falls. Typical.

See Dale's platform across the valley?

A zoomed in shot. LOL

These rocks are made up of fossilized trees. They are so cool!

Bill Clinton's old mustang at the Car Museum. (Which overall was a disappointment).

More pics from the "sunrise" bluff. Yes, that is my husband the billy goat out on that rock in the distance.

I had to take a picture of our door for Yaya! She just got back from Greece. Her pictures of doors were much cooler!

We really didn't have sunset per se on Sunday. But we did have quite a show. These pics show the clouds & the sun as the moved across the valley. On Dauphin Island they were toasting to "Arkansas Fats - Eric Weiland" and "The Breadman - Tommy Sands". We did the same here at the mountain.

As I watched the clouds move across the valley it was neat to see how places went from "darkness" to "light". On the ground I'm sure the effect was not as neat. The couldn't see the light moving towards them. I guess that's how our lives are as well. Sometimes we just see the clouds, and do not see those rays of sunshine moving towards us.

Today I'll leave with the 23rd Psalm (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever and ever.

Saturday at Petit Jean

2008-10-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Up early turn on the TV. Make the bed. Go out on the deck and take a picture of "sunrise". Our balcony faces west, so the sun hasn't had a chance to burn off the haze. Drive around the Winrock complex. This tree was in front of the boathouse. Back to our patio for pictures of the valley without the haze. Back to the balcony to read, take a few pics, how about a nap???? Time to make dinner. Bruce's famous bacon wrapped pork tenderloin. (Mine wasn't as good as his, but good for my first try). With dinner in the oven, back to the patio to play with the camera some more. I love sunsets!
I videotaped the sunset, it was so beautiful.

If you don't have the patience to watch the sunset (No names...Dale)or the video, then below is a frame out of the video.

It really was beautiful. This person probably had the best view. (You can actually here their motor in the sunset video.)

The pork is finally done!

Did I mention that I left the side dishes to Dale? It's a carb overload. Loaded mashed potatos, mac & cheese, homemade coleslaw, and garlic bread. IT WAS YUMMY!!! Who needs green veggies? (Well, me actually, but it was still yummy!)

Can you believe the Hogs beat Auburn??? What an awesome day!!!

I'll leave you today with Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Petit Jean

2008-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time this weekend! The weather was beautiful, although it could have been a little cooler when we went hiking all over the mountain on Sunday (but that is a whole other post.)

We made out usual stop at Wal-Mart when we got to Morrilton. We couldn't make up our mind if we wanted to eat out the whole time or cook. We decided to cook but just do easy stuff. (We brought over half the groceries home). As always we went way overboard. Next time we'll definitely just eat out all weekend!

I was in the market for a new camera and they had a Kodak Easy Share on sale so my precious hubby bought it for me. It's pink and very user friendly (i.e. this blonde could actually figure it out.) He had previously purchased me a digital camera and I was just a nimrod. I never did get it figured out. The pics on this one look great on the screen, we'll have to see how they look when I download them. (Which is my next project to figure out).

Sunset on Friday night was beautiful. Unfortunately we missed part of it since we were driving up the mountain, getting checked in, etc.... I've posted a few pics taken with the camera from Dale's phone. I wish that I had the real camera ready but oh well..............at least we got to watch the beautiful sunset together.

I actually got this one from someone else, but that is also a story for another day...

We had a spectacular view of the valley. You'll see those pics tomorrow. Dale was standing on a rock, again I wish I had better clarity.

The object you can see in the lower part of the picture is actually the Petit Jean River.

Dinner was really a treat! Our appetizer was "Portobello fries". Which were exactly as billed. Portobello mushrooms sliced, breaded and fried. The were wonderful!!! Dale had a "cowboy" Ribeye and I had Lobster risotto. We ate dinner on the patio of the restaurant. The conference center has many "water" features, so they provided a nice ambience. We shared off each others plates, but my risotto was so large and so rich, we had to bring part of it home for later. Our portions were so big that we actually skipped dessert. I know can you believe it!

We were actually staying in a special part of the conference center called "The Studio". It is not usually available to recreational guests so we felt very special! Our room was huge and we had our own deck that overlooked the beautiful valley. We also had access to the downstairs meeting area. It had a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a big screen tv, conference table, a rock terrace and of course THE VIEW!!! Our bathroom was nearly as big as our front office. The bedroom itself was nearly as big as our whole office space. The bedrooms have not been re-done to match the modern look downstairs, but I found them to be very nice. Better than our accomodations at the Peabody.

Again, Dale felt a little out of place. I think he described at as blue jeans at a tuxedo ball. The other areas that are avaiable for rent are very nice. They just don't offer that spectacular view.

More on our Petit Jean adventure tomorrow.......

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-10-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Today is mom's birthday. It is a beautiful day!!!! I know she would have loved it. It seems so hard to believe that it's been 8 years since we celebrated her birthday together. I haven't cried yet today. Maybe it is finally starting to get easier. Probably not, maybe I'm just getting stronger. I don't know but I'm thankful that I had all the birthdays that we were able to share together. Some people don't get that pleasure!

It's also the 28th anniversary of Dale getting run over by a semi-truck. That accident could have been so much worse! I'm so thankful to have him in my life!!! When we first met he used to have horrible nightmares. He still has lasting effects from the wreck, but again it could have been worse. I don't know what I would do without him!

Dad's birthday was on Wednesday and I'm again thankful for the healing in his body.

Thank you Lord for all the many blessings in my life! I pray for all my friends traveling to the big bash on Dauphin Island. I hope that they will all have safe travel and a wonderful time!

Prayers again

2008-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my friend, Sandi. Her husband (Tommy) went ahead of her into heaven yesterday. It was his birthday. She has a wonderful attitude, but I cannot imagine how lost she must feel right now. Sandi and Tommy also had the joy of welcoming twin grand-daughters yesterday. Thankfully, they and their mother are doing wonderful! Last week I wrote about the cycle of life. It was two-fold for this family. There will always be joy on October 6th, as Tommy's birthday is remembered and the girl's birthday celebrated.

I've said before that my mom and grand-parent's birthdays are harder for me than the anniversary of their death. Unfortunately for Sandi that date is the same day. I know that she is choosing to celebrate Tommy's life rather than morn his death. But that doesn't mean she won't miss him every single day. Please pray that she stays surrounded by Angels to support her. (Both heavenly angels and earthly ones). I was supposed to be at Dauphin Island this weekend. How I wish that I could be there. To meet my friends in person, and to just give Sandi a great big hug!

This verse was such a comfort when I lost my mom. I really love The Message version.

John 14:2 (King James Version)
2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14 (The Message Version)
1-4 "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking."

So while those of us that have lost loved ones are left behind. We can rest assured that there is plenty of room for us when our time comes. Sandi will see Tommy again. I'll see my mom & grandparent's. Dale will see his dad and grandparent's. Thank God we have that comfort!

Is the Shack - heresy

2008-10-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is a link to a blog about the book The Shack. This book seems to be causing a lot of controversy. I thought this might help some to think about things.

I've tried to create a link. but it's not working, so here is the address: http://lifestream.org/blog/2008/03/04/is-the-shack-heresy/

The Mail

2008-10-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were little? You couldn't wait for the mailman to come. There might be something for you. A birthday card, a Highlights magazine, and later Tiger Beat or Seventeen magazine?

I must admit that I don't rush to the mailbox anymore, it's usually bills or junk mail advertisements. Yesterday was an "interesting" mail day. It started with Renee who received a copy of "The Shack" in the mail, and it didn't say who it was from. She immediately called me. Then Ashley called, then Ann and then Gina. By the time Gina called, I was walking in the door with an envelope in my hand that I had just pulled from the mailbox. A copy of "The Shack" for me & Dale. Most had a message, some seemed personal, some not so much so.... Our's said "share this book with others". Which is a great idea, but then again would it be better if someone sent everyone a copy of the Message Bible. Seems like a great idea, but then not everyone really enjoys that particular version of the Bible.

Back to the Shack, I read this book, and actually started reading it again before I shared it with Mona. It's a different book. It's fiction, so that had to be understood before you read it. It definitely will play with your emotions. I can't say that I would recommend it to everyone, but then again maybe that wouldn't be for me to decide. I guess someone felt that folks might be more likely to read it if they just received it. I don't know.

Because the main character has lost a child, I would think that it would be extremely hard for someone that's lost a child to read it. But then maybe not, I don't know. I just know that for me reading books or watching movies where someone loses their mother are hard for me. Which brings me to my other piece of odd mail. I got a letter for Mom yesterday. Her birthday is next Friday, the 10th. It was a gift certificate to Shorty Small's for $10.00. Okay, she's been gone for 7 years, why would they suddenly decide to send that now? The other ironic thing is that the night before she died, I ate at Shorty's. We were celebrating Karla's birthday. I felt horrible. I had a bad cold, and it was a miserable meal at Shortys. At some level, I just felt something wrong.

Anyway, that brings me to today. Dale's Grandpa Hardy passed away. Talk about living life to the fullest. Grandpa Hardy was a DOLL!!!! He loved to dance! Even though he suffered from polio as a boy, and he walked with a limp. He still loved to Dance!!! I hope that if I live to be 94, I'll still want to dance.

I know that this post is pretty random, and rambling. I guess my ADD is just really bad today. Forgive me! I miss my mom, I miss my son, and I'm hurting for Dale. When Brett was born he had 7 great-grandparents. Now all he has left is grandmommy.

I guess we should be thankful that he does remember all of his great-grandparents. I only barely remember my great-grandpa Mooty.

Gotta go, Dale's here.

Love ya, mean it! Bye

The Circle of Life

2008-10-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Kiah Simone joined our family this morning. Weighing in at 7lbs. She has an older sister named Kaisyn, and Lisa & Kasey are her proud parents.

I have another cousin, Sarah that is also expecting within the next week or so. We will add another beautiful little girl to our family. My grandmommy is blessed with many little girls. She has 2 daughters and 1 son. She has 5 grandaughters and 1 grandson; she will soon have 5 great-granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons. Right now the girls are outnumbering the boys pretty heavily.

I watched a program about the Duggar family the other night (they're from Arkansas and our expecting their 18th child). They have been truly blessed! All of their children are beautiful, seemingly intelligent and well-mannered. But as I watched them, I wondered how well do they really know their children? My dad is #11 of 12 children. Some of his siblings were already moved out of the house by the time he was born. They are a very close knit family, but I know they also suffered from being such a large family.

If anyone had told me that I would have an only child, I would have argued with them. I wanted lots of babies. That wasn't God's plan. I believe in God's plan, even if I don't understand it.

Today we learned that a young man, Bradley Norris, was killed in a car accident. Just 4 days shy of his 20th birtdhay. We haven't seen him in over 10 years, since he and Brett played peewee football and little league baseball. I remember his mom, Kim. Bradley was her only son, but she is still blessed with a daughter. His step-dad, Glenn helped to coach him. He loved him very much, that was apparent. Bradley was going to school at Fayetteville. He was friends with several of those that have already lost Taylore, Taylor, Alicia and Jae. I don't understand, I just can't understand. Again, he was a model child very active in his church. My heart breaks for his family, his friends.

I wished I understood so I could help to explain. I do know a man that lost his only son, he's recovered very well. He's found a new little girl to love, even though they are not biologically related she is his grand-daughter and he is her dawdaw. Today he posted some amazing pictures of them exploring Dauphin Island. Those pics remind me of the hope of the future. Even though we don't understand things right now, there is always hope.

JOYOUS FRIDAY

2008-09-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Traditions

2008-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

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.....

2008-09-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Prayers still needed

2008-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is the update from Davis's mom, Lona.

Hello everyone! Davis is stable tonight and his blood gases have all been pretty good since the incidents. He has a hyperinflated lung, which means that his lung is over inflated. There are lots of things that can cause a lung to hyperinflate, but it can cause lots of problems, so they are focused on getting his lung to come back to it's normal size. Dr. Thomas came in to see Davis this morning, and we missed him because we overslept (we hadn't slept in like 2 days!) but he discussed what he wants to try to help Davis's hyperinflated lung. He wants to paralyze Davis for 24 hours to see if the vent can clear the excess air. He is getting pavulon every hour or so to keep him paralyzed and still getting sedation to keep him calm and sleeping. They are watching everything very carefully and he is with Leslie tonight. His fluid is coming off a bit now that his chloride is around 98 so the lasix is working again finally. His secretions are thinning out so hopefully that means that the pseudomonas is clearing up some. Right now, he is on TPN and IV fluids because they don't want to restart his feeds just yet. His blood gases tonight was 7.45 with a co2 of 42.5 which is awesome, but of course the pavulon doesn't allow him to have any control over his lungs so the vent can do it's job. He is still pretty critical guys.... we came very close the other day, but we made it through. We will make it through this, one day at a time. As for the next few days, Gustav is looking to pay a visit right up our bums. For all my out of town friends who read the page, the track tonight has it pointing right at us, hopefully the track keeps shifting because we DO NOT need another major hurricane around here. As of now, the plan is for Jared to stay at home to protect the property and kitty cats and I will go stay with Davis in Baton Rouge. We will have to plan carefully because trying to get to Baton Rouge won't be easy with evacuations. I'll keep everyone posted... good night all....

I would also ask that ya'll pray for one of my youth kids. He is only 11 and has expressed the desire to kill himself. He is now in a mental healthcare facility. This young man has just recently started attending youth (just barely old enough). He lost both of his granparents this year (within 3 months of one another). They were his stability. His father is an alcoholic and losing his parents has sent him into a tailspin. His mom is not very stable either. I pray that this young man will receive the help he needs!

PRAYERS NEEDED

2008-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is a heading we see fairly regularly on the DIBBS. It's an instant call to action for all the prayer warriors on the board. For the last couple of days we have been praying for Gustav to die a quick tropical storm death. It seems wrong to pray him away from DI, when that does send him into the path of others. Where ever he goes we hope it is far away from our little strip of sand in south Alabama.

More importantly I am asking any of you that are not already on my email list to please pray for Baby Davis. He was born on Feb. 28 (Brett's birthday) and only weighed 3 lbs 6.6 ozs. His mom is a regular on the DIBBS, and we have all "adopted" this little family. His mom's name is Lona and his dad is Jared. They have been through so much over the last 5 months, including heart surgery. Davis was doing much better and had even started back drinking breast milk, but over the last few days he has taken a drastic turn for the worst. His mom, usually updates us every day, and we had only a brief update over 24 hours ago. At that point his little heart had stopped twice and they had to bring him back.

Just look at that million dollar smile, we are claiming a victory for this baby. One of the strongest prayer warriors I know (Ms. Roberta) prayed this prayer with us yesterday.

Father, I lift little Davis up to you and ask that you touch him with your healing hand and heal him from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. Please send your ministering angels to minister health to him constantly. I speak life to him and not death. I speak good health over him. I also ask that you help Lona and Jared through this difficult time. Give them strength and peace in Jesus name. Amen and Amen!

Please join me in praying for this family.

(and it wouldn't hurt to ask that Gustav lose strength and go away). Unfortunately, Davis' family lives in LA and could be affected by this storm.

I also forgot to mention that we had heard that Lona's dad is also in the hospital.
So please lift them all up!

Forgiveness

2008-08-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Last week a wrote about the man that "went off" on me. I was hurt and I was actually even scared. Each morning we gather in our office to pray. We pray for our customers, their businesses, our business and our own personal prayer concerns. I've been praying for this man. Today, God spoke to me again. I was in the front office helping Kimberly when I saw a car drive up. A young man I didn't recognize got out. Very pleasant looking, I started to ask Kimberly if she knew him, but was then distracted back to her question. I felt the presence of someone at the door and looked up as the young man entered the room. He looked around with a lost look in his eye, "Kim?" he questioned as he looked at each of us. I said, I'm Kim. He said, I'm Charlie. I didn't even feel scared after all the anxiousness last week. The girl's on the other hand, didn't know what to do. The phone rang, so I started to take him into the hallway. But the expression on Ashley's face, made me change directions and take him to my office.

I still did not know exactly what he wanted, but I recognized that this was a young man that was hurting. He looked at me very sincerely and apologized. I took his hand and shook it, and told him that I accepted his apology and that it took a big man to admit he was wrong. He had tears in his eyes and he continued to apologize. I patted his hand and repeated that I forgave him. I wanted to hug him but felt that would be inappropriate. He looked so young and vulnerable. I'm sure he is at least in his late 20's but he looks younger. About that time, he grabbed me and hugged me, so I hugged him back. I then felt that I needed to share with him that I had been praying for him. I'm not sure that he really heard me. I did tell him that he had really scared me and that I was so thankful that he had come to apologize. Unfortunately, I could tell that he is very troubled. I will continue to pray for him and ask that you pray for him as well.

That brings me back to forgiveness. Sometimes it is so easy to forgive a stranger, and we find it much harder to forgive our close friends and family. The person I have the hardest time forgiving is myself.

I urge you if you are harboring resentment, hurt feelings, old grudges, whatever it might be, let it go. Forgive the person, forgive yourself and ask God to forgive them and to forgive you. I wish I could say, I did that today and I'm free. Unfortunately I can't, I can say that I forgave Charlie today and that did lighten one of my burdens today. Maybe it's just the small things that bring us down but as we let those go, we will become lighter and lighter.

Ashley, my former co-worker, sent me a very exciting email today. She had asked that we pray for her path to be made clear to go into the ministry. Today, she told us that someone has committed to paying her for the next 3 months so she can pursue God's calling on her life. She wrote something in an email to me today that really made me think:

We are all brothers and sisters. If one of your siblings messes up it's not like they become any less related to you.
God's been changing my heart to be willing to stand on behalf of people that won't stand themselves.
It's the hardest thing, to care more about someone then they care about themselves. But through it the Lord is taking me deeper into His heart, and literally my heart begins to ache when I see someone bound by shame and guilt.

Let's just get over the fact that we sinned and look at Jesus. Because He's trying to get our attention so He can tell us the truth... that we're dark, yet lovely, and we're clean by the blood of the lamb and have been then adopted into the Kingdom as sons and daughters. We're more than conquerers, and we were made for glory.

We can't, through bad works, lose what we could never gain through good works.
It's for by grace we have been saved.

Anyway, Wow. I'll just keep going if I don't stop me.

I love that! WE WERE MADE FOR GLORY!!! Can I get a hallejah or an amen??? I also love that we can't through bad works, lose what we could never gain through good works. That's right no matter what, we aren't good enough but by Jesus's Grace we are saved.

What makes life worth living?

2008-08-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

When I was in High School, way back long ago. I was a journalism "jock", at least that's what we called ourselves. Becky finds it so easy to admit in her blog that she is a nerd. I find that very difficult, although I'm starting to possibly entertain the idea that I wasn't the coolest chick at school. I was the feature editor for the newspaper and the sports editor of the yearbook (perhaps that's why I turned out to be a Rowdy Mom). Hey, I still think I'm pretty cool.

I loved to write hard hitting stories (like the one I wrote about Arkansas Nuclear One) but I also loved "fluff" stories. One of my favs, was "What makes life worth living?" Pretty heady stuff for a bunch of teens. I can't remember all the responses but Karla's were my favorite "kisses in the rain" and "tootsie rolls".

It's been kind of a weird day, and I guess that's what got me on this subject. I started out the day a little bummed. I will not be heading to Dauphin Island until June. There are just too many things standing in the way of the October trip. I've known in my heart for a while, but just couldn't face it. We've had too much turnover at work, and I just don't have a good comfort level being that far away. Along with spending 18 hours in a car for a 72 hour trip. Just not logical. I wanted to be fair to the person I was renting my house from, so they would have a chance to rent it, I emailed yesterday stating I might not be able to come. He was very gracious and told me he didn't think he would have any trouble renting it. (In one way I was somewhat hoping that he would tell me that I couldn't get out of my obligation. His graciousness further showed me that I was making the right decision.) Anyways, later in the morning I received a call from a customer that runs a conference center. (I had inquired with her if she might have something available for that weekend in October, so that Dale and I could still get away.) Not only did she have a spot for us, but her boss insisted that they "comp" it.

Knowing that I was going to Dauphin Island in October was one of the things that made life worth living over the last few months. Just when that dream was gone, God placed a new one. Dale & I have many fond memories of Petit Jean, and it is beautiful there in October. When we were first together, we had a wonderful escape to Petit Jean one Sunday afternoon. We had a picnic, and just "explored", it's still one of my favorite days EVER! Now we get the chance to make new memories.

No, it's not DI and I'll miss out on meeting a lot of my friends, but I'm still thankful that we will at least be able to get away for the weekend.

I'm back to asking myself what makes life worth living..........

Snuggling up to Dale each night as I go to sleep.

Hearing Brett's voice on the other end of the phone saying, "Hello, beautiful mother of mine"

Hugs from any and all of my "kids"

Having someone new ask if they can call me "Aunt Kim"

Hearing my nearly 21 year old Godson call me "Aunt Kim"

Waiting for the day that Eva Kate will call me "Aunt Kim"

EVA KATE

The hope of granchildren (in the future!!!)

Peanut M&M's

Popeye's Chicken

Duane's Brisket

Karla cookies (basically anything baked by Karla)

Sunrise

Listening to Tri-Chord

Sunset

Dauphin Island

The knowledge that as wonderful as this earth is, Heaven is unimaginably better!

The further knowledge that one day I'll get to see it for myself.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2008-08-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

My baby boy came home this weekend to surprise me. I'm not sure who was happier! Okay, it was me. Amazing that it feels like it has been a lot more than a week!

Oh well, I'm just bursting with happiness!

Hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend! Wow, I used a lot of exclamation points in this post!

Healthy

2008-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

It has recently come to my attention that I've gotten entirely too serious. Serious is just not healthy. I try to be healthy when I can. (Already those that know me are laughing.)

Trust me, I know what is healthy and what is not healthy. While I know that broccoli, bean sprouts and tofu are healthy. I also know that chicken fried steak, biscuits & gravy, and bacon are not healthy. Unfortunately when it comes to food, I almost always pick unhealthy. Sorry Yaya, but it's just the way I was raised.

My mama, my memee, my other momma Shirley, and my grandmommy are all good southern women. They taught me how to cook and I learned well! (Just ask Brett & Dale!) You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again. It's all about the pork fat for us southern cooks. Who could eat turnip greens without some bacon or ham in them? Seriously?

Of course, my memee was the best cook of them all. Chicken 'n dumplins, coconut cream pie and homemade mashed potatoes. That's what I got every year on my birthday, what I wouldn't give to have her cook me another meal. Oh wait, that sounded serious, and I'm not being serious today. I'll tell a little story about memee, that would probably make her mad, but then again, I know she would forgive me. (Don't tell my cousins, but I was always her favorite.) Memee had altzheimers which is a horrific disease, so all you can do to survive is learn to laugh. Her last two years, my uncle and I had to laugh a lot (it kept us from crying).

Here's the picture, it's Thanksgiving, and memee has always made the dressing. The year before, she had decided that I needed to help because she recognized that her health was fading. So I was all set to make the dressing again. She had forgotten about my new dressing skills, and all but ran me out of the kitchen. I came back through and realized that she was very methodically cutting up all the chicken fat into the dressing. (This is a whole other story but my papa never liked Turkey, so we had to have a hen on Thanksgiving.) Anyway, she had one eye that bothered her so she had it closed, just chopping away on that fat into what I considered "my" dressing with only one eye open. I lost it, (this was before I had learned to tactfully distract her with another project, and "fix" whatever she was doing wrong") and screamed "What are you doing?" Well, I instantly felt bad, and she instantly got defensive. Deep down, I know she knew she was wrong but she wasn't about to admit it to me. I got the "Fine, then do it yourself", and she turned her attention to the strawberry cake (another one of her specialities).

She baked the fluffiest best Angel food cakes I've ever tasted. In the summer she would put up strawberries so that we could have them for this special cake. She would cut the Angel cake into three or four layers. Gently poke a few holes in the bottom layer, pour on the strawberries with all that good juice, layer on some "homemade" dream whip, then put on the next layer and do the same, and again. When finished it was just a oozing with strawberries and dream whip, I can almost taste it now.

Back to the story. She got her cake and slung it out on the bar. Grabbed a HUGE butcher knife. (At this point I was a little worried because she looked like she wanted to use it on me). She cut that cake into it's layers. Notice earlier I talked about her gently poking a few holes. That didn't happen with this cake, she had both hands on the hilt of that knife and started to massacre that cake (again with one eye closed). About that time Dale came in, and he about lost it. He feared she was going to miss the cake and stab herself. He looked at me, I shook my head and he quietly left the kitchen. (He is after all a pretty smart guy, he married me.) To this day, he still calls it her "One eyed ginsu" technique for strawberry cake. Needless to say the meal turned out fine, and the cake tasted good even if it did look pretty mutiliated. That was one of the last Thanksgivings that we celebrated with the whole family.

I know that it's not gonna be long until I'll have a grand-daughter that will roll her eyes at the crazy things I do in the kitchen. (My son, is already pretty good with the eye-rolling.) Brett loved to help his grandma's and great-grandma's when he was little. He's already a great cook. He's even won the church chili cook-off 2 years and finished as the "favorite" this past year. I can't wait to train the next generation of good southern cooks. We won't use "lard" and we'll probably have to cut down on some of the bacon fat. Might even serve a fresh green salad with something besides iceburg lettuce. The most important thing I hope to instill is the love with which it takes to prepare a good family meal. After all we're good Methodists and we know the importance of Love. In our meals and in our lives.

HURTFUL WORDS

2008-08-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

When I was in school, I used to hear "Sticks and stones, may break my bones but words can never hurt me." If you have lived past the age of about 6 then you know that is wrong. Words are hurtful and sometimes their wounds take longer to heal than a broken bone.

This morning I had an employee of one of my customer's go "off" on me. It was pretty surreal. I was completely taken aback by the hatred in his voice, and his use of profanity. It was so random and unneccessary. I talk to so many people every day and I've never experienced anything like this before. He made me cry. Partly from the hurtful things he said and partly from frustration I felt at being "attacked" for no reason, and not given the right to defend myself. I cannot imagine how those Christians that are presecuted daily must feel. I truly felt violated and still find myself getting upset. I need to let it go, so I am adding this man to my prayer list. He obviously is in need of help.

Once again, I found comfort in the book of Job Chapter 5 Verse 21 says, You will be sheltered,without fear of hurtful words or any other weapon.

If he was this upset at me over something so small. How will he respond when faced with a real problem? Does he lash out in anger at his family? Does he even have a family? I have no idea what things he may have faced this morning. This is the only contact I've ever had with him, even though I've been writing his paycheck for over 8 years. To my knowledge, we've never once in all those checks made a mistake on his check. Why today did he feel the need to call and curse at me? In the great scheme of things, am I really injured? Probably not, but another thing that I took for granted is gone. My safety, I have no idea how this man would have reacted to me if we were face to face. That is a new reality in our world.

Once again, I am reminded that my little problems are pretty insignificant in comparison to the big picture. There are those that risk their lives everyday as they head to work. Our military, police and fireman and in some areas our teachers and medical staff. Our world is becoming increasingly more violent and people less tolerant of one another.

I wish that we could live by Jesus's words in John 13:34-35 "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

I pray that as I go through each day, those around me will be able to recognize that I am trying to live like Jesus. (do I hear my kids singing???? And they will know we are Christians by our love.......)

Making it

2008-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

I knew it was going to be hard when Brett was no longer "living" in our house. I’m not sure I was quite prepared for just how hard. Once again, so focused on myself, I didn’t realize how hard it would be for Dale & Brett.

Quite honestly, I mostly worried about me & Renee. Renee’s actually done better than all of us. (I am so proud of her!) Once Brett went to the Wesley foundation on Sunday, he recovered pretty quickly as well. For me, it will be not only day to day but probably hour by hour. Sometimes, I just feel like something's wrong and then realize that it's just me missing him. Funny, because he was never home anyway. He was either at Renee's, work or Jeffrey's. It was just the knowledge that he would be home. (I could peek into his room and watch him sleep.)

I truly was not prepared for Dale to act just as lost as I felt. We really rely on one another, but I realized this weekend just how much. We've shared a lot this weekend. I can see where the “empty nest” either makes couple’s closer or drives them apart. I know we will be closer! I love him so much, and he truly makes me feel loved! I hope that he knows just how much I love him!

Yesterday morning, was the worst. Not having Brett to ride to church. It was always a time that I actually had some one on one time with him. I walked into Sunday School having a wee bit of a pity party. Then we read the first verse of our lesson.

Job Chapter 4 Verses 1-6 (The Message Bible)
1-6Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up:

"Would you mind if I said something to you? Under the circumstances it's hard to keep quiet.
You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words
that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit.
Your words have put stumbling people on their feet,
put fresh hope in people about to collapse.
But now you're the one in trouble—you're hurting!
You've been hit hard and you're reeling from the blow.
But shouldn't your devout life give you confidence now?
Shouldn't your exemplary life give you hope?

What a baby, I was being. Aren't I always the one telling people not to "borrow trouble", "don't worry about the things you can't control", "be happy, don't let others steal your joy", "we've got to let them grow up their not our babies anymore", blah blah blah. I wasn't even remotely following my own advice, and God called me on it, using Eliphaz's words to Job. I felt like they were being directly spoken to me.

By the time I got to church I was feeling quite a bit better, then we sang the hymn
"What a friend we have in Jesus" Words by Joseph M. Scriven and Music by Charles C. Converse,

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised, Thou wilt all our burdens bear.
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded, there will be no need for prayer. Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Recently I wrote about friends, how could I have forgotten Jesus? When I think about the sacriface God made for us with His Only Son, I scarce can breathe. I feel so ungrateful. But then, I still miss Brett. I'm so thankful that my son is not "gone" in the literal sense, I'll see him next weekend. What about all of my friends that have lost their children? Again, I stand in awe of their strength. Again, I realize that they don't do it alone. They all have relationships with God and I know that He lifts them up. He promises that they'll see their childen again, and what a joyful reunion! He is always there, speaking to us, comforting us, we just have to listen.

Tomorrow is the day

2008-08-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

How can it be that my baby is heading to college tomorrow? Am I ready? Is a mother ever ready? Probably not, would be my guess. I trust that God has a perfect plan for his life, and this is just the next part of that plan. God has blessed us so much this week in making the path clear to the school for him. Having a friend that works at the SLGFA who was looking out for his interests. Then finding a good deal on his computer, to finding a good deal on his books.

On Sunday we had a wonderful "going away" party with the youth group. So many people there to pray for him!

On Wednesday we had a wonderful dinner with my parents. Afterwards we all went shopping together, and they practically bought a new wardrobe for him. I know that he felt so special and loved! It wasn't the fact that they spent the money on him, but the fact they wanted to spend time with him and help make this transition easier. It was just a godsend all the way around!

Thursday, another great dinner prepared by and shared with friends that love him and love us.

Sometimes I tend to focus on what I don't have instead of what I do have.

My life forever changed last Friday morning, and I really learned that I can no longer take things for granted. Things are not always what they seem. For the last week, I've really been focusing on what I do have in my life! I have a wonderful family. Wonderful friends. A good job. A God that loves me.

I understand that God did not give us Brett just so we could keep him forever. Dale & I have tried to raise him the best we could, but sometimes I think he helped to raise us. I know that Dale is hurting to, but he won't admit it.

So we'll head to Russellville tomorrow with a smile on our face, waiting for the next adventure that God has for all of us. (If you happen to think about it tomorrow, an extra prayer wouldn't hurt either).........

I can't fix everything

2008-08-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have been humbled before the Lord today. I have seen His power once again, and I give Him glory. I know that there is a plan and He is in control. I've seen Him take control of this situation. I've seen my friends rally together trying to do what little we can in the face of this devasting situation. I sit here this evening exhausted. Mentally & physically, completely spent. A friend that I love dearly is hurting and I can do nothing to help her. No matter how much I want to, I cannot fix this.......I've cried all I can today. It's time to fully turn this over.

I am claiming the word of God as written in Isaiah.

Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

I am claim this for me and my friends. We are not promised that our time here on earth will be easy. However, we are promised that we will not have to face it alone. I know that God is in control. However cliche that may sound to some, we have seen Hope. I've seen God working through many people, there is a new bond among us. I know that He can cure my weariness for He is my hope. I pray that others will be reminded of that as well.

Lucky man

2008-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tri^Chord is so special to my life. It's officially the Praise band for Amboy UMC. Tri^Chord began as a bible study with musical instruments and turned into a band.

Wow, God is so creative!

These are some pics from the 1st retreat they played at Camp Tanako.

It's amazing to watch God work through this group. He has helped Paul to write so many songs, and the "band" to make those songs come to life.

In 2004 we headed to Dauphin Island. Four families sharing a house for a week. It wasn't the best trip ever, but it was good. (No time on DI can be bad!) Leaving NLR in the dark, we watched the sunrise over South Arkansas. It wasn't the most remarkable of sunrises but we apprecited it nontheless.

That night everyone was gathered on the back porch (after watching a beautiful DI sunset). Guitars were brought out, and we just sat around pickin', talkin' and singin'. It was really fun. At some point I made the observation, that hey when we are in the country (translate Pangburn, AR) we sit on the front porch and at DI we always sit on the back porch. I also made the observation that, "this morning we watched the sunrise in the country and tonight we watched it set at the beach". Just random words out of my mouth that most others probably ignored. Not Paul, he thought hmmmmmmm sunrise in the country, sunset at the beach, there's a song in there somewhere.

Eventually that song became Lucky Man, the group's most requested song and the title track of their CD.

Below are the lyrics, if you get a chance check out their myspace and have a listen.

LUCKY MAN
Front porch in the country
Back porch by the Beach
No matter where I go
You’re always there with me.

You told me this ain’t heaven
But I could get there if I believe
I read it just the other night
In John 3:16.

I’m a lucky man

CHORUS:
Floatin' in salt water or
Watchin' eagle’s soar
If this ain’t really heaven,
I can’t wait for what’s in store.
I’m just a country boy,
A part time Island man
But I know you’re right beside me
Building castles in the sand.
I’m a lucky man.
Yes, I am.
I know you’re right beside me
Building castles in the sand
I’m a lucky man

My life used to be so rocky
Without your guiding light
Even when I went to church
Something wasn’t right
But then I asked you to forgive me
To take over my life.
It wasn’t worth the living
But now I’ll never die

CHORUS

Sunrise in the country
Sunset at the beach
I know your building Castles
For Sinners like me
You can build mine in the Rockies
In the pure sweet mountain air
Or down on DAUPHIN ISLAND
Just as long as you are there.

I'm a lucky man.

CHORUS

I know you’re right beside me
Building castles for ALL MAN!
I’m a lucky man

Recent pics from the "Battle of the Bands" (which they won), but the Community Food Pantry was the big winner with close to $800.00 being raised.

http://www.myspace.com/tricord

Muddin', Drywall and the church van

2008-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that not all of our team went to DI, some had to come up on Sunday evening due to other obligations (they actually wanted the Preacher at church on Sunday a.m.). One of my girl's Beth, was participating in the STARS program at school. Through this program she worked as a mentor with "at-risk" youth. She has a heart for missions and helping others (that might be a blog on it's own). Her mom Cindy, my co-chef for the week, were the other 2 that got to Missisippi early.

Before heading to Mississippi/Alabama we had MANY fundraisers. One of which was to sell bracelets. They had sayings on them like "Faith Hope Love", "Jesus Loves You" "Keep the Faith", etc. We also made 5 index cards for each member of the team and asked that prayer partners join us in prayer for the trip. Boy did we call on those "prayer warriors"!

There are so many things about this trip that were so incredible, I want to type every detail of the trip, but I know that's really not interesting to anyone but me and maybe my kids. I'm guessing if you're reading this you want to find out what other kinds of blessings came out of Katrina?

As always I got up to watch the sunrise and it was beautiful streaming through the trees in the church yard. (Not as beautiful as over the water at DI, but still memorable to me.)

So many things seemed to still be going wrong. Fussing amoung team members. I couldn't find my work boots anywhere. So here I am heading to a construction site and the only shoes I have are my bright orange Crocs. Not gonna work! Bless her heart, Cindy loaned me her tennis shoes, but they weren't exactly the right size. Oh well, we were on an adventure. WHAT an adventure!

Some of our crews would continue with the work in the Turkey Creek area, the rest were going into a different neighborhood. As we entered the neighborhood we were once again struck with the devastation. Nearly every house still had a blue FEMA roof, a FEMA trailer and a POD. Again, the devil was working on me and the snotty "princess" came out. As our "neighbor" came out to greet us, she seemed very friendly but then we realized that she had 3 teenage sons. Couldn't they have been doing some of this work??? She seemed a little upset that our team was mainly made up of teenagers. I can't say that I blame her, I would be worried if this crew showed up to work on my house too. When we entered her house, you could literally see from one end to the other. There was one room that had partial drywall up but that was it. It was overwhelming. My boys jumped right in measuring and cutting the drywall. My girls started "mudding" as soon as the drywall was hung. If you're like me "mudding" is when you place a piece of tape like paper over the seam between the pieces of drywall, and then take a putty like substance and smooth it out. If you do it correct you will end up with a seamless wall ready for painting. Some of my girls have a definite talent for this. I on the other hand, not so much. I ended up with it on my clothes, Cindy's shoes, in my hair. The finally took my trowel away from me, and told me to "just rest a little Aunt Kim".

We worked for several hours, and then the homeowner came back. I sensed a little distress in her. Did I mention that her husband is a contractor? He’d been so busy rebuilding the local businesses and churches, that is why he had only done such limited work on their house. He had been trying to get her and their boys to help, but she did not believe that they could do it.

My boys were steadily hanging the drywall, the girl’s were muddin’ and it looked good to me. Gina had come back to pick us up to go to lunch, and she thought it looked okay. I remember saying, “I don’t want to do more harm than good.” Drywall was at a premium, and if we messed it up they wouldn’t be able to easily get more. We prepared to leave for lunch with our “neighbor” from the day before (the family we tore down their home). In appreciation they wanted to feed all our teams. I hugged Ms. Wanda Renee and told her we would be back in a little while. I detected even more distress from her, she was definitely worried about what her husband was going to say! Also, a neighbor had passed away and she was trying to deal with that situation as well.

Our “picnic” was really great. They had tables set up in the front yard. Dad was grilling burgers & dogs. Mom had prepared all the fixins’, bbq beans, chips, it was quite a spread. After lunch, most everyone joined in a game of volleyball. Then their kids showed my kids how to “fly”. They were so proud of what was basically a rope swing attached to a tree. All my kids were good sports and tried. Even our 6’5” pastor, and the 6’1” youth leader tried. I thought it best not to try because I surely didn’t want to be the one to destroy it. These kids had lost enough already.

Everyone headed back to their worksites. One of our prayer warriors, “Ms. Roberta” had told us during times of stress or conflict, to sing “They will know we are Christians by our love.” By this point in the trip we were getting very familiar with the song! Of course it doesn’t sound quite as meaningful when sung through clenched teeth, but after a few times, we would start to believe the words we were singing. I’m not sure exactly when it happened but the church van died, just died, wouldn’t do a thing. We jumped the battery and it fired up but it appeared to be the alternator. We called “Ms. Roberta” and she started the prayer chain, and the kids started singing “Sanctuary”. Gina got everyone delivered and headed to the dealership to get the van repaired. Again, satan was really after us!!!

We got back to Ms. Wanda Renee’s home and started back to work. Seems as if lunch had given us renewed energy, and I finally started to get the hang of muddin’. You could no longer see completely through the house. Part of the living room, all of the hall, and 2 of the bedrooms now had “walls”. We were feeling pretty good, and then I heard a hush fall over the house. Wanda Renee’s husband was home. Would he be mad that she had allowed us to do this work? How would he react? I said a quick prayer and went out to greet him. Imagine my surprise when I saw tears in his eyes. This was a burly, construction worker, and he was looking at me with the most amazed expression. He said, “you and these kids did this?” I answered yes, and he stuck out his hand for me to shake. He said, I would be proud to hire any one of them to work for me. I couldn’t have done better myself, or hired a team to do better. You should have seen those kids faces, and Wanda Renee’s. I still get tears in MY eyes.

We finished up the day and headed back to the church for VBS. At some point during the night I decided to give Ms. Wanda Renee my bracelet. It said, “Faith, Hope, Love”. That morning when we arrived, she was showing her neighbor her “walls”. She was so proud and praising Jesus because she had walls. I’m not sure about ya’ll but before then I had never woken up and thanked God for my walls. (I say thank you for a lot more things now!). Wanda Renee was preparing to go to the funeral visitation for her friend, but before she left she showed me her surprise for us. In the fridge was meat, cheese, gatorade and cupcakes. There was also a note to her family to leave the food alone, it was for the “people that God sent to answer our prayer”. I get tears again. God was using us to answer her prayer. I took a picture of the note on my phone and kept it for a long time to remind me of how much I had to be thankful for, when I got a new phone I lost the pic. Nothing can take my memory. As it turned out each set of “neighbors” prepared lunch for their team.

We worked all day, and even worked on the inside of the “outside” walls, which required us adding insulation. There was still a lot of work in the kitchen and bathrooms but there was still some more plumbing work that needed to be done. Jeffrey worked so hard on the house but we soon realized that he was going to have to work on something else. Gina talked to the dealership and they weren’t even going to be able to start on the Van until Friday, and we needed to leave on Friday. Jeffrey assured us he had helped his dad enough, he could change the alternator.

As we prepared to leave, I took off my bracelet to give to Wanda Renee. She hugged me and thanked me. She told me that not only had we done so much for their house, but also for their spirits. She confided that she had lost her hope, but thanks to us, God had restored that hope. She now realized just how much she and her sons could do to help her husband finish the work needed on their house.

We got back to the church and along with Bro. Steve’s “help” (translate just hanging over his shoulder), Jeffrey changed the alternator. Later that night Barbara shared with me that she had given her bracelet to her neighbor, who had never lost faith that God would help them to repair their home (Barbara’s bracelet said “Keep the Faith”). Britney then shared that she had also given away her bracelet it said “Jesus Loves You”, and she gave it to the teenage girl that had already lost so much.

As I finish this entry, thanks for sticking with me through this story. I’m still amazed at all the “good” that came from Katrina. I know that none of us will on that trip will ever forget the lessons learned. Again, I come back to Esther. When we first started planning the trip, I thought what can we really do? I learned we can’t really do a lot, but through God - Faith, Hope and Love were restored in us and those we that we shared our time in Alabama and Mississippi.

Gulfport

2008-07-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

We left Dauphin Island on Monday and headed for the Church in Biloxi where we would be staying. The devil was all up in our business, and really tried to cause division within the team.

After some changes to our original accomodations. We headed to The Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church located in the Turkey Creek community of Gulfport. It was a very, very old church. It was also the week for their VBS which meant we couldn't use the Fellowship hall until after it was over each night, nor could we begin our meal preparations until it was over. (Did I mention my main responsibility was to be the cook?) We also couldn't use the rooms that had been set up as volunteer sleeping quarters. So we now had all of the girl's sleeping in the Sanctuary of this little old church and boy did it smell. The Jr. High boys were placed in an adjacent Sunday school class, and the Senior High boys were upstairs in a Sunday school class. Did I mention how bad it smelled???? Oh it was awful. Bathrooms & showers had been added after the Hurricane, so it was not going to be easy to get 20 folks showered each night as well as the 8 folks from the other team. Also, some church members were still having to use the showers and laundry room at the church since they were living in FEMA trailers.

To say that I was less than gracious would be an understatement. My momma was not proud of me at that particular moment. (I just know she wasn't, she "raised" me better.) I had all my teenage girls lamenting "Aunt Kim, I can't sleep here....................wah". Of course, mold & mildew are 2 of my worst allergies, so I was agreeing with them. The Pastor being a man of reason, suggested we go check out another church that might could accomodate us. So off we headed to Biloxi. We visited the church where previous teams had stayed. It wasn't any better (IMHO). As we drove through what used to be Biloxi, I realized it didn't matter where we slept. We were here to do a job. The van was so quiet as the reality of what they were seeing sunk in to these kids. Of course some of the younger ones were still talking and joking, until Renee started bawling. "Shut up, just shut up, don't you get??? Every empty lot you see used to be someone's home, their life." (I was so proud of her right then, she grew up so much on this trip. I truly saw God using her that week!) It finally took seeing the Wal-Mart that was just a hollow shell for the reality to really sink in to some of those younger ones. I have very few pictures from our time in Biloxi/Gulfport. It was just too hard, and wasn't a time for taking pictures. There was way too much work to be done!

Back to the church in Turkey creek to get out work assignments. Our first project was to tear down a house. This was a family of 6 living in a little Fema trailor. They had to get their old house torn down before they could start building.

My "team" began lunch prepartions while the other teams began the "destruction". We also had another team working 2 doors down on the home of an elderly woman that had ridden the storm out in her home. The entire front of her house had to be replaced. Another team had done much of the rebuilding. Our team would be building window seals, sanding and painting. She was so precious, she had stayed because her older sister didn't want to leave. They were 82 & 84 respectfully. The storm surge came up Turkey creek flooding areas that had never flooded before, and the area had also been hit by tornados as well. Even though it was approaching a year since the storm hit, many areas looked as if it had only been a few weeks.

We called each family that we helped our "neighbor" and always invited them to share our meal. They really seemed to enjoy our Mexican fiesta lunch.

Our kids were invited to participate in VBS, it was quite a cultural experience for them! We couldn't start dinner until after VBS was finished so they were all starving to death. LOL

After dinner that night the adults met with the local area Pastor that was coordinating the work teams. Due to the number of teams needed and the inability to really use the kitchen, I suddenly became in charge of a "work" team. Our plans for nice big lunches was now replaced with sandwiches. Oh yes, my klutzy self in charge of a group set to go install dry wall. Well, our God is big but this was gonna take a miracle!

Our night spent in the sanctuary was interesting to say the least, but somehow we all survived. I couldn't help but try to imagine if the roles were reversed. Would the elders of our church open the sanctuary as a dormitory? Would the completely welcome a group of mainly teens to come to work? HOW??? in the world was I going to be over a construction crew?

I'll try to post the rest of this adventure tomorrow....

Katrina Cleanup continued....

2008-07-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you may wonder why am I talking about something that happened over 2 years ago. Honestly, it was because of a question asked on the DIBBS. Apparently a couple of high school students are writing a paper on Hurricane Katrina and her impact. I don't think anyone from the south, maybe even the whole nation will ever by the same after this storm. We definitely saw the worst and best in people. I was fortunate enough to witness some of the best.

We woke up to a beautiful Dauphin Island Sunday morning. As always, I got up early to watch the sunrise, and no surprise, several of my youth joined me. We walked along the edge of the water collecting "treasures" and enjoying the view and the thrill that comes with welcoming a new day. We watched the dolphins trialing the shrimp boats.

Breakfast was cold cereal, and lunch was sandwiches. Everyone was anticipating our "picnic" in Cadillac Square with Mr. Bruce and Ms. Marilyn. We had never met, but I felt like I knew them already. The kids were amazed that someone that had never met them would cook them dinner (They rather lost the prespective that they had driven for hours to go work on houses of people that they had never met...which was why Bruce was willing to cook for them). Not having access to the internet, I didn't realize that Bruce was posting pics of our meal to make others jealous (should have known since I myself have set drooling and envious at countless pictures of meals he had prepared). Anyway....now I'm hungry. These pics definitely don't do anything to help that either.

Yes, that is 2 pork tenderloins wrapped in bacon.

Again, with Marilyn's WONDERFUL bread.

We practically inhaled the first one.

Bruce kept us all thoroughly entertained, and managed to not get captured on film. You will notice that the food is located on the "adult" table. Of course 3 of us stayed standing up to swat away any kids trying to get "seconds".

We only managed to get the back of Marilyn's head. I of course was caught with a huge glob of mayo on my face. I truly didn't care. This was the best thing I had ever eaten!

The kids still talk about it! Not just how delicious it was, but also how generous of Bruce & Marilyn.

Our youth really felt the connection with them (as did we adults). When Bruce & Marilyn shared that they had lost their son in a car accident several years before, it really impacted some of my older kids. They had lost friends to car accidents. Having just graduated a few weeks before, one was really feeling "survivors guilt". Seeing Bruce & Marilyn talk so lovingly and happily about their son gave him hope that he would eventually be able to talk about David again with joy.

After our wonderful meal our mouths were a little bit on fire (did I mention that the pork was cooked perfectly and just the right amount of "spicy"?) So we decided to stop at Island Rainbow for a Shaved ice, snow cone, sno ball whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately it was about 2 minutes after their closing time. It was a sad looking bunch of Methodists heading back to the church van. When suddenly the door opened and they said they would stay open just for us. We had our last couple of youth at the window when another car drove up. Someone told the driver that they were closed. She looked so crestfallen and so sad, and almost lost. I couldn't handle it. I told her to just join us and we would pay for her's with ours. She offered to pay but we wouldn't let her. Amazingly, we learned that she was a Katrina victim that had moved from New Orleans to Mobile. She was missing the "sno-balls" from New Orleans and someone in Mobile told her about Island Rainbow. She had driven all that way to try them out and see if it would help her homesickness. She transformed almost right before our eyes, as she enjoyed her frozen treat and the company of my kids. When she left, she was like a different person. She told us that while it was such a simple gesture, she felt renewed. One of my girl's commented later, I think we really helped her. Even if it was only for that day, I think we did. It was the perfect ending to a perfect DI day. I always go back to the words in the book of Ester, I feel like we were at Island Rainbow, for just such a time as this.... Bruce & Marilyn had shared freely with us. We shared freely with someone else because Island Rainbow had re-opened just for us. How much better the world when we help others!

I must to confess to having pulled this photo off the DIBBS, I'm sorry that I can't give proper credit to the photographer, but it just fits since I started the day with shrimp boats, to end it with a shrimp boat.

Tomorrow, heading for Gulfport.

Good from Katrina???

2008-07-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love Dauphin Island!!! It is where I belong, and will someday retire. (Whatever that word means.)

After Hurricane Ivan hit, the DIBBS was my lifeline to what was going on at the island. When we visited in June, 2005, I was in tears as we drove down to the west end. It was my friend Barbara's first trip to the island with her family. Her daughter, Stephanie implored me to quit crying. "Aunt Kim, this is the most beautiful place I've ever seen and your ruining it." I realized she didn't know. She saw what was there, while all I was seeing was what was missing. I wonder how often we do that with other things in life? Instead of focusing on what we have, we focus on what we don't.

Toy Island, our home that week in 2005, gone with Katrina

I loved this log (I would use it to strategically hide oil wells in Sunset pictures.) It survived Ivan, but probably ended up in Bayou LaBatre after Katrina.
Who could have dreamed that when I returned in June, 2006 the devastion would be even more horrific? Katrina was in a league of her own, and I pray I never see that type of devastion again in my lifetime! As soon as the word of the devastion spread, my youth started asking how they could help. Our pastor worked with a pastor in Gulfport and the church started sending teams to Gulfport/Biloxi to help.(I would have preferred to come to Alabama, but the need was actually great everywhere from Texas to Florida.) When the 1st team came back, the teens were insistent that we go to help. We had already scheduled a mission trip for that spring, so it would have to be in the summer.

We planned a trip with the youth for the first week after school was dismissed. Barbara & I decided that we would like to bring our kids to DI for the weekend after we worked. (A reward for them and for us.) Eventually it was decided that we would just bring everyone to DI for the weekend. Now the issue of where to stay. We could all stay at the Gulf Breeze but we were talking about 13 teens and 4 adults. We didn't have the budget to eat out that many meals on the island. What to do???? An SOS was put out on the DIBBS. Bruce was the first to respond with an offer of pork tenderloin and Marilyn's home made bread.

Amazingly through ACP we were able to find someone willing to rent a beautiful house to us for just 2 nights in June. (I think some of those wonderful ladies at ACP helped to do a little convincing.) Only problem was it was the weekend before we worked rather than after. This actually worked out better because we were able to have some time for "team building" while we were at DI. We did not tell them that we had a house, so they all thought we were staying at the Gulf Breeze. Their faces were priceless when they saw the beautiful house.

I was so nervous about taking that many teens to the island, but they were so good. The recognized the "brokeness" of the island, and how fragile it seemed. They were so appreciative to be there.

I'll try to post more tomorrow about the rest of our adventure.

Friends - what are they? who are they?

2008-07-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Last night I "helped" at Vacation Bible School. I watched the little children as they danced in delight. I watched my teens sitting at a table trying to look cool (while mouthing the songs the little ones were singing). Finally they couldn't take it and joined the little ones.....with abandon I might add. My heart was full! Then I looked at all the people around me. Friends, I am so rich and so blessed to have so very many friends. It really made me think about how blessed I truly am!

I went to Webster's to see how it defines the word "friend". There were several definitions, but none of them truly defines that word for me.

1 a: one attached to another by affection or esteem b: acquaintance
2 a: one that is not hostile b: one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3: one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)
4: a favored companion

I guess my definition is something like, "someone you know and enjoy spending time with, with which you share common interests."

For many years my mom was my best friend, we basically grew up together (she was only 17 when I was born). When I lost her, I never thought that hole in my heart would be full. A friend (a man that I have only actually seen one time in my life) assured me that it would heal and I would find joy again. He was right! He helps to administer a Internet website called "Arkansas Fats Dauphin Island BBS" http://di-bbs.com/ The AFDIBBS has added a whole new set of friends for me, and expanded my knowledge on soooooo many subjects.

I really don't want to start naming friends because then I would forget someone, and I might end up with one less friend. But there are some friends that I have to mention,like Karla. She's been my best friend since we were in 9th grade. She can sometimes be a heifer, but then again so can I. We understand each other. She's the one that took me to Dauphin Island for the first time (there is nothing that I can do to re-pay her for that!). I love her and I don't tell her often enough because she's really not a "touchy, feely" kind of person.

So why has our friendship withstood the test of time.....just because we belong together.

When I turned 40, my friend Mona bought me a tiara, and my friend, Pebbles made me a scepter. They (along with Karla & Lisa)decorated my office with purple feather boas, streamers and all kinds of signs. My other friends that were already 40 formed the "Fabulous Forty Princesses, of the Divine Order of the Rowdy Rahrah's". We had a great time that year as each person had their Birthday and we invaded local restaraunts, in tiara's and boas. That's been 4 years ago, and we've all moved to different things, but I still cherish those times. 40 could have been hard but instead it was a joy, because of my friends.

I'm also very blessed to have a very special woman in my life named Shirley. Some would title her as "stepmother". But I hate that word. It just brings up bad images from so many fairy tales and disney movies. Anyway, I just refer to her as my other mother. She may not have given birth to me, but she has always been there for me! We pretty much grew up together as well. She made me promise not to make her a grandmother before she was 40 so,I very graciously waited until she had been 40for 2 days before I made her a grandmother. Her love is bountiful. (And did I mention that she makes chocolate gravy and the best banana pudding ever?)

Robin Jones Gunn writes a series of novels about "Sisterchicks". These are fun, easy reads.

Her description is:
Sisterchicks n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat.

I'm beyond blessed to have dozens of "Soulfood Sisterchicks". We go on retreats together and try to meet at least once a month for Breakfast. I for sure can't name all of them, but they range in each from 20's to 80's. Some of these women have been my friend since we were kids (and that's a lot of years), and some I've only known for a few weeks. Still JOY!

When Brett was 9 and playing PeeWee Football, I was proud to be linked to another group "The Rowdy Mom's". For 10 years, I've been more than proud to call myself a "Rowdymom". I don't hang out with very many of those mom's anymore (actually only one, Lisa), but I still consider them "friends". Lisa and I have a special friendship, we can go weeks without talking and then spend 2 hours catching up. If anyone can make me laugh, it's Lisa!

For a long time on the DIBBS, I just used the moniker Rowdymom, I wasn't ready for anyone to truly "know" me. I "lurked" and sometimes commented. However, I did email a lot with Eric aka "Arkansas Fats". He was a truly great man, that I never had the pleasure to meet. Some might think it funny, but I would still call him friend. There are no words to describe how much the DIBBS and it's members mean to me. I've only met a few of them in person, but I still call them friends. After Eric died, the format for the DIBBS was changed and I went ahead and started using my real name. It was time to quit hiding as Rowdymom, and let them see Kim. I regretted so much that I never actually met him. This October I finally get to meet most of my DIBBS friends in person, but that will just be a formality. I already know them.

I'll end with my definition of a friend, "someone you know and enjoy spending time with, with which you share common interests." It's the "spending time with" part that might be tricky for some. It's not just about going to dinner, a movie, shopping etc.... I consider every day on DIBBS as "spending time with" my friends.

Almost grown

2008-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

For the past 19 years my main role has been "MOM". I love being Brett's mom! He is a wonderful son. He is a joy! He is my joy. (He's also Dale's joy, but this is my Blog, so.....) I cannot imagine what it is going to be like when he is away at school. It scares me! But then I still have joy, he will be home most weekends. What about my friends whose babies are now home in Heaven. How do they go on? They're strength amazes me!

I have learned so much from my son. That's right, I'VE LEARNED (and I know his dad feels the same way). We are better people because of him. For one, without him I wouldn't be a "Rowdymom". He has such a wonderful sense of self and I am so proud of the independence that he shows. So this blog is dedicated to him.

Brett & Jeff side by side on the line (Brett at center & Jeff at guard), and on the sidelines.

As we prepare for that next big step. I want to share some of the joys from your senior year.

Sr. Football, who could believe it. From my tiny little peewee player to this man before me now. I was so proud how you lead the team in each week and down to the end zone to pray. What a difference those prayers made!

All the way to the State Semi-Finals!

January, we lost Taylor. How could this be? Completely surreal. Through it all, you were a source of strength for your friends. Taking iniative to honor him in the yearbook. So many things.............My heart breaks for Lisa & Kelly. My heart breaks for you and your friends, you've lost too many friends already.

Springbreak.......while many of your friends headed for a wild week in the sun. You chose to help lead your Youth group in a retreat/mission opportunity.

Mt. Eagle is so special to our family & our church family. You all worked so hard that week. Renee, Courtney & Alex did a great job.

April, who would have dreamed that a tornado would hit your school, and the homes of so many of your friends. But it could not destroy that Bear Pride. Prom went on....Renee was so beautiful and you were so handsome. Ya'll make an adorable couple!

I know you'll never forget your time at "daycare" for most of April.

Then came the wonderful day in April when Ms. Eva Kate decided to start prepping you for college. It was tough "pulling an all-nighter" but it was certainly worth it!

And finally that big day in May, the one you worked so hard to reach!

Looking a little nervous.

Not official yet.......

NOW IT'S OFFICIAL.

So I'll end this little blog today where it began. With you and Jeff. This time side by side heading to your next stage in life. I love you son!

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.