I am officially done with this degree!!!!!

This has been a long road and lots of work but it's finally completed. I remember looking at the work load for various classes and thinking - no way!! But, with God there is always a way. God has been so gracious to me through this entire process. He is my source of wisdom and strength. Praise be His Name.

Western Governors University sent me an email on Thursday, April 3 (my birthday) and said that I was finished with all requirements and could file for graduation. So, my college mentor sent me the form and I filled it out and sent it back to the school. I was told that this process would take at least two weeks. However, on Saturday, April 5, my mentor forwarded me an email telling me that I had officially graduated with a Bachelor of Arts IN Interdisciplinary Students PK-8. I was shocked to receive that email so quickly. I am expecting my transcripts and diploma in the mail this week. All of the state tests have been passed and I am now completing the final application for certification.

Now, more news......... let's see. I turned the big 50 last week. Totally depressing. I really had no idea it would hit me so hard. Mark threw me a small surprise party while down in Florida on Tuesday evening. I am posting pictures for that evening. Friends came with sweet gifts like black roses, over-the-hill cards and ribbons, pantie liners for irregular bladders, and an array of other thoughtful gifts. Despite the gifts, the evening was pleasant.

We were back home in Georgia on my real birthday on Thursday. The boys gave me some movies. Mark gave me a beautiful watch and a nice camera. Then, they took me out to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. I wanted to order lots of appetizers and share them for our meal. It was yummy.

Easter 2008: Michael

Easter 2008: Paul

Surprise 50th Party in Florida
Here is the old woman trying to read!

The Owens, Paul and me

The Prices, Mark and me

Linda, me, Mark and Doug

March 18, 2007

I turned in my LAST paper for this degree today. It was a short reflection. I have to make one more Cohort call next week and that’s it. I am in week 10 of Student Teaching. I will teach one more week and then have spring break and come back and do observations of different grades my last week. My final day is April 11. My host teacher asked me to come back to proctor her Georgia required testing near the end of April and I told her that I would.

All this to say…….. I have completed all of my requirements! I am thrilled. This has been lots of work but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I made the right choice in deciding to get this degree. God has been gracious in providing me with time and wisdom. My precious husband has been super supportive. I am so grateful for Mark’s love and encouragement throughout this entire process.

I told Mark that I am NOT going to know what to do with myself after I get done Student Teaching. What will it be like to have free time? This is the question to which I look forward to finding the answer! I hope that I can work on my devotion book.

Blessings,
Debbie

Waiting..................

Although, I really enjoy TEACHING and will probably try to get a position for next year, I am trying to figure out how to fulfill my calling which includes being a Women's conference speaker and writer. I am in prayer.

I am planning on contacting a dear friend and a member of a church where we served at in Rome, GA who has this type of Ministry. I want to pick her brain and try to figure out my next steps.

If God leads me to take a teaching position next year to help out financially - I will do that without complaint. However, I have been very faithful in pursuing and nearly getting this degree which I fully believe God called me to do. When I started this degree, I was working on some devotions and wanting to really begin a speaking and teaching ministry.

However during all of that, I truly felt like I heard from my Father to FINALLY complete this degree that I had started so many years ago. I think that He led me to do this for a couple of reasons. First, I have always felt like a failure because I never completed my college degree. There was a deep need within me that God knew and understood me and those feelings. Secondly, I believe that He instructed me to go to school in order to prove Himself strong in my life.

I have tried to remain positive. When I was originally supposed to start (I had enrolled and paid) Paul had a severe asthma attack and was airlifted to an out-of-town hospital. I had to begin the following January instead of that August. One of my friends wondered if God was telling me that He didn’t want me to pursue this degree. That suggestion pained me. My God will use circumstances to direct us but He is never the author of evil. I felt that Satan was attacking my son, family and me.

I know beyond all that is in me, that God has literally carried me through this degree. He has given me wisdom and time and a husband who has supported me tremendously. He (God) may want me to teach school. Yet, I know the desire of my heart and I believe that God will open doors and windows and direct me as to exactly how He is going to fulfill my calling. I also believe that God puts those desires within us if we stay at one with Him.

If not for my faith and my dear husband’s faith, this family and our marriage would not have survived. Yet, we have survived and our marriage is a strong testament to God’s grace and His love. I think that God can use my life to speak to and bless other women about His faith and strength when all seems lost.

Right now, I am waiting. Waiting to see where God opens doors. The high school principal has told Mark that he would hire me but I would have to take more GACE tests to get certified in High School. That is an option. I know that there will be positions open in the elementary schools in my area. Those are options. But, I am hoping and praying that God opens now the windows of heaven and allows me to begin a ministry as a conference speaker and teacher.

I have even thought about applying at some local churches to see if they need a Minister of Education. I am waiting.

Blessings,
Debbie

Beginning to see the LIGHT!!

The past two days have been extremely productive for me in the way of school papers! I have managed to write and submit four papers which were nearly forty pages of writing. My grades were posted this morning and I have passed all the assignments with good grades and nice comments. I have two more Teacher Work Samples to prepare and write. After those last two are graded, I will be able to load everything into my portfolio.

Tomorrow, I plan on writing up my Science Unit that I am doing with my class for the next couple of weeks. It should be fun and I hope that they will enjoy it. And, I have to plan my all of my lessons (that I will be teaching) for at least the next week.

Paul is playing in a concert tonight. Maybe, I'll remember my camera and post some pictures tomorrow. His band is doing a spaghetti supper fund raising today.

Michael has started editing his short film that he wrote and directed over at his college. I can't wait to see it. It's supposed to be about 5 minutes long. I think that he told me that he still have to film the last scene.

Well, I guess I need to just start writing after I compile all of this data from the post assessment.

Blessings to ALL!!
Debbie

So, how many assignments have I completed today?

NONE!!! Ugh! Yesterday was a busy day with church and then having to drive back to Twin City for the Valentine Banquet. We got home last night after 9 PM.

Today, I went to the orthodontist and then to the dentist and then got my nails done. (LOL, I guess the nails were a fun thing for me to do but not a necessary thing!) I came home and talked with my College Adviser. Mark had a doctor's appointment this afternoon to get his blood pressure checked and our PA put him on a diet. Maybe, both of us will lose weight.

My dentist office called and wanted to know if I could get Paul there real quick because they had a cleaning cancellation. I had to cancel Paul's cleaning two weeks ago when he was so sick. So, we rushed back to the dentist and he got his teeth cleaned. He needs the bottom wisdom teeth pulled and one filling, so I scheduled two more appointments for him.

Now, I am home. I rented "Becoming Jane". After my Cohort call tonight, I plan on watching it. I hope it's good. I guess today was my real day off. Well, I did talk through some lesson plans with Lauri for my science unit. I tried calling my friend, Deborah during the day on Saturday, but her line stayed busy for hours. I wonder if it was busy or taken off the hook? LOL Deborah is a homeschooler and she had offered to give me some suggestions for this unit that I am working on for my First graders.

I was very glad to talk with Gay, my Adviser. She really assured me about my teaching practices and strategies. She has been reading my Reflections and KNOWS what I am up against with my Clinical Supervisor.

I have been battling either depression or sadness or disappointment. I tried to talk with Mark and his advise, though godly, didn't help me. I am struggling with lots of feelings of longings and hopes and dreams that haven't or will never be fulfilled. I am hoping to spend some time in the Word this week. I have been so busy lately, I haven't been studying and mediating except when it's my turn to teach the Adult Sunday school class. Perhaps, my depression stems from being out of deep prayer and study with my Father. Mark keeps telling me to enjoy the journey and that is normally my stance on life. However, with so many changes and seasons changing in my life right now, I am struggling with this journey.

I had so hoped for a great Student Teaching experience and that's simply not the case. I have stayed stressed out and on edge most days. That really wasn't my plan. My students seem to love me and I know that I love and pray for all of them. Perhaps, God is wanting me to just focus on them and forget trying to please the clinical supervisor. I am tired of jumping through hoops only to be slapped.

Well, I am going to find the phone number for my Cohort call. Perhaps, I will hear a Word from God and be changed. If anyone read this cry-baby post, I should send you some chocolate.

Blessings,
Debbie

Winter Break

I am thrilled because I do not have to Student Teach next week. The elementary school is on winter break. I do have six involved college tasks to submit and 12 reflections for my Cohort class. I find that the Cohort call and reflections are a waste of precious time. I also have to write up some lesson plans for school and prepare and write this science unit that I will be teaching. So, while I get a break from daily teaching, I will be staying extremely busy.

Monday I have an orthodontist and dentist appointment. Fun.

Mark is off this next week, too. I hope that we can steal away for a few lunches out during the week.

I have completed the first six weeks of Student Teaching and I am SO very glad.

Paul played in his very first official soccer game this morning. Mark and I were there to cheer on our Jr. Varsity team. They lost. But, it was still cool to see them play. The first half of the game, our team seemed out of rhythm. However, the last half of the game they really came together and did a tremendous job.

My favorite show is back on television - LOST!!! It's my little escape from reality.

Well, I need to run. I hope everyone had a sweet Valentine's day.

Blessings,
Debbie

Update on me.

This has been a busy several weeks. I began my Student Teaching on January 7, 2008. The principal placed me with a kindergarten teacher. I really enjoyed this teacher and her class; however, my college does not accept kindergarten placements. He left me there for one week and then placed me in a first grade classroom.

Totally different styles and personalities of the students and the teachers but I am enjoying my class. My new host teacher is a sweetie and I really like her. Mark taught two of her sons in his Middle school band last year. Her husband is Homeschooling them this year. She is a Christian and so we share a common faith.

I have 16 students in my class and while some are super sweet, a couple of them know how to try your patience. LOL There are ten boys and six girls in my class. I have been teaching math for the last three weeks and doing the morning routine. The past two weeks, I have been teaching Language arts and this week the editing (morning message) and Social Studies was added to my responsibilities.

I think that it is going okay except my Clinical Supervisor stresses me out completely. Most of the teachers have told me that she does this to all of them. Sigh. WGU pays for someone to be my Clinical Supervisor (from my INCREASED tuition during Student Teaching) and the college allows the principal to choose the person if he/she wants. WGU recommends a retired classroom teacher. My principal chose his Curriculum Specialist.

I have completed three of my six observations with her. Y’all will hear me scream when I don’t have to deal with her anymore. My host teacher has told me that I am doing a great job. And, I appreciate her support and encouragement.

Paul and I both have been sick this week. So not fun. I went to work yesterday morning only to have to leave. I went to our PA and he put me on some meds and hopefully, I will be on the mend and feeling good by sometime this week-end.

I have several papers to write for my college Cohort and class. I also have to write up my two week unit to go into my Portfolio. I am also writing a two week science unit. My friend, Lauri, has given me some great suggestions for that unit. As I have my students do it, I will post pictures.

Well, I need to go and lay down.

Blessings,
Debbie

My life is fixing to change...........

Changes. Changes are often difficult; yet, as we live on this old earth we will face changes. Changes. Our children grow up. We move to a new location. Loved ones die or move away. Changes.

King Solomon talked about changes in Ecclesiastes 3:

1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

The past few years have brought about many changes in my life and in our family. We moved back to Georgia after living in Florida for seven years. I went back to college. Paul decided to start attending public school. Now, I am getting ready to start Student Teaching next Monday. Changes.

I have been telling Mark that my life is changing again and I am not sure if I am ready for the changes. I wish I could slow down time. I wish I had the years back when Christi, Bobby, Michael and Paul were babies. I would live this live again because despite the sorrow, my God has never left me.

There were times when I felt alone and forsaken but looking back I see that I was never alone. God always surrounded me with his loving children who took our family under their wings and displayed the love of God in our lives.

People will fail and disappoint but God never fails. He uses those sorrows to shape and mold us into his image. The point of our lives is to display the love of Christ to those around us.

Change is like the seasons. Winter must come before the spring. Summer's heat gives way to fall's breeze and coolness. Our lives are like those seasons. We have to embrace each one in order to be ready for the next.

I wish I could homeschool my sons again. I would do it so differently. I would focus only on them. I wouldn't be consumed with the minor things of life. I wouldn't worry about tomorrow but I would see the joy in every moment spent with them.

Life is so very precious. Our children, family and friends are so very precious. We need to live our lives with no regret for the words we speak, or the thoughts we have. We need to keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ and his desire for us.

A few pictures in Tennessee at Mark's Mom's.

Grandma and Michael


Mark and his mom


Grandma and Paul


Playing Monopoly

Christmas eve....... hanging stockings......

I left our stockings at home, so Michael hung a doggie stocking and Paul a giant ugly one. Neither my sons or Lauri's kids wanted these photos made. Too bad!

Christmas pictures........

A few Christmas 2007 Photos!

Posting a couple of Christmas pictures for Deborah.

I didn't decorate much this year. But here are a few photos!

My piano Christmas party.........

Here's a group shot of some of my students. They all seemed to have a good time. Once everyone got here, they played their Christmas pieces on the piano. Then, I finished putting out our spread (which I forgot to take pictures of but it was pretty) One of my students prayer over the food and then everyone ate.

Oh, my final menu for the party was:
Sausage Balls
Pigs-in-a-blanket
Meatballs in BBQ sauce
Chips
Veggie tray with ranch dressing
Pickles
Chex Mix
Iced sugar cookies
Chocolate chip and nut cookies
Chocolate/peanut butter fudge
Divinity
Dipped pretzels
Brownies
A Christmas punch

You could not tell from the weather that it is December. Everyone ate out on the screened in porch. After we ate, we came in and I gave the students their gifts and opened my presents from them.

I am freezing lots of cookies to carry up to Lauri's house. I have all the Christmas baking done that I plan in doing. Well, I may make some Cranberry orange loaves. I found a recipe and now I just need to find it, again. I bought the cranberries to make the bread. LOL

HoHoHo and Merry Christmas to All!!!

Blessings,
Debbie

Big Band Christmas music playing......

Cookies baking, lights on the tree........

I love this time of year.

I am always amazed at the hope of the season. Even with the deep longing for my children, I have hope because of my Lord. This is the time we celebrate God becoming a man and living among us.

I love the name....... Emmanuel .... God with us.

Blessings,
Debbie

Assignments are all submitted to WGU!!!!

I finally got my last assignment written up and submitted to my college before I begin Demonstration Teaching in January. I am thrilled to pieces. I can now finish getting ready for the holidays with a little less weight on my shoulders.

This is such a busy time of year without having to worry about school assignments.

I have lots to do but not school. Anyway, sharing my joy!

Blessings,
Debbie

Hohoho!!! I hope this works.

Copy and paste this link into your address bar and see us become elves!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1173927888

Blessings,
Debbie

My thoughts this evening.....

As we were driving home a little while ago, Paul had the group Yellow Card on the stereo. They were singing a song that contained the words, “Do You Remember When?” My mind started reliving all my years with this man that God gave to me as a husband. It went back to all the firsts. I was lost in thought and overwhelmed with my emotions and was saddened about how quickly our life together is flying by. We have had sorrow and heartache more than I ever thought that I would have to endure; yet, by God’s grace, we have endured. We have also experienced great joy and laughter. I remember the day each of our children were born and the day I picked up Paul. What amazing joy!

Tears swelled up in my eyes, as I realized that since we have already been married twenty-eight years, and we may not live to see another twenty-eight. Silently, I thanked God for this man. I adore my husband. He has always been my friend as well as my lover. God has blessed me beyond measure.

Young wives love your husbands and treasure each moment that God gives you with them. Don’t get caught up on the temporal things in this life. Life moves by all too quickly. Take time everyday to build your relationship with your husband. Enjoy each other.

Blessings,
Debbie


Our Wedding Day, December, 1979


Our Vacation this Summer, June, 2007

My new Christmas quilt and other ramblings.

My friend, Linda, from Florida surprised me by FedExing me a Christmas quilt. I just love it. I thought that I would share a photo of it.



I got my official scores on the GACE exams. That was such a wonderful feeling. I passed my last objective test with WGU for my degree program on Wednesday morning. I have gotten one of my six assignments completed and submitted yesterday. It only took me five hours. LOL

I am hoping to finish another one today. That will leave me with four to get done. My adviser told me not to kill myself trying to finish them all by tomorrow. So, I will work on them over the week-end and the beginning of next week.

Merry Christmas! Tomorrow is December 1. Sunday is the first week of advent. Mark bought a new Christ candle a week ago but I have to go and buy the tapers for the advent wreath. Our tree is up and I am so glad. We have a busy schedule over the next three weeks. I have lots of my Nativities out. I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday.

Blessings,
Debbie

I passed my GACE exams!!

I got my unofficial test scores in an email yesterday. That feels like a huge weight lifted off of me.

Tomorrow, I take my last proctored test for this degree. Now, I need to study for it. I also have to complete 6 more assignments by Friday night.

The GACE exams were two sets of the area content for Elementary education.

Blessings,
Debbie

Thanksgiving..... thanks!

Today was Thanksgiving! It seems like yesterday when we were celebrating the last Thanksgiving. I am so blessed because God is so good to me. Today, has been sweet. The weather has been lovely with the fall colors proclaiming the artistry of God. This first photo is one of Paul earlier today in the backyard.



This photo is of Paul cooking the green beans. He loves fresh stir fried beans. And, he's a pretty good cook.


This photo is of the boys and me. Not the greatest photo, but I thought that I would post it anyway.


I spent all day yesterday cooking our feast. It was just our family this year. Today has been pleasant. I made quiche and grapefruit compote in rosemary syrup last night for our brunch today. After our brunch, Mark and I put the turkey in the roaster and while it was baking, we all played Pictionary. Mark and I beat the boys! The turkey got done quicker than I was expecting, so we all got busy and finished the last minute dinner items (mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans) while the cornbread dressing and sweet potatoes baked in the oven.

Later, Mark and I watched the movie, "Amazing Grace." I highly recommend it.

Today has been a day of gratefulness. I am so thankful.

Love,
Debbie

Today........ has been fun!

I got to meet Miss Jean from my ChristianMoms board. Our families met for lunch.

And, Paul decided to get his hair cut short! I couldn't believe it! Here are some photos from the day!

Me and Miss Jean


Our families.


Paul getting his hair cut.


Paul and Missy after his cut.


After the hair cut, Mark and I went grocery shopping and finished picking up the last things that I needed to make our Thanksgiving dinner.

Then, we came home and this evening watched "Hairspray".

Blessings,
Debbie

Bobby

Tomorrow my oldest son will turn 26 years old. I remember the day that precious child was born. He was a doll. I couldn’t get over all of his dark hair and huge blue eye. I remember crying when they told me he was a boy because my first thought was what would I do if he ever got drafted? ? Just the thought of the possibility of not knowing where he was or if he was safe caused me pain. Yet, I have had to live with unknowing since 1989.

Bobby was always happy. He never met a stranger. He would walk up to people and introduce himself and ask them if they had gone to church that morning!

He was my climber. I remember after the children got their swing set, I ran into the house for a minute to do something in the kitchen. I looked out the kitchen window and Bobby was sitting on top of the swing set. I went running out the back door totally afraid my precious child was going to fall off it.

I never go a day without thinking of my Christi and Bobby. I pray that God grants me my deepest desire, to see my children again in this life and for our family to be whole and reunited.

Tomorrow, I will weep. I will remember and I will pray. I will pray that God has blessed my son with joy and happiness. I pray that Bobby has found a lovely wife and that he has a child that he loves as much as I have always loved him. I pray that his life is filled with joy and that someday, he remembers his mom and dad and our life together before my parents stole him.

Moving Along with school...........

Because I know y'all are dying to know... NOT!! LOL

I know for sure where I will be Demonstration Teaching in January - just not the teacher or grade yet. I requested 3rd grade. We shall see what they give me.

My FBI background clearance finally got completed and I have mailed a copy to my school (along with my NEA membership) and taken a copy to the School Board. I had to join the NEA in order to get their liability coverage.

I am waiting for my last task in Teaching Math and Science to be graded.

I have only completed one task in Teaching Reading and Spelling.

I had a headache yesterday which put me further behind than I intended. For some reason these reading and writing tasks look horrible to me. Now, everyone (my mentor and the other students) says that the Math and Science tasks are the worse.

Well, I kind of liked doing those. LOL And, my grades were all really good on those tasks, too.

I will not find out my Content area GACE exams (state ones) until Nov. 27.

I take my LAST objective test with WGU on Nov. 28. I have taken and passed the pre-assessment with a high score, so I am not as worried about that test as I was.

Today, I have to clean my house and TRY to get serious about these tasks.

Then, I pick up Paul from school and take him to tutoring. Hopefully, Michael will stay at Brewton Parker and drive him home for me because Mark and I have a meeting (at our house) this evening.

Blessings,
Debbie

This Blog is having some contests!

Go take a look!!!

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Blessings,
Debbie

Saturday, November 3.... update.

Somebody tell me why at probably one of the most stressful and busy times in my life, do I decide to make a Martha Stewart sausage stew recipe that is served in little baked pumpkins? I must be insane. Or, my mind has turned to mush and I no longer possess the ability to think logically.

Anyway, I did do part of this recipe on Thursday. I soaked the beans and cooked them and then put those in the refrigerator. The presentation was lovely. But, the stew was so hot that all three of us were screaming. Anyway, I took pictures to show off my hard work. I hope y'all enjoy the pictures. Michael has been at the college all day. I guess he ate there. He's helping to make a movie.




I have managed to complete 8 papers this week! I have to complete the equivalent of 12 semester hours this month in order to Demonstration Teach in January. The school changed the time requirements on me after accepting me into the January DT cohort. I am treating college like a full-time job with horrible pay.

I hope that everyone else is having a lovely Saturday. I just may call it quits and not do another assignment since it's now 10:00 PM.

Blessings,
Debbie

My boys.........

Michael wore this to college today. Paul stayed home from school because the kid is sick but then he went to youth at church tonight dressed as a skateboarder.

Just look at my sons. I am so proud. Not! hehehe I know that it is the dream of every mother to have a pirate and a punker. (snicker)

A photo from Saturday of Paul......

fishing, or... well... sleeping by our pond.



Here is a close up of him. He took this using a tripod and his camera with its timer setting. I thought they were neat. I especially love the one with the view.

A few of Michael's ceramic pieces

This is a photo taken today of Michael at the college.



This is my favorite piece. I wish y'all could see the detail. I told him that I want this piece!


Michael loves his ceramics class at college. He enjoys shaping items with his hands more than using the wheel. LOL

Here are a few pictures of him and some of his pieces that are on display in the college library. My favorite of this group is his African candy dish. After he gets these pieces out from behind glass, I'll get some better pictures. Oh, his Christmas piece is cute, too. The other pieces that he made are a wolf and a squirrel.

It is actually getting closer!

I am talking about Demonstration Teaching and then graduation. It's hard to believe that this goal is nearly accomplished. I am looking into Master degree programs and trying to decide which way I want to go to pursue this next degree. I was seriously thinking about getting a Master in Technology and Education but now I am considering getting one in Curriculum design. That would go along with my creative juices. I so enjoyed creating Units of study when I was homeschooling Michael.

My braces are on my teeth! There will be no photos. They have really given me fits this week. I would have thought that after giving birth that my pain tolerance would have been higher.

Mark is really wanting to get his DMA. If he can't make that happen, he's considering getting his EdS. We shall see how everything comes into play over the next several months. The DMA would open doors for him to teach at a college or seminary level. This was always his goal before the children were kidnapped. Then our lives took on a totally different spin. The EdS would just be a very nice salary increase with the public schools. Ministry is where he feels calls and where his passion lies, though. So, we shall see what doors and windows and opportunities that God provides.

Michael is saving money to buy a car. We are planning on helping him out with some of it. It will be very nice when he has his own wheels. Although, being that Mark's school and Michael's college are across the street from each other, sharing Mark's truck has worked out alright, not perfect but doable.

I saw Paul's band march a complete show this past Friday night. They did a great job. I love that child. I wonder if our children ever really know just how much we adore them? I wonder if when they have children of their own, they finally figure it out?

I have so much to get accomplished in the next month and a half. I have to get a little script together and build the set for the children's Christmas pageant at church. I have two huge classes to finish up and one objective proctored test with my college and I am taking Georgia's Content Area exams on Saturday. It kind of makes my head spin.

I am hoping that this Thanksgiving will be spent right here at home. I really do not want to travel this year.

Well, that's a small update on my life.

Blessings,
Debbie

A post about battling depression.......

A precious mom from my board ChristianMoms located at Excoboards, posted to me today thanking me for something that I had posted to her several months back. She told me that she had printed it out and saved the words. Today, she read them again. She wanted to thank me for them.

I am posting them here in the hopes that they may help someone else.


I will pray that you begin to experience true joy in your life.

Don't get this confused with the world's definition of joy. Joy is not based on our physical situation, on the people in our lives, on our income, home, number of children, and the list goes on. Joy is based on knowing, understanding and believing who we are in Christ. We are hidden in Him.

In order to be hidden in Christ, we must spend time with Him - daily. You need to pray, meditate on the scriptures (notice that I didn't say - quickly read them but meditate on them), learn to have a thankful spirit, and also we must practice forgiveness. We must forgive ourselves and others.

As we meditate upon the scripture, we must begin to truly follow it and apply it to every situation in our life. The Word of God, at times, cuts to our hearts. It cuts out improper thoughts, actions, and feelings. This process is painful but if we keep on turning to the Word, keeping on praying and praising God, those places that had to be surgically removed from us by the Sword of the Word begin a healing process. God pours His truth and life out in our lives if we simply seek Him.

Seek Him daily and you shall find Him.

Lots of us make the mistake of stopping before the process is completed in areas of our lives. We start with all good intention to be faithful in spending TIME with God but then as the Word begins to speak to us, we can't stand the pain. So, we cover the pain with a facade and decide that we must really be an un-favored step-child of God instead of joint heirs with Jesus. This causes depression and hopeless feelings in our lives.

Beloved,

God has a plan for your life and it is good. He wants you to reach out with the faith of a child and jump into His arms and trust Him. Do you remember when our children are little and right under our feet? I remember trying to make supper with toddlers and babies attached to my legs. They wanted a couple of things. First, they smelled the food and wanted to eat the good things that I was preparing for them. However, they had to WAIT until the food was done cooking. I couldn't feed a child a raw chicken leg. To a toddler, I am sure that waiting time felt forever. Also, they sometimes wanted MY attention. They were tired and just wanted their mommy to STOP whatever chore I was doing and hold them.

I honestly feel that we are to approach the Father like our babies approached us. We need to get under His feet and hold on to His legs and He will give us the good things He is preparing for us and sometimes, He just stops and scoops us up in His arms and holds us a while.

Only God and His Word and then obeying it will take away this depression and allow you to experience life to the full.

I will be praying as you seek God.

Love,
Debbie

Healing

I have pondered the question of healing for years. I get bothered by ministries that seem to broadcast that they can heal you and yet, I know that prayers of faith accomplish much.

In recent months, I have had a couple of experiences with praying for church family. One of the choir members told me that her arthritis was really hurting her that evening. She told me this privately. I reached over and touched her and prayed. I asked for God to take the pain away. I felt a compassion for her because I have experienced arthritis and I didn’t want her to hurt. Two weeks later, she came up to me and said, ‘Debbie, I have been meaning to tell you something. Remember when you prayed for me about the arthritis pain? Well, the pain left that night and I have had none since.” I simply smiled and told her that I was happy for her.

Last Wednesday night, our pastor called me aside to tell me that he had been diagnosed with a kidney infection and his back was killing him. He went on the say that he thought he might even have a fever. He wanted me to explain to Mark why he and his wife left before adult choir rehearsal. When he told me that he thought he might have a fever, I reached up and placed my hand on his forehead and check. I told him that I would tell Mark why they left and then I told him that I wanted to pray for him. He seemed rather taken back, I placed my head on his shoulder and prayed that God would take his pain away and allow him to fly like wings of eagles – pain free. Sunday, as Mark and I were leaving the church, the pastor quietly told Mark and me that when I got done praying for him, that the pain had immediately left and had not returned. He just wanted me to know.

I told him that God was good and prayer was powerful.

When Christi was a little girl, I got migraines frequently. She would rub my arm and pray and the headache would go away. She was started doing this for me when she was only 5 years old. I used to tell Mark that her prayers that contained the faith of a child were heard by my God.

Mark and I have prayed for other people and organized prayers for people that were given death sentences and they lived. One time a men was dying of cancer in a church we were serving. The cancer had gone away but had come back worse than the first time. This man and his wife asked for Mark and me to go to dinner with them one evening. They told us that he was dying. They had told the senior pastor and the chairman of the deacons and they had gone over all the legal documents and his wife and kids would be taken care of. I sat at this table and did not know how to respond. His doctor had told him that there was nothing left to be done and to get everything in order. I finally said, “Gary, do you want to die? What do you want from Mark and me?” Why in the world I asked such a heartless question is still beyond me. He replied no that he didn’t want to die but didn’t tell us what he wanted. He just sat there looking so very sad and beaten. Then I asked him if he wanted us to pray for him by arranging a group to meet at his house. He said that yes he wanted prayer. Mark began to organize a large group of people to meet at Gary’s house and to pray for him. Mark contacted pastors from other denominations. He told our pastor and chairman of the deacons about the prayer time and they laughed in his face. Later, we found out from others that our pastor was angry with Mark for arranging the prayer for Gary. He was telling them that the prayer would not work.

That evening a large group of people met at Gary’s house. We circled their house and prayed. As everyone came back into the front yard, Mark said, “This doesn’t feel right.” He instructed everyone to gather round Gary and his family and either touch him or touch someone else who was touching him. The group began to pray. It took the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The sound of the prayers all spoken together was amazing.

On Gary’s next trip to the doctor, the doctor brought up a method of treating other types of cancer. He told Gary that this treatment would probably not work for him but they could try if Gary wanted. Gary decided to fight. After the treatment, Gary went into remission. God had spoken. Instead of burying him, we were able to celebrate with him and his precious family.

Prayers and healing, prayers and faith and faith like a child are vital in our lives. Sometimes, God answers no and that healing doesn’t take place. But, many times, God says, “Yes.” Yes, to healing.

I have several more examples of times that we have prayed for people and they were healed. I used to be surprised but now I kind of expect it.

I have prayed so many times for God to heal my Michael of his dyslexia and yet, Michael is still dyslexic. However, when Michael was 16 months old, a specialist told me that my son had nerve damage and could not hear at all. I went to God in prayer for my son. I didn’t know that I could pray for healing – so I prayed for strength. I gave my baby to Christ and saw myself walk away from my child and leave him at the feet of my Savior. Two months later, Michael was tested again – and his hearing was perfect. Even though I hadn’t specifically prayed for God to heal him with my voice, my spirit begged God and He answered my prayer.

I have been thinking about these prayers and the movement of God since Sunday morning. Yes, God is good.

Going nuts!!

I have been working like a nut cake trying to get tons of assignments done for a college class. I need to complete four more tasks in this class and study for a major exam that I am taking on Wednesday. Sometimes, I wonder about my sanity in trying to complete a year's worth of classes in 3 months time. God has been gracious in allowing me some decent brain activity in writing this stuff up. I have been reading so much that my eyes burn.

I was fixing to start writing a paper this afternoon, when Paul came in and told me that he needed a little help with three projects that he has due in Health and Physical science. That child of mine!! Instead of me writing my papers, I had help Paul find what he needed. He has completed one project and, hopefully, his daddy will help him with the other two tomorrow.

Mark had seven students pass out last night and five ended up in the hospital. He didn't get home until 4:30 AM!! He has been one tired puppy today.

Now... my news........ I am getting my spacers for my braces next Wednesday after my test. And, the following week I get my braces. I am not quite sure how I feel about all this at my age. Oh, well. Lauri's son Aaron doesn't know why I care how I look at my age. Oh, to be 20 again. I told him that it wasn't just to have straight teeth. It was a matter of KEEPING my teeth which are shifting. Anyway, I am praying that God allows me to say that to him in 25 or 30 years. LOL

I need to check on a roast in the oven and work on a paper.

Blessings,
Debbie

Todays thoughts .....

My determined purpose is to begin to thank God the Father for all unseen circumstances. I thanked Him for healing me. I thanked Him for restoring my family. I thanked Him for provision in all things. After a time of prayer this morning, I felt compelled to read Colossians 2. I have read Colossians many times but in order to be obedient to the prompting of God, I grabbed one of my Bibles and began to read. The verses that struck a deep chord in my mind and heart today read, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

Complete is a lovely word. The Oxford American Dictionary defines complete as “1. having all its parts, not lacking anything, 2. finished, and 3. thorough in every way.”

The question that came into my mind was, “Debbie, do you believe this? Do you believe my Word?” A sense of new found freedom came over me and my heart rejoiced because I realized that I had been double minded in certain areas of the scripture. While I had believed God for my salvation, I certainly didn’t believe that I was complete. I have felt that my heart and mind were ripped in pieces many years ago leaving me as one of God’s stepchildren who was able to receive some of His blessings but not all of them.

I have believed through circumstances in my life that I was unworthy. When your parents steal two of your children and slander you and your beloved husband, one can begin to doubt that the blessings of God (all of His blessings) pertain to you.

Today felt like a rebirth. I decided to believe that I was complete, finished, and not lacking anything in Christ. Today my faith was renewed.

Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit.

Well, since I posted the great picture of Paul....

I decided to post a photo of the other men in my life. I made it a few weeks ago.

This one is of Mark and me. We were having family portraits made that day; however, Paul's eye swelled up and looked horrible. He wouldn't let me make a picture of him and needless to say I didn't buy any portaits.



This is the most current portrait that I have of our family. Paul was six and Michael was 15. I think it's time for a new one.

Growing up too fast...

My baby went to a black and white semi-formal affair last night. Now, this doesn't surprise me, it just makes me want to slow down time a bit. He got his learner's permit a week ago, so now he driving everytime he gets into the car. He is loving High School band and literature. When did the little boy disappear?

Tybee Island

Mark was off this week, sort of. Let me rephrase that statement. His school was scheduled to have this week off but Mark has had three rehearsals and has a football game tonight. So, while he has had some time off, it certainly hasn't been a week. However, we did get away on Tuesday to Tybee Island. I forgot my camera or I would be posting pictures. Mark and I had a wonderful day. We tried getting into the ocean but we are used to the warmer waters of the gulf after living in Florida for seven years. The ocean was active with lots of current and waves and the breeze on the beach was lovely. The only inconvenience of a nice breeze on the beach is that the sand likes to blow. My hair was filled with sand.

We ate dinner at a fun place called The Crab Shack. It is off of Highway 80 and it is located on a salt marsh. Great atmosphere and even better food!

It was nice spending time alone with my husband. I am so thankful that we have a relationship that doesn't always have to be about the boys, or church, or chores. The day was peaceful. There is something calming about walking on a near empty beach with the love of your life. God’s power of creation is so evident when I see the ocean or travel up into the mountains. I asked Mark on Tuesday if he thought God had fun creating this world.