Summer is flying quickly .....

I have been extremely busy this summer and the time for posting and the computer has not been a priority.

Mark and I accomplished a few GOOD things like painting both boys' rooms and their bathrooms and the hallway. We also managed to clean out our garage. That was one hot dirty job! We also both worked a five day VBS at our church and were the special music for the reception honoring our prior pastor.

My friend Linda visited from Florida. Unfortunately, her trip was cut short due to her mother getting very ill. Please pray for Linda and her mom. Her mom was released to a hospice.

My friend, Lauri, and two of her teens came down for a visit for nine days. We managed to get to Tybee Island for a couple of days while they were here. Several of us got burned. Ouch! We had a great 4th of July celebrating with a BBQ and fireworks.

Paul completed summer school where he made excellent grades and then headed to North Carolina to Boy Scout Camp. Paul went to Calhoun traveling with Lauri's son and then I followed traveling with Lauri and her daughter a few days later. While in Calhoun, I managed to get a visit with Deborah and her family and learn the details of their upcoming adoption. Mark met us in Macon today. I phoned a dear friend that I hadn't seen in several years when I saw the Warner Robbins sign and we went by their new house for a visit. It was great seeing Danna and Herb.

Michael has been busy taking college classes all summer and his only break was a trip to Atlanta to Six Flags with a group of friends from his church.

Mark, me and Paul at the Crab Shack.


Me and Linda. The food was GOOD!!


Lauri, Rachel and Taylor in the woods across the street from my house.


Taylor standing on a rotting bridge rail in the woods.


An interesting log. I see a dragon!


Taylor, Rachel and Lauri at Tybee.


A very fat woman standing with my sweet husband. And, what's even more scary... the old gal doesn't have on any make-up!!


Rachel and Paul fixing to go out Ballroom dancing.


Two dapper young men, Levi and Paul, ready to break some sweet girls' hearts.


The entire gang trying to leave but some MOM is insisting on pictures!




Marigrace, Lauri, me and Deborah trying the "put your hands on your hips to look skinny trick" however, I don't think it worked on me.

Finding Joy

I decided years ago that I had to choose joy over depression and sadness.

Joy and happiness are not synonyms. The apostle Paul speaks of joy in all circumstances. He is my model. His example is what I turn to during dark days. Happiness is fleeting. People often base it on external temporary pleasures. Joy is abiding. Paul talks about contentment. I had to learn to be content in my relationship with Christ Jesus. I had to learn to accept and expect His abiding presence with me daily in the form of the Holy Spirit.

People disappoint us. They can leave us, abandon us, slander us, and loved ones can die. Material possessions grow old and fade with time. However, these are not the areas in which we can put our faith. Our faith must remain fully grounded in Christ and the work His did in order to redeem us to Himself.

It is impossible for Christ to disappoint us if our hearts one with His. His desire for us is to abide with Him. This abiding will last an eternity in heaven; however, it is here for us now. In order to have joy in this life, my advice is to daily spend time with Christ. Get to know Him – the man and our Lord. Meditate on His Word. Lean not to your own understanding (of life) but in all your ways acknowledge Him.

I had to realize that life can take me by surprise and alarm but God is never surprised. God knew the day that I gave birth to Christi and to Bobby that my parents had formed an evil desire in their hearts to steal our children. This was not something that I could prepare for in advance because I am not God and not omnipotent. I don’t have foreknowledge. But, my Lord and Savior knew that these events would unfold in our lives.

I admit that I questioned God the Father. I could not begin to understand why He allowed this tragedy to take place in my family. I did not understand why I needed to go on living. I did not understand how this rupture of my family could in any way bring honor to the name of Christ. I was lost in my despair and sorrow. During this time I camped out in the Old Testament. I read David’s laments. I read the prophets that foretold of the Israelites’ impending bondage. I read and I wept. The prophet Isaiah began to minister to my soul and broken heart.

I read and reread the accounts of Job and Joseph. I read the story of Hannah. I read the story of Ester. And, my list continued. What I discovered in all of these saints’ lives is that they did not see God’s plan while in the midst of the trials. They forged their way through the darkness of their trials believing that there was more to life than what their physical eyes revealed. I decided to believe what Joseph said to his brothers, “What man intended for evil, God intended for good.”

This short phrase has kept me safe and helped to hold my faith steadfast.
Yet, it was Paul and his words and teachings that helped me to realize that presence of God – today. Paul told me to be content regardless of life’s circumstances. He reminded me that I see through a glass dimly but someday I shall see face-to-face. I know that I am repeating myself but this is where I found my peace. I found peace in coming to this awareness that Christ is always with me. And, that I can trust Him.

Daily I meet Christ. He gathers me up in His arms and draws me to Him each morning. I see His nail scarred hands with my name cut into them. He whispers words of hope and love in my ears. And, I believe Him. I believe that someday the sorrows and disappointments of this life will fade into a distant past.

As I read the accounts of Christ in scripture, I realize that He stopped and enjoyed those around Him. He loved on the children. He shared meals with friends. He went to parties and danced at weddings. However, Christ is God and He is omnipotent. He knew exactly what He was going to have to endure – the sorrow of the cross, the mournful tears of his mother, the abandonment of friends, the rejection. Yet, he went about His life and ministry with a joy that was contagious to the masses.

Who am I to say that I cannot find a true joy in this gift of life that God has given me today? Who am I to deny the beauty in the world around me? Can I ignore a child’s smile or innocent questions? Can I harden my heart to dear friends’ compassion? Can I stomp my feet and scream because my life has had some thorns as well as roses? I know that none of my thorns have been nearly as painful as my Savior’s.

So, I stand with the saints who have lived before me and I make my choice to live with joy because of my eternal reward and the reward that I experience daily with my Lord and Savior.

Paul's Youth Group's Skit to "Everything"

I accidentally turned off the video near the beginning while trying to zoom in on the kids. I quickly started it from this point. Paul is the boy who dances with the girl. I am so glad the Cotillion has found some use in his life. I couldn't figure out how to zoom in a dark theater. Sorry. So, the video is not that great. You can't see the expressions on the faces.

Yellow Roses

I love roses. My sweet husband knows that I love fresh cut flowers in my house. They bring me joy and provide beauty to our home. Today when Mark came in from work, he presented me with a bouquet of wonderful long-stemmed yellow roses. His gift took me by surprise so I asked him why he had brought me the roses.

His answer, "I know how much you love roses. When I saw them today, I thought of you and bought them."

I am so blessed to have a husband who brings me roses just because. I love this man.


I put the roses in an old iced tea pitcher that was my Grandmother's. She grew the most beautiful roses.

Snicker....

Yesterday, I wanted to show Paul the pictures that I had taken of our pets. He came into my office and I opened the picture file. Of course, he saw the ones of his messy room (I spared y'all those) and him and Michael sleeping.

He looked at me rather puzzled and said, "Mom, you are so weird! Why would you sneak into my room and take pictures of me sleeping? I really don't understand."

In my defense, I didn't sneak into his room.

LOL!! BTW, I didn't tell him that I posted those pictures on my Blog yesterday.

Blessings,
Debbie

Morning Colors....

I love spring. I enjoy those gentle morning hours when the air is filled with a sweet stillness and the dew is still on the flowers. I was out on the screened-in-porch this morning after Mark had left for work. I was talking to our pets while I drank my coffee. I had taken my camera in order to try and get some photos of the birds but the pets got my attention instead.

Splenda saw me and came up from the woods.

Here she is telling me hello!

This is our "puppy" Daisy. She is Minnie's baby.

This is our Minnie. We got her from a cousin who raised doxies after Mark's daddy died.


As I was looking around I noticed the colors. The color of the still pond with the trees' shadows casting a gray hue. The trees' leaves were rich shades of green since we have not had any lack of rain. The earth was filled with God's glorious artistry.

The pond and our picnic table where Paul will spend lazy afternoons fishing with his friends.


Trees near the pond flourish since they have a ready supply of water.


The mighty oak.


Next, I decided to wander around to the front of our home and check out the Easter lilies that I had planted last year.

Notice, the lilies are still wet with the morning dew! Their fragrance is sweet.



Here are a few more shots of some of my basket flowers and plants.

I like the delicate ruffled edges of the Africa violet's flowers.


More Basket plants.



As I came back into my quiet house, I decided to check on my sons. Both are done with this semester's classes. However, Paul begins summer school in June and Michael will be starting a summer session in college in a week or so.

My sleeping beauties! NOT!! Won't they just love me for posting these great shots?




Blessings,
Debbie

Week 2: Writing Challenge

"If this blog entry could catch your family's undivided attention and they would take to heart what they read, what is the one thing you would want to say to them?"

If you take part, please leave a note in my comments. Thanks!

This question came from Karren and it's not easy to answer. There are so many things that I would want to make sure that my family (I am thinking immediate and/or children) to take to heart. I would want all four of them to know that I love and pray for each of them. My desire for their lives to is for them to live a life honoring God and bringing praise to His Name. However, the most important message to my family would be a life lived in faith. I want my family to know that even during the most painful times in life that God's provision, care, salvation and love it real. "Faith is the substance is the things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Loved ones, trusted family members, and friends can fail you but God is always trustworthy. Don't confuse God's speaking with circumstances. God is never changing. He is stable. Sometimes, God does speak to us through our circumstances BUT there are times when those circumstances are set up as a stumbling block. In order to be able to know and see the difference, STAY in the Word, STAY in fellowship with other believers, and ALWAYS pray without ceasing.

Daily I feel my Savior's presence. I want my family to know this as a fact. I want each of them to experience a true and vital relationship with Christ.

Friday's Feast

A friend from my board gave the link to Friday's Feast. I thought that I would play - at least this Friday.

Feast One Hundred & Ninety One
May 16, 2008.

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

We are right between Savannah and Macon.
Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

Ummm, well.... maybe an 8.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

My hair has lots of lots of blond highlights. It is very soft, thick hair and past my shoulders in length. Honestly, I really like my hair.

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

I am an aggressive but courteous driver. No road rage here. No one would describe my driving as slow. LOL

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

One of the weeks while student teaching back in April. I was so sick and having to be observed. It was the pits!!

Another Blast from the Past

You’re Beautiful (written 8 years ago in 2000)

Last night, Mark and I got in late. We had been in Port Charlotte teaching English and reading classes to the Hispanic players on the Texas Rangers’ farm team. After completing the classes, we grabbed a dinner and went to the store. I checked on the boys when we walked in the house and then went to my room to chill out for a few minutes. I washed my face and put on my robe.

My almost eight-year-old son was in the breakfast room eating my left-over steak from the restaurant. He should have been in bed but he wasn’t.

“Paul, is that good?” I inquired as I was passing through the room. He stopped eating and looked up at me. I was going to tell him to go brush his teeth and get in bed when he held out his arms for a hug. Of course, I had to hug him. It’s one of those perks you get when you are a mom.

He wrapped those skinny little boy arms about my neck and then surprised me with a kiss. I smiled down at my son. I was thinking how much I loved being a mother. As I was about to walk out of the room, my son looked at me and said, “Mom, you’re beautiful.”

His statement took me by shock. Here I was wearing a fuzzy yellow robe, house shoes, and NO makeup! I managed to thank him because I realized he meant it. There was no hidden agenda. To my little boy, I was beautiful. Then he added, “Mom, would you hold me for a minute? You are so soft and snuggly in that robe. I would like to just sit in your lap.”

Nothing thrills my heart more than when one of my children just wants to be near me – just to sit in my lap. I love it when all they want is me. Yes, those are the times I would give them the world.

As I was holding my precious son last night, God spoke to me. After a busy, long day I was finally still and not asleep. It was a perfect opportunity for my Father to speak. Very quietly, very gently, God stepped into my living room. My Father looked down and He smiled at me and asked, “Debbie, when’s the last time you just climbed up in my lap? When’s the last time you told me that I was wonderful and you didn’t want a thing? Child, sometimes I want my perks for being your Father. Sometimes, I want your arms around my neck.”

Often, the cares of this life press in on us so tightly we forget that we have a Father who loves us. We get so consumed with doing and going, we ignore the One that we are serving. We neglect our relationship with our God and then we wonder where our passion has gone. We long for our joy and peace to return but we’re too tired and busy to stop and figure out what’s wrong. We tell everyone that we love the Father but we forget to tell the Father. I am so glad that my Father still speaks to me. He speaks words of love. He loves me because I’m His kid.

The ordinary things in our lives, the people that we take for granted are usually our burning bush! My living room chair was the bush. My son was the flame. Suddenly, I was on Holy Ground. God was in the room reminding me that I needed Him.

Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me through my child. I really need to spend some more time with you. I need to cuddle up and just let You hold me. Thanks for reminding me that this daughter can still sit in her Father’s Lap.

Oh, and Dad, You’re beautiful.


Paul and Me

Writing Challenge #1:

List 5 things you and your husband do for each other in your marriage that are sweet habits you've developed over the years.

**If you take part in this challenge on your Blog, please tell me in my comments! Thanks.

1. Mark makes me coffee every morning! He usually pours it for me and brings it to me.

2. We read the Bible and pray together to begin our days. Well, Mark reads and I listen.

3. I sign his cards: Love, Your First Wife. Often, he will refer to me during a sermon or a choir rehearsal as his first wife. That can confuse new folks!

4. After 28 years of marriage, he still opens every door and car door for me. He has always treated me with such respect and gentleness.

5. We support each other in our endeavors. Example: I have tried to attend nearly all of Mark's concerts and musical performances over the years.

My Journal - July 23, 1991, 6:00 PM: Memories from the Past

A friend pulled a page from her journal and posted it on her Blog. I loved what she shared and decided that I might do some of that type of sharing. I intended to share one of my sweet fun memories; however, I pulled some of my older writings out and saw this one. Mother's Day causes me to reflect and remember. So, this is what y'all get to see - me at my weakest.


A Very Young and Naive Baskin Family


I opened my eyes to the morning
Hoping, always, that this would be the day.
The day of reunion
The day of joy.
Joy in the finding of my two lost children,
And also joy in knowing that I have truly forgiven my parents.

Evening is about to come,
Still no word.
The phone rings,
But not them.
No one has news.
As night falls I waiver in faith.
Faith.

I do not know if they will ever be restored in this life.
But life continues.
Sometimes, it is so very hard.
Sometimes, I think I will never experience joy again.

Then -
Michael comes into the room
Bringing with him laughter and questions.

Then –
My husband comes home
And I know how lucky I am to have him.

Then –
I pray and suddenly I hear a still small voice
Saying –

Be still and know that I am Lord.
Do not be afraid.
I am here, always.

So now I close my eyes to sleep.
Perhaps I will dream and see their faces
Perhaps I will hear their voices
And touch their hands.

Or perhaps Jesus will simply love me –
Hold me-
For the morning is coming,
And I need His strength.
Strength to live,
Strength to laugh,
Strength to cry,
Strength to endure.

Lord,
Will I see them again while they are children?
Please Lord comfort my children and let them know
That we love them dearly.
Thank you, God.

Mother's Day Ramblings

Mother’s Day is an extremely bittersweet day for me. I am grateful for my sons who I can see, hug, and hear. They bring me joy and laughter and sometimes, a few other emotions that I won’t speak of today. (hehe) However, my mind thinks back in time when this day arrives. I find myself thinking about Christi and Bobby more than I normally do. I wonder many things. Are they married? Do I have grandchildren? Are they happy? Are they serving Christ? Are they missing me as much as I miss them? Do they remember their daddy and me? I wonder.

Yet, God has given Mark and me the grace to continue despite the pain, despite the unknowing, despite our broken hearts where our precious two older children are concerned. God has shown His love and care to our family. And, we believe we are blessed.

Today, I am totally and completely exhausted. Mark and I had a 20 hour day yesterday chaperoning his band students to a concert festival and then a trip to Six Flags over Georgia. We awoke to raging storms and yet still proceeded to shower and get ready for our church service. Both boys went with us today. It was so good to see their faces as I sat in the choir loft. After the choir special, the choir left the loft and sat with our families. That is not a normal happening in our church.

This was Dr. Perry’s last Sunday as our pastor. I ache inside. I have come to dearly love Margaret and Dr. Perry. Mark adores both of them. I wonder what changes God might have in store for my husband’s ministry. Yet, again, I believe we are blessed. The Perry’s have enriched my life.

Mark and the boys wanted to take me out for Sunday dinner but I didn’t want to fight the crowds. I just wanted a still day with my sons. I had baked a big hen on Friday evening and had put it in the refrigerator. I told Mark that I wanted to come home and cook some veggies and eat here. So, that’s what we did. I made stir fry fresh green beans, summer squash with sweet Vidalia onions chopped in them and baked potatoes.

I didn’t tell Mark this but whenever we eat summer squash, I think about his daddy. Mark’s daddy loved to garden. He grew the most wonderful squash, beans, peas, and watermelon. I am thankful for sweet memories. I am blessed.

Today at church, I was one of two moms who had four children. So, we each won a bouquet of roses because we were the moms with the most children. When I sat down, my friend who sits next to me in choir, leaned over and said, “I didn’t know that you had four children.” I just smiled and nodded. Smiles can be such a façade. She didn’t know the pain behind that smile. Thankfully, by the end of service she had forgotten her question and didn’t seek me out to ask more questions. I was blessed.

Oh, back to our dinner. Mark wanted to know if I had everything needed to finish dinner. I told him that I only needed the ingredients to make my strawberry cake. We stopped at the grocery store, and purchased fresh berries, sour cream, whipped topping and cake mix. The cake is made. Paul came in the kitchen when I was icing it and ended up helping me complete the cake. This cake was my sweet daughter’s favorite cake. It was the one she’d request for her birthday. While the memories are sweet, they also bring sorrow. But, God is good and He gives me strength to endure.

My thoughts and emotions are so mixed today, yet, I have an assurance. My Christ loves me and my family. I choose daily to trust in His love. I am blessed.


Michael and Me


Paul and Me


Being Silly


Paul, me and Michael


Mark and the boys


Mark and Me: two very tired parents!

Hearing God in the Silence

As we travel our life’s journey, we can get enticed by the glitter and glamour of the world. Our eyes are drawn to bright lights and our ears begin to listen to strange music. This infatuation with the world begins early in our lives often starting when we are but babies in the crib staring at the mobile spinning round our heads. We become accustomed to noise and forget that in silence we often find sweet repose.

Silence can be unnerving and the source of discomfort for many individuals. Yet, the scripture informs us that God speaks in a still small voice. When I recall some of the most touching moments in my life, they didn’t take place under bright lights and loud music but in calm stillness. I remember whispering in my babies’ ears as I rocked them to sleep that I loved them. Holding those wonderful gifts from my God were precious and memorable times.

I remember the first time that Mark told me that he loved me. He said it in a soft voice while his arms were wrapped around me. He didn’t shout it at the top of his lungs but quietly told me with a sincerity that I knew was real and lasting.

As mere mortal men and women, we understand that often the most cherished things in life are said during peaceful, quiet moments. Yet, we frequently wonder why we can’t hear the voice of the Father amidst the chaos and confusion of our lives.

The past week, I have been able to be still and listen. I have had the time to seek my Father in quiet moments. As I began to plan activities for today, I realized that I had a peace and joy. This joy wasn’t because of the tasks that I had laid out to do, since usually cleaning the refrigerator, microwave and changing the bed lines doesn’t excite me, but because I had a sense of His Divine Presence and His Perfect Peace.

During my sweet husband’s sermon on Sunday, he spoke of doing all things (from the great to the small) as unto God. That part of his message came back to me this morning. All things we do as unto Christ whether singing in a service if front of hundreds or cleaning the oven. Our attitude is so important because it is a reflection of the condition of our heart.

Heavenly Father,

Allow my heart reflect your loving presence in my life. Please let my actions, words and decisions show others how much I love and trust You.

Please watch over all of my children this day. Guide the steps of Christi, Bobby, Michael and Paul. Cover them with Your love and protection. Restore this family.

Be with and protect my dear husband this day. Give him joy and laughter.

In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Diplomas

After starting and stopping and starting and stopping, I finally managed to complete a college degree. This has been a desire of mine for years. However, due to life's circumstances, it got put on hold several times. I received my diploma in in the mail with an official graduation date of April 4, 2008 which was one day after my fiftieth birthday. Mark bought me a frame for it.

Well, I went into the office with it and looked at the available wall space. LOL We have a large window on one wall the back wall is lined with bookcases and over the desk is "Mark's shrine" (LOL).

Mark's wall!


Now, granted, I hung all of those diplomas, ordinations, and awards up to honor my sweet husband. This man means the world to me. I am proud of him and can't imagine my life without him.

A favorite picture of my Wonderful Husband and me!


Spring Concert at Brewton Parker College


However, back to me and my diploma, I then turned to the remaining wall and managed to find a small space to hang my diploma over the piano along with other stuff of Mark's - his antique music and a cross-stitch that I made for him when our sons, Bobby and Michael, were young.

Finally, my little lonely Diploma!

Renaissance peasant Paul

SONS

The things that we do for our children sometimes amaze me. Paul had told Mark and me about the Renaissance costume he needed for school sometime last week but he added, “Don’t worry mom, I know exactly what I am going to be and wear. I am going to be a peasant – simple and easy.” I thought that meant he had his costume ready.

Monday night, while eating supper before rushing out the door to get to revival services where Mark is leading the worship, I nonchalantly asked Paul what he was wearing for his costume and what day was he supposed to wear it.

He begins describing to me how he is going to make his costume. I asked him what shirt and pants he was using to do this. He innocently replied, “Oh, I don’t have the clothes to use, you have to go buy them for me.”

Shock. I asked him, again, when he needed this costume and he replied, “Wednesday. I wear it to school on Wednesday.”

The last time I checked this small southern town doesn’t sell Renaissance peasant costumes. My plan changed – totally – for both Monday evening and Tuesday day. A friend called and wanted to know if I would grab dinner with her, I told her that I had just finished eating. So, we decided I would go with her and watch her eat while I drank something. Then, we went to Wally world where I bought fabric and a pattern.

Tuesday, I started preparing the pattern to cut out Paul’s costume at 7:30 AM. My phone kept ringing off the hook. I had originally planned to make him: pants, shirts, hat and shoes and if I had time (what was I thinking?) a vest. I got the pants and shirt completed before I had to get ready to leave the house at 3:00. I finished the shoes last night after revival services. He didn’t get a hat or vest. LOL

Here’s a picture of him. He wouldn’t smile for me because he told me that he was a poor and sad peasant. BTW, he really liked his costume.

Looking sad and poor.


Finally a smile.

My Amazing God

Today, He revealed His amazing care and guidance to me, again. Why do I go through periods of doubt? I have been praying for His direction and for His still small voice to lead me in the direction that He would have me to pursue.

This morning, I was chatting to my Father God. I say “chatting to” because that’s what I was doing. I was just telling Him my feelings and thoughts and not really expecting to hear anything specific from Him. But then both suddenly and gently, He spoke to my spirit. I was telling Him that I knew, practically, that I needed to try and get hired by a school to teach next year but that my heart’s desire was to spend time on my writing and to try and get published as a Christian author.

I stopped chatting for a moment because I was, even while talking to God, doing my usual multi-tasking as I sat at my computer. I had opened my emails and there were several that I needed to read. But, God only needs a moment to claim our attention. I felt my spirit stirred and the thought, not my thought, came to me, “Debbie, you can do both.” I realized that God had stopped whatever He was doing and was speaking to me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, not because of the message, but because my Father had spoken to me. He could have told me, “Take the dog outside or feed the cat,” and I would have been just as moved. However, He spoke to my deep desire. He had been listening to me as I was mindlessly rambling away.

I had my first official job interview this morning at a local elementary school. I was preparing to go while still very undecided about the path that I needed to pick for next school year. I prayed that God would be with me during the interview and just let the experience be a positive one for those involved.

That was my only attitude as I went into this interview. I wanted to be in the Will of my Father. The interview was possibly the most enjoyable one in which I have ever participated. The principal was affirming and encouraging. She was open and caring. And, she unofficially offered me a position teaching fifth grade language art. This position would include reading, writing, grammar, and spelling. (I know a shocker for those of you who read my blog and have witnessed my grammar and spelling skills!) She has to check my references to make it official.

I told her that I would accept the position if she officially offers it. Needless to say, my entire morning seemed blessed. I left the interview on cloud nine and believing that my God was truly in control and concerned about me. As I neared our home, the thought popped into my brain, “What about Paul?” Mark and I have been trying to decide if we were going to let him continue in public school or go back to being homeschooled. Again, God spoke. The thought, “Paul will be fine. It’s under My control.”

I was broadly smiling as I was driving down the road. I was filled with a sense of my Lord’s peace and presence. He had clearly spoken to me twice in one day in a matter of hours. I had been telling Him that I needed Him just come sit with me on my sofa and speak to me about my future and the plans that I should follow. And while, He wasn’t sitting on my sofa sharing a cup of coffee, He had spoken.

Today has been an amazing day. I have truly felt the presence of my God all day long. I am blessed. God is good and His mercy is ever present in our lives. God revealed an important truth to me today. He is always speaking. He is always directing. He is always trustworthy. I am not always listening, following and trusting. I become entangled by the many voices of the world and allow those voices to block out His precious perfect Voice. I forget how much He loves me and my family. I forget but God doesn’t forget.



Father God,

Today make your face to shine upon me and my loved family. Guide our steps. Give us courage. Speak to us with soft words and shape our lives with your loving hands. Show us how to walk in trust and in faith. I pray these things through the name of your beloved son, Christ Jesus.

Amen

Getting to Know You!

I've been tagged by Kearsmom to play a “Who Are You?” Meme.- The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.- Each player answers the questions about themselves.- At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?
Mark planned me a surprise 40th birthday party that ended up getting moved to a basement because of tornadoes!
I was still homeschooling Michael and Paul. Paul was doing kindergarten and Michael high school.
Mark was in full-time ministry.
I was thinner. LOL

5 Things On My To-Do List Today:
Well, today is just about over; however, I did my last day of Student Teaching. That was about all the things on my list. 5:30 comes really early. I also showered ate breakfast, lunch and dinner and picked up Paul from school.

5 Things I Would Do If I Were a Billionaire:
1. I would give to several ministries - I would dig a well in Africa or several. I would give to the Mission Board several thousand dollars.
2. I would hire a detective.
3. Buy a house and new cars.
4. Take all of my friends and loved ones on a cruise so that everyone could meet each other.
5. Start a retreat center for ministers and their families who have been hurt by churches.

5 Bad Habits:
1. Eating.
2. Not exercising.
3. Not ironing like I should.
4. Not dusting enough.
5. Staying up late when I need to be in bed.

5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Warren, Michigan
2. Brentwood, Tennessee
3. Murfreesboro, Tennessee
4. Rome, Georgia
5. Louisville, Kentucky
6. Arcadia, Florida

5 Jobs I Have Had
1. Waitress
2. School secretary
3. Accounts Payable Clerk
4. Private Piano Teacher
5. Hotel Clerk

5 Tags:
1. Deborah
2. Luska
3. Texee
4. Jennie
5. Swanny

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