August 1

Last week was a busy week! I traveled up to Calhoun and helped to host a Couple's Shower for my dear friend's son, Aaron and his fiancée, Deborah. Everyone worked together beautifully and the shower was a success.

Aaron and Deborah


The Family


Bride and Groom with the Hosts


While driving home on Tuesday, I received a text message from Joan, Mark’s sister, that their mom had suffered from a heart attack in the wee hours of the morning. Thankfully, Stan, Mark’s older brother, was able to get Charlotte to the hospital and she was in surgery within two hours. God really worked in this situation on her behalf. And, we are so thankful that Mark’s brothers and sisters live so close to his mom. Joan has been great about keeping us informed. Please keep Mark’s mom and his family in prayers.

Paul began his Eagle Project this past week. Unfortunately, he began his project on some of the hottest days of the summer. However, he has to continue and get the work completed due to his upcoming eighteenth birthday next month. He is renovating his church’s playground. One of the younger Scout’s dads has been a tremendous help to this project. Mark is already working doing band camp and has been unable to assist except on Saturday. Another Scout’s dad met Paul at Lowes at pick up all of the supplies. Paul has been blessed by these dads. We are grateful. (I will add photos of project later!)

Lauri’s son is getting married this coming Saturday. We will be attending the wedding and rejoicing with this young godly couple. Aaron is such an amazing young man and we look forward to getting to know his beautiful bride in the coming years.

Two weeks after being told Mark’s clavicle was broken, we were informed that it was not broken. This information was only found out after several unreturned phones calls to the doc’s office. However, Mark is still in much pain and has an appointment to see a specialist. The appointment is scheduled for August 17 which is over one month since his fall off of the ladder. I find this unacceptable and will be trying to schedule him an appointment at a more reasonable date! His blood pressure is high even with his meds and he has a terrible hacking cough. Mark says that he is calling the doctor’s office, again, to try and get some relief from both the pain and the cough. Nothing that they have done or prescribed has worked.

Michael has moved home for a couple of weeks between breaks in his semester from college. He appears to have done pretty good, grade wise, this semester. He is beginning his last year of college. He would have graduated this past May except he changed his major which added a year to his education.

My Sunday school class was full this morning! Praise God!!!

Please keep Mark and his sweet mother in your prayers this week. Also, pray for Mark’s siblings as they are trying to take care of Charlotte and make wise decisions. Oh, Mark’s baby sister is turning 50.... she may need a few prayers, too. Pray for Paul and those helping with his Eagle Project. Pray for a reprieve of this hot weather.

To God be the Glory!
Debbie

JULY????

One of my best friends, actually my sister by choice and not by birth, just left with her precious daughter after coming and visiting for a few days. We spent time at the beach, ate wonderful food, and pampered ourselves with going and having pedicures and manicures. All in all, it was a good visit just too short. As she drove out of my driveway, I realized that I am so blessed by the amazing people my God has put into my life.

Pampered Feet..... No wait.... three pampered feet and one man foot!!




Yesterday, while Lauri, Rachel and I were at the beach, my husband fell off a ladder while re-screening our back porch. He did not call and let me know that he was injured. When we came strolling in after 11 PM, I found out that he was hurt and had not gone to the doctor’s. He had a horrible night with much pain and very little sleep. This morning, he was still not making any attempt to go get checked out. I finally called the doctor’s office and made him an appointment. The office was able to work him into their schedule within forty-five minutes from my call. So, Paul, graciously, jumped into the shower and took his dad. Mark was still insisting that he didn’t really need to go see the doc. Well, after an examination and x-ray, Mark discovered he had broken his clavicle.

I asked Mark why in the world he hadn’t called me and let me know that he had fallen off a ladder and his reply, “Honey, I didn’t want to spoil your time with Lauri.” Honestly, I love this man so very much but if he wasn’t injured, I would probably have to smack him silly!! Hasn’t he realized that I adore him and that I NEED to know important things like he might have injured himself by falling off a ladder?

And, just for the record, if I, the big baby, had fallen off a ladder, I would be crying and calling my husband to come home immediately! That’s a major difference in the two of us. He’s nicer than me!

Okay, on to more news. I have been loving my Tuesday night Bible study. I hope my ladies are enjoying it and learning because I get so much out of writing and teaching these lessons. Michael is enjoying living on campus this summer. He has been busy working and attending college classes. He is scheduled to graduate this coming May with a degree in Film Studies with an emphasis on script writing. He absolutely loves this field. I am waiting to see how God uses him in this industry upon graduation.

Well.... I have rambled on about several non-related topics... let’s see... Toby is getting bigger and is just precious. Paul is hoping to start working on his Eagle Project next week.

Paul and Rachel.... Growing up way too fast!!



Hugs,
Debbie

Is it already June???

Time. We always think that we have time to do the next chore, prepare for the next event, make that phone call we have been meaning to make, write a little note to cheer someone but we often find ourselves scurrying around at the last minute to complete our task and the niceties of life seem to slip through our fingers. I have been thinking about time lately and I have decided that it’s not always our friend. When we are waiting for a joyous event to arrive, it takes far too long. And, when we are dreading an event or wishing for more time to prepare then Father Time races to that moment and we are plunged into a situation where we feel ill-at-ease and ill-prepared.

My seventeen year old told me that I never enjoy the moment but always look to the next task, obligation or event. He informed me, “Mom, I’ll complete a task and do a good job with it and instead of saying, ‘Great job, Paul,’ you tell me the next thing that I need to complete. You always have a list.” He thinks that I live my life on an agenda and that I am trying to run his with dates and deadlines. Perhaps, he’s right; however, often we have deadlines or we miss the mark.

My fear is that I’ll miss a deadline, so I do get caught up in the details and I am constantly racing to get everything completed. Our pianist at church told me Wednesday night that I did not have the ability to say, “No.” How has she figured that out about me in less than a year of knowing me?

Here’s what I know. I do not want to miss or overlook God’s calling in my life. I also want my family to be prepared for whatever the future holds for them. What Paul doesn’t seem to realize is that I am laid back for me! He doesn’t realize how I would really love to run this home.

So... those are my rambling thoughts as I am preparing to write a Bible study for next week. Of course, they have nothing to do with my study.

I thought that I would post a few random photos.

A little bit of our front yard.



Paul and his Dad fixing to eat!



Paul and Mandi - Finally Home!!



Toby!! The Big Puppy!

Let's see.... our new little family member....

Toby!!! He is now 7.5 weeks old. He is a Chizer. And, Mark and I think he's precious. Here's a few photos!

Summer is Here!!!

I am on summer break from working on my Master in Theological Studies. I plan on enjoying this break from studying. Well, studying for school. I am teaching 5 year-olds in VBS. Not sure how THAT happened since I requested older children, teens, or adults. While I LOVE children, I am not thirty anymore and I simply do not have the energy or body to keep up with a class of energetic little people. Of course, being told that I was given the most-wild age group at our church isn’t very encouraging.

I plan on beginning to prepare my decorations and lessons for my group of children. Thankfully, I have a young mom helping me. I am trying to keep a positive attitude!

I teach an adult Sunday school class – which I love. I love digging into the word and sharing the deep and vital truths of the scriptures. My class is growing and the members are wonderful. They usually have so much to add and I feel that we learn from each other.

On June 1, I am beginning a Women’s Bible study. I am so thrilled!!! Of course, I am researching and writing my studies. One of the ladies, asked me to do a lesson on how to study the Bible. So, I am beginning to prepare that one week study. I may make a PowerPoint to help facilitate the study. My next lessons will be on the Genesis Account of creation and the flood and why believing Genesis is so very important because it links to the salvation message of Christ. I **think** that series will be about 3 weeks. I wrote a research paper on that topic for one of my classes and believe that I should teach this while it’s still fresh on my mind. I need to create a PowerPoint and some handouts for those lessons.

Okay, enough about me!! Let’s see, Mark will be on summer break after this coming Monday! I am so happy. I love this man and so enjoy being with him. God was so gracious in giving him to me as a husband. I don’t think that Mark has a lot planned for the summer other than doing some church work, and my honey-do list. It’s not that long..... well, not really!! Haha!

Michael has moved to his college campus for several weeks of this summer. He is coming home this week-end to finish learning HOW to drive the VW stick- shift we bought him. Then, he will take that car back to campus and Mark will miss it. Michael is taking 12 hours this summer and will be completing his degree this coming school year.

Paul is Paul. He is always on the go. He’s finishing up a few assignments to complete his 11th grade year. He meets with District Tuesday night to get his final approval on his Eagle project and hopefully, will get it completed the month of June. Right now, plans are for him to take some college courses along with his senior year.

One of my very best friend’s sons is getting married in August. I am helping to give them a wedding tea, probably in July. And, we also plan on helping Lauri with some major painting this summer, too.

Speaking of painting, I painted the toilet room off the master bathroom yesterday. I really like the color and told Mark that we should paint the great-room this color, too. He just looked at me! I don’t think that he was thrilled with that opportunity.

I went to my niece’s blog and she has been approved for one of the studies. So, she begins treatment in Texas. Please pray that these treatments work. Mark and I are praying for Sandy daily – as the Lord puts her on our minds and heart. She seems like a cool young woman. Regardless of this treatment, I am assured that God can heal Sandy. He created her and knows her body and is able to bring about a healing in her life. Please pray to that end.

Well, I guess I have rambled long enough. I hope everyone is blessed!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Unexpected news.....

Mark's mom sends us articles from the local paper in Tennessee from time-to-time. Today an envelope arrived with an article about my niece, Sandy. I was at the hospital when Sandy was born. She is the oldest child of my older sister, Sherry. I have not seen her in over twenty-one years, so she would not know me.

My niece has been fighting lupus and recently received some horrible news that she has stage IV melanoma. The cancer is in her foot, lymph nodes, and liver. Right now, the outcome appears bleak since the cancer has moved to her liver. However, she and her husband have traveled in Texas to M.D. Anderson Melanoma and Skin Center in Houston. She is hoping to receive treatment and to beat the odds and live.

Please join us in prayers that Sandy will live and not only get to raise her beautiful children, but will live to see her grandchildren.

While I know that Sandy doesn't know me or her Uncle Mark, we are praying for her and wish her health and a blessed long life. My heart is just breaking for her, her husband and their two children.


To Him Who is ABLE, I give the praise.

Love,
Debbie

Update on Paul and Mandi and Sweden....

Continental is FLYING again. Please pray that it continues. We should be picking them up at the airport on MONDAY!!!!! Man, I have missed my boy. He's been gone 3 weeks and 3 days right now!!!

Paul is unable to fly HOME!!!!

My youngest son, who is seventeen is grounded in Sweden. He and Mandi flew over there for a 2.5 week trip that has turned into a much LONGER one. Their flight has been cancelled for Sunday and we have them re-booked to fly back to the states Monday, April 26. For anyone who reads my blog, please pray that the volcano in Iceland settles down and that the ash cloud will dissipate.

There are hundreds of folks stranded in airports and foreign countries. Please pray for them, too. We are fortunate that Paul and Mandi are with friends and so we do not have to worry about their safety.

Paul wrote in his blog, that God must have something for him in Sweden and that's why they can't come home yet. I love that his faith is strong.

Blessings,
Debbie

April already?!?!

Wow!! It’s the middle of April and I am left wondering when did the first months of 2010 disappear? Sometimes, life flies by quickly and there isn’t time to really see and visit and love all the people that God graciously put into my life.

My youngest is in Sweden. He left at the end of March. Man, the kid drives me insane since he’s a typical seventeen-year-old; however, I have missed him terribly. I was so glad that we were able to allow him to go on this trip and that God blessed us with the funds. He is creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. The flight over was great except for a rather LONG layover but a small glitch might prevent his return home as scheduled. Iceland had a volcano erupt and its ash has spread over Europe closing several airports. It’s not a good idea to fly a jet through volcanic ash since the ash stalls out the engines. So, we are now hoping and praying that his flight on Sunday isn’t canceled. If it gets canceled, he will not be able to get a flight out of Sweden until next Saturday.

I spoke this past week-end at a Woman’s retreat at Camp Pinnacle in north Georgia. I believe that my talk blessed some ladies. Several asked that I get them a copy of my piece called The Candle. And, another lady has asked if I was willing to come speak at her church in south Georgia. I never thought that our tragedy could be used to glorify God but I was wrong. People need to see and realize that God is the sustainer of our lives and hearts during horrible times and that He replaces sorrow with Himself. And, in Christ there is found a renewal of hope and joy.

The focus of my talk (after a brief run down on the kidnapping) was on the church and how she wrapped her arms around us and truly became God’s ambassadors. Two of my favorite and most loved ladies were with me this week-end (Lauri Gray and Lynda Talmadge). God has been so faithful to me and my family.

I am halfway done with my third class in my degree. Systematic Theology is... well, it’s systematic. Actually, I am sort of getting into this class. I enjoy wrestling with implied theological truths – like the doctrine of a triune God. Since I am only taking one class this eight weeks, I am not feeling quite as much pressure.

Mark and I decided that I would take summer off from school. So, while we will not have any money to do anything, we will be able to enjoy each other. And, maybe I need to relax.... (insert HUGE monster eye-roll!!)

Well, I can’t think of anything else to update our lives about.

Blessings,
Debbie

Two Down and Counting....

I have completed my first two classes in my graduate program. I have to say that I was pleased with my grades. These were probably two of the hardest classes that I have ever taken: tons of reading, loads of writing, hideous tests, and huge final projects. I was thankful that I was still breathing at the end of the eight weeks. I have to keep pinching myself to make sure that I am finally pursuing a degree in theology. I really desired to get my bachelor degree in Christian studies but went the more practical route and got an elementary education degree. However, my love has always been studying and digging into the Word of God.

My first two classes were New Testament Orientation I and World Missions. I truly enjoyed New Testament Orientation and totally got into studying about the Intertestamental period. Now, World Missions was not my favorite class. Haha!

Today, as I was reading from my Systematic theology textbooks, I needed a dictionary. That really tickled me because I actually have a decent vocabulary. However, these textbooks are written on a high academic standard. So, I imagine old Webster and I will remain friends throughout this course.

I feel so blessed that I am able to begin working on this degree. When I was five years old I told my mother that I wanted to preach God’s Word. She laughed at me and told me that only boys got to preach. However, God has allowed me to share His message on more than one occasion. And, I have come to realize that He calls each of us to particular tasks and ministries. I am a Biblical teacher. I love to tear apart the scripture and get into the meat and message of the canon. I am so thankful that God called me to teach an Adult Sunday school class. I have been blessed to have been published in a monthly Christian newspaper in the past. Fortunately, my mom was wrong about little girls not being able to proclaim God's wonderful message to mankind.

Today, I will rejoice for the opportunity to study God’s glorious Word and praise Him for calling me to proclaim the message of Christ Jesus. Now, next week, I may be crying during a test; however, I will still praise Him!

Blessings to all,
Debbie

Back to normal

The hurried days of Christmas are over signaling that the time has come to resume our normal life routine. My family is no longer under one roof all day. Mark is back working full-time in the school and doing his church position. Michael’s college classes started today and he is also back at his job through the college. Paul is trying to complete his junior year in homeschooling along with a friend’s child that I am tutoring daily in her junior year, too.

Last week was the first week of having sweet Chelsea in my home. She seems to enjoy homeschooling and comes in every morning ready to work. She and Paul are completing their chemistry together which is a tremendous blessing for me and Paul. I have to adjust to being more on a schedule since Chelsea is here during normal school hours. This has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. There is a loss of freedom but it’s nice knowing that the school day is complete by 2 PM.

I start my classes with Liberty next week. I am beginning to work on the Master in Theological Studies degree. While I love learning and school, I find that I am anxious about launching this new phase in my life. I believe that this is God’s plan for me as studying His Word is always a good thing.

So, the holidays are officially over and life continues its normal flow and ebb. But, each day still brings a new adventure and joy as I watch those I love excel in God’s design for their lives.

Another Reason That Proves God is Not a Woman!

Okay, let me first begin by saying if you get your panties in a wad over religious humor, then don’t read this piece. While the thoughts are funny, they are also accurate. And, all honest women married to a man will understand the truth of the theology behind what I am writing.

I have been having blonde highlights put in my hair for years. Recently, I decided to try and return to the color of my youth which was not blonde but brunette. I was concerned that there would be a problem with gray roots; however, in my naivety, I was not quite prepared for the amount of white hair that was fixing to make its appearance known to me.

Let me begin by saying that I always liked my hair color and swore that I would never go blonde until I started noticing some lighter hairs appearing on my head. That’s when I told my stylist to begin highlighting my hair. I have been highlighting my hair for the past 14 years. I want to make another comment. The truth why most women get and continue highlighting their hair is not because blondes have more fun. Brunettes are quite capable of having more fun than blondes. The simple reality of going blonde is that blonde hair hides white or gray hair much better.

Unfortunately, I was assuming that I would probably only have as much white hair as my husband has gray hair. My sweet man is three years older than me. Sadly, I was extremely mistaken. I colored my hair a light brown and noticed 3 weeks later that I could already see white hair beginning to make its presence known. Great, I thought. But, I assumed that I could still go my normal 6 to 7 weeks between dye jobs. That supposition was dreadfully wrong. In fact, upon further study of my head, I realized that I had much more white hair than Mark had gray.

Obviously, I wasn’t a happy camper and so I complained of my plight to my dear husband. His sweet reply, “Surely not, honey. You have got to be kidding.”

In my horrified state, I decided to prove it to him by parting my hair and showing him the evidence. What possessed me to do this is beyond my understanding. The only reasonable explanation that I have been able to come up with is temporary insanity. I thought that the man would have a sensible response. I was expecting consolation and perhaps even a dinner out. Instead my revolted husband gasped, “Oh, my GOSH, Debbie!”

For a Baptist minister, that statement is the equivalent to taking the Lord’s name in vain. However, I believe God, who is not a woman, agreed with Mark because nothing happened to him. The floor didn’t open up and swallow the man whole. Lightning didn’t strike him from the sky and give him, much needed, electric shock therapy and, most regrettably, he was not made mute.

You got it. He wasn’t done speaking. My dear sweet husband kindly inquired, “Do you need me to go to the drug store for some L’Oreal or do you have an appointment scheduled to get your hair fixed?”

I was dumb-struck and he should have been; however, he could still talk. That’s when he added, “I really am not ready to have a wife with white hair who would look older than me.”

If God was a woman, it would have been at this point that she would have turned all of his hair white and then rendered him bald the very next day.

Of course, I have been taught that God is full of grace, compassion and forgiveness and these characteristics apparently come from women. And, it’s evident that I have these attributes because this man is still living. Well, maybe God does have a feminine side, too.

Praising God through the Tears

Praising God through the Tears
November 12, 2009

Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

Anthems of praise are easily sung when blessings abound. Yet, praising God in the midst of sorrow and through tears can be arduous. While the Christian seeks to praise Him, frequently it is done with mournful mouths. Admittedly, underlying our praise is the hope that our weeping will turn to joy.

Whenever praise is difficult for me, I try to envision my Savior and the incalculable sacrifice He made for the church. He willingly submitted His life to God in order to achieve pardon and redemption for you and me. This one act and remembrance should keep my hands raised in praise to Christ. Reluctantly, I must acknowledge that I can fail miserably when my focus is taken off Christ and redirected to my situation.

Lately, my thoughts have been on my first-born son, Bobby. His birthday is Monday. In attempts to take away the sorrow of not seeing him or hearing from him, I have tried to be busy in silly employment such as choosing to remember the past, a time before he was born. I decided to hunt up old photos from High School and reflect on an age when life seemed innocent and there were innumerable possibilities. And while this occupation provided much needed diversion and shared laughter with old friends, today I find that I must look again at life and loss.

I cannot pretend that all of life is blessed and that happiness far outweighs sadness in this world. The truth is that sometimes life simply hurts. But, I have the option of not allowing my mind to dwell on anguish. And, because I know that “faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” I can experience true praise in this life.

Today, I choose to praise God because despite my heaviness of heart, He is worthy. My praise comes from a deep knowing that He who comforted his Son will pour out that same comfort and transforming power in my own feeble life. These times of forsakenness are but momentary in the larger picture of eternity. So, today I praise Him though my tears.

My source of strength

Written to someone who said they didn't know about the kidnapping.

In regard to Paul, he told me that he was meant for our family. He is so outgoing and a really kind kid. He loves music and plays the guitar and sings.

Our strength was all borrowed from God. God has never left us and His unchanging character gives me hope. Hope that He has/had a plan for us regardless of what I see. It's all about choice. And, my choice was to believe in eternity and to try and live each day with the knowledge and joy that comes from having a close relationship with Christ. Christ is not untouchable. He is my companion and friend.

The book of Philippians is a constant reminder of seeking joy in this life. The apostle Paul wrote this book in the New Testament and Paul understood disappointment. I can fully agree with this statement in Phil. 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." But, Paul continues to speak of having joy in all circumstances. Paul had reason to be angry. Paul had reason to be bitter. He was a very learned man - a Jew in a position of power but he left it all and became a follower of Christ Jesus. He was in prison standing in about a foot of sewage when he penned these words:

Phl 4:4 - 13
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentle {spirit} be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned {before,} but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

I have chosen to rejoice in my salvation and to rejoice in the people that God has put into my path. I could have chosen to become bitter and angry but that would not have found my children or redeemed my parents. I have had to live in a way that says, "I have forgiven them." Holding on to bitterness only makes the one doing the holding physically ill.

Now, forgiving someone who has done a great wrong in your life doesn't mean that you want to be their best friend or that you would ever trust them. For me, it means that I have faithfully prayed for them. I have prayed God's blessings in their lives. I try to think of good things and not dwell on the sorrow and sadness. Believe me, I can go down that path but it is one that I prefer not to travel.

God has been faithful to me - to us. The fact that my marriage survived is a testament of God's greatness. I have watched friends' marriages end over finances or a cluttered house (not kidding). Yet, because Mark and I have this true, deep and abiding relationship with Christ - we have survived - and found joy in life. Not the kind of joy that is temporary and fleeting - but a joy that invades our dreams, lives, and hopes.

We have been able to stand only because of Christ. And, Christ isn't interested in woe is me and life is crap Christians. He died for me. He died and then rose again, so that I could live in this world and not be made into its image but into His. I really don't think that Christ had fun that horrid day He carried the heavy cross and was crucified. But, he chose to fulfill His purpose - which was to save the lost and dying creation. It was to save me and you.

My only job is to fulfill God's purpose in my life. And, my purpose is to worship Him, to love Him and to forgive those who have injured me and those I love. Christ desires us to have fullness of life. He wants us to know Him intimately.

It's real easy for someone who has never experienced tragedy to say, "I love and trust God." Their faith has never been tested. But, I say to you, "I adore my Lord and Savior and I trust Him and His plan for my life." I say this knowing that life on earth can sometime really suck. I say this knowing betrayal. But, I also say this knowing blessings and goodness, and God's tender mercies. God has been faithful in surrounding me with people who love me and have been faithful in friendship and in their prayers and support.

Now let’s get back to my son, Paul. I had someone ask me once (yes, people are idiots....) what I would choose - never having our precious Christi and Bobby kidnapped or adopting Paul. I could never choose one of them over the other. I can't imagine our family without Paul. He was/is God's gift to us. And, if Christi and Bobby had not been stolen - we wouldn't have left seminary for a season and moved to Rome, GA and Paul would not be our son today. But, see I agree with Paul, "God intended him for our family."

The picture of life, to me, is like a rose. Often, when touching its petals or smelling the scent, you get pricked with a thorn. However, those thorns do not take away the beauty of that flower. And, think about it, there are a lot more thorns than blossoms on a rose bush! But, when most people view the bush - they see the roses.

I view life that way. There have been lots of thorns in my life but my prayer has been that when others see me, they will see the rose and not the thorns.

I should have added that if you see the rose - it is only because of Christ living in me. It is because I am redeemed by my Savior.

Good Intentions

The other day I was inspired to write a piece but I felt like I didn't have the time. So, I made a few notes with the intention of writing it up later in the week.

This morning I have been looking at my abbreviated notes and I get absolutely nothing! I wish I had found the time to write this up the other day. It's like all of the creativity has been sucked out of my brain. I might as well be trying to interpret the Rosetta Stone. Okay, comparing my chicken scratch notes to the Rosetta Stone is approximating a drop of water to the Pacific in the big scheme of life. However, in my fumbling mind this idea was going to be a great devotion that would inspire the masses (insert eye roll) or perhaps just a few weary pilgrims on their journey with Christ.

This situation is quite maddening since I was so excited about my idea. I can’t remember how I was going to thread my thoughts together. That’s the main problem. Somewhere in my overloaded brain the ideas are still there but I can’t seem to access the information in an applicable way.

Now, I am left speculating if there is a way to help me jar my memory. Obviously my notes are of no help. I wrote them in red, put little stars by certain words, and drew an arrow to a section. Despite my fancy comments and doodles, I am still drawing a blank. The excitement has vanished. While I see the potential in the idea, the urgency of it is no longer persuading me to act.

As I write this frivolous piece, another random thought pops into my beleaguered brain. Do we as Christians have amazing ideas for ministry, in reaching the lost, or simply to contact another? However, we put the ideas on hold and then never return to actually do them. Does the Holy Spirit beckon us to act but we make excuses as to our hectic schedules and ignore His urging. How many moments have we missed?

Good intentions without action often get negative results. Some may feel that an unfair statement. Perhaps, a receiver in a football game doesn’t complete the play. In all fairness, he meant to do it. He thought about doing it but he waited and didn’t act. So, the ball gets intercepted and the opposing team scores. This is an extremely simplistic physical illustration of a spiritual truth. When we as Christian don’t act and ignore that “still small voice” the opposing team scores.

We get so caught up in this physical life that we miss opportunities and never realize our potential or the full power of God’s ability and desire to lead us. And, in ignoring God, we allow Satan to score. Of course, we know the final outcome. We know Christ wins the big battle but I am left pondering how many defeats could be avoided if we acted when the Holy Spirit inspires.

Paul is now 17...

Raising Paul has been such an amazing blessing. He has an infectious personality which draws folks to him. I will forever remember the day he came into our home. And, I will forever thank God for Carol, the caseworker, who matched this family with our son. As I think back on those days, it’s amazing to watch how God worked all things together for the good in giving us another son.

Last Tuesday our boy turned seventeen. I imagine that he thinks he’s nearly grown but I watch with anticipation to witness the avenues that God will use to continue to mold this young man into His image and to create in Paul a heart wholly sold out to Christ.

I have seen some amazingly magnificent wonders that the Father has created. I have flown the span of our country and viewed and walked in the Appalachian, Ozark and Rocky Mountains. I have seen the ocean waves of the Atlantic and the Pacific and tasted the salty waters. I have played in the white sands on the gulf coast.

I have also seen, heard and read many wondrous works that God’s children have created. I have driven on the Golden Gate Bridge and was privileged to see the Twin Towers while they stood. I have heard music that has to have caused the angels to weep from the sheer beauty of it.

Yet, as I think on all of these incredible memories, I realize that nothing in my life has given me as much pleasure as being a mother and watching my children grow into the people that they were created to be when first formed in God’s mind. Watching my children take their first steps was far more incredible that standing on the Golden Gate Bridge. Hearing my children speak their first words was finer music than all the orchestras that I have ever heard.

So today, I celebrate my youngest son, Paul. I celebrate his life and the life that God continues to give him. Daily, I thank God for the most perfect gift – the gift of being a mom.

Family portrait: Paul at 5 years old.



Paul at 17.



Paul and Elizabeth on his birthday.

Oppsssss.... I guess I haven't posted in a bit.

Man, I check on blogs that I follow usually at least once a week. I often wonder why certain people haven't updated their blog. And, sort of - kind of want to leave them a message to POST a new blog. Really, how dare they leave me hanging!!

Today, I looked at my date and it's been a while since I posted. However, I don't think that my blog is followed much and it doesn't bother anyone SO that lets me off the proverbial "hook" of not being a diligent blogger.

Let's see.... School for Paul is going pretty good. He's NOT doing his chemistry like he should, so I am considering buying Lifepacks for him instead of the Apologia which I bought and paid for. Grrrr. His Chalkdust math is coming along nicely! Great program which I got used at a great price!!! His favorite subjects would be Psychology and music.

Paul, Mandi (a friend of Paul's) and I went up to Calhoun/Rome, GA near the end of August to see Taylor off before he left for Sweden to attend Bible College for a year. I also got to see another dear friend, Deborah and her new children recently adopted from Ghana!

I had a wonderful visit with Deborah. I forget how much I enjoy her until I get to spend time with her and then find myself missing her terribly. Her children are all growing up into such fine young women. It was been a blessing watching them grow and excel.

I am going to try and post a few photos from that trip.

The Three Beauties - I know everyone is jealous of this LOOK! (Me, Deborah & Lauri)!



Deborah, Marigrace, Whitney Faith, Leah Joy & Hope



Wil, two fast moving youngones, & T.L.



Hope, Jubilee, Jessie, & Marigrace



Lauri's folks: Vern & Joyce; and Taylor, Paul, & Mandi



Celebrating Taylor's 19th Birthday!



The Group: Standing L to R: Paul, Rachel, Lauri, Taylor, me, Mandi, Deborah (Aaron's girlfriend), Front: Glenn with Aaron sitting on him.



Our lovely and smart boys.... a very refreshing view of them.



Taylor, Glenn, & Aaron.... GO!!!

Summer time is quickly coming to an end.

Time moves all too quickly when surrounded by friends and family. This summer has sped by for me. Here are a few photos.

We spent a quiet Father's day. All of us helped prepare Dad a meal of steak, ribs, corn, and other yummy fixings. And, we had Mark's favorite, banana pudding for dessert.

Mark and Michael, Father's Day 2009


Mark and Paul, Father's Day 2009


Paul's youth group had a gathering on the pond over at Steve's house. Here's a shot from that afternoon.

Paul's youth group on the pond. July, 2009


My friend, Linda, flew up from Florida. She spent 10 days visiting. We went to Savannah and Hilton Head for 5 days for her visit.

Linda, July, 2009


The view from our room at Hilton Head.


Mandi and Taylor, July 2009 Mandi stayed with us while her parents were on vacation. Taylor arrived on Saturday night to surprise her.
A rare photo: Mandi and Taylor cleaning the kitchen!


This past Saturday, a dear friend's daughter got married. We have known the Dean's for 17 or 18 years! Wow! Where has the time flown?

Leah and Kenaz, Saturday, August 1, 2009


Me and Danna at Leah's wedding.

Getting Paul's curriculum together.....

I have just about decided on Paul's 11th grade curriculum. Most of it should start arriving next week which should give me plenty of time to study it and make lesson plans for him to follow the first several weeks of school.

I am doing less traditional school this year with Paul. Michael used mainly BJU and LifePacs along with Education Plus when he was in High School - years ago.

After researching and talking to friends, here's what I came up with for Paul.

Algebra 2 - Chalkdust Math. Mark and I were very impressed with the series and the professor that teaches it. We also liked the fact that Paul can call or get help through email. However, I should be able to handle most Algebra 2 questions....

Notgrass American History. That will cover history, Bible and Literature. I love being able to pull together several subjects.

BJU Grammar and Composition and Easy Grammar Plus. (Paul's weakest area, in my opinion, is research and writing.)

He also needs to finish Vocabulary from Classical Roots. He started with a lot of steam on that in January and then slowed down.

Rosetta Stone French.

Since he needs to complete his Physical Fitness badge for Scouts, I'll also have him join a gym.

He wants to take voice lessons at the college. I hope that Mark will find a professor to teach him. ....

So, that's my run down. Please pray that this year goes smoothly and that my son increases in wisdom and knowledge.

Blessings,
Debbie

P.S. I forgot to mention his Chemistry curriculum!! He will be using Apologia Chemistry. He would probably LOVE not having science but that's not going to happen. LOL

Mark's Mom's 80th Birthday and Sanders' Reunion

I just wanted to post a few photos from this past Saturday. I think that everyone had a great time!

The Birthday Girl!!



Charlotte and her five wonderful Children! Joan, Tim, Mark, Charlotte, Jane and Stan



In-laws and Out-laws... You decide!



The youngest grandchild, Graham, with his daddy, Tim.



Paul and Stan.... with the fly swatter.



Me, Paul and Mark (Michael was still on his Mission Trip.)

The final countdown to school being OUT!!!

The last few days of teaching have been fun.... NOT! The 5th grade math teachers have been doing remediation for all of the 65 students (that's like a third of our fifth graders) who failed the CRCT (Georgia State Testing) in math. Of course, most of these students failed the 4th grade CRCTs, so this isn't a surprise. Since Friday, all day long, I have had a class of 20 some students who are very confused about math and several with major behavior problems. It's been a blast. Tomorrow, I will be re-testing this group of students. I do not know most of these kids since the students who failed the test were split into three groups and assigned to one of the teachers. I am so looking forward to tomorrow at 11 AM when I should be DONE with these students.

All of my business supplies have arrived and I begin my training tomorrow late afternoon. I have already had several requests from future clients. After I complete the training, I will purchase my business license and insurance. Hopefully, this will be a nice addition to our income.

The last day of students is FRIDAY!!! And, my last day of school is next Thursday. I am praising God for surviving an impossible position!!! This year has been so very unpleasant. But, God has truly seen me through this school year.

Blessings,
Debbie

Just a few photos from Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day has been bitter sweet for me for the last 20 years and this year continues except with a greater sense of loss. While Christi and Bobby have been found, they have yet to contact us. Their silence is breaking my heart. I continue to pray that God will reveal the truth to them and hold them both in the palm of His hand.

When we found my father and children in February, I was told that my mother had died. This information shattered my hope for reconciliation and to tell her that I had forgiven her for trying to destroy me and stealing my precious older children. This conversation will never happen in this lifetime.

Despite this sorrow, I will serve Christ and recognize His tremendous blessings in my life. I have two wonderful sons in Michael and Paul. I dearly love them. They have both been great gifts from God. I can't imagine life without either of them. Yet, if Christi and Bobby had not been stolen, we would never have adopted Paul. My life and world would be a very silent and sad place without this young man in my life.

I also have a husband who adores me. He is my best friend. This man knows me - the good, the bad and the ugly - and still loves me. He blesses my life daily. I cherish him.

God has also blessed me with dear friends. Friends who call just to let me know that they realize my heartache this week-end and want me to know they love me and are praying for me. So, while a part of my heart aches beyond words or description, another part is filled with the blessings of God, family, and friends.

Paul told me that one should always look at the positive and dwell on those things in order to keep our minds filled with joy and laughter. Basically, he was saying to look at the glass of life as HALF full instead of half empty.

I have really lamented over the fact that Christi and Bobby haven't returned our phones calls. But, Mark constantly reminds me that now we have a GREAT hope. Hope that someday God will enlighten them to the truth and they will seek us out. This man operates in such amazing faith. I intend to borrow some of his faith as I think about my children.

Blessings and Hugs,
Debbie

The school year is almost over!

I can't believe that this school year is nearly completed. It's been a difficult position to say the least. My principal gave me several extremely difficult classes. So, the year hasn't been pleasant. I am counting the days until May 22 which is the last day with students. To say that I will be relieved is an understatement.

After praying and researching, Mark and I decided to buy and open a business. I have purchased a teeth whitening business which I'll be operating out of a salon here in town. I pray that this provides needed income. I have student loans to pay off and Michael is still in college.

Also, I believe that running this business will allow me opportunity to write. Another plus will be more time with Paul. Now, I am not sure if Paul thinks this is a plus but I most certainly do!! Since Paul decided that he wanted to finish High School homeschooling, I will be able to spend more time with him his last two years of High School. This really thrills me. I so enjoy my youngest son. He is an amazing kid with such deep thoughts and convictions.

I hope to write more on my Blog this summer!

Blessings to all who try to read this mess! May God grant you wisdom and peace in all you do!

Hugs and Prayers,
Debbie

Paul and his mask.....

My sweet son does not want to get my illness. And, I don't blame him. He came into my bedroom last Tuesday to talk to me .... wearing this mask! I made him take a photo! The boy makes me laugh!

Well.... this past week my computer crashed!

The mother board is dead. Mark and I talked about fixing it up and increasing the RAM and getting more HD and then I realized it was easier to buy a new one. So, I bought us a Dell. All I can say...... I am not used to this Vista stuff.

Our other concern is getting all of our documents and photos off of our old computer. sigh. We are hoping to have someone retrieve our information.

I need to make some photos and load them into this computer. I should take some outside ones of Paul's hammock and my azaleas.

The school year is almost over. And, I am thrilled. I am buying a teeth whitening business. I will be working out of a salon. Hopefully, this will free up some of my time for writing and homeschooling Paul.

I am looking forward to having time with my precious family this summer.

Blessings and Hugs,
Debbie