Grami x 8

Every day that I live...

2009-12-02T13:05:00.003-05:00

Plans change, marriages fail, children die, and so many other horrific experiences that we call life, can change in an instant. Life isn't always fair, but the only person who controls your reactions to life, is you. I have heard it said, life is 10 % what happens to you and 90% of your attitude about the 10 %. Every day that I live the scripture "man that is born of woman, is a few days and full of trouble" is becoming more real to me.
Has my attitude towards life always been what it should have been, NO, a thousand times no. I have been to the bottom of the pit. I have been to the top of the mountain. I have gone through the valley of the shadow of death. It's amazing sometimes how our emotions can go from one extreme to the other, even in a short span of time. But been there, done that, and will most likely do it again. Feeling is part of healing. The more we try to push down, don't respond, don't feel, the sorrows of our life, the longer it takes to heal. My consolation in this is another scripture. "yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me" and "he knoweth our frame, he knoweth we are but dust" This helps me to know, God understands my frailties and that he will go with me wherever this life takes me.
Hopefully you are seeing a theme in this post. There have been too many sorrows I couldn't avoid, and if I could, I would have. But the Word of our God, His comfort of the Spirit, His unfailing love and sustaining grace, has been my mainstay. If it had not been for the Lord on my side, tell me where would I be, where would I be? Is the Lord on my side when I am wrong, of course not! However if my heart will repent and turn to him again, he has been gracious to forgive and pardon all my sin. Pulling yourself up by the boot straps, humbling to your wrongs and making them right is what keeps me on the straight and narrow. With all my heart, after this life, I want to hear him say "Well done"
There is another scripture that presses on me today. "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children;" I loved being a wife and mother. Truly had no desire to be anything else, because it's the highest calling on this earth for a woman. God instituted the family for good and when it works according to God's plan, it's like having a taste of heaven here on earth. It troubles me to see women of today, who resent the responsibility of their children. Mine and Charlie's life revolved around our girls. He wasn't able to come to some of the things I wanted him to, because he felt the need to provide above and beyond what was needed. The tone that is used to talk to their own children, name calling and sheer neglect causes me a heartache I can't explain. Was I a perfect mother, well I wouldnt be telling the truth if I said I was. However, with the skills I had, I know that I tried my best to be there and care and teach my children the ways of the Lord. My heart was totally in it. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children, boy does that last a lifetime. When they are young they need so much from you to be able to eventually survive on their own. Time, love, affection, talking to them, being with them doing nothing, tells children, I am important to you. There are so many distractions to keep us from the people God will hold us accountable for. Turn it off, tune it out and listen to heart needs of those precious babies before it's too late. What priority is any greater than building strong relationships with the people inside your 4 walls? NONE! I pray today God awakens a new desire in each one of us to turn toward the people God has placed in our homes. The sorrows of child rearing, is your heart wants what is best for them till the last breath you draw. Watching your children make wrong choices, become people you didn't teach that way, that is where the sorrow comes from. Knowing the consequences of God's word, knowing the enemy doesn't wait till they are older to get a hold of their hearts for a lifetime. It's not the love of your children that causes sorrow, it's the not being able to change their direction when you see them failing in areas, that is going to cost them big time. Maybe if they were my rules I would want to bend them for the sake of my children. But that is why God is God, he loves us enough to say, this is where the line is and if you or anyone else crosses it, there WILL be consequences. He doesn't cave for anyone and I want to please him so much. There are needs in my life that only God can fix. If I fail to do what is right according to his Word, then I just tied his hands to do anything for me. Just like when your child refuses to obey, you don't reward bad behavior, you don't give in, because if you do, your saying the bad behavior is ok. So God in his great love and wisdom, lets us decide what we are going to do. Right brings blessings, right because it's right and no other reason. Wrong brings cursing and I don't know about you, but I've seen enough cursed lives to last me a lifetime already. I desperately need to be in right standing with God. It's just simple "if you will do all I say do, you will be a special people unto me above all people on the face of the earth and I will be your God" And that is all I have ever wanted. A family who loves God first, then each other and serves the Lord together.

Shock, faint and fall over...I have a blog...hahaha!

2009-11-27T13:15:00.004-05:00

I haven't blog in so long, people have probably forgotten that I even have one.

God has been so good to me and I am anticipating more of the same. According to Psalm 23, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever....Amen! That is encouraging!!

I am so very thankful that Wendy and Erika, their children, their husbands got to spend Thanksgiving holidays together. It's makes me happy for my family to be able and want to spend time together. Their facebook status updates have given me a glimmer of the fun they are having.

God knows the road I have travelled and where I have been and he also knows where I am going. The most important thing to me, is that God goes with me wherever I go. He has been patient, loving, longsuffering and merciful to me. I praise his name from the bottom of my heart. I start a new job on December 7th. I am so thankful for this.

I have been pastoring a sweet congregation of people in Milan, TN. I care deeply for these people and I ask that you pray about the future of this local church. I was asked to fill in till the end of December from our State Overseer, Bro. Cox. So many changes in my life suddenly. It encourages me that there will be more suddenlys in my future. At least that is what I am looking for. I truly need direction from God in everything I do.

The holidays are upon us and I really enjoy this time of the year, with all the special times you get to have with your family. This is the time of the year I miss my family truly being together. I pray for them daily and will continue until I leave this world.

We had an announcement last Sunday night that the Suttons were going back to Alaska. I hope the best for them. That means we are receiving a new Pastor at Antioch. I am thrilled that Bro Jimmy Frizzell and his wife Sis Carol will be coming to Antioch. We go back to when I was about 12/13 years old, yep back to the stone age. Ha! It's a new beginning for Antioch and I do believe it's going to be a great one! I look forward to what God has in store for us all in the work of the Lord. He is a mighty God, a mighty, mightly, God!

tried to post something....

2009-05-15T22:01:00.002-05:00

I tried to post something I got in an email and some how it messed my blog up...Sorry!

And while your reading this disclaimer to the error on my blog, say a prayer for Farrah Fawcett, she is on her last days with her battle with cancer and needs prayer....

stolen from em....love it...

2009-04-16T19:29:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k&feature=player_embedded

one of these days...

2009-04-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

One of these days I am going to really blog without reservations, then I think, what would that solve? Nothing, absolutely nothing...So ha!

Pray that we have a nice visit with Erika and family...

Pray for my family...

Pray for my husband...

Pray for the church...

Pray for our leaders...

Pray for our political leaders...

Pray for Brad Moore...

Pray for souls....

Pray for Jesus to return...

Pray without ceasing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Long time no blog...Gatlinburg trip

2009-03-29T15:31:00.005-05:00

I am a terrible blogger but anyway I have a few things to blog about...

Wendy and her family took me to Gatlingburg for my birthday and we had so much fun!!! Thursday and Friday night she cooked dinner and both nights it was really good! We went to an upside down house called Wonder Works and it was a hands on experience. That was fun too! We lost Ben and they called a code 7 and made an announcement all over the building. Of course Ben didn't know he was lost, which I always find interesting in little ones. We of course were slightly freaked for a few minutes. He had back tracked to find his parents and was at the door waiting for them and said "ya'll come on" ha! Saturday the Page family took me to an awesome off the beaten path restaurant, that was delish! Home cooking at it's best. Yum! Do you see an eating theme here? Ha! We watched "Pride and Prejudice" one night, then Saturday night Caetie and I watched "Australia" for my 3rd time and her 1st. Caetie slept with me in my king size bed and we laughed for way too long each night. I jumped subjects so quickly that she said "You are soooo random"! I said welcome to my brain. Mom, Kim and I took a scenic 6 mile ride up the mountain 1 way only and the signs said, narrow, curvy road ahead. That was an understatement, we had some skewry moments I tell ya! We got such hysterical laughter that both of my sides hurt. Of course we raided homemade candy shops, Kim ate at Fannie Farkles ( I was afraid it would tear my tummy up). Caetie, Kim and I walked the Gatlinburg strip while Wendy and Danny went another direction. I bought stuff to send to Erika since Lance doesn't like the Mt's like our family does. I took Kim back to her chalet (her and mom were in their own) and Caetie and I went to ours because Wendy and Danny weren't ready to go home. Later on when I went back to get them, Caetie rode with me and it must have been a full moon cause I was singing loud with the windows rolled down on the strip. Hollering at people and just being extra crazy!!! Wendy said "your voice carries" and I am wondering where she has been for most of her life with me? The chalet we stayed it was really, really nice. 4 king suites with jacuzzi bath tubs in each room. Game room, pool table downstairs, hot tub on the back patio, nice kitchen fully stocked with most everything you need, washer, dryer and on and on! Two extra funny stories and I will go: When the Page family left Saturday for the indoor water park, I stayed home alone. Well when they were leaving Danny said I am going to dead bolt the door, which was fine by me. So they all left or so I thought. Next thing I hear is a blood curdling scream. I said "Hey" and Allie is hysterical and says I thought they locked me in here by myself. She was shaking she was so tore up. As I unlocked the deadbolt I calmly said "Let me give you a tidbit of information, let's just say you were dead bolted in here by yourself, don't panic". Danny and them must have realized Allie wasn't in the van and about the time I unlocked the door Danny was there to get her. They didn't even know anything about it till they returned and I told them. Then while Caetie and I were watching "Australia" here comes poor Allie from downstairs and she is crying again and says "I know there are bears downstairs under my bed, I can hear them" I said I don't think so, but would you like for me to go see? Of course she said yes, so I went downstairs to turn the light on, get down on the floor and lift up the bed skirt to check for Smokey the Bear. Now that is hilarious. Isn't it amazing how when we think something and it scares us it doesn't matter how irrational it is? Of course I was glad to put the fear to rest for her. Of course I wanted to say, Allie how did the bear get in, how come none of the adults heard or saw it, and why do you think it chose your bedroom? And what makes you think a bear could even fit under this bed, it's too low to the ground for anything of that size to get under here. But no I did the grandmotherly thing to do and shooed away the big bad bear that was under that bed.

Can you tell I really, really, had a wonderful vacation. That part of TN holds many fond, family times in my life and I was glad to go back again. Oh I almost forgot, each of the grandchildren picked out and signed their own cards to give to me with money in each card. Wendy and Danny also gave a card that made me cry and usually our family cards are for laughter, it also had money in it too. I really appreciate the thought of this birthday gift, it was such a blessing!!!!!
I remember a couple of other things: In the Wonder Works house there was this tunnel that said if you are prone to motion sickness use the left double doors. Well that is where I was headed and Toby says come on Grami. So here I go and Toby says hold my hand (how sweet). I was trying to focus on anything except the spinning room and Toby was saying open your eyes Grami, open your eyes! It was too funny, he wanted to hold my hand and help me, but force me to watch the horror of motion sickness. Ha!
There was a sound lab in this hands on experience, so Kim and I decided to brave it. It lasts 6 minutes and you have your own private sound booth. There was room for 6 people. The ventilation was poor and it was stuffy in there, but anyway Kim says is everybody ready and pushes this button to start the sound lab. OH MY GOODNESS, that was the longest 6 minutes of my life. I tried for who knows how many minutes to talk myself out of panic. It was TOTAL DARKNESS!! Darkness like I have never experienced before. I was like oh boy if I try to find the door to get out, if when Kim pushed that button, we got locked temporarily in here, I am going to FREAK! I was closing my eyes since it was dark anyway and trying to wait out the 6 minutes, I couldn't do it. I got my cell phone out of my purse and flipped it open and shined it inside of Kim's compartment and say, "I can't handle this darkness" I shut it back but it wasn't but a few minutes later I opened it again and could not wait for that 6 minutes to be up!!!!!!!!!! I stood outside for a little while and watched grown men come out before the 6 minutes was up! HA! I was explaining it to Wendy so her, Danny, and Caetie went in! HA! She told me I realized I don't like darkness, she called it gross darkness lol!!!! She said if I hadn't of explained it to her, she couldn't have lasted either. Man what an experience that was!!!

Macon update...

2009-03-06T12:33:00.005-05:00

Thank the Lord Erika's surgery went well, it was definitely a rough week the first week...What was weird is the surgery center area was kinda small and I could hear them sawing and hammering on her back there...It was so strange!!! I asked to see her elbow they cut out, but they had already thrown it in the trash, the nurse went to see if she could retrieve it, but it was too late...I wanted to see what this disease does to your joints up close and personal...The girls were so sick prior to her surgery, that none of us got good rest beforehand...Kailee was sicker than Maddie, but both are now much, much better...

I worked 6 days while here and enjoyed it very much...Sabrina has been a tremendous blessing to me many times in the last 7 years...

Erika is doing better each day and she can already extend her right arm more even without it being completely recovered from the surgery....She has an ugly incision and quite a few staples...I really need to count them...HA! I like details...

I got out of the house for most of the day yesterday, it was a beautiful day and it really rejuvenated me...I went to get my oil changed and that is a story in and of itself....I like this jiffy lube so well and the manager Steve has been a great person to get to know...He is just a good ole boy, like Damon...He was friendly and I trusted him completely...I would wait almost 6,000 miles for an oil change just so I could wait to get it here in Macon, at his jiffy lube...I have been doing this for almost 7 years now...He is always there, he always had coupons, or car advice on who to trust with parts, repairs...You know your friendly vendor...Well yesterday when I went, I asked "Where is Steve?" The young man said, "Mam, he died about six months ago." My mouth flew open in utter shock...What happened to him I asked? I had waited so long this time that the last oil change was in Nashville and I probably hadn't seen him in approximately 6 months ago...I will have to check the date on my last receipt down here...Anyway my heart was crushed about this...He was 34 and a blood clot so forcefully shot from his leg to his heart, the blood clot punctured his heart...He had no idea he had a blood clot....He was stabilized and flown to a special hospital in Florida, where they tried to repair his heart, but when they opened him for surgery, his vital organs began to shut down and he passed away...I asked did he have a wife or children? He told me no mam on the wife, he had a 14 year old son who he raised without a mother...I said what about a girlfriend, he said no mam, he was dedicated to his job and his son....I said where is his son and how is he doing? He said, he is with Steve's mother and the son is doing as well as can be expected to lose his only parent....Oh my goodness this just kills me...I wonder if there is something I could have said to him in these last 7 years that could have made a difference in his life?...

I also went to the local fresh market to browse...

When I was getting a pedicure before Erika's surgery, I noticed the lady next to me....I really liked her cut and color, so I asked who did her hair and where? I found out, googled it for the number and made an appointment for yesterday also...I got a cut, color and subtle hi-lights...I really, really like it and I hope I can fix it as good as she did...HA! that's a joke...

Last night all of us (Lance, Erika, Kailee, Maddie, Vicky) went to see Kailee practice wee ball...She can hit the ball good, but isn't really into it at this point...She has resisted both practices and doesn't want to play her first game tomorrow...HA! Erika said I can see she is going to take after me where sports are concerned...Wendy loved sports and was really good at it...Erika tried it but didn't like...Wendy did quite a few extra things growing up, but Erika never seemed to be interested in team sports or activities like that...

Going back to a previous thought, hey it's my blog, just try to keep up....I don't know why it tears me up so about people I hardly know or don't know at all...Those NFL players and friends that were lost in the Gulf of Mexico, has really upset me too...I followed the breaking story, watched and read every detail of the news that came out....Life can turn in an instant...Please don't take your life or the life of your loved ones for granted, it can all be over forever in an twinkling of an eye....I hope all of you have a beautiful, blessed day and I can't wait to get back to my home, my bed, my friends, my church and my life....I love Erika and her family with all my heart, but the older I get the harder it is to stay with anyone else....I hope I have been a blessing to her life as best as I can....I know I can get on her nerves with my thoughts and opinions, but mothers and fathers who truly love their children never stop caring, never stop prodding and encouraging them along life's path...You see I have been there and done that and want to spare some heartache along the way if I can...

Stuff....

2009-02-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

For someone who loves to talk, communicate and openly speak my thoughts, I rarely blog...hehehe...Such a contradiction isn't it? Well that pretty much explains me...I took a psychology test and answered one set of questions completely opposite of the other questions...Ha! Why am I not surprised by that...Anyway on to the stuff...In case you wonder at all what's going on, a lot and nothing...Remember contradictions!!!! I am in Macon for Erika's elbow replacement on the 24th....I would appreciate all prayers for her...It's a serious surgery and she needs the Lord to be with the Drs and her....My previous boss Sabrina who I worked for when I lived here....Really the best job I have ever had except Capt Bly...She called me on Thursday a day or so before I was coming and asked me to come help her husband Spencer because his CSR had a heart emergency...So I came down to Macon early to work for him...I have been there a week today...He likes me so much, he wants me to stay and get my P & C license...He will pay for my training and pay for the test for my license...So I have decisions to make really quick...The CSR, Sheila got out of the hospital on Wednesday and she is coming back Monday...Whether she is physically able to work or not, Spencer wants me to stay....So pray for me to make the right decision...I took some tests in Smyrna recently and made 90 in English, 89 in Reading and 80 in Math and not so good in Algebra...lol!! for college...I am not getting any younger and I really want to get a long term career going for the rest of my working life...And last but not least, I am really, really, really in need of a miracle in some areas of my life....So please keep me in your prayers...I think turning the age I am coming up on has been the most difficult milestone yet...My life is closer to being over than ever before and I want to redeem every moment I have left...Please say a prayer for the depths of my heart and soul that only God knows about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Tabernacle on Keith Street 1988

2009-01-31T02:13:00.001-05:00

This seems like a lifetime ago...Great times!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUbed2jaClc

Jumping on the bandwagon

2009-01-14T23:25:00.003-05:00

Things I like, (in no particular order)

pleasing God
intercessory prayer
God's assurance
children's love
grandchildren's love
great sister
smell of a good candle
hot baths
clean sheets (off the clothes line)
laughter
friends
loyality
affection
good movie
good music
shared memories
inside jokes
nice hair
good skin
good food
kindness
tenderness
mercy
love
smell of coffee

Things I don't like (in no particular order)

loud aggressive music
unfaithful
lack of remorse
strong colonge
bad teeth
uncleanliness
foul mouth
disrespectful
sin
sin
sin
sin
abandonment
lying
cheating
smoking
drinking
arrogance
injustice
distrust
divisiveness
hiding sin
hypocrisy

Caetie is signing on Chris Sligh's video

2009-01-13T23:32:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ-TdEeg3v0

Is this great or what??

New Year, new opportunities...

2009-01-03T14:47:00.002-05:00

This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it...It's my decision each day to rejoice in him...He alone is worthy, doesn't matter the circumstances...He is worthy...

"I love you, I love you, I love you Lord today, cause you cared for me in such a special way and now I praise you, I lift you up, I magnify your name, that's why my heart is filled with praise."

The saying goes, that your attitude is more important than what happens to you...I know from experience that there are usually 3 groups of attitudes...One you see only good and live in a fantasy world that refuses to face the harsh, stark realities of life, two you see the good and the bad equally, aren't afraid to state your feelings both positive and negative, and three you see only the negative, nothing pleases you, nothing satisfies...How sad to not be able to live balanced in this world...I don't want to be the extremes of these, I want to only see the reality of what God wants me to see!!!!! Life isn't always positive, but Jesus is positively with you through it all and if we will place our life humbly at his feet, he will bring the best solution to it all. I have staked my entire life on this principle. Doesn't matter what it feels like, what it looks like or if I am in desperation, I do know that God does make the impossible, possible for those that love him and abide in his word by their life choices! By his grace and mercy I have made it to this day and I know if I will continue to please him in all that I say, all that I feel, all that I do inwardly and outwardly he will take me down each path of this life I must follow. You see I realize I was bought with a price and his redemption of my soul came with a command to take up my cross and follow him. "Lead me Lord I'll follow every where you open up the door"Now that is my decision and I want to be made of the stuff that endures through it all with Jesus as my personal saviour! I know not the way, I know not how and I completely depend on him. And in all my 49 years he has yet to fail me.

Love remains the same...

2008-12-28T13:07:00.002-05:00

The next few days are the closing days of 2008 and here I am again with so much emotions to deal with. I try to be careful what I say in public blogs because, they are just that, public. What you expound here is for the whole world to see. Today I feel like being starkly open, which of course makes you vunerable to other people's judgements, yet the only judgement I care about is God's. His is the only one that truly counts.

It's been almost 7 years since my husband left and today it seems like yesterday. Time will go by so quickly at times without a care in the world and then memories come crashing in like a tidal wave of the ocean. There are moments in movies, songs, phrases, smells, the list goes on and on that remind me of a life that slipped through my fingers, that I fought so hard to hold on to. I have said this many times, after the Lord, my family being truly together was all I ever wanted. My immediate family matters causes me pain and sorrow only God knows the depths of. I miss my husband, doesn't matter the experiences we shared whether good or bad, I miss him. I doubt he has a clue how much he has shattered my heart. Most people who go do their own thing, don't really care the pieces they leave behind. That is what hardness of heart and selfishness will do to others who have no control over your decisions. This song I am going to post today rips my heart out at the core. It makes me cry out some things that are buried so deep. I believe tears are healing sometimes. If you happen to read my blog today or any other day and you have love, peace and unity in your family, say a prayer for mine. God holds all the records and he is the only one able to unscramble the shattered pieces of my life. I cling to him for resolution!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R8Qvm24dbU

passing it on!

2008-12-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks Sis Katie...

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary..

My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein, aired on CBS Morning.
Posted by Katie at 7:32 AM 0 comments

Before it's too late!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-15T20:11:00.002-05:00

I wished I could go in to details, but God knows...PLEASE help me pray for some urgent needs in my life...I NEED GOD TO MOVE! He is my heavenly Father and he knows my every need...I know he cares and I place my life at his feet...I place all my hopes and dreams at the foot of his cross! I long for his will, his perfect will...

I love romance, but it's rejected me...lol...

2008-12-12T00:59:00.002-05:00

I have watched and read quite a bit of romance lately...I love romance, but in my situation, it's quite heartbreaking...I saw a movie tonight I have seen many times but I cry every time...About a man who loves his lady so much, but never verbally tells her and then he is tragically killed...He is sent back from heaven to help her recover and move on...At first he just can't do it, but as the movie progresses he does...When you watch something over and over it seems that each time you catch something you missed before...Well tonight was another light bulb moment in the movie..."The love you hold back is the only pain that follows you in this life"...WOW!

The snow is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!! Kailee wants to see snow so bad, so pray we can have snow after they get here safely and they get snowed in a while...lol!!!!

Keep praying for something that means so much to my heart...Time goes by so swiftly and then it's over...I want to experience all the victories God has for me...I pray he will have mercy enough to grant my petitions before I leave this world....

And in case I don't blog again I pray each of you have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

hysterical...and thought provoking....

2008-12-03T10:16:00.006-05:00

As we age everything about our body and mind are not as sharp as they once were...No matter how hard we try to stay the aging process, it continues day by day...Kim, Momma and I don't hear accurately all the time...Momma is the worst, you can holler when she is in another room and she still can't hear...It makes for interesting conversations...You think they said something, they think you said something else and when you finally figure it all out, it's even funnier...Lately I have been meaning to say one thing and it comes out something else...For several days at Thanksgiving just about everything I said wasn't what I intended...It was absolutely hilarious and scary all at the same time...It started on the Saturday after I got back from Macon a week and 1/2 ago...I went over to Kim's to help her decorate and it was pouring down rain...I wanted to ask if it was going to be raining all week because of our upcoming trip to Macon...But instead I looked at Kim and said "Is it raining?" All the while the blinds are open and I am looking right out into the pouring rain...The look on Kim's face was priceless, she tilted her head to the side like a puppy trying to understand, with a look like she wanted to say, that has to be the dumbest question I have ever heard...And we just started laughing...Well those sort of incidences happened over and over again for at least a week or more...It makes you wonder what other breakdowns in mind and body are ahead...Anybody that says they are enjoying growing older makes me really wonder if they are telling the truth...hehehehe!!! Of course there are so many wonderful things about maturing, but that is different than the deterioration of mind and body...So many things you were uptight about in youth, just don't matter anymore...I have said it before and I will say it again, when you truly learn how to live, it's time to die...

My prayer is that we all learn how to live like God intended long before we have to leave...I can think of those whose lives are gripped with so much hate, bitterness and on and on...What a waste of time...If we spent as much time loving as we do the other negative emotions and feelings the world would be a better place...I want a clean slate with God and a clean slate with others...Not everyone is going to accept you no matter what you do...Jesus was hated and he NEVER did anything wrong...He was falsely accused, lied on, spat upon and hated to the point of murdering him...So don't think it strange when it happens to you, if with all your heart you are striving to live like Jesus...And remember good always triumphs over evil...It may be in glory that you get your justice and reward, but heaven my friend will be worth it all...No matter how loud and proud we boast of the love of God, if we don't show love in word, action and spirit to others, it's all in vain...I know we can't always have peace with those that don't want peace, but you can be at peace with God, having done all you know to do...God is able to break down all barriers if all parties will allow it to be so...Wars and rumors of wars will continue to plague our world, because when the love of God is void in the hearts of men, the only thing left is hate...We see that hate growing more hateful and violent as each day passes...The bible says he that despiseth, despiseth not man but God...So don't take it personally when you are falsely accused and hated...Rejoice for they despised Jesus also...I thank God for the peace that passeth all understanding that keeps your heart and mind, but oh how I long for PEACE that the world can't comprehend...I know that peace will be on the other side of heaven 1st and then here we will enjoy 1000 years of peace that the world refused to accept...I would to God that he would grant me peace in so many situations in this life...Peace, wonderful peace coming down from the father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love...Peace and love even though a staple of the hippie generation, goes hand in hand... God's love brings peace and who doesn't want that in their life?

Something was said to me about wanting someone I love to be happy and I said I want peace...So many things in life bring everything but peace, but I am glad I know the peace speaker....I pray that those I love find peace, the peace only God can give...

Heros of the Faith...

2008-11-19T15:18:00.003-05:00

I want to say so much about this, but I don't have time...Erika is at the Dr and Kailee has to be watched like a hawk...Maddie is sleeping...

We that are familiar with the Bible knows that Hebrews the 11th chapter is about Faith...Heros of the faith...Those aren't the heros I am talking about today...There are heros of the faith today that will never be included in the Bible, but touch our lives just as much...When I think of the faithful prayer warriors that have already gone on in my lifetime, I really get concerned about it...Who is going to fill their shoes,??? We can see that letting down the standard in just my lifetime has cost us plenty...Evil is so prevelant in our society, a different kind of evil, no remorse, no conviction, no intention of admitting and forsaking...But for today I want to talk about a personal faith hero of mine...She isn't rich by this world's standards at all...She isn't a professor at the elitist colleges of America, but she is priceless in my eyes...When Nanny prays things happen, when Nanny says God is going to move or answer because she has prayed through to the victory, you can take it to the bank...Nanny is in her mid eighties and by the course of nature she is going to be gone soon...She has been a rock in my life...She called me today in Georgia and said "How's Erika? She said I have really been praying and fasting for her, for Charlie, for Brad...I really prayed yesterday" Now that is an amazing woman in my eyes...She has her own needs, her own family, her own life and she cares enough about me and mine, that she would fast and pray for my family...It really makes me ashamed, as much as I pray, as much as I try to fast, to really get in touch with God, am I willing to do this for others too??? That is where the blessing is...I know Nanny will be blessed every day she has left, for her life is completely and totally sold out to Jesus...I know something good is going to come from this prayer....I can't get over her calling me today....Just when we think we don't know what else to do to get an answer, something wonderful, something miraclous is just around the next corner!!!! Oh God let me be the next generation of prayer warriors to stand in the gap for souls and needs...Oh to tell all she said today that touched my heart...But God knows and bring it quickly Lord Jesus!!! Surprise us all with your great love, your great mercy, your great mighty power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My family needs it, I need it and God is able...Thanks Nanny, you have been a blessing beyond words in my life!!!!

Update on Erika

2008-11-16T11:25:00.003-05:00

The orthopedic Dr wasn't the right one...He didn't charge her and she really liked him...He referred her to another Dr who specializes in arthritic joints...He told her from the looks of the xray, she would need an elbow joint replacement...Her back it still bothering her too...Please continue to pray that God would lead in the right direction for every decision...That she would qualify for the prescription assistance program, that she will get an excellent, caring Dr...And if God so desires that we would see a complete healing of this disease...I know he is able!!!!

Calling on all prayer warriors...

2008-11-13T13:44:00.001-05:00

Erika needs divine intervention for her health...Please anyone and everyone call all you know who can get a prayer through for her...This Rheumatoid is crippling her quickly!!!!!!!! I know God can stop it!!!!!!!! Please help me bombard heaven for her health...She has a family to take care of!!!

Oh how I want to...

2008-11-09T21:00:00.003-05:00

You always try to be very careful what you say on a blog for fear it may be taken out of context. You can't read body language or tone from the written page 100 percent of the time. I may feel you are being rude, sarcastic or whatever other negative connotation and you may have meant nothing but jest. So with that in mind I try to season what I say with wisdom so as not to ever be found offensive.

PET PEEVE number 1, it's been less than a week since the election and I am going to probably have to not watch and block it all out. Because every word that is said negatively regarding your opinion of President elect Barack Hussein Obama looks like is going to be judged racist. That is already making me sick. I would like to say, I am sorry for all that has happened in our American history, I truly am, if your aren't, watch Roots by, Alex Haley. However, I have never owned slaves and I don't know anyone in my lifetime that was a slave. And just because as an American I disagree with Barack Obama's liberal, sinful, voting choices while in the senate, DOES NOT and I repeat DOES NOT make me racist. Whew... I don't care what race, nationality, or anything else, if you have a chip on your shoulder, that is a universal problem with mankind, not a color of skin. Martin Luther King said he longed for the day that man would not be judged by the color of his skin, but the content of his character. And that my friend is the truth. I based my decisions on the content of character and I stand by that decision. I will however respect the office of the president whether I am able to respect the man or not.

PET PEEVE number 2, have you ever felt vulnerable, weak, emotional and all the frailties of human emotions? And after you have done your own soul searching, praying, you call your friends for additional prayer support, only to get kicked in the gut...I know most people would never purposely say the wrong thing at the wrong time...We do try our best to say the right words when someone we love is hurting...I am not too proud to admit I have stuck my foot in my mouth more times than I care to remember, but with all my heart I have never in my life tried to be maliciously cruel to anyone...When someone is in need, don't use that as an opportunity to slam them or their character flaws or their family...For goodness sake if you absolutely cannot say anything nice, then just don't speak at all...Or use the phrase, I don't know what to say...Nothing gets me aggravated more than when someone is hurting or down and someone kicks them down lower...Shame on anyone who does that...Shame, shame, shame!

Now on to something good and positive...Last weekend when I went to Macon/Warner Robins with Bro/Sis Campbell, the trip was long, exhausting, but a good visit...It went above and beyond my expectations and for that I praise the Lord...The Johnson family showed hospitality and the girls loved the Campbell's...There wasn't any shy time or warm up time...You would have thought they had known them all their lives (ha they have) and that they were regular visitors...They played games, hide n seek and really paid the girls individual attention...Lance fixed a nice big breakfast for all of us before church Sunday morning! Bro Campbell realized he forgot his church shirt and he and Lance went to Kohl's to get one, then Bro Campbell forgot his glasses in the truck and Lance had to read the sizes, sleeve length, material content and so on...I bet that was hilarious! Bro Campbell's message was great with great boldness under heavy anointing...We went to visit 2 sick people at 2 different hospitals before we left, went by the Johnson's to change and say our goodbyes, which Kailee was very upset about and then back to Cleveland to pick up Cha and on to Nashville!

Last night I went to see my 1st cousin, Teresa's daughter Maren get married...Maren and Erika went to school together before Teresa moved to Brentwood...We don't spend allot of time with that side of my family unless it's a funeral...So Kim, Caetie and I decided to go and we really enjoyed seeing them in that setting...Maren's college friends filled up a row behind us in the church and I hit it off with them and they were a hoot and of course I can hold my own...They were beaming with personality and 2 of the guys met Maren at MTSU were from Chicago and they came all the way from Chicago to attend the wedding...Now that is friendship...When we left they try to persuade me to come back after dropping Kim off, but I told them I wasn't a party person...They were sweet and polite and said that's ok, come on back...I wanted to personally tell them goodbye and what wonderful personalities they had and I enjoyed the time I spent with them...One of the guys who reminded me of Josh Yohe, hugged my neck and we all parted...I will be sure and tell Maren how impressed I was with her friends if ever given the opportunity!

I think maybe my immune system may be over loaded or something, since I caught whatever Momma had several weeks ago, it seems I am having one nagging little something after the other...Keep me in your prayers!!

This and That

2008-10-27T19:40:00.005-05:00

I just made some homemade hot chocolate...Organic cocoa, whole milk, sugar and marshmallows...mmmmm good!

I had a nice time at the Johnson's residence...It really is nice to be wanted, needed, loved and respected...Kailee has such a high energy level...Whew she is like having 3 girls in one...Maddie is so sweet and laid back, but when you get her upset, she goes on and on and on, like she is practicing for a drama...lol...

I came home about the time Wendy brought Toby, GG and Ben...The boys were their normal selves, but GG was in extra talkative mode...Whew, I wonder if I was like that when I was little?...Example:

"Grami why is Kailee naked and have your glasses on?" (pic) She isn't naked, she is in her underwear. "You ain't s'posed to be naked in front of boys" She isn't naked in front of boys. There are no boys at her house only her Dad. "Well there is boys at my house, Toby, Silas, Ben and my Dad." "Why does that boy have earrings?" That's a picture of my half brother Tyler and he has his ears pierced. "Boys don't s'posed to have pierced ears. I can't have my ears pierced till I get big like Momma and Caetie" "Grami your shoes are s'posed to be in your closet." I do have shoes in my closet. "Why do you have them in the basket?" Cause I want too. "Well the basket is too heavy to carry" I don't plan on carrying the basket. All this was said in just a few minutes and there is much more, but you get the picture don't you? Kids are so funny!!!!

Erika really wanted me to stay for Halloween, but I have responsibilities I needed to take care of here...I will be going back for an overnight stay with the Campbells, when they go visit that local church there...

Well if I forgot to mention anything I will post again soon...

Please help me remember some very special prayer requests, some spoken, some unspoken...I need some answers from God about some things...One that I can mention is Erika's health, please keep praying for her and the decisions she needs to make regarding this crippling disease...Oh God she needs intervention...Please pray for personal things in my life...Again I need answers only God can give...

If I had only known...(song by Reba McEntire)

2008-10-15T15:46:00.003-05:00

If I had only known
It was the last walk in the rain
Id keep you out for hours in the storm
I would hold your hand
Like a life line to my heart
Underneath the thunder wed be warm

If I had only known
It was our last walk in the rain
If I had only known
Id never hear your voice again
Id memorize each thing you ever said
And on those lonely nights
I could think of them once more
Keep your words alive inside my head

If I had only known
Id never hear your voice again
You were the treasure in my hand
You were the one who always stood beside me
So unaware I foolishly believed
That you would always be there
But then there came a day
And I turned my head and you slipped away

If I had only known
It was my last night by your side
Id pray a miracle would stop the dawn
And when youd smile at me
I would look into your eyes
And make sure you know my love
For you goes on and on

If I had only known
If I had only known
The love I wouldve shown
If I had only known

HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM!!!

2008-10-14T11:14:00.004-05:00

There is no stopping place to seek the Lord. I am amazed at his timing and how he gives more than we pray for. If you have something in your life, like I do that you have prayed and prayed and prayed till you just don't know how to pray anymore. Keep diligently seeking him!!! His word cannot lie and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I am so happy for the Sutton's being able to see their foster children and their mother opening the door for continued communications. All they ask for was for bad weather for a chance meeting and God orchestrated something much more. Steve has been steady like a rock during what is the most difficult trial for a man, to not have a place of provision for his family. He was doing an extreme manual labor job for so much less than he was educated for. I have always respected him, but this trial has provided me with a visual of his depth, that maybe he didn't even know he had. We really don't know what we are made of till we are put to the test. Sunday morning I saw and felt the peace of God fall on an innocent child that the enemy was back to his same old lying tricks again. The Word that Bro Sutton has been bringing to us, has been so encouraging, convicting, empowering and refreshing. His interaction with the sheep has been so encouraging. I already deeply loved them as my close friends and now I can say there is a renewed depth to that love and respect for them. We have been so blessed at Antioch through all these years and God has given us his best, now why wouldn't we want to give him ours. I am truly thankful that Bro Sutton was sent our way. God is so good if we can just hold on and trust when every fiber of our being says "NO WAY THIS IS EVER GOING TO WORK OUT" I am telling you it's going to work out, IF we will do our best to love the Lord with all our heart and our neighbor as our self, lean not to our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge him and he SHALL direct our path. Many times in my life I have no idea where I am going and knowing that God is directing in ways I cannot understand keeps me steady, when everything under my feet, that I thought I stood on is gone.

Erika and her precious or should I say precocious family came to visit for several days. I am going to remind Lance of his bragging about 5 weeks vacation that he only comes for a long weekend here. I am expecting a week next time. Erika sang "I Surrender All" Sunday morning from her heart. I know God is going to provide exactly what she needs for her family. It may not be how or when she wants it, but it will be better than she can imagine, if she will just keep seeking, keep trusting, keep holding on. Unless you have been failed by very important role models in your life, you have no idea how difficult it is to trust that God has time for your needs. But that couldn't be further from the truth. His word says, when mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Who better to take care of you, who better to stand up for you, who better to fight for you and give you beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, peace for unrest and all the many wonderful benefits of serving him. All he is asking of us is to do right according to his word. It's so simple and it won't ever change, if we do our very best to do the right thing, God is bound by his word to deliver us from all the things in this life that causes us to cry out to him. The righteous cry and the Lord delivereth him from ALL his troubles. I just thank God for the comfort of his word that keeps my eyes on him waiting for him to fulfill his promises in my life.

He alone is worthy to be praised in all our circumstances for it is by him we live, we move and have our being.

Thankful!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for the keeping power of God. I came to a cross road in my life 28 years ago today. I struggled with my consistency in the Lord for many years before October 1, 1980. I know that God orchestrated every minute detail of that day to save me. The fear of God was put in me in October of 1978 and for 2 years I stayed away from the sins that so easily trapped me. On October 1, 1980 after 2 years of being good on my own, I decided I wanted to return to my sinful ways, the fear had worn off. I had made plans that night to meet a friend after Charlie went to school, a friend I had no business with. The plans were made for the evening, where we would meet, what we were going to do. When I came home that day, it was a Wednesday, there was a note on my front door on Rosedale Avenue. It was a torn off corner of a piece of scrap paper, it said "Call me, Vivian". Why I picked up that phone and called her, only God knows, but I did. We talked for 2 1/2 hours, I cried, we talked, I cried. That night when Charlie went to school, instead of going to meet my friend, I went to church on Foster Avenue to the Woodbine Church of God of Prophecy, where I was a backslidden member. As soon as there was opportunity to get to that altar, I went. I got saved, sanctified and Bro. Dupre the pastor, said to me "Let us help you". Thank God for all of the above happening exactly how it did. Not long after that wonderful night, I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. My reputation of not being able to stay saved followed me, but after 1 year, the longest I had ever stayed saved, we celebrated in my back yard on Southern Turf for my 1 year saved celebration. Today it has been 28 years. I know without a shadow of a doubt, I would more than likely be burning eternally in hell, if I had chosen the other road to take that night. I know my family would have been destroyed, my life would have been destroyed, my girls wouldn't have been raised in church and I wouldn't be where I am today. I know this is soooooo long, but I must tell everyone that knows me, that God miraculously SAVED my life from destruction. I thank him and praise him for his mercy.I pray that I can endure to the end and hear him say "Well done thy good and faithful servant"