There was a day...

There was a day; not so very long ago. On October 12, 2007 my life changed forever. On this Friday, I woke up just like every other Friday. I woke Sawyer and then Carys. When I changed her pull-up there were clots of blood inside. She was happy, cheerful, and anxious to play with her baby brother. The blood clots confirmed that the blood we had seen days earlier was something serious...but what?

Justin came home from work, we called the doctor, and upon his advice headed for Children's ER in Birmingham. Doctors came in. They drew blood. They pushed on her belly. They asked questions. Nothing seemed wrong. More doctors came in. They pushed on her belly...still, nothing. We waited. They made us an appointment with on of the top pediatric urologists in the country...for two weeks later. They prescribed more antibiotics and prepared us to head home. At the last minute they decided that since we would need an abdominal ultra-sound before she saw the urologists, and radiology had and opening, they would let us go upstairs for the ultra-sound before we left.

Justin went into the waiting room with his dad to tell him we were going home. I took Carys by the hand and let her up to radiology. She laid on the table and the tech began scanning her belly. I will never forget the smile on the technician's face as she looked at us and said, "I am going to go get my doctor and let him take a look at you."

I am no doctor. However, God blessed me with deductive reasoning skills. This was the one moment in my life I wished that I was ignorant. In that moment, if I knew one thing it was that radiologist read film. They do not examine patients...unless...

He entered the room. A doctor with and Indian accent can be difficult to understand. However, I had no trouble understanding his words, "Which side is it on?"

It...the word that changed our lives.

We spent the next year looking at it, thinking about it, praying about it.

It...in case you have never met us...was a tumor. A tumor that had over taken my 3-year-old daughter's right kidney, attached to her liver, grown out of her renal vein and into her vena cava, and metastasized to her right lung...It.

I don't know that I have ever really told the story of that day. You have probably read or heard tell of all of the events between that day and this. If not I will give you a quick recap. She was diagnosed, treated with poison (aka. chemo), treated with the stuff that is a by-product of nuclear power plants (radiation), received who knows how many people's blood and platelets, and was cared for by the most wonderfully amazing people on the planet. People all around the country interceded for her. Went before God and pleaded for healing for Carys, for strength for her family, for peace for us all.

He heard. He listened. He healed.

I know that as I type this there are those out there who are hurting. I do not write this this for pity. I don't write it so that when you see her picture below you will gawk at how beautiful she is. I write this so that you may know...

I just described one of the few truly bad days of my life. You must know what brought me from that day to this one. It was HIM.

Although I fail many time each day, I strive to live so that everyone knows what God had done for me. It is hard to explain but the best thing that God has ever done for me is not healing my daughter. The greatest thing is the work He had started in me. In the fall of 1991, I accepted His free gift of salvation. It was free to me, but only because the price was paid in full at Calvary.

We all have our October 12ths...our days that will live in infamy. If you are so blessed that this day has not yet come for you (and I promise the encouragement is coming)...know that the day is coming. However, you do not have to face the storm alone. 2 Samuel 22:2 says, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer." He is, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

If yesterday, today, or tomorrow turns out to be your Oct 12th...I pray you will seek refuge in the One who has already made The Way. I pray you will find yourself grounded in the Rock of His Word. And, I pray you will find strength in the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Tonight, I pray.

His Way Is Perfect...

I am not going to devote more that one sentence to the fact that I have not written in a long time. Admittedly, I have wondered over my blogging "break" if God really still had stuff for me to share in this way. But, I was reminded this week that my blessings are too great not to share them. What often seems like the non-sense of my daily life is, in fact, the perfect Will of God. So, I write...

Sunday, September 4, 2011 marked the 3rd Anniversary of the day that Carys received her first "off-treatment" scans and was, for the first time declared cancer-free! My father-in-law described it best when he stated that if that Carys' healing was the only blessing we ever received for the rest of our lives...we would not live long enough to run out of blessing from that one act of God! Thankfully, God has chosen to do so much more for me and my family that just this one blessing!

So, three years later I live to make sure that I nor anyone else who knows Carys forgets what God has done for her; for us! The most obvious thing is that she is healed. I speak this as fact. Despite the fact that we will return to Children's next month for a check-up...I choose to believe that she is in fact completely healed. But today as I write I hope to do one more thing. I hope to make everyone aware of the one of the other great blessings that came from our journey.

"As for God, His way is perfect" Psalm 18:30

Because of all that happened to my daughter over three years ago...I have no problem BELIEVING this verse. It means I don't get discouraged easily. One of the biggest blessings that came from her illness was the spiritual growth that occurred. I mean, during that time in my life I HAD to have faith. There was no other option. No doctor or nurse could tell me for sure that my daughter would survive or if she would have any long term effects from her treatment. I learned the God's ways, however foreign they may seem to us, are ALWAYS perfect.

I think too often we get caught up in the circumstances we face in life to realize that God knew we would be where we are before we got here! He has prepared a perfect beginning, middle, and ending for each phase of our lives. Nothing happens by accident. I could give you details of things that have happened to me over the past few months that would show you this is true. They would not mean as much to you because they are my things. So, I challenge you to think...

Where has God brought you to today? What is your attitude about where God has placed you? Are you truly believing that He has put you there? That He has prepared everyone and everything for you? Are you trusting Psalm 18:30? Is His way perfect or would you do it different if you could.

Think about these things. Pray. Seek God's advice about your attitudes, your direction, your faith. His word says, "seek and ye shall find!"

If you have a few minutes...go back and look at some of my old post over the past few years. Look where God has brought me through and it will prove Psalm 18:30 over and over!

~God Bless~

What I Learned This Week

This week I learned a lot! I would probably surprise you really, how much you are capable of learning in just one week...Some of the things I learned have a lot to do with insurance, others are just life lessons, while still others are confidential matters that friends asked me to keep between me and God. I just learned so much.

The first thing I learned is something I already knew. Sometimes I get that attitude, you know the one. The "Yea, yea, I already know this stuff" attitude. Well, sometimes I think God repeats lessons to us so that we can really know them...or really know Him...I'm not sure which. This week He taught me, yet again, that His plans are always perfect. Over the past few months I could have never predicted where I would be right now, how I would be feeling, or how big I would be blessed. But guess what? God knew it all along! (Jeremiah 29:11). "Duh, Alison!"

I also learned that it hard (long) work will not kill you. In fact, it might actually be the very best thing for you! I worked about 42 hours this week. This work was not laboring, but it was a doing a task that is completely new to me. Mentally, it was very tiring. Also, many of these hours were in the evenings when I am usually with my family. This too, was different. However, I never once felt exhausted and better yet...I did not have one single headache. You know, sometimes God gives you "signs" and "wonders" to let you know things. Sure, we know He did this in the Bible...but when is the last time you have looked for a sign from God? The past 8-10 months I have been plagued with unexplainable headaches. I know deep down it was stress and the fact that I was not following God's plan. I was not letting Him lead. I was trying to stay in control of my life rather than let go and let God. I believe wholeheartedly that the headaches are gone...for good.

I also learned that it is possible that God created me to be good at more than one thing and to help people in more than one way. Some of you may not be aware of this...because I was not very translucent with my life...but in May I was told that my contract with the school board would not be renewed this year. The primary reason was because of a test that I took in December of 2009. The results of this test were never reported to the State Department of Education. I went to UA on that day and took that test. However, for some reason unknown to me the test results cannot be found. It is a weight I carried around for about a year. I know I took the test, but I struggled with others thinking that I was lying about this. It really bothered me; the idea of people thinking I was a liar. The Bibb County system was wonderful to help me in any way they could. ACT (the writers and scoring agency) for the test had employees digging in two year old files in a warehouse looking for my test. It was not there. I was not wronged by anyone and I did not do any wrong. It just happened.

Today, I describe the events that led me to this point in life unexplainable. But, I no longer think of ,y situation as a negative thing. Think about it...how many things God does that are unexplainable! How is Carys healed...unexplainable! How is it that Jesus was conceived of a virgin...unexplainable! How is it that God gave up His Perfect Son for me sins...unexplainable. So you see, I refuse to take the life God has given me and be ashamed or sad at anything that He puts in it! Unexplainable or not...He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11)

So, I have started a new career. Its so strange because I would have never thought of myself as anything other than a teacher. I guess that is why I struggled so much. I was really good a teaching; honestly,  I was. And, I really loved the students I taught. Even now as I think of them I know I will miss them! However, God has started a new work in me. I know that He has all types of plans for me. You might remember me writing a while back about being ready to GO wherever God sent me. Its kinda funny now because although I am not going to Africa on missions...with my new job I am going! Going to whom ever he sends me in front of.

I pray that who ever I meet from day-to-day that they will see HIM. Please pray for that. Pray that I will be able to be a light for Him and that in everything I do, others will see Him!

"Thank you Lord for teaching me this week!"

Months...

It has been months since I posted...but you all know that. The past few months have been an interesting time in my life. Many things that I have prayed for and prayed over for years have taken place. And...all in God's perfect timing.

I will admit that it was selfish of me not to write. I was not being transparent which is a major goal of me having the blog in the first place. To share with you the journey that God is leading me through. The truth is there were scary periods of doubt and fear over the past few months. Many times I thought of writing and letting everyone in. I now know I did the right thing by holding off because those posts would have come from a place of desperation. I would have been looking for encouragement and maybe even pity from those who read. God knew that I needed to take a break so that HE could be my source of comfort, encouragement, and strength.

But now, I have perspective. It is like when you climb a really tall hill and look back over the terrain you have just covered. Things always look different from the "other side." And that is where I am today. On the mountain top! I am here not because I did anything spectacular or special. I am here because I serve a spectacular and special God! The only thing I can claim is faith. I endured. I persevered.

If I listed all of the blessings that I am enduring right now, you would be astounded. I am sure that things like great friendships (old and new) are flourishing, my marriage...never better, my family...happy and healthy, my career...starting anew, and my dog...healing...and on and on. However, it is non of these things I would classify and my "biggest" blessings. It is the state of my heart! I am able to take a deep, deep breath and be still and know that He is Lord! Its unexplainable to know what if feels like to "count it all joy!"

I am so thankful for the difficult times in my life. I really mean that. I feel honored to have experience God in such real ways. I have seen, heard, felt...experienced God. Sometimes people say things like, "I am so sorry you have had to go through so many things in your life." I understand their empathy, but I am so tempted to say..."DON'T BE!" God is in control of this thing called my life. I am guilty of not always letting Him take the lead role but thankfully He along with being my judge and administrator of my life...He is also my Loving Forgiver. When I left Him down, He picks me up and brings me right back into the fellowship of His love.

So, I guess I can say..."I'm Back!" I plan to share many of the things God has done over the past few months. Hopefully, these things will help in some small way.

~God Bless~

Today is the day...

Please check out my Caring Bridge post for my thoughts on today.

God Bless!

This Week's CVS Deals

Okay, I have had LOTS of questions about couponing over the past few weeks. I would like to answers these and clarify a few points about 'my" couponing.

One of my favorite things about couponing is that it is fun! I have always liked to shop, but in recent years with money and time restraints I have found that shopping (especially grocery shopping) has become a burden. I hate to see the shampoo bottle empty becuase that used to mean that I would have to find a way to squeeze that into my shopping list. Couponing has given me freedom to buy things that I preciously would not have. It allows me to SAVE money on the things I NEED and therefore opens up opportunities for me to do things like SAVE, SHARE, and ENJOY the "extra" money.

Questions Answered...YES, it takes time. I try not to let the clipping, internet browsing, and list making take time away from the important stuff like Bible study, prayer time, family time, or dog training:) However, both Justin and I can see the benefits of devoting a little time each week to this savings.

YES, I have help. I often get people who already get Sunday papers to save their coupons for me AND I have my mom help a lot. She prints coupons and has "value" cards at the same places (like CVS) that I shop. When we work together we can save more and share in the benifits!

YES, you have to spend a little money to save money. But I work hard to plan and organize the trips so that I am spending the LEAST out-of-pocket cost (OPC) as possible for the maxium amounts of item. I will not spend more than my "normal" weekly budget for groceries...and

No, I do not stockplie. At least not like you see on TV. My rule is that if I (or someone in my immediate family) cannot use the item within the next Three Months...I won't buy it. It is pointless (IMO) to spend even a dollar if the item is not useful.

So, my mom made the first CVS trip of the week for me. CVS sales run from Sunday to Sunday. However, if you call the store you might find out that the computers are already set for the sale on Saturday evening. If this is the case...you can shop early.

This was our first "haul"...

This was split into three transactions. You have to plan based on the OPC and how much ECB you will get back. For all of this (plus two cans of peanuts) we spent $13.00 and left with $9 ECB to spend on our next trip! I was after the Dove body wash which has totally helped my skin. They were on sale for $6ea so we got ALL of these items for what I would have paid just for the body wash!!!

Today, I went in for ONE deal and realized that I had another money maker on my hands. I don't have a picture so I break down the items for you.

First I bought...

(4) Airwick Double pack Oil refills (which I used all over the house) for $5 each
used (4) $1/1 coupons
(3) Airwick Oil Warmer Units
used (3) Get on Free with purchase of refills coupon
My total was $20-$4(coupons)-$9ECB= $7 out-of-pocket and got $10 in ECB plus a $4 ECB coupon that randomly prints!!! They paid ME $7 to takes these items out of the store!

Then I bought...
(1) 12pk Scotts Bath Tissue ($6.88)
used $1/1 coupon
(2) CoverGirl Lipstick (which I was in BAD NEED OF) $6each
used (2) $2/1 coupons
(2) Mars candy-filled eggs $.99ea
used $1/1 coupon
My total was $20.86-$6(coupons)-$14.00ECB=$.86

I am proud of my $7.86 "haul". The items I needed were the toilet paper and the lipstick. I got all of this for less that I would have paid for those TWO items on their own!!

Can you tell how much fun I had???

Mid Week Deals

I guess technically Monday is not mid week huh! My "couponing" week starts on Wednesday with the release of the Publix circular; so to me it seems like mid week!

Today, school released early due to the possibility of tornadic weather later this afternoon. This gave me a chance to enact the CVS/Walmart plan I made yesterday when the coupons  came out.

First, I used the info from coupondivas.com to see the match-ups from the CVS paper and the weekly coupons. I found some really good prices on things that we totally needed anyway! I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!

Walmart Purchases

If you are going to REALLY coupon you must check prices! CVS had toothbrushes on sale. With the coupon I had it was going to be $5.98-$2= $3.98 for 2. But when I checked the price at Walmart it was $3.00-$2.00= $1.00 for two! That is $.50 each. I was happy as Justin needed a toothbrush and he is picky about what type he uses. Also, I found these Ziploc containers that I use everyday in Carys's lunch marked down to $1 each. I had a coupon for $1.50 off 2 which made them $2.00-$1.50=$50. That is $.25 per pack!!!

Total Wal-mart Bill = $1.50 :)

CVS

This was my first attempt at REAL couponing at CVS. I have been using my mom's CVS card for years. I decided that we might both need to get in on some deals so I got my very own today:)

I decided to try my hand at "stacking" my purchases to get the most reward points that I could. I must say that if I had been in need of laundry detergent or toilet paper I think I could have left with a profit. But, I was not so I settled for these deals. 

In my first transaction, I bought (2) Irish Spring Bar soap and (1) Softsoap hand wash re-fill. These were 3/$9 and I got $3 Extra Care Bucks to spend on the next transaction. 

My next transaction was Dawn ($.99-$25 coupon=$.74), (2) Listerine $3.48-$2.00/2=$1.48/2), Bounty Paper Towels $5.98, (2) Ziplock Bags $6.00-$1.50=$4.50/2) MINUS $3.00 Extra Care Bucks

Total for both CVS Transactions $18.70 

I figured up how much all of this would have cost at the lowest regular price. At the very least, I saved $18.35...which means that I paid HALF of what I would have normally paid if I had shopped at one store (walmart) with no coupons! That may not seem like much savings but it is about 1/2 of a tank of gas for me. As much as I drive that is awesome!

Also, I stated this in my last post, but some of these items allow me to stock-pile items that I won't need to buy in the near future (ex. bar soap). I bought two 8pks for the price it would cost be to buy one normally which means (a) I did not spend any extra out-of pocket money and will SAVE by not having to buy it until I can get a super good deal on it in the future! Remember... 

I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!

REAL Couponing...Week One

Okay, so I have been playing around with coupons for months...maybe longer. I would casually go though the Sunday paper and clip what I think I might use and put them away until I need them. I have read over and over how you can really save (even make) money for your family by really researching and using the coupons to get the maxium for your dollars. I began to think about the extra money that I could put in savings, use for family outings, or better yet give to help others if I would just simply put the coupon system to work.

If you do not like planning...don't even bother with coupons. If you are not careful you will end up buying things you don't need or even spend MORE money my not looking for the best price/deal...shopping around.

One thing that helped me decided to go for this "life-style" was when I lucked-up on a few websites that help with the planning. These sites help to put the deals right at your fingertips and make is easier to get organized.

I suggest that you start clipping coupons a few weeks before you want to begin super-saving. See, the manufacture coupons ALONE won't save you very much. You need to use the coupons when the items are on sale and in combination with other coupons to get the greatest discount. There are many different ideas about ways to organize your coupons. I don't like the binder method because I don't want to be in the store flipping through coupons. I have an according folder I keep all my coupons in...by week. Before I shop, I compare sales prices with the coupons I have and place the coupons I need for each store in an envelop. I also take along coupons of items that I "might" use if the price is right.


I am not going too deep into the vocabulary in this post. You can read up on this on the websites I give you and soon you will know the lingo. If you have questions about each store's coupon policy you can goggle that or check their website, but you need to know...

Wal-Mart: 

• will take mfg coupons only (can be printed from online), 
• matches any competior's advertised price except BOGO

Publix: a

• ads run Wed-Wed and 
• they have great BOGO (can use TWO coupons; one for each item), 
• they have great 10/$10 buys and you DO NOT have to but 10 to get them for $1!,
• they STACK coupons or allow you to use a store + mfg coupon, the accept competitor's coupons, 
• they double all coupons up to $.50 (so a $/50 coupon is really worth $1.00 off!)

CVS:

• has great sales!!, 
• ads run Sun to Sun, 
• has a rewards club that gives you extra cupons, 
• has Extra Bucks that you earn on product and can spend on anything in store

Before I show you this week's buys I want to give a disclaimer. I am a coupon newbie. I have short-term as well as long term goals for couponing. This week, I did not spend any more $$ that I usually do for shopping. I did however "stock-up" on some items so that in the near future...I will be able to have lower weekly grocery bills :) yeah!!!

Week One: Publix

One two items here were purchased that were not "on sale" or with a coupon, or BOTH!

Gain: on sale $9.50, coupon $3 =$7.50

Motts: BOGO 

Scotts 12pk TP: on sale $7, coupon $1.50 = $5.50

Slim Jim's: on sale 2/$6, 2 coupons $1 = $2.00 ea

Dove's new Body Wash: on sale $5.19, target coupon $1.50, mfg coupon $1= $2.69

Luzianne Tea: BOGO

Publix Ginger Ale: BOGO= 2 for $.86

Del Monte Fruit Cups: 10/$10, 2 $1/2 coupons = $.50 each

Juicy Juice: $1.50/2 coupon = $2.25 each

Truvia Sweetener: on sale $1,99, coupon $.50 (which doubles)= $.99

Publix Bread= $.89

Grapes= $1.99/lb

Hillshire Farm Lunch Meat: $1.00 coupon = $1.98

Toaster Strudel: coupon $1/2

Cantaloup= on sale 2/$3.00

Ballpark Franks= on sale 2/$6, coupon $.50 (which doubles) = $2.50 each

Kraft Cheese: On Sale 2/$4, target coupon $1.50/2, 2mfg coupon $.50 each (which doubled)= $.25 each

Boston Butt: on sale $2.39/lb

Cresent Rolls: coupon $.50/2

Shrimp: on sale $4.99/lb

Ragu Spaghetti Sauce: BOGO

Spaghetti noodles: $.79

Alfredo noodles:$.99

Success Rice: coupon $1.00/2

DentaStix: publix coupon $1.00, mfg coupon $1.00= $1.34

All together I spent $120. I saved $89.19!!!

I am happy. I could have gotten a better deal on the Scott's TP if I watch the CVS sales (I still have a coupon and I am watching!) but we needed TP! I could not tell everyone to stay on the toilet until the sale!!

A Few things I learned this week...

**Check prices: ex. DentaStix are $2.49 at our Walmart. The price was $3.34 at Publix. Without the "competitor" coupon it would have been cheaper for me to get these at WM than Publix.

**Stock Up: avoid buying things you don't use or need. But if a good deal on an non-perishable comes up...snatch them! (ex. spaghetti sauce)

**Don't be too brand loyal. Sometimes you have to "switch brands" to save. Don't forget to check the store brands they may be cheaper than the name brand WITH a coupon!

Sites you need to visit:

The Krazy Coupon Lady

My Four "Big" Meals for the Week are:

Spaghetti with toast and green beans/or salad

Garlic Shrimp Linguine with cheese grits and salad

Homemade HotPockets (using crescent rolls) Ham & Cheese

Pot Roast with carrots, onions, and potatoes

Must Love Dogs...

In our family, we believe that you must love dogs!

I know some folks are "cat people" but to me there is nothing quite a nice as having a Fido to love!

I think you must love dogs because...

Dogs Love You

Dogs Follow You

Dogs Explore with You

Dogs Wait for You

Dogs Ramble with You

Dogs Make You Wonder About Things

Dogs Entertain Themselves When You're Busy

Dogs Look for Ways to Make You Happy

Dogs Play Make-Believe Without Ever Questioning Your Sanity

Dogs Want to Work For the Price of a Petting

Dogs Just Make You Feel Good Inside

All These Things...

These words have been in my heart a lot the past few days. 

We have just closed out the scheduled services for our Spring Revival at church. From the atmosphere, I feel like revival is far from over! This is true for me especially! I was so touched by each and every service and am grateful for having experienced each blessing.

Matthew 6:33 states "But seek first the kingdom for God and His righteousness, and all these things hall be added to you."

That's a well know verse. I mean it is probably right up there with one of the first scriptures I memorized. Remember in this post when I confessed to you guys that I had been selfish and tried to control various aspects of my life. Knowing full well that God was hoping I would just give it all to Him to work out? And then in my last post I took the time to tell you how blessed I was for the peace that God had put in my heart. 

Now I feel its time to reveal a little more about what God is doing in my heart. If you go back a read blogs from the past several years you will see that over and over I have made statements like :"God is about to move" or "changes are in store for my family." I was reading over these this weekend and I was struck by the fact that some of those times (although I was fully expecting God to move) I did not ALLOW Him to much of anything. 

Well, I'm ready. I was reminded that the BEST feeling in life is when I remember that my life is not my own and I should just give it to Him already!!! That's what I am ready to do. Give Him my life. Not just my marriage, not just my talents, not just my kids, not just my money, not just my time, MY LIFE...all of it. I am at a point where I not only know but BELIEVE that I might as well not have life if I am not going to give it to Him. I mean in my head I know that I can do nothing that comes anywhere close to what He can do with me. 

I have hobbies, interest, and goals for my family. I love to live in the country. I mean, I go to neighborhoods and I think how nice the homes are but geez-louise to not be able to take the dogs out half-dressed, or allow the kids to romp partially unsupervised. Who would want to live where you could NOT hear coyotes for goodness sakes! I like to hunt. I mean, if I lived anywhere else I would have to (gasp) drive somewhere to hunt. That would seriouly limit the time that Justin and I could spend in the woods. I like to train my labs. Where could I go that I could have space not just for them to live but to train them??

Y'all may be laughing at me right now but this is seriously thoughts I have. Then I think about money. I mean, IF anything were to ever happen to mine or Justin's jobs what is out there for us to do? I mean we have to have clothes. We have to have food. We have to have all of these things...

That is when it hit me! Re-read Matthew 6:33 again!

Duh! If you start reading in Matthem 6:25 you find instructions not to worry. If God gives you a something to do to serve Him you should not stop and ask what will I eat? what will I drink? what will happen to my body? what will I wear? The end of verse 25 says, "Is not life more than food and the body more that clothing?" 

God brought me into this world. He gave me a set of abilities. He saved me (redeemed me), He set me apart for His use (sanctified me),  and He has kept me (prospered me). All things He promised He would do if I trusted Him. Personally, I think it is about time that I start REALLY living out Matthew 6:33

"Seek Ye First the kingdom of God..."

For me, right now, today, this means seeking out what direction He wants me to go. Be listening, watching, and waiting for Him to let me know what I should do and then........

Jump, go, do, be, share, love....what ever verb is approrate for the task He sets before me. 

I! AM! READY!

I will not stop to consider all these things (as listed above). I will believe...

"and all these things will be added unto you!"

Father, please help me to find what it is You have for me to do. Help me to see that nothing in life has value unless you are at the center of it. Give me strength to face those who might be negative and keep me focused on seeking FIRST Your kingdom and your righteousness. amen

Peaceful

Lately, times of turmoil have found their way into my life. Noting major...just tons of little things that when added together seem to equal stress. I know that stress is my enemy. Or maybe stress is just a weapon of my enemy. Either way I know that God has plans to prosper me. {For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11} To me, this has nothing to do with money, station in life, or even health. I think God is referring to spiritual prosperity which includes the cultivation of the Fruit of the Spirit in my life. 

I learned a long time ago that inside of me {and each soul, I believe} lies a fertile field. A place where God plans to create a mighty harvest of love, joy, peace...just to name a few. Often our sin-nature confuses us into believing that this empty field is destined to be filled with hobbies, careers, family, and even things..."stuff." Sometimes we settle in our lives for this "stuff" rather that allowing God to use this space to honor Him and therefore filling every desire with an everlasting goodness!

Of all of these things that God working out in my life I have been particularly focused on the peace that He has provided. All of the stresses that are in my life, when examined, are found to be things that I {not God} brought into my life.  The little things in life that seem to pile up and make me want to hide my head in the ground are actually works of God! Yes, I believe He is using these things to teach me to be more peaceful.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, LORD,
   make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Its just like I have mentioned before with trials in life, God can use everything in our lives to gain glory...if we let Him! I know that changes are coming for my family. Justin and I are standing together on faith that no matter what direction our lives are headed it is the perfect will of God. We are peaceful about the future. Actually we are kind of excited!

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

I don't want to mislead you and make you think that we never worry. Never have conversations that begin with, "What are we gonna do if..." because we do! We worry, we cry, we even stress. But that is when we pray and hold fast to Jeremiah 29:11 and know that

no matter where we live or work, 

no matter what we have to eat, 

no matter how much gas cost,

no matter how our children preform in school, 

no matter how good our retrievers are trained,

no matter if all the clothes/dishes are washed, 

NO MATTER WHAT 

our lives are in His hands! 

It is the act of trusting, of acting on faith, that honors God and makes the harvest of our lives so pleasing to Him. I am working hard to act on faith and have peace today!

So my prayer today is the words of Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Pondering Love...

This is my husband...my love...

He is everything you might imagine. Wonderful, strong, handsome, kind, and very loving. It is an honor to be called his wife. I love the picture above. It so captures him. He is a not a big fan of being photographed so when I catch one like this I cherish it.

I could not begin to describe all the ways he loves me. I know that he loves me no matter what. It is a type of love that mirrors the type of love that God has for me. Most people do not realize that marriage was designed by God to help us become better Believers. It was made to be work because through this type of love both parties learn so much about themselves. Being so close to someone helps you identify the areas of life in which you are in need of improvement. You practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control...just to name a few. Its not like Justin says,"Hey, you need more kindness today" but God sometimes uses our circumstances to teach me just that!

I'm not sure if you guys know this but Justin and I do just about everything together. We are blessed to enjoy the same interest of which serving God, loving each other, raising God-loving and kind children, having labs, and hunting top the list! I have realized that not all couples have this type of relationship which is fine. But, it makes me respect Justin that much more for truly letting me into "his" world.

The Bible tells me that I was made to be his helper. I pray that I live up to that title. I pray that my very existence makes his journey easier.

Our almost-nine year marriage has been blessed beyond belief. I love to quote Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!" I feel that this verse was written just for me! It applies to so many different aspects of my life; including my marriage.

I am not sure I conveyed any of my feelings in this post. I just love that man SO much and I want the world to know that I have THE.BEST.HUSBAND...EVER :)

Happy Birthday Sawyer!

Five years ago today Justin and I were welcoming our second child and first son into the world. We were discovering the amazing way God provides exactly the amount of love you need when you need it! Its funny how in those early years I would get caught up in things like his weight, how much he was eating, what he was eating and all those wonderful things you think about it the early years. He had a lot of things to overcome to become the little man that he is today. It is not easy on an 18-24 month old to be separated from your mom, dad, as sister like he was. Thankfully, he made it though those hard times.

Today, he is an unpredictiable, hilerious, thoughtful, serious, fun-loving little man!

Sawyer,

It has been a joy to call you our son! You are truly one of the most interesting people that I know. We are so proud of you on so many levels. Just yesterday, you made me simle when you put you dollar, that someone gave you for your birthday, into the offering at church. From the day you were born, we have loved you. No matter where life may take you, we always will! We know that you will make us proud with your contibution to the world. We know that God has a plan for you and He made you for great things. We are honored that He chose us to help guide you to this purpose. Thank you for being you!

Sawyer with his birthday present Luna! He was so suprised. He kept saying "my own dog!" We made the right choice we know for SURE!

Welcome Luna! We know you will take good care of Sawyer!

A prayerful and honest post...

At the current moment I am upset, hurt, maybe even a little heartbroken. Usually this would NOT be the time that I would write a post for fear that I might write something I would later regret. However, I feel led so here goes...

A few moments ago, I got word that someone was bad-mouthing our Wilms Warrior Team t-shirts for this year's Relay For Life (as seen here). It seems that the theme "Cancer...Happy Trails To You" is unclear. I want to clarify its meaning. I have not idea who started these statements but I feel in my heart that it was someone who is hurting. Someone struggling to deal with the crazy roller-coaster emotions that cancer evokes; emotions I know all to well. I feel that the words CANCER and HAPPY in the same sentence seem like an oxymoron to this person and may have even offended them. They seemed to think that there is nothing happy about cancer and I can see their point. I would never hope to offend someone who is dealing with cancer so I want to be clear.

Anytime I have ever heard the song "Happy Trails" used it is to tell someone/something goodbye. In my design of the shirt I hoped to relay this message TO cancer. Goodbye, so long, get lost...may we NEVER meet again.

I did want the shirt to be uplifting. Because that is something that people dealing with cancer need. Trust me...I know.

Maybe this person does not really know me. Maybe they see my beautiful, intelligent, glasses wearing, no front tooth having, kindergarten daughter and think..."sure they are happy, cancer is all over for them." Maybe they don't know that there is a hole in my heart and in the heart of my family where this disease took my father 3 months after his 40th birthday. Maybe they don't know what it is like to hear "she has a mass on her kidney" or "there is a high chance she might die in surgery"....maybe they just don't know.

Maybe they can't see anything HAPPY about this...

or this...

but I can!

If this person is hurting I want them to know that I am praying for them, whoever they are. That they will allow God to come into their lives so that they can once again experience the happiness in the world around them. Cancer and what it does to those we love is NOT HAPPY. However, I am a happy person because God has blessed me...the chief of all sinners.

Supporting Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society is something that is very special for my family. One of the small reasons we participate is so that we can show Carys what it means to be involved and give back. We try to make her a big part of our team. Our t-shirt are always inspired by her and in honor of her fight. This year she wanted a western theme so that she could wear her cowboy boots. We have happy looking children on our shirts because she wanted them there. The shirt was not ment to imply that cancer or its journey are happy.

I hope that this person will join us at the event. I must warn them that if they do not want to see people having FUN or being HAPPY while fighting cancer they might not want to come. Relay is designed to inspire Hope and Joy for people dealing with cancer and the possibility of ending cancer forever!  That is the message of our shirt and I pray that message comes shinning through. 

What have I gotten myself into???

It all started a few months ago. Carys came home saying that there was going to be a beauty pageant at her school. I have never even considered putting who I know to be the most beautiful girl in the world in a pageant. I always said that if she REALLY wanted to, she could. I am not aganist pageants, I just want to be sure that it is for fun and that she KNOWS that she is beautiful!

Well, she asked...and I attempted to get her not to do it. I told her how she would have to get up in front of everyone. See, Carys can be very outgoing when she is comfortable with all the people who are around, but she is also like her Daddy and can be a little leary of large groups of people.

But no, she was persistant. We went to pick out the dress. I only had a few guidelines and I let her have fun trying them on and picking out "the one." She loves the show "Say Yes to the Dress" so this was like a dream come true for her. Then she decided all on her own to ask Leah Downs and Meagan Watkins to help her get her hair and makeup done. This was another part of the experience that Carys LOVED!

 Of course she looked like an angel but I was still not sure how she would do on stage.

  

Needless to say she did well and had a BLAST!



Oh my, now she has been bitten by the bug! What have I gotten myself into???

Relay for Life...

So it is that time of year again. To raise awareness for a cause that is very, very dear to me; cancer research. The American Cancer Society does a great job of raising money to fund research to help put an end to this terrible epidemic. I call it that not because of research figures that I have, but because of experience. Last night I began making a list of all of the people that I relay for. I sounds like a pitiful thing to say..."My father and daughter had cancer." But folks...that is just the tip of the iceberg for the ways that cancer has effected MY little ole life. I have grandparents, aunts, uncles, church family, and close friends who have been effected. That does not even count all of the people that we met through Carys' journey! I want to lead my children my example that you should not wait until someone you know is diagnosed to take action and you should ALWAYS work hard to help those who helped you in troubled time. So, if you must know THIS is why I Relay...

Our team...the Wilms Warriors are in the process of fundraising to try and meet our goal of $3000 this year. We are on our way and I MUST say thank you to everyone who has pitched in so far! If you would like you can visit our team page Wilms Warriors and sign up to be on our team. You do not have to live close to help in this way. You can raise funds and enter them all on-line. You can also follow this link to make a one-time donation to help us reach our goal.

Another way to help is to purchase one of our 2011 Team T-shirts. You can help us fight cancer with research $$, support those currently fighting the war with cancer, honor Carys Jo...all with a $10.00 t-shirt!



Full Back Design



Front Pocket Design

 If you would like to order a shirt, email me at cham4him@gmail.com asap. We will be ordering soon. They come in Youth M-L and Adult S-XL for $10. Adult 2XL-3XL are $12 each.

If you can please help us support this cause we hold so dear!

Winter Wonderland...Deep South Edition

So, we have grown pretty accustomed to hearing the forcast of snow for our area and either seeing nothing...or ice{which is no fun to play in...we know becuase we tried!}

This time, when they started talking the "S" word {snow} we did not get excited or even think twice. It started raining at our place around 5:45 on Wednesday night. It rained for about 2 hours before we spotted the first flakes of snow. Even then we were sceptical of accumiations. But then it started snowing hard and conituned for a few hours. We were excited to have a "fun" snow that got us a delay for school starting but was not dangerous and brought LOTS of joy to our house!

We did wake up early in the am for fear that the snow would be gone with the daylight. The kids were happy to rise early to go out and play. We played for a few hours before going in to get ready for school. Here are a few of our pics.

Oh, Happy Day!

Our Bill is HOME!!

We are one happy family tonight!

Funky Time of Year...

This must be the longest winter season known to man Alabama me! I mean I usually love wintertime...coffee, fire-places, sweaters, hunting and etc. Although I am super tired of "wintery mixes" I know that God is in control!

It is, in fact, a funky time of year. I know that not everyone's life revolves around hunting season's but ours seems too:) With duck season over, we now await turkey season. I have to invest in some cheaper practice shells cause I cannot go without shooting for several weeks! But since this probably interests no one reading...I shall move on!

Carys has made a really big decision in her life. She has decided to participate in  her first beauty pageant. I am kinda shocked. I am not anti-pageant, but I never wanted to put her in one if she did not want to. But she loves getting all dolled up and when they sent the paper home from school explaining there was to be a pageant, she jumped at the opportunity to be in it. We have been practicing walking and smiling and we went and selected her dress this week. I just want to be sure that she knows how beautiful she is and that these things are just for fun!

So, I have been snapping pics of her to enter into the photogenic portion. Here is what I have so far...

Of course these are beautiful but I am going to keep snapping! Can you believe Carys was outside in this sleeved dress just last Sunday!!!

God Bless!