I have been dialoging lately with a friend about some problems she is having. I recall when one of my relatives hurt my feelings very deeply several years ago. I have been dealing with my own emotions responding to someone else in my life who is not doing what I see that he should according to Scripture. While thinking and praying about this, God has revealed something to me. I need to focus on what I can do to GLORIFY HIM through all these situations in my life. When I start feeling frustrated or offended. His purpose through all of these situations is not necessarily about ME. I want to get to the place where I can trust Him and let go of my emotional responses. Not to say that it does not hurt when someone speaks ill of you, based on your adherence to a godly lifestyle. Especially when that someone is a family member whose love you crave and opinion you value. Not to say it doesn't feel like a slap in the face when you give godly counsel to someone who claims to be a believer, only to have him not follow what you can clearly see is the best path for his life. But I think that our godly response is to wait. On the Lord. Although man's opinion may not be what we want to hear, we can trust that GOD is pleased with our actions, and we can rest in the assurance that He will resolve the situation in His own time and for His good pleasure. I think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They did not worry about whether God could save them from the intense flames. They knew He could, but they chose to stand firm, worship and obey Him, WHETHER HE DID OR NOT. They did not have an emotional response, but a faithful response.
It is not always easy, but it is obedience. It is what the world sees, and questions. They cannot understand how we can stand strong against adversity and conflict. And God can use it to lead others to himself.
Oh, how I long to trust Him more...
"be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
We just got back from an awesome beach trip. We had been planning a trip, but there were alot of loose ends, due to the fact that William's job at B,E and K was coming to an end, and he was not sure where he was going next. He found out about a job in Mississippi through a co worker, and went down with him to apply. He passed all the tests, and was ready to start as soon as his drug test came through ok (Cross fingers!!) In the meantime, we had been researching several different vacation locations: we had originally planned on Gulf Shores because we love going there. But then we found out our pastor's family was going to Mexico beach, FL the same time we were planning on going, so we tried to coordinate a trip with them. When William got called to Mississippi, he said maybe we could go to Biloxi, MS since it is on the beach. After many hours of researching condos, motels, beach houses and the like on the internet, we finally decided on Gulf Shores. The condo we had been interested in had only one week available in October, and it was the one we needed. Thank you God! William realized that it was only a couple of hours from Gulf Shores to Pascagoula, MS, so we decided to take 2 cars and he would leave from the beach to go to his new job when they called. We threw all our stuff in the cars, and tried not to forget anything. It was defintely a rush packing job. We were able to get our friends the Lamberts to take care of our pets, so we were ready to go. William did not hear from the job in Mississippi, so he called them on Wednesday. They said his test had not come back yet. On Thursday, William got a call from another company, Lavender, that is in Northport. The job they are doing is actually at the same oil refinery he was working for with B, E, and K. But this job will be more permanent and, unlike the MS job, ALOT closer to home. Praise the Lord!!!! So we got to enjoy a vacation at the condo we had originally selected, which was a great price and location, and he left a day early to come back home and start work. The condo was right next to Sea and Suds restaurant, which we loved because we could walk to dinner insead of driving. We also visited DeSotos' Restaurant, which William likes because you can get home cooked vegetables for sides instead of just the usual coleslaw/baked potato/fries/salad options. And of course, we ALWAYS get gumbo, no matter what seafood place we choose. But we forgot they don't serve hushpuppies. That should be against the law. How can you eat seafood without hushpuppies?
I got up a couple of mornings and walked down the beach to the pier. It was not quite a mile each way. I collected a ton of shells, and other "sea stuff". The weather was cool, but still warm enough to swim.
The kids spent alot of the days at the beach and the pool. There was a blue heron that came up to beg from the fishermen, and Bailey and Noah got close enough to have their picture taken with him. They also, fed the seagulls, and swam with millions of minnows. William caught several different fish, and just avoided stepping on a couple of rays or skates. We remembered to use sunscreen, and avoided any bad burns.
It was a really relaxing, fun trip and we are thankful that God allowed us the time relaxing together.
I got up a couple of mornings and walked down the beach to the pier. It was not quite a mile each way. I collected a ton of shells, and other "sea stuff". The weather was cool, but still warm enough to swim.
The kids spent alot of the days at the beach and the pool. There was a blue heron that came up to beg from the fishermen, and Bailey and Noah got close enough to have their picture taken with him. They also, fed the seagulls, and swam with millions of minnows. William caught several different fish, and just avoided stepping on a couple of rays or skates. We remembered to use sunscreen, and avoided any bad burns.
It was a really relaxing, fun trip and we are thankful that God allowed us the time relaxing together.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
blogging again
I know I have not been blogging for awhile...again. It is not because there has been nothing to write about. I guess there has been so much to write about that I have not had (or made) the time. First of all, Cody is now at House of Hope in Ralph, AL. without going into alot of details, let's just say that the Lord has been working in his life for the past few years. He has gone through alot, most of which he brought on himself, and has had to pay some pretty high prices for his choices. He is learning (hopefully) to take care of himself, and it appears that the Lord has saved him. Even though it was a difficult path, the Lord used every step of that path to reveal Himself to Cody, and protect him from getting deeper into bad patterns and situations. I am thankful to have him as my brother in Christ. It has also helped me to trust God more. It was so hard at times, when things seemed like things were never going to improve for him. He was so lost, and it seemed he had no desire for the things of God. Well, of course he didn't, because God had not changed his heart yet. But I was wanting his salvation to happen in MY timing, not God's. God showed me that I needed to be patient and trust Him, and that He knew what was best for Cody. I think one of the hardest revelations was that Cody might NEVER come to Him, if it was not His will. I had to learn to be ok with that if it happened, and trust my Heavenly father to do what was best to bring HIMSELF glory. it's not all about me, or any of us. It's all about God. Praise and glory be to Him!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Welcome to our New Look!
Until today, I never knew I could change all the colors of everything on my blog. I just thought since it was free, it didn't have alot of options. So imagine my happy surprise when I discovered that I could make everything PURPLE! It may not stay this way long, if William has anything to say about it, but he doesn't check it very often, I don't think. I may just keep experimenting, 'cause I now know there's other things I can change too, such as the fonts, etc. I am still having problems uploading photos, but I hope I can figure something out soon so I can get some on here. The stories aren't quite as much fun without accompanying images! (especially the progress on our new house!)
New (to us!) Furniture
We got even more stuff for the house (furniture) from our friends the Characters. They had an old house on the land they own, and were getting it cleaned out. Betsy offered us whatever we wanted from everything, and we said we would take it all, sight unseen (sort of) because we knew we could use most of it, and it would be easier for them to just load it all up at once and take it away.
Ben was bringing it Sunday to church, and on the way had a blow out on one of the tires on the trailer. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and he was able to get to a place to take care of the problem, but it was too late for him to come on to church. That afternoon, William went and met him in Tuscaloosa and hooked up the trailer and brought it to our house. That night, it was supposed to rain, so Noah and I hunted down a tarp to cover everything. We found a small tarp, then William remembered a large piece of plastic we had so we were able to get it covered. I was out there with a flashlight, curiously peeking around, trying to see what all was there. Betsy had brough her camera to church last Sunday, but I could not see the images very well on such a small screen. So I had an idea of what was there, but...
Next morning, I went out and tried to loosen the ropes holding everything together. Let me just say, Ben gets the Boy Scout Award for knot tying! I finally found the ends, and was able to untie and untangle the ropes where they had been tightly twisted throughout different pieces of furniture legs, backs, feet ( torsos, arms, etc.) Bailey and I started by unloading the 4 dining room chairs, something I have been wanting for awhile. We had a bench in our dining area that sat in the corner, and ran along 2 adjacent walls. I never really liked this. Although it did provide alot of seating space, things would inevitably get knocked through the seats onto the floor under the benches, and lost, if the person (people) sweeping didn't happen to reach far enough back with the broom. Also, the corner piece was enclosed and you could not even get under that part of the bench if you wanted to, without moving a mountain, so to speak. So you can imagine what sort of treasures (and scary things!) we found when William and Noah took the benches apart and moved them out of the kitchen! We are glad to have our new chairs!
We also got a dresser and I decided to move it into Noah and Bailey's room. We had a white metal cabinet in there, but I thought we would move that into the new house for now, since it would not be hurt by the weather. Bailey was so excited to have her own dresser! (She and Noah have been sharing up til now.) We put a small bookshelf and and entertainment center they sent on top of the dresser to make up for the extra storage space needed.
Other items included a corner desk (which will be PERFECT for Bailey's corner vanity that we had already planned for her new room), a cool coffee table that is octagonal, with 4 wedge-shaped glass inserts; another entertainment center, 3 lamps, and another small 3 tiered table. There was even a sewing maching and ironing board! What a wonderful blessing from the Lord!
The only thing we really couldn't use was another coffee table, and our good friend from church , Ms. Ruth had told me she was looking for a coffee table for her son. ("Nothing fancy, just something for him to keep his stuff on. I don't want to go and pay for one, because he won't be able to take very good care of it.") Well, this one fits the bill exactly! It is VERY sturdy and in good shape, but not beautiful to look at. I don't think Scott will mind. He just wants somewhere to keep his stuff. And "free" is always a good price!
Ben was bringing it Sunday to church, and on the way had a blow out on one of the tires on the trailer. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and he was able to get to a place to take care of the problem, but it was too late for him to come on to church. That afternoon, William went and met him in Tuscaloosa and hooked up the trailer and brought it to our house. That night, it was supposed to rain, so Noah and I hunted down a tarp to cover everything. We found a small tarp, then William remembered a large piece of plastic we had so we were able to get it covered. I was out there with a flashlight, curiously peeking around, trying to see what all was there. Betsy had brough her camera to church last Sunday, but I could not see the images very well on such a small screen. So I had an idea of what was there, but...
Next morning, I went out and tried to loosen the ropes holding everything together. Let me just say, Ben gets the Boy Scout Award for knot tying! I finally found the ends, and was able to untie and untangle the ropes where they had been tightly twisted throughout different pieces of furniture legs, backs, feet ( torsos, arms, etc.) Bailey and I started by unloading the 4 dining room chairs, something I have been wanting for awhile. We had a bench in our dining area that sat in the corner, and ran along 2 adjacent walls. I never really liked this. Although it did provide alot of seating space, things would inevitably get knocked through the seats onto the floor under the benches, and lost, if the person (people) sweeping didn't happen to reach far enough back with the broom. Also, the corner piece was enclosed and you could not even get under that part of the bench if you wanted to, without moving a mountain, so to speak. So you can imagine what sort of treasures (and scary things!) we found when William and Noah took the benches apart and moved them out of the kitchen! We are glad to have our new chairs!
We also got a dresser and I decided to move it into Noah and Bailey's room. We had a white metal cabinet in there, but I thought we would move that into the new house for now, since it would not be hurt by the weather. Bailey was so excited to have her own dresser! (She and Noah have been sharing up til now.) We put a small bookshelf and and entertainment center they sent on top of the dresser to make up for the extra storage space needed.
Other items included a corner desk (which will be PERFECT for Bailey's corner vanity that we had already planned for her new room), a cool coffee table that is octagonal, with 4 wedge-shaped glass inserts; another entertainment center, 3 lamps, and another small 3 tiered table. There was even a sewing maching and ironing board! What a wonderful blessing from the Lord!
The only thing we really couldn't use was another coffee table, and our good friend from church , Ms. Ruth had told me she was looking for a coffee table for her son. ("Nothing fancy, just something for him to keep his stuff on. I don't want to go and pay for one, because he won't be able to take very good care of it.") Well, this one fits the bill exactly! It is VERY sturdy and in good shape, but not beautiful to look at. I don't think Scott will mind. He just wants somewhere to keep his stuff. And "free" is always a good price!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Trials are for our good
With things taking a daily turn for the worse in our economy, where do we turn for hope? Well, I HOPE our hope is in the LORD! He is the only true source of hope, and we can trust Him, because, not only is HE in control, but He is faithful.
Romans 8:28
And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called, according to His purpose.
Some may have misunderstood this verse to mean that all things will always be great for everyone.(Some people mistakenly think they love God, when their lifestyle is contrary to His ways) Or that all things will go smoothly for God's chosen. But lets look at it more carefully. What this verse is really saying is that no matter what the situation seems like, God is USING it for his children's good. It may not seem good or fun at the time, but ULTIMATELY, He knows what is best for us, and how to give us what we need.
As I was reminded yesterday at church, through the sharing of one brother, and the teaching of our pastor, true faith is reconizing that we need to trust that God will give us what we need, even when we don't think it's what we want or need. It is trusting that He has our best at heart, and that He is shaping our character through the circumstances of our life. Our growth occurs when we are going through trials. Although we don't like the trials, we do love the closeness it brings us to our Father, and the more it causes us to depend on Him.
Romans 8:28
And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called, according to His purpose.
Some may have misunderstood this verse to mean that all things will always be great for everyone.(Some people mistakenly think they love God, when their lifestyle is contrary to His ways) Or that all things will go smoothly for God's chosen. But lets look at it more carefully. What this verse is really saying is that no matter what the situation seems like, God is USING it for his children's good. It may not seem good or fun at the time, but ULTIMATELY, He knows what is best for us, and how to give us what we need.
As I was reminded yesterday at church, through the sharing of one brother, and the teaching of our pastor, true faith is reconizing that we need to trust that God will give us what we need, even when we don't think it's what we want or need. It is trusting that He has our best at heart, and that He is shaping our character through the circumstances of our life. Our growth occurs when we are going through trials. Although we don't like the trials, we do love the closeness it brings us to our Father, and the more it causes us to depend on Him.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Re-Staking my Claim
Wow! It has been almost 2 years since I blogged. I was having ALOT of trouble getting to my account, and finally after changing to a different internet provider, I was able to create and sign in with a google account. So, I'm back!
Alot has changed in 2 years. We are working on building our house, and I will try to post some pictures in the next few days. Even though we have come a long way with our internet, we are still on dialup, so no promises on those pics!
William layed block walls all along the exterior of the house, and framed the interior walls. He finished the roof a few months ago, and has since put up the ceiling - cedar siding. It looks really good, and smells wonderful too. The windows had to be special ordered, and they came in today, so they should be installed soon. Also, Dad is working on building us some kitchen cabinets.
So far we have collected the following to use in the house either free or at low cost : cedar siding, 2 toilets, 2 sinks with cabinets, for the bathrooms, 2 kitchen sinks (not sure which we'll use), several area rugs, exterior doors, various light fixtures and ceiling fans, stove and microwave. There's probably more, but I can't think of it all.
It is really exciting as we are getting closer to moving in. I am looking forward to having Shea, Bev, Leigh Ann and Lee come and help me decorate. And Ruth Wilson has offered to help paint.
Alot has changed in 2 years. We are working on building our house, and I will try to post some pictures in the next few days. Even though we have come a long way with our internet, we are still on dialup, so no promises on those pics!
William layed block walls all along the exterior of the house, and framed the interior walls. He finished the roof a few months ago, and has since put up the ceiling - cedar siding. It looks really good, and smells wonderful too. The windows had to be special ordered, and they came in today, so they should be installed soon. Also, Dad is working on building us some kitchen cabinets.
So far we have collected the following to use in the house either free or at low cost : cedar siding, 2 toilets, 2 sinks with cabinets, for the bathrooms, 2 kitchen sinks (not sure which we'll use), several area rugs, exterior doors, various light fixtures and ceiling fans, stove and microwave. There's probably more, but I can't think of it all.
It is really exciting as we are getting closer to moving in. I am looking forward to having Shea, Bev, Leigh Ann and Lee come and help me decorate. And Ruth Wilson has offered to help paint.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Moss Rock Preserve
Our family has discovered a wonderful place in the middle of residental Hoover, AL. It is a park with huge boulder outcroppings intermingled with hiking trails, and even a creek and waterfalls. We have only been a few times, but the kids love to go and climb the rocks, and hike down to the waterfall. We last went this fall, and the leaves were just beautiful. While we were there, we encountered a tiny bird who at first seemed to be following us. He would flit from tree to tree as we walked down the trail. But whenever any of us tried to get too close, he flew directly at our faces. A couple of us even got scratches as he flew too near our eyes. I tried to get a good picture, but could not get very close (for obvious reasons.)
We found alot of really nice leaves, and collected a few to take hom and make "stained glass" pictures. These are done by ironing the leaves between two pieces of wax paper, then framing with construction paper strips. (This is about the only time I iron, btw)
phtos to come later - there's a problem with uploading them right now.
We found alot of really nice leaves, and collected a few to take hom and make "stained glass" pictures. These are done by ironing the leaves between two pieces of wax paper, then framing with construction paper strips. (This is about the only time I iron, btw)
phtos to come later - there's a problem with uploading them right now.
"Ketchup"
this post is not actually about the red stuff made from tomatoes, but is in actuality what I hope to do in the next couple of days - Ketch-up! I have gotten seriously behind with all the busy-ness of the holidays, and have tons of things to blog about. so with that said, I will delve into the picture files on my computer and see what needs to be added...
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