Just Nuggets

My very own wedding video!

It's my friends anniversary today... (Happy Anniversary Mel & John) and she posted her wedding video on Facebook.  I watched the entire thing... and was sad that I didn't have one.

Well, hello!  I LOVE making videos! 

So.

I.

Did.

October 21, 2006... the BEST day of my life... so many people came together to put on this shin-dig!  I mean... I look at ALL the photos (by Nigel Skeet) and I think... WOW! Many people made this wedding and all its details came off without a hitch.  And, I had nothing to do with it.

I look at the flowers and where they were placed. Amazing.  I wouldn't have ever thought to put things in the places they were.  They made everything look SO amazing. 

All 16 bridesmaids showed up... looking great.  Walking where they were supposed to walk.

All 12 flower girls looked amazing and did what they were supposed to do.

I mean... everything just flowed.

I can watch this video over and over and over again.  I just loved this day.  However, I forget bits and pieces.  Especially the party... sort of a blur.  I don't remember who all came... but 160 of you did.  I look at these photos and say to myself... "Oh, they made it... awesome."  And, I feel bad about that.  Selfish I didn't say hi or stop and chat.  But, I guess... when it's your wedding... it just happens.

Enjoy the video.  And, to ALL of those (some I haven't even kept in touch with) THANKS for all you did on my very favorite day!

And sweetie... I still love you... even more!

CHECK OUT WEDDING VIDEO HERE (it's very amateur but hey)!

Carrying a 30 year old to bed!

I was mentioning on Facebook the other day that each night (pretty much) Trigger will get on our bed around 9pm (or whenever I decide to get in it) and then anytime between 10-11pm he will walk over to me and sit near my face and just stare at me or sometimes whine a little... which then tells me he is ready to be put in his crate for some REAL sleep for the night.

Yes, this is a smart dog.

Yes, this is a stupid owner.

He's 4 1/2 years old.

That's about 30 in dog years.

So, I started to laugh that I'm still carrying my 30 year old to bed.

True story.

An honorable mention...

Since most people in my family don't participate with Facebook (and sometimes I just don't blame you)... here was our teams honorable mention on Facebook...

Super proud of my hubby and all his assistant coaches and the players (of course) who made this a GREAT season!  Who would have guessed that football coaches could also be such GREAT baseball coaches!  WooT!

My "like" for baseball

It has been hidden... deep down in my soul.

Having a kid... who is a boy... really opens you up to so many things you never thought you'd be in to.

Like... I laughed at myself... often... during baseball season.

I have never liked baseball.  And, I really have never liked football.  But, come football season and Braedan playing and Jason coaching... come to find out... I do like football.  (Not that I'd spend my precious time watching it often on TV... mind you.)

And, again... come baseball season and B plays and Jason coaches... come to find out... as I watch and am bored (so I think) I find myself (literally) jumping UP and DOWN... like jumping UP and DOWN... over and over and over again, until I'm out of breath... so happy we had an RBI (and yes, I finally know what that means!)

As usual, I have taken photos of the season.  Today, the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME... I'm thinking... get lots of photos... this will be a GREAT finale.  I download them and what do I have?  I have pretty much NO action shots... because I was jumping UP and DOWN during those times... forgetting I had my camera in my hand.  (Braedan caught a fly ball... Braedan caught a ground ball and threw it to 1st for an out... Braedan hit a single... ETC!)

So... even though we lost the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME by only 1 point... these are the only photos I have to show for it (see below).

However, we MADE it to the CHAMPIONSHIP game... being an average team for 9-10 year olds... and we had the BEST game of the season!  It was so exciting even YOU would have been jumping UP and DOWN!

So... all that said... I LOVE WATCHING MY B AND MY HUBBY... play baseball!  Now, we have a couple months off for POOL time... until football season starts again!  I'd really like to know when KARTING season is ON!  :) 

WE ARE (so close to being) THE CHAMPIONS!

We are still on a bit of a high since winning out second to last championship game!

The boys have all of a sudden come into their own... and they are doing a FABulous job out there on the field.

It was like... something was awakened!  Maybe their 8-10 year old brains kicked in and "got it" or something.  I'm not sure... but they are playing like a TEAM!

So proud of our B!  He is great at getting those ground balls and throwing perfectly to the first baseman... for a couple outs!  It was fun to see.  Even more fun to see the EXCITEMENT on his face... when he got the last out of the inning.  I mean... come on!  Nothing makes a parent more proud, right?  Okay, many things do... but this was one of the things to add to the list!  WooT!

Our FINAL game is this Saturday!  And, we play the #1 team in the division!

WE CAN DO IT!  (one of the parents texted Jason with Psalms 20... and what perfect verses for such a time as this!) 

Loving the unlovely? Is there such a thing?

No.

There is no such thing as UNLOVELY.

I look around at all the different colors and faces and heights and weights and smiles... and I think... God made us all!

Period.

Who is the judge of "unlovely?" 

No one.

We can't judge.

We didn't create.

God created us and He can judge.  And, guess what?  He doesn't.  He just loves.

He created us ALL for just this time.  WE ALL ARE A PIECE TO THE PUZZLE OF LIFE!

Daily remembering this... and getting rid of all the things that I've put in my own head over the years about who is lovely, who isn't.  Who is normal, who is weird.  Blah, blah, blah...

It's freeing.

I'm actually realizing ALL people are lovely.

Yes, even those that do bad things.  Really bad things.  I can find them lovely.  I don't find their actions lovely at all... but I just remember, God loves them the same as He loves me and if people are good enough for Him... they are good enough for me.  Their actions are between them and God anyway.  :)

I only know my own heart.  And, if you ask me... I'm the "unlovely" one.  But, God continues to remind me also... I'm LOVELY.  All His children are LOVELY.

Amen!

How are the Athletic's doing... you ask?

Well... we are finishing up our baseball season. 

Playoffs start today, and we are not last!  WooT!

Here are some highlight photos of Braedan, during his first baseball season!

 

Celebrating 10!

We celebrated long and hard. And, hard and lonnnnng!

Here are some photos from the weekend.

It started with B singing the National Anthem at the Braves Game with his class ON his birthday!  (Can you tell which one is him?  Come on!  He's the little dude in the green shirt and jeans!)

We celebrated Grammy's birthday while my mom and dad were in town for Bs birthday weekend too!  Jason made some FABULOUS red meat... while I made some FABulous gluten free cupcakes... and we put the birthday girl to work too!  (but I have no photos, sorry)

Celebrating B's birthday with friends on Sunday was fun!  We went to this place called Sky Zone!  It's this big warehouse full of connecting trampolines.  (someone had a great idea, leased a warehouse in "nowheresville" where we all drive long miles to and is making a killing at $16 a pop!)  So, check him out... jumping into this box of foam... it was totally hysterical and looked really fun!

Ending the night with PEZ in bed (that would be Braedan sneaking PEZ in bed... see FB for that story!)

This is my life.  <grin>

Oh... and the below video is pretty hysterical too!  I dropped all the boys off at their homes... and luckily was able to "pretend" that dropping the first kid off... who has a zip line in his backyard... was part of the plan.  I called it... The FINALE!  (turn up the volume)

TO WATCH VIDEO CLICK ON THIS LINK - THE FINALE

 

(And no post is complete without the CPOP update... he has a new foxy friend.  Thanks MOM & DAD!)

Fulton Industrial Blvd, Atlanta - LOVE!

A couple weekends ago, I completely went out of my comfort zone!

Come to find out... it's where I am MOST comfortable!

Our ministry, Audacious Faith, is partnering with StreetGRACE... and we are just beginning to be involved with helping the trafficking industry.  And, since our hearts have been heavy to DO something... we signed up for their weekly emails... about things we can DO NOW. 

One, was volunteer for 4 hours for a huge event that happens twice a year... for no reason at all but to love people... on Fulton Industrial Blvd.  (google that street and you'll get an idea of what that street is all about)

This Blvd. is filled with Motels.  Where people LIVE in and around.  Where men in business suits DRIVE TO for a "good" time.  Homeless walking the street.  Pimps... selling "their" Prostitutes.  And, children.  Kids.  Like babies and toddlers and kids our own kids ages.  Kids who don't know what grade they are in... because they barely know what school is. 

3,500+ of these people came to this event.  All ages... all races... AND their sweet children.

The things I saw... were amazing.  Heart wrenching.  Smelly.  Wonderful.  Enlightening.  Heavy.  Burdensome. 

BUT...THESE ARE ALL GOD'S PEOPLE HE CREATED AND LOVES WITH ALL HIS HEART... NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, HAVE DONE, ARE DOING.   

JUST LIKE ME. 

AND YOU.

So... I told a few friends about the event and they told a few friends and pretty soon we had a plethora of people helping out.

I have amazing friends.  They did things for 4 hours I didn't want to do.

I signed up to help with the sno-cones and popcorn.  I made sno-cones for 200 kids maybe?  All the while... wishing I would have signed up to be in the Prayer Tent... praying for all these people.  The line of people for prayer was overwhelming.  People, just gabbing and yelling and being all chaotic... waiting in line for PRAYER.  (1,500 people got prayed for that day)

Well, guess what?  We ran out of ice.  You can't make sno-cones without ice.  So, I got to go over to the prayer tent after all.

Pretty soon... I was holding the hand of a man... who just happened to be homeless.  And, I'd guess he had been homeless for more years than I have been alive?  Not sure his story.  He was dirty.  His skin was thick and crusty.  His clothes had not been washed for 20 or 200 days (not sure which) and his eyes were YELLOW.  All I could think of was that his liver had to be failing him.

So... me and this other gal I had just met... prayed.  We prayed with all the faith and unction we had.  For his healing... for food... for him to know Jesus and the peace only He offers.  When we opened our eyes... his eyes were not as yellow and they were sparkling.  He said, "Wow, I feel so much better right now!"

I thought to myself... the POWER OF GOD is truly amazing.  And, I shouldn't be amazed.  Why am I amazed at God?  I mean... He's God for goodness sake.  He does ALL that the Bible says He does.  And, here I sit, amazed. 

This mans life on the street probably won't change.  He's comfortable on the street.  BUT... HIS HEART CHANGED.  He met the living, loving God. Right in front of our eyes.  He felt peace.  Maybe for the first time?  Not sure.

All I know was that I was, at that moment, where I was supposed to be!  I love Jesus! If you don't... you should consider Him!  He is EVERYTHING and MORE!  All we have to do is believe and receive.  How GREAT is that!?

We were there until the end of the day.  Everything was winding down.  I walked over to see a couple friends in the "clothing" area.  They were packing things up and ran across some boxes of BRAND NEW PAJAMA BOTTOMS.  And, one of the gals said, "Wow, too bad we didn't see these until now!"

And, I said, "Girls, grab all that you can... we're going to where the people are and we are going to BLESS THEM with PJ bottoms!"

It was SO fun!  Passing them out like candy.  Seeing their faces.  Smiles galor.

I envision driving down Fulton Industrial Blvd. today... and seeing people walking around in purple and white checked PJ bottoms.  Seriously.  How cool!

Then, it was over.  Everyone dispersing to their cars and walking back to their motel or cardboard box.  And, us girls went to find the driver of the car.

Low and behold, the driver of our car was back behind a building... where no air was circulating... behind a grill... all black from smoke, with blood red eyes! 

Here I was thinking the whole time how awesome my part of the day was.  How blessed I felt and how I was blessing others.  Only to find out... the entire 4 hours we were free... roaming around talking to the people... he was slaving away... FEEDING ALL THESE PEOPLE!  5,000 hamburgers and hot dogs!!!!!

What a trooper!

It takes all kinds doesn't it!?  It takes those who HOLD the hand of the person... and then it takes those that HOLD the hamburger flipper too.

My life is different from spending a measly 4 hours of my life on Fulton Industrial Blvd.  Where other people LIVE.

My love for people grew tremendously.  My comfort level was challenged.  My hands touched the hands of the homeless and my hugs warmed some hurting hearts.  But, what does God say...

Matthew 25: 32-46 ~ ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ³³ And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him,^[a] saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

I have nothing worth monetary value just like these people I met.  But, thank God... that is not what this life is about.  I have a family who loves me and a living, loving God who adores the socks off me and blesses me with my needs... as well as overwhelms me with His presence... peace... joy... patience... hope... faith... love and grace! 

That is all I can hope I passed along... during this 4 hour journey of mine on Fulton Industrial Blvd!

 

 

 

DOUBLE DIGITS BABBBBBBY!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE

CUTEST

&

GREATEST

KID AROUND!

101010101010101010

Braedan is TEN today.  WOW.

Five more years and I'll be teaching him to drive!  (because, honestly, I'm the only one who really knows how in this family right?)

Gosh, wasn't it just FIVE years ago that he had his front two teeth missing... and he looked like this?

Wasn't it just yesterday that he was taking BATHS, instead of long, steaming showers (wasting all our hot water?)

Wasn't it just yesterday that he was living in California and he thought he was my boyfriend... trying to impress me with his guitar skills?


Wasn't it just yesterday that he was going to Kindergarten for the FIRST time?

It sure does seem like it!

We are SO proud of our KIDDO!  He is the greatest 10 year old to hit the streets! 

He is: kind; loving; first to say "I love you"; generous; caring; helpful; helpful and helpful.  Funny and wise and a leader (well, he will be one day!)

He is filled with the love of God... is excited about LIFE every day (except maybe 6:55am)... is a beautiful person, inside and out!  We are SO blessed!

Happy Birthday litte-big dude!  You make us laugh, cry, raise our voices and laugh (all over again!)

I love being your step-mom!

We love you!

Who cares why the chicken crossed the road...

Do you know what I just found out?

At the ripe old age of 44.  Yep... half my life is behind me... and I'm JUST NOW finding this out.

And, I am going to blame this on my parents.  They sent me to the very expensive private school...

Or, maybe I can blame it on the private school...

Or, maybe I should just take ownership and we can ALL agree... I'm not the BEST listener in the world.  Maybe I missed that day at school?

WHATever.

The BIG news is... I just found out that hens don't need a rooster to lay an egg.

Nope.  They just lay eggs... all by themselves.  They just pop them out.  You can't stop them.  It's what they DO!

Hmmm... I think this is EXCELLENT news to find out... right around Easter.  Not ironic at all!

Happy Birthday to the gal who made it ALL happen!

My MOM!

Mom... without you... I wouldn't be here. 

Literally.  :)

I wish you the BEST next year of your life!

I really, really, really love and appreciate you!  You are truly the BESTEST!

See you real soon!

Love - your favorite (it's my blog, I can write that) AND first born

Outside the FOUR walls...

Even though I am excited for our Chapel/ministry building (downtown Roswell) to be completed... I am more excited about what God has been showing us BEFORE it's completed.

CHURCH DOES NOT TAKE PLACE INSIDE FOUR WALLS!

In fact, quite the opposite.

Sure, the four walls are inevitable, I guess.  A "place" you can invite people "to."  But, we are finding that most of the LOVE takes place elsewhere.

People might come inside the four walls.

BUT... how does one reach the broken world?  Does the broken world come inside the four walls where everything "looks" nice and pretty and sinless?

I'm starting to believe, the answer is NO.

Yesterday was our FIRST Gathering.  Easter.

We can't meet inside the four walls yet (because of the City rules).  So... we met outside.

We could have just scrapped the Gathering altogether, but, thank God we didn't.

I wonder if the girl passing by, that stopped and boldly asked us what we were doing (and then came down and chatted with us, leaving us her phone number & email, because she wanted us to follow up with her), would have actually entered the four walls, had we been inside?  Or, had even noticed we were there.

I know a lot of people who wouldn't want to come to our Gathering because the four walls aren't "done" yet.  (God forbid, you might have to pee.  Even though, we do have a solution for that. :)

I am loving these Sundays with no completed building.  We've been meeting at our home and outside... for all the world to see.  In fact, when the building gets done, will we meet inside?

I don't know.

What I do know is this... God has moved more powerfully in my life in the last six months, than in my Church life combined.  (I'm not saying I regret my past Church life.  Hardly.  Life is a journey, not a destination.  I regret NOTHING!  Plus, you can't find out what's right, if you don't know what was wrong.)  God continues to open my eyes to the people in my City, right around me, and He continues to LOVE ME so I can better love others.

I'm ashamed that four walls has separated me from the world in the past.  But, as Ally McBeal's friends used to say, "BYGONES!"

I am in love with the people in my COMMUNITY!  Even the ones I haven't met yet!  God has made these divine appointments for us... that only HE can put together!  The crazy people walking the streets, who, come to find out, are no crazier than me... just bold to be who God created them to be... and a little lost!  But, HE loves us enough to help us be found!  I'm in love with these people.  (I am REALLY bored with the others that pretend to have it all together!  Heck, I've been one at one point or another.)

I am so excited about this season.  I hope it's a lonnnnng one!  It's not about us.  It's about our living, loving God Who has so much more for us and our City!  Praise God for that! 

WooT!

PIMPS (not for the 15 or under audience)

So... it's been awhile.

I've been hiding out... reading and reading and praying and praying and also, fasting. 

God has given me some revelation about HOW in the world, I could even get involved in the sex trafficking industry... helping those girls... helping those pimps.  Stopping this absolute nonsense that is going on RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES! Millions of girls age 12+... stolen, each year, to be raped daily... by men they don't know.  Sold for sex.  I was not aware of this, until recently.  Now that I'm AWARE... and I have a brain :)... I HAVE to do something about it!  HAVE TO!

Hey!  I am full of sin.  And, Jesus still LOVES ME TREMENDOUSLY!

You know what?  Jesus loves PIMPS!  And, He loves them JUST AS MUCH AS HE LOVES ME!

THIS is hard news to swallow.  Hard.  I believe it does take a bit of a revelation.  But, if we read the Bible... daily... we can easily find this out.

My dilemma?  How do I help the PIMPS?  How in the WORLD can little old me... help someone that I think is full of evil?

God sort of downloaded something to me... that I hope will encourage you!  I'm just going to lay it out.

Saul.  Paul.  Read Acts 9.  (And, if you don't believe the Bible is the living, breathing Word of God... it IS God... then it might not make sense in just your brain.  But, continue reading.  You never know how it will penetrate your heart and soul.)

Saul... was a bad man.  He killed people.  Plain and simple. 

Side Note:  We are SO immune to "killing of people."  We have very little respect for human beings these days.  Our movies are full of killing and we don't blink an eye.  Books.  News.  Abortion.  We have to admit... we are slowly but surely getting more and more immune to people losing the very life God gave them.  Okay, maybe it's just me.  I used to watch CSI without blinking an eye.  It was intriguing to me.  That makes me cringe.  Something is WRONG with me!  Hunger Games.  I didn't go see it for the soul purpose that the plot is about killing.  I HAVE to gain back respect for HUMAN LIFE!  I have to TREASURE human life.  If I don't, I'm giving the world a foothold and it's harder for me to love.

So, Saul.  He was killing people.  Taking the life out of them.  Killing them because they believed in Jesus.  Think of him as a Hitler.  That might help.

So, he's doing these TERRIBLE acts... and then... Acts 9: 3 (NKJV) ~ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.  v 4 ~ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" v 5 ~ And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It [is] hard for you to kick against the goads." v 6 ~ So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord [said] to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." v 7 ~ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. v 8 ~ Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought [him] into Damascus. v 9 ~ And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

v 10-19 (read yourself) basically talks about him having no sight and not eating for 3 days... Annanias going to meet with him... it's all important so read it.  :)  But, I'm skipping to verse 20.

v 20 ~ Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

Please read the rest of the chapter. 

My revelation?

So, Saul is killing.  Persecuting.  He all of a sudden has a HUGE visitation from God.  Then, IMMEDIATELY he is preaching about the Jesus he was killing others for believing in.

Think about this.

No man is involved here.  No one is witnessing to him... telling him he's terrible and that he needs to turn from his wicked ways.  He's just walking along and BAM!  Light from Heaven, visitation from God, blind for a few days, then IMMEDIATELY preaching about Jesus.

THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!  God doesn't even need us.

PIMPS.  I have this vision (while I'm praying for them... whoever THEY might be) that they will be in the middle of an "act" and all of a sudden BAM... visitation... their eyes are OPEN to the abuse they are doing... and BAM again... they turn from their ways and BAM... they are fighting against the very thing they were doing!

I wrote this the other day... but yesterday I went to a quarterly meeting for Street GRACE, my first one.  An ex-pimp was there.  And, guess what?  He has this EXACT story!  And, now he's ministering in the streets to help others get out from under this evil foothold.

This is a new beginning for me.  I am excited that our ministry, Audacious Faith, is partnering with Street GRACE to help stop this in our city... in our state.  It's SO exciting to see what God is doing.  I mean... there is nothing more exciting than watching, waiting, preparing, praying for God to do what He does!  MIRACLES!  We HAVE to let Him do the work.  We have to believe in His almighty power... to change a city, state, nation!

If you'd like to partner with us, Audacious Faith, now or some day... let me know!

 

 

 

Today

Today... as I was walking my dog I was overwhelmed by the gray skies (it's supposed to be sunny today) and that this could have been a similar sort of day, when Jesus died on the cross.

I'm overwhelmed by His love for me, DAILY.  And, at Easter... each year... I think "I get it" just a smidgen more.  How much He loves me.  Us.

Even if you don't believe that Jesus died for YOU... you might want to take a minute today, to seek out the Truth about this. 

He created each of us.  Impossible to deny when we really think about how our bodies are made and what they do and how we breathe and how we think and how we have a conscience, etc.  He not only created our being... He created our gifts that each of us have.  Use yours.  This is an amazing season in time where we can use our gifts... whether that be raising your kids... taking photos... drawing... painting... WHATever it might be.  Take advantage of LIFE as YOU were created to live it!

LIVE.

BE FREE.

We are FREE.

This is the BEST news you'll hear ALL day.

xo

READ THIS VERSE LIKE IT'S THE FIRST TIME:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16 NKJV

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NLT

A sort of funny, AWESOME revelation...

You gotta read the whole chapter of Isaiah 14, when you have a chance.  Vs. 16 & 17 are my favorites! 

Isaiah is a prophetic book... and he is talking about when Jesus comes again... and what we will witness when Satan falls... HYSTERICAL... really.

vs. 16-17 ~ "Those who see you will gaze at you, [And] consider you, [saying]: '[Is] this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms, Who made the world as a wilderness And destroyed its cities, [Who] did not open the house of his prisoners?'

I woke up yesterday, looking for a verse in Isaiah to go over at beFREE this Wednesday morning... and I found this one (on my iPad).  Later, I opened my Bible to share it and started by saying, "I've never read this verse before... and it's SO great.  I wish I would have a long time ago."  Only to say right after opening my Bible, "WOW!  I've obviously read this verse before as it's highlighted and circled!"

Don't you love it when that happens?  That is why the Bible, God's living Word... says it's NEW every morning... it's sharper than a double edged sword... and so much more!

So... basically... the things we fear... NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE... everything we fear... is a waste of our time... because when we actually SEE who was taunting us (which we will one day)... we will LAUGH.  We will look at the man who was behind it all... and we will be blown away... we will consider ALL the wasted time we spent living in fear (no matter what you fear is from the enemy, by the way)... all to find out this scrawny little thing was who we were afraid of?

**you can compare it in a mild way to The Wizard Of Oz guy behind the curtain**

WOW.  I know MY revelation isn't everyones revelation... but if we can grasp this... and put light on this... our entire WORLD CAN CHANGE!

Our God... is an AWESOME GOD... HE REIGNS!!!!

So, the photo I have in my head of the puny little man who loves to toss out a little fear... is too ugly, puny and disgusting to post as a photo!  But, get one in your head.  When you are being lied to in your head that you're not good enough, or WHATever... remember that photo and laugh and remember... NO FEAR!!!!!

Just in case you need help thinking up an image, this one is funny!  Would you be scared of him? 

 

 

I used to want to be a farmer...

...but as of yesterday, I found out I just like to visit farms.  :)

Actually, I like to visit farms when it's not too hot... when the bugs aren't out... when the golf cart has gas to zoom you around... and when mother cows aren't eating their placenta.

Let me explain.

Yesterday, we went to pick up our GRASS FED BEEF at this farm about 1.5 hours away.  Our lives have been so full with so many different things going on... that it was just nice to all be in the truck together... able to spend quality time together for about 5 hours!

 

INDIAN CREEK FARM  (if you'd like some good grass fed beef, visit this farm)

 

When we got there, Carol, the ranch hand/owner of the farm asked if we'd like to take a tour.  (in a golf cart - my way to travel over 100 acres!)

I think it was about a 1.5 hour tour or so.  She took us from place to place and we all learned SO much about calves, cows, being in heat, bulls, steer and grass.  We don't have to teach our 10 year old about the birds and bees... because HE knows about the cows and bulls! 

We got to pet some cows, talk to them (they are SO friendly), laugh at them and learn about them.  We missed a new baby being born by about 2 hours.  Did you know mama cows eat their placenta right after giving birth?  And, the baby calf (or some just call it a calf :) begin walking pretty much right away?  While the mama cow was busy doing her "eating big large red bag business" I was gagging and taking photos of the calf walking around, doing a LIVE version of "Are You My Momma?"  Below is proof... umbilical cord and all!

 

Another problem with owning a farm... is that I really thought all these animals, were just HUGE versions of Trigger.  So... I'd be naming them all... taking care of them all... and then when it came time to let them become INCOME for our family... we would starve because I would never take them to slaughter.  :)

The reason we have chosen to go the "grass fed beef" route is because all the research we've done on store bought meat.  Do a little research yourself.  You'll come to find... some really crazy things.  It's not that we want to live until we are 125 years old... we just want to live the days that God has given us, healthy.  And, hormones and grains and anti-biotics that they pump into cattle these days... is just plain terrible.  And, it's one of the reasons kids are getting hormonal really early these days!   I'm in no rush for B to grow up too fast in his body!  I am, however, hopeful, he'll act his age.  And I'm sure his dad is hopeful I will as well!  HA

It was a GREAT time and a BEAUTIFUL day!  (all the photos are on Facebook)

And, one of the best lines of the trip was by Braedan (of course): "The only part of the cow I wouldn't eat are the hooves, guts and the gutters!"  :)

 

 

The A's

Well, our A's are off to a great start!  Today was their second practice and they had a pitching coach out... to teach them the fundamentals.  Or, the basics.  Or, just how to pitch like the BIG leagues!  They were all doing a mighty fine job!

I missed out on seeing Braedan pitch... but I got some photos of him batting away!

More updates to come.  And, all the photos will be posted on our Facebook page... Roswell A's.  I think anyone can join!  So, feel free!

Happy Birthday Mother.in.love

We wish you a GREAT next year of your life!

Thank you for making our lives so much RICHER... each day!

 

4th Grader vs. 4th Grade TEACHER

Hilarious.  Mind Boggling.  But, a true story.

Today... I'm correcting Braedan's homework and THIS IS HOW RIGHT HE THINKS HE IS ALL THE TIME.

Question:

Three kids have three books totaling 3.45 pounds. What is the weight of EACH of the books? 

Write the division example here:

I have NO clue why he thinks to get the answer he needs to multiply, but he seriously CROSSES OUT "division" and writes above it "multiplication" and then does the work.  He literally crosses out his TEACHERS WRITING (like he just couldn't be wrong, so he crosses out what HE needs to to make his answer work).

I looked at him and I asked, "Braedan, you think you are SO right, that you crossed out the TEACHERS WRITING?"

I am sad to report, he said with a smile, "Yes."

Ay yya yyyyyyaaaa!