McBride: Family of Five

My dear husband...

2012-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am completely enjoying spending time with my dear husband. He has a conference down in Savannah and I get to tag along. So while he was in his classes, I spent time piddling in antique stores. LOVED it!! Then when he was done, we met and headed to the hotel to freshen up. Then it was off on foot to walk around historic Savannah to find something to eat. After a great meal at Outback we walked around some more until it was time for a concert at Johnny Mercer. Then off again to walk down to River Street and enjoy the evening.

And oh what an evening it was. The weather is lovely and there was a nice breeze blowing. We walked hand in hand and talked the night away. I was so comforted and secure feeling holding his hand. Each time we got to a cross walk, he pulled me back just a bit to be sure I wasn't hit by a car. Oh, to thrill at his touch and the subtle ways he cares for me. This was truly a magical evening. And tomorrow is promising to be great too! If the weather holds, we will ride down to Tybee Beach for a nice stroll along the beach. I can't wait!!

Vacation...

2012-01-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

One of the joys of homeschooling is deciding to have a vacation just because. That has been our week this week. In celebration of MLK on Monday my children joined the marching band to be part of the parade. This gave momma a wonderful break.

However, Tuesday I woke up not feeling up to par, so I called school off for the week. Wednesday was a trip to the dentist which takes several hours to handle all we need to do in the "big" city.

Today is Thursday and we have done a bit of "unschooling." Grace and I have baked a loaf of bread together. We also made a batch of my Grandmother's famous sugar cookies. And then I let her sew up a quilt square that I had laid out to sew. The boys enjoyed a board game marathon while we did this.

Tomorrow, my sweet girl turns 9 and as it is our custom, we take the day off if a birthday happens to fall on a school day. So it will be some more fun activities to fill our day.

Life as a homeschool mom is so much fun!!! I never know what I may find. This morning, after Grace did her chore of emptying the laundry basket she decided to wear it as a turtle shell. Then while the boys were eating lunch, they decided to turn their bananas into microphones and serenade me. I wish I could post the pictures, but I can't seem to get them off my phone.

I love my life!!

Longing...

2012-01-10T10:33:00.001-08:00

Have you ever longed for something so much it hurt? Knowing the desire is from God. That is where I am now. I know that God has spoken to me and we are to adopt again. I want another child so much that I physically hurt sometimes. I cry out to God and beg for continued affirmation. Lord if this is not from You, please take away the desire. Lord, You know I am ready. Lately though, all I hear is wait. God has used different devotionals and quiet moments to remind me to wait upon Him. This is hard stuff!!!! If you think about it, will you please pray for me to continue to wait upon God. I know His timing is perfect, but this is so hard.

A quick update...

2011-12-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, have we had a lot going on. We have been working hard at the Rock to get it presentable. We've torn down walls and built walls. Today we have painted like crazy! It really is looking much better and hopefully before too long, the front part will be completely renovated.

Add to the mix, Christmas and that just about fills all the time. We had a great Christmas Eve at my mom's. We all got some really great gifts. My favorite so far was the Shark floor cleaner my mom gave me!! I do love it!!

Christmas Day was fun. The kids were up at 4:30, but we made them go back to bed until 7:30. Then we got up and opened presents. For us that means each child has a turn to open a present while everyone else watches. (When each child only has three it helps prolong the excitement and makes each gift special.) Every year our kids get an ornament. This year we also gave in their name to World Vision for a child to go to school for a year. So to help them remember, Blake got a book, Grace got a calendar, and Samuel got a workbook for school.

Then it was on to the big gifts... Blake got a new trumpet mouthpiece and case, Grace got a set of mixing bowls and monogrammed apron, and Samuel got a huge Lego helicopter and a set of people. Grace was totally excited for her bowls. We took time that morning to make muffins to take to church and that made her so proud.

Their best gift though was the one they got together. We bought the entire collection of Little House on the Prairie videos. Last year for Christmas Jim had bought me a set. It was season 8, but we really enjoyed watching it as a family. When we finished that I ordered season 1 and we were working on it. Then after Thanksgiving I saw that Wal-Mart had them on sale for $10 for each season. I was quick to snap up all the rest of the seasons!!! This has been our most anticipated time most evenings. We tell the kids that if they can get their stuff done and be showered and ready for bed by a certain time, we will watch an episode. This really speeds up the time it takes for them to prepare for bed. :)

So now as the year closes and I look forward to another, I reflect on this year. It has been a year of highs and lows. I pray God will continue to carry me thru.

The Rock...

2011-12-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

That's the name of the new church that Jim and I are a part of planting!!! It's located in the historic downtown area of our small community. The church was actually birthed out of a desire to reach out to people in need. A core group of us really have a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We have started by feeding people on Thanksgiving Day for the past couple of years. But the fire in us that God has kindled is not satisfied with mediocre worship of HIM. We want more!! We want to give all we have to serve the one who gave Himself for us.

This has been in the works for a couple of months. Praying and planning, but this week we started the actual work in the building!! It had once been a department store, beginning somewhere around 1948. I'm not sure what it has been over the years since, but the last business was a t-shirt shop that also fixed computers. The building was dirty, and littered with junk. Once some of that was cleared we began tearing down all the make-shift walls. Finally, after many hours of work, we had gutted the building. Yesterday some of the guys began reconstructing a few walls so we can have a nursery for our first service this Sunday.

Even though the building is a mess, we are the only ones to see if for now. We can close the doors that lead from the "foyer" area to the sanctuary and no one sees that the walls are three different colors or that the floor needs carpet. But the foyer area was what has been bothering me. It looks hideous!!!! As one friend stated, "It looks like Dracula's den." The walls are painted red and black and it just looks terrible. This also happens to be the area that everyone sees as they walk by. Not a pretty site!!!!

There are a couple of us who have been dreaming of what that space can look like. We have envisioned some sort of hard wood flooring with chocolate and cream walls. This area will serve as our coffee area for Sunday services, but we would also like to eventually open it as a coffee shop ministry. Anyway, this is one area that I really wanted to start working on because everyone can see it from outside. So I began to pray. I have prayed for three or four days that God would provide the paint needed. I specifically asked that He just show up and make it clear that it came from HIM!!

So in expectation of HIS provision we began picking out paint colors. Wednesday night we selected the colors we wanted. Still I continued to pray. Then today, a friend and I went to the local hardware store for another project. While we were in there she began to tell about what we were doing across the street. (It just so happens that behind some shelves we tore down we found this family name painted on the wall as one of the builders.) So she asks the guy can they help us out with some paint. He kinda turns and looks at the other guy with him. She then says, "You know, maybe give us a good price or something." He then says that just this morning they were talking about some paint they needed to do something with. They were wondering what to do!!!

It was all I could do not to just bust out with hoopin' and hollerin'!!! I looked at my friend and said, "You know I have been praying for paint." My God supplies!!!

So we are all excited and are calling all the other folks to tell them how God had provided!!! Then someone asks, "What color is it?" Uh, we don't know, it's whatever color God had picked out. So then the hardware guy stops by later this evening to give us an estimate on how much paint we might need. He tells us that the paint can't be white. It is going to have to be tan or something in that family. Um, I think chocolate is in that family. Yes, my GOD not only provided the paint, HE gave us the color too!!!!!! My God thinks of everything!!!

Anyway, that little story has given me a huge TING!!! I am over the moon with praising God for HIS blessings. Won't you praise HIM with me!!!

Check back later for more God stories!!!

The gift of hand-me downs...

2011-12-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

The above photos are of my sweet daughter, niece, and mom. And while the outfits worn are technically hand-me downs, they are also treasured garments. See these dresses were saved by my grandmother as keepsakes of my mom's. While going thru my grandmothers things, my mom found them and carefully washed them. Yesterday we decided to have a little photo session. These photos will forever be treasured by me!! (Just a note, the baby dress is 60+ years old.)

Busy weekend...

2011-12-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, due to technical difficulty there are no pictures to go with this post. Hopefully soon either my camera or blogger will cooperate. Anywho, last Thursday our church put together a float for the local Christmas parade. We decided to do "Sweet on Jesus" and do a candyland type float. It turned out really good to be made almost entirely out of paper products!!! We received second place. {First place was a business that has plenty of money to throw at a float :) }

I had just a bit of down time before gearing up for another local Christmas parade and festival. My grandmother was mayor of this little town for the past 7 years. This was her final year in office. I know that even though she didn't get to see all the festivities, she would have been proud with how it turned out. This day was kinda fun because I got to see my 5 month old niece with Santa. Surprisingly she didn't cry, but just kinda looked at him.

Sunday, the day of the festival, also happened to be Samuel's birthday!!! We told him all the people came to town just to see him. :) Because the day was so hectic and dad was out of town playing for the governor, we decided to celebrate his birthday today. So tonight we went over to my mom's for cake.

This birthday has been pretty tough for me. I mean, my baby is 7!!!! I have really been desiring to adopt again and after his birthday, the desire is even stronger. I'm almost in tears sitting here thinking about it.

One more day of craziness will be tomorrow. The kids are going to spend the day with my mom, while I travel to Atlanta to help process Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I know this will be loads of fun. I can't wait to get back up there and help!!!

Hope everyone else is having as much fun as I am this Christmas season!!!

Been a while...

2011-12-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it has been awhile, but things have been CRAZY busy. I hope to post pics Monday. Check back....

Gearing up...

2011-11-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last couple of days gearing up for the holiday season. While we are on break and I am home I have decorated the house, wrapped over half the gifts and readied my Christmas cards. I know, I know it's not even Thanksgiving. I didn't want to be rushed and hectic and worried about these things so when time was available I started in.

See the rest of this week is going to be spent preparing to feed 500 people Thanksgiving lunch. Our Sunday School class started this last year and it was a success. This year we are expecting at least 500. It is really exciting to plan and prepare. After Thanksgiving our class then has to put together the float for the annual Christmas parade the next week. So by the time these two projects are done, it will be mid-December (well feel like it anyway). That is the reason for the early start.

I want to be able to spend the month of December truly focusing on Christ. Yes, focusing on His birth, but more importantly why that birth is such a big deal. Think about it, Jesus willingly left perfection to come here??? I mean really, have you looked around??? He must have been crazy, right? Yes, He was. Crazy in love with you and me that He gave up Heaven to walk here on earth. Thank you Jesus for being born and then dying for me!!! May I daily die to self to please YOU!!

I'll Love You Forever...

2011-11-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be. For you moms, you know that comes from the book "Love You Forever." That is mine and Blake's "book." I can remember reading that to him every night when he was a baby. As he got older and time in my lap became scarce we started a tradition that on his birthday, he sits in my lap, I read the book while rocking. This is something that we both look forward to. Well, tonight was that night. My baby boy turned 11!!! He asked me today if 11 qualified as a pre-teen. Uh, NO!!!! (Yeah I guess it really does) :(
We had a great day, and no matter how big my "little" boy gets, he will always be my little boy. Love you Blake!!

Are you a fan of Jesus...

2011-11-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

or really and truly a follower? This has been the overarching question posed in the book I am reading. Kyle Idleman discusses the fact that most Christians have simply become fans of Jesus.

Any of you who follow sports much know that there is a difference in a fan and a follower. The fans are the ones who love it when a team is on top. They are very excited and keep up with all that is going on. But let that same team lose for a season or two and those fans slowly dwindle. The team is no longer exciting and entertaining. It may even be hard to watch the players get out there and lose time after time. Times get tough.

That's how some folks are about Jesus. It's great when He doesn't require much. You can come and watch on the weekends. Maybe even volunteer a few times. But when God asks you to do a little more, it gets tough. I mean really, He wants you to do what!?!?

That seems to be the plight of the America church. If you want to be challenged in your faith.... If you want to know if you are truly a follower or simply a fan, I suggest you read this book.

God is moving!!!

2011-10-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I tell you I am so very excited I can hardly contain myself tonight!! God is so moving in the lives of friends and those I have gotten to know!! Just in the past 48 hours I have talked to two people considering missions. One is a friend that has felt for awhile God is calling her to missions. However, she has fought it. Now is seems God is really getting to her and she is trying hard to determine if a specific opportunity is God or self.

Then Friday night I talked with a young lady who is a junior in high school and already knows she wants to go to the mission field. She is one of our cheerleaders and happened also to be on the homecoming court. The night of homecoming I heard the announcer say that she wanted to be a missionary, but I couldn't catch who it was. Then, this Friday, on our way to the ballgame the cheerleaders were sitting towards the front of the bus where I was sitting. One of them asked me about my bracelet. I told them it was made by women in Uganda and I bought it to help a friend with her adoption. This brought up other things. The next thing I know this chick has left her seat to come sit with me. She began asking me about the trips we have been on and I asked her about her future plans. When I asked what she wanted to "do" in the mission field she replied, "I just want to tell people about Jesus." WOW!!! Really, after an hour and a half conversation I was astonished. This young lady puts many adults to shame.

And the final movement of God is not without heartache. I have a very dear friend who is being obedient to God, but Satan is not happy!!! He is attacking her family constantly. If the attacks of Satan are any indication, Heaven is singing and shouting!!! When Satan finally realizes that Jesus has this one won and he decides to move on, there will be great rejoicing.

But all of this movement is lacking one thing... People to come along side and pray for these folks. I ask that each one of you who reads this will take a moment and pray. Pray for clear direction and pray that God gets all the glory. Blessings.

Moved....

2011-10-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Oh my heart has been so moved!!! Yesterday at church the kids were given an overview of Operation Christmas Child. This is something we do every year, but it seems this year it really seemed to "click" with my children. They got in the car after church and began telling me all about it. They each asked if they could spend their own money to buy things for the boxes. (Of course you can!!!) One of the most touching things was when Samuel asked how much a bible cost because he wanted to put one in the box. I was so moved by his desire to be sure they know about Jesus.

My copy of "Kisses from Katie" arrived this week and I have started reading it!!! Boy what a moving book. It has really challenged me and moved me. The most precious thing was Grace asking if she could read it too. Our trip to South Africa this summer has really touched her for Africa. When she learned Katie was in Africa, she wanted to read the book!

Thank you Lord for the treasures you have given me!!! Each one is so very precious. May I not lose site of You. May I filter the longings of this heart through You. Shape me and mold me to Your desires.

Walking in High Cotton....

2011-09-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

These are a few pics from a recent trip to our cotton field.

I absolutely love her eyes in this picture...

This is my momma and my dear sweet niece, Brodee Cate.
My mother would kill me if she knew I had published her photo...

We really had fun taking a few shots in the cotton field. As you can see from the wild hair and naked baby, it was spur of the moment. It was strictly with my little point and shoot digital camera and then a few touch ups with Picnik. In a couple of weeks we will have "real" pictures taken in the fields and hopefully around some barns and such. Can't wait to see what he can do!!!

My day...

2011-09-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

I thought my school day had been horrible and then I read this. Don't feel so bad now. :)

Hope everyone has a great week.

2011-09-21T20:47:00.001-07:00

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A FARMER ?

Story of my Life by Oatsvall Team

FARMERS NEEDED ... pays is 0 dollars, long hours, NO sleep, little to no appreciation, clothing is not fashionable, hands and knees will stay dirty and blistered, but YOU WILL HAVE THE BEST BOSS EVER, WITH JOY FILLING YOUR SILOS DAILY !!!

If the call came today would you answer it to a FARMER ??? I have heard of many situations this past couple of months and have been encouraged to see people answer the CALL to harvest the crops ...

What if your neighbor passed away and their kids needed a home ???

Do you have a widow living next door that sits alone every Sunday for lunch ???

What if you heard of a family living in a car ???

What if there is a boy or girl in need of a mentor ???

What if a couple in your church decided to quit their jobs and move across the world to tell people about Jesus ???

What if someone was in need of groceries ???

What if you could provide a life-saving surgery for only $500 ???

What if a terminal child needed a forever family for only a few months before going home to Jesus ???

This list could go on and on !!! THE NEED IS GREAT AND THE HARVEST is plenty ... Will you be a FARMER TODAY !!!! Will you pick up the NEEDS of someone and carry them for a SHORT time, a MOMENT, or FOREVER ??? There is never a day that we open our eyes that there is not an IMMEDIATE need ... It is actually the best job on the earth - SOWING AND REAPING !!!

I mean lets be honest w/ ourselves - We are never more the person we want to be than when we are serving someone. somewhere, or someplace !!! We get nothing in return, but the knowledge of knowing our heavenly FATHER is proud of us for putting on our boots and wading in the MIRE w/ Him ... CAUSE YOU CAN BET THE FARM he is already there in the MIRE waiting for us - He is with the orphan, the widow, the person in prison, the family living in the car, the dying child - SO don't wait -- this job will change you more than you change it !!!

BLESSINGS !!!

Funnies....

2011-09-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

It seems like every day my children are saying or doing something funny (Samuel especially). A couple of the latest... Samuel walks in this morning with Jim's old green army hat on, salutes me and says "Morning Sarge." That was funny, but even funnier was the fact that he sounded just like Gomer Pyle!!!!! I thought I would crack up!!!

And then my sports enthusiast Blake has to recall five sentences from the pastor's sermon. He asks me for help as he seems a bit stumped. So I remind him of three points. This seems to trigger his memory a bit because in a few minutes he says, "Oh I remember one. A quarterback and a tight end make up 20% of the football team." Uh yeah, is that all you heard? :)

And Grace is just a doll. Oh thank you Father for these three wonderful blessings!!!! I am so glad that You entrusted them to me!!

Heartbroken...

2011-09-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I sit here, a puddle of tears, as I type this post. For me, writing this is a way to grieve. I'm sitting at my new-to-me desk. It was the one my grandmother always used. Around me I have some blankets and pillows that I brought home from her house, and they still smell like her. See today I got the remaining items, that belong to me, from her house. There are only a few remaining boxes of photos and such for the children.

The house looks so empty... not the place I remember.

Oh the memories....Like the nights I would spend the night and not be able to sleep because my grandparents were snoring so loud. Or later years, going to my grandmother to talk because she seemed to understand me. She could help me answer the questions from my past. And then, taking my sweet babies to go visit. Just sitting and talking. The kids (us big ones included) always wanting Ma-ma's cookies and lemonade. Or watching my children bake cookies with her for the last time, just two short months before her death.

Some days my heart hurts so much I think it will break in two. There are so many times I want to just stop by and sit on the swing to chat while the kids play. But those times are gone. Not just because she is gone, but because soon the house will be sold and I will no longer be able to wander thru and remember the good times. And soon the pillows and blankets won't smell like her. For this I grieve.

Catching up...

2011-09-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have gotten really lax in updating my blog. I guess I just don't feel I have much to share. We have started school and that is going well. We really have gotten in a great routine and seem to accomplish a lot.

We have had a few emotional days as we begin to close out my grandmother's estate. Yesterday we had a yardsale to try to clean out some of the things that the family did not claim. This was necessary but so hard to watch as people began taking her things away. By the end of the day when we cleaned up it was really hard to walk thru a practically empty house.

In job news, Jim is still teaching. We have a packet of info to fill out for the m*l*tary. Even so, they are now saying Jim may possibly not be eligible. This really irks me because they are the ones who called us. So why call us if you aren't for sure there is a position. Ugh!!!

Anyway, that seems to be our life...boring. But you know, I like this boring life :)

My heart...

2011-09-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not good at this, but I'm going to try and paste a link.

In my very emotional state right now this so resonates with me. LOVE. Pure and simple.

I love kids and old people too!

Reminded...

2011-08-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have recently been reminded just how much Grace is like me. We've been going through old pictures recently and I am amazed how much she looks like me. Then today we were feeding some ducks and she was talking ninety-to-nothing (just like she is doing right now). I just looked at Jim and asked, "Am I like that?" His response, "Sometimes." Oh boy, I better hang on for the ride if she is just like her momma!!!!

One Man's Trash...

2011-08-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

is another man's treasure. That seemed to be the "theme" of the weekend. Yesterday my family gathered to do something that was very difficult and seemed almost holy, we began to divide my grandmother's belongings.

Two of the sisters had grouped the items that were for us grandchildren to choose from. Now after 80+ years, 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and a dozen great-grandchildren there was ALOT of stuff!!! So we began.

We took turns having a first choice, but even so, I don't think any two people wanted many of the same things. I, the very sentimental person who loves glassware, came home with tons of dishes. One beautiful bowl I just couldn't pass up even though it was cracked. It had belonged to my great grandmother. Or the clear blue cup and saucer that had been "gifts" that came in the package of Oxydol soap. The vase they had relegated to the yardsale stash or the cookie pan that had been discarded to the recycle pile. All came home with me.

There were items that our mothers couldn't believe we were passing up. Yet two of the items they were ready to trash were wanted by 4 grandchildren!! There were even a few items that we grandchildren bought that they thought they could never get rid of. Just reminded me that what one person may discard, another may treasure.

The littles even had fun choosing items. There was a table with random stuffed animals, an assortment of notepads, pencils, stickers and small toys that have been treasured by all of these dear children.

I think the most fun part of the time was learning the stories behind some of the items we all remember. The recipe card that showed she had been using the same sugar cookie recipe since 1946.
Or the small turtle that her second daughter gave her as a child. She had a dollar to spend for Christmas and a family of 7 to buy for. The treasured turtle was part of a salt and pepper shaker set, but the 20cent price was too much. So she purchased only one for 10cent and it has been kept for over 50 years.
Or the sweet wind up goose that was my grandfather's toy as a child.

Each item special with a story behind it. A story that will be written so it can be passed to the next generation. So our children will know their heritage and where there roots have been put down.

In the words of Dr. Carl Sagan:

“You have to know the past to understand the present.”

Aaahhh, fresh and clean....

2011-08-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

That would be our drinking water that is now fresh and clean. For about a year now I have wanted to purchase a water filtering system. I had found one I liked, but due to the fact it was a couple of hundred dollars I knew my sweetie would not go for it.

So I prayed...

I waited...

I contemplated buying it anyway...

And I waited....

Then we moved to a new house and I had put a filter on the back burner. Until...........

We found that the town we live in now has brown water!!!! The city provides whole house filtering systems, but one half of the house had been missed. This happened to be the half with the kitchen.

Jim decided that we needed a filtering system for drinking purposes until the whole house thing can be installed. We buy a Brita pitcher and things are better.

Then I begin giving him bits of information about how a pitcher doesn't filter all of the heavy metals and toxins from the water. So then he thinks that yes, maybe we do need a better filtering system.

So today..... My sweet UPS man delivers.........

This is my Berkey Light water filtration system. It is a gravity filtration system so I don't have to worry if the electricity goes out. Also this system is so good that it will even filter food coloring out of water!!! All this means that if for some reason the power is out for an extended period of time (i.e. natural disaster) I can use any water (pond, puddles, etc.) in this system and have clean drinking water.

Many missionaries use this system or one of the related systems out in the mission field. I am so thrilled about this that I just had to share!!!

What now?

2011-08-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

This is the question I ask myself as I sit and ponder what God is up to. Our life has taken a few twists and turns over the last couple of years. Jim has felt that it was time for him to move on for a couple of years.

Last year we thought it was to go back into the mil*tary so he tried with every branch. No one had a spot available for what he does. Okay, so maybe we misheard God. We plug away for another year.

This past spring he starts sending out applications to other schools. While I was in Africa, there was even an interview that we thought was pretty promising. When that didn't work out I told Jim there was always a position available in Africa. Our conversations soon shifted from "if" to "when."

Now the latest twist is that the mil*tary called him!! Yesterday he gets a call from a guy he talked to a year ago. The guy told him some things have changed and he had Jim on his mind. REALLY???

So now we are back to square one trying to discern what God wants. We were so set to finish out the school year and begin preparing ourselves for the next stage of life. Now we may be preparing for something new in a matter of weeks.
Please pray with us that God will make things abundantly clear. Right now both of us are just reeling at the possibilities. In the meantime my husband started school today :)

Our Day...

2011-07-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

These are a few pictures from our day today. I was feeling very culinary today so I made bread, granola bars and popcorn. This may not sound like much, but for me it was great!! The bread and granola bars were from whole grains, which is something we are trying to do more. The popcorn was my attempt at popping my own in a pot on the stove. It actually turned out very good!!!

The granola cooling and waiting for me to cut it.

Our delicious popcorn!!

While I was enjoying my time in the kitchen, the kids were having fun of their own. Grace and Samuel were putting on some sort of clown show. Grace decided to really get into things. Here is the result...

I'm not sure if this is a really good clown face or just her just reverting back to being 3, but she had fun. All in all it was a great day. Oh yeah and for supper I continued with my culinary experimenting and baked some salmon. This was no ordinary salmon, but one baked with a lemon, garlic glaze. Needless to say, I have been proud of myself today. :)

Super Sunday...

2011-07-17T13:59:00.001-07:00

Blake and his friend enjoying some trampoline time.

Two beautiful girls getting ready for their tea party.

Mmmmmm, South African tea and brownies!!!

Samuel and Mr. K enjoying some "tough" time.

The kids enjoyed inviting friends over today. Let me tell you it was lots of fun.

2011-07-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Lord I praise You! Even when things are tough. Even when I'm tired and really just want to go to bed. Thank you Father for another day!!! Thank you for the blessings You have poured out in abundance. You are so good to me God!!! In the the name of JESUS, Satan you better back off!!!

Update...

2011-07-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been very tardy in providing an update on our trip. The trip to South Africa was amazing!! The people who work at the Shayandima School of Tomorrow are absolutely wonderful.
I was blown away with how the students work so hard and are so disciplined. They are responsible not only for their studies, but for the upkeep of the school as well. The VBS went over very well. The students were very knowledgeable about the Bible, but I do think they enjoyed the games, crafts and music that we did each day.

After our time at the school each day, we went to the Outreach. The Outreach is a ministry set up by Pastor Albert, a former School of Tomorrow teacher, who feeds the orphaned and disadvantaged children of the community. There are several ladies who prepare the meal each weekday to provide to these children. For some of them, it is the only meal they get. These children really tore at my heart. They were so eager to have visitors and so grateful when we brought things to share. You would not believe their eagerness over a soft peppermint candy!!!

There were several children who really captured my heart, but one little girl in particular. She had these eyes that just seemed to look straight into my heart. (She was the one from the post when we first arrived home.) I ask for prayer for this little treasure. Mr. Palmer is looking to possibly add a couple of orphans to the Lighthouse ministry and she is one being considered. Please pray that she may be chosen.

As for the Lighthouse... This is a ministry for orphaned children. There are currently five children who live on the mission base with Auntie Andrea, their house mother. Through donations these children are provided a place to live as well as an education at the school. This is all provided by God and these children live by faith that God will provide the funds needed. Again, something that can be lifted up in prayer.

Thank you to all who provided for our trip. This truly was a door used by God to open up something greater I believe. Please join us in prayer that God will continue to show us the way.

Some South Africa Photos...

2011-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Grace and I getting ready to go into church.

Children at the Outreach waiting for their plate.
(Grace says: They are hungry. They need you.)

Outreach children waiting for the VBS lesson.

The beautiful Lighthouse children!!!!

Home...

2011-06-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

if only for a bit!! We got home around 7:30pm yesterday and I spent a little while trying to organize my house from the move. Now this morning I am up and getting ready to go with Blake to children's camp. Pray we have a great week. Next week I will post more about our amazing trip. I will leave you with a picture of a 5 year old girl I met at the outreach that really touched my heart. Oh, I wish I could have brought her home...

Jehovah Jireh... My Provider

2011-05-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

There are so many neat stories lately that have shown how God has provided for us, but I want to share two. The first story starts with our decision to take a trip to Africa. I really felt God calling us to that, but we just didn't have the funds. On more than one occasion I was so discouraged that I was ready to return donations and call it quits. However, my dear friends continued to encourage me. Finally I came to a peace. I wasn't sure how, but I knew we were going so we bought tickets. It wasn't much longer and our tax return came.

For some that is no big deal, but for us this year it is huge!! First off, we thought we were going to have to file an extension while we waited for Samuel's SS#. However, my "own time" God(note this is not the on time God, but the one that works in His time) provided the number on April 14!! Yes the day before the deadline. So I called up the CPA and had him get the papers ready. Due to the D.C. holiday the deadline was extended to Monday, April 18 and of course I was in the post office.

Soon I was discouraged again. So many of my friends were having trouble with their refunds due to the adoption tax credit. Some were delayed while others were denied! Oh well, I thought, there went any chance of that helping out.

About a week and a half later, on a whim, I checked the status. I was informed that we should have our return by the end of May. Whew, that's close, but I guess we could use it if need be. So I felt a little better. Then 18 days after I mailed our return, the money was deposited in our account. Oh how I rejoiced!! Thank you Lord for Your provision. We continued to fundraise because we really needed the money to repair Jim's car, not pay for the mission trip.

Then about a week ago we got even more good news!! The figures for the trip were wrong and Grace and I had overpaid by $700!! The other ladies had overpaid $100 each and they didn't need the refund so it was applied to our account. That was $900 more dollars, then add in a couple of significant donations and we were down to needing $476 as of Sunday morning.

After the morning service our pastor had the four of us come to the front so that they could lay hands on us and pray. As part of the prayer, Bro. Andy specifically prayed that if there were needed funds that God would place it on someone's heart to donate. Well after church we had to scoot quick so I didn't know what had happened. Then I get a text from one girl and a call from the other about the same time. They had each had someone give them a donation. The two totaled $900!!! Our expenses were paid and there is money left over for us to use to feed the children while we are there!!!!

My "own time" God has taught me so much about His faithfulness and provision. I knew in my head He would provide, but now I know in my heart!!! Thank you Jesus. Oh yes, and these donations mean that we don't have to use our tax money for the trip, but we can repair Jim's car. Oh God is good!!

I said there were two stories, but the other one will have to wait until tomorrow. Check back and see what else God has been up to in just the last week.

Our new house...

2011-05-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Flexible...

2011-05-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

That is my new favorite word... Yes, there is a reason for that word being my new favorite. See we leave in about 10 days for Africa. That in and of itself is really exciting yet scary. However, we now have been given the task of moving out of our house by..... June 3!!! Yikes!!!! The story gets better.... Family and well meaning friends ask "So where are you going to move?" The answer, " I don't know!!!" Jim and I don't want to settle into a new home right now because we may be moving. We are looking at possibly moving to a bigger school so that he can have more time at home with me and the kids. This means we can't really get settled in a new house, just to move again by the end of July.

We are exploring all kinds of options. One option depends on staying with local friends and his parents some. Option B is renting a house for the two months and then if we don't move continuing to live in that house. And Option C is renting a cabin at the local RV Park. Hopefully we will have an option nailed down by the time I leave. If not, I guess Jim will inform me of the living arrangements when I get back in the country :)

The funny thing is I am not stressed. Normally this would really bother me, but this trip has taught me that God has the details. I want to be so open to His will that I'm just floating along. Now I will admit that I'm a bit stressed about actually moving the stuff to storage. I am packing like a mad woman, but Jim has school up until the 3rd so he's not much help. Hopefully I can get it all done.

Please continue to pray for our trip. We are so excited and God is really up to something big. We know this because Satan has really been working hard. Thanks for the prayers.

Listening to Him...

2011-05-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Oh the joy of listening to the quiet voice of my heavenly Father. Last night it was late after getting in from church. We did the whole rush around and get ready for bed thing. Then finally I was headed upstairs for bed while Jim was in the back. I got upstairs and was ready for bed when I heard the chatter. I could hear the kids talking over the monitor. (Our kids share a bedroom and because of my fear of not hearing if something went wrong while they are downstairs and we are upstairs, there is monitor in their room.)

So anyway, I heard the chatter and started to yell down to be quiet and go to sleep. When the Lord guided me to just stop and listen. And boy am I glad I did because I would have not wanted to end this conversation.

I turned up the monitor so I could hear all of the voices. The first thing I heard was Samuel mention dying. And Blake began to tell him, he could die at any minute. This of course worried Samuel because he didn't want to "go to the fire" as he put it. As I listened longer I heard my precious 10 year old and 8 year old explain to their brother about salvation. Blake let him know that he had to be ready to die for Jesus and Grace reinforced that with "Remember what Mr. Chris said tonight." (See Chris someone was listening.)

I think the funniest moment was when Grace quoted Revelation to assure Samuel that there would be no more death in Heaven and that God loves us. Samuel's reply was "I know. God gave His only forgotten Son." I got the giggles at that. Not just his little mistake, but the fact that they are quoting scripture back and forth.

The night ended with them calling for me to come down and chat with Samuel. Again tonight his daddy has spoken with him. We will continue to talk with him until we confident that he understands all that we have talked about. But let me tell you this momma is rejoicing and went to bed with tears of joy last night!!!

Countdown...

2011-05-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Let the countdown begin!!! We are only 26 days from leaving for South Africa. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Satan has tried hard to stop this trip, so I know God must have really big plans!! We are still about $2500 short, but I know God will provide that as well. Our money has to be turned in on Monday. Thank you to all who have prayed for us. We really need it and will continue to need your prayers.

Not much else in other news. We are winding up baseball/softball and trying to wind up the school year. However, I seem to have gotten off track and just can't seem to get the flow going again. Oh well. Blessings...

A Tribute to...

2011-05-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is a tribute to the great Marilyn Monroe. This isn't the Marilyn Monroe who was known for her flirty pictures and wild behavior. No this is a tribute to the Marilyn Monroe who was very modest and led a very quiet and peaceful life. This Marilyn Monroe was my grandmother.

Ma-Ma, as she was known to us, was born in 1929 to hard working parents. She worked hard in school and on the family farm. Then in her sophomore year of school she was swept off her feet by a tall, dark haired handsome fella by the name of Harry Slater. It was a whirlwind of a courtship and they were soon married in September of 1945.

Ma-Ma spent her days working in the fields and preparing for her first born child. Times were tough and money was scarce, but she made do with what she had. As more children came along, 5 all total, things were tougher but she continued to work to provide for her family. There was no job to menial for her. She worked in the fields, in the shirt factory and even in the hospital as ward clerk. Soon four of her children were graduated and on their own. One, the baby, had died in an accident the night of his high school graduation.

Her four children all became successful and prominent citizens in their community. Soon it was time for her beloved grandchildren to come along. There are 8 of us all total. This amazing woman played a huge role in all of our lives. We all have cherished memories of our time at
Ma-Ma's house.

Soon it was time for her two greatest roles in life: being a great-grandmother and being mayor. These two roles were her favorite I think. She delighted in having her 11 great-grandchildren over to visit. Whether it was making cookies with Ma-Ma or having a slumber party at her house, it was always a grand time.

At the same time in her life she decided to step up and help her town by running for Mayor. Things had gone awry from past administrations and she thought she could do better. And she did!! She took a town that was in such financial trouble that they risked having the street lights cut off to now they are in the best financial shape in years (all without city taxes. Wish she could have helped Washington balance the budget.) Unfortunately her second term as Mayor was cut short.

This great woman went to be with Jesus on April 30, 2011. She is greatly missed by all who knew her and her legacy will be remembered. She may not be the Marilyn Monroe known by all the world, but she was all the world to me.

Update on South Africa...

2011-04-26T16:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all have been praying about our trip to South Africa. God has been so good to us. In the last post I told you how God has moved mountains for our trip. The cost was reduced by $2000 in just a matter of days. Well, God is moving again. I received a text today that our airline is willing to give us an even better rate. This reduces the trip by another $200 each!!! My God, who will provide all my needs, is up to something. Please continue to cover our trip in prayer as Satan is still trying to hinder things. But praise God, He has overcome Satan!!!! Oh, it makes me want to shout!!!

Awesome God...

2011-04-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

You know my God is so awesome. This Easter I am reminded that Jesus lives and He cares about me. As you know we are planning a mission trip to South Africa. Well, I figured up this week that together Grace and I needed $6000 in the next 6 weeks!!! That is just impossible for us (but not God.) Well, since then we have been able to shave about $2000 off of that total in just a matter of days. Today we had a fundraiser that raised a few hundred dollars for each of us, we were told that the total our secretary has been giving us does not include several hundred dollars we have already paid, and the kicker... flight prices have come down $300 each. God is so good to us!!! Even so we are still $4000 short and we need at least $1000 of that in the next two weeks. So if you feel led to give please click the donate button. Thank you.

Cool Giveaway....

2011-04-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have a really cool giveaway to help raise funds for our mission trip. Someone in our church has graciously donated a new iPod touch. For each $5 you donate, your name will be entered into the contest. So just click on the donate button and enter for your chance to win!

Sweet Words...

2011-04-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I was looking around on different adoption sites at some of the waiting children. I have two that I have been praying for and about, so I was checking their status. In walks Samuel and he wants to know what I'm up to. I tell him about these children and how they need a momma and daddy. Of course to him they are all in Vietnam. LOL!! So then I show him the pictures of the little boy and girl I have been praying about. He decides he wants their pictures too. So today I printed a copy for all of us to have by our beds so we can pray specifically for these precious children.

I am so touched by my children's desire to pray for these children and their open hearts to bring them into our family. (Samuel assures me he can take care of the little boy.) Jim and I are both very open and ready to start the process again. However, there are a couple of things that need to be done first (according to Jim). Will you please join me in prayer... 1.) That these two sweet babies will find a Christian family {hopefully ours :) } and 2.) That God will move these mountains that we must overcome first, before we can adopt again.

Mission Trip news: We had a BBQ this weekend and cleared about $250 per person. This still leaves me and Grace about $1100 each short for our plane tickets. This money is needed by May 1. Please join us in prayer that God will provide. And as always, if you feel led to give just click on the Donate button on the side. Thank you.

No keys....

2011-04-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, this an unofficial Memorial Box Monday post. I know that it's not Monday, but God just showed Himself again and I need to share. I'm sharing this more for my rememberance and no one elses. Okay, the military has gone to a new pay system when it comes to travel. Instead of one person in the unit handling it, it is up to the soldier to submit paperwork. So Jim has been working to submit paperwork from a January travel period, but life has not allowed him time. Well, Wednesday night around midnight we find out that if he doesn't submit paperwork by Friday they will not pay him. I am freaking out because this is several hundred dollars that we can't just let go by. Oh yeah and I forgot to mention the paperwork is in his car, which happens to be in the shop.

So Thursday afternoon the kids have games and we do that, then he takes me to my grandmothers to stay (it's our turn to stay). He leaves around 10pm to drive the 20 minutes to the garage to check for the papers. It's not until he arrives that he realizes he doesn't have the key. But you know what, our God who cares about all the little things (like my husband needing to get home and get to bed instead of chasing down a key) had left the trunk open. And yes this is where my dear husband keeps all important files. So thanks to God he was able to get the papers and fax them on Friday!!!

This is such a reminder to me that God does have everything planned out. And yes it may be the last moment (which it often is when involving my husband :) but He does have my best at heart. As many of you know we are in the middle of raising funds for our mission trip and though I struggle with waiting for the money, I know God does have it planned. It may be the last minute, but He will provide!!!

South Africa 2011

2011-04-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Grace and I are planning a mission trip to South Africa to work on a mission base with orphans. While in South Africa we will also do some VBS with the area children. However, we are short on funds. I know that God is my Provider and I am trusting He will. I want to be honest though, it is getting harder to believe that the money will be there. So I ask for your prayers, and also if you feel led to donate just click on the pay pal button on the side. Thanks!

Heartache...

2011-04-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

My heart aches right now. Linny at "A Place called Simplicity" posted about a little girl in Uganda. My heart breaks for this child and all the others there who are sick and dying from something so very curable and preventable here in the U.S. Not only are these children sick, but they have no one to love and comfort them. Yes, there are nannies and they do their best, but it's not like having a momma and daddy to love you. To kiss the boo-boo or get up with you in the middle of the night when you don't feel good. My heart hurts....

Play Ball...

2011-04-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Those were the words for the day. It was opening day for my babies and boy was it busy. We started out with pics at 10:30 for Blake and then on to a double header that ended around 2. Home for hotdogs and chips to turn around and be back at 3. Then it was more pics and running between Grace and Samuel's games that happened to be at the same time and opposite sides of the rec department. Needless to say I am tired, but it's a good tired. The head of the rec department stopped me one time and asked if I was leaving. I told him know just headed to the other game and that I was soon going to borrow his Gator. Then the thought hits me...... What would I do with another one playing? Oh well, guess I would figure it out because I so want to bring another sweet baby home.
Also, before you guys think "poor pitiful Amy" let me just say I am not the busiest one out there. One of Jim's co-workers has EIGHT children playing!!!! Bless her soul she is a single mama trying her best and I so look up to her!!!

Today too is my anniversary!! It has been 11 wonderful years. And my thoughtful baby girl picked me some beautiful flowers for the occasion. I was going to post a pic, but my computer is acting up. Oh well.

God's Provision...

2011-04-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

That is what I am in need of.... You see it is getting to be time for us to buy our plane tickets for our mission trip to South Africa and the money is just not there. I talked with one of the other members of the team and they don't have the money either. Would you please join us in praying for God to provide. Thank you so much.

If you are reading this and feel led to give a gift to our trip you can send checks to:

New Life Baptist Church
PO Box 714
Metter, GA 30439

Thank you for your prayers as we seek God's face in this situation.

Long time...

2011-03-23T17:29:00.001-07:00

Okay, so it has been a long time since my last post, but life has been crazy busy. First of all my grandmother got sick and was placed in the hospital, moved to a larger hospital and placed in ICU. That had us all busy since the bigger hospital is an hour and a half away. Praise God that she seems to be doing better. This all hit so sudden, but she is recovering and hopefully will be home in a few days. Please lift her up in prayers because this has caused a life style change as well as it has taken her from her beloved job as mayor of the town she has called home for almost forever.

Our mission trip seems to be coming along great!! Satan tried to get a foothold, but in the words of Barney "Nip in the bud" was the theme and praise God that is just what He did! I know that God has great plans for this trip because Satan was trying very early to destroy it. We do ask for your continued prayers for this trip as we are still fundraising and enjoying how God is working it all out.

Thanks for all the prayers.

2011-03-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

These were some shots I took out in our yard this week. The Japanese Magnolia petals make a beautiful carpet. Add to that my daughters love for Laura Ingalls and I think the pics turned out great!!!

Wow!!!

2011-02-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

That's the only word I have to describe today. Can you believe it has been 3 years since our little Thanh Tam became ours? I am blown away!! I love to remember that time and the emotion that seemed to pour out of my entire being. How I felt at a loss for words of what to say to my precious son (and for anyone that knows me a loss for words is big). I remember he was quite easy going and was fine where ever we took him. He had to have his hat no matter where we went. And at the end of the day he would fold his clothes nice and neat and organize all his things.

Now it's like he has been with us always. He is a true southerner with a twang to rival anyone born here. He loves his boots and has figured out he doesn't have to fold his clothes anymore. He now has a mama for that. I thank God every day for the blessing of this wonderful son. He has brought a life and joy to our house that only he can. He is quite the clown and keeps us in stitches. He loves to imitate his big brother and will follow every command given by his mothering big sister. Thank you God for this joy you have brought into our family.

A Must Read...

2011-02-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, you all know my heart for the orphan. Well here is someone who has been better able to express my feelings, so I ask that you please read this....

On Saturday, two precious women arrived for the weekend. They have spent 2 weeks volunteering at a foster home in Beijing. These women were such a gift from my Heavenly Daddy. On Sunday, we spent countless hours talking, crying, praying, crying, reading the Bible, crying, and crying some more. It was sweet and cleansing for my soul. Kim and Angie, you are true angels. Your sweet and gentle spirits ministered to my soul in a way that only God can ordain. I am forever thankful!

Why were we crying you might ask? Well sweet friends, we were crying for lots of reasons. We were crying because the plight of the orphan is so humongous that we feel helpless. Not hopeless--but helpless for sure. We look around and see all these precious, priceless treasures and we wonder "why God?" We wonder if we're really helping them by coming here. Because I can love on them while I'm here...but then I leave. Just like every other person in their life. We cried because this is reality. Its staring us in the face...and it seems unbearable at times. We cried at the lack of passion for orphan care. We cried for the comments we've heard. "Oh, I'll adopt after I have my own kids. We would adopt if it wasn't so expensive. God just hasn't called us to adopt, but its great what you're doing. I don't know if I could love an adopted child like I love my own." And while I understand that these comments are not made out of cruelty or hard-hardheartedness, when I'm staring at a child in the face as if to say, "No, mommy isn't coming today..." I just cannot be sympathetic to excuses. These are human beings. They are children. They are fearfully and wonderfully made by the master Creator Himself. They are not a tourist attraction or a sad story on television. They are real. And if we won't act for them, who will? No one will. And that is reality. They don't understand our excuses.

And I will not be shameful of the tears. Anyone that has talked to me in the past few days will tell you...my heart is full. But you know what? These children deserve to be cried for. They deserve my tears and pain. When I cry, my mama usually cries too, because a mother feels the pain of her child in a way no one else can. Well these babies don't have that. Most of them have never had tears shed on their behalf. So I will cry shamelessly. And my prayer is that the Body of Christ as a whole will begin crying for these children. May the Father of the fatherless grip our hearts and give us an urgency to act quickly. While we're sitting around praying about whether we should get involved--they are dying. They are spending one more day alone and hopeless. They are going to bed one more night in a place that is not home. They are ceasing to cry because they know that when they cry, nothing happens. That is reality.

What will we do when reality hits us in the face? That is what I'm wrestling with, dear ones. I will greatly appreciate your prayers. The weight of reality seems unbearable at times. But when I am weak, He can be strong. My Beloved is strong for me. And He is strong for these babies. I don't understand most of whats going on around me. But I'm willing to fight to know Jesus in the midst of reality. And I pray that every person who reads this blog will pray and consider the plight of these precious ones. When when we stop making excuses? When will we recognize our excuses as s-i-n? Yep, I said it. Orphan care is more than a suggestion--its a command, a duty, and a divine privilege.

Coupons, coupons,coupons....

2011-02-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, I mentioned a few posts ago that I have started couponing. I am still learning, but was proud last week when I went and bought $159 worth of groceries for $53!!! Some still consider me an amateur but I was proud. So this led to a discussion between me and Jim about getting out of debt. We have really been working hard for about 6 months on eliminating all debt. So as the discussion progresses Jim insists that after the debt is paid, we will continue like this and save like crazy. I was fine with that cause I said then we can adopt more kids. He was like yeah well that will take a lot of saving. I said "Well, **** is getting two for 35." He jokingly responded, "35 dollars? Yeah lets stockpile them." I got tickled and then he looked over and said, "Hey do you have a coupon for that?" I just about cracked. So I am now searching for the adoption coupon LOL!!!

On a serious note, my heart is heavy for the orphan again. It's almost made my nights unbearable as that is all I think about. Please pray that God will work in our lives and allow us the privledge to adopt again.

His Voice...

2011-01-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

Okay many of you read in my recent post about my heart's desire to adopt again. I know that this is God's plan for our life, but right now it seems so impossible. I feel like I may never have the privilege to adopt again. I had prayed and prayed for God to give me just a small glimpse of hope and here was what he gave me:

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you

When I first saw this in my devotional this week I was like "yeah, yeah, I've read that. I know God has a plan for me." Truly my heart was not really into it. But as I began to read God spoke to my heart and gave me just the small whisper I needed that this season was not forever. He promises to restore my fortunes (to me that means getting out of debt and finding affordable housing). Also, to gather us from all nations. Praise Jesus!! Jim and I have joked about a multi-cultural family, but I truly do think God will give us a very diverse family. Please pray with me that I can continue to seek Him.

What will it take?

2011-01-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

That is the question I have been asking the Lord. I feel called to adopt again, but there is absolutely no way any agency would even consider us at this point of our financial state. Even so my heart is heavy. I have cried out for the Lord to take away this desire or give me some glimpse of possiblity. Even tonight as we talked about our upcoming mission trip, Grace asks, if she saves up enough money for a one way ticket can we bring a sister back from South Africa. Lord our hearts are ready and I know with you it is possible, but can I just have a small window of possiblity? Please pray for me.

May new addiction...

2011-01-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, I must confess I have a new addiction and it is clipping coupons!!! I'm serious, it is a serious addiction and a major high. Just last night I got $132 of stuff for a little over $70. Now I know that's not much for some, but for my first go at it I was happy. Today I did a little better... four boxes of cereal worth $15 for only $4. So if anyone has any good tips I am open, just leave me a comment.

What a Week!!!!

2011-01-12T18:18:00.000-08:00

This has been one crazy week. Friday my husband had to leave for Atlanta for his monthly National Guard duty. So since Saturday was his birthday we had a small party for him. That was fun!! Got him off to Atlanta and the kids and I settled in for an easy weekend. Saturday some girls from church and I went out to dinner and a movie and my sweet mom kept the kids.

Sunday hit and things began to spin crazy. A very wet and cold storm blew in. By Monday morning we were without power and stayed that way for 14 hours!!! BBBRRRR!!! Well, my dear hubby was in Atlanta preparing for the governor's inauguration. Then, I get a text.... they are snowed in and have to call for the HUM-V to come get them!!! Oh boy!! He makes it thru the day's events but can't come home. So we wait, at my mom's because our house is like an icebox. Tuesday, he tries again to come home, but again is unsuccessful. Again another night with my dear mother.

Finally today he sends me a text of them driving out of the apartment complex. The road is still covered in ice and they don't dare stop at the stop sign, but hey, he is on the way home. Before I could even respond to the text, my phone rings and Jim is telling me they slid and now are stuck on the side of the road. Boy oh Boy!!! Luckily the guys in his band really wanted practice tonight and they happen to be great prayer warriors. Jim was finally able to inch his way out of Atlanta and is now home!!! Thank you Jesus!!

I know for some of you that story was no big deal, but for this south Georgia girl it was serious business. And if you read this send up a prayer for the electric crews who are still working to restore power to some and for those without power.

2011-01-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

There is not much to post really. We arrived back home late on Sunday night. So we took Monday off from school to run some errands. Then I decided yesterday that I needed to get some things done around the house. Today, same thing. So I have decided that school is out for the week and we will resume Monday. It's nice to be able to set my own schedule. Anyway, hope all of you are having a great day.

New Year Preparations...

2010-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

As this year begins to wind down and we prepare for another year I want to record a few thoughts. This year has really flown by and has been full of ups and downs. We will be closing the chapter to our lives in our current house as we prepare to move after the new year. Even though we are looking forward to the perks of the new house, I will miss this home. When I moved in I really thought that this would be the house I would live in forever. *Sigh* This move is going to be good and hopefully will afford us a lot of new opportunities as we begin to get out of debt.

As for new opportunities, I am so excited to see where Jim's band goes. I haven't mentioned it much, but the praise and worship band at church is beginning to take their music outside the doors of our church. They have performed two concerts in the past couple of months and have at least one more scheduled for the new year. The guys are still tossing around names, but the latest idea is Letters to Rome. Whatcha think?

We have also experienced loss. Jim lost his sister this summer in a very unexpected and tragic way. It has been hard on his whole family. Even so, we look to the new year with promise of a new niece or nephew. I can't wait. Since I can't adopt again right now, I am looking to pour all that love on the new little addition.

Grace and I are also looking forward to our mission trip to South Africa. God has been so good to us and is providing for our needs in this area.

I know there is more, but this is what seems to stick out to me right now. I do have a few prayer request for the new year. Please pray that Jim and I make wise financial decisions about our new house, that Grace and I can really be the hands and feet of Jesus in South Africa, and that God will continue to use the band to spread His message. Also, that God will either remove my strong desire for more children or please show me a way to add more to our family.

Praying each of you have a happy and healthy 2011!! Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-27T16:03:00.001-08:00

Yeah, yeah, I know I am a little late, but this is the first chance at a post. We had a great Christmas. The presents were fun and the time with family was great! However, I think our best gift came the day after Christmas..... SNOW!!!! Now for some of you that is no big deal, but for this south Georgia girl it was HUGE!!! Earlier this year it snowed a couple of inches and was beautiful, but my husband decided we needed to go out of town, so we missed it. I was completely bummed because I have never seen snow that sticks. Well, God blessed us with snow again! It didn't really accumulate but it was lovely to watch fall and we did get enough for an eight inch snowman! Hope everyone else had a great Christmas!!!

All I want for Christmas...

2010-12-15T18:05:00.001-08:00

As many of you know I LOVE children and hope to one day have a house full. God has given Jim and I both a heart for the orphans. One day we hope to adopt more, but right now we are just not able. However, that doesn't stop the ache that I have for these children. So I'm asking on behalf of a very good friend, do you think you can help give an orphan a family for Christmas? A donation of $10 or $20 would go so far to help this little boy to have a forever family. Please check out the link to view this beautiful family and see what you can do to help.
http://meimeimakesfour.blogspot.com

Early Christmas Present...

2010-12-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share really quickly that I got an early Christmas present!!!! I am so excited to announce that I will be an aunt!!!! Woo-hoo!!!! My brother and his wife will be having their first child some time the first of July!!!!

My Provider....

2010-12-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to share a very good story of God and His provisions this week. First here is a little background... Jim is being furloughed and that takes a big chunk out of the paycheck. Well, last month they forgot to take out the furlough, so I went to the board office and asked about it. She told me that yes they had made a mistake so this month they would just take out for two days. I about flipped!!!! I was like "don't they know it's Christmas!!!" So this month I was trying to plan accordingly with the bills and I had it all worked out.

Fast forward to this week. There is a young lady in our church who had no heat because she couldn't put propane in her tank. So I get our Sunday School class together and we get a few bucks together to put gas in her tank. Monday, I go to the place of business to pay for the gas. The minimum she gave me was $100 dollars more than what we had collected. Well, knowing we would get paid on Tuesday, I wrote out a check for the difference. When our class leader asked how much it cost, I told her and she wanted to know about the difference. I just told her The Provider had taken care of it. I knew that my family may have to eat more beans and rice, but at least we would be warm and so would this young lady.

So Tuesday rolls around and I call the bank to check the amount of the deposit. It wasn't what I figured and I thought they had messed up again. So I go up to the school to get the actual pay stub from Jim and begin to compare it to last month. Turns out, furlough pay is taken out before they figure taxes. I had figured wrong and that meant a little more than $100 bucks was in the check that I had not counted on. Only God!!!! I was so excited I could hardly stand it!!

Then a friend points out Philippians 4:19 which states "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Now many of us know this verse, but do you know Paul said this after the Philippians had sacrificed and helped him. It just goes to show that if we get our eyes off of ourselves and reach out to others God will provide.

Awesome Experience...

2010-11-20T21:30:00.001-08:00

Okay so it is 12:30am on Sunday morning and I am typing this as I wait for the praise band to set back up from their first "official" concert!! It was a blast and they guys did great!!! So if you need a great band to do a concert for you let me know because Vertical Bridge is FANTASTIC!!!

South Africa???

2010-10-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have a very big request. I am asking that you guys help me pray for God's direction and leading about a missions opportunity. This is something that I would really love to do, but as we have discussed in Sunday School, is this my calling or just my desire? It would be a trip to South Africa to work with orphans, help with math workshops for teachers, and maybe some backyard Bible clubs. We have committed to getting out of debt and therefore all extra funds that we know about are going to that. However, please pray that He will supply the extra needed for this trip. I know in my head He will if it is His will, but still it's hard to trust completely. Thanks!

God is up to something....

2010-10-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that God is up to something BIG!!! I'm not sure what it is, but I know that I am preparing my heart for whatever He has in store. Are you ready for the blessings God wants to pour out on you? How do you know if you aren't in constant conversation with Him? He is there for you no matter what the situation. Whether you think it big or small. Turn to Him and He will see you thru!

Field Trip Fun...

2010-10-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay here are a couple of pics from our recent field trip. Not sure why the middle one is sideways and I can't seem to remove it! Anyway, we visited the area gourd farm and then headed to a nearby town to show the kids the slave market. It opened up quite a bit of discussion.

While we were there we stepped into their local historical society museum and were treated to the royal treatment as we toured. The kids posed for their school picture (above). Oh the things that I was able to introduce my children to... the spittoon, bedpan, ice-tongs, etc... These three were very fun!

I explained to Grace about the bedpan and I thought I might lose her. See it was an old metal one and it had a hole for men and a hole for women. Oh, the look on her face! Then we went to the spittoon. I explained what it was used for and that alot of times men spit their tobacco into it. Then she wanted to know what tobacco was!! Oh, the innocence of childhood. And finally the ice tongs. I explained that before frigs there were ice-boxes. My aunt actually has my great-grandparents ice-box, but of course none of the kids remember seeing it, so it opened up another field trip!! We also visited a revolutionary war cemetery to end the field trip. Needless to say it was quite an adventure!!

If you notice in the pics, Sam's hair was not ready for a fieldtrip! I could not get it to lay down for anything. I know the people we saw were thinking "oh those poor children." Or maybe "Why aren't those kids in school! Look Mama didn't even brush his hair." Even so, I was very proud of my little boy. Sometimes, I'm not sure how much soaks in, but when we got home he told his daddy all about the slave store (as Grace called it), and what it meant to be a slave, and the different tools he learned about. I was very impressed.

Not sure where the next field trip will be, but with these three it very likely could be just a trip to Wal-Mart!! We can make anything educational!!

2010-10-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of the encouragement!! Jim and I are still waiting for direction for our lives, but we know God already has it mapped out. In other news, we are finally one step closer to Samuel actually becoming an official McBride! Yeah, I know it's been two and a half years, but we are finally getting around to refinalizing. We went to the lawyer to sign papers today and we will get a court date in the next 60 days!!!

Hope everyone else is doing well!!!

Discouraged...

2010-09-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well, a few of you are still reading, so I will give a quick update. It seems the Great Recession has pushed lots of folks into the military and there is not a single branch with an opening for a trumpet player. Not even for one with scores off the chart!!! So we wait for God. However, the waiting is hard. Jim is so discouraged. He really knew that this was the time for a change and we thought this was the change.

Not much else is going on in our life. Really everything else is on hold until we find direction for next year. School with the kids is going great! It's actually the best year we have had. This year we moved school into the dining room so the kids get ready and put their backpacks on and stand in front of the french doors to the dining room, waiting for me to start class. It's really cute. I guess I'll have to get a picture.

And one other thing, I know some of you read Katie's blog, but her recent post just really got to me so please click over and read it http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com It really broke my heart and made me think all at the same time.

A Quick Update...

2010-09-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

An update on my last post. We heard from the navy today that they don't have any openings for a trumpet player. I'm glad for this confirmation, because we have been asking God to make our path clear. The Army on the other hand is impressed with his previous audition at the school of music and have told him he can get in and has even asked which band he wants to join. I guess it doesn't get much clearer than that!! Now we have to work out the details with the recruiter and then we should know more.

Exciting Change...

2010-09-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I am excited to say that change is in the air for us! We have considered rejoining the military for the past couple of years. Each year I am so excited and ready, only to have Jim say not yet. Well, after our visit with his brother( who has just retired Navy) back in August, Jim was again talking military. Of course I was ready but not hopeful. Within a couple of days he's ready to order audition music. Okay great a step in the right direction. So I find the contact information for obtaining an audition and let him know I have it when he's ready. He comes to me and says he's ready, so I give him the number. The next day he calls the number and leaves a message. He doesn't hear from them so he calls again and emails them!!! I was blown away!

So now we have heard from the Army and know what we have to do for that audition. Now we are waiting to hear from the Navy and see what is expected. Please pray that God will guide this decision. We want to do only what He wants. Please pray for us as well. As excited as I am, I am also a bit hesitant. I have lived so close to all my family for the past 12 years that it will be a huge adjustment for me and the kids. However, as I sit and listen to Jim play his trumpet as the praise band practices, I am reminded of why we have considered this. He has such a gift and we want to use that to shine Jesus' light!

Disney pics and other...

2010-09-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Blake is seriously enjoying himself.

This is one smart kid!!! He hides under the balloons to stay out of the rain!!

My dear nephew who may hurt me if he sees I posted this pic!
Love ya Tommy.

And the most lovely Minnies I have ever seen.

Grace, Mama Kiki and Mika

As you can see Disney was a blast!! We really did have a good time and I just wanted to post a few pics to prove it!

Here is a school funny from this week. Grace and I were talking about trading pennies for dimes in math. So I hand her a bunch of pennies and say "You know that's a lot of pennies to put in your pocket and take to the store. What do you think we can do to make it easier?" Her reply, "Put 'em in a wallet." Brillant!!! Why didn't I think of that! Hope everyone else is having a blessed week.

Oh, I just about forgot to post about the most exciting news.... No, no babies on the way.

Saturday, I was out of town for a wedding shower and my hubby texts and then calls to find out about all the comotion going on in town. Did I mention I was out of town, like 2 hours away. Ugh, I don't know? However, he did know what he was doing. See I have this nose for news, although some would just say I'm nosey. LOL!! Anyway, I get right on the phone and call a friend who happens to be working at 911 as I call. He tells me there is a gas leak in town and tells me I may not want to head back home because they may have to evacuate everyone. WHAT?!?!

Well, they didn't have to evacuate, but there was no Labor Day grilling or anything like that because they were afraid it may cause more excitement (an explosion!). So after a long weekend of everybody and their brother working on trying to find out which station the gasoline is coming from, we now know! So they have loosened up on their restrictions and allowed a few more stores to open and it's not quite as exciting. The road is still closed and who knows how long it will take to get all the gasoline that has been leaking for about 4months up, but now it's back to life as usual.

So how's that for an exciting Labor Day! Oh, and I wasn't even off for the holiday. Because the other dollar store was closed due to the proximity of the spill, our sales were thru the roof!! I really earned my wages that day!

Bits and pieces...

2010-09-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to say, and a whole lot of nothing at the same time. I am really blogging this for my own information, but if you care to read then have at it!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Disney and getting to know my niece. Really and truly that was the most time spent with my brother-in-law and a nephew also. Anyway, the kids had a great time and to end a great week, my niece began to ask me questions about God!! I was so excited. She said that in Japan she goes to a Jeh. Wit. church. She had lots of good questions and I pray constantly that God would answer them thru me.

In other news, we have "diagnosed" Blake as having a wheat allergy. The doctors don't seem to think so, but after some research, testing and surveying someone else with like symptoms we think he may. So for the next month we are watching EVERY LITTLE THING he eats. That is difficult!!! You would be so surprised what contains gluten or may contain traces. It's really going to be good for all of us, but it is a lifestyle change.

Speaking of lifestyle changes, I ask for prayer for us. We are considering some very huge changes that will impact our lives a bunch. Please pray for God's wisdom in this decision. I know I hate to leave you hanging, but for a couple of months until we know something for sure I can't really give much detail. Just pray, please.

Now, I have to go and prepare for school tomorrow. I promise Mrs. Linda we will have school!

2010-08-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Can I just say Walt Disney World was awesome!!! I will post pics later, but it was a great time and I will miss my niece terribly. Hope everyone else has had a great week.

God Provides...

2010-08-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know this should most likely be a Memorial Box post but I couldn't wait til Monday (and i won't have internet accesss then.) Anyway, Wednesday afternoon my brother calls to find out what Jim is doing on Thursday. I told him nothing but a short meeting and figured he needed some help putting finishing touches on his house. Instead he informs me he has two tickets to an Atlanta Falcons pre-season game and would Jim like to take Blake. Of course!!!! I was excited about that, but then when we got the tickets they were for the 48 yard line and 35 rows up!!! How cool!!!! I was so glad God provided those tickets and allowed my baby to go see the game. Well Samuel had a dentist appointment that day and so Grace stayed with my mom. She was a little bummed that she didn't get to do anything special (Note: My kids love the dentist!) So anyway, Samuel and I are driving to the dentist and pass a florist and what does the sign out front say: "If your name is Amy come in for a free rose." I got so excited because what better way to show my girl how special she is than to bring home a rose. Oh God is so good!!! He provided for all of us!!

As for Sam's dentist appointment, it went very well. He was actually excited about having three teeth pulled and went back without a problem. That night as we were getting ready for bed I asked Samuel what his favorite part of the day was and he actually said going to the dentist!! Well now I'm off to prepare for my 30th and a trip to Disney!!!

30 here I come!!!!!

2010-08-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, so on this coming Monday I will turn 30!!!!! I can't wait!!! You guys are all invited to the surprise party I'm throwing. I promise I will looked shocked. LOL!!!!

Really, I am kinda hyped about this birthday because I get to join the "big girl club." See I was 20 when I had my first child and so most of my friends are several years older than I am. Because of this I am often referred to as just a baby. I know I should enjoy this! Anyway, so I'm working yesterday and a teenage girl and her mom come in the store. We strike up a conversation and she asks what my last name is. I tell her McBride and the teenage girl says "Oh, is Mr. McBride at school your daddy?" I bout fell out!!! I said that's my husband and she just said "Oh." Now if this doesn't make turning 30 even more fun!!! In his defense he is almost 12 years older than me, but it still made me feel good.

Up in smoke...

2010-08-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

We have been having some really bad lighting storms the past couple of days and yesterday was no exception. I was at work and we were beginning to close up when a monster storm hit. The rain was heavy and the sky lit up. Then, just as I was finishing my paperwork, I got a call from my mom... Her childhood elementary school, which later became the private school I taught at was on fire. I told my co-worker I had to leave and off I went. I virtually flew to the scene (which happens to be across the street from my grandmothers) and watched in horror as the almost century old building went up in flames.

It was devastating to watch, but God was truly in it. First off all the firefighters were safe. Second they were able to contain the fire to the one building and amazingly enough the adjoining buildings suffered minimal damage. And last but not least the outside of the structure looks to be salvagable and the school plans to keep it and rebuild. This last part is really cool to me because for almost a hundred years students have stood in front of this building for their senior class photo and it was going to be sad to lose it.

Okay this reminds me of Tara after the war

in the movie Gone with the Wind.

A little sad...

2010-08-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

I checked my email today to find a message from the adoption agency stating that someone else would be proceeding in the adoption of my Ruby Faith. This really saddens me and breaks my heart, because I really felt that this was the little girl God had for us. I did ask the agency to please let me know if anything changes. In the meantime I will grieve for this loss, but know that God does have something in store and look for what that might be.

On a brighter note, my dear sweet Mother-in-love has decided she wants to take our family on a trip of a lifetime.... Disney!!!! The week happens to be the week of my 30th birthday and I think this will be a great birthday (hehe)!! The best part is that the kids don't know and we aren't going to tell them until we are on the way. I hope I don't lose them to the excitement. I don't think they will complain too much because the trip is going to cause us to delay starting school for a week. Do you think they mind??? I'll post pics in a couple of weeks. Be blessed.

Summer Happenings...

2010-07-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

I promise we are still alive, but we have been very busy. Of course I have been busy putting up lots of vegetables and jams. Add to that a new part-time job for me and Jim being gone and it has been crazy!!! I have to brag for just a moment... Jim went to Norfolk, VA for a couple of weeks of music school for the military. He was excited and hoped to do well. His goal was to make it into the 3.0 club. His brother had done it several years ago and had his name on the wall so Jim wanted to do the same. For those of you who don't know, Jim is a very talented musician and it is a true gift from the LORD!! So he worked for the two weeks hoping to do well on his audition and make the club. Let me say the Lord was with him and helped him throughout his audition and when he received his score he had not only made the 3.0 club but also top student of his class with a 3.6!!!!!! I was one proud wife to say the least.

So now life is settling back in and we are beginning to gear up for another year of school! I am a little nervous because as my children get older the requirements become more and I question my ability. This year we will officially add Samuel and begin to do things with him. I pray for balance that I may give each child the time needed. Also, that I may balance school with my new after school job and keeping up with the house.

I guess I better tell you guys a little about the job. I have recently started working at the local dollar store. It's a job I love because I love trying to be a bright spot in someone's day. I am very reserved and don't have many close long term friendships, but I can be the burst of sunlight for someone so this job is a perfect match!

We are still praying about our little Ruby Faith. Jim has said we must get out of debt first. I know that God can provide that needed money, but I am not a patient person and I want it now. However, on a positive note, we have a very interested buyer for our house. We should know something by the middle of August. Please join us in prayer that all works out for her and she doesn't change her mind.

I pray that everyone is having a safe and blessed summer.

The Joys of Camp...

2010-07-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

This past week our children went to church camp. This is open to children who have completed 3rd thru 6th grades, and it happened to be Blake's first year. I went as a chaperone for the girls and let me say it was a BLAST!!!! I was a little nervous before we left, but I have to say we had the most well behaved group!! There was not a bit of fussing and complaining or any of the expected girl drama! Thank you Jesus!!! The camp speaker, Mr. Allen Marsh from south Alabama did a great job!! Not much to this post but I just wanted everyone to know we haven't fallen off the earth, just busy...

Please continue to pray for our Ruby Faith. We received her medicals before I went to camp, but I am just now getting around to getting them to our pediatrician. I am praying for God's provision in this situation.

Peas, Peas, Peas!!!!

2010-06-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

This week I have been putting up vegetables (mostly peas) and let me tell you it is a job!!! One day the kids helped me and my mom to shell peas and then put them up. We had one bucket to do and that was all. They commented on how much work it was. So then when we got finished I told them that we only got 5 packs and it would take at least ten more days to get enough to feed our family for a year. Blake's eyes got as big a saucers. It was a great opportunity to teach them that it is hard work to feed them and not to take for granted the food on the table. So I guess I will try to finish up peas this week and maybe move to butterbeans and string beans next week. Anyone willing to come help?? Or anyone have any produce they don't need we will take it. I promise I will make good use of it.

On to another quick topic. Please continue to lift us up in prayer with regards to Ruby Faith. I should have a call tomorrow from Holt about adopting an older child with special needs. This is just a call for them to get to know us a bit and see if we really know what we are getting into. Please pray that God will make His desires clear. I don't want to get out of His will. Thanks in advance for the prayers.

Update...

2010-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

The funeral went well. Jim's mom had asked him to say a few words and so he did. During the Buddhist part of the service the person in charge asked if anyone had anything to say about Barbara. Jim took that opportunity to stand up and talk about his Lord and Savior. He expressed how he looked forward to seeing his family in Heaven. It was really good. I had prayed that God would really make Himself known and I do believe He did. Thanks for all the prayers.

Prayers Please...

2010-06-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we got a phone call from my in-laws that informed us Jim's sister had passed away. This has been a very hard thing for all of them. I ask that you pray especially for her son who is a foreign exchange student in Japan. He will hopefully be arriving tonight. Also for Jim's youngest brother who was so close to Barbara and this is tough for him. And most importantly for us to be able to shine Jesus on this situation. His mom is a devoted Buddist and will be having a Buddist funeral. Please pray that God's light will shine thru us.

Radical...

2010-06-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago Katie, from kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com recommened a sermon series. So
lately, Blake and I have been spending Wednesday evenings listening to David Platt, from Alabama, preach a series of sermons. This is a series he preached from 2008 and it's on living radically for God. The sermons have been great and really have made me think things thru. Almost to the point of questioning every little purchase and weighing everything out. So anyway yesterday I was browsing in the local Christian Bookstore when a book caught me eye. I was excited because it is titled Radical and guess who the author is.... Yep, David Platt!! I was sooo excited! I have read the first couple of chapters and thus far I like it as much as the sermons. So I say all that to say, go out and buy the book, read it and allow God to change your way of thinking.

Now for what it has made me think about. I want opinon here from my Christian bloggy friends. As I have listened to these sermons and read my Bible and now reading the book I begin to question everything. Like, we don't need to eat out cause think of all the children that could be helped by saving that money. Or "we don't need to sign our daughter up for gymnastics cause we could use that money to spread the gospel." And another one is the stuff we have. We really don't have a lot of stuff and live a whole lot simpler than most of our friends. We don't buy our children toys and the only time they get stuff like that is for birthday and Christmas. However, with three kids we have accumulated a few toys. I feel like we have too much and should sell most of them and use that money to feed a starving child somewhere. Am I off my rocker? I don't mind being different and have people think I'm strange, but is this verging on being crazy?

I'm still praying for God's guidance and may soon be having a grand yardsale so watch for signs. LOL!!!

On pins and needles....

2010-06-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am now on pins and needles. I have just completed the online application to hopefully review Ruby Faith's file. I am praying for God's divine guidance in this. I also found out that I don't quite qualify for this country for a few more months. In the meantime I am waiting for God to put everything in place. Please pray with me.

Canny, couldy, wouldy...

2010-05-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last week a song was brought to my mind. It's a song from my childhood and I don't remember all the words, but what I do remember sounded like the title. The actual words were "Can He, Could He, Would He, Did He? Yes He can, He could, He would and He did." (Correct me if I'm wrong Robbie. My memory is fading. LOL!) So I go around singing just this much for days. And then I begin to really think about it. My God is so able to do whatever it is that I ask, but is it what he desires?

I have been really burdened for "my" Ruby Faith (okay, I can't link, but it's April 14, 2010) and have really sought God about this. I truly feel that this child is to be my daughter, but we are in no position to adopt again due to our finacial situation (read earlier posts.) So I continue to pray. Then in my bible study God keeps pointing out these passages on faith. The most recent I read was in Matthew when Jesus healed the two blind men and He says "According to your faith, be it done to you." That just really hit me. Am I lacking faith that God will work it out and provide? So then Sunday dawns and as I sit in the service Bro. Andy begins to preach on having faith. And boy does it hit me square between the eyes. So later in the day I had a question for him: "When do you know if you are stepping out on faith, or acting foolish?" I know that if we were to start an adoption people would most likely call us foolish (and maybe rightly so), but the Isrealites thought Moses was foolish, crazy, whatever when he had them step into the sea. However, it was only after they took that step of faith that God made clear the path.

So I say all of that to ask for prayer. I don't want to get ahead of God, but at the same time I don't want to miss the blessing of another child because I wouldn't trust Him enough to step out on faith.

2010-05-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything profound or earth shattering to share today. However, I felt I should post something, so I will give a brief update. Jim will be finished with students this week and I am super excited!! His summer will be busy, but it will be so fun to share the daily chores and fun together.

Also, our sunday school class has started a giving garden. We have planted a few hundred plants in hopes of sharing their fruit with those less fortunate. This will be a fun summer activity to do as a family and I can't wait until it begins to produce.

I look around and see just how blessed I am and I hope you will do the same.

My Mother's Day...

2010-05-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

I just want to start out by saying how much I enjoy Mother's Day. As long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a mom and even now when I contemplate what I might "do" with my life I can't think of anything else. This year was a great day. We got up and went to church and then to my grandmother's for lunch with the extended family. After that we went back home and Jim took over the kids and I napped and just relaxed. Truly the whole day was wonderful. However, I couldn't help but think about the children who have no mother to celebrate. No one to make cards for or give sloppy kisses to. In particular I thought about my sweet Ruby Faith who is now 5 years old and from what I know has never been able to call someone Mom. Please pray with me that she will find a family and someone to be able to call her own. I know that some of you are not called to adopt, but that doesn't exuse you from carrying out James 1:27. This week I urge each of you to search you hearts and pray and seek God's plan for you to carry out this command.

Praises!!!!!!

2010-05-05T17:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday as I was leaving town and headed to my moms, my car suddenly died and I had to pull to the side of the road. I was devastated. I had already been reminded this week to remember Job, and that things weren't that bad for me. (My interpretation Heather.) However, I was beginning to wonder! Anyway, had a mechanic come out and pull it to his shop. He looked at it briefly and told me he thought it was the fuel pump. That would cost us several hundred dollars and I began thinking "Oh my gosh, how are we ever going to pay for this." So Jim comes to get us and we go home. I fretted a while longer and then I remembered the verses I had just read in Matthew about worrying and not adding any time to my life. And how God provides for the birds and clothes the flowers of the field. So finally I said "Okay God this is Yours."

So Jim calls the mechanic today and he tells us that the problem was water in my fuel tank. ( I had just stopped for gas before it conked out.) Anyway, instead of the several hundred dollars we thought we were going to have to shell out, we only have to pay $130!!! Woo-Hoo!!!! My God is so good and provides just what I need if I will only allow!!!

Crazy Love...

2010-04-21T18:08:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you read, but I have a book that is a must read. Francis Chan has written Crazy Love and it will so challenge you. The whole chapter on lukewarm was directed to me I think. Anyway, check it out.

Ruby Faith...

2010-04-14T18:02:00.001-07:00

To most people she is child 143 on the Holt South Asia waiting child page, but to me she is Ruby Faith. I recently wrote a note to her and I want to share that here: (please ignore grammatics)

My Dearest Ruby Faith, I think of you this day as I sit and bask in the gentle spring breeze, the glow of the clear blue sky and the bright green trees. You are never far from my mind. I wonder what you are doing. Do you have many toys, a warm bed, and good shoes for you feet? Or are you lonely and scared with not much to eat? Yesterday was your birthday, did you get a great big hug? Was there someone there to tuck you in and tell you how special you are? In case there wasn't, let me just say, you are more valuable than gold. God designed you in a very special way I am told. Please know my Ruby Faith that even though I may not get to bring you home with me, you are special and in my heart your place will always be.

This little girl has been on my mind a lot lately. I pray for her, I dream of her face and long to hold her. I pray for a miracle, that somehow God will erase some of our debt so that we might be able to adopt her. Perhaps our house will sell soon and we will be able to afford to adopt. Until then, I pray.

I want to ask this though, do you think it possible that maybe God led you to this site so that you can become Ruby Faith's mother or father? I ask that you please pray about it and consider if God may be calling you to adopt. If not, will you join me in praying that this little girl will soon be united with her forever family.

Memorial Monday...

2010-03-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

I follow the blog A Place called Simplicity regularly and each week Linny posts something to remind us all of God's faithfulness. This week I want to post something He has done for us in the last 24 hours.

Jim and I are trying hard not to use the credit card and get completely out of debt. However, this is very difficult in a good month, but especially hard during months like this when we have so many extra activities going on. So here I am sitting in church yesterday thinking that we had no time to drive home and eat after church, then drive to another town to pick up two of the kids who had spent the night with friends, and then be back at church early for our Easter musical. I just really didn't see how we could do it, but there was no money to eat in town and then go get the kids. So during the end of the service I began to ask God about it. Not the whole bow your head and pray, just mentally say, "Okay God, I need you to show up." The service ended and Jim walked up front to get his music from the keyboard and then he waves me over. The music minister and his wife want to take us out for lunch!!! I was like WOW, that was fast work God!

Isn't God good!!! He cares for us in the little things. He knows how much we want to honor Him by being debt free and how hard we are trying. His timing is so perfect. When I shared this with the music minister and his wife, she told us that she had actually cooked lunch before church, but just decided she wanted to go out instead. That is so God!!

Sacrafice...

2010-03-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

That is a big word, especially during this Easter season. However, how much do we really know about sacrifice? This has really been brought to my attention lately on many different fronts. First, Jim and I are having to "sacrifice" some wants in order to trim our budget. Then I begin a series of sermons that challenges folks to "sacrifice" their riches for others. And finally in Sunday School our teacher asks us to "sacrifice" something for this week.

I have used the term "sacrifice" very loosely because it really hit me this week how little I know. I have yet to SACRIFICE anything!!!! Sure I have given up buying some new clothes and books. Even given up my internet and contemplating my cell phone. But that is a drop in the bucket to those who are without, which leads me to the next "sacrifice." I could give up even more and send that money to those who are in greater need, but still I am not giving up much compared to what they don't even have to begin with!

The third "sacrifice" was tricky. I thought I would give up coffee. I don't drink it that often and it is usually decaf so I thought it would be a breeze. I could report back to the class how well I had done and pat myself on the back. HAHAHA!!!! God was sitting on his throne saying "We will see about that!" LOL!! I did good the first couple of days and then on day three it hit me! I was absolutely craving a cup of coffee!!! That's when reality sank in. I wasn't really sacrificing if it didn't hurt!!!

I could give up all my belongings, give up my coffee or anything else, but without the Holy Spirit it is in vain. Also, I will never know the true meaning of sacrifice because I haven't had to give up my son for a bunch of people who don't even appreciate it! It has brought greater meaning to me this week what God did for me!! How Jesus sacrificed His life for me!! And here I sit complaining that I have to give up anything and opting for the "EASY" button. I pray this week when you have to maybe sacrifice something, know that it is nothing compared to the sacrifice Jesus lovingly made!!!

Crazy Day...

2010-03-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today is St. Pattie's and I know that the tradition is to get pinched if you aren't wearing green, but getting kisses?!?! Well, Jim got kisses today. His National Guard unit was in the St. Pat's parade here in Savannah and he had women coming up and kissing him! OMG!! He said they were doing it to all the soldiers and that the guys on the outside edges of formation were really getting alot. I couldn't believe it. I told him that next year his bodyguard was going.... ME!!! However, I can see how the women are attracted to him. He is handsome anyway, but in his uniform he is FINE!!! Not much else to share, hope everyone is well.

OMG!!!!!

2010-03-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

So I posted before that I would be having teenagers in my house this past weekend. I volunteered our house and the youth minister asked did I want girls or guys. I told him it didn't really matter, but Jim did better with teenagers so most likely guys. That is what I had in my head, but not what God had in mind. He is so humorous!!! Let me back up...

I don't do well with teenagers. I want to do good, but I just can't seem to get it! Truly I am scared to death of them. And girls and their drama just drives me INSANE!! I want to just tell them to get over it!! Anyway, so Friday night Luke begins to announce where the kids are going to stay and he gives me three girls!! WHAT?!?! Not only that, but there was another girl who wanted to go with them and it was beginning to start some drama. So we load up and I pray all the way home for some guidance. (Robbie, I started to call you at 10pm and tell you to start praying.)

Anyway, we get home and I show the girls where they would be staying and I thought that would be the last we saw of them. However, a few minutes later they came back downstairs and we sat around and talked and snacked for a while. Then they went up and began to ready for bed. At this time it is 2am and all is well.

The next morning they were up and ready in no time. The day was smooth. We went out to eat for supper and as I sit in Zaxby's with my three kids and these three girls (Jim is off with some of the guys.) this gentleman comes up to say that I have my hands full. Then changes his mind and says how well behaved they are. Let me tell you my heart swelled. I was so proud of these girls. That night we stayed up again until 2 am but this time we talked about guys. It was very interesting and they were very open to my ideas on dating (almost a courting mentality) and I even gave them stories from my past in hopes of explaining myself.

Sunday we had to send them home with their parents and I was slightly sad to see them go. I told one of the moms how much I loved having her child. She then shocked me by saying that all she had heard was how cool Ms. Amy was and how much fun they had. Now if that isn't an answer to prayer I don't know what is. God's grace was very much sufficient for me.

We do plan to continue to fill our home with children. I am growing more content with the idea that they won't always be "mine" but I can still love them like they are.

Praise the Lord!!!!

2010-02-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

I know I promised snow pics and I will post those Wednesday, but I had to take a moment here and post some really great news for us!!!! God has worked in a way that will allow us to keep our house!! Yippee Jesus!! Anyway, this doesn't come without cost... I have known that God wanted to fill this house with children and I just assumed that meant we would adopt lots of kiddos. Fine with me. However, I have found God really has other plans. He wants to fill the house with teenagers. Now as a friend jokingly put it that was Satan, not God. LOL!!! But seriously, we want to reach out to Jim's students and bring them into our home for fun and a exposure to an intact family, which most do not have. Please pray for me because I really just don't "do" teenagers. I know God will provide the sanity I need and I am looking forward to the experience as I soon will have a teenager. So that's our life in a nut shell. Headed to Bible study! Blessings.

God Cares...

2010-02-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

even in the small things. So many of you know that it snowed in South Georgia this past Friday. However, I am here to say that it didn't snow in ALL of south GA. We happened to be visiting my in-laws who live around the Valdosta area (FL line) and it did nothing but rain and get nasty. I was so disappointed because it was snowing back home. I kept talking with my mom and friends to get the latest updates. I even asked Jim if we could drive home (4hrs) and play in the snow and then drive back to the in-laws. He said we just couldn't do it because it would cost to much. Let me tell you I was totally bummed and even had a little righteous indignation (mad!). Anyway, I knew he was right, but it didn't help my feelings. Well, I have a Father who cares for His children and wants to bless them even in the little things. We return home late on Saturday night to find our back porch covered in a lush layer of white. It was absolutely beautiful. I got the camera and took pictures and then we began to play. First we made snow angels and then a snow girl. We even had some in the yard that the kids had a snowball fight with. I'm sure our neighbors preferred their sleep to our laughing and hollering, but I am also sure that they understood. I forgot to bring my card with me to post pics, but I will do that soon. Thank you Jesus for allowing us just enough snow to really enjoy.

What am I doing...

2010-02-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so many of you commented on my last post and I appreciate all of the encouraging words. We are working on finding a new place to go and beginning to box up things. We have an open house in March so we do ask for your prayers that a buyer will come foward.

However, I have been so convicted tonight. I have complained about having to give up my house and all the "problems" I have, but really in the grand scheme of God's plan am I really doing anything? I am now taking a hopefully more God centered approach. Yes, it will be hard to leave my house and move to one that is like a fourth the size, but hey, I will a step closer to being debt free and able to live fully for God. I want to be able to go where ever He wants me and not say "Uh, sorry. I can't because I am trapped by all this 'stuff' of the world." I encourage anyone who wants to hear the voice of someone who is doing God's work to click on over to www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com

The Wilderness...

2010-02-03T18:08:00.001-08:00

As I type this post I am thinking about the new Bible study I have been doing. It is all about the Isrealites and how they walked the desert for forty years. It talks about how God showed up and did miracle after miracle and still the people complained and lacked faith. I think about my own wilderness right now and I pray I am like the "one in a million" who actually made it into the Promised Land. I pray that I keep my faith and continue to believe that God will show up in the midst of this and provide just when I need it.

After saying all that, I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression and think I am some super-spiritual person. Right now Jim and I are walking through one of our darkest moments in our marriage. Due to cutbacks and different other things, we are on the verge of losing our home. I fully believe that God can show up and it can be paid for in an instant. However, I also know that He may be trying to grow us through this trial. I simply ask that you pray for our family. I have been fine thru most of this, but the other night I just sobbed because I had dreams of raising a large family in this 100+ year old house. I love the house and it is within walking distance of Jim's school and I thought the perfect place. Please pray God gives me a peace about leaving, because right now I just don't have it. Also pray that when we have our open house in March that a buyer may come along. We have had it on the market for about a year with no real prospects so I have my doubts.

Thank you God for providing just what we need when we need it! Thank you for walking with me and even carrying me when needed. You are an awesome God and I will still have my faith in You no matter what the outcome of this wilderness.

2010-01-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Life has been moving along at a very reasonable pace lately! This weekend we had Grace's 7th birthday party and it was great! We went to a little tea room/antique shop down the street and had 5 little girls come over. I was also blessed with one of my dearest friends to come with her teenage daughter and do the nails and make-up (not my cup of tea LOL). The girls had a blast and Ms. Sunshine was the hit of the party! She kept the girls in stitches and really made things easy for me. Thanks a million girl!!!

While we I was at the party, Jim was home with the boys and each of them had a friend over. Blake has met his match with football and it is great!! She actually brought him down a peg or two! Once, while he was celebrating on his way to a touchdown, she came up behind him and flattened him to the ground!! She will make one great daughter-in-law one day!!!

I know everyone can tell a story they have heard from Haiti, but I just want to share a brief one I heard today on Chris Fabry. There was a gentleman from the US who was caught in the quake and felt sure he was going to die. He took time to write a letter to his wife and two boys expressing his love. By the grace of God he was rescued and is now recovering (in Denver I think) and his interview is what I heard. This really touched me and made me take stock of my relationships. I pray that each of you reading will enjoy this day and make the most of it but also reflect on your relationships. Remember to tell the folks in your life that you love them and how special they are.

Civic Duty Stinks and other ramblings....

2010-01-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well, here is an update from my jury duty experience. I was chosen to serve, even after my strong objections to the case. Let's just say it was a bad case involving a child. I really had a hard time taking two days of it. However, I am glad it is over and wouldn't mind serving on another jury that involved a different subject.

Moving on....

I want to say how awesome God is!!! We have started a new ladies Bible study at church entitled One in a Million and it is wonderful. It has sparked a new flame in me that is just so strong. Tonight during choir practice I could hardly contain myself as we went over the Easter songs. It was everything to keep my bottom in my chair!

Let's think about it, God sent His Son for YOU and me! That in and of itself makes me stand in awe. But to think that Jesus then arose from the grave and LIVES!!! He is here to walk with me through anything, to catch my tears as I cry, to rejoice with me and even hear me out when I rail in anger. Who else would do that? I mean I have the best husband in all the world, but even he can't take all that goes on within me. But God can!! Nothing is too much for my God.

That brings me to my next point. I want you guys to pray for a little girl in East Africa. She is on the Holt waiting child page and I don't know why but I have been drawn to her. I guess maybe because she is the same age as my Grace, but I just so have a heart for her. She turned 7 in this past week, just like my little girl is turning 7 today, and I couldn't do anything but cry. There was no Momma or Daddy to love her, sing Happy Birthday to her, and tell her how special the day was that she came into their lives. No one to spend that extra few minutes at bedtime to tuck her in. No one to bake a cake with or candles to blow out. Please pray that this little sweetheart finds a home soon.

I know this post has been a little of everything and I am sorry. I do pray that each of you are following after God hard. Each day ask yourself if you are pouring into people and making a difference in eternity. And yes wiping snotty noses and changing dirty diapers does count for eternity. =)

Good Citizen Award...

2010-01-11T06:25:00.001-08:00

Let me tell how much of a good citizen I am... I arrived at jury duty and hour and a half early!!! I couldn't believe it. I have been so worried about this because I really don't want to get chosen, but still I must be on time. So I run around and get there about 8:30 am. I wait in my car for awhile hoping someone I know will show up. Finally just before 9 I go in to get ready, only to find I don't have to be there until 10am!! I felt like a nut and I know the officers who were on security duty thought I was too. I mean hello, no one likes jury duty and it was the coldest morning of the winter with temps in the mid to lower teens!!! Hey, maybe they will think I am such a nut job they will disqualify me to begin with? No, with my luck they will think I am an eager beaver and keep me =( Anyway, I am taking my extra hour to catch up on the web. Hope everyone is having a great day!

What a year...

2009-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is my final post for the year. It has been a year with lots of ups and downs. One of the biggest things was the passing of my father. I miss my daddy terribly, but I know he is healed and no longer in pain. We have also seen financial struggles with budget cuts and other things, but we have finally figured out that we need a lifestyle change to live more freely for God. (Sorry it took us so long Lord!) On the positive side I have seen great improvement in Grace's reading ability and how she memorizes scripture. Samuel feels more like he has just always been with us. He has been sick over the holidays and is just now returning to his normal self. I realized then how much I have come to love his spark, spunk and the sparkle in his eyes. Blake is becoming more and more of a young man. He is very interested in attending Moody Bible Institute and was thrilled that his daddy was able to go there while in Chicago! Jim and I are trying to take one day at a time and just enjoy each other and our family. We praise God for all of our rich blessings and pray He continues to bless us with these wonderful gifts. Our prayer for next year is to find ourselves on a financially sturdy path and be able to bring more children into our home.
I pray that each and everyone of you has a very Happy New Year. I also pray that if you are reading this and don't know Jesus as Savior you will seek Him and find the peace that will last for eternity. What a way to start a new year!!