Why doubt?

After 31 years you would think I would know that the Lord is in control of everything!! Our speaker today in Chapel did an excellent job - he spoke not only to my student but to all of us. I look forward to what God has in store for us on Thursday.

"Let him have all your worries and cares for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." 1 Peter 5:7

Wellness Week

Well, it is that time again...Wellness Week on the campus of SWU. The big event for Health Services co-sponsored with Counseling services. Honestly this year hasn't been too bad Counseling services has taken over the speaker duties which is a HUGE relief. Now...just pray that the speaker won't be BORING and that the students will hear what the Lord is saying to them. He's a sex therapist if that tells you anything and let me tell you they NEED to listen. This year has proven there is a need for him to be here it's just all about how he presents his information. Pray that they will open their hearts to hear his message. His first presentation is tomorrow's Chapel at 10:50 - I'll let you know how that goes.

Kids...

I'm always amazed at John. The things he comes up with are fascinating of course to me anyway. He told me the other night after cleaning his room that he thought he needed a robot to clean his room while he was playing outside. He said 'it could do all my chores while I'm outside playing. Wouldn't that be neat?!' He smiled at me and then his big blue eyes got big and he said 'it could just do all our housework for us while we are gone during the day and then when we get home we could just play.' How perceptive is that for a 5 year old and how many adults haven't thought of that?! Wouldn't that be a dream come true?

Alex news... well he has another tooth that makes 5. Going a little slower than some but right in line with his brother. He's saying 'uh oh' now. Last night in the tub he would drop his toy over the side of the tub over and over just so he could say 'uh oh' it's more like 'oh oh' but we know what he means. Still not walking but he is standing without holding on more and more so I'm sure sooner or later he's just going to take off and we won't be able to keep up!

Have a great weekend!!!

Prayer Group

At my woman's prayer group last night our devotional was on whether we are honoring God in even the small stuff - like for example our income tax, when we get too much change back returning it or the big discussion was on how we treat each other and how we forget a lot of times how important it is to lift one another up. Especially our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If we don't life one another up who will. I learned a lot last night. We have to stay committed to the Lord in the little things as much as the big things. Even something as little as being on time for Sunday School.

I'm going to work on this and try my best to lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ more each day!

American Heart Walk

Saturday we walked in the Greenville County American Heart Association Heart Walk in honor of my nephew Trey. It was a beautiful day. They held the walk at Falls Park in Greenville, it's really pretty there. I honestly though that 3 miles was going to kick my butt, but I'm proud to say that it really wasn't bad at all. We had fun. It was a nice walk, very pretty walking along side the river. Trey had the best seat of all in his stroller!

Did you know that more children die from congenital heart defects than childhood cancers? I probably would have never known that had Trey not been born with a heart defect. Your awareness of things completely changes when someone you love is affected by something.

For those of you that read my blog I ask that you pray for a situation at SWU, please. I can't be anymore specific than that. We just need your prayers. Thanks!

FRIDAY!

TGIF! I'm so glad it's Friday! What a beautiful Friday it is! Although it is going to be a busy weekend I look forward to the time off. Work is busy now and the weekends are a relief.

And Happy St. Patrick's Day! John and I made cupcakes with green sprinkles in honor of the day. Great fun! Alex was too tired and didn't make it through this adventure. For now...John loves to make cupcakes with Mommy, I know this will not last much longer so I'm trying to take advantage of it while it lasts. Of course while they baked he did go outside with his Daddy and 'play' in the garage.

Enjoy the weekend...

Peace

"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...and the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4: 7,9

VACATION

I had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy a few days off last week. It was Spring Break for the student's at SWU, so I took a few days off. It was wonderful. I spent time with my boys and enjoyed just being off. One of the highlights of my time off was spending time with my adorable new nephew Trey. He's such a sweet baby. His parents actually let him spend the night with us on Thursday. I'm honored b/c we are the first to have him for an overnight visit. He was a little angel of course. He looks just like his Daddy. He slept till 8:30 on Friday morning...cousin Alex woke up at 6:30am!! Trey has survived a lot, see Trey was born with a heart defect and has already survived open heart surgery. He's taught me a lot already in his 4 months. He's taught me about the Lord's faithfulness and love. There is nothing like holding a new baby to remind us of God's love. The smiles they reward you with are priceless. I certainty enjoyed my time with you Trey and look forward to many, many more overnight visits. Love ya, buddy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!

Well, today is my brother in law Michael's birthday. Although he does have a few faults, these include....
- being a blue flame
- being a Gamecock
- not being a Jeff Gordon fan

All in all he's a pretty good guy. Most importantly he makes my sister happy. He loves her and he manages to live with her and from experience I know that it's not always easy. Recently, he's really impressed me. When given some pretty devastating news regarding his unborn child he rose to the occasion and trusted in the Lord. Through the birth of his son, I saw him care for Ashley with love and tenderness and it made me very proud. Now I watch him with Trey and I can see how much he loves him. He's a great dad. I have a lot of respect for the way he has handled everything that he has been through because I can only imagine how difficult it must have been. I am amazed by your faith in the Lord, Michael.

Hope you have a great day!!

John and Alex

Aren't they cute?! This is from Alex's first birthday party. John was 'helping' him. Just like an older brother. They are such a joy. Just thought I would share.

SPRING FEVER

It's hard not to have Spring fever right now! The flowers are starting to bloom and the sun is bright and warm. It's such a beautiful time when we start to see the rebirth of everything. Time to reflect and thank God for his gifts. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Winter but for now it's nice just to live in the moment and enjoy this burst of Spring.

HUGS

You can't get a hug without getting one in return!

I really love that quote! Sometimes we really need a hug, too don't we? But just think about the gift you're giving back to the person you're getting the hug from!

I have another HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA! Lisa is one of my very best friends. We suffered, yes suffered through nursing school together and survived. We shared the joy of graduation and each others weddings together and the birth of our little boys! We have 5 between the 2 of us (WOW!). She's such a sweet person and I appreciate her friendship greatly. She's always their for me when I need advice about anything and I really appreciate that. Especially parenting advice because it's not easy knowing the right thing to do but having someone to talk to helps. Thanks Lisa for always listening to me. I hope you have a great day!! Love ya!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMA!

Today is my Moma's birthday. I won't put her age... :-) I'm very lucky to have her in my life. She has always been such a wonderful Mother. Now, she is not only my mother but my friend. I don't know what I would do without her. She's very loving and kind. I think the neatest thing now is watching her with my boys. It's fun to see her as a grandmother. She's taught me so much in my life. How to be faithful and trust in the Lord most importantly and how to love with your whole heart.

Thanks for everything Moma! You're the best!!

Happy Birthday Nanny!

Today is my Grandmother's 86th birthday! Nanny Jessie has always been such a blessing in my life. I can remember doing such fun things with her when I was a little girl. From playing in the back yard at her house, to shopping with her, eating breakfast at Hardee's, going to the jockey lot, and watching TV. The memories go on and on. She taught me how to make cobblers(all varieties) for which my family will be eternally grateful. She is really something. Very strong, stubborn woman. She recently won queen at the assisted living facility on Valentine's Day where she has been living now for a little over a year. That was pretty exciting for her. I think the most important thing I've learned from Nanny is to love your family by showing them. She's not the type to tell you over and over again that she loves you but yet there is NO denying - it you just know. I hope that my family, especially my children and grandchildren will one day be able to say that about me.

I love you, Nanny!!

Happiness

"The time to be happy is now; the place to be happy is here."

Robert G. Ingersoll

Happy Birthday to ME

31 years today. WOW! Where does the time go?! What have I learned? HMM...I think I have learned the simplest things. Put God first always, love your family and enjoy life to the fullest. How simple is that?

Thanks Shon for the Happy Birthday...you get lots of points for that.

Thanks to Candice, too for wishing me a Happy Birthday. I'm sure it will be great day!

What a day!

Man has it been a busy day!! It's so dreary out there, too!!

Well, seeing that it is already 3:30 and I'm just now posting you can tell that I have not had any free time. I have a story for you and then a comment on the race.

I was humbled on Saturday by my 5 year old. I was busy cleaning the house getting ready for Alex's birthday party. Alex was taking a nap and I was getting the vacuum cleaner out doing different things and John was playing outside. He rang the doorbell repeatedly. Of course my immediate reaction was to become annoyed, I was thinking you are going to wake up Alex. I ran to the door saying stop that... what was he doing? Standing there holding a flower for me. He had gone out in the rain to pick me a flower. I was brought to tears. And I felt like dirt. So, I guess the moral is not to fly off the handle too quickly and to be thankful for those time when the doorbell rings even when it isn't convenient for us - it might just be a beautiful flower from someone who loves us. What a gift!

Now, about the race. Jimmie Johnson won. Unfortunately his reputation is tainted. I saw one article today on MSN where the lead in was "Cheater wins Daytona 500" I really think that's too bad - he's going to have to live that stigma down forever.......at any rate it's on to California next week so we will see how it plays out. There was no lack of drama in Daytona that is for sure. Looks like we're in for another great season.

Till tomorrow -

Gentlemen Start Your Engines...

Well, today is the Daytona 500. It might surprise some of you, not those of you who know me that I am a big NASCAR fan. I guess my Dad first exposed me to racing. He loved Dale Earnhardt and then my husband loves racing. Some might say why would you ever watch a sport where cars just go around in circles (someone actually asked me that last week). Well, there is much more to it than that. First of all these are the 40 best drivers in the world, who've qualified to be in the race. They have to set up the car and no, I don't know what all goes in to the car set up - it depends on the track, the weather, etc. Then the tires come in to the play, pit strategy and then driving and staying out of accidents. It's very interesting. But, you really have to see a race live to fully appreciate it - nothing like hearting the engines start up or the smell of rubber...(Shon should really appreciate that comment).

This year was especially good because BON JOVI opened with a special concert for the 500 and what could be better than BON JOVI (with special guest Jennifer Nettles whose also AWESOME, right Candice?!)? As you can tell I'm a HUGE BON JOVI fan as well. He sang 'It's My Life', 'Have a Nice Day' and 'You Can't Go Home'- duet with Jennifer Nettles. It was awesome.

Jeff Burton is on the pole but Jeff Gordon is on the outside (2nd). So, we'll see how it plays out. Stay tuned I'll update you later with my thoughts on the race...

Taking Advantage

Have you ever been taken advantage of? Well, my student's are taking advantage of me...or should I say they are taking advantage of a policy that I have to enforce. And I'm taking it personally. I don't exactly know why it upsets me so much. I guess because I try so hard to be good to them and when you get taken advantage of it makes you feel hurt and betrayed. It occurred to me on the way to work today that the Lord must feel that way about us as his children. He is so good to us - beyond words good to us and how do we repay him? We don't thank him enough for our blessings and we certainty don't spend enough time with him in his word seeking his guidance for our lives. I think I see the lesson he is teaching me here.

Have a great day!!

Valentine's Day is my first post that's cool! I think I'm going to enjoy the opportunity to express my thoughts here. I've caught the blogging bug from reading Candice and Sara's blog.

Have you seen the Publix commercial where the little boy tells his mom he wants to make a cake? She assumes he wants to make the cake for a girl that he likes. They have a great time together making the cake. Then the next day when she takes him to school he leaves the cake with her all along having made it for her. The commercial brings tears to my eyes every time. It's so sweet. Especially since I have 2 little boys of my own now. I feel so blessed to have them and right now I have them all to myself. Their eyes light up when they see me, me, just me. It's the greatest feeling in the whole world - to be loved that much. At the same time it does make me sad to know that the time is so short that this love will last....I know they will always love me but this all consuming love that they have for me will not last forever. Now, don't get me wrong I really wouldn't want it to, I want them to grow up and fall in love, get married and move on. I just feel so blessed right now to have those special little guys in my life. God has blessed me in so many ways -- given me so much love. I mean I have a wonderful family 2 very loving parents, a wonderful sister and brother in law with a beautiful new nephew. Very special friends! And I married the only man I've ever loved and that love has grown beyond anything I could have ever imagined and now our love has created these 2 beautiful little guys. What an incredible journey to be on!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!