Realizations at Christmas

Ok. So we've had a busy couple of weeks, and it almost seems like it's slowing down for us some. That's so nice. I actually had a Saturday where I only had a birthday party that evening, and that's really where I'm going with this post.

Several years ago (at least 8) the Lord sent a very special young lady into my life. Had I known at the time the road we were to travel and the plans God had for us, I don't know that I would have believed it. I was 28 and the mother of 2. I had a great job and that a young 18 year old girl would come in and steal part of my heart was not anywhere in my best laid plans. However, how often does God consult with our best laid plans when looking at what's best for us and our lives -- never. So He sent me this beautiful, young, confused, seeking and searching young woman to befriend. At that point in our lives, the only thing I could do was offer sage advice when asked and make sure she was fed (Ramon noodles) and sheltered (julia's bed) when her world came crashing down on her over and over again.

See she had met this young, handsome, strong willed young man - at my house no less-- and fallen in love with him. Their road was not an easy one, and for me it was a very fine line to walk between telling her what she wanted to hear verses what she needed to hear and being available for her all the time, no matter the choices and decisions she made. I got to watch as she fell in love with him, and then I got to tend to her wounded spirit when he broke her heart, and then once again I stood by her as he worked on mending her heart and their love was put back together.

I remember sitting in the back of the church during her wedding telling the person I was sitting beside that I would kill him if he ever hurt her - and meaning every word of it. A little while after that I remember thinking that I had lost her. There was a space between us then, but I realized it was not because of him, but mainly because of life and all that it encompasses. I know she felt my disappointment but in my defense I had been the one to help put the pieces back together when her life was ripped apart and the warrior chick in me rose up against anyone coming close to her that could cause that much pain. I had seen her broken, and I didn't know if I could handle it again and surely she couldn't either.

Now it's like there was never any space there at all and what space there was served the purpose of drawing us closer together. As I was leaving her house last night where we had a birthday party for her husband, I realized that I finally trust in his love for her enough that I don't worry about that anymore. It's not that I didn't think that he loved her, I know he did, but it was just a clear simple whisper to my soul that said "put that worry away". I'm not sure exactly when I let go of that fear for her -- surely it's been gone for awhile now -- but it was a comfort to me to know it was no longer there. Too bad it took me several years and three babies later to clue myself in.

Some connections we have with people are so hard to explain and when we try, there are no words in the dictionary to describe them. Sister, friend, mentor, companion, fun-seeker - God connections that he brings to us to make our lives more full and complete. God knew what He was doing when He was writing the book of my life. He knew how much she would need me and I her. She knows there's little I wouldn't do for her and now it seems her family has fallen into that place as well. This is just another one of those gifts that God has given me this Christmas season and to Him I say thanks for the gift!

Blessings!
Joy

All you've got

I just have to share with you the story Holly sent me today.....it's just can't be contained to a few people!

One Friday night there was a little boy who was overwhelmed with excitement that his uncle has came in to visit from out of state. It had been three years since he had seen his uncle. When he got there the little boy jumped all over him and said his name at least 100 times. The little boys face shined with excitment and curiousity. The little boy's parents got the chance to catch up on all they had missed on both ends. There was such a sad and confused look on the uncle's face and no matter what he said to be funny or to be serious the face still appeared. He didn't smile like he once did or talk like he once did. He seemed to be a uncle in search of his Savior. The parents got the chance to pour into him encouragement and testomonies but the face remained. The little boy was getting ready for bedtime as usual except tonight he had his uncle there to add to the nightly routine. The parents took the little boy in his room to tuck him in and pray for him. When the parents were done praying for him, the little boy sit up in his bed and asked if his uncle could pray for him. His mommy said yes so both parents walked him in the living room where the uncle was. The little boy crawled in his lap and said "Uncle will you pray for me?". The uncle looked at the boy and said it as been such a long time since I prayed I don't know where to begin or what to say. With hope in his eyes the little boy said" You can do it! Just try!!" The uncle begin to pray while the mommy watched the look on the little boys face as he watched his uncle pray. It was a face of longing for more words and emotion. When the uncle was done the little boy looked at him with a serious face and tone and said"Is that all you got?". The uncle laughed but the Lord taught me something that night as I was rocking my child at 2:30 in the morning. How many times do we give God just words. There is no emotion or true thankfulness in our voice or in our heart. How many times do you think he wonders or says"Is that all you got" after all I have done for you, all I have set you free from, all the times I protected you, all the times I was your joy in the morning, all the times I heard your cry and healed your broken heart, all the blessings I poured out on you, giving you every breath, saving a loved one that you once prayed for. He is teaching me to GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT!! He is worth it all!!!! We are to be thankful this Thanksgiving for what he has done in our lives. We should have a burning desire each week to give our worship all we got, we should pray with all we got! Never under estimate what you can learn out of the mouth of children. Sometimes it is just like God speaking to you himself. He is awesome and worthy of ALL WE GOT!!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving message -- and a great reminder that when we're tired, weary or worn, to keep giving all we've got.

Blessings!
Joy

A Fairy Tale ~ from Misery to Melissa

Long ago in a land far, far away lived a very, very fragile, delicate seedling whose name was Misery. Misery recieved her name because in the land where she lived of lavender skies and pink and green stars, she always seemed to be missing something from making her complete. When ever she looked around, all she could see was the life she dreamed of having as a beautiful, strong flower bringing joy and happiness to those around her. However, because Misery only looked at the small, delicate stature that was hers she always believed that she would never be able to realize her dream.

Misery spent time looking and searching for anything to help her become the strong flower she was supposed to be, but it was so hard, and she didn't trust herself to make oh-so-wise decisions, so when a bush that was full, thick, and sturdy came her way and started paying attention to her, she felt a ray of hope that finally, at last, her savior had come, and surely this big strong bush with such green luscious colors would know the key to helping her become the strong giving flower she was supposed to be. Misery so wanted this bush to be her knight in shining armour, that she never really took the time to look inside the bush and see what he was made of. Yes, friends, it was only later after she had attached her small fragile beauty to this domineering strong bush that she found out about the thorns and the pain that they inflicted. It took all of the strength and will she could muster from her shallow roots to break free from the hold of that strong bush had enveloped her in, but weary, worn, and tired and broken, she finally broke free.

Now, the little seeding Misery was scratched, tattered and torn, not knowing really what to do. Surely, her little life would be over now for really, who could ever love such a small, weak, broken little flower. While the little seedling was thinking such bad thoughts about herself, and crying such big, gray tears, the great King took notice of little Misery, and his heart began to ache for her. He knew that with a little love, attention, and nurturing, this little seedling could surely become all that she dreamed of being. So the great King gathered some of his favorite workers, and planted them next to her to help tend to her. They spent time with her, telling her just how special she was. Some watered her spirit, some helped till the soil around her roots, and even others were brought in to groom and polish her leaves. Misery couldn't believe that the King would think so much of her and she knew that they wouldn't stay but only be there for a short time. After a time she noticed that her roots were starting to grow deep along with her special friends. It was a strange feeling really when she noticed that the wind could no longer blow her over anymore. It was only then that she noticed that the roots of her new friends were deep, too. No longer was she just a lone, weak, broken little flower by her self, but she had now become a part of a small flower garden.

In this flower garden, little Misery received the sunshine she so desperately needed, and slowly she began to grow and one day she noticed that no longer did she cower under those most beautiful flowers around her, but she was now just as tall as they were. Could it be, then, that there is a possibility of her one day becoming the flower she dreamed of being? At that exact moment, the King placed a small seed of hope in her heart, and after that, day by day, Misery allowed the hope to grow. No longer was she afraid of every little shrub, bush and flower that come by, but she embraced her new found strength.

Then one day in this kingdom so far, far away, the King once again looked down at little Misery and saw that she wasn't so weak and fragile anymore, but she had grown into a tall beautiful flower able to give joy, pleasure, and love to those around her. So the King began to search far and wide for the special someone who he could give the now beautiful flower too. He was looking for someone that would know and appreciate her for the true beauty she had become. While the King was looking, a strong Knight came to the King requesting an audience with him as it was of utmost importance that he speak to him at once. Putting the once little seedling at the back of his mind, the King granted the Knight's audience and was shocked by the request he was hearing. It seemed that the Knight had been lost in the woods and while he was sitting wondering which way to go, the Knight noticed as a small weak flower as she lifted her head to the sunshine and her colors changed from dull and lifeless to vibrant and beautiful. It had so made an impression on the knight that he was unable to get the flower out of his mind, and he was there to request the permission of the King to find the beautiful flower so that he could take it home and put it in a place of honor so that every day the Knight could gaze upon a true beauty he had found.

The King was so pleased that the Knight had seen the true beauty of the flower Misery that not only did he give him permission to find and take the flower, but he also gave him a pot of gold to plant the flower in, so that whenever anyone would gaze upon the beautiful flower, they would see that she was truly honored and loved by the King. With that the Knight went off to get the flower with the King's blessing.

When the Knight approached the now beautiful flower Misery in the small garden where she was planted, she at first became afraid and she again begin to feel like the little weak and worn seedling she once was, but when the Knight began talking to her, her little eyes began to once again glisten with tears, though this time, they were of the most beatiful clear blue color. See, the great Knight with his big, strong, gentle hands was telling her how he had gazed upon her as she was transforming in beauty and how he was unable to get the picture of her out of his thoughts. He then went on to tell her how much she was truly loved by the King and how the King loved her so much as to give him a gold pot to plant her in so that everyone could see her beauty and how special she really was. Her most favorite part of what he said though, was when he was telling her about the name she was going to get. He then talked of special nymph who helped take care of the young greek god Zeus and how she helped to care for him and earned a special place there. He told her that she reminded him of that nymph in how just seeing her transformation had helped care for him when he was lost and alone so he was going to name her after that nymph ~~ Melissa.

It was almost more than she could take. It was certainly more than she ever dreamed. And even though she was sad to leave her special friends that the King had planted around her to help her grow into her true beauty, she was now very excited to be going to her new home and she knew that there she would finally find the place that she belonged. Never again would she be the small, weak, worn and broken little Misery.

So now in this land far, far away of lavinder skies and pink and green stars, there is Misery no more. Only the true beauty of those so loved by the King.

The End.

~~ For a beautiful girl inside and out, who has touched my heart in many ways. Many blessings as you leave our little garden!

Love you much!

Joy

For C-Man!

So, I was reminded today that I haven't posted in a while....Do you hear me sighing? I don't mean to sigh, but I'm sighing none the less. I love writing, really, I do, and it's not that I don't have anything to say, just not enough time to get it out. And that in itself causes me to do the sighing.

Life here has been crazy the past few months. We've been on vacation, gotten both kids back in the school swing, have completed a whole season of Carlisle JV soccer, almost completed a whole season of travel soccer, had a daughter who got perfect scores on her SOL's, I've already completed 2 classes this fall, been to a BYOP party and we are now in the process of painting part of our house. Crazy, I told you! Are you tired yet?

But more than that, I've been in a different kind of place. I don't know if it's because I just had a birthday (and it was a great one, thank you very much!), but God is doing such a work in me right now that it's really hard to put into words. And right now, I don't think that I'm supposed too. I think for this time and place that I'm in now, it's a time for ponderings and time for me to let it saturate, soak, and change me on the inside before I can share it with the outside. I'll let you know when that happens....

However, I'll try to get you updated on a more regular basis!

Do you know what I just realized? I turned 36 yesterday. That in itself is uneventful ~ but it does mean that I've now been out of my parents home for the same amount of time that I was there -- 18 years! Just another one of those things for me to ponder! My brain is getting really crowded. :-)

C-Man - this one's just for you. I love ya!

Blessings!
Joy

Happy Birthday!

Well, this is it. The day that Joel has been anticipating and I have been dreading! My wonderful boy, my son, turns thirteen years old today. It's hardly possible to think about, but it's here and I have no choice but to put on a happy face and not dwell on the fact that he is no longer my baby boy, but now a young man.

In September of 1993, Joel was nothing but a grain of faith. He was a dream, a longing of this mother's heart, promised to me by God through our Pastor at the time, Tim Hill. Two months later, he was being formed and created, and he was faith realized. Seven months after that, in June of 1994, my son became my dream come true. At that moment, holding a 3 lb, 14 oz little boy, my world took on a different dimension, and if I never accomplished anything else in life, I know that I had fulfilled my greatest purpose.

Only God knew the path he carved out for us and for Joel, and only He has been able to help us with each and every aspect of his life, from his premature birth, to some of the difficulties that came along with it. And it is only every other minute or so that I realize how truly great He is.

I am not one of those mother's who thinks her child can do no wrong....I know he can, and he does. I know that there are still many, many things for him to learn about the choices he makes and how they will affect the rest of his life. However, I also know what kind of person he is at the core of himself. He has a drive and determination that can't be described. He is a pleaser and would go out of his way to make sure that you are pleased with him. He wants to help, and he wants to give. He brings joy to us, and to those around him. He is so different from me in that he is just a friend magnet. He meets new ones everywhere he goes and thrives being surrounded by people.

It has been so pleasing to watch as certain loves in his life are coming forth. He absolutely loves to fish...well, that's in his genes....from his grandfathers. There are other things that he loves, too, and they would seem to come from loves that are handed down from generation to generation. He is competitive and loves to win, and when his team looses, he takes the loss personally, on his shoulders and bears the weight of it. It is troubling sometimes to watch, but also very revealing about his character. He is the first to help someone up, pick-up something a stranger has dropped for them, or hold the door open for a stranger....and he is also the one who will hold the door shut for a friend to bring a laugh. He tries to lie, but he can't. I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.

I have so many hopes and dreams for him and his future, however, I know that they are nothing compared to the plans and will of our Father for his life. From the time he was born, he has been favored by God. His hand upon his life has been so evident through these past 13 years, sometimes invisible to anyone but us, and other times visible by many(baseball Allstars, baby!). It is with much joy and anticipation that I look forward to watching him become the young man I know he will. I pray for so many things for him, but I also am praying that God helps me be the Mom to him that he needs, to help guide and steer him in the right directions, to help him when he stumbles, and to help him know that he is always loved unconditionally, not only by God, but by his parents, too, because that's the way that Jesus loves us....unconditionally.

So, if you happen to see my blue-eyed, blond haired young man this week, give him a hug and tell him Happy Birthday, then say a silent prayer for his teenage years. And when you've done that, say a silent prayer for his mom, she will probably need it more than him!

On Seeking God

I thought I would share the devotion I am meditating on this week. It comes from my "Busy Mom's Guide to Wisdom" journal by Lisa Whelchel. In this book, you are given a different proverb each week, and a short insight to pray and think over during the week. Here's where I'm at:

You have to want to KNOW God

more than anything else in the

world. Worship Him and actually

look for Him, and you WILL find Him.

Proverbs 2:4-5, paraphrased.

"If I offered you a parenting book that had all the answers you've ever wanted regarding how to raise the healthiest, happiest, and godliest children ever, would you devour that book, or would you leave it on the nightstand for days on end without picking it up? What if I gave you a map and told you that all you had to do was follow the directions on the map, grab a shovel, and dig deep, then you would surely find untold wealth; what would you do? I doubt you'd be too busy or think the map was too old to pay attention to or decide it wasn't worth the time and energy necessary to dig for it. And yet, too often, that's how we respond to the offer to know God and to find the wealth of wisdom He promises. Do we not think the opportunity to personally know the Creator of the universe is worth a little effort? I would think that having infinite wisdom available to us would be pretty valuable. You do too? Great -- then pick up the nearest Bible and dig. There's treasure just waiting to be found."

There is something just so exciting about scripture coming alive to me. I still marvel at how I can be feeling a certain way, or needing reassurances, and open the Word and start reading and the words just leap off of the page to my heart, giving me that calm reassurance that I need to keep on going. And I am at the place in my life where I just want to know Him more than anything. I want Him, and His knowledge, and His ways, because I've tried it on my own, and Lord knows that my ways only work for a little while. But His ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine. So in my meditating this week, I am praying and planning how I can get more of Him. It may sound weird to say I'm planning to get more of God, but I have found that in my crazy, busy, schedule jam-packed filled life, if I don't plan to spend time with God, I miss out on that special time with Him.

So I'm worshipping, and looking for Him. The best part of all is that He is just waiting to be found.

Joy

A diamond in the dirt

The past few weeks, our lives have seemingly been overtaken by a diamond in the dirt. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, it's a baseball diamond. You know...that square patch of dirt with white boxes in each corner...where everyone from children to grown men spend countless amounts of time trying to hit a little ball with a stick and run from points A to B to C to make getting to D count. This spring, both of my children signed up to play, and on one hand it's been very rewarding and on the other it has proven to be a very frustrating experience.

Greg. loves. baseball. It's his sport, his thing. It's what he spent the majority of his youth involved in. Whether he played for the local pony league, for Hargrave, or for the Martinsville Oilers, he loved to play. It's a game he knows, and stepping back into baseball after being gone from it for so long has been a seamless transition for him. His heart is overflowing once again with love for the game and all of this baseball has taken him back to the glory of his youth. (Lord, help me!)

However, for one young son who has spent uncountable hours practicing, playing, and perfecting the game of soccer, the move to baseball has not been so easy. We're learning so much through this, and believe you me....it's not always been an enjoyable experience. Going from a team where you are a leader and anchor to playing on a team where you just want to get off the bench has been a humbling experience for my soon to be teenager. Joel has learned that the game is not quite as easy as it looks. It has taken many, many weeks, and much practice and last night he finally came home triumphant because he got a hit! Too bad this was only practice....if he ever does it in a game, he just might get so excited he won't make it around the bases. Not only is the hitting hard to get used to, but the pace of the game is really different as well. So as much as I don't like the everyday practices, two and a half hour games, frustrations and "discussions", it has already ended up being a good learning experience for him. And we're finding so many teaching opportunities in it.


Julia loves her girls softball team. She likes it so much better than soccer. It's non-contact (for the most part). It doesn't require too much running, and it doesn't seem to interfere with the other things she loves to do. We'll see how she does.


For me, baseball is an opportunity to just sit back and relax while watching my children play. It doesn't involve the same amount of emotion and adrenaline as soccer. It's something that I played, so I can get out and play with them, and it's one more thing that we can spend time doing together.


And isn't that the point of it all, anyway?


Blessings!

Overwhelming

Dear Father in heaven,

-- hear the song of my heart today --

The more I seek You--

the more I find You--

the more I find You--

the more I love You--

I want to sit at your feet

drink from the cup in Your hand

lay back against you and breath

feel Your heartbeat

this love is so deep

it's more than I can stand

I melt in Your peace

it's overwhelming

Update on Life

It's been awhile, and during that time, my life has went from one extreme to another.

The first extreme was sheer joy that I finished my classes for the semester so I can get some much needed things done around my house. Even with a three day extension on one class, I didn't know if I was going to make it or not! So Wednesday evening when I finished my last test, I was so praising the Lord that I'm sure the Angels joined in my Hallelujah chorus. :-) I am so looking forward to the summer off. After a year and a half of non-stop full time college and work and home, I almost can't contain the excitement. I have so many things to catch up on and do that the list may seem endless, but it's one that I tackle with excitement. And hopefully, this break will give me the energy I need to finish up in the fall. The the real party will begin.

This extreme feeling for happiness was immediately followed the next day by extreme sorrow as Greg called to tell me his Grandmother Gladys had passed away. This threw me into several days of being contantly on the go and not one moment to myself (more on this another day). I know that the only way I made it through some of those moments is that God literally come and moved my feet. He is so good to me that words fail to describe how much He truly means to me.

So, this has been a crazy time, but really, when is my life not crazy!

Blessings!

A Legacy of Friendship

I have been working on this post for the past two weeks. That's how long it's been since Ms. Dot went to be with Jesus. I know that she is in a much better place, with no pain or sorrow. She's with her mom again (whom she took so much care of) and I wouldn't want her back in this world for anything. However, that doesn't take the sting out of the loss that we here left behind feel. Thank you so much for praying for her and her church. God truly has shown himself strong during this time.

Dot was one of my mother's best friends. I don't remember when they met for the first time. I don't know if it was sisterhood at first meeting, but I do know that it was God appointed. I can't remember anything big that ever happened in my life that she wasn't there for in some way, shape, or form. I guess after her two boys were grown and gone, she just kept right on going with my brother and I.

The thing that she has left with me, and the word that rolls around in my mind when I hear her name is Legacy. In particular, the legacy of friendship. I know of no other friendship that I have had the honor of witnessing that has taught me more than the friendship of my mother and Dot.

Several months ago, I taught a lesson about girlfriends and the gift that they are from God, using examples of Mary and Elizabeth, Ruth and Naomi, and the soul friendship of Jonathan and David. Not everyday friendships, but God designed friendships. The examples and the lessons that we learn in the Word from their lives is easily reflected in the lives of my Mom and Mrs. Dot. I always remember them together, and what I have learned during the past few weeks is that not only was their friendship witnessed by me, it was witnessed by people from the rest of the state of Virginia. I saw many who not only came to the viewing/funeral to offer comfort and support to her husband and family, but after they spoke to them, they moved on and sought out my mother to offer her support and comfort as well, knowing that she, too, had lost someone very special.

I remember traveling with Dot, and shopping with Dot. I remember trying to stay awake so I could hear the adult conversations that I probably didn't need to between my parents and the Collins. There were serious conversations about God, the Church and winning the lost, about boating and fishing between my Dad and Pastor Bobby, but the conversations between my Mom and Mrs. Dot were about family and people and shopping and support for ministry. There were conversations about hair styles and fashion colors and a shared love of animal print. I remember the way they used to play cards and try and send signals to each other. I remember that they always saved each other a seat. But more than anything, I can still hear in my mind the mischievous way that Dot would say "Now, Janice" and her deep laugh when they were being just ever so naughty.

During this past year, God has illuminated for me some friendships that I have that are much like these. These friendships have become special treasures to me. My prayer is that my daughter will grow up with the same examples of God-given friendships that I had the privilege to witness and aspire to. And may I recognize the special gift that they are now, while on earth, so that I can enjoy them, and nurture them and take care of them so when the storms of life do come my way, I will have some people there to lean on and help carry me through the storm.

My mother has some other very special friends, and I am so thankful that she has those to lean on during this time. I imagine now that she has lost this special treasure, it will enable her to hold more closely the treasures she still has in her possession. What a gift!

So Mrs. Dot, dance with Jesus for me until I get there and it's my turn.

A big building

Julia came home from school the other day devastated. She was upset because she had a bad day at school. I asked her what was wrong and she said this boy told everyone that she liked him.

I said, "Julia, did you tell him that you liked him?"

She said, "No, mommy. I did not!! He's a big tall building with feet!!"

Then I lost it! :-)

Thank you Lord for the joy my children bring me!

Please Pray

This post is to ask you to pray for a very special Lady, Mrs. Dot.

When I think of Mrs. Dot, I think of a true lady. One you don't see very often these days. Someone I aspire to be like. In everything she does, whether in her home, when she was the director of the daycare, or out somewhere else, she always carries herself with dignity and class, confident in her relationship with God and her place in His kingdom.

I cannot ever remember a time that I didn't know Rev. Bobby and Dot Collins. See, they some of my parents very best friends, so they have always been apart of our extended family. There wasn't a trip to the coast or a time that they came to the mountains we weren't together. Nor do I ever remember a Church of God General Assembly without them.

There is so much I love about this couple. Their contagious joy, the friendship they have so lovingly given to my parents and our family, but more than that, I love the work they have done for the Kingdom of God. They started a new church ministry in a side room of their home with 18 people. Today, that congregation has grown to one of the biggest in our state. You can check out their church at www.wowcenter.org. But their ministry does not end there, it is only the beginning because their ministry has extended to many different countries in their support of World Missions and the love they have for all God's people. It is awesome and inspiring to see what God has done through their lives, and I feel so honored and privileged to know them both.

Mrs. Dot has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's and is not doing so well these days. I ask that you pray especially for her and Rev. Bobby. Pray for the ones helping to take care of her, for their family, the Doctors providing her care, and their church family. Pray for a mighty touch of the Savior's hand.

I love you Mrs. Dot!

Joy

Girls gone wild!!!

Well, no, not really, but for us four gals, it was about as close as it gets!!

God is so good to me! He allowed me to take a few days and go to the mountains with my four best gals. We would like to thank Greg, Chad, Troy and John for allowing us to be gone, for taking care of the kids (thank you especially, Chad - even IF Savannah was run over by a 4-wheeler!!!!), for making sure you all were fed, and keeping our homes standing while we were gone. We appreciate that you made the sacrifice for us.

But we know why you did. See we know, that you know, that if you allow us our little trips like this, we always come back better than ever. Refreshed and recharged to take better care of all of those things we left in your hands. So thank you again. And while we're at it, we would also like to thank Joel, Julia, Christian, Savannah, Hunter and Easton for allowing their mommies to have a few days off from mommy duty (well, not really, but physically).

We had such a great time! Holly and Tasha had never been to Gatlinburg - I couldn't believe that, but then I discovered during our little trip that Tasha has not been to a lot of places. She experienced her very first time to Cracker Barrel as well. Can you imagine living in the south and not having been to a Cracker Barrel?? Well, we took care of that right off the bat!

We have a wonderful chalet up above Gatlinburg almost to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort. The hill to get to our cabin was so steep, that I had to drive the Expedition up the STEEP mountain, pull into another cabin's driveway and turn around so I could get going in the right direction to get up our hill because I could not turn the big ol' vehicle up the driveway!! That was not so fun in the dark, let me tell you. The name of our Chalet was Quiet Times, and we loved it. Here's a picture of it sitting up on the side of the mountain.

It was so comforting to see evidence that the owner of the Chalet loved the Lord when we got there. Through a book on the table and pictures on the wall, we knew we were in the right place.

We got some shopping done, drank some mocha's, watched a few movies, enjoyed the hot tub, went to the very top of the mountains, ate at some great places (see Holly's chicken pot pie? it was the biggest one I had ever seen in my life!), conquered some fears, got to know each other so much better, laughed like crazy, and spent some awesome time with the King of Kings.

It was such a sweet, sweet time, and I am so thankful that the Lord brought such special friends in my life. They are one of those gifts that you always want, but never really expect to get. I have a lot of friends, but I began praying for God to send some really special people my way -- and boy did he answer that one way beyond my expectations!

We're already talking about when we get to go back -- and how we need to stay just a little bit longer. We decided we wanted at least one day where we never left the cabin. There is much going on in each of our lives...beyond our everyday responsibilities...Melodie and I are both taking classes, Holly is going to have another baby, and Tasha is not waiting for, but preparing and anticipating a beautiful baby girl from China who will be named Emma Grace (we just can't wait until she gets here!!).

So dear Father, we thank you most of all. For your protection, for your provision, and for the love you have for us, your daughters, to give us such a special time with you and each other.

Proverbs 27:9 in the Message Bible says this: Just as lotions and fragrance gives sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

Thank you guys, for the refreshing!

Blessings!
Joy

Health Challenge 2007

For the new year, our Church began a health challenge, our very own Biggest Loser of sorts, and Greg and I are team captains...sounds like fun, huh? So, for the first week in January, everyone who signed up ate like pigs, and now we're all in withdrawals because it started this week. As captains, it is our job to encourage, motivate, and help those members of our team, and this is something that Greg loves to do. I decided to send out encouraging messages to our team each week and I thought I would include them here as well.

So, if one of your resolutions was to live a healthier lifestyle, why don't you join us? We have 10 weeks to loose some weight, get into shape, and develop healthy habits for a lifetime!

Here's this week's encouragement:

I just wanted to send you guys a little something to encourage you on our health challenge journey this week.

I was reading in Proverbs this morning, and Proverbs 3:5-9 in the message Bible says "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!"

There is so much that God is saying to me in these verses - here are a few things:
#1 - You can't do it in yourself, but I can enable you - Trust me!
#2 - When evil (this week it's name is COKE!) comes my way - RUN to GOD! He'll help me overcome! (and He has)
#3 - He wants our very bones to vibrate with life!

Now you may think that your very bones vibrating with life is ok, however you really don't understand how that's going to help you fit into smaller size pants - but let's remember what bones do: they support our flesh and provide a frame for which we are created, but most importantly, they are where the blood comes from! If our blood is full of sickness and disease, then our bodies feel that...the sluggishness when our white blood cells are fighting infection, the rate at which our heart has to pump our blood, and we're probably even feeling it if our veins are full of cholesterol that keeps the blood from flowing smoothly. If our blood is full of muck and junk, we don't feel like working out!

BUT, If we trust in God from the depth of who we are, not just with the words coming out of our mouths, then he is going to infuse our bones with new, fresh, cleansed blood that will make an inner change in our hearts and lives but will produce an outward result!

So, keep up the good work! I know it's a pain to have to take a break once an hour to go to the bathroom because of all of the water we're drinking, but in the end, it's worth it! When your body is screaming for sugar, salt, and unhealthy food, keep your eye on the end result. When your muscles are screaming from the way you are working them and forcing them to move in a way they are unaccustomed too, think on how much stronger you will be and the new testimony you will be able to give! And think of the potential new people beyond our walls you will be able to touch because of it.

I love you all and I'm so glad we're on this journey together!

Bunches of Blessings!
Joy