First Things First

Why do I worry? Why do I second guess Him? Why do I even give in to the temptation to try and figure it all out myself?? When will I ever learn?? Trust . . .

After Shannon and I got home from our initial visit to GA and the whole job interview, we decided that there was a lot to pray about in the whole transition!! We made a list of our most important concerns and began to pray for them daily and meditate on the Lord, knowing that He would provide answers!! Within only a few days our most important concern was taken care of!! We needed renters for our home in FL so that we could get a home in FL with the assurance that the expenses here would be taken care of!! DONE!! Our next concern was to find a home that would be a good fit for our family!! We wanted to make sure the home would feel like HOME right away!! We didn't want to have to go in and do a lot of cleaning or fixing things in order to make it HOME!!! DONE!!! We went to GA to look at a few homes and we found one that we think will be a PERFECT fit for us!! It is HUGE and had a great big back yard!! We are excited to make the move!! Our next concern . . . the one that would keep me awake at night . . . where will our precious baby make his entrance into the world?? FL or GA?? About a week after the job was offered to Shannon I found a midwife in rural N GA!! WHO KNEW?? I couldn't believe it!!! What a HUGE blessing!! Now baby Creed will definitely have a exciting birth in a new place!!

Those were the biggest concerns on our list and they are all taken care of!! There are more, but I have no reason to worry!! It will all be taken care of!! The Lord is Jehovah Jirah, my provider!! I have a WONDERFUL Heavenly Father watching out for my family and I. He know what we need and WHEN we need it!! I pray that I will always remember how He has provided our every need and even some wonderful things we didn't really NEED!! Thanks you, Lord, for making beauty from ashes!!

20 Months, hundreds of rejections, and thousands or resumes later . . . .

There is good news to report!! My Hunny got a job teaching at a Christian college in a VERY small town in the deep south. I am so proud of him. The teaching portion of his interview was flawless (in my completely unbiased opinion!!). You know how you watch a sports event and you realize that the players seem to make their "job" look so easy??? I always think, "If I threw a ball . . . it sure wouldn't look like that!! How do they do that and make it look so easy??" That is what Shannon did!! He taught a mock class on a given topic. I sat in the back and observed with tears in my eyes!! He did amazing!!

He embarked upon this journey 20 months ago when he was struggling at his job. He was working himself to the bone day and night and NEVER receiving the benefits promised him from the beginning. He was promised employees to help with the work load, an office space, just to name a few. While dealing with those unfulfilled promises, he was being degraded and demoralized on a daily basis. It was one dramatic scene after another. Since he was working from home it became a family affair. He had no co-workers to bounce things off . . . there was chaos and confusion everyday. We know that isn't from God, so with very heavy hearts and timid spirits, we agreed that he would quit that job!!!

I am sure that most people thought we were crazy!! But we took the step of faith!! The Lord had showed us a Scripture that confirmed the decision. So we felt . . . . timidly confident!!! Of course we thought that he would have a job within only a few months. We never dreamed it would be a journey that would last nearly 2 years.

Through the months, we have had our ups and downs and our faith and doubt. There were times when we wondered if this season would EVER end!! Sometimes it feels too surreal and we wonder if we are dreaming. But we are alas so thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.

This is a dream come true for Shannon. As a professor, he is looking forward to doing life with people on a new level!! His humble spirit, energy for life, and creativity are going to keep him learning and mentoring for a long time!! I am so proud of how he has been faithful to obey the Lord during this time and keep our family afloat during this very LONG roller coaster of emotions and circumstances.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO?? Well, I am looking forward to taking my kids out of the city and into the country!! I am looking forward to new homeschool field trips. I am looking forward to a change of pace. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friendships. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family in Georgia. It is going to be a blast!!

Our Souvenir from VA

Well, we have a sweet souvenir from our time in VA. We didn't plan this, but I know we will be blessed to bring another life into our family. We found out we were pregnant on our anniversary, Jan 3rd. It was unexpected and took some time to used to the idea, but we are thrilled. The other children and VERY thrilled. We were especially excited to find out that baby #5 is a BOY!! We have had so many suggestions on CA- names since all the other children have followed that pattern but we think we may break the mold . . . yes, it's true!! BUT he will still have a C- name.

We like the name CREED JOSEPH HOGAN. I know that most people won't like it at first and you won't find it in a baby naming book, but we feel like the Lord has brought us to such an amazing place in our lives. We have been through so much in the past 18+ months. It was always about trusting, obeying, serving, and doing what was right. But the anxiety of the thought of bringing another life into the world was a little overwhelming (especially when I just did it a few months ago!!). Now it was time to walk the walk. Did we really BELIEVE what we say we BELIEVE???? We took 14 weeks until we decided to tell anyone . . . but we realized that YES . . . beyond a shadow of a doubt . . . we BELIEVE!!! A synonym for Creed is Faith or Belief. These words have come to mean so much to us. Without our FAITH, we are nothing!! Our faith in the Great Creator is what has sustained us in the difficult times.

The name Joseph is also taken from the Bible. What a character he was. He went through so much. He was a cocky kid when the story of his life starts out, but he stands for what is right and he is mistreated and even feels forgotten . . . but God has not forgotten!! In the end he is placed in a place he NEVER thought possible. He was given more than he could EVER imagine. His life mattered from the beginning all the way to the very end!! He was a character of great integrity and faith.

So we are pleased with the name we have come to fall in love with. He will be loved and he will always have someone to play with!! Blessings!!!

My Carley

Today Carley turned 10!! I can't believe it!! She is growing up to be such an amazing person. Her beauty radiates from the inside out!!

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with her. It was Easter Sunday of 1999. I told Shannon that I thought I was and he said that he'd bet me a DOLLAR that I wasn't!! I won!!

My pregnancy with Carley was interesting! Since it was my first, every little nuisance was alarming! A pain here and a pain there . . . what did that mean? Why is that happening?? My blood pressure began to rise too high about 6 weeks before her due date. I was put on bed rest. There were several trips to the doctor and hospital. So the doctor finally said we would induce birth the day after Thanksgiving, which was only 12 days early! That was exciting!! All the family came to TN, where we bought our first house in preparation for Carley's arrival. I made Thanksgiving dinner . . . I was supposed to be on be rest . . . but I really wanted some good food!!

So we packed our bags and checked into the hospital on Friday morning. I had pitocin to induce contractions. I had one contraction and then I said . . . I think I need an epidural now!! I was definitely afraid of the pain!! After I had the pain medicine, I fell asleep. I had my water broken and then began to push a little while after that. I only pushed for 30 minutes or so and out came my baby girl!! It was an absolute miracle!! She was 6 pounds 13 ounces and only 18 1/2 inches. What a tiny thing!!

Meanwhile, the family that came for the occasion was out in the lobby placing bets on WHEN the baby would arrive. I can't remember WHO won the bet, but that was quite a memory!! Our first visitors were grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of friends!! It was our first baby and such a special time for us!!

I couldn't believe we were "allowed" to take her home with us. When we came home, I can remember our first night's sleep . . . I mean actually there was no one sleeping!! What a mess these first time parents were. There is no amount of reading one can do to prepare you for those early days. The Lord knows we can't handle them for long . . . that is why they seem to go by so quickly! (That and the fact that we are so tired, we can't remember!!)

Carley has become such a sweet young lady. She is so much fun to be around. She makes me laugh all the time. She likes to go with me to the grocery store so I don't have to go alone!! She likes to shop for clothes and loves to dress fashionable! BUT she also like to get dirty in the MUD, if I let her!! She is a GREAT sister to her brothers and sister. But what I am most proud of, is the way Carley loves Jesus. Her prayers are so heartfelt and sincere. She knows how to talk to Him and does so freely. She shares her faith with her friends in the neighborhood because she wants them all to have the Peace and the Grace that she has.

Carley has been such a blessing for me to parent and I am looking forward to watching her blossom into the beautiful woman of God that I know she will become. Hugs to my sweet, sweet girl!!!

The News it Out

We are still in VA helping to care for Christy. She is making progress each day. I really enjoy being here with her and helping her with her day-to-day tasks.

We are very excited because she was able to find a GREAT OB doctor this week. They scheduled her c-section for August 11 at 10am. We are all very excited about Addison's soon arrival. Today she had an ultrasound and they estimate Addison's weight to be 5lbs 6oz at 35 weeks. Please keep Christy and Addison in your prayers. This will not be the birth that Christy hoped for at the beginning of her pregnancy, but as her hubby keeps reminding her, "the hard part is over!!!" Addison and Christy are both alive!! Everything else is going to be a piece of cake. I am so proud of Christy as she takes on the challenge on mommy-hood! I know it is difficult without the setback of a brain injury. Christy is not letting these circumstances get her down. She is moving forward as planned.

We are planning a baby shower in the next few weeks. It will be simple with only the family, but we know that Christy will enjoy filling Addison's room with baby stuff!!

Our family has decided to stay here with Brian, Christy, and Addison for the next 6 months or so to continue to help out. We have seen God move in a mighty way as we have made the decision to serve our family in this way. The details can only be chalked up to "The Lord and His PERFECT will!!!" I am excited to see where Christy will be in 6 months. I believe that she will make a full recovery eventually. I can't wait to share the stories with Addison (when she is a little older) about how her mommy fought through the odds for her. Our family will never be the same!!!

Thank you Lord, for unfortunate circumstances. They always seem to make us into better people. You can take something that was meant to destroy us and use it to help us change the world! You are amazing!! I love you, Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

My Hubby

I know that everyone thinks that their husband is the "best is the world", BUT I think mine is "THE BEST" . . . . he is pretty amazing!! I have been blessed to have been married to him for 11.5 years now. We dated for 4 years prior to getting married. We have been together for almost half of our lives at this point (and we are YOUNG!!). Everyday, I look him in the eyes and ask him, "how did we get this happy??"

We met when Shannon came to IN to see his family at holidays and summer breaks. I was friends with his cousin and her family. Their home was like a second home to me in those days! So naturally, I knew her family and extended family. Well her family extended all the way to Virginia. It's funny how the Lord works out those details!!! Thanks, B family! The Lord used you back in those days to bring this young gal and guy together forever!! I will forever be grateful for those precious moments of being welcomed in your home . . . on what always seemed to be "cleaning day!!!" HAHA!!

When we started dating, it was long distance. I was 16 and he was 17. I lived in IN and he lived in VA. He was a SR and I was a JR in high school. I had been a Christian for a few years and he was newly saved. We talked on the phone a lot . . . but not too much!! Neither of us wanted to seem too eager!! PLUS we couldn't afford the phone bills. Even though we were long distance for 2.5 years, we still managed to see each other about once a month. I counted the days from one time of seeing him to the next. It seemed like I was always counting days!! Sometimes I would fly out to see him and most of the time he would drive 10 hours to see me!!! We did all the same fun dating things as other couples. Movies, dinner, parks, walks along the river, hikes in the woods, walking the mall, etc. I remember when I lived at home. I would walk into the door from work and the first thing out of my mouth was, "Did Shannon call???" He was my best friend!!

He was a friend like I had never had before. He was patient, kind, gentle, not easily angered, humble and not boastful . . . . sound familiar?? That was and is my best friend.

After all these years together . . . he still makes me laugh everyday!!! He is hilarious and he reminds me of that often!! He has grown to be an awesome man of God and a wonderful father to my children. I can't believe we have four kiddos!! Family means the world to us. We want to change the world by impacting our kids. They are already awesome people to be around!! They love the Lord with all their hearts. The main reason for this is . . . their Dad!!

He has an amazing relationship with the Lord. He has been blessed with so many gifts and talents. I am blessed to call him my best friend!!

We have been through some of the toughest moments of our lives together in the past year . . . the new job "YEAH" . . . the new job "OH NO!!" . . . the new job "what have we got ourselves into??" the new job . . . gone . . . for the last 8 months . . . He has been unemployed!! I have seen him go through a lot during this time, but the Lord had remained faithful. Shannon reminds me all the time of where we could be . . . where we are . . . and the blessings we receive daily!!! We are blessed!

Today, Shannon got a job as an adjunct professor at a local Christian College. It isn't enough to pay all the bills yet, but we are thrilled. This is what he has been wanting to do for a long time. We are praying that it turns into something more permanent with more pay. Or maybe the Lord will use another avenue to bring full time work . . . we don't know?!?!?! BUT we are standing on his promises!! He has not left us yet . . . and He never will!

I just want to say that I am sooo proud of Shannon! He has been through so much, yet he holds his head high with the blessed assurance of Christ's love. I want the world to know that he is an AMAZING person. He is full of wisdom, integrity, and God's grace. He is thankful for the little things in life . . . and I . . . . am thankful for him!!

Our Baby Caydence Lynne

She has finally arrived!! She was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. She arrives on Monday March 23 at 10:27PM. We had been anticipating her arrival for 9 months, and we are so excited to have her join us! She is our tiny princess and we are all enjoying our time getting to know her.

Contractions started and stopped twice over the few days preceding her birth. I thought she might NEVER arrive! On Monday, Carley had a softball game and I decided to go! I was tired of sitting around waiting for the "real thing" to start! Contractions started again before we left for the game. They were mild and only 7-10 min apart! They were getting a little stronger throughout the game, but still 7-10 min apart. I went to the van to sit in silence b/c they were really starting to get to me and they were still 7-10 min apart at about 7:45PM. BY the time the game was over (WE WON!!) they were just starting to get closer. They were now about 5-6 min apart. BY the time we got home, at 8PM, they were 4-5 min apart and they were about 1 min long! So we called the midwife and she was on her way in no time! I had continued contractions and the little princess was born in a birthing tub at 10:27PM. My water broke as I pushed her out. That was different!! I could feel it POP in the water and it freaked me out at first!

It was such a great experience and the Lord answered our prayers! Caydence is healthy and strong and ready to take on the world! She fits into our family already and we feel so blessed to have her!

Thank you to all who have prayed, bought gifts, brought meals, or said an encouraging word! We will hold the memories in our hearts forever! We appreciate you and your generosity!

. . . now, I am gonna go get some sleep!!

We Will Wait

SIGH - - - I am taking a deep breath! So much has happened since my last post! I am sorry for keeping quiet, but life here has been busy and crazy and exciting all at the same time!!

I have been "nesting" and getting ready for our new little addition. She is scheduled to arrive on March 30, but we know she can't wait that long!! Mom is already dilating and feeling like something is happening . . . ya know when you just KNOW??

So in the meantime, I have been getting ready! Ya know, trying to keep the house clean, laundry done, getting things together for the birth, making my last minute phone calls, appt for this and one for that . . . it seems like things are never DONE!!

This has really been my best pregnancy OVERALL, but these last few weeks seem to be the most memorable and miserable all at the same time! I am in constant back pain! This little sweetie is comfy and cozy right on the pelvis area. It causes sharp pain all night long and I dare not try to roll over at night!! I have to get up and then lay on the other side!! I walk like an old person whose bones are deteriorating!! I guess I know why some people that deal with pain all time are on the grouchy side! It gets to you after a while. My family still loves me in spite of the grouchy moments! Thank goodness!

I am reminded of the Scripture in Ecclesiates 3 that says:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born . . .

This gives me hope that IT WILL HAPPEN!! My midwife assures me of the same even thought it feels like we have been waiting forever!! I am only 38 weeks along and it just seems like this baby would want to come on out and see the world, but she is comfy and cozy right where she is at!! I will wait . . .

So many have asked about the job situation. It is still the same! It too is a waiting game! God has shown his provision many times over and over and we feel blessed every day! But as of now there is no job and no possible leads! So we will wait!

Thanks to our friends and loved ones for your prayers, support and kind words! You don't know how much it means! God is using this time of waiting to show us many things! I know that in the end He will be glorified. So with patience, we will wait!

FINALLY GOOD NEWS

Well, it seems like we would NEVER receive any good news! I keep telling myself that this is only a season and "this too shall pass!"

Yesterday, Shannon got the good news that he was accepted into the PhD program at Regent University. Well . . . for those of you that may not know . . . that is HUGE!!! Only 50% of the people that apply get accepted AND the average age of students is 45! He beat the odds, to say the least!! We are sooo excited about the opportunities that this opens him up to!!

Let me just insert a few details here that no one really knows:

This week, Shannon decided to take a break from his fruitless efforts of resume sending. All this has done is keep him busy and disappoint him like crazy! He has probably sent more than 100 resumes and the ones that were even looked at have ALL been rejected!! How frustrating! He keeps saying that "there are SOOO many jobs out there . . . why is there so much unemployment??" It a competitive market, I guess!! He felt like the Lord was saying to "sit and wait!!" Well, Shannon sent his Regent App last Friday and this week on Wednesday he got an email saying the the board has received all his paperwork and that they would be reviewing his application soon. We thought that we would hear from them in a month or two. We weren't really expecting to hear from them any time soon. Then 2 days later, we get the GOOD NEWS!!

We just feel like the Lord is reminding us that HE provided this opportunity. It's not been by our efforts. He totally gets all the glory! In reality, Shannon and I BOTH thought that he would be rejected. Not because he wasn't qualified, but because there has been no good news lately. We just expected more of the same!!

So, we are not sure what else will follow this awesome news. All along he has said that his DREAM would be to teach in a University, but he has looked at every Christian university in the country and every local university here in FL and they were not hiring in Dec & Jan OR you had to have a PhD in order to teach for them . . . so that was a closed door in his mind. (Hence the fruitless efforts of applying for ministry positions) But now that he is going to get his PhD AND has been accepted into a program . . . his opportunities are much more open!!! We are hoping for the best and we are knowing that God wants to give him his dream . . .

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Thanks to ALL friends and family that have prayed! We are truly blessed to have so many people that care!! We have seen God work in so many ways in the past 4 months. I can't wait till this season has passed and I can share ALL that God has done in me!! Thank you so much, Lord Jesus!

Still Waiting

**UPDATE: We got the news on Friday about 5:30PM! Shannon was told that they went with someone else for the position in VA! We were EXTREMELY disappointed. That is why it took me so long to update you all. I have been struggling a little. But in the end, I know that God is in control and I wouldn't want it any other way!! Instead of looking at what we DON'T have, I have to focus on what we DO HAVE!! When I think that my husband has been out of work for 4 months and we have never missed a bill to be paid, we have 3 healthy kids, and 2 good cars, to name a few . . . I think that His HAND OF PROVISION is at work in my life!! Thanks you, Lord!! Thank you friends and family for all your kind words and prayers!! It means so much!



It's no secret! We went to VA last week for another job interview at a church. It was fun! We had a cool experience and learned a lot about ourselves and the Church as a whole. The kids went to visit with the grandparents while my Hunny and I were grilled with questions over a 3 day period. It was exhausting for us but well worth it! We were told that we would know by the middle of the week THIS WEEK.

Well . . . yesterday (Wednesday), we STILL hadn't heard anything! We have been on pins and needles to say the least. Every time the phone rings my heart jumps!! I am probably more psychotic that my Hunny. I keep asking, "Is your phone charged? Where is your cell phone?" or when it rings, "who is it?" before he even has a chance to look . . . So he sent an email yesterday to ask when we might hear the news. The pastor eagerly replied and said that they just finished interviewing all candidates yesterday and they would be making a decision this morning. He said we'd hear from him sometime today. That was so satisfying to us! We just wanna HEAR SOMETHING!!! We don't even mind, if it's a "you're not what we're looking for . . . " Just anything . . . the silence was killing us!!

So today has come and gone and we still have NOT heard anything from them . . . My Hunny says that there must be a reason and he is probably right . . . but waiting stinks!!! I guess this is how the kids feel when they are waiting for something really exciting to them . . . like Christmas . . .

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us!! This has been quite an experience. I would have to say . . . it has been one of the most trying times we have faced in a long time. We thank the Lord for sustaining us through it all!!

My Nephew - Raleigh Blake was born TODAY!!

My sister is 4 days away from her due date (as of yesterday) and she was MORE than ready to bring this baby into the world!!! She had an appointment with the midwife, Rachel at 6:00PM at her house. Rachel was telling Shannon that she would not strip her membranes because it was painful and caused painful labor, so she would rather let her body go into labor on it's own!! My sister, in all pregnant hormones, began to cry!! Rachel felt bad because the last thing she would want to do is make a pregnant mommy upset!!! So she decided to check her cervix and see how far she had dilated. Shannon said that Rachel's face said she was either NOT dilated at all or VERY dilated!! The latter was the case!! Shannon was 6 almost 7CM dilated!! Rachel couldn't believe it!! Then Shannon got up to get dressed and . . . her water broke!!! She thought she was peeing all over Rachel's floor . . . but she was officially laboring!! Rachel thought she may not have time to make the hour long trek home, where she planned to have the baby, but Shannon really insisted that they hurry home. She wanted to have him at home (not at Rachel's house)!!! She they made the trek and got home about 7ish. I meet her there! We all hurried to do the preparations to make the birth go smoothly!! Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions though!!

Then all Shannon's girlfriends showed up!! Lots of 'em!! Let me try to paint the picture accurately!! Shannon's house is VERY small!! The midwife and her 2 assistants showed up and that made 6 adults (sis, her hubby & me, midwife + 2 helpers) in the house. Then 5 more ladies!! The excitement and energy filled the room!! There were 11 adults in the house!!

Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions and things seemed to slow way down!!! So she kept going for walks. She walked about 6-8 times with different people. Finally she began hard contractions that were about 1-2 min apart at 1:30AM!!! Those that weren't walking with her were crashed on the floor!! So . . . after hard painful contraction began . . . we had a baby at 2:36AM!!

He had a full head of hair and was gorgeous upon arrival!! He weighed in at 9lbs and 4oz and 21 1/4 inches long! he is a big guy!! He is surrounded with love and seems to be happy and content pretty much all of the time!!

I have to say, that birth is miraculous!! I have birthed three children of my own and I have baby #4 in the oven, so I have been there!! There are so many things that must go into the making of a human life that only a Sovereign Creator could put all the pieces together as He does. I cry every time I think about it!! I personally think that a natural birth environment (at home with friends and family) makes it even more amazing!! I often think about Eve. How did she know how to move the baby out of the birth canal or how to feed her infant?? When her daughters began to have children, I bet she was the "midwife" with all the answers!! It's just all so fascinating to me!

I pray that Baby Raleigh Blake stays healthy and safe in the hands of his loving parents! The Lord has a purpose for his life and I pray that He would lead Blake in the path of righteous for His name's sake!! Amen!

Eleven Years With My Best Friend!!!

Yesterday my Hunny and I celebrated our 11th year of marriage!! It was low key, as usual! We aren't real big spenders on such occasions. We took the kids to their aunt's and we were off on a DATE!! We went to a movie that wasn't a kids movie!!! It was "adult time!!" Then we went to dinner at the Toasted Pheasant. Someone blessed us with a gift card to go there and it was AWESOME food!! We were full when we left!! It was such a nice evening to be with my sweetie!!



I am so blessed to have him! He is my very best friend. He is so encouraging and funny!! He is an awesome man of God who seeks the face of Jesus to see our family moving in the right direction!! I am so blessed to have him!! Sometimes I look at him and say, "How in the world did we get so happy???" I know it doesn't "just happen!!" God is the center of our lives and so we live in rich blessings surrounded by Grace and LOVE!!! We are so RICH!!

Life is so busy!!

I just love this blogging thing! Becky introduced me to it almost a year ago and I really love to post what we are up to! But life is getting the best of me right now!! Things are so hectic and it doesn't seem like it is going to slow down any time soon! I have a habit of thinking, "When we finish . . . . this event . . . things will calm down and they won't be so busy!!" But they never really do! So I am thinking that things are just going to stay busy!! Maybe if I think more along those lines . . . I'll get more done!! :o)

So here's a quick update:
Carley and Camden just finished up their Christmas program at church. They did awesome, of course! Carley did a dance with the cheerleaders. She looked so cute in her little costume! Camden was in the choir. He got to say a line to a bible verse and hold up a card that had letters spelling a word on it. It was so cute because he held us his "E" backwards!! So did half the rest of the children!! It was so Camden!! This was his first time in the Christmas program and he did a great job!!

The kids have also been invited to a plethora of birthday parties this month!!! It's crazy! One of them have a party almost every weekend! Those December babies have to make sure they aren't overlooked with the Christmas season so they make sure everyone gets a big shin-dig party!! FUN . . . but busy!

This week Carley has her fist piano recital! That is exciting and the piano has been in constant use!! She is excited and nervous all at the same time!! I am so proud of her! She has practiced and she will do great!!

We also went on a trip to Ft Lauderdale about 2 weeks ago! That put me behind more than anything!!! The kids had fun and we all got to see the family again!! The kids loved going to the "Swamp Safari" and getting to hold a baby alligator!! I even held it!! I have a pic! I have been so busy, that I haven't even downloaded the pics off the camera yet!!

. . . AND between all of this . . . Christmas is next week!! Yeah that's right next week in like 9 days and I am not finished shopping! SO I am trying to find time to check off my "to do" lists that keep choking me!!

I must confess that my house is in shambles and I am beginning to get ANNOYED with it!! It seems like we are bursting at the seems! All the Christmas decor is out and makes for a cluttered garage for now!! The clutter is . . . everywhere, really! I never had clutter before!! I think it is a combination between living in a small house with all these kiddos AND not moving in almost 4 years!! (That is what helped me keep the clutter down before . . . when you move, you throw stuff away in order to NOT have to move it!!) . . . and now we are going to add another baby to the cluttered mess! I told my Hunny . . . We have got to make room for this baby!! So, I am tossing stuff left and right!! Thanks to Flylady.net I have a plan of attack on the clutter and I plan to take it one area of the house at a time!! I am going crazy!! . . . . But not for long . . . I am on the prowl and if it is dusty or is still in it's box . . . it probably means we don't NEED it!! :o) I will post on my progress!!

Somewhere within all this mess my husband and I have found some time to seek the Lord MORE and listen to Him MORE!! Shannon has been job searching for several months now and we are taking the time to seek God in ways we never have before! Just being intentional and diligent in seeking Him has made such a difference in my heart and the way I see Him!! He has spoken to me because I have taken the time to sit and listen!! I am in awe at His providential hand!! He is Jehovah Jirah - my provider! I am so thankful for all he has done for us this Christmas season and always!!

I hope you have a great Christmas too!

Another Bunny Dies

I guess it is a good way for children to learn the cycle of life and death. Pets help them know that all creatures are born once and then eventually die. But it hurts all the same!

This morning we had another bunny die. But I am not sure I handled it all too well. I went outside to let the dog out and the bunny cage was open. Camden, our 6 year old, fed them yesterday and apparently he didn't shut the cage back tight. Usually Carley does it, and yesterday he helped her with her chores. I don't know when she got out, but she was stiff as could be in the middle of the yard. I could tell it had been awhile since it happened. The dog was out last night for quite a while and our guess is that she chased the bunny down in her instinctual way. I'm sure the dog was just playing, but Star, the bunny, was too fragile to "play."

When I saw her (THE BUNNY) in the yard, I immediately called for Shannon. Carley was still sleeping, so I thought we could dispose of the bunny before she saw what happened. He ran outside and got rid of her, but Carley looked out her window and saw him. In my desperate attempt to protect the kids from the trauma that they incurred the last time a bunny died, I lied to them (not knowing that Carley saw the whole thing out her bedroom window.) I told them that the bunny got out of the cage and must have run away (because dying seemed so much more traumatic to me!!). Carley asked what Daddy picked up in the yard. She said it looked like the bunny. Ugh!! I blew her off and tried to get away with it. She asked a few more times and I was feeling extremely guilty, so I told them the truth. They cried and mourned, but it was nothing like our last bunny death.

Why did I lie to them?? I didn't really think about it. Time just seemed to stand still, so I tried to protect them. The last time a bunny died was the first time we had a pet die and it was extremely traumatic for the children. They actually found her and didn't realize she was dead for several minutes. All I wanted was to protect them from that. They realized that I make mistakes too (if they hadn't figured that out already!!) and I prayed and asked them to forgive me . . . and they were eager to. I am glad for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and I am still asking myself, "WHY DID I DO THAT??"

The good thing is that we still have Hope, the other bunny. She will just have to get used to being alone.

This isn't a game!!

This video is alarming!! The preacher challenges people to think in terms of holiness and REAL-LIFE salvation!! It isn't a game, it's a battle against unseen forces!! Watch this video in it's entirety and let me know what you think!!

Slow Down and READ the Word

I have been reading Ruth and I must say that there are times when I struggle to S L O W D O W N enough to read MORE than just what is simply written on the page!! I have recently been reading audreycaroline.blogspot.com. She posted about that very subject . . . Slowing down in order to hear what God has to say.

. . . So I was reading Ruth!! I was soaking it in too!! (I don't want to hurry through the book just to be able to say, "I read an entire book of the Bible!!") God provided for Ruth and Naomi in ways that seemed wayyy too coincidental. Ruth just happened to be gleaning in the field of one of her husband's family. Boaz just so happened to notice her. He showed her kindness and gentleness in ways that only God can.

When things seem crazy to me, I simply rest in the fact the HE provides everything I will ever need!! He shows up in ways I never expect.

CHAPTER 2
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they called back.

5 Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, "Whose young woman is that?"

6 The foreman replied, "She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"

11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

13 "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar."
When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, "Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don't embarrass her. 16 Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her."

17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. [a] 18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

19 Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!"
Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz," she said.

20 "The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers."

21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "He even said to me, 'Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.' "

22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed."

23 So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

what we did on our mission trip

WOW! What a trip! Carley and I had such a great time of bonding, serving, praying, giving, and much more!

We flew into Rapid City, SD (a small town of only 60,000 people, but very touristy because of Mt. Rushmore) on Friday and after getting rental cars, and settling into our hotel for that night we went to dinner. It was a local joint with lots of interesting items on the menu, including "Rocky Mountain Oytsters." I chose to pass this time because I hear that this kind of "seafood" "will leave you hanging for a long time!"

The next morning we went to Mt Rushmore, did our grocery shopping at Walmart and Sams for our week ahead. Then we were off to Lower Brule! We had a 3 hour trip ahead. Thank goodness for the walkie talkies and the "I'm going to South Dakota and I'm going to take a A WORD, B WORD, C WORD, etc" game. It really passed the time! By the time we got to Lower Brule Indian Reservation, we were tired and hungry.


The missionaries greeted us and let us use their kitchen to make dinner at 11:30PM! The next morning was church. We went early to pray and believe God for great things. I helped out in kids church and it was a great time. The children were responsive and interested in what Rebecca, the missionary, shared. One of them brought a cat into the service. When someone would take him out, he would find his way back. I have never been in a service where animals were welcome!! LOL

*Let me interject that the church had a great kitchen and we cooked all meals there. We bought enough food to feed our 11 team members plus the missionaries, Randy and Rebecca for 6 days. At every meal we feed no less that 17 people. God multiplied the food because no one went hungry! In fact we probably gained weight b/c there was so much food!.



On Sunday afternoon, we canvased the local neighborhoods, knocking on doors and inviting children to our MEGA SPORTS CAMP! It was a long day because we switched time zones several times. We were beat.

On Monday, the day we had been waiting for, we got up early to distribute more flyers where we knew there would be lots of children. We prayed, prepared, and panicked . . . we didn't know what to expect! When 1:00 rolled around the children started filing in. We had 75 kids! That was the most they had ever had at any event in that community before. We were extatic, exhuberant, and by the days' end, exhausted. We really didn't have the manpower to handle that many! So we rearranged a few things and worked out a few kinks, and the rest of the week we averaged about 40 kids.

I was so tired after Monday's Sports Camp that I slept 12 hours!! It was emotionally draining! Being in another culture is mentally exhausting. (It was worth every minute!)


Oh, I don't think I told you, yet . . . I was a basketball coach at the MEGA SPORTS CAMP!!! If you know me you are rolling on the floor laughing right now! I am super athletically challeneged and God has a real sense of humor! He definatley had me "outside my comfort zone!!!" That is what you are supposed to do on Missions Trips, right . . . be flexible! Do what needs to be done!! I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was almost in tears! God was my strength because, He knows that is the only way I could have made it through that . . . sports camp!


Tuesday we went to the Tribal Office and got a great tour and had lots of questions. One day we went to the Wildlife center, where they have lots of animals that were once real and are now stuffed. They had so much info about the local wildlife! We also went to the local Popcorn Factory. It was in a little warehouse. The Tribe is one of the largest suppliers of popcorn in the world! They sell to Orville Reddenbacher, ship it all over the world, and all the proceeds go to the tribe. We also did a hike up some AMAZING hills. We saw a rattlesnake and a BIG, FAT wolf spider. (There was so much neat wildlife there that we don't have in FL!)


On Friday after all the Sports Camp events were over, we went to the POW WOW! The people wore their native clothes and did traditional dances. It was an AWESOME cultural experience. I took lots of pics and videos.

Then early Saturday morning we left Lower Brule and headed back to Rapid City. Another 3 hour trek. This time we stopped on the way at The Badlands National Park. It was one of the most beautiful sights to behold. God used His exclusive paintbrush that has colors that you can't find anywhere else on this planet. His majesty revealed!

Then it was a long stop at Wall Drug! The world's biggest Drug Store, where you can get cold water for FREE!!!!! (IT's an inside joke!!)

When we got back to Rapid City, we had made reservations at this lowly motel that seemed like such a good deal!! (only $54 per night! Thanks Angel!) The shock of the motel, made my mind spin . . . be FLEXIBLE, JAMIE!!


We went to a cowboy dinner show for our meal that night. Then we heard about the evening illumination and show at Mt Rushmore and so we went to experience that. Do you know how COLD it gets in SD when the sun goes down? Like 50!! We were freezing!

The day we went to eat breakfast for $.99 at the place where they filmed Dances with Wolves. That was cool! Then we walked around a little craft fair to pass our time.

Then it was time to go to the airport. We made it home at about midnight! I was just happy to give/get hugs and kisses to my family! I missed them like crazy!

More about what God did in me . . . later

What an AWESOME trip!!

We did so many amazing things and God worked in so many ways!! I have so much to share that I don't know where to start!!
. . . I should start with the laundry . . . so I'll write more later!! I can't wait to share!!

Serving Christ Across Cultural Barriers

I am so excited to share that Carley and I will be going to SD to an Indian Reservation. We will be doing a Vacation Bible School for the local children. I am looking forward to seeing God bless my daughter in a special way. We have been preparing for this for quite some time and now we are ready for whatever the Lord has for us!! We leave on Friday and we will be gone for 10 days! We will be in Lower Brule, SD which has a population of 599 people. The closest Walmart is 1 hour away. We will be in a different culture serving people that are very different from ourselves. The Sioux Tribe is the primary group of indians. The reservation where we will be staying has 1300 people on it. Carley has been fascinated with Native Americans for a few years now and she is so excited to be able to minister to them in this way!! Please pray for us as we minister and as we leave behind part of our family. It will be different for all of us.

PRAISE: We sent out letters asking for support. Many of you so graciously donated to our cause and we raised ALL of the money we needed in order to make the trip!! Now that is God's blessing!! Thank you Jesus for making this trip possible! All the glory goes to YOU!!!

GIVE ME JESUS!!

This song is so AWESOME!!! I just keep listening to it over and over and over!!! (I wish I could figure out how to put a playlist on here!!) I want to praise Him "from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets" Ps 113:3. He has given me "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," Eph 3:20. I know I don't deserve it, but because He loves me, He blesses me!! I just want Him to know that in all things famine or FEAST, I will praise Him!!

I have had such a reputation for seeking, praising, and praying more during the famine!! I want him to know that, while life is good and there are no imminent valleys of tribulation, I WANT JESUS!!!! My heart aches for Him! "You can have all this world, Just give me JESUS!!!"

GIVE ME JESUS
by Jeremy Camp
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone,
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Jesus,
You are my Redeemer and Friend! I just want to give you all the praise you deserve!! Thank you for your blessings!! Thank you for famine and feast. No matter what comes my way today, Lord, give me JESUS!!!!