MAY 26, 2011...MY SIX MONTH CHECKUP...

Having my six month check up the day before my kids graduated from high school was a reminder of how thankful I am for my health and the opportunity God has given me to celebrate this special time with them....

Everything was good according to Dr. Williams...I will probably be having my last surgery in August or September of this year.  He thinks that will be a good time....of course, there is alot of time to chicken out before then  LOL....I am so mixed about having this surgery...I don't think I will regret it...it is just something else to go through...something to think on and pray about...

Continue to pray for an end to cancer! 

A BLESSING FOR MY CHILDREN...

Ecclesiastes 3:11


God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart but even so people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from the beginning to the end.


I was drawn to this verse for both of you because my challenge for you would be to realize that God’s plans go beyond the “here and now”. Do not allow the disappointment and discouragements along your journey to adulthood change your focus or your attitude. Your ability to find satisfaction depends to a large extent upon your attitude. You will lose your focus if you lose the sense of purpose God intended for you—whatever that may turn out to be. You will stay focused in your life if you learn how to enjoy your work. Enjoying your work comes from remembering God has given you work to do, the fruit of your labor is a gift from Him and always see your work (no matter what it is…being a college student, doing what you are supposed to do the last two weeks of your senior year, working at a summer job, being in full-time ministry or not being in full-time ministry) as a way to serve God.


I love the phrase “God has planted eternity in the human heart”. You can never be satisfied with earthly pleasures and pursuits because you are created in God’s image. He has put a spiritual thirst in you that only He can satisfy. He has built in you a restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in His perfect rule. You give your heavenly Father so much joy. You are from royalty! He loves you so much more than I am capable of with a much more perfect love. I have depended on His protection for your hearts, minds and bodies during the many times you have walked out the door. I will continue to pray for that as you move on during this journey to adulthood. Don’t ever forget you have eternal value because God loves you so much! You were in His thoughts before you were in mine!


In all of the experiences you have had in serving Him on mission trips and even locally, I have seen each of your hearts mature and develop in different ways. I have been so touched and inspired by the actions of love I have see you display completely on your own.


Laura Beth, when you were a freshman you anonymously bought a pair of shoes with your own money for a friend that had confided in you her family was having financial difficulties and didn’t have extra money to continue building their house they had started. Her shoes had holes in them and the soles were worn out. You found out her size without asking her and bought her a pair of shoes exactly like the ones she had on because you wanted to make sure she liked them and that they would fit. You had someone put them on her desk so they would be there when she came into class. I am sure she will never forget the pair of shoes that showed up on her desk one day!


Jonathan, it is so touching to see your servant’s heart whether it be on mission trips to Romania, Haiti, Memphis, New Orleans or even working with the middle school here at church. When we were in Haiti this past spring break, you were persistent in trying to get a little boy to smile for three days straight and finally he did. I love to see that persistence in you and maybe you can understand a little bit the frustration I have when trying to get you to smile for a brief moment for a photo. How incredibly sweet! I will never get after you for losing yourself on mission trips. You give and receive love more freely, your smile is bigger and it is easier to see God’s joy in your heart.


Jonathan and Laura Beth, you are a double blessing to me. I am so thankful God gave me you. I know this year will bring lots of changes in your life and I am excited for you but a little sad for myself to watch them happen. Our house will seem empty but hopefully a lot cleaner…Your daily presence will be missed greatly.


God has big plans for everyone’s life but so few are able to walk down that path because His perfect plan requires you to go out of your comfort zone and depend on Him. I have always prayed that you would both be open to His plans and that you would go where He can use you best. It is a little scary but exciting to graduate from high school and not know what is going to happen next but seek God through reading His Word and talking to Him everyday and it will become clearer to you.


Laura Beth, don’t be afraid to connect to those around you with a forgiving spirit—you have such insight into situations and at times are wise beyond your years. It can be one of your greatest attributes if used in the right way. Never forget your smile and keep your focus on the positive in your life and in those around you.


Jonathan, you smile has always been one of your greatest attributes since you were very little. It will get you far in relating and connecting to those around you. Keep in mind that your feelings may not always be reality—don’t react to your feelings about a situation. Give yourself time to respond after seeking God’s guidance. I have seen a lot of maturity in you lately especially in this area.


Your Poppy told me the day I went to Milligan College; your attitude is 99% of what happens to you. I truly believe that now 26 years later. There are many people that love you in this room—Wayne, myself, Mimi and Poppie as well as those that have played such an important part in your relationship with Jesus. We are so proud of the adults you are becoming. It is evident that God has an important place in your life and that is so encouraging. We will always love you no matter what happens—you are allowed to make mistakes and that will happen. Our arms are open wide at all times. Remember, you are never alone with God by your side!


I love you both,
Mom

P.S.  So thankful I am here to share this special celebration with you...

THIS IS LONG OVERDUE...

I meant to do this the beginning of May...my life has just slowed down enough from having two kids graduate and all of the end of the year happenings....

I have an awesome friend, Deana Tallent, that took it upon herself to run the THE FLYING PIG HALF MARATHON the first Sunday in May for CHICKS and CHUCKS, a local organization that helps people that can't afford treatment for breast cancer.  They are very involved in our local hospitals and made their name known to me the minute I was diagnosed.  Of course, I had to cheer her on the whole way...she even fell but didn't give up....even in the rain...YOU ARE THE WOMAN, DEANA---someone is going to be able to get the treatment they need, thanks to you!

Continue to pray for an end to cancer!