This is the first full week of school for our county.  It has been a seasonably cool week which tosses my mind into fall.  Fall is my favoriteseason.  The smells, apples, pumpkins,casseroles, the brisk air, the beautiful sunrises, the yummy food, wearing jeans, sweatshirts and gym shoes, fires in the fireplace, which will be new to our family (our first season with a fireplace, yippee).  Having a warm cup of coffee in my hand most of the day with yummy varieties of creamers to choose from.  Ah..but it is still summer.  This is a sweet tease of what is to come.  Come on already fall, I am ready for you. 

On Monday I had the privilege to sit with9 or so moms and pray for our children, their schools, and our families.  Have you ever done that?  Have you ever sat and heard other moms pray for your child?  Have you ever prayed for another child and another mom.  This is an incredible honor.  I want to pass on an organization that does just this.  Moms in Touch is a wonderful way to get with other moms from your child’s school and drench the school, the staff and the kids in prayer!  You meet for an hour once a week and get encouraged, inspired, refreshed and renewed as you praise and pray to Jesus.  Check them out! 

I pray for my girls to be different.  To be the kids that others see, wondering what is different about them, giving them the opportunity to share Jesus.  Now, I know that Natalie cannot share Jesus but through our family,  we can.  How we  respond to things that arise at school, how we respond to the ones that help her daily, how we respond to the staff and other children, how we respond to the life that has been given to us.  I pray that my girls shine bright for Christ and are set apart.  I pray that they are uncommon, in how they act, treat others, obey and respond.  I pray for protection over the school, the staff, the kids, the bus drivers, the janitorial staff.  I pray for a fruitful school year.  That not only educational growth happens, but spiritual growth happens. 

Drench your families in prayer, communicate your heart with Jesus.  He wants to talk to you!

My girlfriend Carol and I had the privilege to attend Living Proof Live with Beth Moore last weekend in Lexington.  To say we had fun is an understatement!!  We had a total blast.  First we got to get away for some girl time, second we got to stay in a nice hotel and we each got our own bed..with fluffy pillows and third, I prayed that God would speak to my heart and soul over the weekend.  I have been dealing with some internal struggles and let me just say that God delivered HUGE through Ms. Beth. 

The title of the event was “Jeremiah, author of Lamentations, Eat Pray, Love, One women’s search for everything across Egypt, Israel and exile.”

This was both of our first times to a Living Proof event, so we weren’t sure what to expect.  It blew my mind.  We had great seats, row F, from the floor up, which were not bad at all (it was open seating).  We were at eye level with whoever was on the stage. The worship that Travis Cottrell and the praise team did was incredible.   With voices shouting praises, hands raised in honor and hearts crying out to Jesus we belted it out.  In the moment, total connection.  There were 11,000 women from 29 states, that’s alot of women!  Here are two of them:

Beth M. brought a powerful teaching from Jeremiah.  She picked out scriptures that helped us remember Eat, Pray, Love.  She spoke alot about brokenness, desserts, idols and pretence.  God wants to meet us in our brokenness so that we can heal and be a witness for him.  God wants to come to the desserts in our lives and plow up the land.  A dessert is anyplace that we don’t allow God access.  Idols will cause us tons of trouble.  This statement was huge, ” we become what we follow, we will be like the idols we follow”  so what are you becoming?  God wants us to stop pretending.  How we worship, live, serve and love.  Stop pretending!   Be real, be free and be who Christ called you to be.   Big time stuff.  Deep pondering things.  It was what I needed for where I am right now.  Praise Jesus!  If you can ever get to a Living Proof Live event GO!  They are incredible and powerful.

Well, I am gonna leave you with some pictures.  Carol and I did have an awesome thing happen.  After the Friday evening session we sat in our seats allowing the crowd to clear out of the stadium.  While sitting there I glanced down at the stage and saw Travis Cottrell chatting with 10 or so women.  I told Carol to get her bags we were heading down there.  We got to meet him! Such a sweet guy who puts his whole heart into what he does.  He signed out program and we got a quick photo!  Isn’t that the coolest!!  What a way to end the summer for me.  Have a great weekend!

Whew, it has been a busy yet very fun summer.  We decided the last week of June that we were going to put in a pool.  I didn’t realize what an undertaking this would be.  It was well worth it, we have had a blast swimming all summer.  Natalie has had some water therapy sessions and the warm water helps her muscles. 

Phoebe and I went to Happy Hills Church Camp with our church.   I have to admit, I was a little nervous,  about the bugs.  But, we had fun and Phoebe learned so much.  It was only one night but she told me she can’t wait till she can stay many many nights. 

The best was the “water slide”  This thing is incredible.  They had a guy come in with a backhoe and trench this thing out.  The kids and adults had a blast!

Ms. Tonya

Camp was so much fun and tons of memories were made.  This will be something Phoebe does every summer.  Oh, by the way, we didn’t see that many bugs…hahah.

We spent tons of times with friends, having fun, eating yummy food and snacks.  Isn’t that what summer is all about!

Phoebe and Megan

Karla and Hannah

Phoebe and Emma

My girls w/ the Coop kids

last yippee before school starts!!

 So as you can see we did alot of swimming and visiting which was terrific.  School started today for our county which brings mixed feelings.  Natalie is in 5th grade, which is hard to believe, and Phoebe is in 1st.  My home is empty and quiet.  This will be a huge change for me but I am ready for routine and for fall.  I hope to help out at school and dive into bible study in a few weeks!  It does sadden me a bit.  Where has the time gone?  For those out there with little ones at home still, cherish you time.  It flies by! 

First day of school 2010-2011

Have you ever met or know of someone who just has a joy about them?   They enjoy life, enjoy others,  making  you want to be around them hoping that some of whatever they have rubs off on ya.  I have a few people I could name, how about you?

I have found that in my crazy life, I don’t do much celebrating.  I just make sure the lists are done and checked off.  Then I collapse into bed exhausted.  I get up the next day and do the “lists” all over again.  Not fun and no way to live.  That is what life and it’s curve balls has done to me.  I am not complaining or looking for empathy, just being honest.  Life is tough and sometimes how we thought things were going to go..well they don’t.    So I have decided that while I am pursuing simplicity, I want to celebrate life.  I want to celebrate those I love, celebrate who I am in Jesus and just have some simple fun.  Life is too short and too stinking busy.  So let’s share what we can celebrate and how.  Who do you want to celebrate?  What do you want to celebrate?  Who would you like to celebrate and how are you going to celebrate?  Let’s be fun, simple and enjoy life.  Let’s catch us some joy and laughter!  Here are some ideas I have come up with.  Now we  know we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, births of babies, graduations, weddings and baptisms so let’s think outside of the box! 

**when our kids figure out potty training…hallelujah!

** the graduation from kindergarten to first grade..that is a big one..all day school. 

** the first day of school and the last day of school.  (fix a special breakfast or dinner)

** promotions at work

** driver’s license

** passing quizzes and tests

** teachers/mentors

** neighbors

** our first date anniversary with our spouse..(hopefully you can remember)

** weight loss

** achieving a goal

** reunions

** memorizing scriptures

** your child learning to ride a two wheeler

** your child learning how to swing themselves

Okay so share some you have thought of.  What do you do to celebrate?  We can make a cake, go for ice cream, make a celebration banner,go to a  favorite restaurant, have a picnic, go to a specialty cupcake store, have a special plate that is used that night for dinner or dessert, make a homemade card, take a picture, start a celebration journal that you leave sitting out so others can see what your family celebrates.  

It will be fun learning how we all celebrate life and our families/friends.  I know that I need to have my memory jolted and I am sure we will come away with tons of  ideas and ways to not just do our “lists” but to live and do it with a burst of pizazz!

Hey out there, long time no blogging!  Things here have been utterly crazy!  We had end of school activities and than summer is upon us. 

track and field day

Phoebe was the first base gal..

 My dad was in town for a visit and it poured rain on Saturday so we had Mario Kart Wii battles.   It was hysterical watching my dad trying to get the hang of the control. 

He finally figured it out and the battle was on!  They had a blast and it was a good way to spend a rainy day.  The visit was terrific…great food, great conversation and the girls getting to spend time with Papaw W. and Gramma W.  They headed out on Sunday to go back to Georgia and we headed to Louisville.  My mother in law turned “65″ this weekend and she had a birthday party.  We had beautiful weather and tons of food.  What’s a party with no food??  We had BBQ, buffalo chicken dip, salad, deviled eggs, potato salad, fruit, slaw and to finish it off…CAKE.  Now this was not just a cake, it was carrot cake and I mean it was good!  Rich, creamy, and the edges were dredged in toasted almonds.  Check it out..

 Do you see where Phoebe is sitting..yep that’s my girl.  She doesn’t miss a thing.  Nana cut her that huge yellow balloon for her piece! 

 The kids played in the sprinkler and we sat under the shade tree.

Natalie enjoyed being outside.  The warm weather is so good for her.  I just wish we could get rid of these dang ear infections.  It seems like we get rid of one and within weeks she gets another.  UGH!

So we are in the midst of summer.  I love it.  No schedules, relaxing, eating dinner late, sitting outside, visiting with family and friends, summer fare food, flip flops, pools, sunscreen, tank tops, fresh fruit…the list goes on and on.  What have you been up to or what do you have planned?  Do you have any goals that you are working on this summer or do things get placed on the back burner for these 3 months? 

Have a blessed week!

I had such a great Mother’s day weekend.  It started with getting to meet a loser.  Yep, I got to meet a contestant from the hit TV show The Biggest Loser.  Abby Rike was a contestant on season 8, when she started Biggest Loser she weighed in at 247 pounds.  She was voted off on week 7 (I think) and went home to loose a total of 100 pounds.  She has lost more since and is happy and healthy.  My home church invited  her to share her amazing story.  Abby is funny, sweet and inspirational.  She talked about her journey and how God has paved the way for her to be who she is called to be, because she is obedient.  Through her tragedy arose victory!   I took away some key statements, 1.  Don’t be defined by the scale…let the number be your starting point on your journey to health, it’s all about being healthy not the numbers.  2.  Choice embowers you to be what you want to be if you choose to choose wisely.  3.  Are you existing or living and if you are just existing what changes do you need to make so you are living?   She was a delight to meet! 

Tricia with Abby Rike

This morning I was surprised with breakfast in bed!  Yum, it was delicious and so very nice.  We attended church and heard a great sermon on beauty.   Gals, it is all about the beauty on the inside!  The most beautiful thing to God is Jesus.  God is more concerned about the condition of our heart, not what we are wearing or our hair style.  We have let society dictate what is beautiful and majority of the time their beautiful is photoshopped and touched up!  Let’s stand up and stand firm on God’s truth regarding beauty.  We are gorgeous to Christ!  He delights in us just as we are.  Now, I do believe we should treat our bodies as the temple they are, taking care of them but let’s claim our beauty in Christ!  

 We came home from church and dug in the dirt planting flowers and plants.  I think alot of families around here do this on Mother’s Day weekend.  It is the official, it’s okay to plant flowers, the weather is good now in KY. 

I pray that you have a wonderful mothers day!  I pray that you claim your beauty in Christ and pass this truth onto the girls in your circle! 

Here are my delights and my beauties!  I love them with my entire being. 

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!  GOD BLESS

Hi friends,  isn’t God’s creation beautiful.  This time of year amazes me.  All the color and growth.  I hope wherever you live you are enjoying spring. 

Well, babies are coming to our home.  It is so exciting!  Oh, what to do to prepare.  Cleaning and nesting.  Anticipating the arrival.  What will they look like, what will we name them?  Will they be up all night or will they get on a good routine?  Will one be a early riser, will one be the babbler, will one…oh, you probably are thinking I am having babies, oh no not me, this one is having the babies,

Mama bird

She built her nest outside our bonus room.  It is so cool how it is a perfect circle.  She must have worked so hard.  We can pull the curtains back and be nose to beak with her.  She usually flies away quickly but doesn’t go far, keeping an eye on her babies.  Here are her babies first photo’s.

This was yesterday

This was today..four eggs!

Someone told us that she would lay four eggs and then she would tend to sit on them  most of the time, not leaving the nest.  Well, we now have four.  So I guess we will see more of Mama.  It will be fun seeing the little birds hatch and teaching  the girls about God’s wonderful creation and the amazing miracles of birth!   So now the big question is what to name them?  I am sure we will come up with something fun! 

We will keep you posted on the “hatching.”  I just can’t wait to see them, no feathers and all.  I have never seen baby birds.  It’s kinda ironic…new home, new dreams, new birth happening literally right outside our window.  I like to believe it is God smiling down on us, saying that things are joyful, things are delightful, things are fresh and we are going to have many new dreams and memories “birthed” out of our new home.  Yep, that’s God!!   He is a blast, I adore and praise HIM!!

Bet you are confused?  Growing what with soap?  Ourselves in God’s word!!    This is such a great idea!  With summer right around the corner, I know many of us are trying to decide what bible study to do, and how we’re going to get our quiet time in with kids home and very open schedules.  This idea is gonna help you. 

I like to start my day by getting cleaned up and closer to God with a little SOAP.  The SOAP I’m talking about is more than just a surface clean, though…  it is a way to get into God’s word and grab my nugget every single time I read.

So, what is this SOAP?  Well, I’m glad you asked…

It is a simple way to read through the Lord’s word, pray and reflect on just what He might be telling you in that passage.

All you need for your study/ journaling time is a Bible, notebook, pen and about 20 minutes, depending on the length of your passage.

Here’s what I do:

Pray, asking God to guide me through His Word and clear my mind of distractions.

Read the passage and find the one thing I believe God is telling me that morning. Then I journal about it using the acrostic SOAP as a guide.

S: Scripture-Write the ONE scripture that I feel God is using to speak to me in today’s reading

O: Observation-What might He be telling me with that scripture?

A: Application-How can I apply it to my life?

P: Prayer-What is my prayer to ask God in helping me to make that application?

Isn’t that a terrific idea.  Give it a try and let me know how it goes.   This was not my idea.  I got it from this blog, check it out!   The gal was thrilled that I wanted to share it with you.

Hi, it’s been a while.  We have been in the process of a move.  Boy, that is alot and I mean alot of work.  We have moved before but not like this one.  Maybe because we are older and have a little one running around and Natalie’s sched. is hectic. Nope, it’s because we are older..hahaha.   The new house is such a blessing.  Caring for Natalie is much, much easier.  She has a roll in shower, there are no thresholds in any of the doors to bump he over, (those are the things at the bottom of the doors that you step over) the elevator has been awesome, she laughs when we get in and her therapy room will be terrific once we get what she wants and needs in it.  It is starting to feel like home.  We felt like we were on vacation the first week or so. 

The great thing is that now we can focus on our family.  Things are in the past, we are in our new accessible home and we can begin a whole new book.  The old book is finished, complete.  I love that feeling!  We can set new goals and dreams moving  forward!   It has been quite a journey with many mistakes and many, many blessings!  God has been faithful and mighty!  We have fond memories but there is just something about moving on. 

Speaking of being finished, the morning bible study that I go to is finishing up our study this week.  We have been on an incredible journey through “Experiencing God.”  If you have never done this study I would strongly encourage you to.  It is life changing.  You will learn how much God loves you and desires a relationship with you.  You will learn how to know when God is speaking to you, how to believe HIM and adjust your life to him so that you will experience all he has for you.  It’s all about not having a religion but a relationship!!  

I have to say that I am really sad.  I will miss my small group gals.  We  had some wonderful, deep conversations and have had tremendous growth in our group.  We have witnessed answered prayer and have seen the hands of God at work within us.  I will be eagerly be anticipating our reuniting in the fall!  This brings me to another topic.  What to study over the summer?  Summertime is always hard.  The kids are home, time is scarce and the days begin to run together.  All the activities keep you hopping.  But, that is one thing that I learned through Experiencing God, you have to stay in God’s word, staying connected and growing.  Just because it is summer doesn’t mean that we place God on the back burner.  We don’t put our time with Jesus on hold.  What if he did that to us?  What if he sent us an email telling us that he had some bigger fish to fry and he would be back with us in a month or so???  WHOA..that makes me think about how I treat my relationship with Christ.  What do I allow to become more important than HIM?  Sleep, t.v. shows, phone calls, housework, friends, kids activities, emails, facebook, twitter or searching the web.  This summer I want to make sure I am in the word, studying and growing.  So, if you have participated in a great summertime bible study, please share.  I would love some suggestions.  If you did, was it by yourself or did you do it as a group?  If it was with a group, how did you handle the kids?  Did you meet in the morning, afternoon, or the evening when dads are available?   Thanks in advance and I look forward to seeing what you all have done to stay connected to God!  Praying we all experience Jesus daily! 

P.S.  I hope to post some photo’s this week  from Easter and the new home!

I hope the weather is as nice where you are than what it has been here.  Spring has arrived..PTL!!  I love hearing the birds in the early morning.  The beauty of God’s creation is breathtaking! 

I wanted to share with you a wonderful learning opportunity.  Proverbs 31 Ministries offers “She Speaks.”  This is a writers, speakers, and women’s ministry conference.  I read about it last year and began praying about going.  Well, now I really desire to go.  Let me explain why. 

Ever since Natalie’s injury I have had a few consistent people tell me that I need to speak.  Not because I am eloquent with words or have amazing bible knowledge but because they see something in me.  Well, I wasn’t sure what they saw  until recently.  They saw a hope in Jesus even when life handed me devastation and terrible heartache.  When my daughter suffered and life as my family knew it radically changed,  I  praised Jesus!!  I turned to Christ and his word to lead and guide me.  Choices…we all have them, it is what we do with them that matters.  I choose to praise God! 

God has done incredible things in my life the past 3-4 months.  He is so faithful and I adore HIM.  I have come to know truths that are so incredible I am still in awe over it.  I am learning to be BOLD IN Christ a whole new way.  I am learning to realize who I am IN Christ. 

I recently spoke at our morning bible study.  The topic was “adjusting your life to God.”  When I accepted, within days, I decided that I was going to back out. I am not equipped to prepare a lesson.   I prayed and talked with friends about it.  I spoke to our women’s ministry leader and she said that she was glad to hear that I was so nervous and felt ill-equipped.  That means that it will all be Christ!  That spoke volumes to me…I was going about this the wrong way, my way.  So I set out on my journey.  I came up with one outline after another.  I felt God telling my soul that they were good, but not the one.  Until…I had a huge personal breakthrough.  One that is too deep to go into here on the blog but can I just say that it was BIG, HUGE and provided tons of growth in the Lord.  So God gave me the words for the lesson, I walked up on that platform, and spoke truth and hopefully shined for Jesus.  I made it through with minimal tears, which was a God thing because our families story was woven throughout the entire lesson.  

So now this conference has been placed before me again.  I want to go to learn how to be prepared, how to form outlines for speaking,  how to come up with topics that move individuals into a deeper relationship with Jesus and the do’s and don’ts.   Lysa Terkeurst is giving away a scholarship for the conference.  If you don’t follow her blog, link up to it.  She is fun, witty and loves Jesus.  Her newest book was such a  fun read and very real.

Here is a link to the She Speaks Conference.  It is July 31-Aug. 1 2010.   Check it out, maybe you will want to go.  I am praying that if I am meant to go, God will make a way.   He is faithful!! 

Have a great weekend and many spring blessings!!