A good leader leads by example

This morning, as the rain continues to pour from heaven, God continues to pour blessings into my life. I had a wonderful anniversary yesterday. I received the most wonderful gift from my loving husband. I collect Willow Tree Angels and yesterday I received a new one. Child of my heart.

Isn't it beautiful!?! And it was so unexpected!!!

So that's my anniversary story...on to other things... For the past two nights, Chicken Little has slept all night long. Well from 8:30-9:00pm to 4:00-4:30am, but I consider that all night. She's been waking up for a feeding at 4am and then joining us in our bed afterwards. You know, I always said my child would never sleep with me, but there is something so comforting about having my family all in one bed together. And besides, it's not like we don't have the room. So there we are, from left to right, Chicken Little, Mama Hen, and Papa Rooster. All curled up together. It just feels so RIGHT.

Then when I get up for my morning shower, there lays Papa Rooster and Chicken Little. And in that moment tears fill my eyes and I thank God for the beautiful family He's given to me. Yes, he let me borrow this family for our short time here. Just for me!! He really does love me, doesn't' He? He has entrusted this family to me, to honor Him through my love, care, devotion, and adoration I give my family.

As daddy wakes up baby, and they begin to play, I sit staring. Staring at this beautiful father-daughter bond that will hold fast for years to come. I can already see Chicken Little, 4-5 years old, following daddy around. Stepping in his footsteps. As she follows in those footprints we leave behind, I pray we are leading her down the path to God. I pray we are Godly parents and she learns from watching us. After all, Papa Rooster always says, "A good leader, leads by example."

I've never thought about it until now, but parenthood is a lot like marriage. You take the same vows....for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. A covenant entered under God. Something that needs continues work and devotion!!!

Showers of Blessings

Today Papa Rooster and I celebrate four years of wonderful blessings. Four years of marital bliss. Four years of still "getting to know one another". Four years of doing our best to please the other. Four years of happiness, trials, joy, pain...Four amazing, blessed years.

As I was driving to work this morning, I thought back to this day 4 years ago. I was up and rushing to get "beautiful" for my wedding. This was it...I was finally marrying the man of my dreams. And he has helped so many of my dreams come true.
Anyhoo, as I was driving the rain began to beat down harder and harder on my windshield. I could barely see. Once again, the rain took me back to that beautiful day. It reminded me of two things. First, in my (then) 18 years, I had never seen my Great-grand Mother shed one single tear. That day she stopped me in the aisle, stepped out, hugged me and shed such beautiful tears. I knew I was loved that day. Here I was, being shown love by my family, and being accepted with open arms into a new family. My heart pounded with joy.
The second thing the rain reminded me of was my actual wedding "night". Almost as soon as the wedding was over, as we were leaving, the rain began to pour. It rained and rained. My new husband and I went to our new HOME, as our honeymoon was postponed until June!! (Another story for another day). The winds and rain grew stronger and stronger, and because we lived in a mobile home, we decided it was best we spend the night at Papa Rooster's mother and father's home. What a joy that was!!!
Now I know most women are thinking, "there is no way I'm spending my wedding night at my mother-in-law's!!!", but it didn't bother me at all. Besides, I'd just been accepted into this family. That, and I wanted to be safe...LOL.
That was a night I'll never forget. NO, not for the reason's you're probably thinking. We we got there, I'll say 6ish pm or so (the wedding was at 2pm) and the WHOLE family was there. All 3 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, 3 nieces, 1 niece's husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and 1 grandmother from each side of the family. Let's see...thats....(yes, I'm using my fingers)....15 of us total. 15 in a 5 bedroom house!!!! What a ball we had that night!!!! Sitting around talking, listening to the radio for weather reports and updates. I've never felt so much a part of a family!!! I was so happy as to have joined this family!!!!

Now four years later, we've added 2 more children to this family. There is another brother-in-law and a nephew who weren't with us that night. It sort of makes me want to do this again some time...

Four years later, and Papa Rooster and I have been through so much together. He is an amazing husband who is there for me whenever I need him. Taken care of me through 3 surgeries, two of which he had to take me all the way to Atlanta (and all who know him, knows he's a home-body), through trials and tears of trying to conceive, and through the birth of our child. I couldn't ask for someone to love, care, and adore me as much he does. He makes me proud to be a wife!!!
I know our story's not "special" in anyone else's eyes, but to me, it's the cream of the crop. I married my best friend and I thank God for him every day!!!!

Where is God when I need him most?

Driving to work this morning, my mind kept playing that old worn out question..."Where is God when I need him most?"
Almost instantly I got the answer. It was as clear as a tap on the shoulder..."Right where you left me." That's when it clicked.
As I came to this "revelation", I started thinking (scary I know) about children and lost items. The child running through the house screaming, "Mom, where's my shoes, jacket, crayons, etc...". And the response usually comes, "well, where did you leave it last?" It's the same with God.

It's the sheep that stray, not the Sheppard. He's right there, with His ever watchful eye--the same place He's been since the beginning of time.

"Where did you go, God?"---God's not lost, we are. He's never more than a prayer away. He is the calm in the midst of our chaotic lives. You can find him every where you look. No searching in the abyss of the couch cushions, in the depths of a dark closet. He's not like the remote that's always missing. And because He's always right there, readily available to us, we don't have to be the sock with the missing mate. When we accept God, we always come out of the dryer of life with both halves!!!!

If you are searching for God this morning, you don't have to look far, just where you last left Him. I promise He'll still be there, waiting...patiently, with arms open wide, ready to welcome you HOME!!!!!

Blessings of Children

I had such an enjoyable time last night at church. Green food everywhere. What fun!!! Despite the looks, everything tasted very good. I think my favorite was the Broccoli Cornbread. It was delicious!!!

I felt so loved last night. Chicken Little was in a particularly good mood and quite playful. She just smiled at everyone. This just made my heart smile. Then little Cornbread decided he'd spend a little time with me. Oh how my heart melted when he put that little head down on my shoulder and drifted soundly asleep. How sweet is was. Papa Rooster had Chicken Little, and I was rocking little Cornbread. And with all the other children and our church family there, it was just a little piece of heaven!

It was almost as good as Sunday during children's church. I felt 'extra' loved then too. As "Everybody's Mama" was teaching all the little children decided to sit in the back row with me and Chicken Little. Cornbread to my left, FlowerChild in my lap, Chicken Little to my right, Ladybug beside her, and two others beside them (we've got to come up with names for those other 2!!!). I felt like the Little Old Lady living in the Shoe!!!! It is such a blessing to know that I am an active part in so many other children's lives!!!! And it's such a blessing that I have so many people who are active in my child's life.
Whoever said, "it takes a village to raise a child", sure wasn't kidding. And what better village people than your church family.

So this morning, I'm thanking God for all the special people he has placed in mine and my family's lives. He has been and continues to be so very good to me!! I am one very blessed WOMAN!!!

A "good" evil? Opinions Welcomed!

I don't know how many of you know anything about it, but there's a new craze that's hit. Think Harry Potter for older teens and young adults. It's called the Twilight Series. I didn't know much about it other than it was about Vampires. Just with that small amount of info, I knew these books weren't for me. The movie Twilight will hit stores Saturday. I decided to see what all the hype was.
This is how about.com summarizes the movie/book.
Plot Synopsis: Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix, Arizona to rainy and overcast Forks, Washington to live with her dad, fully expecting that it will be miserable for her. As she tries to assimilate into everyday high school life in the small town, she finds herself drawn to Edward Cullen, her mysterious and standoffish Biology lab partner. Yet the attraction between Edward and Bella grows, and soon Bella finds herself immersed in a dangerous adventure that includes Edward's entire family - made up completely of vampires. Throughout the four novels, the love story between Bella and Edward remains central, yet finds itself complicated by the nature of vampires, werewolves, and her loved ones.

When questioned about the Christianity views or moral values of this book, this is how teens responded.
- "they are good vampires, they dont kill people only animals, unless he is a vegaterian that means theyre just as evil as he is. and its a love story, she isnt being manipulated and he spends most of his time protecting her from harm."
-"the characters are "good vampires" - they don't use evil and they do not kill humans. The Cullens don't use any evil magic or anything.. it really is just a love story between human and vampire, with some conflicts along the way, just as every movie/book has. If you check the parental ratings for the movie, there is not much "bad" in the movie and I think it will be a safe watch, as it was a safe read. It is rated PG-13 if that matters too, so I think it will be okay :) It's not like Harry Potter.. it's just a love story with a twist - one of them is a vampire.. that's all :) The Cullens aren't your typical vampire 'breed' either."

Are you serious? A "good" evil? A "moral" vampire? What is the world coming to? It's just a love story, they say.

Am I being "over sensitive" to the whole situation? What are your views on the series?

Longing to be on the outside

It's a beautiful morning I have sleepily stepped into. The sun is shining after a day of dreary rain. The waters are beginning to recede as the sun shines higher, brighter. I would give anything to be outside today. Frolicking in the sun, playing the grass. I would love to be strolling Chicken Little out is the bright sunshine. Watching her little eyes squint in the brightness, that little smile beaming as the wind blows her hair. A picture perfect day...
Instead I'm stuck inside of these four gray, cold walls. I watch as the sun shines through the glass doors in front of me. The flag across the street waves as if saying, "come out and play". The birds prance across the front walk, gazing into the glass at their own reflections. One black bird even brings a gift to his new "friend". Oh to be outside today!!
These walls are beginning to close it. They feel so cold, so unfriendly.
Remember those old school days. The weather would be so nice and warm. The teacher would take the classroom outside. I loved having class out in the warm sun.
I wonder if they'd let me work outside today? Surely the line on the phone could reach through those double doors!!! I can answer just as well outside as inside. That smile I'm required to keep wouldn't have to be forced.

0<*Sigh*>0

Maybe for now I'll just open one of those doors and enjoy the cool breeze. I can't wait for the weekend. I think I'll open my windows and enjoy God's beautiful work!!!!

Interview of a Father/Husband

http://www.wsfa.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=93080&topVideoCatNoB=97608&topVideoCatNoC=153813&topVideoCatNoD=92106&topVideoCatNoE=95084&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3536995



This morning one of the local radio stations did a tribute to those lost in the Samson, Geneva, Kinston shootings. They played a song, and used the interview found in the link above.
The interview is that of Deputy Josh Meyers, after loosing his wife and 19 month old daughter.
I had not been following too closely until today. Of course I knew what had happened, but wasn't aware of many details. After realizing that Meyers' 3 month old was injured Tuesday, I wanted to rush home and just hold my little one.
Listening to the interview this morning I couldn't help but sit here and cry for this family, for all of these families. Where do you go from here?
I couldn't imagine that type of loss. Such innocence...gone.

My heart cries out for all of the victims, but for some reason this family just hits closer to home. I guess it's because of the young child. Pray for all the victims and their families today.
Hug your children and spouse today. Hold them close. Tell them you love them. Only God knows what tomorrow brings.....

Hot Wing/Buffalo Wing Dip

You've just got to try this new recipe. I had planned to make it for the Bible Study on Saturday, but we were unable to go. I made it anyway and brought it to work. I was gone in no time!!!

1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese (room temp works best)
1 cup (8oz) Texas Pete's Buffalo Wing sauce
1 cup (8oz) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup (4oz) blue cheese or ranch dressing
3 cups chicken (I used can chicken--2 cans)

Mix cream cheese and hot sauce well. Hand mixer is best.
Mix other ingredients. (Note: It will be messy)
Bake in oven safe dish on 350 for 30 mins.
Serve HOT with Frito corn chips or celery!!!


This was a hit at work!!!!

Soundtrack Completed

Of course, this could/would change as life changes, but after some serious thought and lots of searching, here's what I've come up with:

Opening Credits: "Iris"-Goo Goo Dolls
Waking up: "Time of Your Life"-Green Day
First day of school: n/a
Falling in Love: "Clumbsy"-Fergie
Prom: "Heaven"-Bryan Adams (This was actually our prom song)
Everyday living: "How You Live"-Point of Grace
Driving: "Summer of '69"-Bryan Adams
Flashbacks: "Remember When"-Alan Jackson
Wedding: "You Are"-Jimmy Wayne (This was our wedding song)
Birth of a child: "Baby Mine"-Alyson Krauss
Funeral Song: "Here Without You"-3 Doors Down (this would only be played in the "movie" version)
End Credits: "100 Years"-Five for Fighting

Soundtrack of Your Life

I got an email earlier about the Soundtrack of Life. I just thought it would be fun to do. Take some time, think about it, and if you will, repost it.

The Soundtrack of My Life

Opening Credits:

Waking up:

First Day of School:

Falling in Love:

Prom:

Everyday living:

Driving:

Flashbacks:

Wedding:

Birth of a Child:

Funeral Song:

End Credits:


*You can add other categories if you'd like. These were just the generic lines the email contained. I'll be working on mine and posting my answers soon.**

Excited to hear your choices!

Blessed Chickens

You must have prayed for a chicken last week!!!! Thank you.
We just got an update on our birds. We were number one!!!! #1 of 8 sellers. The chickens averaged 6.84bls!!! Papa Rooster is very proud!!!

Thank you for praying for a chicken!!!!

TRUNK SALE

Ok, I've calmed down a bit from the previous post. I was reading in one of the Local Newspapers just a moment ago about another TRUNK SALE. It will be @ Clayton Memorial Hall from 10am-1pm. Admission is $1 per adult. The doors will close shortly at 12pm in order to get ready for the half price sale. It may be worth checking our for all of us "locals".
I got some really nice smocked dresses for Chicken Little at last week's sale @ the CC. Nothing she can wear now, but for the prices I had to buy them. Besides, the smocked bishop is such a classic style, it's not going to be "out" when she's a size 12mo-3yr. (Yes, I even bought a 3T!!! Couldn't resist, it was too cute!!)

Anyhoo, just wanted to let you know about Saturday's sale!!!

Mad as a Wet Settin' Hen

Oh, I'm mad as a wet settin' hen! I called the doctors' office today to ask some questions about the baby, as she's still not much better. Her cough had increased overnight. Poor little thing coughs and coughs until she chokes. The nurse at the doctors office didn't seem too concerned about it. Said "the flu can last up to a week." I know this. I've been told this multiple times. I took her in Thursday with a fever. The flu virus didn't just hop on her Thursday and start showing symptoms. She had to have had it a bit before then. Is it just me being over protective of my little one, or is there really cause for concern? One eye is a bit swollen and just pours. It's constantly mattering up. The cough has gotten worse. (Oh, she said she would call in some Acuhist [sp?], but wasn't sure it would do much good...."the cough could last for weeks.") URG!!!!!! Normally, I'm pleased with the information I receive, but this time I'm not so sure.
It's so hard to see my little one so miserable. We're all miserable. No one is sleeping. Papa Rooster and I are not only sleepy, were just totally drained. I don't know if there's much left. It honestly feels like we're working off very little.
Please forgive my ill manners. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

All for LOVE

Close your eyes. Think back to the day you met your spouse. Do you remember where you were? Do you remember those first feelings? Now, think back to the day you realized you were in love with him/her. What did you feel then? And your wedding day? What was on your mind that day?

We all know that when we fall in love, that we feel that God has sent this individual to us. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that God truly sent Papa Rooster to me. I know that His love shines on me through my husband. I didn't think I would ever find anyone quite like Papa Rooster.
I may share Our Story some other time, but for now I'd like to share how blessed I am.

This past weekend has been overwhelming. Chicken Little began getting cranky last Monday and didn't sleep well all week. Of course any mother knows, when your children don't sleep well, you don't sleep well. Anyhoo, after an exhausting few days, she finally slept through the night on Wednesday, which was good, because Papa Rooster had to sell his chickens Thursday.
All was well, and things went along without a hitch Thursday morning. I woke up and began getting ready for work. Papa Rooster woke up and began getting things ready down at the chicken houses, and Chicken Little slept until time to go to Mimi's. Then at 1pm everything changed. Papa Rooster called. Chicken Little got sick at Mimi's. She was running a fever of 101. Scared me... I rushed home from work and took her straight to the doctor. After waiting a while we were finally seen. She was diagnosed with the flu, and there is nothing we can do about it.
We came home, both of us tired and ready for bed. She went down fairly easy and slept ok that night. I didn't rest because I was worried about her.
Papa Rooster came in around 4:30 am and we both went to bed around 5:15am. When Chicken Little woke up, she seemed to feel fine. We played about 45mins before breakfast. We even had a picnic with Papa Rooster for lunch.
Then things changed. I left to get supper and she began to cry. We couldn't console her. Her temp went up a bit, and she was just pitiful. We were up all night Friday night. Saturday seemed a little better until 11am. She wouldn't eat and she couldn't sleep peacefully. At 1pm she began screaming. Not just your regular waking up fussy cries, but ear piercing, gut twisting screams!!!!! We couldn't calm her. Nothing helped. After an hour, we headed to the ER. 5 1/2 hours later, we're headed home with nothing more than when we arrived. No sleep for the weary that night.
Yesterday consisted of holding Chicken Little most of the day. She wouldn't allow me to put her down for more than 5-10 minutes. Naps were taken in my arms. Everything is mommy's arms. Finally at 8pm she went down.
Now this is where my God-send comes in. My night in shining armour. My happily ever after. My Prince Charming. My HUSBAND.
When Chicken Little dozed off, I put her in her swing to sleep. Papa Rooster then put me to bed. He made me go to bed. When I woke up this morning at 2 to feed the baby, I notice the kitchen was CLEAN. All the dishes (other than the bottles) had been washed. The living room was straightened up, and even the mail on the bar was put away!!!!
After the baby was back asleep, I went back to bed and just hugged and hugged him. I thanked God for such a wonderful husband. I never even heard the water running!!!
Well that wasn't even the half of it!!! When I got up for my shower this morning, I went into the laundry room to change out some clothes in the washer/dryer. The laundry room was CLEAN too. Then the bathroom. Everything looked so nice!!!! I couldn't believe it!! What did I ever do to deserve someone like this?! I couldn't help but cry at the thought of it all. God has been so good to me. Blessing me with a wonderful husband. Someone who loves me in spite of all of my flaws, someone who wants to take care of me. Someone who is kind to me and helps me. Someone who is more that I could have ever hoped for.
Papa Rooster is definitely God sent. When I prayed for someone, I never knew I would get someone so wonderful!!!!

Have you thanked God for your spouse today? Have you thanked your spouse today?
I have found in the past that it's easier to concentrate on the things they don't do, rather than the things they do. But today, all that changed. No matter how upset I may get, I'll always look back to the night I was tucked into bed by my loving husband, and woke up to a clean house. Knowing that it was all done in the name of LOVE!!!!!

Prayin' for a Chicken

Have you ever prayed for a chicken? I mean really prayed for a chicken?

I'm sure all of you from the south know a chicken farmer or two. Look anywhere in our neck of the woods and you're bound to see chicken houses. Papa Rooster is selling his chickens today, and praying for chickens is something that comes natural for us. It's as natural as you praying for your children. We pray from the time they're brought to us, to the time they leave. We pray for a good flock, with excellent livability, and heavy weights that bring in good money. Of course we both have full time jobs, but those birds are our livelihood. And if we don't get that good flock, we pray for the patience to deal and live through it.
I can see Papa Rooster now, walking the length of the chicken houses, praying for each chicken.
The sound is like no other. Just listen. Knock-knock-knock from the feed motors. You can hear the feed sliding into the pans. Cluck-cluck-cluck and an occasional cock-a-doodle-do from the chickens. Feathers rustling together as you shuffle through the sea of white. You can hardly move. Chickens are literally on top of one another, from wall to wall for 500ft. You can no longer see the floor. Be careful where you step, you don't want to harm one. That chicken just might bring you 50 cents if you're lucky. Papa Rooster stands amongst them, eyes closed, listening, thinking. I've heard you can tell a lot about your birds from just listening. He's standing there going over everything that needs to be completed, going over the things he's accomplished, and what he could be doing next (I'm sure of this), listening to make sure all is well.
The smell is not so bad. It is something you have to get used to, but it doesn't take long. It's only really bad during catching, clean out, and during the summer. Other than that it doesn't smell. That or I've gotten used to it.
Chickens take up quite a bit of time. They are in Papa Roosters hands for about 8 weeks, and after that, you're either cleaning up after them, or getting ready for the next flock. It's a constant cycle. This is job, not a hobby, but Papa Rooster enjoys is so much. He can go down and loose himself in the sea of white.....


Pray for a chicken today!!!!!

My Baby is Growing...

Mimi just called. Chicken Little rolled over today---twice already!!!!! I hate I wasn't there to see it, but SHE ROLLED OVER!!!!! I couldn't be happier!!!!

Just had to share the excitement!!!!

Update on Daycare

I had a very successful meeting with Mrs. Sheila yesterday. We talked about 45 minutes and went over her policy manual. (I still want Everybody's Mama to look it over). I feel comfortable with her, yet at the same time, just break into tears when I think about Chicken Little being with someone other than Mimi. Mrs. Sheila came across as a very humble, very quiet individual. At this time she has 4 small ones--10 mos, 14 mos, 17 mos, and 3 years. To my understanding the 3 yr old is there only half a day, as she attends pre-school and then Mrs. Sheila after lunch. 3 school aged children ride the bus to her home, and are picked up within about an hour of drop-off.
One thing I found interesting is that she takes 2 days in late March or early April for a ladies retreat with her church (tries to schedule during the school spring break holidays) and then a week in July for a Ladies conference with her church. Her husband is in remission from throat cancer. She told me that they were not fancy people and that most days I would find her with her hair pulled back and in her long jean skirts and a T-shirt. That of course has no bearings on the ability to care for a child, but suits me just fine. Her granddaughter will be moving into the mix around July or August (at around 8 weeks of age), bringing her total (with Kalyn) to 6.
I don't think that I'm having negative thoughts about Mrs. Sheila, just daycare in general. My heart is breaking. I cried on the way home last night. I think that Mrs. Sheila would be good to her, but it's just not the same as Mimi.
As the time for daycare decisions to be made nears, I ask that you pray for our final decision, Chicken Little's welfare, and Mommy. I think the transition will be harder on me that it will be on her.

I'll keep you posted as I continue to listen for God's answer.
Mrs. Sheila said she always prays that God sends her the right families, and that she would also be praying for us as we made our decision.

Daycare for Chicken Little

My heart is sinking further and further by the minute. After work I'm meeting with a lady about putting Chicken Little in daycare. This lady has been highly recommended and I have heard nothing but good reviews. Many people have told me I wouldn't find a finer Christian lady. That's exactly what I've been praying for.
My heart breaks just thinking of putting Chicken Little in daycare. I know that some mothers have to put their little ones in daycare at 6-8 weeks. And I know how blessed I am to have someone like Mimi to keep her everyday. And I am very thankful for that, but my in-laws are getting older and I know that when Chicken Little becomes mobile (or a little more active for that matter) that caring for her will be a bit more challenging.
If I find a good daycare, I feel I better jump on an opening, because who knows what will be available when daycare is a MUST!
I ask for prayers as Papa Rooster and I make this hard decision. We have prayed and are continuing to pray about this matter everyday. When I look for daycare services, I'm looking for someone who would raise my child in a manner that I would raise her, since I can't be with her all day. I hope Mrs. Johnston is an answer to our prayers.
During my search for daycare, I have found that most have ordered a "Christian" stamp. They stamp everything. On the surface everything thing seems God centered and as you dig deeper, the ink begins to smear. By the time you are completely through the interview, handbook, or tour of the facilities, the water-based ink used is completely gone.
I want something for my child that is steady, wholesome, and Christ centered.
Can you truly teach "Christian" based curriculum, or be considered a Christian facility if you yourself are not a Christian? Can you live one life and teach children to live another? And expect them to actually live it? This goes for parents, daycare providers, Sunday School teachers, or any teacher in general. I've always despised the saying "Do as I say, and not as I do." My wise husband once told me "a good leader leads by example". How right he is. I hope I am a wonderful example to my darling daughter, my lovely children at church, and my community. In the same aspect I would like my daughter (and future children) to be raised in the presence of individuals who live out their Godly testimony.

Thank you to all of you who are involved with my little one!!!!

Contentment

Have you ever had trouble being content? My eyes are tempted by all the newest sunglasses. My ears are burning for those new shining diamond earrings. My hands are aching to touch all the new clothing. My nose can smell the scent of a new car. My feet are wanting desperately to slide into those cute summer sandals. My mouth wanting to speak those words, "look what I just got". My checkbook is already beginning to sweat as I get closer and closer to an item, and my heart begins to break. Not because I can't have all these things, but because I'm not being content with the things I have. My heart cries, not because of the material things, because I wonder where I've shoved God during this "want" fit. Wait a minute, there He is. Way in the back....behind all the materialistic wants.

*SIGH* Now, if I push Him way in the back, how can I expect to allow others to see Him through me. He's now close enough to the front of my life for all to see. Think about being at a concert of your favorite artist. Don't you want front row seats so you can definitely see what's going on? Don't you really want to see the band and not just hear them? If you're way in the back, you're only going to catch glimpses now and then, and that's no fun.

So materialistically speaking, I guess I am content right now. The pair of sunglasses I've had for the past year are so are perfectly fine. No visible scratches, and the fit perfectly. I have a pair of diamond studs Papa Rooster bought for me one Christmas. Granted they're not those 2 carats that light up a room, but they were a gift for him, so they much more valuable. My closet is filled with clothes that I've only worn once or twice and I have plenty of nice things (so I can look presentable). Sure my car has a few thousand miles on it, but it's still in pretty good condition, and I actually like it. And don't get me started on all the shoes in my closet, half of which I don't wear most of the time. So for now I will be content with the material things.
But contentment goes far beyond the materialistic. My relationship with God? No, I'm not content. My eyes wish to see as He sees. My ears to hear wisdom from Him. My hands to reach others for Him. My feet to go where He needs me. And my heart of be closer to Him. I want to have a stronger relationship with God. No, I'll never be content with that until I meet Him face to face. And I'm working on that relationship everyday, until I can be fully content.
So are you content with the materialistic things? What about with your relationship with God?

Snow Wonderful

What a beautiful Lord's day we had yesterday!!! We woke up around 7am to snow. It was only small amounts but it was definitely SNOW. I comtemplated getting the baby out for church, but I'm glad I did. The children had so much fun working on their "people". I'll have to post pictures when they're complete.



As we were leaving church the snow began to fall again. Oh it was so beautiful. Everyone was hurrying to their vehicles to get in out of the cold. When we got home around 2:30 we were amazed at the beautiful scene before us. The dam of the pond was completely white. The trees were gorgeous. Even those smelley chicken houses were a beautiful wintery sight!!!

This is our house in the snow. It reminds me of something "olden". It just has such a "homey" feeling to it.

These are the trees in the front pasture.

The chicken houses. See, I told you even they were pretty.

This is the back yard and Papa Rooster's Barn and shed. It's hard to see, but in the tree hangs a piece of equipment. The snow covered tree with that piece of John Deere equipment was an awesome sight!!!


And this by far is my favorite picture. This is the window into our bedroom. I love the "old" shutters. And they're beautiful covered in snow!!!