Laminin

Hello, Friends!

I ran across this video this morning.. I'm such the airhead, I honestly can't remember if I've shared it before? It's an AWESOME illustration of how BIG, how LOVING, how MIGHTY, and how PERSONAL our GOD is!

Have a BLESSED day!
Love,

Redemption 2009, Memphis, TN

Hello, Friends!

I'm SO SORRY I didn't make it to update on Sunday (or even earlier today) as I had said I would. It seems that I got a bit of food poisoning on Sunday. I was up most of the night last night (Sunday night) and have not completely shaken it today. (I'm SOOOO TIRED!) Enough whining, though! On with the news, eh? ☺

So my big secret was that I went out of town this weekend. Our sweet friends from Habitat for Hope pulled together a retreat for a few mom's they've worked with from St. Jude and from Lebonneher. (sp?) Mrs. Priscilla Shirer was in Memphis and we all gathered together to attend this event! (Have you heard of Pastor Tony Evans? Priscilla is his daughter... he's one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE preachers! He doesn't "sugarcoat" the word, he just puts it OUT THERE!) It was a wonderful, WONDERFUL event! She was speaking on racial unity. I think it was Priscilla who suggested we look around, "because THIS is what HEAVEN is gonna look like"! (It was AWESOME!)

Oh, and don't let me forget to mention that Mrs. Shirer's brother, Anthony Evans lead the singing... I found a video of him on YouTube. (Nothing like being there of course.. but OUTSTANDING nonetheless!) ☺

My mind is still racing with thoughts and I truly don't know where to begin. =-)

I suppose I could start with the fact that this trip almost didn't happen for me. See, I let FEAR take root... I couldn't stand the thought of going to Memphis without Link. (For any of you that might be new to my blog.. Memphis is where our son went HOME to be with JESUS) It's his TRUE "birthplace" of sorts.. amen?

Memphis holds COUNTLESS HAPPY memories for me.. it's where Brent LOVED to be. (He ABSOLUTELY LOVED St. Jude and couldn't be happier than when he was in that hospital!) I thought to myself the day we made the very first trip home without him, that I'd NEVER be able to go to Memphis again, much less step foot back in that hospital. (This trip was my second time to do both)... I'll share more on that in a bit.

THANKFULLY, Mylissa didn't give up on me. She called and texted and even offered to have Link & the boys stay at their home while we were at the retreat. My SWEET HUBBY agreed because he knew how BADLY I wanted to be reunited with my sisters - my St. Jude sisters!

I REALLY NEEDED this trip. I've felt SO ALONE in recent days... I have LOTS of people here that love me, and I don't doubt that... but when it comes to "heart friends"... well, that's a different story. See, I want so badly to be able to talk freely about Brent... I mean, if what I'm wanting to say is relevant to the conversation. However, I don't always feel free to do that. I can tell that it makes some people uncomfortable. (At times I feel like some feel I should be "over it") Well, for those reasons alone this weekend was JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

I realized that GOD has me in the season I'm in so that I will draw nearer to HIM.

HE should be my EVERYTHING.... and honestly, I'm a bit stubborn... sometimes it takes being in a place that I don't want to be for me to TRULY CLING to HIM.

As you can see.. I did some "letting go" and surrendered my feelings to the LORD. I asked HIM to FILL my HEART with HIMSELF. I asked HIM to let me be CONTENT with where I am... and most of all, I asked HIM to use me. I said over and over again that I wanted what Brent went though to matter. Because of Romans 8:28, I know that his life, and what he suffered DID matter! ("And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.") I know that GOD has brought us through what I believe to be the one of the most painful things a person can experience in this world. (Honestly, the only thing that I can imagine that would be worse, would be for my son to have left this world without JESUS) Because of where I've been, and how the LORD has carried me.. I KNOW that I can be used to help others... and I sure don't want to miss it because my eyes aren't FOCUSED on our LORD!

Yes, it was AWESOME to be able to talk about Brent FREELY to other ladies, I mean, SISTERS that have walked in my shoes. (There were ladies there that have lost children and some who are still in the fight) It truly was JUST what I needed!

Now, I couldn't stand the thought of being so close to our beloved hospital without going by to see some of our nurses. We were able to see Mrs. JoAnn (she was Brent's Nurse Practitioner). He ABSOLUTELY ADORED her! We also saw Mrs. Nancy, who would've adopted Brent as her own... ☺ Then of course we saw Sara. She was there the morning Brent went home to be with JESUS. She stood in the room with us just before we left. Link told Sara and Joni not to EVER feel like what they do doesn't matter, because we LOVED them and they made ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world to Brent and to us!

As I mentioned earlier, my mind is still racing from it all.. the whole thing was bittersweet. SO MUCH FUN and SO REFRESHING to be with my sisters.. and yet so hard to be back in Memphis. (It WAS MUCH EASIER this time though.. PRAISE GOD!!!)

I'd like to say a HUGE "THANK YOU" to those of you who prayed for us. See, the journey up Hwy 55 was in itself, a MOUNTAIN for us. Through GOD'S grace we had an AMAZING weekend! I'd also like to say THANKS to HFH for hosting us, and for continuing to stand beside us. They truly go ABOVE AND BEYOND in their ministry to our family and so many others.

Okay, my friends.. it's late and I'm REALLY tired. I'll try to check in again soon and get those pictures I'd promised posted. O=-)

THANKS again for being here and for your prayers!

Love,

☺

Hello, Friends...

I didn't realize it'd been so long since I posted... YIKES! I mean, where DOES the time go??? For us, it's been just the normal day to day stuff. We've REALLY been ENJOYING the spring-type weather! Mr. Sam (my hubby's dad) has already been hard at work breaking up my garden. (You may know the drill - breaking the ground and letting the grass die.. THEN we can start PLANTING! I'm REALLY EXCITED about adding some new veggies this year along with several different types of fruit! Hopefully the boys will enjoy watching things grow and become a little more adventurous in trying new foods... YEAH, RIGHT!) Ha!!!

Okay, as much as I'd like to stay and talk.. I really better turn in for the night. I just truly didn't want to let another day pass without checking in. (I REALLY MISS you guys when I'm not able to visit with you!) I'll have some really FUN news to share with you by the first of the week.. maybe even as early as Sunday. I'll try to get pictures up to share as well. (I know, I'm TERRIBLY BEHIND on posting pics) O;-)

Alrighty.. I'll check back with you soon. Thanks SOOOOOO MUCH for checking in with us here! (Hey, while I've got you for a moment.. would you lift a prayer every time you think of our family this weekend? The need for the your prayers, and the prayer request, will be part of the news I'll share)

THANKS AGAIN!

With MUCH LOVE & MANY (((HUGS)))

Simply BEAUTIFUL

Hello, Sweet Friends!

I've let another whole day pass without posting.. so once again I'm sharing a video. (I DO hope you're not getting tired of these) O:-)

This video was emailed to me by a friend and it brought out a TON of emotions! (The video is of some men singing "Amazing Grace" in the Coliseum in Rome)

See, any Christian can easily be brought to tears hearing this song.. but it hits me on another level. It wasn't long after we'd brought Brent back to Memphis (to let him "go HOME") that Link was awakened one night by the sound of our PRECIOUS Little Man singing his heart out. Yes, he was singing, "Amazing Grace"! (Brent spent his last days in almost constant conversation with the LORD, praying, talking about JESUS, or singing songs to his LORD)

Another part of this BEAUTIFUL old hymn that "gets" me is the very last verse..

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see."


I can only imagine what our Little Man is doing up there.. besides the most AWESOME of all things.. sitting in the presence of our JESUS.. he's also HEALED. No more sickness, no more pain, no more sorrow. I can't WAIT to get my arms around my PRECIOUS BOY again!

Here's the video...

Signing off with this passage...

Revelation 7:15-17 (New American Standard Bible)

15"For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

16"They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;

17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."



We have SO MUCH to be thankful for.. and to look forward to.. AMEN??? ☺


Until next time...
Love,

This is HILARIOUS!

Hello, Friends..

I've fallen behind in my posts again.. always wanting to do more.. always meaning to.. just not getting it done. O:-) I seem to take the easy way out more often than not.. (posting videos) Today will be no different. LOL!! My friend Greg shared this with me and after watching it I couldn't wait to share it with you! (I laughed SO HARD I was CRYING!!) I suppose I should warn my bloggy sisters that if you're wearing mascara you might wanna grab a napkin BEFORE watching it! I kid you not, it's THAT funny! ☺



Oh yeah.. be sure to turn your volume up!

I hope you're having a GREAT week!
Love You,

Zach & "Buddy"

Hello, Friends.. I know I said I'd be posting a more serious post soon but this video is just too cute not to share. (Besides, I'm finding myself once again at the end of another day with little time left) If you've been with me for any of the past few posts you know that we're raising a baby calf. Well, technically, ZACH is. He's been bottle-feeding the little one since we lost his mama and has affectionately named the calf, "Buddy".

In this video you'll see how Buddy has learned to trust Zach and also LOVES to "play" with him. (You'll hear our collie, Lassie, barking.. she's jealous that Zach's playing with "someone else")

Also, watch closely.. and be sure to turn up the volume when you see Gabe enter the pen. He's watched Zach run while the calf chases him many times before and he wants to "play the game too". Well, he THINKS he does.. You'll hear Gabe SQUEAL after he realizes the chase is ON! (I was ROLLING when this happened and STILL find myself CRACKING UP EVERY time I watch it)

Thanks for hanging with me here! I sure do appreciate you for visiting! =-) Maybe, just MAYBE I'll get caught up soon. HA!!

Take care..
Love,

I MIGHT be a Redneck..

Hello, Friends..

I wanted to start this post by "coming clean" about the RipStik. I didn't think about the way I worded the title of the last post until much later... SOOOOO... just to make certain that I didn't mislead anyone... I DO NOT "ripstik". HA!! I TRIED it ONCE and just as I was about to fall over, I screamed out, "CATCH ME, GABE!" If you could've only seen the LOOK on his face! (hehehee) He squinted his eyes and threw out his arms as if he really were going to ATTEMPT blocking my fall. HA!!! (It was too cute!) Nope, I'm MUCH TOO CLUMSY for all that. ☺

On another note.. I thought I'd share some "redneck humor" with you. (It's an email from my Mom - I thought it was funny)


You know you're a redneck when......

1. You missed your 5th grade graduation because you were on jury duty.
2. You can entertain yourself for more than 15 minutes with a fly swatter.
3. Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years.
4. You burn your yard rather than mow it.
6. The Salvation Army declines your furniture. (Oh, there WAS a time... HA!!! You should've seen our first couch.. I think it actually CAME from there.. they sure wouldn't have taken it BACK!!)
7. You offer to give someone the shirt off your back and they don't want it.
8. You have the local taxidermist on speed dial. (UMMMMMMM)
9. You come back from the dump with more than you took.
10. You keep a can of Raid on the kitchen table.
11. Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat. (I don't have a wife, but my ZACH sure CAN!) ☺
12. Your grandmother has 'ammo' on her Christmas list. (My Great-Gramma used to DIP snuff, does THAT count?? Heehee)
13. You keep flea and tick soap in the shower. (That could SOOOO HAPPEN)
14. You've been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog. (Yep, this could too.. HA!!)
15. You go to the stock car races and don't need a program.
16. You know how many bales of hay your car will hold. (I don't know about hay, but I DO know how many "ears of corn" it will hold)
17. You have a rag for a gas cap. (We once owned a truck we had to "hot-wire" just to crank, THAT count?)
18. Your house doesn't have curtains, but your truck does.
19. You consider your license plate personalized because your father made it.
20. Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.
21. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say 'Cool Whip' on the side. (I'm sorta guilty with that one.. I DO have a "set" of Cool Whip bowls, but I consider mine more of a "portable Tupperware" that I don't mind not getting back.. HA!!)

22. The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart.
22. Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV.
23. You've used your ironing board as a buffet table.





I got a kick out of those.. mostly because I could identify with MANY of them. Hey, I'm a redneck and PROUD of it! ☺ No worries here! (I mean, seriously, when the most exciting thing happening at our house is bottle-feeding a calf... well, you get my drift)


There've been a lot of ideas floating around in my head about future posts. I really want to do one on holiness. (Recently watched the movie, 'Time Changer' and have been HEAVILY convicted about how numb I've become to many things) If you've not seen it, it's a MUST SEE!

All of that to say that I hope to do a more serious post in the next day or two. I'm still finding it a bit hard to balance school with the boys, keeping a tidy house, and all the other chores and tasks that fill our days. I've found myself sharing easier topics like humor and videos because those can be done pretty quickly. (I MISS you guys when I don't post and visit YOU regularly) ☺

I suppose that's enough rambling, eh? I'll "talk" with you soon... ☺

LOVE,

Do YOU RipStik?? :-) *edited*

Okay, if any of you checked in earlier and wondered what in the world this post was about.. let me explain. LOL!! See, I emailed a video that SHOULD HAVE posted here. (Or so I thought) Anyway, we'd taken the kiddos out for dinner and it wasn't until I got home that I realized it DIDN'T POST AT ALL! (Silly me, Sorry!) Anyway.. the video was one I made of the boys earlier this morning. They are RipStik CRAZY!! I thought I'd "film" them playing around and share it with you. (They SERIOUSLY AMUSE me with their stunts - I mean, so long as they're not DANGEROUS!) O:-) Oh, if you're wondering "who's who?"... (it's REALLY HARD to tell, even for me while watching this video)... Clay and Zach are the ones that are holding the rope and swinging each other around. Clay's wearing the lighter colored jeans. Gabe is the kid you'll see boarding out of the carport.

Alrighty, I know this was a random post. Not much reasoning behind it.. HA! I just thought you might get a kick out watching.


I guess that's about it for me today. =-) I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!

LOVE YOU!

Something COOL to share!

Hello, Sweet Friends..

This is another of those days that I'm short on time. (I'm short in person too.. LOL!) Sorry, that was corny wasn't it?? ☺ Corny, but TRUE, I'm afraid. Moving on....

When I started out for town last week (the first time I'd been attempting to do Walmart in weeks) I ran over a bolt in the road and got an INSTANT FLAT TIRE! Needless to say, by the time the hubby got to where we were and got the tire plugged.. well, my day was pretty much GONE! (He asked me to go on and get the tire FIXED while I was out so that finished off my day) I know, that was too much info wasn't it?? Hehehehe






Okay, so I wanted to check in and tell you about something REALLY COOL I found! It's a website called, "Slacker". (Now I've not seen anything bad on this site, but just to make sure, I'll warn you to enter at your own risk) What IS Slacker? Well, it's a site that let's you listen to FREE music! There's MORE! You can pick from SEVERAL different styles of music. There's Christian, Christian Rock, Rock, R&B, Country... the list goes on and on.

There's STILL more... (IF you have a Blackberry or iphone) You can download the app to your phone and play FREE music when you want! (Now that's assuming you have an unlimited data plan)

I SURE HOPE you don't find anything bad on this site.. I've been on it SEVERAL times, and as I said, I've not seen anything bad. (However, I suppose the graphics you'll see depends on the type of music you're listening to)

Anyway.. I thought this was really cool and wanted to share! I'm LOVING it so far!!

The Invisible Woman

Hello, Friends...

I got another AMAZING video through email today. My dear friend Piper sent it over. I doubt you can watch it without having your socks BLESSED OFF! If I've shared it online before.. overlook me, I'm an airhead and am EXTREMELY FORGETFUL! I figured it's worth watching again.. even if you have seen it. I mean, seriously. How many of us have NEVER felt invisible? (I hate to leave out my online "brothers" with this post.. think of it this way.. it's a peek inside a woman's heart) ☺

Have a BLESSED day!