The "E" Family News

2011-07-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

This has truly been one of the hardest summers I have ever had. See Sid graduated in May and in my mind that meant we would be headed out of here soon. Well....that has not been the case. In fact we are looking at sometime next year. I have and still am struggling with this realization. Seminary has been an amazing experience, but for the last three and a half years I feel like I have been away from home.

I remember being away at camp as an Acteen and at night when it was time to turn in I would put my face in my pillow and cry myself to sleep, because I longed to be home where I belonged. This has been very similar! I am here with the people I love most, but to be honest we have all struggled with that feeling this summer.

See if I could have the summer I wanted...I would be with my family, niece and nephew and the rest of my family chilling at the beach. That is where I have always felt renewed and refreshed, and have amazing memories of summers just like that growing up.

I know my oldest is just three years away from graduation and work and all the things that will start making those times seem so much harder to find. But for the last 5 years we have not had that experience.

So the last few weeks I have had to give it completely to God, because I was trying to carry it myself and had reached a breaking point. Then he gently reminds me I am NOT in control. He knows the desires of my heart. He created me.

Tonight I was struggling. I was sitting in the den, just trying to hold it all together while the kids brushed their teeth and got into bed then I had an appointment with my pillow for a good cry. All of the sudden I heard a really strange sound. It startled me, I wasn't sure but is sounded like RAIN! We have not seen rain in something like 28 days! So I ran to the patio door and sure enough it was rain! The kids had joined me by now and before I knew it we were standing in the rain and laughing and singing..."showers of blessings showers of blessing we need, mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead..." Mercy? Yes, we had just had a shower of mercy. A cold down pour of mercy. Instead of the appointment I had made to cry now I was standing in the yard with the kids soaking wet and laughing.

It only lasted 10 minutes or so, but I am believing that more is on the way!

This Is A True Story

2011-07-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorites!

Madshack, Mitchago, and That Other Guy!

This past Sunday when we got home from church, my 5 year old daughter was so excited about her class at church. I asked her what she liked so much and she replied "Mrs. Penny told my favorite story", so I said "and which story was that?", she replied "Madshack, Mitchago, and that other guy". Then she said "you know Mama, those guys who didn't get burned in the fire".

After retreating to the back of the house for a good laugh, I really began to think about what she had said. She had truly enjoyed learning a bible story, not only did she listen and learn, that bible story was now her "favorite". What did she know? She knew these three men were thrown into a very hot fire and were protected by God. Did she have all the names and details correct? Nope. Not even close! But here little heart was still changed by what she heard. She knows that God will protect his own in all circumstances. She saw that story as absolutely amazing and that included an absolutely amazing God.

Several other thoughts came into my mind that day. That is how God wants us to feel about him and all the stories of his might and his people that he gave us. He wants us amazed, astounded, in-awed, by our God! Think about the verse in Luke chapter 18 where it says:

" I tell you the truth, anyone who will not recieve
the kingdom God like a little child will never
enter it. "

So think about it...what is your favorite bible story? Do you have all the details right? Does it matter? Follow the example of a child and don't get caught up in trying to impress someone with all of you great attained knowledge. Take what you do know, and tell someone your favorite bible story and why! Just maybe a life will be changed by your simple adoration for God.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished
on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1

2011-07-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is a re-post from a previous blog, but as I was reading through my old blogs I found a few I am going to re-post!

Someone once told me it was wrong to escape. I am not sure how I feel about that statement. I feel that in escaping, that is when I truly can get a clear picture of what is taking place all around me. Is there some lack in my faith because I want to escape? Do you remember the story found in Matthew 26 where Jesus has just had the last supper with his disciples? Do you remember what came next?
He has just told the disciples that He was going to die, and He just told a dear friend that he would betray him, not once but THREE times. Now Jesus was having a stressful time. He was going to DIE, his best friends were going to betray him. Then comes the part I like, Jesus escapes. He took the disciples to a place called Gethsemane, a garden. This was not just a garden in someone's backyard, this garden was on top of a mountain! Jesus, escaped! Just for a few moments He went somewhere to be away from the situation. He went to spend time with God, and I am sure to regain focus of His mission. He even asked God to remove the situation.
When we feel stressed and are dealing with hard situations, or maybe even events we don't want to face , escape. I am not saying don't deal with whatever is going on, but find somewhere outside of the situation to seek God.
Do we have to do this alone? Jesus, prayed alone, but he took his disciples with him. He asked them to stay with Him and keep watch. Maybe in our times of escape we need our family and friends to be with us and help us. Then maybe we can face all of our challenges with courage and faith that only comes from God.

2011-01-31T09:39:00.001-08:00

Yesterday in church the pastor talked about "cultural christians". He talked about how more and more people associate themselves with Christianity because they "do" the christian things and hang out in christian places with Christian people. However, there is no depth to their beliefs, IF there is a belief system at all. Is this true? I believe there is a problem. I believe the church is full of people who want to live the Christian life but refuse to make changes that a life with a true Biblical world view would include. It is living a spiritual split personality life. Should there a difference between the way a person striving to know Christ better would live vs. the way a person clinging to the way the world lives would live life? Where do you cross over from acceptance to tolerance? ( Sorry, if you are reading this...I am just trying to work through some thoughts)

Monday Menu

Monday: Baked Spaghetti

Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings

Wednesday: Pintos and Ham, with rice and chow chow

Thursday: Brats with Sauerkraut

Friday: Hamburger and potato casserole

Saturday:Black Bean Enchiladas

Sunday: Chicken Pot Pie

42 years!

2011-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I turned 42! It feels weird to say that because I really don't feel like I thought I would at 42. Some where down inside of me I still feel like 16! However, when I look in the mirror I am quickly reminded this is NOT the case! So in thinking about my 42 years, I thought I would share a few random experiences I have had over this period of time...landmarks I guess you could say!

I was born on a Wednesday
I grew up in a small traditional southern town
My first love was my crossing guard at Blake Elementary School( he was in his 60's)
In elementary school I was in the Great Books program
In 4th grade I got braces
In 9th grade I had my jaw broke and was wired shut for 9 weeks
I graduated from Greenwood High School in 1987(also one of the happiest days of my life!)
I attended three colleges
In 1990 I was involved in a near fatal car accident
I did summer mission work in SC, CA, OR, and IA
I taught English in South Korea for a short time
In 1993 I met the man of my dreams!
11 months later I married that man!
14 months later we had our first child
3 years later we had our second child
and almost 2 years later we had our LAST child!
In 2008 we moved from Greer SC to Dallas TX

So there are some of the last 42 years! That is a short list but believe me it has been a much fuller life! It has not always been an easy life, I did leave out a lot of pain, like the death of my Dad in 1999. But I feel like I can because he was the one who taught me to have joy in living! To live every day to the fullest, and to laugh often! He taught me how to place my faith in an eternal, all powerful God that will NEVER leave me or desert me, and I know that is THE most important lesson I could have ever learned in my life. I don't fear the future because my future is secure! If you don't know that for yourself call me or write me we need to talk! So 42 years? I will take them...and I will take 42 more!!

Monday Menu:

Monday: Shepherds Pie

Tuesday: Salmon patties

Wednesday: Spaghetti(yes there is a pattern here...very easy meal on a very busy day!)

Thursday: Meatloaf

Friday: Mac-n-cheese and green beans

Saturday: Home made Pizza

Sunday:Roast

The Monday Report

2011-01-17T09:12:00.001-08:00

Sid has to submit a report every Monday morning for work. We have a created a little song to go along with that called "The Monday Report"! It is a fun little catchy tune that makes the beginning of a Monday not so bad! So I thought I would just roll that over to my blog and call my Monday blog the Monday Report!

It is hard to believe but we have already completed one full week of this last semester! Starting next week I will also be auditing a class on Wednesday mornings.

We have started making a bucket list of things we want to make sure we do in Texas, just in case our time here may be short! If you have an idea of something we just HAVE to do let me know!!

So here is the Monday Menu:

Monday: Black Bean Enchiladas

Tuesday: Chili Rice

Wednesday: Spaghetti

Thursday: grilled cheese and soup

Friday: Tostados

Saturday: My Birthday ( I was told not to worry about this day) This may also mean we do not

eat!! lol

Sunday: Barbecue Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and veggies

2011 Really?!

2011-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe it is 2011!! I remember thinking about how weird the year 2000 was going to be, back when I was in elementary school...in 1974!! It doesn't seem that weird after all even 11 years after the grand arrival of 2000. I am a little disappointed that the flying car hasn't arrived yet.

So I know I have really got to get back to my blogging because 2011 is going to be an interesting year! This Wednesday Sid starts his LAST semester at DTS!!! I can not believe has fast it has gone. I remember three years ago people telling me it would but at that time I could not believe it.

This has been an amazing journey...there are things I still can't wrap my mind around. But now we are looking toward what is next! We are really excited! So I promise to keep everyone informed on just what is next, where we are headed, and when!

Blogging helped me a lot in preparations for coming here and in the transition time, so I know I need this.

Oh and here is my Menu Monday:

Monday: baked chicken and veggies

Tuesday: ham and potato casserole

Wednesday: pinto beans, cornbread and chow chow

Thursday: Mustard chicken, rice and broccoli

Friday: Spaghetti and garlic bread

Saturday: homemade pizzas

Sunday: Italian Stew

I'm Back......!

2010-05-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Ok....I know it has been FOREVER(echo) since I last wrote. It has taken a lot of time to get used to living here in Texas! Now I feel at home! We even went to a baseball game the other night and during the fireworks they played the song "God Blessed Texas", I found myself feeling very Texan! Yes, I have drank the kool-aid! I feel like I need a t-shirt that says "I wasn't born a Texan but I got here as quick as I could".

This is important because....NOW we are looking at the end of our time here. We may even have as little as 11 months left! I am not sure how I feel about this. So I need you my sweet friends and family to ride out yet another journey with us!!

14 Years......Loving it!!!

2008-07-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

2008-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18

Amen.

Those days...

2008-07-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

I am really at a pretty interesting place in my life. I have just moved half way across the country, my husband is returning to school and I am living the last few months of 39. That means in a very short time I will turn 40.

I have been handling this pretty well. At least there has been so much craziness going on that I have been distracted enough to not think about it! I mean this could be the one time that I could ignore it and it may go away!

Then tonight I was cooking supper and my beautiful daughter asked me this question, "Mama, what were the styles back in the day?". What? Back in the day of who? Back in the day must mean some great time ago. Maybe she meant the pilgrims, or the pioneers. Maybe she meant bible times. Maybe "back in the day" meant when Nana was a little girl!

So, I got brave and asked "back in what day?". Then it came...what I really did know deep down inside she had meant all along..."back in the day when you were young". My heart sank. I didn't really know how to handle this news. My childhood was "back in the day".

Now that I have been slapped in the face with the reality that I have lived long enough to have a "back in the day" time period. I have decided to embrace it!! To face the last half of 39 with a smile and take on 40 with gusto!! Possibly I will do all the things I have never done, scuba diving, climbing Mt. Everest, sailing around the world, or sky diving! Maybe I will loose a lot of weight and run marathons and hike the Appalachian Trail!

Or maybe best of all, I will get a better hair dye, sit down with a cup of coffee, and tell my daughter about "back in the day"

We have a new family member!!

2008-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I was told that you better watch out when you go to seminary..."if you can have kids you will at seminary, everyone does"! Well we have... but maybe not in the way you think! Our new family member live in Rwanda and her name is Liliane. She is 6 and absolutely beautiful! I hope you will go to Sid's blog and read more about Liliane and see her picture.

Psalm 127:3 says that children are a gift from the Lord. If you have ever spent time with children you can quickly see that this is true. If you have any questions about how you could be a part of a child's life like Lilian go to: www.worldvision.org

SOS

2008-06-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today we got a really neat piece of mail..."How to be a Texan". It told some really neat things about how to legally be a citizen of the state(or small country) of Texas. It included things like your drivers license, your car tags, and inspection sticker. It was a really neat and well done information brochure. There was one problem however...it did not tell me where to find my instant grits!!!

I had found one small, box of quick grits earlier but we were in need of some instant ones as well. So I looked at Kroger, I looked at SAM'S, and finally at WalMart I found one box of plain instant grits. Now if you are at all familiar with grits you know that the instant grits come in a large variety of flavors. Not in Texas.

So my SOS is to any of you wonderful people who have access to instant grits...we would love some!! We really love the cheese lovers!! I think I can handle being a "Texan" better with some grits!! So please have mercy and send grits...after all I am a:

Girl

Raised

In

The

South

...with boldness

2008-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

A wonderful new friend of ours, Martin Jones, will be leaving for Ghana on June 19th. We ask you to pray for him as he travels to spread the message of Christ. This is a link to their blog, and you can read more about this mission trip there. Please pray for this teams safety, Martin's courage, and his family staying here in Dallas.

When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God's message with boldness
Acts 4:31

South Fork and me!

2008-06-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

6 Weeks!! It took 6 weeks...but I made it....South Fork! Yes, hum along with me...duh duh duh...duh duh duh duh duh duh...duh duh duh duh duhhhhhh..... Yes...I made it to South Fork!!

Have you ever heard this...

2008-06-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

"Home is where you hang your hat"...I have been thinking a lot about that statement lately. There are some details that got left out of that cliche. There is the packing up all your emotions, and unpacking them when you arrive...along with all your other stuff.

Then it clicked with me yesterday....the old saying just needs to be updated! So I have rewritten it! This is much more applicable..." Home is where you shop"! Last night I went and bought some groceries at Walmart. There were a couple of times that I almost believed I could have walked out and been back in SC! It is amazing...you walk through the magic doors and everything is familiar! You know where to look for stuff and the brand names and items are the same! It was wonderful!

Now there are still some reminders that you are not home...brace yourselves these may be hard to hear: There is NO Dukes mayonaise. There is NO 8'oclock Dark Roast coffee. There is NO Double Q Salmon. Did I mention...There is NO Duke's Mayonaise!!

Then there are some things that won't be seen in WalMart in SC...55 different kinds of Salsa, 25 different vairieties of Ranch Style Beans, and sides of beef in the meat counter!!

So I want to offer those of you who might travel this summer some locations that will make you feel at home!

WalMart
Starbucks
SAMS
Target
Lowe's

and last but not least(no pun intended)

6. Dollar Tree

So don't forget the saying is now " Home is where you shop!"

Menu Monday Returns!!

2008-06-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

As I said in my previous post I am trying to reestablish some routine back to our days, so I need to add Menu Monday back to our plan. So...here goes!!

Monday: Ham and Potato Casserole, peas and brussel sprouts

Tuesday: Pasta Salad and BLT's for the family...I am going out with some seminary wives!

Wednesday: Beef Taco Bake, guacamole and chips

Thursday: Crock Pot mac and cheese, green beans

Friday: Mexican Chicken Casserole, salad

Saturday: Ham and Cheese corn muffins, and leftovers

Sunday: BBQ beef brisket for Father's Day

Let me know if there are any recipes that you would like me to post!

A Little Catch Up!

2008-06-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

We have now completed one month and one week here in the state of Texas!! It is an exciting, fun, and a little bit strange. We have started school back with the kids...we plan to work most of June and July and a little of the first of August to get caught up and then take about a month off before we start the next year.

We have taken a few more exploring journeys. We just headed west one day, just to see what was there! Then this past Saturday we went to our local train station and took the train into down town Dallas. After we arrived downtown we rode the electric streetcar. We had a wonderful time seeing parts of Dallas we had yet to see! This was also a very economic means of travel. The entire family could ride all day for ten dollars. Our current gas price is $3.89 a gallon.

We have made some wonderful friends and have enjoyed getting to know them better. We have been to cookouts, parks, movies, and swimming with some wonderful families. I look forward to spending more time with each of them!

Here are a few things going on that we ask you to pray about:

Sid received an email tonight from the church that interviewed him and they want to see him again this week!

The kids are doing much better, but still have some sad moments.

I have experienced some grief type feelings for all of you that we left behind. Please pray for me as I work through these feelings.

Our van had to have some more work done that added up to another $900. God graciously supplied that money so we give Him praise!

Thank you for continuing to support us with your prayers! We are going to reestablish some routine to our days this week. I will let you know how that goes!

Summer Has Arrived

2008-05-19T20:47:00.001-07:00

We had a really neat experience today! We spent the day at a local water park. The park was having a home school day before its summer opening this weekend. We thought it would be great fun for the kids and an awesome opportunity to meet some other home schoolers. We had an awesome time! There was so much to do...short slides, tall slides, really tall slides, lazy river, all different kinds of pools and my favorite...the wave pool. I was just in need of a beach fix and this helped a lot.

I ended up talking a long time to another home school mom who had just moved to Texas three weeks ago from Indiana. It was really neat because we talked about things we were both experiencing in our new surroundings!

Moving to a place where you are just meeting people and discovering friendships can be a some what lonely feeling. When that happens your mind immediately thinks...I wish I were home. Then your mind says something really scary...this is home. So with all that going on every feeling or memory you have seems to be slightly amplified.

We are in the process of building friendships so the sad times get a little better every day. Today was good... the kids laughed and played and were around a lot of other kids, Sid and I played and relaxed and there were no boxes in sight, and as I stood in the wave pool I closed my eyes and pretended to be in my favorite place, you can read more about that here : http://efamilynews.blogspot.com/2007/07/sunset-dreaming.html

Oh, we received an AWESOME gift...season passes to this water park. Thanks Nana, we miss you every day but feel as close to you as ever.

There's Something You Should Know...

2008-05-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

I did not die after my last post!! Yes, I am still alive. However, in the past few months life has changed drastically. We put our house on the market and in just 54 days it was sold and we were on our way to Texas. The move was a roller coaster of emotions leaving behind everyone and everything we knew. We pressed forward confident that God is revealing himself to us each and every day.

So...to make a really long story(that we may borrow from later) short...we are in Texas! We have been living here almost two weeks. Shortly after arriving we were welcomed by several of our neighbors. We have been visited by two seminary families and have plans to spend time with another family this week. We have visited one church and will visit another tomorrow.

My mom made the ride out with us and flew home the next week...we could not have began to do this with out her!

So, here we are. Sid will do some online class work during the summer and is looking for the job God has planned for him. I am trying to establish some sort of normalcy and routine. The kids are doing ok most days. They have received some mail and that was good.

So keep us in your prayers...we fully know we can do nothing with out God and we know He is our provider. I look forward to sharing our Texas sized stories with you! So keep checking...it won't be as long until I post again!!

YUCK

2008-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am sick. I just feel awful. I am do not have an upset stomach, congestion, rash or anything. I just feel awful. I do not want to do anything but lay around. I am a mom I can't feel this way! There is too much to do to feel this way! I didn't even feel like writing this but I promised you I would share about my Charleston trip and I needed to explain why I haven't. So until I feel like sharing about a wonderful time spent with a very special friend...here...is the link to my pictures. Enjoy!

Did I mention I feel awful!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-01-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

The pantry is in desperate need of restocking but I somehow have pulled a menu together. However, the plan could have a few changes during the week!

Monday: Spaghetti and salad

Tuesday: Pork Barbecue, and rice

Wednesday: Barbecue Chicken some kind of vegetables

Thursday: Black Bean soup

Friday: TBA

Check back a little later today for a post on my trip to Charleston! You will be surprised to find out monkeys roam down there!

My "BFF"

2008-01-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Just a little over 10 years ago, I was a SAHM who had an almost two year old little boy and a husband putting in as many hours as possible to provide a future for his new family. We lived around 60 miles away from family. We had visited many churches but never really made a connection with a community of believers. I prayed daily that God would give me just one friend. Just some one that I could talk to and spend time with.

We eventually started visiting a church that we passed every Sunday. After just the first or second visit a lady from that church called an invited me to a play group. I was so excited! I mean there were other SAHM's out there! So I went to the next play group full of people I knew nothing about. Ten years later, the woman that called me that day is the best friend I have ever had. It turns out she was praying for a friend too. God led us straight to each other.

Sometimes people are surprised at what good friends we are, because we are so different in so many ways. This is my reply. When God has a friendship planned He knows what He is doing. A good friendship is like a bank account, you must invest so that it can build interest.

We have been blessed to share pregnancies, birthday parties, recipes, death of a parent, sickness, vacations, and LOTS OF COFFEE!! Now we are preparing for one of the biggest and hardest challenges we have experienced yet...separation. But I don't fear it, we will make it.

This weekend my friend is taking me to Charleston for my birthday! We are so excited to have some time away! I can't wait to share some of our adventure with you.

I have been blessed since that day 10 years ago to have many wonderful friends brought into my life and ladies you all know who you are! I love you all and I wouldn't trade you for chocolate...ok, maybe dark chocolate!

A Give-away!!!

2008-01-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

I just know everyone is like me and loves a good contest!! So if you go to this site...you can register for a 100$ giveaway to be used at Vision Forum. They have a lot of wonderful resources so go and check it out!!

What?...ME?

2008-01-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am 39 today! And no I am not 39 and holding...at least I hope not! I have learned a lot in the last 39 years and I can't wait to see what I learn in the years to come. So as I end this decade I want to share just a few of the things I have learned. (Disclaimer...if you expect this to be a life changing list, you may be disappointed!)

Your thirties are pretty cool!
Gray hair spreads like KudZu
Having a baby after 30 is tough
Friends are even more special
Everyone looks old at you 20th high school reunion
There are highs and lows at every age
You can experience enormous grief and still laugh
Every day is a gift and should not be wasted
Your children will get as tall as you one day

and finally....

Your Grandmothers belly obviously started looking that way in her 30's!!

Celebrate Everyday, and recognize the gift it is!!

Thanks Mom...my life has been awesome! You are an amazing mother and I was blessed to have you!

Menu Monday

2008-01-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

We have kind of a weird week ahead so the plans are slightly different this week. Sid will be in Nashville Tuesday through Thursday with work. I leave on Friday for a girls weekend in Charleston with my"BFF"!! We will return on Sunday.

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs

Tuesday: TBA...haven't decided this is my birthday!!

Wednesday: Salmon, yellow rice, peas

Thursday: soup and grilled cheese

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: It is up to Sid on this one...I predict PB&J!

Have a great week and for more menu ideas look here !

Voting is like trying to find a caramel in a box of chocolates

2008-01-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

Today in SC we had our primaries so I went out to vote. The whole time I was getting ready I kept weighing the candidates over and over in my head. I have read all of the issues and visited all of the web pages, I even sent out the same question to every candidate in both parties to hear their response. I heard back from one.

Then I had the thought that I had not asked God which man/woman(still can't believe I typed that) would He have me vote for. It was just another one of those times I try to do something all on my own.

So often I worry and try to come up with plans of actions instead of trusting in God to provide and care for me. How could I make a decision like this and not seek God on it?

I voted, with clarity and peace.

A Really Good Post

2008-01-18T13:17:00.001-08:00

This post by my Wonderingfellow is really awesome I think you should check it out!

Southern Snow 2008

2008-01-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

100 Things About Me...

2008-01-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

1. I am the oldest of two children

2. I have a brother

3. My first dog was named Pogo

4. My second dog was named Pogo

5. I had a bird named Bud

6. My dad was a preacher

7. I fell skinned my knee and tore my pants on my first day of Kindergarten

8. I never really enjoyed school

9. I have always loved listening to music

10. I have always lived in South Carolina

11. I worked for a short time as an english teacher in South Korea

12. I hate change

13. I had all of my grand-parents until I was 21

14. I convinced my brother to eat cat food when we were little

15. I am married to the man of my dreams

16. I was crazy about him from the first minute I saw him

17. That has never changed

18. I have three beautiful children

19. I home school

20. I became a Christian at age 13

21. I hate conflict

22. I love the color green

23. I love bags

24. I like to cook new recipes

25. I get scared easy

26. I love the ocean

27. I love to fish...at the ocean

28. I have a black cat

29. I have had many cats...Tiger, a Persian, Patches, and Prissy

30. I love to play games

31. I love to work puzzles

32. My dad died...nine years ago

33. My life changed forever that day

34. My family changed forever that day

35. It wasn't for the better

36. I am not a mean person...really :-)

37. I was always told my mouth would get me in trouble

38. It has

39. I love fried chicken

40. I do not like spinach

41. I am a coffee addict

42. I am also a coffee snob

43. I have a friend that is closer than a brother

44. I live in a brick house

45. I love Tyler Perry movies

46. I love to read

47. I don't always make the best decisions

48. I can easily find a reason to goof off

49. I really like dark chocolate

50. I sometimes wish to be British

51. I love musicals

52. I would like to dance with John Travolta

53. I love to travel

54. I am not crazy about heights

55. I would rather camp in 20 degree weather than see a snake

56. I love movies

57. I would rather be cold than hot

58. I love to have my back rubbed

59. I love bubble baths

60. I have always wanted to grow long nails

61. 17 years ago I was in a really bad car accident

62. The man who hit my car died

63. I have never forgotten it

64. I have a piece of my car working its way out of my hand...TODAY

65. I hate trying to keep secrets...so I try to make myself forget

66. I went to my freshman and senior proms

67. I went to three colleges

68. I pledged a sorority

69. I make good biscuits

70. I love my mother

71. I have an aunt that is like a sister

72. I have good in-laws

73. I have really good friends

74. I have natural curly hair

75. I have hated it my whole life

76. My husband makes me feel pretty

78. I am nervous about moving

79. I love to take a nap in the sun

80. I love to have a private space

81. Sometimes that is in my closet with the door shut

82. Sometimes I sit in the closet and call the cat just to drive her crazy

83. I have always dreamed of being a public speaker

84. I love a good clearance sale

85. I can stretch a dollar

86. I am a poor organizer

87. I hate doing laundry

88. I hate laundry done the wrong way

89. I love to laugh

90. I refuse to iron

91. I love to go to junk stores and thrift shops

92. I like to have a schedule

93. I wish it would snow four feet

94. I over pack when I travel

96. I love Target and hate Walmart

97. I hate being lonely

98. I need to lose weight

99. I hate to exercise

100. I love my life...the good and the bad!

My Boys

2008-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

I love boys! I always have! I knew I would be married one day, I just had too...I love boys! Sure enough I finally found that special one. Then the greatest things began to happen. We got married in a dream wedding, we had a fantasy honeymoon, and we had babies!!! Two of those beautiful babies were BOYS!

Tonight was just wonderful, and I have to share. I needed to run out to the store for some dish detergent(let myself run out). My nine year old quickly jumped up and said "I will go...we will make it a date!". We made our special trip to Walgreens and every time it was time to get in the car or get out he would run to my door and open or close it for me. Then on the way home he said "take the long way home, Mama". My heart just swelled, I am still his girl!

Then to make the night even more amazing, when I got home and was washing dishes, my oldest son came over and started massaging my back. Now you must realize this is my 12 year old that has the personality of Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde most days. He normally looks at me like I am public enemy number one. As I was standing amazed by this show of affection I asked "what did I do to deserve this?". His reply was what really got me. He didn't say because that was a good supper or because I had washed his clothes. He said " I just felt like it".

Wow, what an awesome evening! I am still floating.

It's a Monday but here is my menu anyway!

2008-01-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am having a Monday all day and it is only 10:30! It just seems some Mondays are stuck in the mud, and this is one!

ANYHOO!!!

Here is the plan...yes there is some repetition but there were some schedule changes and I am rolling over a few things. Last week the Mediterranean Chicken was really good...and our friends the Johnsons love the tomato gravy night!

Monday: Kielbasa , potatoes, and baked beans

Tuesday: Crock pot chicken, peas, and corn

Wednesday: Italian Sausages, garlic cauliflower, green beans

Thursday: Grilled Cheese and soup(since I have to ride to Newberry with my very best friend, who shall remain nameless, but she has blonde hair and drives a black BMW, while she pays a speeding ticket!)

Friday: TBA...Sid and Wes will leave for Avalanche in TN and the rest of us will take it easy!

For more ideas remember to check orgjunkie.com

Still in my heart

2008-01-08T06:39:00.001-08:00

I really miss my Dad sometimes. This is one of those times. My Dad was a really neat guy, he was funny, intelligent, loving, moody, tempremental, nostalgic, and bald! He could be my best friend and sometimes he was the perfect nemesis. He could make me feel like the most special girl in the world and sometimes just tick me off! But we were always ok, and the world was ok. I sometimes hold back saying this because I some how feel like it has been my responsibility to guard the hearts of everyone but myself, but I miss him so much.

I would give anything to talk to him. I want to be able to tell him what is going on in mine and Sid's life. I want to hear his wisdom and encouragement, not matter how bad it may hurt him, that going to Texas and following God's leading is the only way, and that God will provide our needs and never dessert us. Don't get me wrong...I know all of those things, because he raised me that way. I just want to hear the sound of his voice saying it.

Sorry if this post seems sad, but the reality of life is sometimes we are. My loving wonderful husband has been helping see that feeling the things I want to push deep down inside my heart is ok. Here is something he wrote once that I did enjoy this morning:

I Like Ministerial Students

I like ministerial students. There is something exciting about students who have grasped great truths for the first time. Their enthusiasm is catching.

Ministerial students know the value of studying church history. They read Augustine, Luther, Calvin and Zwingli. They find inspiration as they meet these great men through their writings.

These students study Baptist history also. They know the importance of our history. Test your skills as you ask them about Keach, Bunyan, Gill, Fuller or Carey.

Ministerial students have the fire of evangelism in them. They know that Jesus Christ is the answer to the world’s problems and they want to let the whole world know. They have not given up on lost souls being saved.

Ministerial students love to preach. They are usually good preachers. They still realize their sermons must be bathed in prayer. They may not be polished speakers, but they can be powerful in their messages.

Ministerial students pray. Their prayers are sincere and fervent. They have not gotten beyond dependence on prayer. They are not so self-assured that they feel they can go it alone.

So study and pray and preach, young man. Don’t be hindered in your conquest for the Lord by us older fellows who have grown cynical and cold from battles fought and lost.

Menu Time!!

2008-01-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying the menu plan! Since I have been planning menus and following them, we have cut about $100.00 off our grocery budget, every two weeks. That is worth taking a few minutes and coming up with a plan! The thing I enjoy the most is looking at other menus on www.orgjunkie.com each week. This has really added a lot of variety to our weekly menu's.

The last week we did have some changes to our menu because our trip out of town ended up being three nights instead of one. So I am rolling over a few meals to this week. I will be out of town two nights this week and my wonderful husband has worked with me to come up with two meals he feels comfortable preparing. He has also enjoyed the meal plans as well! So, here is the plan this week:

Monday: Mediterranean Chicken and peas

Tuesday: Salmon Patties, Tomato gravy and rice, and green beans

Wednesday: Smoked sausage, pan browned potatoes, and baked beans
Thursday: (Sid's night) Breakfast for supper

Friday: (Sid's night) Spaghetti and meatballs
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: Olive Pesto Pasta

If you haven't, go over to orgjunkie and look at some other menus!

Write That Down

2008-01-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! I really do not like New Year resolutions, because I never keep them!! However, I would like to send out a little encouragement at the beginning of this year.

I love to journal! I have for a very long time. In some of my cleaning out I have come across journals from the past. It has been such a hoot reading my meanderings from the past. I have recorded mission trips, written about wishes of my heart, boys(thank the Lord he had the absolute best for me and just let me write!), letters to my children, and things the Lord was placing in my heart. It is such a wonderful way to travel back down my path and reread my story.

Sometimes we write down things that seem so hard to record, but later lets us see how God has used those times in our lives to get us to where we needed to be.

So...get out those pens and paper, step up to that key board and WRITE THAT DOWN! I promise one day you will be glad, or at least entertained that you did.

Menu Monday

2007-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here is the end of the year, beginning of 2008 plan!

Monday: Fun Foods for game night...chicken tenders, chips and dip, salsa and chips cheese balls

Tuesday: Black eyed peas, collard greens, and ham

Wednesday: We are traveling with Daddy!

Thursday: Breakfast for supper

Friday: Tomato Gravy, rice, salmon patties and green beans

Saturday: TBA

Sunday: small group lunch, and Campbell's soup and grilled cheese for supper

For more ideas please check www.orgjunkie.com

Have a wonderful New Year!!

And We're Off!!

2007-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, we are not really off and going...but. I looked at everything with our move "until Christmas" and "after Christmas". I knew once Christmas was over that things would really pick up speed in the move and getting to Texas. It almost takes my breath away but we are now officially in the "after Christmas" stage. Most of our cleaning out has been accomplished and Sid has a lot of work scheduled to finish up on the house. As soon as the house sells we will be on our way.

We discussed our plans to find housing in Texas the other day. As soon as we know the house is sold Sid and I will head out to find somewhere to live. This is where I may need some of you wonderful Texas friends I have found!

Continue to pray as we continue to trust God's leading in our lives.
Pray for the people who will make our home their home.
Pray for the place God has in mind for us to live.
Pray for our energy and strength.
Pray for calmness.

Christmas morning we had our traditional Christmas breakfast together. Before we ate we read from Isaiah 42. It is talking to the Lord's chosen servant, who some believe to be Isaiah, or David, or even the nation of Israel and in the New Testament this is referred to as Jesus, but the verse that stood out to me was..."He will not falter or lose heart, until justice prevails throughout the earth."

That is my hope in our ministry...that we will not falter or lose heart.

Thank you for supporting us in your prayers. There are so many ways we see that support.

Christmas with Edna..."Jean"

2007-12-19T09:18:00.001-08:00

We have met someone who has really become special to us this Christmas season...Edna. I mentioned in an earlier blog that we had adopted Edna from our local nursing home, and little did we know how special she would make our Christmas.

We had the chance to spend some more time with Edna again before her party. We took some very small Christmas decorations and helped her decorate her room for the holidays, where she informed us she prefers to be called "Jean". She also shared with us that rolling will cure all !

Yesterday was the big day...Santa came and there was a party to beat all! We were so excited to have the chance to spend this day with "Jean". The room was full of so many of the residents all excited about the party and all looking for family and friends who were there. As I sat beside "Jean" I couldn't help but notice all the ones who were alone. My heart ached for them.

We were there to help " Jean" open her gifts, and get her party food. Then we took her back to her room and helped her unpack her gifts...where with her mind it was Christmas all over again!!

Was everything about this adventure easy? NO. Doesn't that place smell funny? Yes. Doesn't everyone look at you? Sometimes. Was it worth it? Oh yeah! Would you do it again? YES! Will you keep contact with "Jean"? Yes, I really want to.

Before we went in to the nursing center yesterday, I told the children to remember that God loves these people just as much as He loves us. Gods love is the same for His children, even if your mind and body are not healthy. It made it such a wonderful experience to look at these people with that in mind...they are my brothers and sisters.

Edna "Jean" speaks often of God and Jesus, just the other day she said "I love that Jesus". Everything I have learned about "Jean" tells me there is a relationship with God there. I hope that is true, because one day we will meet again in heaven, and her mind will be well, and we can share some of the times we have been blessed to have together.

oops! Menu Wednesday?

2007-12-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

Well I made it three weeks before I missed a menu. BUT, instead of just not doing it....I am posting a little(ok, a lot) late.

Wednesday: Tomato gravy, rice, and beans

Thursday: Taco Salads

Friday: 15 Bean soup

Saturday: Spaghetti

Sunday: brunch with our small group, and a very lite supper

Monday: Christmas Eve...tons of goodies at my mom's!!

Monday late night: Rolaids, Mylanta with a Zantac chaser!!

Tuesday very early in the am: more Rolaids, Mylanta, and Zantac chasers

Tuesday Breakfast: Full Christmas breakfast

Tuesday lunch: soup buffet at my Mother in-laws

Tuesday dinner: you have got to be kidding...maybe a fast!!!

Out of the Box

2007-12-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

I know my garbage collectors think we are running some type of illegal business or maybe that we are filtering a couple of families garbage through our trash service. I keep expecting them to question us! The past couple of days I have not left the house I have been placing stuff either in moving boxes or trash bags and it has been about even. My goal is to only have out the absolute necessities to exist until time to leave. That way when it is time to pack it can happen quickly. Fortunately, we have this spare room we can place boxes that are packed.

I was joking with my mom this week that the local thrift stores and the local landfill were really going to miss us when we are gone! Packing school has also been quite a chore. If any of you wonderful homeschooling moms have packed and moved school before and have some of that great experiential advice of how to pack school, please pass along the information!

Sid will get his books for his first DTS class this week. He will start online in January, so keep him in your prayers as he continues to work, sell the house, and start seminary!

I just wanted to update everyone on where we are in the process. So, if I take missing...check the moving boxes! I may have packed myself!

Praise Baby

2007-12-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

This is a new resource for all of you that still have small ones, that seems to be out of this world.
My cousin has the cutest little boy and when we were over there the other week she put this DVD in and I witnessed him just mesmerized by praise music. She went on to say it always has a calming effect on him and HER! Just wanted to pass the information along to other parents.(And by making this post I qualify for a free praise baby bib....coming soon to you Krista!)

2007-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

This is week three of the Monday Menu Plan for the Emory family. So far it has made meal time, shopping, and preparations easier. Last week was a pretty odd week and I only prepared meals every other day. This week seems pretty normal so here we go!

Monday: Veggie Spaghetti and bread

Tuesday: Taco Soup, sour cream, and chips

Wednesday: Italian Sausage, peas, apple sauce

Thursday: Salmon, rice, brussel sprouts

Friday: Chicken Stew

Saturday: Sandwiches, party mix, hot chocolate, hot coffee......at the Christmas Parade!

Remember to check www.orgjunkie.com for more meal plans, recipes and ideas.

Christmas Edna

2007-12-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Today the kids and I decided to see if anyone at our local nursing home was in need of some family and attention this Christmas. When we arrived and told the patient coordinator what we were wondering there was no hesitation in connecting us with someone right away.

Her name is "Edna". She is physically not that bad off, but she is classified as schizophrenic. The lady at the nursing home said she is very sweet and harmless. That she was! She was sitting in a wheel chair and had beautiful silver hair down to her shoulders. She had eye glasses that enlarged her eyes to a almost comical size, and there was not a tooth in her head. She was so excited to have company and really loved seeing the children. After finding out some very simple items she loved and needed we proceeded to shop for her. That was the most excited I have seen the children shopping for someone else.

We are going to attend Edna's Christmas party with her later this month. We are so excited to be able to sit in with this woman as her family.

In Isaiah God refers to the needy as "our flesh and blood". Hearing that this past week really made me think how I would treat my flesh and blood. I would give anything I had to my"flesh and blood" if they had a need. I think we just forget sometimes that we are all children of the same father.

Find some of your long lost never met relatives and make a special connection out there this Christmas. It is amazing but there never seems to be a shortage of lonely needy people.

Amazing!

2007-12-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

You have got to check out this video that my fellow posted on his blog!

http://www.wonderingfellow.com/2007/12/eastside-foursquare-church

What an amazing story. It really makes me think of the passage in Acts that we have been studying in school with the kids. Cornelius has just had a vision where he is told to send for Peter. Peter also has a vision where God is preparing Peter for the task at hand. Peter sees, in his vision, a large sheet being let down to earth. On the sheet there is all kinds of animals. Then a voice tells Peter to kill and eat. Peter immediately says no he will not eat what is unclean. Then the voice in his vision says "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean".

I wonder how many times in my life I will do that. Not won't to go, not won't to do, not won't to be somewhere with others I find "unclean" or worse unworthy to my standards.

Did you see November?

2007-11-26T09:13:00.001-08:00

Did anyone see November go by...somehow I missed it. Time seems to be moving faster than ever. However, today we are starting something new. MENU MONDAYS!! I have been inspired by some other blogging women out there and I am convinced this will make a positive change in our household. I have a friend who always says "you just need a plan" well here is the plan.

Monday: Ham, green beans, and sweet potatoes

Tuesday: "Dang Quesidillas" (from Napoleon Dynamite)

Wednesday: Chili Rice and mixed vegetables(recipe follows)

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo and peas

Friday: Beef and Barley soup and rice(recipe follows)

I have seen a lot of inexpensive wonderful meal plans out there and I encourage you to consider this for your family. I think it may get us out of some of our daily food ruts we get in! There are really a lot of women doing this. You can find some of the links at www.orgjunkie.com

Chili Rice

3 TBSP olive oil
1 red onion, minced
1 jalepeno, seeded and minced
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
2 TBSP garlic minced
1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
3/4 lb. ground beef
2 cups long grain rice
8 ounces kidney beans
2 cups chicken stock

In medium stock pot over medium heat, add oil, onions, and peppers and saute until translucent. Add the garlic, tomatoes, and ground beef. Cook until meat is browned. Add rice to mixture and cook over low heat for minutes, coating rice with the oils from pan. Add beans, chicken stock, water, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 20 minutes.

Beef and Barley Stew

1 lb. boneless beef round steak trimmed of fat, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 cups frozen green beans
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup uncooked regular pearl barley
1(4.5-oz.)jar slice mushrooms, drained
1(12-oz.) jar mushroom gravy
2 1/2 cups water
2 tsps. beef-flavor bouillon
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper

In slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for 10-12 hours.

We Are Back

2007-11-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

We are finally back. We had a wonderful trip and I can not wait to tell you about it but...that is going to be a little later. I am beat and I have got to get my head on straight before I can start to share it with you. Continue to pray that God continues to reveal Himself to us more and more everyday. More soon...

I Don't Know Where to Start!

2007-10-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that it has been so long since my last blog! There has been so many things going on! We have been working like crazy around our house painting, purging, and packing. I have been online researching areas to live and comparing them to the crime map from the Dallas Police Department(there is another whole blog!!!). Then to top it off this time of the year is what we refer to as "Birthday Season". Wes celebrates on September 16th, then Bonnie October 15th, Sid October 16th, and Will October 30th! It is a rather busy time for us!

I did want to let you know where we are in the process so you can continue to pray. We are getting the house ready to be sold. Sid and I leave October 31st for a trip out to Dallas. We will be attending an event at DTS called "Discover Dallas", and beginning to explore that area. So here are some of our areas where you can pray with us:

Pray for the work around our house to go quickly. Everyone is working even our children! It is the first time I have ever seen them not want school to end! They know when we are done with school we have work to do!

Pray for the person/persons that will be buying our house, God knows who they are!

Pray for our trip. We will be flying out of Atlanta at 6:50am on October 31st, and returning on November 3rd.

Pray for my mother. She will be keeping our children while we are gone. They are going to take her trick or treating!

Pray for Sid as he works and then comes home and works hard on the house.

Pray for me as I continue to weed through the clutter and purge our home, while keeping up with the kids education.

Pray for our children while they still struggle with their feelings about the move.

Pray for our finances while we try to find the resources we need to get the house ready to sell.

Thank you for your prayer support! Knowing we have friends that care enough to make this journey with us makes it so much easier!

"The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light" Matthew 11:30

We Have An Answer

2007-09-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

After much waiting and waiting and waiting...we have an answer. Just let me say we were with some friends last night who have been down this road and before we left they prayed for us. They prayed God would send us affirmation of His will. So less than 24 hours later we got an answer. Tonight...Sid...(imagine a drum roll here)...was...ACCEPTED to DTS! I would just like to take a minute and brag on my husband here. He has worked really hard and I am VERY proud of him. We are very excited about being over that hurdle! Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us! You have been wonderful partners and I hope each of you are in for the long haul!

Psalm 66:16-20 (the Message)
All believers come here and listen,
let me tell you what God did for me.
I called out to Him with my mouth,
my tongue shaped the sounds of music.
If I had been cozy with evil,
the Lord would never have listened.
But He most surely did listen,
He came on the double when he heard my prayer.
Blessed be God: He didn't turn a deaf ear,
he stayed with me, loyal in His love.

Under My Bed

2007-08-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is going to be some brutal honesty, so if you can not handle it turn away now! I am trying daily to make strides cleaning out my house. Now let's understand first there is a difference in "cleaning out" and "cleaning up". Cleaning out means it may be safer to look inside my closet rather in the middle of the floor! It is amazing the mess that is required to truly to clean out.

Yesterday I decided to work on my bedroom. I saw this neat idea on HGTV to raise your bed 6 inches, making the room look airy and bigger. I knew I needed to get some things out from under my bed anyway so I raised my bed 6 inches! I was so ashamed. There was so much dust and junk under my bed. I knew there were things stored under there but I found TRASH! Receipts, gum wrappers, pacifiers, socks, and kleenex were in great abundance. I am not sure if I had dust bunnies but I know I had dust dragons! I really put my Rainbow to work!(for more information on the Rainbow call me or email...you can't blame me for trying I need some leads!)

Last night I was exhausted...I thought maybe we aren't supposed to go...this is too hard and this is just the start we have so many miles to go! There is more to be done than I can do!! Maybe it is just not worth the effort. I wanted to cry. I just wanted it all to go away. I don't want to be strong anymore.

Then God thumped me.

I was reading a little bible study I have been working on and read this:

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."
Hebrews 10:35-39

Don't you just love when God swoops in to the rescue like that! It is at moments like this that even in my semi-clean room up on my really high bed I just wanted to break loose with a little shoutin and praisin! He really does know what it is taking to do what we have been called to do and He cares! Just like any child, I just needed some positive reinforcement! Continue to pray for us as we continue to be confident in our calling!

MAT Scores!!!

2007-08-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sid received the results of his MAT........(drum roll)...... HE DID IT!!!
He scored higher than the required score! Thanks for all of your prayers and continue as God continues to send us on this path....there are still many challenges ahead. This Saturday we are having a moving/yard sale at our house. If you or anyone you know want to shop come on out! I am sure we have something you want or need!!

Recreate

2007-08-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Redo my heart
Entirely open my way of thinking
Complete who I need to be
Reform my practices
Energize me everyday
Actively pursue me
Tenderly guide me
Evolve...me

The MAT

2007-08-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today is the day...Sid is taking his MAT at 10:00!(8/13/07) Please pray for him as we continue to take the steps toward Dallas. Pray for calmness and recollection. We will have to wait two weeks after the test, so pray for peace during that time. There is so much to do!!!

What A Time!

2007-08-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

I think I was somewhat successful at experiencing a holiday! We arrived on the island on Saturday and I did not leave the island until the next Friday. Here is what a day of holiday looked like:

7:30ish- got up and made coffee
7:40ish- retreated to the front porch with my book and mug of coffee
8:30ish- spent time with various family members
11:30ish-headed out for an afternoon on the beach
sometime before dark- we returned had supper and rested from our relaxing day

I have to say I did not feel totally exhausted returning from holiday like I usually do returning from "vacation". We read, rode bikes, fished, crabbed, shelled, walked, played games, and talked. There was two answers when someone said "what time is it?"..."well, the sun is out it must be daytime" or "it is dark so it looks like night time".

A really neat part of "holiday" was how long the days seemed. It is really nice to slow down and truly enjoy the beautifully created earth and the God who created it all.

Sunset Dreaming

2007-07-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

We are about to leave on vacation!! I can not wait! We are not headed to New York, or Disney World, or on some Caribbean Cruise, we are going to Sunset Beach NC!

If you have never heard of this place you have missed out! I would have to say this is my most favorite place in the world. It is a beautiful island that just makes you feel you have left the rest of the world completely behind. The sand has a way of touching your feet and saying "welcome home". The waves come in and carry all frustrations and worries out to sea. The atmosphere says "slow down, enjoy life" .

About a year ago, I was at the beach with my best friend and her children. We met this couple on "holiday", obviously they were from the UK. We enjoyed speaking to them each day. One day the lady said "Americans don't know how to take a real holiday". She was referring to the fact we take phones, computers and TV's and never really "leave it all behind". That has stuck with me since then.

So that is my goal this summer...maybe I am not even taking a vacation. Maybe I am truly going on "Holiday". I am taking books, games, kites, and I am going to take long walks every day, and talk to God, and my family. I am going to explore the island and create memories and truly leave it all behind. I need this, I know when we get back it will be non-stop until we get settled in TX.

So, if you need me in an emergency I can be located through Sunset Properties...any thing else will have to wait. I am on HOLIDAY!!!

Will you be my "Journeymate"?

2007-07-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

I heard an awesome Focus on the Family this week. Dr. Dobson and some guest were talking about being "journeymates" for our children. It was excellent. They were talking about how scary just growing up can be, and if we are our children's journeymates we don't make the journey for them, but with them. I thought that was so good, because it is tempting to want to spare our children as much fear, hurt, and disappointment as possible. Instead of running interference we just need to run with them.

Then I started thinking about all of my wonderful friends that I have been blessed with. All of you know who you are and you are the ones that make leaving SC truly painful. I fear not having each of you in my daily life. I fear being lonley. I don't mean to sound down I am just trying to be real.

So, I thought about this journeymate thing again...I am asking you to be my journeymates. No...I don't expect you to go to Texas with me!! But we are blessed to have so many ways to take this journey together, email, blogs, calling plans, digital cameras and some many others including "snail mail"!

Who knows maybe we can write our own book someday!! Speaking of books I will be posting a list sometime soon of all the wonderful books and authors you have sent me so we can all share them!

An Awesome Date!

2007-07-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful date last night! He was a perfect gentleman. He made me feel so special. Just to know I am the most important woman in his life...for now. Don't panic there is no trouble between me and my man...my date was with my 11 year old son!

My husband was able to get us tickets to go and see Josh Groban! It was the first "big" concert my son has ever been to and one of the best I have ever been to. Wes has always been a big fan of Josh Groban, and now I can appreciate that so much more. Josh Groban performed an absolutely beautiful, classical, and uplifting concert. He was accompanied by strings and brass and band. His music was positive and his personality was real!

We had an awesome night! Thanks Sid for the tickets, and thanks Wes for being an awesome date!

I Hope There Is a Good Bookstore in Dallas!!

2007-07-16T06:40:00.001-07:00

I know this may sound a little crazy but I hope I can find a good paperback exchange in Dallas!
I love to read...it is such a relaxing time! I love to find a book that you can just not put down, and the characters become people you enjoy spending time with. I was talking to my sister-in-law the other day and I asked her what she was reading and she shared the names Emily Giffin, Mary Kay Andrews, and Linda Howard. I look forward to finding some books by these women! One of my favorites right now is Kristen Heiztmann, I would recommend anything by her. However, nothing beats her Diamond of the Rockies trilogy, "Quillan and Carina" will always be special !!

I love having someone to share a good book with too...especially over a cup of coffee! My sister-friend is that perfect person! She loves to read too. Some of her favorites are Nora Roberts, and JD Robb. This is one of those people with a writing personality problem because it is the same person writing under two names! We do some of the craziest things like plan which books are our summer books and which would be good winter books, which books would be good vacation books, and we panic when we finish a book without a good replacement waiting.

I would love to hear from other readers about books and authors you enjoy! If you are not a reader I strongly suggest it is a habit you start! Don't feel like you are wasting you time if it is not a self help or educational book. Find something that truly relaxes you and lets that part of our imagination that helped us grow as children still exercise our minds today.

Here are some others I have enjoyed along the way: Virginia Gaffney, Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti(Monster is excellent), Eugenia Price, Francine Rivers and many more!

Special Connections

2007-07-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

I love all the wonderful ways God has of making us feel really special...I mean after all we are His children. I feel like I understand this really well because I had an awesome earthly father too. I was blessed to be a true "daddy's girl". My dad had these ways of making me feel like the most special daughter ever born. Now don't think bad of me for saying that...every little girl deserves that. If you did not have that from your dad you can still get that feeling from God. God does the most amazing little things just to make a touch and say "I really do know what you are feeling and going through". For instance, I had a wonderful phone call this past week. I had heard of the lady that was on the phone, I even remember whispering a prayer for her once because her and her husband had moved to Texas to go to seminary. I just couldn't imangine what that would be like. Now a few years later we are in reverse situations and she was so wonderful to talk too. We keep meeting people who went to school at DTS, but this was the first person I had talked to that has done what I am going to have to do. Our talk was so uplifting to me, and I know there is someone I can talk to any time that can truly say "I understand". God knew just when I needed that call. He let me know He really does know me and cares about me.

Wow, could it be in this world on billions of people that God, the creator and Lord of All, knows me well enough to care about all of the little feelings I might have...YES! I am not just some number on a test tube of cells...I am HIS daughter!

Thank you Lord for loving me so much, thank you for all of your special touches, and thank you for the support of friends like D.O. !

Hey, check out Sid's blog he has been having a little too much fun lately!
www.wonderingfellow.com

Application submitted

2007-06-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well the application is on its way and now we wait...hopefully not a long wait! Please pray as this process takes places. It can seem to have a nerve wrecking effect. Sid had to answer a lot of deep questions a couple of people had to send in references and I even had to write a paragraph about my conversion experience and how I planned on supporting Sid in seminary. They asked almost as many questions as they do when you buy a house. ( I remember telling Sid "I think the mortgage company knows our underwear size")

We truly are seeking Gods will for our family and we believe this is the next step. Please remember us as we wait!

"Not me!"

2007-06-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever said "not me!" about something! It seems whatever you say this about always happens! My mother grew up a preachers daughter and she always said " I will never marry a preacher". Well she didn't...my dad answered the call to the ministry just shortly after they were married! She would always tell me "don't say you are never going to do something!"

So I "never said never"...out loud anyway! I mean I really felt like after being a preachers daughter, granddaughter, niece, and sister surely I was safe from anymore ministry related vocations! I guess I was wrong because now we are on our way to seminary and this past Sunday, Sid brought the message at church! I laughed Sunday morning and told Sid years ago our last name would have been "Parsons"!

Our preparations are proceeding just enough to let us know just how much work we have ahead of us just to get there! Here are some more prayer request:

-finding good medical insurance
-wisdom in cleaning out and downsizing our home
-to continue to seek God and grow in Him daily
-(this may seem weird but..) pray for the person who needs to buy our house

Thanks again for your support and prayers!

Our entertainment as of late has been studying for Sid's MAT test. We do parts of the practice test in the evenings when it gets quite. They are really interesting questions and they are all analogies!

Here is an example:

Blackstone : (a. medicine,b. politics, c.law, d. teaching):: Roberts : Parliamentary Procedure

answer next time!

When God Talks

2007-06-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever notice that when we try to not hear God He gets louder? I mean all through the bible this was the case...look at Moses and a burning bush, Jonah swallowed by a fish, or Saul blinded by a light!
Well, I tried to not listen myself...

Sid told me about a year ago, that he really felt God was leading him to seminary. He said he felt like Dallas Theological Seminary was where God was leading us. I immediately gave him every reason why moving to Dallas was not what God wanted for us. I mean we would have to sell our home, leave our church, and family and friends. Not to mention we have a child in puberty and this would be just awful for him. After causing enough doubt in this decision, Sid pursued a different direction. I mean how could God tell Sid all of this and not me? That little small voice was so easy to snuff out.

Well, about a year later...Sid is enrolled at Bethel Seminary in MN, a choice that is doable because it is done mainly online. All of my reasons were now taken care of, no moving, no uprooting, no CHANGE. Then, while Sid is in Florida...I start hearing this still small voice simply saying "he's not supposed to go to Bethel" . Inside, the battle begins. God speaks and I tune out. Sid was content, he was pursuing an education at Bethel....wasn't that enough? The answer I would get was simply...no. Then that still small voice, got louder and louder!

Soon after Sid returned from his trip, he said "so, what do you really think about this seminary stuff"? Oh my gosh, how could he even ask that! I just said " I think we both know you are not supposed to go to Bethel". He looked at me and said " you know it too"? Had God spoke to both of us this time? Yes. Had God spoke to us both the first time? Yes.

See I am terrified of change. I really do love being in a rut! I even order the same coffee at Starbucks...EVERYTIME! Isn't that funny...I am scared of the very thing that saved me. I mean I had to change to accept the gift God gave me of forgiveness, so why would I think God calling us to another change could possibly be bad.

So pray for us as we begin the process of applying to Dallas Theological Seminary! Here are some prayer request you can join with us in:

the application process
the MAT test Sid needs to take
selling our house
our children adjusting to the thought
Sid looking for employment
looking for housing in TX
our extended family

I am sure more will follow! Thanks for your love and prayers!

Here We Are!

2007-06-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Here we are just being us! It has been a pretty typical weekend, for the Emory's anyway! We started our Saturday going to a Rainbow appointment that did not hold and on the way home having tire trouble. Being Saturday, for some reason, all the tires stores are closed. So we ended up going to Walmart. We ended up spending THREE hours waiting at Walmart...on a Saturday!! Later...the boys went to the church to cut grass and me and the girl went to run errands. On the way home I decided to go by Texas Roadhouse and use a gift card I had won in a competition. Would you like to know what is better than free food from a good restaurant on a Saturday night? Walking back across the parking lot and finding 20$!! All in all it was not a bad day!

I plan on using this site to share our wonderings and mishaps. I also hope to share a little of our hearts with you. We have many things coming up in our lives that are going to require the prayer and support of our friends and family. Please check back for more on that later...

"Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teachings. Happy are those who keep His rules, and try to obey Him with their whole heart." Psalm 119: 1&2 NCV

"If I rise with the sun in the east and settle in the west beyond the sea, even there you would guide me. With your right hand you would hold me." Psalm 139:9&10