Friday, October 31, 2008

Twas the Night before Noelle's Birthday, and All through the house....


It's a good thing I made cookies.....

This is how much cake Noelle brought home from the bank.


Noelle and her pretty flowers.



Daddy's Girl




Momma's Girl





Awwww, have you been hugged today?






Here are your hip waders! (thats what Cale had told her he got her)
He had teased her and said he would need to borrow them.
He really got her a dvd. (The Christmas Card)



See my pretty bow!




HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NOELLE....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
AND MANY MORE.





Oh my... It's the book series I've wanted for months!





A brotherly birthday spanking, given in love of course!

More Celebrating

It's almost noon and I've had a busy and productive morning thus far. Noelle didn't leave for work until 8:30. As soon as she left, I ran for the shower, got ready, went to the Pig and picked up the cake I had ordered for her. I delivered it to the bank. The cake was very pretty. It had pale pink roses on it and said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOELLE" and it had a "20" on it.
I've been a sneaky little momma. I also ordered her a fresh bouquet of flowers to be delivered today. I think I'm enjoying all the birthday celebration more than the birthday girl! I told you before that we celebrate for days around here!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

What I Did Today:

THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.......
THESE ARE WHAT I CAME HOME WITH!

RECKON WHAT'S INSIDE?!
I KNOW!

Today was a very rare day for me. We got up early, ate breakfast, got Noelle off to work,
did some chores, and I took Cale to Scot's parents to go fishing with them. Yes, normally today would have been a school day. And it sort of was....Fish have schools, right?! Seriously, Gordon and Nora Ann were getting their boat out for possibly the last time until spring and they invited Cale, so I just couldn't deny him the pleasure. I dropped him off and I went to our shed. We bought a shed when we sold our house and we have it sitting on the George property. The shed doesn't hold anything valuable to anyone but me. All of our past homeschool books, some of the children books (from when they were babies and tots), my china (that has to be hand-washed), Cale's twin bed, the baby bed, Mr. Turtle Sandbox, ..... (you get the pic) are in the shed. I labeled each Rubbermaid box when we filled them, but you know how confusing that can be when you actually need something. O.k., maybe you don't, but it is to me. It's like going to Wal-Mart for 2 items. I walk in the store and I have a lapse of some sort. But, I usually succeed in getting at least 1 of the 2 items, plus 10 more items! Back to the shed..... I had already been to it a couple of times looking for a particular book. The reason I wanted this particular book is crazy too! One of my dear high school friends, Karis, and I send Winnie The Pooh quotes back and forth via Facebook. So, after I sent her all the ones I could remember, I thought, hmmm, Cale had a huge book of Winnie the Pooh; I'll just get the book and look for quotes. So, I looked for the book, couldn't find it anywhere. I was even told that I had imagined that we had it! Imagine that!!!! So, I go to the shed a couple of times, always in a hurry, I might add, and looked for this book. Could Not Find It, so I thought maybe I did imagine it. This continued to bug me. I saw this book at the mall last week and the price was $40.oo, so I didn't buy it. I decided to keep looking. Today, I was alone and in no hurry (THAT IS WHY IT WAS A RARE DAY). The box was behind the kids red wagon and I had evidently overlooked it the other times I had been in the shed. Long story, short ending: I found the book- I proved that I'm not completely off my rocker- and now I can send all the quotes I wish to send from good ole Pooh Bear.



The second important thing I did today after running errands (after my search and find) was wrap Noelle's birthday gifts. Her birthday is Sat. I wanted to wrap them while I was alone,
so I got my paper, bows, etc. all in the floor with me and wrapped up a storm. I had felt a bit sad about her turning 20, (TIME HAS SURELY PASSED BY SO FAST) but I've decided to be very joyous and thankful. She is still here with us, alive and in body, and she is such a godly young lady, and I have been so honored and priviledged to be the woman God chose for this precious girl to call "Mother".

I will fill ya'll in more on her birthday as soon as the Birthday Girl knows all about her birthday!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Supper

"Hey Grandpa, whats for supper?" Do ya'll remember that line on Hee-Haw?
Well, "Hey Liesa, whats for supper?" Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, peas, mac & cheese, & corn bread muffins! Yes, I'm tootin' my own little Betty Crocker horn today! We had baked chicken/bbq chicken with veggies Mon. and Tue. night. I very seldom fry anything, and I also very seldom cook corn bread anymore, so tonight is something to tell about I guess. (in my mind anyway!) As the Hee-Haw crowd would shout, "YUM-YUM."

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kanah is 8!


I am behind posting birthdays. There were several this month! Kanah celebrated her 8th birthday Oct. 26. She is such a loving and happy little lady!

Pa-Pa G. & Tristen's b'day

A birthday a few years ago! Noelle, Pa Pa G., and Cale.

Pa Pa and Tristen on Pa Pa's 70th B'day.

Tristen is 2


Tristen, our great nephew celebrated his 2nd birthday Oct. 13.
Gordon celebrated his 71st birthday Oct. 23.

I appreciate my father in law. He is a very kind-hearted, hard working family man.





Happy Birthday Josh!




Today is Josh's birthday. He is more like a nephew to me than a friends son.
He has always called me Aunt Liesa, and I like the sound of that!
I pray he has a very blessed and happy 14th birthday!

Verses I'm Thinking on Today:

James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

These words stand out to me: called, humble, pray, seek, turn, then, forgive, heal

Monday, October 27, 2008

Your Vote Matters

In our Sun. School lesson for Nov. 16, we will consider "Key Christian Duties," including the responsibility we as Christians have before God to respect, obey, and pray for those in authority. (see Rom. 13:1-7; I Tim. 1:2-3) We will briefly consider a few ways we can influence those who hold public office. It is not only our right, it is also our duty to get involved.
First, pray for wisdom and for the election in general.
Second, study the issues from a biblical perspective. Don't just listen to what the candidates say, look at their voting record and previous statements as well.
Finally, to the best of your ability, vote in a manner pleasing to God.

How important is one vote?
Consider this true story:
On election day in 1840, an Indiana farmer named Henry Shoemaker had traveled all day to cast his vote. He arrived at the county courthouse just as the polls were closing-just in time to vote for the candidate of his choice for the Indiana state legislature.
A close vote was expected, but not the heavy turnout that occurred. Shoemaker had to use a makeshift ballot since election officials had run out of official ballots. His choice for the state office was Madison Marsh, who was elected by just one vote.
But the story does not end there. In those days, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures. Madison Marsh cast his first ballot as a legislator for a man name Harrigan, who was elected to the United States Senate by one vote. During his tenure in office, Senator Harrigan voted for Texas to become the 28th state of the union; and oddly enough, it was by just one vote statehood for Texas was passed. We can only guess how different our world now would be were it not for Henry Shoemaker who, with determination, made his way to the polls that election day in 1840 to cast his ballot.
Don't sit this election out! Be involved. Your vote really does matter.

(I got this from our Sun. School Literature)

PRAY!

I am sooo very burdened about the upcoming election. Our freedoms are depending upon this election. The very truths our country was founded on depends on the election.
I am desperate; I want God's attention!!! Read Genesis 18:16-33. Abraham pleaded to God to save Sodom. I asked Scot last night why God didn't spare Sodom and he said because Abraham quit asking. So, I am not going to let up! I am going to ask and plead with God each day to have mercy on us one more time and to somehow, if it could be His will, intervene on our behalf. I beg and encourage you to pray fervently each day in the days ahead. The future depends upon our prayers and God answering them.
I am also praying for Mr. Obama, Mr. Biden, Mr. McCain, and Mrs. Palin. My prayer is that they will know Christ (if they don't) in a personal way; through His great salvation. I am praying for old-fashioned Holy Ghost conviction. Salvation works!!! It opens eyes to God's truth, it heals, and it will correct. But for the grace of God and Christ's blood, I might be in the same shoes some of these are. I once was blind, but now I see! Pray for eyes to be opened all over this great country. According to CNN, these are the states that are either safe or leaning for Obama: WA, OR, CA, NM, MN, ME, IA, WI, IL, MI, PA, NH, NY, VA, DC, MD, DE, VT, NJ, CT, RI, MA, AND HI.
These are the states that a toss up between the two: FL, NC, OH, MO, CO, AND NV.
The following are leaning to McCain: MT, ND, AR, LA, IN, AND WV.
The states not listed above are considered safe for McCain.
Pray for the people in these states!!! Pray that the ones that are not sure who to vote for will somehow cast their vote for the more conservative. (even if they don't even know why they are doing so!) Pray for the ones that are leaning toward conservative, to stick to their guns and have the guts to go against the grain!
Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

If you believe that God can do anything, please spend time with Him this week and pray and ask him to have mercy upon our country one more time. May God's will be done.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Last Race for Spartans

SPARTANS

IT IS COLD BOYS!


CALE, MA-MA & PA-PA G.




JENNIFER AND JEFF FREDERICK



JOSH & CLAY




STRIPPING OFF TO SLEEVELESS IN ESKIMO WEATHER!
FOREST & MARY JO




ALEC AND JULIE




KATHY AND DAVID






AIDEN AND DEE-DEE
(MARLA DION) I LOVE HER NAME!
AIDEN WAS THE WARMEST OF US ALL!!!





SCOT AND CALE





JOSH AND DAVID




(MRS.) SHA-LAH AND ZACK
(SHEA PRIEST)
AND HE THINKS I'M A NUT!




SCOT AND SAM





ZACK AND CALE WITH COACH DULEY




JAMIE, STEPHEN, AND NATALIE





JULIE AND ROAN






WE SAVED JIMMY A HOT DOG!






Today has been a beautiful day in our lives! We got up very early; met the other team members in the mall parking lot between 6:30 and 7:00. The race began at 8:00, and up until that time, we 'bout froze! Everyone seemed to be so chipper and happy and the morning was just a very delightful time. The race was a fund raiser for The Susan A. Komen race for the cure. (Breast Cancer) Gordon and Nora Ann (Scot's parents) attended, which thrilled Cale. Seems like he enjoyed running more today! Cale's time was 22:23. He had a pace of 7:13. He was 31st in the
male division and 8th in his age division. All of the Spartans did great today. Several of them brought home trophys. Congratulations to you all!
It was quite chilly, but we just had the best time.
Nora Ann, Gordon, and I went inside the mall after the race and got breakfast at Chick-Fillet.
After the award ceremony, all the Spartans and their families went to Jimmy and Roan Johnsons for lunch. We had grilled hot-dogs and all kinds of chips, dip, and desserts. All the kids had a blast playing outside. After we left the Johnson home, we went BACK to the mall. Josh had given me a gift card from Barnes and Noble. I had a ball!!! I looked down almost every aisle.
I decided on 2 books by Elizabeth George. I have several of her books in my library that I enjoy tremendously. The books I chose today is "Life Management for Busy Women" and "Small Changes for a Better Life". I am anxious to read them. I know they will bless me.
Josh was so sweet to give me the gift card. He's my buddy. His birthday is Tuesday.
He will be 14. Here I go again telling you my how fast time has gone by! I was at the hospital when Josh was born. He has always been sooo dear to my heart. I pray God blesses him with a very fun and special day!
I tell you, we've met the nicest people during the XC season. Our family has had a blast!
It was a sacrifice time and money wise, but well worth it. Gas prices is the only reason it was expensive. I do look forward to getting back on a half way decent schedule, wait, what am I saying??? I don't even know what "decent schedule" means. Maybe we can accomplish more in school and I can keep the laundry room from looking like it threw up clothes all over the place.
I will definately have to plan menu's now. I won't be counting on everyone fending for theirselves on Tue. and Thur.'s. I do plan to keep in touch with the Spartan parents and Coach Duley. We will look back on the past few months with pleasant thoughts and wonderful memories.
I posted lots of pics but considering I forgot my camera the last 2 weeks, I thought I was entitled to post more tonight. Enjoy!

Friday, October 24, 2008

GREAT APPETIZER-SNACKS

I made these to carry to our reunion. They were very good.

1 pkg. cream cheese
8 to 10 tablespoons salsa, ( I used Holley Farms homemade salsa)

Mix the above.
Spread it on soft tortilla shells, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle with
chili powder. Roll tightly. Cut in pinwheels. Yum.

Gina brought the following to the reunion; was very tasty.

Place a small piece of raw bacon on a ritz. Sprinkle brown sugar on top.
Bake on very low heat for 20 to 25 min. (sorry, can't remember exactly)
Just don't burn them! lol.

I CAN RELAX NOW

I admit, I have been soooo stressed the past few weeks due to two upcoming events in my life.
1. 25th class reunion
2. WMU meeting at Salem
I KNOW-IT WAS NON-SENSE ME BEING STRESSED! I knew it then, and I for sure know it now. It's easier to say it now though, because both occasions are in the past. Why do I get like that? I loved my classmates, I was looking forward to seeing each and every one of them, so why be stressed? No clue! As for the Salem Ladies Night, I had prayed, practiced, prayed and practiced some more, but I was a nervous wreck over it. Crazy, huh?
It was such an honor and joy to sing with my mother again. She and I used to sing all the time and I miss that. We sang "Step Into The Water" and "Just One More Soul" at the meeting. I played "There is A Fountain" during the offering.
All the ladies were very nice and kind to us. Mrs. Ressie and my Claire-Belle rode with me. That helped me so much. Mrs. Fae Maroon from Belmont spoke about some mission trips that she and her husband had taken. Her husbands daughter Karis and I grew up together. Mrs. Maroon did a good job speaking. And the food was divine!!! I haven't seen that many cakes in one room in my life! The Caramel Cake was scrumptious! I also met Mrs. Bennett. Her husband was the pastor here at Bethany 30 years ago. It was a pleasure to meet her.
So, with Gods great help, we made it through the songs and enjoyed the night.
WHY was I worried! I do fear God. I try to always sing the right song, in the right spirit, and I just count it a great responsibility to sing or speak about the lovely name of Jesus. He was faithful and true as always. But, now, I can relax until something else comes along that gets me a bit out of sorts! ha. Welcome to my world!

Noelle JoBeth

Poor Noelle is going to start leaking something she needs if she gets stuck with a needle much more this week. Tue., she got a flu shot at the bank. (her first) Wed., she had a reaction to the flu shot, so she got a cortizone shot to counteract the reaction. Then, yesterday, she had to have a blood test at the dermatologist.

One more week- she will be 20!!!!! I'm trying to be a big girl and enjoy this time and make it very special for her. She gets to choose where we eat a week from tomorrow. I have her gifts already, hidden of course. We celebrate birthdays for days around here! My mother and daddy are taking her out tonight for her special occasion. Our whole family gets to go!
Noelle is feeling the effects of growing up. Everyones schedules are so hectic and busy now. She used to get together with all her buddies just at the drop of a hat, but now, it's alot of working around this and that and planning WAY ahead to get people together.

Noelle and I went to the mall yesterday after she went for her appointment.
I have been to the mall several times since Barnes and Noble opened, but wouldn't go in there
because I knew how much Noelle wanted to go, so I wanted to wait and she and I experience the first Barnes and Noble visit together. So, we get to the door way, we stop, I say, "Ok, are you ready? This is it- our first Barnes and Noble experience!" We savor the first few steps. We step inside. I say, "ummm, smell." Was this book heaven? My first thought was SO MANY BOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME AND MONEY. We used our coupon for a free latte', paid for one of them. We ooohed and ahhhhed for around an hour and left feeling like we had only scanned the surface. WE WILL RETURN!

So, my day with Noelle was a good day, as usual. She's my kindred spirit, especially when it comes to eating and shopping! We enjoyed a late lunch at Taco Bell, her favorite fast food place.
We popped in VF for her some jeans, and then headed home.

Have I mentioned lately that I'm so blessed and happy I can hardly contain myself?
This is one of those walk out on my porch and yell, I AM HAPPY-I AM BLESSED-THANK YOU GOD mornings! Thank you God for being so gracious and good to this little country bunkin!

Another Spartan Story

The Spartans played shaving cream tag Tue. afternoon at Ballard Park. One of the moms best described the scene. She said that when she drove up, it looked like a bunch of little ghosts running around in the park! It started out as tag; it ended up in a free for all. Had I taken more clothes, I would have joined in. They all had a blast! All we could see was their eyes.
Tomorrow is the last race scheduled for the Spartans. It is at the Mall at Barnes Crossing, one of my most favorite places in the universe! (well, the inside of the mall is anyway) I will miss these dear people. The past 2 months have been wonderful for me, Cale, and Scot. Noelle missed it all due to work. She made 1 practice and 1 run, bless her heart.
I have new friends and aquaintances, so does Cale and Scot. I discovered Blogging from Roan.
I got to know my best friends son much better. Now Josh knows without a doubt that Aunt Liesa is a NUT! ha. I discovered that there are other parents out there with my passion for homeschooling. There are lots of children out there who still say Mam, Sir, Thank you, Please. I hear kids talking about going out in their back yard or woods and playing things like I used to play when I was young. For example; building forts, houses, etc. out of straw and wood. I've seen the older children help parents take care of the younger children of their family, willingly and happily I might add. There are kids out there who are 16 and 17 that still don't have drivers license, and thats a norm for them. I've witnessed 13 and 14, and even older teens that are not boy-girl crazy! They are waiting upon God for that special one. Oh, and the best thing I've seen is parents meaning what they say "the first time" and the children knowing that and just obeying "the first time." No, these kids aren't perfect, but I will say, it has been so refreshing to have been around these precious people. Now, there are some rounders there just like everywhere else, but I've enjoyed observing these kids, and feeling so refreshed that most are well behaved and so youthful acting, instead of so serious about things they have no business being serious about. These families are not like this just because they homeschool, so don't think I mean that public school kids are the skum of the earth or anything. I know other children that are obedient and fun too.
I just noticed some of these things the past few months that are so rare these days in families, and wanted to share my thoughts.
Also, tomorrow after the race, we will go to the Johnson Home for lunch. I will do my best to pack the camera tonight so I do have pic's this time. I've been slack on that the past 2 weeks.
I know, shame on me.
So, thanks to Coach Heather Duley, all the parents, and all the Spartans for such a great season!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sundays Sermon, Tried and True

I thought Scot had eaten gun powder with his breakfast yesterday morning. He preached a wonderful message. It may not have helped anyone else, but it was just what I needed. Thats just like God, isn't it? When he said the title, my head popped up in attention; Tried and True.
Thats the name of the last song I wrote. How 'bout that! I think God is trying to tell me something. Isaiah 28:10-18 was his text.

Verse 10: says: For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Verse 13 says: But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Verse 16 says: Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

We should always add to our Christian knowledge. Scot gave the example of math.
We don't start out in Kindergarten knowing algebra formula's, we start out with learning to recognize numbers and counting, and then we add to that little by little. If we stopped learning there, we would be very limited in our knowledge of math. As Christians, we need to grow in the Lord and His Word.
He talked about Judgement. We will be judged according to God's Word, line upon line, precept upon precept. The standard of judgement will be gun-barrel straight, no loop holes. The plumet mentioned in verse 17 is a weight. We put Gods righteousness on one side, and what can we put on the other side to even it out? Only Christ's blood. All our righteousness is as filthy rags.
But, then he got to the good-good news. He talked about Christ being our foundation of stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation! Stone is God made, not man made. I can depend upon what God does, I can't fall off.
In verse 16, it says that he that believeth shall not make haste. Scot said that if we are saved, we don't have to run from the storms of life because we are safe in the Lord.
The hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies. In the end, it comes down to the individual and God. The water shall overflow the hiding place: can't hide behind excuses, church membership, works, or in ourselves.
Verse 18 mentions a covenant with death. People say that they'll get right "someday" or that they have plenty of time. That will not stand when we face God.

I'm so thankful God is True. What a joy and comfort to me.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Pastor Appreciation

As most of you know, October is Pastor Appreciation month. I encourage you all to do something nice and special for your pastor and his family. I promise you it will encourage them and will help them in ways you cannot imagine. God will bless you for it. When you go out of your way for your Pastor and family, it's almost like igniting fireworks. You will have a better Pastor because he will be encouraged and in better spirits mentally and spiritually. You can take my word for all of this. Scot does not preach Gods Word or pastor for any recognition or for money, but he is human. He works hard. He is gone all day to L & L, comes home, eats supper, and most nights, there are people to check on, visiting to do, or studying to do. He gets up early alot of mornings and goes to his office to pray and study long before we ever get up.
The kids and I hear the churches name in every prayer that is said aloud, we see the concern on his face, we hear the excitement or sometimes the discouragement in his voice. Pastors carry a heavy burden, and until you experience this, there is no way you can ever fathom the load.
Some people think that because most pastors receive a check each week or month, that they earn that by what they do, and that is all there is to it. Friends, there is much more to it than that. Scot has said that no huge amount of money could make it worth pastoring somewhere that is not Gods will, but no little amount of money could make it not worth pastoring where it is Gods will! Your pastor and family do sacrifice in ways I never imagined before living the life.
Your pastor misses family occasions and other events due to church events. No matter what he's doing at the time, or no matter what holiday, etc., if a member of his flock needs him, he goes. Your pastors life is scheduled around church events. Before being called into the ministry, we didn't even think about things like that.
I loved my Pastor Bro. Charles Green and I did try to do special things for him and Gladys Ann.
I sent them cards on a regular basis, remembered their birthdays, etc. but had I known what I know now; I would have been much more thoughtful. And Lord knows I would have prayed longer and harder for them. There are several misconceptions about Pastors and their family. 1.We are NOT perfect. 2.We do NOT live like we do just because of the position. (convictions, etc.) 3.We are NOT faithful to church just because we get a check from the church.
4.Our children DO misbehave sometimes just like the members kids, and the preachers kids are not always the worst ones; people just notice their mistakes and sins more. 5.Pastors wives are NOT always jolly and in a good mood. 6.WORDS do hurt Pastors, Pastors wives, and their children, just like anyone else. Our hearts are not made of stone.
I could go on and on and on. You wouldnt' believe the comments down through the years.
"Oh, you have to be here, or do this or that, you're the preachers wife." "Ya'll have to live right, you are the pastors family." We live right to the best of our ability because of our relationship with Jesus and because we want to win other souls to Him.
I said all of that to say this: GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO BE NICE TO YOUR PASTOR AND HIS FAMILY. LOVE THEM, CHECK ON THEM, INCLUDE THEM, SPEAK ENCOURAGEMENT, AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, PRAY FOR THEM. HOLD THEM UP TO THE LORD EACH DAY. The devil would like nothing better than to get them to just give up or to rob their joy and steal their fire and compassion. You my dear friends can help prevent that from happening. I do not post my thoughts on this for anyone to think I'm complaining, whining, or discontent. I am very content and happy- I just want to encourage you all to think of your pastor and his family and other members of your church on a regular basis. Choose to be a blessing. Choose to not just mean well or think about doing this or that, but put action behind it. Most of the time, YOU are your pastor and families life. They enjoy being with their members not only in church services, but other times too. So, do include them. Everything doesn't have to be so-so or spic and span. It will bring you more joy than you will be giving out, I promise you that!!!!

Bethany Baptist Church is a wonderful church. We love everyone here and we love this community. We lovingly call it "Mayberry". God was good to get our name to these people when they were without a Pastor. They are all so very generous and kind to our family.
We are always willing to go wherever God sees fit, but we sure are hoping that He lets us stay here for a very long time! This community is a treasure, such a rare and wonderful place.
Last night, Bro. Harold asked Scot, Noelle, Cale, and me to come up front. Bro. Jeff spoke such nice words about us and to us and presented us with a card and a check. What a blessing this was to us. When we lived at Belmont, most every year, we'd have a garden and freeze and can alot of food. We haven't had a garden since moving to the parsonage, but each summer, we always have fresh veggies on our table, in our fridge, and in the freezer. Just last night, one of the members brought us some fresh eggs, and the week before that, we were given sweet potatoes and some greens, onions, and radishes. I think I may have bought eggs at the store 5 or 6 times in the past 4 years. Last summer when I had surgery, there was food brought to us every day for several days; Scot or Noelle would go to the local restaurant to pick up breakfast or lunch some days, and most of the time, they'd come home and say, "They wouldn't let us pay for it" or "Kim bought it for us." Now, how nice is that!

You can't outlove or outgive God! He will bless you for your kindness and outreach to other people. I get a bigger blessing out of giving than I do receiving, but every now and then, it is good to be on the receiving end. And as a wise man told me just last week, "Just say Thank you." So, here goes it.... "THANK YOU BETHANY CHURCH FAMILY. YOU ARE ALL SOOOO VERY DEAR TO MY HEART, TO SCOT'S HEART, AND A BLESSING TO NOELLE AND CALE." "THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING US, LOVING US, AND CARING FOR US."

It is a true joy and priviledge to be a Child of the King, to be the wife of Scot, the mother of Noelle and Cale, and to be a part of such a wonderful church family. I just wish my dear church family could see inside my heart. My words are sooo inadequate to express my love for them.
If I could have planned my life, I wouldn't have it any other way than the way it is, other than being a better person, and working more diligently to fix my faults and failures. Thank God for the Blood!

for the church where I worship and pray, for the freedom I have today, for your Spirit I feel,
your presence so real, thank you Lord.......

DASH FOR DIABETES

I've been a bad momma lately to Cale. Sat. before last, I forgot my camera, so I didn't get any pictures of the meet at Tippah Lake and this past Sat., I didn't go to the Corinth 5k, so I didn't get any pictures. Cale ran a good race though. His time was 22:40. He told me all about the race. He liked the course. He said the other Spartans did great too! Alot of them came away with trophy's, or whatever they were giving the winners that day.
One more practice for us, which will include shaving cream!
I'm so glad Cale has participated with the Spartan Homeschool Team. He and I have had a great time together on Tuesdays and Thursdays going to the practices, and Scot and I have loved the Saturday races. Everyone has been so nice. It's just been a whole lotta fun!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Class of 83 Reunion


POOR JERRY PAUL. WE HADN'T BEEN THERE 10 MIN.
& SOMEBODY, NOT MENTIONING ANY NAMES, ALAN,
PUT THIS STICKER ON HIS BACK!


THE GIRLS

JEFF & DON






As I travel on life's pathway,
Know not what the years may hold;
As I ponder, hope grows fonder,
Precious memories flood my soul.
Precious memories, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.


LIESA & ANGIE





TERRI, PAUL REX, TONY, & TOMMY (HUSBAND OF FRANCES)


THE ELEMENTARY LIBRARY IS IN A DIFFERENT
BUILDING, BUT THESE SAME PIC'S OF PRESIDENTS WERE
ON THE WALL IN OUR LIBRARY WHEN WE WERE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.



BEAUTIFUL CAKE AND DELICIOUS FOOD


THE WHOLE GANG!

GINA & HUSBAND

RANDY & ALAN DISCUSSING THE ANNUAL

SHEILA & HUSBAND

ANDREA & LIESA


PAUL REX & WIFE WITH MRS. GREENE

DARREL & WIFE

RANDY, DEBBIE, LIESA, JEFFERY, & FRANCES


DAVID, JERRY PAUL, ANGIE


RANDY & WIFE


MRS. GREENE
FRANCES



TONY
DON


LISA
JEFFERY
DEBBIE


TERRY & WIFE


COUSINS: JEFFERY & BETTY
I HAD NOT SEEN BETTY SINCE WE GRADUATED.
I WAS OVERJOYED TO SEE MY DEAR FRIEND.

LIESA & BETTY

Today was the day; my 25th class reunion. I've thought about it every single day for almost 2 months and now it's just a memory. I am so thankful I got to attend.

The officers did a great job decorating and planning. Thank you Jeffery, Gina, Lisa, Tony, Alicia, and Jeff.


We met at the new cafeteria at Belmont School. As soon as I walked in, it was like stepping back in time. No one seemed awkward or uncomfortable. It was like going home. We just picked right up where we had left off a quarter of a century ago. Alicia and Terri took us all on a tour of the school. They have built a new high school since we graduated. We went to what is now the middle school, which was the high school when we were there. My mind was just flooded with memories as we walked the halls and went into some of the rooms. We would name each teacher as we'd get to their room.
One of the guys said, "Right over there is where I got my first paddling." He pointed outside the door of his second grade classroom. Of course, it's funny now!
Even the smells were the same. A couple of us was commenting at the same time about how the gym and the school still smelled the same. That is so amazing.
One of the ladies is already a grandmother and one of the guys will be a grandfather in December. That is unreal! And it's funny because at the other reunions we've had, we would stand and tell where we worked, etc., you know, give our titles and that kind of thing, and this time, it was more reminiscing of the times we had at Belmont school. Titles, prestige, and popularity were put on hold for the evening and we just celebrated our precious years together and our wonderful friendships.
This journey of life is so peculiar. We feel like the seasons of our life will last forever and then we look around, it's past, and another is upon us. My wish is that each of my classmates would know that this gal loves them and is so thankful and grateful to have shared with each and everyone one of you the journey down the halls and in the classrooms, in the gym, on the playground, in the library, in the bleachers at football and basketball games, and everywhere else the years took us. You wouldn't have missed a thing had you never met me,
but I pray that each of you have a personal relationship with Jesus. If you don't know Him, you've missed everything. I want to stroll over heaven with you!


GOD BLESS THE BELMONT CLASS OF 83-MY PRECIOUS CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS!