Well, despite the weather (and my mother's wishes) we all bundled up and headed to see the Chester County High School's version of The Wizard of Oz last night. The kids had been so excited about going because many of our kids from church were in the play and because Wizard of Oz is one of our favorites. The kids sat spellbound as the story we had seen so often on video came to life. The students (ranging in age of 2nd and 3rd graders as the munchkins to seniors in high school) did a wonderful job portraying these very beloved characters. The critics Laura Beth and Carter declared it a success and the scarecrow stole their hearts!!! When the time came for the Lion to come out, Carter moved from Daddy's lap (which was located on the end of the aisle) to Grandad's lap (which was located in the middle of the aisle) for a time being. His verdict, despite our telling him that the lion would be scared of him, is still out on the lion. The part of the play I liked the best was seeing our Natalie Cravens (a 17 year old we have been praying for) take the stage as a poppy and an Ozian less than a month after being declared cancer free. Her mother is the aid in Laura Beth's class and I had her father for a class during college. She was a true testimony of prayers being answered!! The play was close to 3 hours long, but the kids did a wonderful job watching the play. We thought we might just make an early exit, but Laura Beth wanted to be able to see her big friends afterwards. They were troupers!!!
Here's to our favorites - Jared (tin man), Jessica, Anna Catherine, Becky, Kira, Houston (lullaby guild), Candice (lullaby guild), and Jon Michael!!! Great job, guys!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Our Wonderful Oz Friends
Laura Beth with Jessica and Anna Catherine Steele
Natalie Cravens - the one upfront - was the 17 year old on our prayer list that had cancer, but is now in remission!!
The Scarecrow, Tin Man (our Jared from church), Lion, and Dorothy
The 2 trees are girls from church - Kira, Anna Catherine and BeckyFriday, March 7, 2008
We have a White Yard!!!!
Well, they were right this time around!!! Around 4:00 white stuff came falling from the sky, but not snow - ICE!!!! Our yard and deck was covered with ice. The kids were so excited because they thought it was snow and now at 5:25 their wish has come true!!! We have about 1 knch of snow/ice on the deck and ground and it is still coming. What does this mean? Hopefully you will get to see snow pictures tomorrow on here!!! And this time you will be able to see the snow falling or on the ground!!!
Lord willing . . . until tomorrow!!
Lord willing . . . until tomorrow!!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Tonight I Choose to be Mommy
Well, as most of you know my family is HUGE Lion and Lady Lion Basketball fans!!! (We do support and love the other teams - you just happened to catch us during basketball season.) We are right in the middle of conference tournament and for the past 2 nights we have let our kids stay up past their bedtimes so they can see their favorites play one more time. Tonight, our guys - the BIG Lions as the kids call them - are playing away and I had the chance to go.
** I would have had the chance to spend 4+ hours with one of my very good friends and her family as we drove to and from the game and there is no telling what kind of Bible school ideas we would have come up with in that car ride as well.
** I would have been able to have some away time which is needed every now and then. Notice I did not say peace and quiet because at a conference basketball tournament game that does not exsist.
** I would have been able to see first hand every play that happened and I would have been able to cheer for our teams where they could hear me.
** I would have been able to stay up WAY past my bedtime and probably been able to sleep in the morning because of that.
However, tonight I get to be Mommy. Damon has a basketball game tonight and, while I am sure Gran and Grandad Willis would have loved to stay with them, I cannot bear to leave them.
So, my night will be very different than what it could have been.
** I will get to explain to my children that tonight is leftover night which does not mean hot dogs and little pizzas for supper.
** I will get to hear them pray to God for the blessings we have before we eat.
** I will get to hear Laura Beth read from her NEW first grader reader - that's right, FIRST GRADE!!!
** I will get to see Carter try to read just like his big sister.
** I will get to play endless games of UNO Attack and whatever else they want to play.
** I will get to hear, "Momma, come change me," after Damon gives them their showers.
** I will get to read during Bible time tonight.
** I will get to hear them say their memory verses we have been working on.
** I will get to read their bedtime stories to them.
** I will get to hear them say their bedtime prayers.
** I will get to hear, "Momma, will you come check on me?"
** I will probably wind up with one of them in bed with me before the night is over.
** I will wake up at 5:15 tomorrow morning to start my day.
** I will be thankful that my children have such great heroes and role models at FHU, but
** I will be thankful that we can have a night of fun and fellowship with just our family.
I know I am going to LOVE the choice I made.
** I would have had the chance to spend 4+ hours with one of my very good friends and her family as we drove to and from the game and there is no telling what kind of Bible school ideas we would have come up with in that car ride as well.
** I would have been able to have some away time which is needed every now and then. Notice I did not say peace and quiet because at a conference basketball tournament game that does not exsist.
** I would have been able to see first hand every play that happened and I would have been able to cheer for our teams where they could hear me.
** I would have been able to stay up WAY past my bedtime and probably been able to sleep in the morning because of that.
However, tonight I get to be Mommy. Damon has a basketball game tonight and, while I am sure Gran and Grandad Willis would have loved to stay with them, I cannot bear to leave them.
So, my night will be very different than what it could have been.
** I will get to explain to my children that tonight is leftover night which does not mean hot dogs and little pizzas for supper.
** I will get to hear them pray to God for the blessings we have before we eat.
** I will get to hear Laura Beth read from her NEW first grader reader - that's right, FIRST GRADE!!!
** I will get to see Carter try to read just like his big sister.
** I will get to play endless games of UNO Attack and whatever else they want to play.
** I will get to hear, "Momma, come change me," after Damon gives them their showers.
** I will get to read during Bible time tonight.
** I will get to hear them say their memory verses we have been working on.
** I will get to read their bedtime stories to them.
** I will get to hear them say their bedtime prayers.
** I will get to hear, "Momma, will you come check on me?"
** I will probably wind up with one of them in bed with me before the night is over.
** I will wake up at 5:15 tomorrow morning to start my day.
** I will be thankful that my children have such great heroes and role models at FHU, but
** I will be thankful that we can have a night of fun and fellowship with just our family.
I know I am going to LOVE the choice I made.
Meditation 3/6/08
Today's verse to think upon is:
"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your Spirit lead me on level ground." - Psalm 143:10
As followers of God, we should always strive to do His will in all we do. In all we do, we need to ask for His will to be shown to us and for His Spirit to guide us.
May God bless us as we work to do His will in our lives and as we strive to stay on level ground.
"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your Spirit lead me on level ground." - Psalm 143:10
As followers of God, we should always strive to do His will in all we do. In all we do, we need to ask for His will to be shown to us and for His Spirit to guide us.
May God bless us as we work to do His will in our lives and as we strive to stay on level ground.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Meditiation 3/5/08
Today's verse to think upon all day;
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." - Psalm1:1-2
To me, this verse speaks about people and priorities. If we are going to reflect the beauty of Jesus, we need to watch the people we surround ourselves with (v. 1) in our daily walk. We are to reach out to those in the world, because how else are we going to teach them about Jesus. However, we are not to be "of the world." Today, watch who you are spending your time with and how they are affecting you and your relationship with Christ.
God's word should be a priority in our lives as well. Whether you are comfortable reading through the Bible in a year or just reading one verse a day and really concentrating on it, we should be glad when it is time to spend time in His word. We should look forward to it just as we look forward to time with our friends. Yet, we should not just leave it on the couch or chair when we are done reading. We need to carry what we have discovered in God's word with us throughout the day.
May God bless us as we reflect His beauty for others to see and as we reflect on His word so we can grow in His beauty.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." - Psalm1:1-2
To me, this verse speaks about people and priorities. If we are going to reflect the beauty of Jesus, we need to watch the people we surround ourselves with (v. 1) in our daily walk. We are to reach out to those in the world, because how else are we going to teach them about Jesus. However, we are not to be "of the world." Today, watch who you are spending your time with and how they are affecting you and your relationship with Christ.
God's word should be a priority in our lives as well. Whether you are comfortable reading through the Bible in a year or just reading one verse a day and really concentrating on it, we should be glad when it is time to spend time in His word. We should look forward to it just as we look forward to time with our friends. Yet, we should not just leave it on the couch or chair when we are done reading. We need to carry what we have discovered in God's word with us throughout the day.
May God bless us as we reflect His beauty for others to see and as we reflect on His word so we can grow in His beauty.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Meditation 3/4/08
In my studies in Cassandra Martin's book Our Father in Heaven, Teach Us to Pray, she has challenged her readers to meditiate on God's Word. This is a concept that usually scares people, but I have found that it is a great way to "direct our hearts to the heart of God." The word meditate means to empty or concentrate your mind. While some aspects of meditation involve one to empty his mind, spiritual meditaion involves filling your mind with things - in this instance, God's word. While studying this lesson, I resolved to bring this meditation to my blog. While it may not happen every day, I want us to meditate on God's word together. I will post certain scriptures as often as I can (Lord willing, daily) and I want us all to meditate on these verses and share your feelings or comments about them, so we can all grow together. Mrs. Martin gave 5 points to help us meditate on God's word:
1. Choose one verse. (If you have a verse you would like for us to meditate on, send it to me and I will use it)
2. Write it on your heart. (Memorize it. Write it on a card and carry it around with you.)
3. Regularly stop and repeat the verse to yourself. (Use down times or appointed times to stop and repeat the verse.)
4. Connect the verse to the character of God. (What does this verse teach you about God and what is God calling you to be?)
5. Connect the verse to your daily walk. (Watch for ways this verse can impact your life right now!)
I pray that this will enable us to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and to each other as well. May God bless our efforts to be more like Him.
Today's verse:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
1. Choose one verse. (If you have a verse you would like for us to meditate on, send it to me and I will use it)
2. Write it on your heart. (Memorize it. Write it on a card and carry it around with you.)
3. Regularly stop and repeat the verse to yourself. (Use down times or appointed times to stop and repeat the verse.)
4. Connect the verse to the character of God. (What does this verse teach you about God and what is God calling you to be?)
5. Connect the verse to your daily walk. (Watch for ways this verse can impact your life right now!)
I pray that this will enable us to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and to each other as well. May God bless our efforts to be more like Him.
Today's verse:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
Sunday, March 2, 2008
After 30 years . . .
Amy and Richard at Christmas
Tickle fight with Uncle Richard and Miss Amy
Miss Amy gets Carter
Miss Amy, Uncle Richard, Laura Beth and CarterI am getting a sister on this side of the family!!!! That is right!!! Richard popped the question to Miss Amy Wheatley last night and she said yes!! Richard is in Auburn, AL, working on his PhD from Auburn in engineering. Lord willing, he will graduate in December of 2008. Amy will graduate from Auburn in May with a degree in nutrition. We have just fallen in love with Amy during the times we have been able to spend with them. We hate the fact that they are 6 hours away, but cherish the times we do get to spend with them. If plans follow through, they will be coming up here in a few weeks to spend a weekend with us and we are even more excited now!! I am so excited to be adding her to our family. I have a great relationship with my sister-in-law, Rebecca, on Damon's side. Amy and I already enjoy spending time together and talking. I pray she knows how special she already is to me and that our relationship will just continue to grow. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin a new phases of their lives - graduating, new jobs, and planning a marriage.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Mass Cooking
This past week I have been a cooking machine because I am not suppose to be at home today. We are suppose to be with our 120 college students in Paragould, AR, for ReCharge (they don't retreat, they Charge in the fall and ReCharge in the spring). However, Damon's dad had his retirement party yesterday in Texarakana, TX, and he is there. I really tried to figure out how I could go with two kids and come back on no sleep. After much deliberation, I realized that would not be the wise thing to do, so I have been doing all the cooking for the retreat before hand. My table and freezer was overflowing with potato soup, chili and cookies until yesterday about 2:00. I don't know how many of you cook for 120 college students, but I am always looking for easy recipes that feed thousands. I thought I would share with you the potato soup recipe and cookie recipe I used - just in case you ever need it. Unlike my friend Melissa, I do not have pretty pictures of the food because they were put in gallon freezer ziploc bags and aluminum pans!!! However, here are the recipes:
Crock Pot Potato Soup
2 lb. shredded hashbrowns
2 cans creamed soup
2 cans chicken broth
2 c. milk
1 T. minced onion flakes
1 t. garlic powder
ground pepper to taste
Put all ingredients except potatoes in the crock pot. Mix and then add potatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Garnish with cheese or bacon. (Next time I make this I am going to add 1 lb. of Velveeta to the recipe as well.)
Cake Mix Cookies
1 cake mix (I used yellow or vanilla.)
1 c. chocolate chips or your choice of chips
1/2 - 1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and cook at 350 for 8-10 minutes. I was able to get 40-48 medium size cookies out of this recipe.
I was so proud of myself - having everything ready to go before Friday at lunch. By 2:00 I had 3 coolers full of soup and 4 pans full of cookies ready for them to take. The pressure was off and I was breathing easier . . . . until I opened the freezer Friday night and found 2 containers of potato soup that did not get sent. Then I was worried they did not have enough food. It just never stops!!
Crock Pot Potato Soup
2 lb. shredded hashbrowns
2 cans creamed soup
2 cans chicken broth
2 c. milk
1 T. minced onion flakes
1 t. garlic powder
ground pepper to taste
Put all ingredients except potatoes in the crock pot. Mix and then add potatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Garnish with cheese or bacon. (Next time I make this I am going to add 1 lb. of Velveeta to the recipe as well.)
Cake Mix Cookies
1 cake mix (I used yellow or vanilla.)
1 c. chocolate chips or your choice of chips
1/2 - 1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and cook at 350 for 8-10 minutes. I was able to get 40-48 medium size cookies out of this recipe.
I was so proud of myself - having everything ready to go before Friday at lunch. By 2:00 I had 3 coolers full of soup and 4 pans full of cookies ready for them to take. The pressure was off and I was breathing easier . . . . until I opened the freezer Friday night and found 2 containers of potato soup that did not get sent. Then I was worried they did not have enough food. It just never stops!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Laura Beth's Favorite Lions
Big Lion #23 Mr. Justin Forrest
Lady Lions #20 Kari Bishop and #33 Ashley Helton
FHU Lion Mascot - photo by Jud Davis
Lady Lion #11 - Megan Thompson
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