Dear Jesus,

Jonah has been more and more vocal with prayer time lately. He has been asking to pray from time to time, and will repeat a prayer we prompt for him. Tonight Jonah prayed his bedtime prayer all by himself. It was one of the sweetest moments ever!!

He said: "Dear Jesus, thank you for a day, thank you for Ewizabeth, thank you softball game. A-Men!"

Leap Day 2012 (Tornado Footage)

Many, if not all of you, know about the tornado that ripped through our little town early Wednesday morning.  It has been all over local and national news. We were not nearly as devastated as some other places were on the same day and the damage doesn't even come close to what our neighbors in Joplin faced last May. 

Lots of family and friends called/sent text messages to check on our family. We came through just fine. Our trashcan blowing over (not unusual) was the only evidence of any kind of storm at our house. For that I am thankful. I know people who rode out the storm in closets and others who no longer have a house or car. There are many many businesses that were destroyed/damaged beyond doing business anytime soon. 

This video shows some footage of the destruction. It covers a portion of "The Strip" (Hwy 76), then moves to the Mt. Branson area where the iconic Candlestick Inn overlooks The Branson Landing, and then switches to helicopter footage that covers the eastern portion of Taney County. I personally had a hard time following the camera in the helicopter...it gave me motion sickness. 

If you are wondering about joining in the relief effort you can check out Volunteer Branson by clicking here. It might be a few more days before any projects officially get going. Thankfully most places have electricity again. (and wouldn't you know...the city of Joplin sent some reinforcements in to help us out)

James Andrew Atkins

As I mentioned the other day, Jonathan and I went to visit Daniel and Riss. 

We had a really fun visit with them. We just hung out, went for a walk, and ate some really good food. Typical for one of our gatherings. Oh, wait, that walk...I should say more about that walk. You see, Riss was a couple of days overdue with that sweet baby. I'd teased her about packing a bag and walking to the hospital, so that by the time she got there she'd be in labor! Well, we went for a walk around a nearby lake instead. Jonathan kept wanting to go further, but there was seemingly no end in sight. So, we talked him into turning around...and since no water had broken...I guess Jonathan thought there should be some sort of awkward water situation, so he stepped into a huge mud puddle that covered his foot up to the ankle. 

We went on about our visit-as-usual. 

Jonathan and I were planning to return home first thing (if 9am can be called first thing) Sunday morning. Then we got the phone call. It was Daniel. She was in labor...and had been at the hospital since 1am. (he also alerted me to a text message he'd sent much earlier which read: 'the water broke we are going to the hospital riss says to say thanks')

I have never before been in the waiting room of the hospital when a new baby has been born. There was a lot of anticipation. You see, my sister-in-law decided to go the old-fashioned route and NOT find out the gender of the baby she carried. I have known a handful of people who have made that choice and it is always SUCH fun when the baby is born to finally find out! (makes the pre-planning a bear, but totally worth it in the end) So, there we sat in the waiting room, going back and forth with reasons we could believe it was a boy, or a girl.  Each time the big door opened we were all on alert to see if it was Daniel. When he did come through the door...declaring that Baby James was here...it was THE SWEETEST thing! 

I loved being there for that moment.

Auntie Amy and Uncle Jonathan 

This is right after he told us the news...that is my i'm-so-excited-i-can-hardly-stand-it face. 

And here is baby James. 

James Andrew

8lbs. 5 oz. 23 inches

 Sunday, November 13, 2011

10:45am

Did you see that length? I don't know that I've ever heard of a baby being that long...at least not one that came out of a mama who is barely over 5 ft. tall!! His legs are nearly as long as his mama's already!

He had quite the time getting out into the world. The Dr. used the phrase "tight fit" and there was a vacuum involved. The tight fit is believed to have caused him to have what was discovered to be an acute phemothorax (air between the lungs and rib cage). He came out gasping a bit. Shortly after birth he was transferred to another hospital with a NICU. They took care of the problem easily, but he has to stay there through the duration of antibiotics. 

This is very hard on his mom (and dad, i'm sure). 

They are totally in love with the new guy! I am so happy for them and for our family.

Five for Friday: Bible Verses

Well, I've been mulling over what to post today. I'm still not quite ready to post the birthday party pictures. For some reason that feels overwhelming. I don't know why.  It is Friday, so I'll do my usual post of Five things. I can't really think of anything to share other than my five favorite Bible verses. Or five of my favorites...five that stand out to me today. 

In no particular order:

Phillipians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.


Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, 
   a light on my path. 


Philippians 3:14


I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.


John 3:16-17


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

How about you? Do you have a favorite verse or passage that you turn to regularly?

Happy Weekend. I will be celebrating another couple of birthdays Sat. Perhaps I'll do a big birthday post for next week. 

Proper Coffee...and something worthwhile.

In honor of the weather changing to that crisp coolness which makes coffee drinking so delectable...I give you A Proper Cup of Coffee (by a folk group from my neck of the woods...Trout Fishing in America.) 

I dare you to listen to the whole thing (or at least stick with it through the chorus.) 

It is a silly silly song. I also dare you to try singing along!

My mother will not be able to stand it. 

And then, after listening, go fire up your Proper Copper Coffee Pots!

Traditional Turkish Coffee in a Copper Pot

Does anyone else find this "less-than-proper?" 

I don't think I could choke that down. 

I'll stick with what I know best.

ok, enough. go drink a cup of coffee and read some other blog with more worthwhile content. 

Here is a blog that will do:

My friend Amy and her husband are in the middle of an adoption ordeal. It was smooth until the baby was born and they discovered there were some legal issues. They AND another family have legal documents for adopting the baby boy. They attended a custody hearing yesterday which gave them more insight into the process, but did not result in a placement of their son. They are still waiting for a final answer, but trusting God with all the details. 

Read more at Becoming Five.

Where I'm From

I saw this done on MarytheKay's blog today and was prompted to do the same. 

Here is the original template.

Where I'm From

I am from a long dirt driveway. Where leaving meant "going to town" and to go home was to "head for the hill." On that same hill is the barn my daddy built where the Ford tractor lives. 

I am from the brick house and wide front porch where the wind chimes jingle and birds gather.

I am from the home-grown garden that provided many summer (as well as a few winter) meals. From the house where the scent of wood smoke and baked goods is forever etched into the walls. (only to be marred by the occasional dead mouse in wall near the hall bathroom)

I am from a life-long value that Sunday is church and family day. A day when Grandma and Grandpa came for lunch and honked the horn on the way home.

I am from family game nights when Daddy's team was the one to beat.

I am from "hard work builds character," "don't stop until the job is done," and "always keep both hands busy." From heads bowed in thanks to God for each meal, every blessing, and the hardships too.

I am from the time I FINALLY got my little sister back for all her childhood shenanigans against me, the dog we buried in the back yard, and the volleyball net that stayed up all summer long.

I am from the home movies that played on a reel, the stack of photos in the laundry room cabinet, and the Olan Mills photos framed in the living room. 

I am from a family of four...ever expanding...ever loving.

Two for Friday

It's Friday Friday. 

(I'm not going to continue that song. If you know the one I mean, I'm sorry)

We are headed out to spend some time with the Atkins family. Jonathan and I are also gonna go witness a weddin'. One of his life-long friends is getting married up near K.C. I'm looking forward to our trip.

I usually do Five for Friday. But, today I've really only got two. I could try to force more, but I think two will be fine. 

Here is my very short list ...of music videos.

I just watched this video over on my friend MarytheKay's blog. I really like it.

Even though life isn't always pretty and sometimes there are epic failures, there is always a hallelujah. The music is beautiful.

And I have really liked this song for a long time. My favorite line in it is "feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you."

I think teens often get caught up in the lives of others. This is a great way to communicate to them you have to live YOUR life. It's also a great reminder that anything is possible...tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!

Oh, and if TODAY is where my book begins, how do I want it to be written?

How do YOU want your book to be written?

Remembering Harry

herrence-the-pooh*Harry*that dog*Harry Pooper

It doesn't seem right for me to be typing these words. 

This has been a tough week for our family.

Our sweet (sometimes bothersome, yes, but sweet nonetheless) dog was hit by a car last Thursday.

Jonathan had taken him running, which was something they both loved to do.

They stopped to look closer at something on the side of the road and Harry ran out just as a car came up over the hill. The driver stopped to help. He and Jonathan thought Harry might be ok. But, as Jonathan was driving to the vet clinic, he realized that was not the case.

We have been pretty somber about it. It was just so unexpected. I know we would have only loved him more if he'd lived longer and died of sickness or old age. But, I can't help but think it would have made more sense (aka, been easier to take) if we'd had a chance to adjust to the idea of him not being around. A chance to say goodbye.

He may have been lazy sometimes.

I mean, just look how he's sleeping here...HOW can that possibly be comfortable?

He was Jonathan's dog. Jonathan got him when he was a fresh young pup...right before Jonathan and I met, actually. They were great companions. 

Harry tried my patience, but you know, I really did love him. 

I am a "dog person" and as far as dogs come, Harry was top-notch.

And you KNOW Jonah loved him!!

I am really glad I have this picture. 

This video was filmed in June of 2007. I just found it while looking through old files for pictures to use in the blog today. I remember I was trying out our new camera while Jonathan mowed the yard that day.

He's fetched his last stick.

 and now he's buried in the backyard.

Harry
April 2005-June 2, 2011

Say a Little Prayer

 

These are 3 of my most favorite people on earth! 

I love them dearly...I've known their family for nearly 8 years. They are very sad today. Please join me in saying a little prayer. Their grandpa passed away yesterday. Not only are these sweet children saying goodbye, but their dear mother is grieving the loss of her dad. I cannot fathom the sadness that brings.

I encourage you to say a little prayer, either for this grieving family, or of your thankfulness for those who are dear to you...or BOTH!

Remembering Stubby

Did you ever have a family pet? You know, the one that everyone loves and will never forget? The one you remember growing up with? I sure do. Her name was Wendy. She was my parents' first child! I grew up with her. She died when I was 12. I will never forget that day and I will never forget that dog. We all loved her. 

Well, this morning Jonathan called me when he got to work. He got an email from his mom telling him their beloved Stubby was gone. I only knew Stubby for a few years, but hearing this still made me sad. I know Jonathan and his family are a little more sad than I. 

So, here's to Stubby and all beloved family pets. 

(and here's to a throwback picture of Jonathan...love you, honey!!)

Jonathan & Stubby 1997

New Adventure

Don't you just love this print by Mary Engelbreit? True friendship is a rare gift, wouldn't you agree? When you find those "forever friends" in life, you hang on tight, no matter what. Sometimes "no matter what" is silly, sometimes it is sad, sometimes really really happy. Sometimes it means your forever friend is moving away. (can I just be 12 years old for a moment?)

Today's post is in celebration of a new adventure for our friends. This makes a new adventure for our family/me as well. Jeremy and Susan Hetzel are some of the dearest and sweetest friends any body could ask for. They are very special to our family. Today they are moving to Colorado Springs, CO. That's more than 12 hours (792.73 miles according to mapquest) away from here. From me. (12 year-old me stomping my foot here)

This is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us. It was taken in college. We'd just made an angel food cake from scratch in baking class!

The day Susan married I cried. A lot. (just look at her wedding pics...it was embarrassing) Not the run-of-the-mill "happy for you" tears, no they were much more than that! I couldn't help it. Something inside me told me it was the end of our friendship as I knew it (which, it was, but not in a tragic sort of way). I thought she wouldn't need me anymore, since she had Jeremy. That was SO not true, but it felt true at the time. We adjusted to that change over time. And having lived through that, this change seems a little less tragic. I'm not sobbing uncontrollably (at least not right now...the 12 year old inside might take over at any moment!). I am sad. I am sad that I won't be close by when her baby is born in January. I am sad her children might forget me. I am sad that they won't be able to come over at a moment's (or at least day's) notice. But more than that I am happy!!!!

I am happy for this new adventure in the life of their family. I am excited that they are moving where God wants them to be with the confidence that He will use them in this new phase of ministry. Jeremy will be serving as a youth minister in a church out there. Jeremy has lived out there before and has many good friends. I am excited for them to have a place that feels like home!

So, here's to friendship and new adventures! We love you guys....and you'd better follow this blog or get Skype or something!

Meet Taylor

This has been on my mind quite a bit lately, so we're going to navigate away from Jonah today and meet my friend Taylor Poor. Taylor is an amazing young lady who fights an uphill battle...daily. She has a constant reminder to turn to Jesus! You see, Taylor has a condition called RSD, and is constantly in terrible pain. The thing that amazes me about Taylor is her incredible heart! She sings her heart out in worship and plays her tail off on the softball field. She gives her all to the things she does and I really admire her tough-yet-sweet spirit!

I have copied her story from another blog.  In March of 2007, Taylor began feeling pain in her leg while she was running track. She spent weeks going through test after test, finding no answer to the pain in her leg. As time went on, her pain moved around and was now in both legs. Finally, she was diagnosed with a Popliteal Artery Entrapment in both legs which is very rare in general, but more common in athletes. Taylor was scheduled to have surgery on April 19th, and when she went in for surgery, her doctor performed surgery on the wrong leg. She HAD to have the other one done, so he did it back to back with the first. The doubled surgery and trauma that both legs faced caused a disease called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.) A chronic nerve condition that has placed her in 24/7 excruciating pain.
Taylor and her family have tried everything in the US to find some way to give her relief; everything from nerve blocks and morphine shots, to major surgery, but all things have ceased to work. It's a matter of God's divine healing now. Her constant pain doesn't stop her from living a vibrant life for her Creator, but there are times that the pain consumes her life.

Taylor pictured with Jimmy & Dawn at a recent fundraiser they had for her at Coldstone!

And now, a word from Taylor. This is taken from the Facebook page some friends have designated to her awareness:

Three years ago today, I woke up from a surgery that I had been told would fix everything. I had been told that I would never have to deal with this pain again, and that life would soon again be normal. However, I was told wrong. Little did I know, that April 19, 2007 was a day that would change my life forever, because this was the day that I began life with an extreme case of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

It took a long time after my diagnosis in July of 2007 to come to terms with the word "chronic." I was still waiting for the perfect doctor with the magic cure to come along and make it all stop. It took quite some time before it sunk in that I may be dealing with this awful pain for the rest of my life.

I kept going back to Psalm 118:24, which says: "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have used this so many times before, however, I realized last night that this is to apply to every day of our lives. It doesn't say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, but something hard happened a few years ago that is a huge part of my life today, so I don't have to be positive." No, not at all! It says, "Let us REJOICE and BE GLAD in it." This is the pure joy that is uncircumstancial that I believe we are supposed to have in our lives every day that can only come from God.

Not only did I realize that I needed to face today with a positive attitude and rejoice in what God has given me, but I realized how much RSD has done for me that is POSITIVE. I was talking to a friend earlier about how much RSD has really played such a huge role in the person I am today. The past three years of my life have really been defining years that have molded me into the person that I am. I have realized that this life is not about me and my thoughts, but about what God has planned, and that I cannot survive this life without Him. I always thought that I had all of the answers, but in reality, I have no clue. He has His perfect plan for my life, and all I am supposed to do is walk humbly with Him and live in His will. 

Taylor is currently preparing for another procedure that is scheduled for December. She will travel to Florida where she will receive a drug called Ketamine for 3 days, which is designed to reset her central nervous system. This is serious stuff, people! We would love any support you can offer. (her family is selling some really cool t-shirts...contact me if you want one!!) Prayers are the most important influence. Just managing the constant pain is a major thing for Taylor! She is in high school...which if you ask me, is hard enough on its own! We'd love more followers on her Facebook page; Praying for Taylor. You can also check her out at http://prayingfortaylor.blogspot.com/! Thank you for reading!

My Story

Well, folks, this is another serious post today. I would like to share my story with you...cause it's definitely worth sharing! We recently had a conference at our church called "Every Believer a Witness." The speaker said he could teach us to share our faith in a simple way, without memorizing anything or offending anyone. I couldn't imagine what he would have to share with me! Well, it is simple...I'm not trying to "convert" people by sharing my faith with them...I am simple telling MY story of what Christ means to me....what He's done for ME! So, today, I am here to share my story with YOU! Maybe you've have a similar story, maybe you can relate to only parts of my story, but my guess is we've all been in the same boat at one point or another!

The beginning:

Well every story has a beginning...mine begins in Rogers, AR. (well, near there, at least!). I grew up in NW Arkansas in a sweet little house my parents built. I had a very happy childhood with Mom, Dad, and my sister, Emily. When Emily and I were young, Mom stayed home with us. Then, when we were both in school all day, she worked part-time. In her other time, she volunteered at our school and picked us up each afternoon. I have wonderful memories of my childhood. We had a happy home with a cute little dog! We attended church together as a family, going every time the doors were opened, it seemed! If there was something going on, we were there! Emily and I were in the AWANA program which was a fun way to learn more about the Bible. Most of our friends were also at church, so it was (and continues to be) a positive thing in my life.

The middle:

This is where the story gets good! When I was seven our church invited a guest speaker for the week. His name was Angel Martinez and he was known for his colorful suits! Ok, ok, maybe he was known for teaching about Jesus, but he was also memorable for the bright sport coats he wore! Now, I'd grown up in church and known about Jesus and heard about becoming a Christian my whole life. But there was something about Mr. Martinez's teaching that really made me listen up! I knew I wanted in on this "going to heaven" thing. I wanted Jesus in my heart. I was a shy kid, so I never told anybody about this (bet my mom is kinda surprised right now!!) I thought I had to figure it out and do it all myself, cause it was a "personal" decision. Well, I kept it personal all right. I remember laying in bed and praying every night for a week. I'd ask forgiveness of my sins and ask Jesus to live in my heart. Finally, I realized it was silly to repeat the same plea. Either God heard me, or he did not. Either I really believed, or I didn't. I'd love to tell you I had a huge conversion "ah-ha" moment, but I do not recall that kind of experience. I can tell you that my faith is real! The peace I feel in my heart is real!

When I was twelve I felt a little tug in my heart. I knew it was time to own up to this "God" I'd begged and pleaded to lead my life. So, I made a public commitment by walking that aisle and asking the pastor to baptize me. Everyone celebrated and I knew I'd done something huge. I am glad I can remember that step of faith. I was shy, remember, so it was hard for me to stand up in front of the entire church, but then, they were so happy and it was such a time of celebration! The same is true for this blog post! I guess I'm still a little shy, but I'm going to put myself out there and hope for a celebration at the end!

The continuing story:

Well, it doesn't end with being baptized. I've learned to deepen this relationship with Jesus daily. He has become my best friend! I learned to trust him more closely in my Jr. High years. I really struggled with friendships. I made friends easily enough, but didn't have that one true friend who stuck by my side. Junior high girls aren't nice, but Jesus is trustworthy! My parents did their best to encourage me, and I did have friends, but I really learned to lean on Christ as my dearest friend. That became even more meaningful to me when I moved away to begin college. I was away from my safety net and out of my comfort zone! I was thankful to have Jesus by my side and glad I'd learned to trust his friendship first!

I still have struggles with friendship from time to time. And struggles of all sorts all the time. I'm so glad to have family and friends who are like family in my life. I am glad for my fellow church members who feel a little like extended family! Not to mention God's unfailing Grace and the promise of Heaven!

Jonathan and I pray that our children will have a happy home and learn to trust Jesus too! It is a big scary world out there and I can't imagine facing it alone!

The End of an Era/ A New Chapter!

Wow! Well, here it is...the day I've thought about so many times in hopes to "prepare" myself! Don't mind me as my eyes fill with tears yet again! They are not sad tears, not really. They are a mixture of happiness, pride and my silly sentimental heart running over. If you don't know me that well....you might not know about my "other" kids.

I've worked as a nanny for the same family for a full 7 years now. I don't remember the exact date I started, but the anniversary of that was/is sometime within this week. The oldest girl, Madeline, had just turned 4. Now she's 11 and in the 6th grade. Molly is now 8 1/2 starting the 3rd grade...and my little buddy, Ben just started kindergarten today! He was so cute walking down the sidewalk wearing the backpack that was almost the same size as he is!


Growing up I always new I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom...just like my own mom. When I went to college I was one of those "here for my mrs. degree" gals! I did not meet Jonathan in college...which means I had no kids with which to stay at home. So, I got a job...THE BEST JOB EVER (at least for me) that allowed me to do just that! And now that I have a child of my own I get to work AND keep him with me. Best of both worlds! Such a blessing!




So, back to today! Today I transition into staying at my own home more than my "other" home. Now that Ben is in school I will work only part time...after school. It is an exciting new era on one end....very bittersweet on the other! I love my job! I love working with the kids & I love being needed/useful.

I sure hope Jenn doesn't mind me posting this picture taken the day after Ben was born! Love that sweet sweet boy!
And this picture was taken today...before we walked him in...before my eyes started to "leak!"







Alternate titles for this blog:

Happy Back-to-School! Happy New Beginnings! Love what you do/Do what you LOVE! the beginning of the end...

Celebrating Life

Well, this is going to be a more serious post today. I could not sleep this morning for thinking and praying about it. Today we will be going to a funeral for an 8 year old little boy. Skyler Sanders battled a malignant inoperable brain tumor for 2 years. This week, he "earned his wings," as his dad put it. I just can't help but think "what if it were my baby." I've spent many late night feedings praying for the Sanders family...believing in a miracle for them. Well, they (and I) believe this was God's healing miracle...Skyler is not battling anymore. God is Sovereign. This was his answer to all our prayers. So many people saw his struggle, prayed with him, and will celebrate his life with us later today. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that Skyler never once complained...he kept his head held high and fought that tumor with all he had! He touched a lot of people in just a few years. His parents are wonderful people facing an ache I don't dare imagine. This was written by his dad, Ryan just a couple of weeks ago:

"Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. This has been a challenging week. We will continue to pray and believe for this miracle. This is the most difficult thing that any of us have had to deal with. It makes you realize that there are a lot of things in life that seem like big deals that are not. I have learned to get over the petty things and get on with living life. Life is to short. That's what I would would tell you today. Take advantage of each and every day as life can change in an instant. Make sure you are on the right path and if you're not, get there. There is no way that we could get through this without the support that we receive from our family, friends and even strangers. But, most importantly we have the Lord on our side and the power of prayer is an amazing thing."

And this was the update earlier this week:
Skyler Ryan Sanders - March 11, 2002 - July 12, 2010 Skyler won his battle and earned his wings today. After a 2 year battle with a DIPG, Skyler went to be with Jesus at 1:30 this afternoon. He was very much at peace as he took his last breath. He held on for so long for us. Skyler was always more concerned with others. He was an amazing little boy that touched many lives in his short 8 years. At this time, I'm not real sure what to say. We will probably update more as the days go on. Today has been the most difficult day we have ever had. In the days to come we will be planning the arrangements and will let everybody know the details. We should know more tomorrow. We also have several family members at our house so we are requesting some privacy as we put together all the details for the days to come. They will be long and challenging. Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement. As I read all the updates on this site and on facebook, we can't help but to feel the love from so many people. We love you Skyler! "You, Me, Together Forever!"

I am so thankful for every day and every moment I've got with my family. Life is precious and very much worth celebrating!