The gates of heaven have been rejoicing a lot this past week.
My best friends wedding went great! Even the weather cooperated for the most part. Lots of things went "wrong" in the beginning with people not being there to do hair, cake was late, flowers wilted due to heat, people got lost getting there, and it was hot with a thunderstorm coming in....but God provided and it turned out wonderful! I ended up doing Erin's hair, Ally's hair and part of mine (ally finished it). The cake did arrive right before it was time to walk down the aisle, the flowers stayed perky til after pictures, people finally found the place, and the storm didn't hit til we were all inside!!
It really was the sweetest ceremony, family and friends pulled together to make this day happen and as I walked down the aisle and listened to what Kevin said as he married them, I was reminded of the sweetness of the marriage promise I made a year ago this past Sunday. Erin was beaming, and Paul had tears running down his cheeks as they spoke their vows and made their commitment to each other in front of God and the people there. Marriage is such a gift and I am so thankful God placed J in my life to be my husband. I wouldn't change it for the world.
After the ceremony, we went and ate and danced til late! It was so much fun dancing and laughing with family and friends. Catching up with old friends and just enjoying life the way God intended it to be. I cried so much when they left for their honeymoon because they have been waiting so long for this day and Erin kept saying.."I'm numb" and she is right, on that day, nothing seems real. I know they are enjoying their honeymoon cruise and I pray they both have a moment where they can take it all in and let all those emotions out together, because that is one if the sweetest moments you can have as a newlymarried couple:)
Sunday was our 1 year Anniversary! I'm still in shock! It flew by! It was an interesting day...slept in, got up and cleaned up a little from the week before. (our house was a mess from the hectic running around!) Headed out to Pigeon Forge, where J booked a room at the Inn at Christmas Place!!! It was SOOO pretty! OUr room had a 6 ft tree, a fireplace with decorated mantel, a huge jucuzzi tub, balcony, huge shower in the bathroom, granite countertops, huge king bed, lounge area. and of course tv. It was so nice and it even smelled like Christmas!!! We enjoyed our time there, ate at one of the restaurants we ate at when we were dating :) and just enjoyed time together. The place that did our wedding cake, even delivered a cake topper to our room! Perfection! The next day we went and got some Christmas ornaments :) (our thing) and then went and got some scrapbooking stuff since all my stuff is finally here that I ordered !!! I cannot wait to get started on it all! We went shopping (window shopping) and just laughed and enjoyed our time :) It was great!
We got home, unpacked, and rested the rest of the night. Momma, Daddy, and Ally came over to help us finish off the cake and we just talked. Daddy said Mamaw wasn't doing well right now, he went to see her earlier and read her some scripture and just let her know we would all be ok, we would take care of Papaw and for her to not worry about us. He read her scripture about peace and how God goes with us and takes care of us no matter what. He said at this point, all she could do was open her eyes and look at him.
Lots of family and friends came in to see her this past weekend. Her sister and neice from Arizona, friends from around town, family, all the grandkids. She has been surrounded by family and friends all week/weekend. Last night Ally called and said Momma and Daddy were heading down at 10:30pm because she wasn't doing well at all. About 10:50 we got a call from Momma saying my Uncle called and told them she took her last breath at 10:45pm. I can't even describe the thoughts and emotions that ran through me at this point. All I could do was cry. I'm so thankful J was there to hold me and just be there. He kept saying, let it out, because he knew I didn't want to. I tried holding it in, but I just couldn't. All I could think about was all the memories we'd made with Mamaw and times we had spent with her. Thankful she was there when J and I were married, that she was there when I graduated from high school, and both colleges, and that she was there to see me be baptized. Then I remembered the very last thing she said to me ....I had told her I loved her and she looked at me and with a whispered voice said ......"I love you too".....
The gates of heaven are rejoicing with the uniting of two of God's children, the celebration of a marriage anniversary, and the homecoming of a child, a saint has arrived home to her Father.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Mamaw
This update is not one about us, unfortunatley it is an urgent request for you to lift up my Mamaw in prayer.
Here is a brief run down of what has happened this year:
January: She lived at home where she has lived alone for many many years. She began to talk about odd dreams she has had and spoke to each of her kids and grandkids about their salvation and its surity.
February: She became obsessed with checking on us many time a day and telling us about her ever present dreams.
March: She began viewing the TV and news as her life and the world around her began to scare her.
April: She was placed into a nursing home and monitored for very very very strange behavior. Her oxygen levels were low, CO2 levels are high. Everything now has gone to crazy talk.
May: Crazy talk still, seemed to be making some progress and then..
May 10th: She was taken to the hospital because her CO2 levels were so high she was in and out of a coma like state.
May 11th: The Doctors predicted she has 12-48 hours left. She will essentially soffocate to death. :(They have tried all they can, but her CO2 levels are still elevated beyond repair. She drifts in and out and has lost down to 90 lbs.
We went to visit her last night and I am so thankful we did. I hate to even think it, but it may be the last time I see my Mamaw living. :( Before we arrived, she was in and out of a coma like state and when we arrived, she woke up enough to talk to us. I really think it was a God thing, to be able to talk to her for a few moments when she was clearer than she has been in a while. Some of the things she said don't make sense to us now, but maybe they will someday...
*Words of Mamaw Esta, May 11th, 2010*
To JR- You are going to be a good Doctor, I'm so glad you are here
To Allison- You will be a good nurse and I wish you could stay and take care of me
To Me- You are going to have a little boy. Take your vitamins and stay healthy. (not sure where she got that idea?! haha)
To JR and I- If you all need anything, please let me know.
TO Momma- You are my daughter and I have a good son.
To Daddy- You are a good son and have a good family.
To Papaw- I want to marry him, he takes good care of me.
She said other random things, but most were heartfelt and sincere.
We hugged her and headed home late last night and all I could think was, is that going to be the last time? ever?
I ask that you pray with me:
1. That God's will be done; whether its healing, or a peaceful/painless death.
2. That our family will pull together and not let any part of this cause a struggle within.
3. For my Daddy, Aunt, and Uncle as they watch their Mom slowly fade away and have to make some very difficult decisions in the next little bit.
4. For my Papaw.....I can't imagine watching the love of your life go through something like this. Also for his health and encouragement as he sits with her and pours himself into her care.
5. For all 7 grandkids...I am the 2nd oldest and we are all very close to her. She taught and instilled in me the love of cooking:)
That is all for now. Daddy just informed me they have to make some decisions as far as artificial life support or letting her go. At most the Docs are saying weeks WITH the artificial life support, but God can and still does miracles. Please Pray.
Thanks
Here is a brief run down of what has happened this year:
January: She lived at home where she has lived alone for many many years. She began to talk about odd dreams she has had and spoke to each of her kids and grandkids about their salvation and its surity.
February: She became obsessed with checking on us many time a day and telling us about her ever present dreams.
March: She began viewing the TV and news as her life and the world around her began to scare her.
April: She was placed into a nursing home and monitored for very very very strange behavior. Her oxygen levels were low, CO2 levels are high. Everything now has gone to crazy talk.
May: Crazy talk still, seemed to be making some progress and then..
May 10th: She was taken to the hospital because her CO2 levels were so high she was in and out of a coma like state.
May 11th: The Doctors predicted she has 12-48 hours left. She will essentially soffocate to death. :(They have tried all they can, but her CO2 levels are still elevated beyond repair. She drifts in and out and has lost down to 90 lbs.
We went to visit her last night and I am so thankful we did. I hate to even think it, but it may be the last time I see my Mamaw living. :( Before we arrived, she was in and out of a coma like state and when we arrived, she woke up enough to talk to us. I really think it was a God thing, to be able to talk to her for a few moments when she was clearer than she has been in a while. Some of the things she said don't make sense to us now, but maybe they will someday...
*Words of Mamaw Esta, May 11th, 2010*
To JR- You are going to be a good Doctor, I'm so glad you are here
To Allison- You will be a good nurse and I wish you could stay and take care of me
To Me- You are going to have a little boy. Take your vitamins and stay healthy. (not sure where she got that idea?! haha)
To JR and I- If you all need anything, please let me know.
TO Momma- You are my daughter and I have a good son.
To Daddy- You are a good son and have a good family.
To Papaw- I want to marry him, he takes good care of me.
She said other random things, but most were heartfelt and sincere.
We hugged her and headed home late last night and all I could think was, is that going to be the last time? ever?
I ask that you pray with me:
1. That God's will be done; whether its healing, or a peaceful/painless death.
2. That our family will pull together and not let any part of this cause a struggle within.
3. For my Daddy, Aunt, and Uncle as they watch their Mom slowly fade away and have to make some very difficult decisions in the next little bit.
4. For my Papaw.....I can't imagine watching the love of your life go through something like this. Also for his health and encouragement as he sits with her and pours himself into her care.
5. For all 7 grandkids...I am the 2nd oldest and we are all very close to her. She taught and instilled in me the love of cooking:)
That is all for now. Daddy just informed me they have to make some decisions as far as artificial life support or letting her go. At most the Docs are saying weeks WITH the artificial life support, but God can and still does miracles. Please Pray.
Thanks
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Right Way
I have been reading through Colossians this week and I thought I would share my thoughts on His Word. :)
Colossians 1 (New American Standard) My thoughts are Bolded after the verse:)
1 Paul,an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. *I love how it open with grace and peace. Not only grace and peace from the person writing it, but also by saying from God our Father really emphasises that this letter is written on His behalf*
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,* Praying always...I hope I am able to say that someday, that I pray ALWAYS for someone, meaning you are in constant connection with the Lord, never hanging up on my end with an "amen" and also, truly thanking God for someone with my whole heart, not just my words.*
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; * having such a love, a Christian love that bonds together all believers*
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; *It is so exciting to me to know that the gospel, once understood in truth and accepted by grace and faith, continues to grow inside every believer and bears fruit which is evident for all to see*
7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, *That is my prayer, that I will not cease to pray and that I will be filled with the knowledge of God's Will with spiritual wisdom and understanding, knowing that He controls every miniscule detail of my daily life and has purposed it for a certain reason.*
10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;* Increasing in knowledge. walking WORTHY of the Lord. Yes, He died for us but we are still unworthy of it all and striving daily to walk worthy of HIM is a challenge. I have had many discussions lately about people that are Christians bearing fruit. Bearing fruit is a constant thing, not occasional. We are commanded to, its not a choice. While we bear fruit, we are to grow in Him...the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.*
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.* When we do this, He will strengthen us with His power according to His might, not so we can boast but so we are able to continue on with joy in our hearts, thanking Him. Thanking GOD who designated us to share in His inheritance!!!! How awesome is that. If we abide in Him, He will give us the strength to continue. Does that mean we will never feel over whelmed? Unfortunately, no. :( We will feel like giving up at times, but that is when we must cling to Him, knowing that "His stength is perfected in our weaknesses." (2 Corinthians 12:9)So when you have a bad day and feel like throwing your hands up and saying "ah, pooie on it all!" remember, do it the right way, He has equipped you and through HIM alone will you stand! Not if that doesn't excite you, I don't know what will!!! :)
~pray for me as I pray for you~
Colossians 1 (New American Standard) My thoughts are Bolded after the verse:)
1 Paul,an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. *I love how it open with grace and peace. Not only grace and peace from the person writing it, but also by saying from God our Father really emphasises that this letter is written on His behalf*
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,* Praying always...I hope I am able to say that someday, that I pray ALWAYS for someone, meaning you are in constant connection with the Lord, never hanging up on my end with an "amen" and also, truly thanking God for someone with my whole heart, not just my words.*
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; * having such a love, a Christian love that bonds together all believers*
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; *It is so exciting to me to know that the gospel, once understood in truth and accepted by grace and faith, continues to grow inside every believer and bears fruit which is evident for all to see*
7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,8and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, *That is my prayer, that I will not cease to pray and that I will be filled with the knowledge of God's Will with spiritual wisdom and understanding, knowing that He controls every miniscule detail of my daily life and has purposed it for a certain reason.*
10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;* Increasing in knowledge. walking WORTHY of the Lord. Yes, He died for us but we are still unworthy of it all and striving daily to walk worthy of HIM is a challenge. I have had many discussions lately about people that are Christians bearing fruit. Bearing fruit is a constant thing, not occasional. We are commanded to, its not a choice. While we bear fruit, we are to grow in Him...the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.*
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.* When we do this, He will strengthen us with His power according to His might, not so we can boast but so we are able to continue on with joy in our hearts, thanking Him. Thanking GOD who designated us to share in His inheritance!!!! How awesome is that. If we abide in Him, He will give us the strength to continue. Does that mean we will never feel over whelmed? Unfortunately, no. :( We will feel like giving up at times, but that is when we must cling to Him, knowing that "His stength is perfected in our weaknesses." (2 Corinthians 12:9)So when you have a bad day and feel like throwing your hands up and saying "ah, pooie on it all!" remember, do it the right way, He has equipped you and through HIM alone will you stand! Not if that doesn't excite you, I don't know what will!!! :)
~pray for me as I pray for you~
Monday, May 3, 2010
Happiness
Lots of things going on this spring/summer!!
I am so excited about all the happiness this summer and the tears of joy that I know will escape me.
My prayer is that no matter what the circumstance I am able to portray Colossians 3: 12-15 "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things, put on love which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful."
Then closing with verse 17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Have a fabulous day!
~pray for me as I pray for you~
I am so excited about all the happiness this summer and the tears of joy that I know will escape me.
My prayer is that no matter what the circumstance I am able to portray Colossians 3: 12-15 "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things, put on love which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful."
Then closing with verse 17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Have a fabulous day!
~pray for me as I pray for you~
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