Learning God's Way

Just Wait

Posted on June 7, 2014 by learninggodsway

These past five weeks have been difficult to say the least. Don’t worry though. God is seeing us through. Really! He is. He always does when we sit back and put our trust in Him. Just ask Job. He will tell you exactly how these trials are won. Just praise the Lord.

Through these trials, I have been pondering on quite a few things. There’s not a lot to do in this hospital room. So, I just sit and think. I think about the things I miss. So, in no particular order here are a few of the things I long for…

Popsicles dripping on the floor

Overflowing laundry hampers blocking the mudroom door

Dishes piled high in the kitchen sink

Sticky fingerprints that blur our view

Floors to mop

Showers to clean

Dust bunnies underneath the beds

Bread to bake and lunch to make

Toys scattered through every room

Homeschool assignments that need to be done

Home cooked meals and fussing over who will sit next to Daddy every. single. afternoon

I am missing things that seem unmissable. You would think that I would be through. But, there are a few more things this farm girl misses:

Fresh cut grass

Mountain views

Garden planting

Bird watching

Sheep grazing

Our long gravel driveway and opening the gate

The smell of Cash’s mane

The cat sitting outside the door just waiting to dash in

Coyotes howling and our dogs barking

Dudley snorting when he thinks I have another bite of food – silly pig

Yes, the farm girl in me misses those things the most. But I’m still not through. Because my Christian heart misses some very important things, too…

Bible verses quoted as we’re heading to church

Fire and brimstone preaching

Children’s choir singing for the Lord

Hugs, handshakes, and “How are you?”

Glowing smiles from across the room

Altar call and kneeling to pray with the man I love

Second talk on Thursday nights

Testimony time with my RU family every Friday night

I miss all those things. I really do! And yes, I am almost through. The next things hurt a little or maybe a little more than a little. But just remember, God has prepared me for these cloudy days. He says it’s okay to hurt a little more than a little – as long as I keep my focus on Him. The hurt is exactly what I need. It brings me so much closer to becoming who He wants me to be. My mommy heart misses these next things more than you can ever imagine…

Singing to Jayla during her midday nap

Stealing kisses from my 5 year old boy and hearing him say, “You are a sweet sweet sweet Mommy!”

Watching my oldest push his sister in her bright blue swing

All the kids squealing, “Daddy’s home” and feeling me breathe a sigh of relief

Jaden sneaking downstairs to give one last hug

Snuggling up and reading books and James asking, “Just a few more Mommy?”

Jayla squeaking in her cute little voice, “I’m your miracle Mommy!”

Jaden’s kind heart as she waits on her little sister

Jacob’s strong hugs, and his cute little grin.

Sweet notes from my handsome husband that show me just how much he cares I could go on and on. Really, I could. I miss it all. I miss my husband and our kids. I miss the good times and the ones that can seem like a hassle. Who would have thought I would miss the dishes, cleaning, and the laundry? But, I miss all those things, too. I am ready to have all of it back. I just want to be a joyful wife and mommy who pleases the Lord. I am ready to recognize the blessings in every. single. situation. But I have to wait. This is out of my control. “Not yet,” the Holy Spirit keeps whispering. “It’s not time for you to go home just yet. Wait for me and you will see how great your life can be.” So, I will continue missing. How can I not? But, I will take this time to learn more about Him. I will praise His name and thank Him for this separation. And, one day, one day soon, He will say, “Okay, you’re through. These trials are over. You have learned to stop complaining and you know acting out of frustration just won’t do. Be still and do what I’ve called you to do. Kiss them and hug them. Discipline with love. And don’t forget to always take time to teach them about Me.”

I can’t wait to be together as a family once more. I get so excited just dreaming about it. But for now, I will take care of our precious Jayce, and I will wait… Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as Eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

Posted in Jayce, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | 1 Comment

Happy 5th Birthday Little Spider-Man

Posted on May 29, 2014 by learninggodsway

Dear James,

I can’t believe your 5th birthday has come and gone! Are you really five? You waited in anticipation for months. You asked again and again, “How many days until my birthday, Mommy?” For me, all those months of asking went by so quickly. Can’t I hold time still for just a little? Handsome boy, you are growing up way too fast.

But, the Lord knows what’s best, so he blessed you with birthday number 5! Thank you for traveling so far just to spend time with me. You were too cute as we celebrated all afternoon. The pizza place you picked was absolutely delicious! We all loved it. Your kisses and bear hugs made our dinner date absolutely perfect. How did you get so sweet little buddy?

After dinner, you made it clear that Toys R Us was exactly where you wanted to be. I believe your older brother and sisters were just as excited as you. They watched as you browsed through all the toys and took part in your search by asking, “Do you want this James? Do you like that one? Or, how about these?” And your thoughtful reply? “No thanks.” How precious you are when you use your manners! It was no surprise when you made your final decision: a little stuffed Spider-Man and a kit filled with all different kinds of dinosaurs. Of course! Those are your favorites!!

The best part of the entire evening was when we stopped to get slushies. Daddy had a great idea! Didn’t he? You and Jacob were so excited when you read the flavors and Spider-Man was listed on that wooden sign.

Last but not least, on May 28th, Jayce looked so cute in his dinosaur sleeper. His first real outfit from home. You are breaking him right in. You are teaching him the ropes. Thanks for already loving him and being such a great big brother.

You definitely have all of our hearts. And like you always tell me, you are a sweet sweet human. Keep singing for the Lord “Baby” James!! We love you more than you will ever know.

Hugs and Kisses,

Mommy 🙂

We had a great time at your Spider-Man party just a few days later! It was a blast celebrating at Wallabies with some of your closest friends!

Your Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 5

What is your favorite food? Mac and Cheese

What do you never want to eat again? Tomatoes

What is your favorite thing to do? Watch movies

What is your favorite animal? Saber Tooth Tiger

What makes you happiest? Seeing Jayce

What is your best memory from when you were 4? Going to the beach

What is one thing you want to do when you are 5? Play with my animals

What do you want to be when you grow up? A farmer

What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves the Little Children

What is your favorite place to eat? McDonalds

What is your favorite book? Noah’s Ark

Where do you want to go on vacation when you are 5? South America or maybe Richmond to see Heather. I don’t really know anyone in South America.

What would you like the world to know? Monkeys swing around in the jungle. Tigers hunt and scare plant eaters like deer and koalas. Gorillas eat mangoes. Bumble bees swarm around flowers to get their nectar. Black snakes like to eat eggs.

(I believe we may have a little zoologist on our hands. He takes after his Mommy! ;))

John 15:12 – This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Want to see how much he has changed? Click on his birthday posts under his name on the right.

Posted in James, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged 5th birthday | Leave a comment

Do you know Jesus?

Posted on May 16, 2014 by learninggodsway

Just minutes (maybe even seconds) after Jamie and I heard Jayce’s first cries, one of my greatest fears came true. My placenta had grown through my uterus. My doctor quickly informed me that it must go. How long will it take? I wanted to know. “About 30 or 45 minutes,” he said. Almost instantly I looked at the anesthesiologist and asked to be put to sleep. I knew I couldn’t be awake and endure the surgery. And, I felt like I was going to pass out. Honestly I was just plain scared. Would I be okay? Was I going to bleed to death? Only Jesus held that answer.

The last thing I remember before getting my sleepy medicine was someone asking Jamie to leave. He was scared, too. I saw it in his eyes when he first entered the operating room. As he put his head next to mine, a tear trickled down his face. Yes, he was scared, too. He was scared for Jayce. He was scared for me. He had heard all the warnings just a few days before. Would he become a single dad? Oh how we both were trying to rest in Jesus.

After the medicine was given, I was pretty much out of it! Thank you Lord! However, I do recall a few things that happened during or maybe it was after I was waking up from surgery. One thing I remember is thanking everyone in the operating room for taking such good care of me. I also remember telling them that my grandma had died. But, most importantly, Jesus’s name flowed from my lips. Do you know Jesus? I wanted to know if the team members in that operating room knew Jesus. I had a boldness that I have never had before. Maybe it was the medicine or maybe His presence was so strong that I had to share His greatness with those precious ones around me. One team member said yes. He said that he knew Jesus. I have no idea who he was. All I know is he was near my face. Was he another doctor, a nurse, an anesthesiologist? I really don’t know. But, I pray he was serious. Eternity is forever.

Getting to share Christ when I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death is something I will never forget. Maybe all of those around me didn’t take me serious, but His name is powerful. I might not ever know this side of Heaven what all was happening in that sterile operating room. But, I am just glad I knew who was taking care of me. And, I hope all of those sweet souls that Christ used to save my life could see who was guiding their hands, too. I pray that if they don’t already know Him then they will come to Him! I thank God for each of them. Jesus – there is just something about that name.

Romans 10:13 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall…so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
By: Chris Rice

( I don’t know much about this songwriter, but I have been having a few weary days here lately. And all I can think about is going to Jesus and resting in Him. The words to this song remind me that Jesus is all I need.)

If you want to read the first part of Jayce’s birth story, click on Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Posted in Jayce, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged placenta accreta | Leave a comment

Blessed be the Name of the Lord

Posted on May 14, 2014 by learninggodsway

These past two weeks have been a roller coaster ride of emotions. We’ve had highs and lows, death and new life, and tears and smiles. As I entered the hospital last Tuesday, I never imagined our fifth and last biological child would make his entrance into this beautiful somewhat chaotic world. It all happened so quickly.

Just the same, I wasn’t prepared for the death of my sweet, precious grandma just minutes before I was rushed to the operating room. How was all of this happening at the same time? I really didn’t have time to process it all. I do believe I felt peace knowing that if I didn’t make it out of surgery, my grandma and I would meet Jesus and enter the pearly gates of Heaven the exact same day.

I was hemorrhaging, and my doctor had warned me that my placenta may be through my uterus and even my bladder. I believe it was the nurse that reassured me that they had blood ready. And, some of the last words I remember hearing from her were, “The Lord sent you here for a reason.” Oh, how I loved to hear that reminder. She was sent straight from Heaven. The Lord knew that I needed her. Tammy is her name, and I will never forget it. She is such a precious soul.

As they quickly rolled me to the operating room, I remember praying to The Lord and asking him to please spare my life if He knew I could be the wife and mother that He needed me to be. The next thing I felt was Jamie being taken from me. All of a sudden, I was being prepped for surgery. As the nurses counted surgical instruments, the anesthesiologist was telling me to arch my back. I felt a huge pop, and the numbing had taken effect.

Suddenly, I was lying there unable to move more than the lower half of my body. I was trying my best to rest in the peace of our Savior and not let my claustrophobic tendencies take over. I started humming. I hummed a song that little James sings as he plays all through the house. He informed me after my surgery that my version and his version are a little different. But that is okay because it reminded me of him and helped me stay focused on the Lord. Jamie had entered the room by this time, and I am sure he noticed my constant humming. It was like I was in a totally different place.

“I love you Lord. I love you Lord for what you did on Calvary.” Pretty simple, huh? Well, I hummed that over and over and over again. Then I heard the most precious sound: Baby Jayce’s first cries. I looked at Jamie in disbelief. My little 29 weeker was crying. Our last two did not cry right when they were born. So, I was in total shock that little Jayce had let out his first cries. Time of birth: 3:34 p.m – 3 lbs 12 oz – 15 inches long

Job 1:21 – And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

The Lord took my grandma May 6, 2014, but He also gave me sweet Jayce Bryant. To be continued….

Posted in Jayce, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged placenta increta | 1 Comment

Double Digits! Oh My!!

Posted on April 14, 2014 by learninggodsway

Dear Jacob,

How did it happen so quickly? Are you really ten? I cannot believe how fast time is flying by. Your sweet smile and quirky personality make our world go round. You keep us laughing with all your funny jokes and magic tricks that you try again and again. You have really buried your shyness this past year. Dramatic reading, a presentation on how to make ooey gooey slime, a letter to the parents at church, a magic show during the missions conference, and Revelation read at a good ol’ Bible believing church in the Grove prove that you are not a shy one anymore.

Yes! You are growing into a brave, handsome young man. Yet, you are still one of the most kind, caring, helpful boys we know. You go out of your way to make sure Jayla is happy and cared for. You share your toys with James, and you graciously let Jaden invade your room each night. And for that, we are all very grateful. You help around the house any time you are asked! But I can always tell you are much more excited when you get to help Daddy on the farm. I do not blame you for that! What an excellent sheep wrangler you have become.

All of these things show us that you are growing up. Yes, you are growing up! We already see at the age of ten that you have the potential to prosper. Why? Because you seek God’s wisdom and guidance each and every day. You make it obvious that Proverbs has taught you so much. You know the books of the Bible and many verses have been memorizes and meditated on. You bow your head in prayer and thank your Father for the things that He has done. You see His blessings! You have a desire to show the fruit of the spirit. You lift up others when you see they are hurting. And, you ask God who He wants you to encourage in His name. You are already praying for your future wife. We know the Lord will take you far. Never stop seeking Him, son. Keep on His full armor! Your Heavenly Father loves you. And, so do we! Thank you for being who God has created you to be – a loving son, brother, grandson, friend, and nephew!

Happy 10th birthday, sweet boy!

Love Always,

Mommy

Revelation 22:13 – I Am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Your Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 10

What is your favorite food? Blueberries

What do you hope you never have to eat again? Kale

What is your favorite thing to do? Play Outside

What is your favorite animal? Wolf

What makes you happiest? When Aunt Heather visits

What is the best memory from when you were 9? Going to church camp

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 10? Visit Aunt Heather in Richmond

What would you like to be when you grow up? Fireman

What is your favorite song? The Poochie Lip Disease

What is your favorite place to eat? Sonic

What is your favorite book? Box Car Children

Where would you like to go on vacation? Clearwater Beach, FL

What would you like the world to know? About Jesus

**Want to see how much Jacob has changed in a year? https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/happy-9th-birthday-to-our-first-born/

Posted in Jacob, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | 1 Comment

Look Who’s Two

Posted on March 30, 2014 by learninggodsway

Dear Jayla,

March 27th was your special day, but two years ago today, we nervously carried you from that Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As I have watched you grow these past two years, the NICU moments and uncertainties have been pushed further and further to the back of my mind.

Why? Because you have met every milestone right on time or ahead of schedule especially the mischievous, I need to explore everything around me one. 😉 You definitely keep all of us on our toes! But, we wouldn’t want it any other way. You are so full of life!

We would be lost without your sweet little high pitched “WUV” you. It melts our hearts. You have all of us wrapped around your little finger. You depend on your “JJ” to wait on you hand and foot. And, you laugh and giggle as Jacob bounces you through the house as he takes you for a horsey ride. You guys have fun hiding in clothes hampers, too. James kisses and hugs you a hundred times a day and calls you his precious Jayla time and time again. You love going places with Daddy. “I go with Daddy. I go with Daddy,” you say. He has you spoiled rotten. I am so grateful! As for me, I absolutely adore those special words you say over and over each day, “I hold you, Mommy.” They never grow old!

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Thank you sweet girl for bringing smiles to our faces every single day. You light up our world. And, although you were a little under the weather on your birthday, you didn’t let it get you down. We still had a lot of fun celebrating your second birthday with you. We love you Baby Jayla and look forward to watching you grow more and more each year! I praise the Lord and thank Him for helping you come so far!

Love Always,

Mommy 🙂

I Chronicles 29:13 – Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

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Happy 7th Birthday To Our Precious Girl

Posted on November 14, 2013 by learninggodsway

Dear Jaden,

Happy 7th birthday (a little more than a week late)! Better late than never right? I am sure you will agree that we had a fun time celebrating your birthday. As you know, the fun started five days early with a Minnie Mouse party at Hodge Podge on Main. Wow! What a crazy but precious night!!

A few days later, do you remember your excitement as we traveled to the Barter Theatre for our second annual birthday trip? Little House on the Prairie was great. Wasn’t it? I am sure you won’t ever forget seeing Mrs. Nelson is Missing last year. But, I think you liked watching Laura, Mary, Pa, and Ma a little more.

How did you like your special (one day early) birthday lunch? I bet I can guess your favorite part. The donut Neannie bought you, of course!!

I am sure you were super surprised when Mawmaw Wilma and Pawpaw David threw you a birthday celebration that very same evening. I know you were overly excited when you unwrapped the American Girl doll that you had been praying for. Things are so much sweeter when we wait on the Lord. Aren’t they?

How did it feel when November 8, 2013, your big day, finally arrived? Early that morning, were you anxious to see what the final celebration would be? I am sure when you thought of all the things that might come about, you never anticipated getting whipped cream smeared ALL over your face at your favorite Mexican restaurant in this one stoplight kind of town. I will never forget the look on your face through all that delightful mess! I was anxiously awaiting tears to begin trickling down your precious little cheeks. But to my surprise, you held them back so well. Another clear sign that you are growing up a little more each year.

Do you know the best part of birthdays coming and going each year? The very best part is watching you let the Lord mold you into who He wants you to be. Getting to be a part of seeing you grow closer to Him is worth more than anything this world has to offer. My heart smiles as simple phrases that show Christ’s love flow from your sweet little lips! Simple phrases such as: “I’ll get it for you, Mommy” “Come on Jayla. I will help you.” “Here you go James. I washed you a fork.” “Mommy, can I share my candy with Jacob?” Thank you sweet girl, thank you! We all love you very much. Jesus gave us a great blessing 7 years ago! And, I am very grateful.

Love Always,

Mommy

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Your Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 7

What is your favorite food? Cheesy potato soup; Mawmaw makes the best potato soup in the whole world!

What do you hope you never have to eat again? Broccoli

What is your favorite thing to do? Play with my cat, Smores

What is your favorite animal? Cat

What makes you happiest? Mawmaw’s house

What is the best memory from when you were 6? Going to Dollywood

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 7? See a Christmas play at the Barter

What would you like to be when you grow up? Just a mommy (so sweet!!)

What is your favorite song? The Poochie Lip Disease

Where is your favorite place to eat? Mexican

What is your favorite book? If You Give a Dog a Donut

Where would you like to go on vacation? The beach

What would you like the world to know? I want them to know that I am seven years old.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever. Psalm 136:1

Do you want to see her birthday interview from last year? https://learninggodsway.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/look-who-is-six/

Posted in Jaden, Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged Barter Theatre, birthday, Hodge Podge, Minnie Mouse | 2 Comments

Molded by Him

Posted on October 3, 2013 by learninggodsway

It is hard to believe that it has been three months since I have taken the time to write! This summer flew by! Didn’t it? It. really. did! I am not sure why it has taken me so long to share what the Lord has done in my life over the past three months because He has blessed me every single day!

But, the words that I needed to fit each little happening in my life over the past three months never really came when I needed them to. However, the Lord has been too good to me and taught me SO much. So, I am ready to share!!

What has The Lord showed me? Ready. Set. Go.

✨The Reformers Unanimous Program and the Reformers Unanimous Institutional Program were exactly what I needed to become a disciple of Christ! These programs have taught me how much Jesus loves me and YOU! Serving in these two ministries never gets old! Christ has given me so much love for all the workers and students in these two programs. I cannot even describe how much the Lord has blessed my family through these programs. The Lord is using them to teach me how to become the humble person that He has desired me to be for so many years.

✨The fear of the Lord brings us to the right choices, but the fear of man leads to destruction and death!

✨It’s okay to hurt when a friend is hurting! But it is best to cast their burdens to the Lord by praying for them.

✨The devil is the father of lies! When God is the only thing that matters, the devil is like a roaring lion waiting to devour every good thing that the Lord has started!

✨Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

✨Our trials are worth more than gold when we let God fight our battles for us!

✨We all need Jesus for the same reason!

✨God loves all of US the SAME!

✨Regret leads to repentance!

✨The devil tells us that we are nothing. God tells us that we can do what He has called us to through His strength!

✨Faith! Without faith it is impossible to please Him!

✨ Contentment is only found through Christ! His plan is best because He knows our future!!

✨ God provides every single thing that we need. And, God’s people take care of each other!

I hope these past three months have treated you well! What has the Lord taught you lately?

💚 Please join us at the Reformers Unanimous Program at Chilhowie Baptist Church every Friday night at 7:00. God uses this program to change people’s lives! Not in our area? Go to http://www.reformu.com to find a Reformers Unanimous in your area. You will not regret it.

Matthew 10:27 – What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Posted in Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | Tagged Reformers Unanimous | Leave a comment

Boast Not of Tomorrow

Posted on June 11, 2013 by learninggodsway

I am too busy. Or, it seems that way most of the time. At least I like to convince myself that I am. I have kids to teach, mouths to feed, a house to clean, a garden to tend to, bedtimes to enforce, farm animals to keep afloat… Well in my craziness, I lost out on two very special blessings that the Lord put in front of me.

As I glanced up, I saw her at church one night not so long ago. Her glowing face. Her beautiful smile. But, if I had replayed the scene correctly, I was too busy. I don’t remember if I took the time to wave to her. I don’t know if I talked to her. I don’t even remember if I smiled at her. But, at first glance, I remember thinking how rushed I was. I felt an urgency. Of what? I can’t even recall. Her hug would have made the tiredness and stress all fade away. I am sure I didn’t get one that night. I would have remembered it!

That is my life. Rushed. Urgent. Forgetful. Selfish. A few days or maybe even a week or so later (remember forgetfulness is written above), at a 4-H meeting, the kids and I planted flowers for widows and shut-ins. As I stood looking at the flowers, feeling satisfied, Millie’s name came to my mind. I thought about how great it would be for the kids and me to take her one of the flowers. But it would not be that night. Oh, no. I was too busy. I was in the middle of packing for a trip to Richmond. So, I told the kids that Daddy could water the flowers while we were gone and we would deliver them when we returned from our trip.

They were content. I was content. We all were content. Little did I know that one phone call received while we were in Richmond would change the fate of my plans. God had different plans for that flower. That flower never made it into Millie’s hands. The kids and I missed the blessing of seeing her smiling face and hearing her say, “Oh, thank you!” Because she would have said thank you, and she would have smiled. She always always smiled. When we returned home, our little J.J. delivered that flower not to Millie but to her sweet daughter instead.

The Lord taught me a precious lesson through Mrs. Millie’s passing. Don’t put off what ought to be done today until tomorrow. Stop the hectic, me-centered life. God has blessings waiting if I will just stop and receive them each and every day. All I can do now is look forward to seeing Millie’s smile again one day.

She was so beautiful. And she always made a point to tell me how beautiful I was every time I saw her. She had a way of making everyone she came in contact with feel special. She loved Christ, and His charity amazingly shone through her. She never complained. She never raised her voice. She was one of a kind. Yes, the older generation was sent to teach the younger generation. She is a legacy that will never be forgotten. And her kitchen table was the place to be. A simple life she led. Peaceful. The kind of life we should all long for. A life full of glory. She took the time to serve Christ and smell the roses every second of every day. Thank you, Mrs. Millie, for teaching me so much. We all loved you very much. And, whether I have to wait 30 seconds or 60 more years to see your sweet smiling face again, it will be so worth it!

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of playing on this swing set at Millie’s. She would always give me money to get ice cream at the store beside her house. I loved it, and I will never forget it!

Proverbs 27:1 – Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Posted in Let's Reminisce and Reflect! | 4 Comments

Happy 4th Birthday (Baby) James!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by learninggodsway

Dear James,

Your 4th birthday was not what we expected, but you did not complain one bit. Despite being sick, being in the emergency room, and at the doctor’s office for the biggest part of the day, you did not let the circumstances get you down. You smiled through the pain and made the best of your big day.

I will have to admit that I felt a few tears try to sneak up on me when the nurse announced at 12 a.m. that you had just turned four! Four! Really? How did it happen so quickly? It seems like it was just yesterday when I wrote this letter. The tears crept even closer when you gazed at me with your big blue eyes and asked, “Am I still little Mommy?” When I responded with a huge YES, you looked a little disappointed. “But, I want to be a big boy now,” you whispered in my ear. Okay, I responded, BUT you will always be my little boy.

No matter what the situation, you bring pure joy to our lives. And, I will never forget cuddling with you in the hospital bed just after midnight reading about Mary and Jesus per your request. I will never forget the smile that came across your face as the nurse brought you a birthday bear. I will never forget holding your hands as you got your x-ray. I will never forget the tears welling up in your eyes as you stayed strong while the nurse gave you that dreaded shot. But, most importantly, I will never forget you wrapping your arms around my neck and kissing me just below the nose as you held those huge tears in your rounded eyes. Why? Because 4 year old boys don’t cry. Just so you know, your 32 year old Mommy cries when her big boy is hurting. So, it is okay to cry, big boy. It is okay to cry!

James, no matter how tall you get, no matter how much you weigh, no matter what size shoe you wear, you will always be my baby! I thank Jesus for you every day. You make my world brighter and my days so much sweeter. Happy Birthday, sweet boy! Happy Birthday!!

The Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 4

What is your favorite food? pancakes and bananas

What do you hope you never have to eat again? roast beef

What is your favorite thing to do? clean up

What is your favorite animal? horse

What makes you happiest? dinosaurs

What is the best memory from when you were 3? playing with cars

What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 4? go to sleep

What would you like to be when you grow up? a rancher and a human — I don’t want to be a doctor. They are not humans. 😉

What is your favorite song? Obedience

Where is your favorite place to eat? Cracker Barrel

What is your favorite book? Danny and the Dinosaur Go To Camp

Where would you like to go on vacation? Disney World

What would you like the world to know? about God 🙂

Philippians 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Posted in James | 4 Comments

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