Write and Wait......

I have started writing again...

2011-11-17T11:47:00.001-06:00

Click on over to Southern Writers: Suite T to see! Of course it has a little something to do with football. :-)

Oh and please comment. :-)

ALL IN......

2011-05-17T12:55:00.006-05:00

(I wrote this back in May after the storms but never published it.)

Driving through Tuscaloosa has become a chore, but not because of traffic. It is because of heartbreak! The destruction that the evil giant unleashed on Tuscaloosa is unavoidable (watch the videos you will see what I am talking about. It looks like it has arms and is walking destructively through our city.) You can't go here to there without seeing it. I avoided all the areas as long as I could but it just isn't logical.

I know some people don't understand why I am so upset since I wasn't "directly" impacted, but that just shows that they don't know our city. Our city is more than just a football loving university town. WE ARE FAMILY!

It isn't just our city either. It is our state. We have all come together to help each other no matter what team you cheer for, what city you live in or what race you are. We have become a state of help, concern and love. AND FOR ONCE I AGREE WITH AUBURN, WE ARE ALL IN!!!!!!!!

My city and state are hurting :-(

2011-05-04T11:35:00.011-05:00

It has been a long week here in Alabama. A week ago today tornados took away our normal lives. The boys and I are ok. We were less than one block from some of the major damage. I just can't believe how lucky we are. I know it has been a long time since I have written but I feel like I need to ask my blogging family for help for my town and my state. There are many ways you can help, but the biggest thing is you can pray for my city. We are heartbroken, but I will say this I am proud of the response and the attitude during all of this.

If you would like to help, you can go to numerous places to see what is needed. I will try to list a few here.

www.recovertuscaloosa.com

On Facebook:
Help Tuscaloosa
98 TXT
North Alabama

If you need anymore information, just message me and thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

Flashback Photo Friday

2010-01-29T10:26:00.009-06:00

First let me say....I know it has been A LONG TIME. I hope to get back into the swing of posting, but I need to start small, so I am doing

FLASHBACK PHOTO FRIDAY

This is me and Deddy back in the 70's (like you couldn't tell). Deddy and I were very very close. I shared everything with him. Even through the discipline and mistakes, he loved me and helped me grow. He treated me like a princess and showed me how special I truly am. I think that our relationship made it easier for me to have a close and PERSONAL relationship with my Heavenly Dad.

Thanks Deddy!!!!! I love you two and still miss you terribly! I can't wait to see you in Heaven someday.

You can particapate in Flashback Photo Friday, too. Jump on over to More than Words.

Click your way over...

2009-12-01T11:45:00.005-06:00

to my other blog The Crazy Mixed-Up Life of a Single Mom to see and hear some of my favorite Christmas songs.

Come on over, yall and get your Christmas spirit on.

Dirt Sensor

2009-11-02T13:36:00.008-06:00

As I was vacuuming yesterday (Please pick yourself off the floor and continue to read), the dirt sensor light on my vacuum cleaner jumped out at me. I started thinking "Boy, I am glad God didn't create us with dirt sensor lights." As this thought was just exiting my head, God placed another thought in my head. "Child you don't need a dirt sensor light because I have made you clean." ISN'T GOD GOOD???

"Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean." Psalm 32:1 (MSG)

Broken for a Purpose

2009-10-25T20:25:00.010-05:00

This past weekend I attended the Free to Be Me Bloggers Retreat and I must say my cup was more than filled. I met some amazing ladies who I now consider my friends and sisters.

To make a long story short, I didn't think I was going to get to go and God worked everything out because He wanted me there. He wanted me at a place where I would actually have to listen to what He has been telling me for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!

I discovered that I have not allowed Him to be my Potter. I am clay. In the past, I have allowed others to mold me, shape me and make me who I am. Unfortunately, I am not the work of art that God intended for me to be. He needed to break me again, so that I can be FREE TO BE ME and be the "me" that fits His plan.

This past weekend, I broke. I handed all the pieces to Him and am very excited to see the final masterpiece I am in Him.

I am going to be waitng and writing during this whole journey. Who knew that back when I started this blog that the whole write and wait thing would be about me becoming God's Mona Lisa.

Thankful Thursday...

2009-07-30T15:01:00.003-05:00

1. I am thankful that I am the daughter of a King!!!!!

2. I am thankful that my Deddy made it easy for me to believe and see how my Heavenly Father loves and treats me.

3. I am thankful that in a life of chaos God saw fit to give me two of the best gifts in the world-my boys.

4. I am thankful that even when I feel alone-I know that God is there with his arms all around me.

5. I am thankful that when I try to run, God just stands at the screen door and smiles....He knows I will be back.

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-16T14:39:00.005-05:00

Please join the bloggers who post their thanks on Sonya's blog Truth 4 The Journey!

1. I am thankful that my birthday is Saturday, even though it will be number 39. It just means I made it through another year and God has more in store for me.

2. I am thankful for a church who loves me even though I am hard headed and think they don't. :-)

3. I am thankful that God gave me the gift of two wonderful sons even on the days they make me want to pull my hair out.

4. I am thankful for my computer because when the boys are at their dad's, it gets kind of lonely.

5. I am thankful for a brand new planner. I can't wait to start filling all the wonderful activities I have planned for the year.

EXTRA THANKFUL....

FOR ALL MY BLOG SISTAS!!!!! YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!

Thankful Thrusday-Storms

2009-06-04T09:01:00.013-05:00

"O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. Isaiah 54:4

On June 4, 1994, I married the man I thought I would spend my the rest of my life with, but 11 years and two children later, I was a divorced single mom. I was broken, devastated and afflicted. Dictionary.com describes afflicted as "to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously." I am not happy or proud to say that I allowed this affliction to take over my life. For the past four years, my life has been a continuous hurricane season without any preparation or evacuation. I ignored all warnings from God and others and allowed Satan to take the storms and knock me down even past my foundation.
BUT TODAY (the day that would have been my 15th wedding anniversary) I am thankful for it all!!!!! Without the storm, I would have never been rebuilt into the person I am today. God has rebuilt my foundations and added stronger walls to help me become more of the woman and mother He had in mind in the first place. I am thankful that I am on my way to His plans and am excited about what the future He has prepared for me holds. Bring on the turquoise and sapphires!!!!!!!

I hope...

2009-05-20T11:04:00.001-05:00

that you guys don't mind that I am copy/pasting this devotion from Girlfriends in God which is a part of crosswalk.com. It so spoke to me today and I hope that it speaks to someone else. GOD BLESS!

May 20, 2009

Resting in the Palm

Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth "There is a time for every thing and a season for every activity under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).

A few years ago, I fell in love with a beach cottage named "Barb's Folly." I adored the designer beach décor of periwinkle blue, yellow stripes and floral, the screened in porch that hugged the back of the house, the inviting dark green rocking chairs, and the weather worn dock jutting out over the lazy canal. As if imported from England, a six-foot square of grass was nestled in one corner of the yard framed by a white picket fence. The secret garden was complete with fuchsia myrtle bushes in full bloom, a beckoning weathered bench, and a cozy bird house with a half dozen portals. Seemingly, out of place, owners had transplanted a palm tree just inches from the second story screened in porch and encircled by the wooden steps that led to the dock.
On our first night at "Barb's Folly", we rocked on the porch and watched fire flies dance on the moonlit canal. As if to light a lone actor on a stage, a moonbeam fell across the palm tree and revealed a gentle stirring in its plume. When I moved closer, I discovered a turtledove had built her nest at the top of the thatched tree trunk, where the palm branches sprouted upward. Because we were on the second story, we were at eye level with Mrs. Turtle Dove. As I moved closer to her, she didn't budge, but sat steadfast in her perch.
Early the next morning, before the rest of the house guests stirred, I went on the porch to spend some time with God. Mrs. Turtle Dove was there to greet me. I watched her. She watched me. Our eyes locked. We both blinked. A few moments later, Mr. Turtle Dove flew in and perched on the nearby railing. The couple exchanged coos and then he flew over to his beloved. When she stood up to welcome him, I noticed two tiny eggs peeking out from under the stubble. It seems this was Mother's Morning Out and Daddy bird was here to watch over the soon to be little ones. The momma bird flew away and daddy took over the incubation and protection of their eggs. After a brief time, the momma bird returned and daddy bird went off to work for the rest of the day.
During our entire vacation, this momma bird did one thing and one thing only, she rested in the palm, warming and protecting her two tiny charges. On the afternoon when a violent storm blew through with loud claps of thunder, crackling flashes of lightening, and pelting sheets of rain, she sat undaunted by the storm and unmoved as the trees bent in the nautical winds. When the children ran up and down the stairs inches from her nest and leaned over the railing to get a better took, she appeared unalarmed by the stir of activity. While other birds such as cranes, pelicans and seagulls performed great feats, swooped gracefully into the water, and strutted about parading their showy display, her feathers were not ruffled but continued undeterred in her calling.
On the last morning of our vacation, I was enjoying a final cup of coffee on the back porch and once again relishing in quiet time with God and His creation. Of course, Mrs. Turtle Dove was there to join me.
"God," I asked, "I know You put this bird here for a reason. What do you want me to learn from watching her this week? I don't want to miss it."
Then God spoke to my heart. It was contentment. I was watching a picture of contentment in fulfilling God's call. She was doing what God had made her to do for this season of her life, and she was intent and content in doing it. Regardless of the storms, regardless of what seemingly showy birds were doing, regardless of the endless stream of activity passing by her nest, regardless of the stares or others, she was unmoved from her task.
"Is that it, Lord? Is that what You want me to see?"
Just as I prayed those words, Mr. Turtle Dove flew in for his daily visit. When his lady dove stood up to greet him, I noticed a piece of eggshell attached to her leg. She flew away with much excitement and then I noticed a change in her nest. There lay two tiny downy hatchlings. The eggs had hatched and it was as if God was saying to me, "Yes, Sharon. That's it. This has been my gift to you this week. Through my creation, you have seen a contented mother and the results of her commitment. You do what I've called you to do. Rest in the palm -- of my hand. Don't get distracted by the world around you: the storms of life, the endless stream of activity, and other seemingly more glamorous "birds." Be relentless in your call. In due time, I will cause your "eggs to hatch" and all too soon they will leave the nest.
About that time, my six-foot-one teenage son sleepily stumbled out onto the porch. I'm not sure if he saw the tears in my eyes as I looked at his ruffled hair, sleepy eyes, and face that needed a shave.
"Hey Buddy. Look," I said. "The eggs hatched today."

Let's Pray Dear Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your creation. Just as Jesus taught spiritual lessons through natural examples, You continue to speak to us through what You have made. Help us not to miss Your fingerprints on the pages of our lives.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn If you are a mother of children still in the nest, do you find yourself longing to do what others are doing in ministry, the workplace, the community?
Which do you think is more important?

Ponder this quote today from President Theodore Roosevelt: No other success in life -- not being President, or being wealthy, or going to college, or writing a book, or anything else -- comes up to the success of the man or woman who can feel that they have done their duty and that their children and grandchildren rise up and call them blessed.

You are NOT Condemned!

2009-05-04T10:15:00.002-05:00

Condemned by my peers
Condemned for my mistakes
Condemned for the tears
Condemned for the choices I make
I stand condemned no matter what
And I can't take it anymore

BUT
then I feel a gentle hand touch my face and lift my head
and the compassionate voice says

Raise your head, my child
Look me in the eyes
Feel the love as I wrap my arms around you
and KNOW
that you are not condemned

Modern day Andrew and Peter

2009-04-16T22:55:00.001-05:00

Harrison has had a heart for the unsaved since he accepted Jesus into His heart. The first question out of his mouth after he prayed was “Is Preston (his little brother) going to hell?” Harrison was only 6 at the time. The night that Preston was saved, Harrison walked with him down the isle at church. Harrison hit his knees before he even got to the alter. His little heart was breaking for the unsaved specifically his brother. When he finished his prayer, Preston shared the news that he had asked Jesus into to his heart and the church got a glimpse of how the angels in heaven must rejoice. Harrison didn’t stop crying until we got home from church. The tears of joy seemed to flow naturally for him. Our pastor compared them to Peter and Andrew and allowed Harrison to help his PawPaw baptize his little brother. My question to us as adults is when have we been that burdened for a soul? When have we cried tears of joy for a newly saved soul? When have we been like Andrew and brought our brother to the Lord? I think it is time for us to return to the innocence of our childhood so that we may do the work of God.

Detour!

2009-03-21T11:26:00.005-05:00

As a little girl and even a college student, I had plans, ideas, dreams. I thought I knew exactly what my life should and would be. There was a time when I thought I was on the right road. Oh, don't get me wrong...there were some speed bumps but nothing that totally changed the direction my life was heading. Now after a career change, divorce, health issues and a few other things, I see that a detour or two isn't bad. Detouring allows you to see a different view and experience life in a new way. We all need some new scenery every once in a while and a detour just allows you to slow down, reevaluate and appreciate what you have or did have in your life. Thank God daily not only for your path but for the bumps, traffic jams, and even the detours that you experience in life.

A lesson taught by an 8 year old

2009-03-18T16:46:00.003-05:00

Preston and I were having a "discussion" today about how if you always want more or what you have doesn't satisfy you then that is considered being selfish. The whole point I was trying to make is selfishness and greed are not good, but I don't think I succeeded; however I think God turned those pointing fingers right back around at me. I got to thinking about when I talk to my Father how I say "God do this", "can you please do that", "I would like this", and "it would make life easier if it was..." WOW what I shock. Here I am fussing and complaining with Preston that a coke and chips are enough and not to ask for more and when I talk to God all I do is ask for the outrageous and the miracles. I forget to thank Him for those answered prayers and give him control of all my life even the small stuff. I just hit Him with the big stuff and move on. I need to learn to stop and say thank you without wanting more in return.

Quotes

2009-03-02T13:51:00.003-06:00

I have been obsessed with quotes that fit my life lately. I have tons on my bulletin board at work. I happened to look up at them today and one jumped off the board at me. It was

"Our problems are opportunities to discover God's solutions."

We sometimes don't always see where our situation is headed but God does. He knows how everything is going to work and and where everything has been. He sees the BIG picture when we only see what is right in front of our faces especially if it is a problem or a traumatic situation we are facing. God uses every situation and every situation helps us grow.

Think about it like a math problem. You are working on the problem and your friend sitting beside you comes up with the solution quickly why you are still working on it five minutes later. It all comes down to how your friend viewed the problem, what course he took and how he used all his components. Same with GOD!!!! We don't see things through His eyes. We need to trust and wait for HIS solution.

How this got started.....

2009-02-27T09:52:00.006-06:00

Habakkuk 2

2 The LORD answered me: Write down this vision; (C) clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. [b]

Brother Jimmy read this verse Wednesday night and he kept saying the phrase "Write and wait" and it was like a light bulb exploded (not just came on) inside my head. I felt like a fish inside a tank when we bang on the glass except God was banging on me from the inside. He wants me to write and he will lead me as to what to write. I just have to wait on Him. I hope you will follow me on this strange journey.