Beyond Bringing Up Boys

Samuel loves to wear pj's...at home. So when I got the note that the first graders were having a pajama party at their Christmas party, I thought,no way. He will not want to wear pj's to school--he's so modest. But I was wrong. He wanted to particpate and so he wore them with slippers to school today. Teachers are definitely underpaid but first grade teachers must be underpaid and insane--to choose making gingerbread houses for the craft today! The boys had frosting up to their elbows so it was great to have a sink in the classroom! Girls are MUCH neater, I discovered.

I love lists. I have a list right now for things to do before we leave for PA. I often have a list of things to accomplish in a day. When I was pregnant with my sons, I longed for a checklist for God. Audacious, I was. But it would have been titled, “Things I Don’t Want Passed Down to My Son.” I don’t like my nose but that wouldn’t have been on the list. I always wished my hair was thick like my sister’s, but hair wouldn’t have been on the list either. Scoliosis would have been at the top of that list. It has caused me a lot of frustration over the years. The doctors attempted to brace my back with a rigid plastic brace but I was non-compliant. Being compliant meant being excused permanently from recess and PE. But most of all, in those elementary years, being compliant equaled being teased by other students. And kids are so cruel. My non-compliance (although I didn’t realize it at age 10) was my ticket to a spinal fusion at age 15 and body cast for 6 weeks after that. And anoth

I have an obsession with floors! I think it is because I am closer to the ground than most folks. But whatever the cause, I was always searching for the perfect floor cleaner. Grandma gave me some cleaner concentrate that she had bought from a door-to-door salesman. It was good stuff. So good, in fact, that I thought more would be better. The floor was shiny indeed. But the moment I stepped on it, my feet stuck like glue! What a mess! It took me forever to get that stuff off! Then there was the time that I used an industrial wax on the floor in a basement apartment that we lived in while my husband was in graduate school. Oh, did it shine! But when my brother-in-law and my husband got the dog to run in circles round and round on it, he left claw marks everywhere. (I shouldn’t mention how mad I was about that!) Finally, I found what works for me!! I have been using this product for at least 4 years. Rejuvenate claims to “instantly bring back life to almost any flooring to ma

I told you my boys have selective senses . This was proved again yesterday. I was admiring our tree with its radiant lights shining beneath yards (and yards) of beautiful shimmering ribbon. Samuel was sitting nearby and I asked (innocently), “Isn’t this SO beautiful?” He over smiled and just nodded. And then I KNEW. I said, “Samuel, what do you really think?” He wrinkled his nose and said, “Weird. It’s just weird.” If you enjoy looking at decorations from other homes, I've found a ton at BooMama's .

I have learned so much by listening to and observing what works for other moms. A great site that I read most of the time -- especially Wednesdays -- is What Works For Me Wednesdays, at Rocks In My Dryer . It gives many great ideas. I always feel like I need to be tutored rather than tutor but thought I might chime in a time or two when something that I use is really helpful! I use a Family Organizer by Amy Knapp . I started using this particular organizer in July 2006, and I LOVE it! The planner lasts for 18 months. Desperate to begin planning for 2008, I picked one up yesterday (you may puchase them at Wal-Mart for $10.86). Our family has a relatively simple schedule, but when I add in doctor appointments, basketball practice, speech therapy, etc., I simply cannot remember it all! This really helps me stay on track PLUS it has a menu column beside each day. When I plan my week, I can plan my menu around the plans of the day. For example, if I know that I have an appointment, Sam

A few weeks ago, my sister and I went on a trip together just the two of us. I would tell you where but I haven’t told my kids because well, “normal” parents just wouldn’t go THERE without their kids…but then there’s Carole and me and …well, that’s all I’ll say about that. I will say that it involved riding roller coasters, which I learned that I HATE! We began with a non-coaster ride where I sat in the front of a two-seat car. It circled but dipped and dropped –at my control. I loved it! And so we moved on. We stood in lines and I read the warnings. I alway s read the warnings. Guests should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. This ride has a height requirement of 40 inches. I considered, “Well, I have high blood pressure, back problems, neck problems, and I get motion sickness. But I am not pregnant and I am taller tha

It's so dry in Georgia that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling; the Methodists are using wet wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water. --source unknown

I tend to frequent offices that are usually occupied by folks over 65 -- urologist, a gastroenterologist—or any other “ist” who finds a way to investigate inside the human body. (Compliments of Seth’s birth). While I waited today, Seth spotted another “grandma” to whom he profusely declared his love while also charming other waiting patients. Seth was equally delightful when I consulted with the doctor, who determined that the acute abdominal pain that visits me on occasion is actually small bowel obstructions. “He must be worth all of this, isn’t he?” She asked. I’m pain free (for) now and Seth was charming, so of course I answered in the affirmative. But the truth is that even when I am overwhelmed with pain, I still wouldn’t trade this precious little boy –when he is delightful or even when is naughty --for a healthy body. I was reminded of Romans 5:7-9. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrat

I got a laugh out of this sign posted beneath the mistletoe at Stone Mountain! I think if you click on the picture it will enlarge so it is readable. Enjoy!

In a “Happy Holidays” culture, it was such a surprise to hear The Christmas Story in a public entertainment venue at Stone Mountain Park on Saturday night. David and I kept looking at each other incredulously. When the speaker concluded with the gift of salvation through God’s son, and said, What do you think about that?” My response was spontaneous to be certain! I stood to my feet and shouted, “Yaahooo!” It’s just not safe to take me out anymore!

Described by her husband, Billy Graham, as the “greatest Christian I‘ve ever known,” I’ve always been intrigued by the life of Ruth Bell Graham. So I was delighted when my mom called to tell me that they are offering her book, Letters from Ruth’s Attic , for free here at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Website. I'd love to hear from you if you have read this book.

I officially joined the Balty family 15 1/2 years ago. I am grateful that we lived just a couple of miles from David’s parents the first year we were married. We ate Sunday lunch with them almost every week and often would be back there for a snack after church on Sunday night. It gave me an opportunity to get to know them. I have been blessed immeasurably. David’s mom, Glenda, has a birthday tomorrow. For many special occasions of our lives, she has been with us. We can’t be there but I wish we could –especially this year. Glenda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer this week. I ask that as you read this blog that you would ask God to give her a special day tomorrow and an extra measure of grace to face the challenges ahead.

It’s certainly no surprise to me that my boys have selective senses. As I write, I am being entertained by a recorder and guitar – both being played at top speed and pitch. So I am certain they cannot hear. Neither can they see toys that could cause the most agile to stumble and fall. In retrospect, I should have known that when two senses are lost, a third might be heightened. But I didn’t and it cost me. Dearly. I love chocolate peanut butter cups. David bought a pack for me last week, and I had them securely hidden in the bottom of my purse. Until last night. With the radio blaring and in the pitch darkness of the van, I retrieved them, thinking that with just Seth and I, I wouldn’t need to share…until I heard a small voice from the back call out sweetly, “Mommy, can I have one, please?”

I just started my school shopping for next year! My boys use flash drives at school and Jenny posted about a FREE flash drive. Check out her site for details!

You all have been so kind to re-read my blogs that I wrote on Yahoo and have been slowly bringing over here(just in case they become inaccessible). I wrote this in January of this year after Seth's check-up for his femur fracture. How little did I know then what this year would hold for our family! Tonight is a good time to remind myself...God IS good. January 2007 I’m currently reading, All That Really Matters , by Sheila Walsh. She briefly addresses the sovereignty of God in His name, El Elyon—The God who controls all things. She has this to say, "A belief in the sovereignty of God means that whether we understand what is happening or not, whether God seems silent or not, whether evil seems to be winning over good or not, we gather up faith and say to God, ‘I love you. I trust you. This hurts me, but I know that you have my good at heart, so I say Yes! to you and No! to trying to grab control and fix everything myself.’" In a previous post (STAPA), I mentioned that b

I love to say to Seth, “You are a blessing! You are a delight!” He responds so sweetly and with exuberance, “I is a blessing! I is a delight!” It always makes me laugh and I am filled with delight, which is defined as “unparalleled joy…that amazing degree of enjoyment and pleasure.” This morning I was reading and meditating on Psalm 1. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. The person described by the Psalmist is not a person who has personal quiet time out of obligation or guilt but rather immerses himself and delights (takes pleasure in) in the Word. And consequently, the result? This person becomes like a tree, planted by a river, resplendent in rich shades of green. He/She can withstand cold winter winds and hot summer temperatures. My devotional summed it up beautifully. “This is the person

David has added a plethora of dimension to my life not the least of which is his family, whom I love. I look forward to each visit—whether we have to travel—or they travel to us. This year we traveled to them. We left our delightful 70-degree temperature and headed northwest. We stitched together 7 states and eventually arrived in Des Moines, IA, where we spent Thanksgiving Day with David’s sister, Lisa, and her family. We had quite a chilly reception, I must say. The snow began as we left the Quad Cities and blanketed I-80 quite nicely (or not so nicely, imo) in some places! The road conditions made my Kentucky/Atlanta boys a little nervous—they’ve experienced so little snow. However, they had a great time playing outside the next day with their cousins—in spite of the fact that they had to don some borrowed girly outdoor wear! Seth got to snuggle with Grandma quite a bit--which he soaked up. Zachary spent hours in Grandpa’s library but the highlight of the trip for Zachary was go

2260 miles but we are home! I'll unpack and update as soon as I can.

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is going to programs that feature children —often so humorous and uninhibited. Today was a Thanksgiving program given by the first graders. As they sang “I am a Promise,” while each of their precious little faces flashed up on the big screen, I couldn’t help but think of this poem: I took a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day. And as my fingers pressed it, still It moved and yielded to my will. I came again when days were past: The bit of clay was hard at last. The form I gave it still it bore, And I could fashion it no more! I took a piece of living clay, And gently pressed it day by day, And moulded with my power and art A young child’s soft and yielding heart. I came again when years had gone: It was a man I looked upon. He still that early impress bore And I could fashion it no more. Author Unknown

In Luke 24, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus…and they talked together of the things that had happened. While they were talking, Jesus joined them but they did not recognize Him. Jesus asked why they were talking with such intensity and sadness. Incredulously, one disciple asked how could He possibly not know what had happened (thinking that He must be a stranger). Ironically, they told Him the story of the crucifixion and resurrection. Several weeks ago part of this passage perplexed me. Verse 21 says, "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…" Hoping. Another version says, "We trust ed ." I don’t think that I had ever noticed the past tense usage before. But I could relate. "I hoped that God would…" "I believed that God…." In 2001, I found out that I was expecting again. Samuel had just turned one and I was overwhelmed but eventually happy. A "normal" ultrasound turned abnormal very quick

We’ll be leaving Saturday to visit David’s family for Thanksgiving break next week. We plan to stop overnight in Louisville and visit our friends and church there. This is good timing, let me tell you. Seth is grabbing every woman with gray hair, hugging, kissing and saying, “I lika go to your house and see your grandpa!” This has happened on at least 4 occasions to complete strangers and so far every “grandma” has been nice.

“It was exhausting.” That was Samuel’s comment after he dutifully escorted the female, first grade homecoming representative onto the football field to be announced tonight before the Homecoming Game. If he only knew!

Samuel's middle name means perseverance. He was born with a natural tenacity but we have encouraged perseverance by reminding him the meaning of his name when he wants to quit. I've heard him say to himself when he is struggling to conquer something, "Samuel 'I can't quit' Balty." His tenacity has frustrated me at times but I desire perseverance to be a character trait that all my children possess. One of our favorite Praise and Worship groups is Selah. The African songs on their project are the only songs my kids can sing in Congolese. It was a great privilege to worship with them last evening in God's outdoor cathedral with blue skies, painted by God Himself. One of our favorite parts of the concert was when a couple of men from the Congo came forward and sang, impromptu, Selah's African songs with them. What a delight to see them sing...and (gasp) move, dare I say dance to "their" music! Many of Selah's songs speak to me personally

Dear friends from Kentucky, I regret to inform you that in just 4 short months we have a Card that has decided to become a (Georgia)Bulldog. (Today is "team" day at school)

This is the fruit of my labor today in addition to chili for tonight's dinner and one to freeze and marinade for Greek roasted chicken tomorrow night. All the time spent in the kitchen today means ALOT of housework tomorrow.

This week is spirit week at school since this Friday night is Homecoming. Each day has a different theme. Yesterday was "tacky day." David was SO tacky, it hurt to look at him. All I could say was, "eeek." And the littles...they were just smaller versions of the BIG tacky! David reported that he wasn't among the MOST tacky either. Imagine that. Both of the boys have been chosen to represent their classes in the elementary homecoming court. Samuel has such a tendency toward shyness that when he told us that he was chosen, he cried like he had to donate an arm and leg! Such crying! "I will look like such a dork in a suit on a football field," he said. Zachary wasn't very happy either but he was concerned about whether or not he would actually have to hold the hand of the fifth grader that he is escorting (I imagine that will become less of a concern in a few years). However he felt relieved that only her arm would be linked through his but mos

I just got home from the ultrasound appointment. The technician said that she saw what "they" were talking about -- an area of no blood flow. However, it appears to her that it is a benign liver cyst, which is not unusual. I'll hear conclusively when the radiologst has read the films but David and I are so relieved. Thanks for your prayers and encouragment. The doctor who ordered the test to look at my ovary is on vacation until next week. I think that is unlikely that I'll hear anything about that until then. I'll update as soon as I know but in the meantime...I have another idea that I'd like your thoughts on... to be continued...

I'm scheduled for an ultrasound of my liver today at 3:30. I'm glad this is done by soundwaves otherwise I might glow in the dark soon :-) Thanks for your prayers.

The tests that I had Monday were ordered by two different physicians. One of the medical assistants from my family doctors office called tonight and said that one of the tests showed an abnormality on my liver. I will need to have an ultrasound to determine the nature of the abnormality. They were unable to give me any more details than this. Grrr.

Thanks so much for your support. My tests today were uncomfortable but not unbearable. The tech told me (without Dr. authorization) that the growth on my ovary has not changed but looks to her to be a hemorrhagic cyst. To my knowledge these are benign. I expect the doctor to call sometime tomorrow and refer me to a specialist where I can get better information. I am praying that I will not have to have surgery. Even “small” surgeries in my situation are a big deal because of the trauma caused by Seth’s birth. I am totally exhausted tonight. I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear from my doctor. You have carried my burden as if it was your own, I am thankful for you, my friends. Good Night.

I promised I would write more about Bible study but felt pretty nauseous the last couple of days. The room where we meet is decorated each week in girly colors with pretty tablecloths and table arrangements. This week at each place setting was also a note card. After the topic of prayer, each of us was asked to meet with the ladies at our table and give prayer requests. Honestly, since I am so new here and would prefer to be private about these health issues that keep creeping up, I was tempted –really tempted—to keep quiet. After all I have so many of you lifting me to the Father. But I didn’t. When my turn came, I simply stated the facts, as I know them now and asked for prayer. A dear lady from the opposite side of the table stood up and said, “Amy, I think that we should lay hands on you, right now and ask for healing.” She came over put her hands on my shoulders and had a conversation with God, that was both sincere and comfortable—meaning it was obvious that she speaks to Hi

Do you all remember when I wrote this on August 3, 2007? Last night I found myself wandering the halls of the unknown …searching for the boys’ classrooms and meeting their teachers. So far I am known by this; "Ohhh, you’re Dr. Balty’s wife." Usually the conversation plunges into the possible (probable in one case) misuse of the English language and that David might somehow discover these errors and like any good teacher, return the paper with big red circles. "Dr. Balty’s wife" isn’t a title that I mind. In fact, I still look instinctively for David’s mom when someone says, "Mrs. Balty." So as proud as I am to be "Dr. Balty’s wife", "Zachary’s mom", or "Samuel’s mom," among friends I am known simply as "Amy." And I look forward to hearing that again. Today was the second time I went to Bible study at church. To meet other moms of all ages is such a blessing. And everyone uses my first name! I’ll try to write a li

We had heard so much about “Atlanta” traffic that one the of biggest issues was choosing a house near the school in our price range. We are so fortunate to live only 2 miles from the school-especially this morning. The morning routine began smoothly. Zachary likes to be sung to as he awakes (I hope his wife can carry a tune) so I began my little performance. Seth sang too but thought singing, “ tickle, tickle, tickle” might produce more results. It did, in fact. Check. Samuel is usually the first up and dressed and ready to go(sometimes by 6 AM). Check. Seth rides in his jammies. Check. Lunches, backpacks and time to pray at the table before we walked out the door, 10 minutes early because David had called at 6-ish and said that traffic from the interstate had been detoured to the three lane state highway next to our subdivision. Check. I knew it was a problem as soon as I pulled on to highway 42. We sat. And sat. And sat some more. Samuel suggested that maybe we should start honk

I know you must be thinking, "Beth Moore, Beth Moore, Beth Moore." And in the same tone that my kids use when they say, "blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." I just have to share something else Beth talked about in the Daniel study, specifically from Daniel chapter 6. Three ways to react in an emergency: We can panic. We can become paralyzed. We can pray. I'll admit, often for me it's panic followed by becoming paralyzed. When I listened to this portion of Beth's teaching several weeks ago, I thought, "Yep, that's me, alright." I do pray but it's not my immediate response unless a panicked, "God, help me!" counts. I wanted to be different but I wasn't hoping for application soon. Today, instead of letting my imagination makes images of places that are not healthy for me right now, I have taken every thought captive, and PRAYED. I can feel your prayers, I really can. Like Daniel I want to practice a holy habit long enough th

I’m learning that God never fails to prepare us. In Beth Moore’s teaching about the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace from Daniel 3,she says this: When facing the fire, #1 Pray for deliverance from the fire The benefit: Our faith is built #2 Pray to be delivered through the fire The benefit: Our faith is refined #3 We can be delivered by the fire into the arms of Jesus The benefit is faith that is perfected. This was several lessons ago but it has stuck with me and I am so glad. Friday I had a doctor’s appointment and in that visit I learned that I have a growth 2 inches by 2 inches on my right ovary. I will have further testing next week. But I’ll be honest I’m praying for deliverance.

It is dark and rainy here in Georgia but we are very thankful for it. Our water supply is limited and the trees parched. But Saturday dawned blue and beautiful--perfect for a day trip. I deserted the house early--even leaving beds unmade-- a rare promise of a leisurely pace to Tallulah Gorge and yard sales. The 2 yard sale promise fulfilled and a spontanteous stop at North Georgia Premium Oulets was permitted, if not encouraged. "What do you think, 30 minutes?" David asked, hopeful (when we arrived at the outlets). That is, afterall, roughly 9 seconds per store. Who would want more? It was a fun 30ish minutes-- but a half a day and lunch with some friends would be perfect. Another day, maybe. Tallulah Gorge was beautiful. 1000 steps to the bottom and we made it back up--to tell the tale. Even little Seth did more than half of the steps himself (don't worry, we'll go back and get him- lol-kidding!!) As usual, Samuel led the way down and back up--resting only a

The guys (big and little) really love the high school football scene which we didn't have at Whitefield. So usually I have Friday night to myself and Seth. Seth is in bed and so tonight it is you and I, my friends. I'm a little afraid that what I am going to say next may be a little like President Bush standing under a big sign "Mission Accomplished." HOWEVER, I believe that this week is a week that I'll look back on as a turn around week--with regard to our move. (To my friends in Kentucky, you can still feel the love, because I'll still miss you.) I met Bernadette yesterday at church for Bible Study as I promised that I would. My Beth Moore study is superior in content but this is the social outlet I need. I was amazed at how nice, really nice I was treated. Tonight at dinner, David mentioned that maybe tommorow morning after Samuel's basketball evaluation we could go to North Carolina (He's longing for a little more color). Quickly I said, "

What a wonderful birthday! The guys treated me like a queen. David took his first hour/ only planning period and took me Chick-Fil-A for some yummy little chicken thingys (I can't remember what they are called). Then I got to choose Outback for dinner. I really do like Outback but, I'll admit some of my choosing had alot to do with two little voices saying, "Mommy, choose Outback pleeease!" I saved the gifts I received in the mail until after dinner so we could all enjoy them together. David's parents sent me the Taste of Home 2007 annual edition. I am so excited to use it. My mom sent a big box of several things that I will enjoy using in my kitchen. There was also some boxes of gummies in there that were eaten quickly (and not by me). The boys got me some Bath and Body products and David wrote me the most beautiful poem. I think I'll share it in another post. I am incredibly blessed to have a family who loves me!

I plan to post pictures of my special day later today but in the meantime... Is there anyone brave enough to answer IF you trick or treat with your children and if you do NOT, do you plan alternative activities? If you do, what kind? I know that this is very controversial among Christians and since this is "Crosswalk" and I would like to bring up some cultural issues in our walk with Christ and how other Christian families face them. Remember you can post anonymously but just please be kind :-)

Another oldie...but placed here today, October 17, with purpose. I actually wrote this in April in the midst of anxiety about our impending move. But today I am placing it here for a different reason. April, 2007 You’re old enough to know better." I inwardly despised this phrase growing up but strangely, I find comfort in it now. Tonight I posted a comment on a friend’s blog and said, "He giveth more grace." It was sincere and not intended to be glib. I have experienced His grace and so I can comment with personal testimony. I’m old enough to know. Lately in my Streams of the Desert devotional, I read "When thou passest through the waters…they shall not overflow thee." (Is 43:2) "God does not open paths for us in advance of our coming. He does not promise help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet we are on the edge of our need, God’s hand is stretched out. …I forget this and worry about the difficulti

I was thinking that this blog might be a fitting one to bring over today after the post on Sunday. Please don't misinterpret me. I am not trying to compare myself to Hagar as a "victim," but rather that as God met Hagar's need--He sees me too--and is using others like Bernadette to meet my needs. Feb. 4, 2007 I am trying to read the Bible through this year. I’ve come across the Biblical account of Hagar and have been moved by how relevant this ancient story remains. To me, it seems that Hagar was a victim. A servant to Sarai, whose very name meant "contentious," Hagar became pregnant with Abram’s child…and it was Sarai’s idea. When Hagar became pregnant she used her pregnancy to taunt infertile Sarai (sounds like a soap opera!) and Sarai treated her badly. So badly, in fact, that Hagar ran away. While Hagar was in the desert, the Bible says that an angel of God appeared to her. The angel told Hagar to go back and submit to Sarai and that her (Hagar’s) descen

Partly my blog is to keep in touch with family and friends—both old and new—but also it is to be honest about my walk with Christ and who I am (or not) in Him. It isn’t always easy to be transparent. Sometimes, I would rather hide behind "cloaks of righteousness," where wounds are not exposed or sin to be criticized. Frankly I did that for years and I didn’t help anyone. And I am most encouraged in my journey by those who are open and willing to be honest about their journey too. Sundays have been the hardest day of the week for me since our move to Georgia. ( Sundays are hard period. Of course, maybe this just happens in my home, but try as I may, Sunday mornings are not always peace filled ). And I went to church this morning with attitude. The ugly truth is I do not want to go to the church that my husband has chosen. I cannot find fault, if you will, with anything to speak of. The music is praise directed and there is little to no mention of the worship team being Castin

You know the paper you get from school about your child: Things we should know about... "Samuel’s here in the clinic," the nurse said from the school. "He threw up but he’s not running a fever and says he feels fine." "Was he grossed out by something?" I asked. Turns out, he was indeed. His "job" today was scraping plates. He starting puking and it caused a chain reaction. "That’ll be the last day he’ll do that job," his teacher said. "Good to know," the nurse said. Oops Sorry about that.

A delicate caress along the bridge of a newborn nose, a gentle wipe across a face streaming with tears, a tender touch along a forehead raging with fever…the beauty of the human hand…the power of a touch. 2 months ago, Josiah Seth broke his femur. Many hands reached out to give comfort and aid to Seth (and to a distraught mommy). Visible hands. But the visible hands alone were limited. For physical healing to begin, Seth needed to be put into the care of unseen hands. He was taken to the operating room where a surgeon aligned the femur and, with the assistance of other doctors and staff, applied a cast to hold the properly aligned bone in place. With pain, I recall the uncertainty I felt as I stood, relinquishing to unseen hands my feeble attempts at comfort. In the weeks that have followed, I’ve thought a lot about unseen hands, specifically as they relate to the Christian journey. "Fear thou not for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea,

At one point or another all of us have felt it. The bitter taste of rejection. Sometimes it’s laced in frilly words and other times it’s brusque. But in one way or another we’ve all experienced it. I’ve been thinking a lot about this today. More specifically how easily rejection leads to inferiority. "If I were"… then he/she would…. In the Daniel study Beth Moore admonishes us not to build images to ourselves by inferiority. I related to her words completely in this paragraph. "Because of past failures and the ample ammunition I’ve given my accuser, I sometimes have a hard time differentiating between full-scale failure and simple misjudgment and mistake. Anything that stirs up that old feeling of failure--no matter how little the infractions compare—can send me on an instantaneous plummet from shaky self-esteem to full throttle self-loathing." Am I the only one who does this? (Well, Beth Moore and I) :-) I want to be a woman whose image reflects God. So, I’m choosi

For any of you who have read my other blog, you know that I have been posting a Thankful Thursday for several weeks. You also know that while I have done posts on my other two kiddos, Seth has not had a post dedicated to him! If you know us well, you already know that I am too busy keeping him out of a zillion things to think about thankfulness . Nah. Just kiddin.' I am thankful for Seth's precious little hugs. Often I'll feel little arms around my legs and him lovin' on me--although he wipes off any kiss I give him with a dramatic flair. I am thankful for his good manners. I hope they last! He is quick to say "please" and "thank-you" without being reminded. Just the thought of Seth's mischievous eyes makes me smile...always. I am so grateful that God gave us our sweet Josiah Seth and that my life was spared to be here with him each day. Thank you, Father, for Seth.

Meet my husband, David, and my 2 oldest boys, Samuel and Zachary. David and I met at a small private Bible college in Florida in 1990. He had a "solidarity" about him that intrigued me from the beginning--although it would be several months before we would date. He told me I was going to marry him before our first date! I can't believe I didn't RUN. Maybe it was because we were on choir tour and shared a bus seat. I had no place to go and he had several days to convince me that he was right. After 15 years, I'm not sorry.