Rough patch & Angie Smith's "I will carry you"

Life, right now, is troubling. I decided to jump into my work schedule and avoid my sister as much as possible. The sad thing about this is that she and I get into it and she is a bully to me. So I choose to work 9+ hour days to avoid her. It is sad but true.

Yesterday, we buried my great grandfather and I was literally spent when we got to the house at 3pm. The car ride home was difficult and my sister was still being difficult so I decided to go to work from 4-6:30. When the AC in the building went off, I was not ready to go home. I was avoiding it and felt awful about it. I made my way over to Madel's and was completely at piece when I walked in the door. Madel's is absolutely amazing and the people made me feel so comfortable. I walked the aisles of teacher supplies and then I hit the Christian book section. It was amazing!

I purchased I will carry you by Angie Smith as well as So long, Insecurity by Beth Moore. I am almost done with I will carry you and have been soooo impressed. This book has brought me to tears and has given me strength and encouragement. It's almost finished and I just got it last night. Angie does a fabulous job talking to you in this book and her words and scripture references are profound. I am extremely impressed and feel a sense of calming and grace while reading this book. I will start Beth Moore's book tomorrow and will let you know how it is. I have heard WONDERFUL things for this book as well.

Angie Smith's book put my life in perspective in just a few short minutes and reads and I am extremely glad I got this book. This book is not just for those whom have suffered loss; it is for those who need to feel closer to the Lord with a loss.

I highly recommend Angie Smith's book I will carry you!!!

Jesus getting smaller?

Did I get your attention?

Toby Keith wrote a song called "American Ride." In this song, he sings "plasma getting bigger, Jesus getting smaller..." This has had me thinking for a while now. Where does society place Jesus in their lives? Where do I place Jesus in mine? Yes he died for my sins thousands of years ago but how does that relate to the song?

Well I have to say I stumped myself and have been pondering quite a bunch over the past few weeks. Many put Jesus on the back burner and only pull him out when they need Him. Some say they follow but don't realize that HE knows what we do. Others follow but place Him aside sometimes and a few follow him all the time. We want lots of material things and sometimes forget HE is all we need.

Society is so focused with what is "in" today and how to better our lives that we forget HE payed the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Sure material things are always nice but it is what is in our hearts that matters. I'll admit that I sometimes don't take into account that HE is always there and fall off the bandwagon a tad. But finding your way back to HIM is vital. HE always forgives.

Take a minute to think about where Jesus is in you and if he is getting smaller or bigger!

Where does Jesus fit in your life?

Autism and God

April is Autism awareness month.

Autism is on the rise in America and it is reported that every 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with Autism. Autism does not own these children and are just living each day differently. Children with Autism may act differently yet they are still children of God and deserve the same respect and dignity as everyone else. These sweet children may have some issues but who doesn't?!?! There may not be a cure for Autism but there definetly is HOPE for these sweet children and their families who have been affected with this disorder.

Every child deserves to live life to the fullest and Autism should only be a bump in the road. The road should not revolve around Autism.

Kids are relentless...

Because they offer hope for today and the future.
Because they lighten your day with happiness and laughter.
Because they offer love and support when no one else does.
Because they don't dwell on the bad or past.
Because they take no judgment on others.
Because they feel your heart with joy.
Because they give you a smile daily.
Because they are a GIFT from HIM!
Because when they are sick they fight through it & sometimes act like nothing is ever wrong.
Because when babies are born premature...they fight like no other to live.

YES, I did write this myself

Miracles do happen part 2

I had the grandest intentions of writing about family traditions and one I started last year, but those will have to wait until tomorrow.

Tonight I saw the video below and my heart is uplifted with JOY for the Mckfamily! Sweet Stellan has a new life and is FREE of those wires, tape, and sticky things. My heart is overfilled with joy and thankfulness for this sweet family. We may not know what HE has planned for us...but HIS will surely shines through the sky right about now.

Jeremiah 29:11 states " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

HIS will shines through and sweet Stellan is HEALED!!

CLICK HERE to see the heartfelt homecoming of sweet Stellan.

HALLELUJAH!!!

A good thing

Life is FULL of surprises, struggles, issues, and MOUNTAINS. This week has been interesting, scary, hellacious, tiring, full, and bright. A few of my friends have been sick and others have suffered loss or destruction in their lives. I have been a walking bunch of emotions...honestly! The sun shines occasionally though and I know HE has a plan and that is a GOOD THING. It is a good thing that HE knows my plan and created it. It is a good thing that HE can provide comfort and support when no one else knows the depth of the mountains in life. It is a good thing...period!

Virtual HUGS & Day 7 and 8 of The Shred

Updated on Tuesday to include day 8 of the Shred!

A virtual hug...ever heard of it? It is basically a time when you want to reach out of the computer screen and HUG the person who left you a comment or just needs a physical HUG. In past 72+ hours, I have wanted to sit next to MckMama, the ENTIRE MckFamily, and HUG them. When a friend of mine's family had a horrific tragedy happen to their family, I wanted to just HUG them. When one of my followers/commentors {friends} have a major issue in their family and just need my prayers...I want to just give you a HUGE HUG. I want to give you a VIRTUAL HUG right now and many more will come.

HUGS to Sweet Stellan, MckFamily, & Friends who need a HUG

Day 7 of the Shred...complete. I did not have to stop and rest at all during the workout...YAHOO. THIS IS HUGE people!!!!

Day 8 of the Shred was completed on Tuesday morning (7/28) and I FEEL great! It is amazing how I don't hurt as bad as I did for the first four days.

Starring at the computer screen for several hours waiting for an update on Stellan...priceless!

Today has been a little slow and low key. I went to work, got drenched from the rain, came home, checked the computer, had lunch, checked the computer, did laundry, checked the computer, went to the store, checked the computer, made dinner, checked the computer, worked out, checked the computer, ate dinner, checked the computer, showered, checked the computer, blogged/tweeted, and checked the computer for updates. Notice a pattern there...I checked the computer ALL day long for sweet baby STELLAN updates.

Sweet Stellan is on my mind more than ever right now and virtual HUGS are going his way. PRAYERS are pouring out to this sweet babe and I am amazed. Amazed at how one sweet baby boy can be surrounded by an entire world with prayers. I am amazed at this baby boy's strength and his courage. I am amazed how this baby boy can be lifted up by prayer by people who do not know this family. I am just amazed at how HE is using Stellan to surround someone with prayers. HIS work is all around. I am just amazed!!!

The Shirt & the comments...

After reading Suzanne's post about her shirt, I thought I would post about this shirt and the comments I have received as well. Thanks for the idea Suzanne.

This was my t-shirt, front & back, from VBS this year. Before this year, many volunteers would get a VBS shirt and not really want to wear it out in public do to the design or shape. But this year, the shirt made the A-list among the VBS staff, parents of children, and the children.

But it was outside the church that impacted me the most.

I received several comments, such as:
** "Cool shirt"
** "What a cool shirt...where did you get it?"
** "What a great shirt"
** "Nice shirt" liked this one the most since I got it from a guy at the aquarium
** "I like that shirt" from a 3 year old

The message this year is simple GOD is GOOD...all the time...All the time...GOD is GOOD!!!

I was amazed at the response of the shirt and will continue to wear it with pride. I am a VERY HAPPY camper this year too!!!!

I see nothing wrong with that

** I may spell words wrong, use spell check religiously, and talk my thoughts out...but I see nothing wrong with that!

** I may have to fabric soften all my clothes to make them "soft," read up side down, and have my letters move around the page...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may only eat certain foods due to texture/taste, smell my fingers to calm down, or be unable to walk on the balance beam...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may loose track of time, have to study 3x as hard as the other college student, or sleep much less...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may become frustrated and vent, rant, or gripe, but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Sensory Processing Disorder, Food Allergies, and other issues...but I see nothing wrong with that.

** I may have issues, but I see nothing wrong with that. Everyone has issues!

You may be wondering my point to this whole post and it is simple! I see nothing wrong the way HE made me. Sure I may struggle a little to learn or to understand concepts, but I see nothing wrong with that!

Psalm 139:13-16 states "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

I see nothing wrong with the way HE created me! HIS works are WONDERFUL and MIGHTY!

Wordful Wednesday

At the foot of the cross...literally! I took this shot last night and the song "At the foot of the Cross" hit me right as I was thinking about this picture. The song is one of my favorites.
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I'll leave you with these words:
Enjoy today
Live life to the fullest
Dream BIG
Follow YOUR Heart
Enjoy your day
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For more WWs, click on the button

Weighty issue

Weight is something that will always be talked about in my family. I am not blessed with skinny genes & I have to work out to look good, but it's okay with me. My family works out a bunch and we all have our own style. Personally, I love weight lifting, swimming, walking, rock climbing, and aerobics! No running here due to Asthma and I am okay with that.

In high school, I did not really care about my weight and gained a bunch. My freshman year of college I lost a bunch of weight, forty pounds to be exact, and it felt great! So I was a little irked when I gained a few pounds back this spring, but have come to realize and remember the saying I made myself back in the fall of 2007. HE made me for who I am, I choose what I eat, HE gives me strength, & HE has a plan for me!

So I gained a few pounds this spring...it is OKAY!!! I am working on losing some more weight this summer and gaining muscle. I love being able to flex my arm muscles and am working on it... I actually like the way I look right now...granted, I want to loose a bit in the middle, but it's a work in progress!

Life is a work in progress & I truly believe my weight is too. There are days when when you eat whatever the heck you want (not every day) and then there are days where you follow a strict plan. No one is perfect...everyone has their flaws!!! Remember that!

Please know if any comments are harsh or rude, they will be deleted!!!!

Stellan

Many of you are aware that MckMama, Stellan's mama, and her family had a news story reported about them and it aired last night. I totally encourage ALL of you to watch it. HERE is the link. I was a basket case as I watched this sweet story unfold before my very eyes and I wanted to share with you why this sweet family has made a HUGE impact on me!

** In utero, Stellan was supposed to die...but he did not!

** After being born, Stellan was told there was nothing (that the docs could find) wrong with him.

** At four months old, Stellan started having some trouble and the world (via MckMama's blog) prayed! Stellan and MckMama were away from their family for six weeks and the world helped this sweet family out with Care-packages, prayers, blog posts, and whatever else they needed.

** A world of different people from different countries/states/nations came together and PRAYED and PRAYED for this sweetheart and his family. This totally blows me away of how a world of so many could come together and UNITE for this sweetheart. I have been amazed at the support that the MckFamily has received and continues to receive. Stellan's SVT may not be cured, but there are still so many people praying for him. Amazing how HE (God) can bring us all together, make us disregard the little, and PRAY together for Stellan!

If you would have told me that a blog, MckMama's blog, would bring us all together for this little man and on my knees in prayer a year ago, I may have been skeptical, but NOW...I totally understand and believe ANYTHING is possible!

So A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

This is who I am

I got an email the other day and was quite taken back in a good way. It was from a friend emails me often just to encourage and tell me how great I am. No, I am not bragging; this is just the way sweet Terry is! She told me that I was amazing, special, and a true gift from God. It was just what I needed to hear since this email came last week during my hell hellacious week.

Some people need to hear that they are special. Some people need to be reminded, like me. Some people just need that reassurance that they are loved and some need to be told that they are loved for the first time. This is real people. Some people just need to be reminded that they are God's creation, they have a plan in store for them, and they will succeed at anything they do.

I did a bunch of thinking over the weekend and have come to some conclusions about who I am in God's eyes and I thought I would share. I am a child of the Heavenly Father. HE made me in my mother's womb and I am eternally grateful. I have been put on this earth for a reason. God has a plan in place for me. I may not know HIS specific plan right now, but will eventually. I may stray from HIS path, put he leads me back and puts me in my place. HE gives me strength through my struggles, triumphs, and life lessons. HE is my STRENGTH, my life, and my Heavenly Father! I am so grateful HE gave me life and made me WHO I AM!

I know I will

This week has been an interesting crappy, sucky, and tiring to say the least. I have about 2.5 weeks until finals and projects/tests/stuff are piling up. I have also been asked several stinkin times a few times when I am not tired and I am responding with a few short and sweet phrases..."in the start of the semester" and "when I get more sleep than this." This week has been a little sticky but a smile was plastered across my face tonight.

After spending 4 hours in the math lab and four pages of homework completed, I just wanted to crawl up and sleep. But no...I was scheduled to tutor at 7! So from 7-9, I tutored and actually enjoyed watching the "boys" around me. Don't get any ideas...I would never date these guys; they are just my friends Half the football team was in the library tonight because they ALL have papers due tomorrow. So guess who got smiled, waved at, and encouraged today? I will give you a hint...she is 6 foot and looks like a raccoon. ME :) I got asked question after question, tutored my sweet tutoree, and had 2 sweet hours of feeling at PEACE. HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders...for two hours, I was able to chill and NOT worry/stress about school life.

Jeremiah 29:11 and Phil 4:13 have been on my heart all week long. I have been praying for relief and tonight, for those two hours, I got it. Yes it was small, but God does shine through in the midst of our cruddy moments. I have also read several other blogs that are having tough weeks too and I thought I would just "pour" my heart out. YES I KNOW life will get better after finals, but it is just EXTREMELY STRESSED right now. HE will shine through and I understand that too!

Yes this week has basically stunk, but I also know it DOES get better...I know from experiences :) Thank you for all of your sweet comments. I am trying, when able, to visit a few blogs for "free therapy" each day since it does help. Please do not comment and tell me it will get better...I know this...I am just being real! The days may be running together and LONG, but I KNOW I WILL get through!

Have to wrap this post up since it is midnight time sure did FLY by and I have to get up at 6AM! Enjoy the rest of your week. The weekend thank the LORD is just around the corner!

A few new things

A bunch has happened over the past few days and I wanted to fill you in a bit. First, I have added a prayer button on the top of my posts to the prayer vigil website for Stellan. I am amazed at how our blogging community has pulled together. A friend today asked me why I cared so much today about sweet Stellan since I was constantly checking my tweets and dashboard. I told her that Stellan's mama has brought us together through her blog and all I can do right now is PRAY. I am upholding my end of the bargain.
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Secondly, I received my Pay It Foward prize from Amanda and IKEA prize from Tobi. A post will come sometime later this week!
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Thirdly, this week has brought a break through with the teacher I was having difficulties trials struggles with. I actually enjoyed my art class on Tuesday night too. We had a conversation and understand on Monday afternoon as well. After an hour of discussion, I am hoping that the last 6 weeks are bearable and great...I WILL BE OPTIMISTIC! THANK YOU for all of your sweet and encouraging comments through this hurdle as well.
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A few songs lyrics that I have mixed for how life's events are going:
GOD is in control
HE will raise your up on Eagle's wings
HOLD you in the palm of HIS hand
Shining in the light of HIS glory
This is the day
HE lives in me
I am a child of GOD

Struggling with MY FAITH

For about a month, I have been struggling. I am finally ready to let you know why. About two months ago, I had to quit my Sunday job at a church. I believe that I lost a piece of my heart then. Yes I had to because of my 19 course hours, but it has been tough. Each Sunday, I would talk and get my feelings/concerns out in the open and get advice. I have struggled to find a good church to attend from then on, I have struggled because I miss my home church, and I have just been struggling with my faith. I am working on it and trying to get back on the "bandwagon," but it has just been a hurdle. There are so many questions that can not be answered and I am trying to understand and grasp that HE has a reason/plan for everyone. I do believe that God's plan for me is to teach/work with SPED, but getting through the hurdles of life is the tough part.

All I am asking from you is that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I face my FAITH hurdles face on. I have never ever been told life is easy and I do not expect that. I expect and hope to follow HIS plan for me. I do know that IT WILL GET BETTER, but right now I am in the middle of it and struggling. I want it to get better, but I do believe that this issue may take TIME. I may not like it, but that is my life and situation right now. My ultimate goal is to Follow HIM through thick and thin and that is what I am going for. I remind myself of the quote "Never, never, never give up" and I keep telling myself that over and over again. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers in advance. They truly make my day special!
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On a lighter note, remember to wear green today!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

TGIF

THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

I have come to realize that my schedule is just going to be tough this semester and I am OKAY with that. I am learning to trust my boundaries and let a few things go...just a little bit. I am learning that kickin' the feet up is a good thing. I am learning to trust HIM!!! He has a plan that I will stumble upon and LOVE.

TGIF

Thankful Thursday...and 300th post

Good morning everyone! Hope your day is going well...mine is better than yesterday's too. Even though my previous post was sad, I will try to make this one happier...here I go!
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I realized this morning that Coleman's soul is now with Jesus and that just warms my heart more than you can imagine. During my 20 years, I have lost many in my life. Some were friends, some were family, and some I just knew by association. Many are now looking down on us now and smiling because they see with Jesus/God that we are well and happy...most of the time! I have lost 2 aunts to cancer and hopefully they agree with the plan I am on. Cheryl and Penny meant so much to me and I am in awe of their strength that they fought with. I am in awe of all that Coleman fought with!
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Today marks my 300th post and I am amazed in the fact that I have already written 300...time sure does fly by...does it not? Beth Moore once stated "Where in the Bible does it say life will be easy? If it does, show me...I would love to know." I have to say that life is not easy sometimes, but other times, it just shines. I am amazed what this bloggy world has done for me. I have created and gained friendships, I have grown to love sharing my stories, I have grown to love many children, and my relationship with God through many of you has strengthened. YOU have encouraged, put me in my place, and just showered me with support and I am very grateful!
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Now onto Thankful Thursday:
** I am thankful for Coleman Larson being with Jesus now! His fight on earth may have ended...but he no longer suffers!
** I am thankful for the time I have spent at home lately...I needed it and am so grateful for my family and friends!
** I am thankful for the troops overseas who risk their lives to fight for America!
** I am thankful for my home Church (FUMC Grapevine) and how special it makes me feel.
** I am thankful for those people who guide me and make lives easier!
** I am thankful for those who protect and serve America.
** I am thankful for the people at HSU who make me feel like family and make me feel special on a daily basis!
** I am thankful for life and all that God has blessed me with!!!!
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So today is a long post and many things have been written. Thank you for reading and always being there with your comments...they really do make my day.

Hope you have a great Thursday!!!

All things are possible

Lately, there have been troublesome events that have filled my head. From my uncle dying and me not being able to attend his funeral to baby Stellan having RSV to my sweet, NOT, nice, NOT neighbors having jam sessions...starting at 2AM. Last night was actually the worst it has been yet and I considered patrolling from 2AM to 4AM since I was awake...considered.

But I have to remember that God does has a plan for me and the little things that make up my life may or may not do anything to my future goal. In my heart, I know that Stellan will be just fine. Once the RSV is contained and eliminated...he will just fine. Prayers do make a difference as well. My uncle had a very good life and was very sick for a very long time. Prayers helped me be able to grieve and accept the fact that he is gone, but his legacy will prevail in the future. He will be missed, yes, but he will be remembered for the great man that he was.

The neighbors...well, God will see them eventually and hopefully they will clean up their act...hopefully. I also head home tomorrow and will sleep in my own bed, in my own room, and have no neighbors who make my walls vibrate. I loved my experience at the conference, but am SO ready to go home. I am ready to see my family and am ready to sleep more than four hours consecutively...silent hooray! I am also ready to just be HOME :)
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Home is where my heart will always be...not trying to be too corny :) Home is where I can get more than four hours of sleep, mourn, and live my life. Home is what I L-O-V-E! Today I bought a magnet that states "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live your life you've imagined" (Thoreau.) I have loved being home...but I also love to live life...hour by hour...day by day and it is so WORTH IT!!!

Love and Live life

It's the CHRISTmas season...

It is so easy to forget what CHRISTmas is truly about with all the hustle and bustle to prepare that perfect night and day the media raves about. What person does not want that money or toys? But remember our Savior, Jesus Christ who died for our sins, and who was born in a manger on Christmas. Some may say that HE was not born on Christmas or HE is not real...but this is not what I am talking about. I am talking about worshipping HIM who was born in a manger on that cold eve. I am talking about Mary, his earthly mother birthing the son of God, I am talking about the three Wise Men who followed the Star to the manger. Jesus did not choose where HE was born nor did HE choose his earthly parents...GOD, our Heavenly Father chose Mary and Joseph as HIS worldly parents. HE (GOD) chose those three wise men for a reason and HE (GOD) chose life of JESUS.

GOD chose you and me to be born on this earth and I am truly thankful. I am very thankful for JESUS and all that HE did for me. REMEMBER CHRIST during the CHRISTmas this year. Wishing you and your family a very Merry CHRISTmas season and holiday. Enjoy your preparations for the day of CHRIST and enjoy your sweet family and friends. HE will see you through! Merry Christmas to YOU!!!!