Only One

Yes, I am still here...

2008-09-02T22:17:00.003-04:00

Whew...a new school year is underway now and I can tell that it is going to be a great one. I cannot believe that we have already been in school for 13 days now. The first few weeks are tough.....getting twenty-one six year olds adjusted to a totally new schedule and routine can be quite overwhelming, but I would not have it any other way.

I have been blessed with the job of leading twenty-one little first graders to the cross each day. Our day begins by sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning from HIS word. These children amaze me with their trust in HIM and I am so touched by their innocence and sincere approach to the throne.

Today, we celebrated the our first day since school began of EVERYONE in our classroom making Kingdom Choices. One little girl said, "Well, I have been praying for that and God answered my prayer! I knew HE would!" Is that not precious? ( I said "Thank you - let's start praying for another one!)

There are many lessons to be delievered and many to be learned this year. I have a student who suffers from CP. She has learned to walk on forearm crutches this summer and can I just tell you that she has taught me more about life in 13 days than I will probably teach her all year. She is amazing and determined and I cannot wait to see how God is going to continue to use her to bless the other children in our classroom by her example. What a lesson in compassion, friendship and kindness that we have gained from her already! She and I have already talked about how one day she is going to be able to walk with Jesus on shiny streets of gold - to which she replied, "No, Mrs Staples, I am going to run and dance with Jesus!"

Who else gets to experience what I get to experience each day? What a privilege I have been given! I just know in my heart, it is going to be another great year!

I promise to post more often....I miss you!

Can I get a witness?

2008-07-20T09:06:00.002-04:00

Someone sent this to us....don't know if you have seen it or not but it is a sermon in itself!

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

"I can do all things in CHRIST who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13

If you carried a cardboard sign, what would it say? Post and let us know.

Remember My Grandfather?

2008-07-20T00:40:00.002-04:00

Remember me asking you to pray for my grandfather last month ? Well. we know that we are tremendously blessed to have had a lifetime to spend with him - he is 89 and we do not take that for granted.

After being on IV antibiotics 3x a day for six weeks, he has been released from his orthopedic specialist and given permission to drive again....at 89. With my 84 year old grandmother in tow, they drove to a restaurant to eat ham and eggs together to celebrate.....how precious.

His foot is healed from the surgery and he has been fitted with a special shoe to help him maintain his balance after losing a portion of his foot. And you know where my dad found him today? Yes, out walking around in that garden!

Amazing......God is good, isn't he?

Happy Birthday America!

2008-07-04T15:35:00.008-04:00

We got up early this morning to meet some friends at the Harrisburg Town Parade! Thanks for getting us motivated to participate in this celebration Tisha! We had fun!

What's a parade without a horse? This one was beautifully decorated.

Everyone one loves freebies being tossed to the crowd - my son and Tisha's girls loved it!

Be sure to thank a soldier today for his/her service to our country.

Loved those older cars and trucks - that's my son again - grabbing for trinkets.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

As we pause from our regular schedules today to participate in patriotic celebrations, let us remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers - The vision that they had for religious freedom and independence. The way that they put their lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Teach your children about the sacrifices of those men that make America what she is today. Give thanks for the brave men and women of our military who serve so that our freedoms are protected. Pray for continued success in Iraq and peace in their efforts. Pray for our nation and her leaders. And above all, praise God for the greatest freedom that we have in America - the freedom to worship and pray when and how we wish. God bless America!

Enjoy your freedom in Christ today and your time with your family,

Kim

News to Share with You....

2008-06-20T23:13:00.003-04:00

Hi friends,

I am excited to share the news of my new business with you. I am now a consultant with Thirty-One gifts. (Yes, I will still teach full-time but I also wanted to do something fun and earn some extra money on the side as well.) I wanted to share my website with you. You can view the on-line catalog and view the monthly specials by accessing the following site: www.mythirtyone.com/staples

I recently hosted a Thirty One show in my home and was amazed at how easy it was to earn FREE products. With very little effort, I was able to earn almost 100.00 in free products and I was able to purchase three half price items for personal use and gift giving as well. I LOVED the products so much because they are so reasonable and come with FREE monogramming that I decided to join in on the fun.

To launch my business, I am in need of six friends to host a show in the next 40 days. I know that you are enjoying your busy summer and to make things easy for you, if you get me your guest list within three days of booking your show, I will take care of the invitations for you! The hostess specials for July are the best ever. In addition to earning FREE products, you can earn gift certificates to redeem in the Fall catalog. The customer special for July is a super buy as well and will certainly be enticing to your friends and family.

I would love to hear from you. I will also be glad to mail you a catalog if you live to far away to host or attend a show. You can always shop on line. Call or email me and we will get your show scheduled. Can't wait to celebrate you!

God Bless you -

Kim Staples
Thirty-One Gifts
www.mythirtyone.com/staples

Home again....

2008-06-14T17:23:00.003-04:00

Well, we are home once again. Here to stay for a few weeks anyway. I have got to stay put and tackle some of those projects that I started over Spring Break.....the wallpaper....remember...and the border war in my son's room...yeah, it is still waiting on me. The paint fairy never showed up although, I gave him ample time.

We had a great week at the beach with one another. Doesn't this picture of the ocean just look so inviting? We had so much fun playing as a family. I can definitely say that hubby and I have caught up on time that we missed during golf season when he was busy coaching. We have spent quite a few hours in a car on the road together lately.....it all went well though and I really miss both he and the boy once school begins. You sure get spoiled spending two months at home toghether as a family and then school resumes. Oh well, we are blessed to have that time together so we must enjoy it.

I promise to get back to my normal blogging next week. Thanks to those of you who have prayed for my grandparents. My grandfather is home and is doing okay considering all that he has been through. Please continue to pray for the infection to heal and not spread any further. Pray for rest for both of them and an easy adjustment to allowing others to do for them. It is so hard for them because they are independent.....

Have a blessed weekend!

Kim

I Have Been Blessed!

2008-06-06T17:35:00.005-04:00

Okay friends, I need you to pray for someone special in my life. This is my grandfather. He is 89 years old and has such a very sharp mind. He has been generally healthy but has recently had a difficult time battling gout in his foot. To make a long story short, he developed a severe infection in his foot and has been hospitalized since Sunday. To expedite his trip to the ER last Sunday, he wrapped his foot in a plastic bag to "protect" it while he worked all day in his garden on Saturday which accelerated the infection. He had surgery this afternoon and they attempted to remove the infection by amputating his toe and as much of the infected area as possible without drastically affected his balance. Please also pray for my 84 year old grandfather who will be caring for him when he comes home. They are amazing. They still live on their own and drive and have a huge garden every year.

I had the privilege to go and sit with him in the hospital for the past three days. We laughed about old times - he told me the same familiar stories of what he experienced in WWII and although we have memorized them all, we are going to miss hearing them someday. My grandfather is a treasure. He is hardworking, honest and a man of integrity. He grew up in the depression era and is such a great steward of all that he has ever earned. He dearly loves his wife of 65 years and he never fails to wash dishes for her following EVERY meal. I have had numerous conversations with him standing at the kitchen sink. He also vacuums for her. When facing surgery, his concern was not of himself but of his wife and who would be available to do those things for her while he is recovering.

I was moved to tears this morning when his 77 year old best friend called to make sure that he was right with Jesus. ( and the asked to speak to me so that I could verify that he was - precious I tell you. ) His friend told him that he loved him and just didn't want to face living in eternity without him....it is so sweet to see them humble themselves before God.

So while I am tired from traveling to be with him, I count it a blessing to have been able to do so....

Thanks for your prayers.

Kim

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-06-04T09:09:00.002-04:00

Well, some of you faithful readers may remember that I hit the BIG 4-0 last year and to be quite honest with you, I never felt better. So today, one year later, I am 41. Hubby has been ribbing me about being an older woman....I do not know why, he is 42. Love you - my older man!

Surprisingly, 40 is not the death sentence that I thought it was when I was 20. I had lunch with a twenty-something friend yesterday and she said, "I hate to say that you don''t seem that old....you act so much younger!" Can I just tell you that is the best compliment that one can receive from someone under 25? Love you Am!

So today, I will bask in the joy of celebrating 41 years of God's blessings. He's been so good to me and I certainly don't have the right to complain today about being a year older. I have to0 much to be thankful for and I certainly would not trade the person that I was at 20 for the person that I have grown to be today.

Have a blessed day.

Kim

We're home....

2008-06-02T08:29:00.020-04:00

My men admiring one of the parts of the Saturn V rocket at the National Air and Space Museum. We had a great week as you will see from the pictures below. Now we are off to do something that interests me a great deal.....soak in some rays at the beach. I will check in with you when we return.

This is the first thing you see as you enter the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Our son has a LOVE of space that has existed since pre-school. When he saw this, he said, "Mom, can we please stay here ALL day?" Absolutely son. It is so neat to see your child absorbed in something that totally interests him. What is the age limit for a mom to chaperon a trip to the moon? Can you imagine being the mom of an astronaut?

Doesn't this look like a postcard? I tell you what - I had so much fun shooting pictures with our new camera. This is actually a picture of the Jefferson Memorial with the Washington Monument in the background. I actually took this as our trolley passed by it on our way back to Arlington Cemetery.

A picture of Old Glory hanging from the entrance of Union Station.

I have seen pictures of this monument my whole life. But to see it in person - it took my breath away. It is so lifelike. It was my favorite and one of my son's too!

My son loves to throw pennies in any fountain that we see. He saw this one at one of the memorials. He said, "Quick Mom, give me some change!" After searching my purse for loose change, he tossed a handful in one coin at a time. I photographed the precious images of him making wishes - then, we both turned to walk away and saw a sign that read: Coins damage this fountain by discoloring the stone it is made from. Please refrain from tossing coins in this fountain. Oppps.....sorry National Park Rangers.

Maybe I have not told you that this was my first trip to DC as well. I have been many other places but just not to DC. I was so touched by the changing of the guards ceremony at Arlington National Ceremony. To think that these soldiers are so dedicated. There have only been 400 guards in the past 45 years chosen for this honor. They must meet many requirements on their level of character and they also must memorize a seven page guide on the history of Arlington National Cemetery and recite it verbatim. They also must memorize the grave locations of 300 of the deceased. They guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 four hours a day 365 days a year and they have done that since 1945. They pace 21 steps....with such precision. It was incredible to witness.

Okay.....may I just tell you that I had such a moment when I saw this...I am so nostalgic when it comes to antiques and things of yesteryear and I just adored this covered bridge. It was so neat to drive through it and a privilege to take photos of it. This is going to be one that I print and frame for our home.

We stayed at a resort close to this attraction and so we toured the Shenandoah Caverns. I had never done that before and it was amazing to think that we were 220 feet below looking at these rock formations and listening to how they were "millions of years old." Yeah, right. Why can people just not marvel at God's creation without having to come up with their own theories as to how things evolved? Their only explanation as to how old this cavern is was to estimate the growth of the stalagmites and stalactites at 1.25 inches every 125 years and then they counted how many years it would have taken for formations this length to grow. Again, admire God's creation and move on people......it was beautiful and a great lesson in geology for our son who will soon be a third grader.....

America's Favorite Past time and One of Mine Too!

2008-05-24T16:49:00.006-04:00

Well, another year of school has passed and baseball seasoned has ended. We fought hard in the Championship game but we just couldn't pull it out.

I just love to watch that boy of mine play baseball. You just can't get more American spirited than that...

I love it when our family takes in a local minor league game together. Truth be told, it's not the game as much as it is the relaxed environment. (and the salted peanuts in the shell and the post game fireworks.)

We are taking that patriotism and heading to DC this week. Please pray for safe travel and I look forward to blogging on a more regular basis soon after I return.

Kim

THE SUDS

2008-05-13T22:09:00.005-04:00

I am sick. I cannot breathe without sniffing and my ears feel like I am flying at a high altitude and yet, I have not left the couch this evening. This is the time of year when I am supposed to have the most energy. (because first graders still have lots of it and they need a teacher that can enjoy these last few days with them) It happens to me every year during the last week of school. I think it is because as teachers, we just reach a point of exhaustion and our bodies just cannot fight off germs anymore.

This morning, my son said, "Mom, I think you have the SUDS." Now unless your child watches Spongebob that reference will not mean anything to you. What my son is referring to is an episode of Spongebob Squarepants where SpongeBob comes down with a case of the SUDS - a flu-like illness in which bubbles escape through pores in the body...which is a sponge. He is miserable and seeking a cure without giving in and going to the doctor. Mmmmm....being stubborn did not get him anywhere either....

If you are reading this today, please pray that the suds will disappear from me as quickly as they came.

Have a blessed day!

Seven Random Things About Me

2008-05-05T18:47:00.002-04:00

Since I have been tagged twice, I decided to post seven random things about me. I know that this will be exciting stuff so enjoy:

1. I am a nerd when it comes to the field of education....I love learning about new trends and techiniques.
2. I am the baby of the family and I lived at home until the day I married my high school sweetheart.
3. My favorite toy when I was a little girl was my Mrs. Beasley doll - I still have her.
4. I cannot stand mayonnaise. The smell makes me gag.
5. I still do not like the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz. Never did....Never will.
6. I require popcorn when I go to the movies.
7. I cannot open anything in a Chef Boyardee can.....it makes me gag too!

So now, I am even more weird that you thought. I'm okay with that!

If you are reading this, leave me a comment and then, consider yourself tagged.

A Sunday Afternoon

2008-04-16T16:47:00.004-04:00

On Sunday afternoon, my son and I decided to take a walk through Memorial Gardens in downtown Concord. During the spring, this centuries old cemetary transforms into a magnificent show place. I decided to take our new camera to play with and I encouraged my son took our "old" camera and take some of his own photographs. He was really cute looking for just the right flower to photograph.

Then, we went to Cabarrus Creamery - downtown - it is an old fashioned ice cream parlor - delicious. We sat on a bench right outside the store front and talked. I shared with him how we used to shop in downtown stores like those we were looking at before malls came along in the late 70's and early 80's and before we had internet shopping - most of our stuff comes by UPS now. It was a fun afternoon.

It was really sweet - a lady saw us in the gardens and at the ice cream parlor and she told my son to enjoy the day - that he would never forget these memories and she told him how her mother used to take her to the gardens every spring and how she still remembers it today. She said, "Now she lives in heaven."As we drove away in the car my son said - "Mom, aren't you amazed at how many people that we don't know - Know God. Like that woman - she said her mom was in heaven and we don't her - I am sure there are a lot more."

I love kids because they are self-centered at this age and stage.....but by his conversation today I can tell that he is just starting to realize just how vast God's creation is.....

Poor thing, I had to give him some benadryll before we went to the gardens to keep his allergies at bay - he fell asleep on the way home. He had a great afternoon...I'd say. A walk, an ice cream and a nap....what more could a Sunday afternoon hold.

Kim

Loving Lowe's....

2008-04-12T22:53:00.002-04:00

Well, about 1:45 this am, I finished scraping, peeling, tearing....mumbling and grumbling and I am happy to report that the bathroom stripping is done. I begged hubby for help....to which he replied, "Why do you always WAIT until 11:00 at night to begin again on a project?" I said, "you know that I am a night owl - so grab a scraper and get with it....Please? And once the highlights of the Masters ended, he did pitch in and help me get it completed. And then I cleaned and tried to make things appear as "normal" as possible - now to the fun part. Spackling all of the oooopppps that I made while scraping and peeling....then sanding and prepping the walls for paint. So what will it be? Motor City Blue, or Blue Coal or Rogue Blue or Pitch cobalt? Whatever we choose, it will be some shade of navy....my hubby's choice - to which I relied, "That is really going to be dark...you have no natural light in there....and then he said, "You watch to many of those decorating shows on HGTV!"

Well, I talked him in to going to Lowe's with me tonight (poor fellow does love me) to select paint chips and then I had to get a few prep supplies for painting, spackling and sanding - some more wallpaper removal stuff for little man's STUBBORN border...this is the only product that I have not tried....it will probably work like a charm....if so, I promise to represent their company well....because I will let everyone know what worked! My goal is to clean that border off so that I can put up a new one....I know I said that I would not but it is either paint the whole room or put another border up.....I do love Lowe's....I walk around and imagine the things that I THINK that I can do while shopping in there.....I found a light fixture that I want for my bedroom because hubby and a friend put up a ceiling fan in there today so now I want new fixture to replace the plain one that the fan overshadows now. Oh what next? I will just have to go to Lowe's for more inspiration.....

Have a great day of worship tomorrow - personally, I am looking forward to a day of rest!

Kim

If We Could Just All Love One Another Like Jesus Did....

2008-04-10T08:52:00.004-04:00

Good morning! Thanks for all the emails and comments about my wall paper project. Someone suggested Windex and it does remove the glue residue so I am working with dueling projects. I spray the border in one room......spray the paper in the bathroom which happens to be next to the room with the border and then I scrape one while the other absorbs product and then I scrape the other. I am about one third of the way through and I know that you will notice my skinny arms next time you see me - Just kidding! I am thinking about having hubby take the bathroom mirror down while I am working on this project because I am tired of viewing myself in my jammies from every time I reach to scrape a bit. I mean, even Tyra Banks, would not look hot doing that would she?

Back to my title, I just finished reading my second book by Josh McDowell this week. I have personally heard him speak several times and most recently at the Apologetics Conference in the fall. Let me tell you, that man is on to something BIG. In the first book, he warns that if we do not teach our children to view the world the way that God sees it; then we may very well be the Last Generation that surrenders our lives to Jesus. Is that not a frightening thought? But it is oh so true, Ladies. Once I finished that book, I picked up another title by him: The New Tolerance. It is a MUST read for you girls.....especially if you plan to educate your children in public schools. He gives you advice for what you can do to guard your children's thinking when they are faced with a curriculum that embraces this new tolerance.

What is The New Tolerance? I am glad you asked. To adults, tolerance used to mean that we respected one another for having differences in opinion. It did not mean that we necessarily AGREED with them, but that we understood their right to a different opinion. The NEW TOLERANCE says that what is right for me is okay but may not necessarily be right for you. There is no longer a moral compass. It is a "Live and let live' philosophy....It is why a parent earlier this year stood in my classroom told me: "Mrs. Staples, I know better than to live like I am living right now. I was raised in this church and went to Sunday School in this very room BUT, it just doesn't work for young people anymore. Jesus loves me and I know he wants me to be HAPPY!" For those of you that are reading this, you know my response.....did I accept his theory of justifying his sin because Jesus wants him to be HAPPY? Absolutely not. But The NEW TOLERANCE that our culture embraces feeds him this line of baloney and a young man who was once raised in the church who claims that he knows better has bought in to this one size fits all type of thinking. Tragic, I tell you - just tragic.

According to the new tolerance, who you are is inseparable from what you do and think and believe; your identity is wrapped up in your culture and conduct. Therefore, if you express any disagreement over some one's beliefs, you are disparaging them! If you say that their behavior is wrong, you are judging them! If you criticize the culture, then you are criticising them! If you cannot accept their lifestyle, you are being intolerant of them! In other words, if you do not approve of a person's lifestyle, then you do not love the person.

My friend that could not be further from the truth, but our culture has embraced this and it seems as though everyone has rights today but Christians (and it is going to get worse) and it began with a multicultural curriculum that made it's way into our public school classrooms about 15 years ago.

Scripture does not teach that what we do constitutes the whole of who we are; the Bible says that "God created man in His own image....male and female He created them." Gen. 1:27 He created human beings as individuals made in His own image and with His own hands (Gen. 2:7) not just as products of their cultures and communities. Our beliefs and behaviors affect us, OF COURSE IT DOES! Isaiah wrote "Your iniquities have separated you from your God" in Isaiah 59:2, but his words how us a clear distinction between WHO we are and WHAT we do - in this case our iniquities. But praise God that what we do is NOT the same as WHO we are!

Yes, Jesus loves everyone but He loved them enough to tell them the TRUTH during His time here on Earth - remember the woman at the well? He spoke the truth....Do you/

Please read this book and talk about this with your children....our choice is simple - are we choosing the cross or the culture?

Have a great day in Him,
Kim

Border Blues

2008-04-07T09:08:00.002-04:00

We are on Spring Break this week and so far it has been awesome. I started on Friday clicking some home projects off my list. I also read a book. I am such an avid reader that if I pick up a book, I cannot put it down until I am finished. I read Josh McDowell's The Last Generation and I promise to post about it soon. He has some incredible wisdom and insight about this generation that you and I are raising today.

We are also having a conference at our church and it is a mountaintop experience. If you read this today and you did not attend either service yesterday - DO NOT MISS tonight's service at 7:00 pm. The music was EXCELLENT! I am telling you - they were bringing it! I came home in such a peaceful mood - so I decided that before going to bed last night, I would QUICKLY remove the transportation border from my son's room. I followed directions using the paper tiger scorer cutting small holes in the border that my friend and I put ALL THE WAY around his room five years ago. I read the directions TWICE on the DIF wallpaper stripper NO DRIP - NO MESS gel. I waited 15 minutes as the bottle recommends and then I scraped and NOTHING happened. So I read the directions again - decided to wait a little longer to let the product take effect and I scraped again and NOTHING happened. So I decided to sleep on it and the border would fall of while I was dreaming about it - SURELY......NOT. I woke up to a border slathered in dried gel.

PLAN 2 : According to the EXPERTS on the Internet (what did we do before we could GOOGLE something?) I should have tried a mixture of fabric softener and hot water in a spray bottle. Hubby is on the way to Wally World as I type this......Come on Border.....I have other plans for today.....submit....surrender...Please?

My plan for the remainder of the week was to remove the tartan plaid wallpaper from hubby's bathroom - it is done is a golf motif - and I woke him up last night to break the news that his bathroom may just be tartan plaid for the remainder of our stay in this home. Just kidding - if this fabric softener thing works.....I will be stripping it this week. Nikki, if those six little hands get bored this week - I will take the girls and put them to work. My little man does not find such things entertaining.......even with bribery.

So I will keep you posted and in the meantime, I am looking forward to another revival service tonight. I am going to need one!

Kim

Mama Said There Would Be Days Like This...

2008-03-25T15:18:00.002-04:00

...there will be days like this my mama said. I love sharing with my first graders. Sometimes they share things too...like colds, coughs and my latest gift, PINK EYE. I tried to go in to the classroom today excusing it as "allergies" but I did not get very far. So I am home now after a quick stop to the Minute Clinic at CVS. (my new favorite hangout when you are not feeling well.) In and out in about ten minutes with a filled prescription in hand. You can't beat that!

So here I have been at home; feeling great but looking at the world through a grease filled eye. Nothing more attractive than that I tell you. I would love to clean out a closet but my eye is just too irritated. Oh I know that I am blessed and that it could be so much worse so I will stop whining now. And I'll continue rotating between the laptop and Lifetime and resting the eye in between.

Please pray for quick healing for the eye though....I will check in on you later.

Kim

Seventeen Years and then some...

2008-03-23T21:48:00.002-04:00

Today, hubby and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. We dated for 7.5 years so that is where the "then some.." comes from and before I tell you about my man, I have to share the conversation on the way home from church today.

Mom to 2nd grader: "Did you know that on this day 17 years ago, I married your Daddy?"

2nd grader: "How old were you guys?"

Mom: "I was 23 and your dad was 24."

2nd grader: "Hey, no fair, how come you tell me all the time that I can't get married until I am 30?"

I feel like I am losing him already.

Seventeen years. Wow - seems like yesterday, we stood at the altar, in the latest fashion of the early 90's - miles of white and teal green taffeta and an unending supply of candles and fresh flowers (my mom works at Park Seed), declaring our love for one another. We dated for...well, EVER. We met my Junior year in high school, dated all through college, waited a year to get jobs and then we waited to save money...and we are still waiting on that one. :) But I must say, that I have never tired of my life with my hubby. I have been blessed to marry my best friend.

I have had the privilege of seeing him grow into the husband and father that he is today. I was there when he got a thirst for the word of God. I was right along side him when God called him and equipped him to serve in the ministry and I was with him when the bottom seemed to fall out in a ministry position. I saw the overwhelming look in his eyes when the nurse handed him our son. But I never doubted for once that he would not be there for us.

I will never forget the difficulty he had getting through our vows on our wedding day - he continually chocked back tears thinking of the journey God had granted us to get to the altar. There was no doubt about his love for me on that day as we stood there before nearly 300 members of our families and friends. And I was there to comfort him, when he lost his father and one of his best friends to a massive heart attack just four years ago. It was one of the few times that as a rock solid man, I saw him break. But it made me love him more.

He is a man of integrity. He is loyal. He is trustworthy. He is my protector. He is my dream come true. We are more in love today than that day we walked down the aisle seventeen years ago. For that, I am grateful.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Anniversary Honey...I pray that we are together for eternity and then some.

Kim

Hear My Cry....

2008-02-27T19:00:00.002-05:00

I am not one to generally be affected greatly by stress. For the most part, I don't profess to be under a lot of stress but in the last 90 days it seems as though as a family, we have endured one small trial after another. Now I am not one to complain...I count my blessings often. But it has been a challenging three months for me. Great news: It hasn't been a challenge for my Lord. Read this:

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."
Psalm 61:1-4

So I will do just that...I will trust in Him and hang in there. Tomorrow is a new day.

Kim

What is Love?

2008-02-14T16:53:00.002-05:00

If you had to work today, I can't think of a better place to spend Valentine's Day than working with a bunch of first graders. They are sooooo precious trying to read the names on their valentine cards and struggling to match it to the rightful owners' bag. In Writer's Workshop, we have realy worked in the past two weeks on writing with depth - trying to get them beyond the normal: I went to Florida. It was fun. I got a new shell. - oh yeah, how did you get there? Who went? What was fun? Where did you buy a shell or did you find one? I admit, it is exhausting but so worth it when they write well.

Today, we tried our hand at poetry. Yep, you guessed it.....Love is....poems.

We talked about the source of LOVE - God. We talked about how love tastes and the things that mom and grandmas cook that cause you to feel loved. We shared ways that our parents and teachers and God help us to feel loved. We talked about what love looks like and smells like - that's an interesting one for first graders. Here are some samples:

"Love tastes like cablegs with hot buder."

"Love smells like dad's chicken warming on a fire pit."

"Love tastes lick mom's chken nudl soope."

"Love feels all snuglee."

"Loves smells like cinimn." (cinnamon in case you don't read the hooked on phonics way)

"Love is OK." (written by a 7 year old boy)

"Love is my granma's chkin on a Sunday aftrnun."

"Love is God's protection." (love their theology)

"Love is yor parris." (your parents - again, Hooked on phonics worked for me!)

"Love is my mom bakeing a piy."

"Love smells like my dad's fish."

"Love sounds like nice words."

"Love is muzik."

"Love is good."

"Love sounds like God's strong words."

and we all ended with "Love comes from God."

Good stuff from the classroom today. Hope you find as much joy in it as I did!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tag...I'm it!

2008-02-13T18:38:00.004-05:00

Nikki at Three Girly Girlz tagged me for a fun thing. I am to pick up the book nearest me....Imagine this Valarie and Nikki - it is my copy of God Calling. I am to turn to page 123 and type the 5th sentence and the next three that follow.

Here it goes: "Follow the path of obedience. It leads to the Throne of God. Your treasure, be it success necessary on the material plane, which will further the work of my Kingdom, or the hidden spiritual wonders revealed by Me to those only who diligently seek, this treasure lies at the end of the track. From one point (a promise of Mine or a Command) to the next, you have to follow, till finally you reach the success you covet.

Whew.....

If you are a bogger and you read this, consider yourself tagged.

Sense of Wonder

2008-02-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

I know what you are thinking.....two posts in one day? Yes, but I could not pass this one up. Don't you just love that sense of wonder in young children? Our son has always had a deep admiration for God's creation and when it comes to animals he wants to know as many details about how they were created as possible. In this photo, he is actually observing sea lions at Riverbanks Zoo.

This reminds me of something he said on the way to a friend's house today. It is, as Winnie the Pooh would say, "a blustery day" and we saw litter flying about the interstate. From the back seat our son says, "Why do people have to litter? It makes me sad." Trying to get a feel for where he is at in his thinking, I asked "Why is it wrong to litter?" and he responded, "Well, they just aren't showing that they appreciate God's wonderful creation." You go my son....you have a mama who is so proud of the young man that you are becoming but a God who is all the more pleased.I love you buddy!

Whew - What an Awesome Day!

2008-02-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

My hubby and I had such an incredible day in the Lord yesterday. We attended the SOng of Solomon Conference together at our church yesterday. Thank you Lord for the reminders that you gave us to cherish one another more....we have been married for almost 17 years and yes, at times, we get lazy and take one another forgranted. Thanks for such creative ideas to fan that flame once again.

Yesterday was really special because not only did we get to spend special time with one another - but we got to have a quiet lunch with the couple that we co-teach Sunday School with and then, we had the pleasure of eating dinner at Outback with another Christian couple who we have really become close to over the past year. It was a truly fun-filled day with Christian friends. To top the evening off, we went back to the church for an awesome concert with Warren Barfield - he is an amazing writer and quite honestly, a talented singer as well. But hang on, the day wasn't over...

If you know me personally,and I hope you do if you are reading this, (if not, leave me a comment and introduce yourself so I won't feel uncomfortable around you), then you know how much I LOVE to laugh. Well, we had a comedian end the evening with his performance and he talked about things that happen to uncool people....if you don;t have children or haven;t turned 40 yet, then you haven't experienced those feelings of being UNCOOL yet....but I found his sense of humor to be one of the funniest things that I have heard in a long time - I laughed so hard that I cried. On the way out, some dear friends that I work with at church, told me that they had more fun watching the camera monitor which eveidently featured me laughing a majority of the show....oh well, as long as it brought them JOY!

I am sorry that I have been so BUSY lately and unable to post. I have some great stuff for you in my heart. Our son has been through a few trials (strep throat, staph infection and then a dog bite) lately and quite honestly, I have put most things aside to enjoy being his "mommy" because nowadays - with an 8 year old - you become just MOM. (until they get really sick and then they want MOMMY) Can I get a witness to that one Mamas?

I promise to be back to share with you soon. Summer is coming and while I love the classroom - this first grade teacher is looking forward to renewal.

May you enjoy this day of worship!

Kim

What a Precious Sight!

2008-01-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a beautiful picture? My son played the role of the Good Samaritan in chapel yesterday and it just melted my heart. It truly captured the type of servant that he is....one of my favorite things about him is that he always puts others before himself. He seldom asks for anything and if we never had to leave the house to go anywhere, he would be okay with that too. What a blessing!

Winter Storm 2008

2008-01-17T21:17:00.000-05:00

WINTER STORM 2008 - that is the warning that we continually saw on the newscast the past 48 hours. I have to admit with all of the warnings that I went to the grocery store after school yesterday to buy some goodies (oh, the pressure of being "trapped" without the necessities for your family) - I am not one to purchase the proverbial milk and bread - if I am going to be in for a day or two, I want grits, bacon and eggs and raspberry hot chocolate with whipped topping. Can I get a witness?

Well, I woke up at three o'clock this morning to see that the ground was covered in snow - beautiful snow. I had the urge to wake the hubby and child but resisted temptation at the thought of them being grumpy if we did have to go. I snuggled back under the covers and just KNEW that we would be at home all day today.

I turned on the TV to check out the news - I just adore our local news forecast. Being that we don't get a lot of snow in this area, we certainly get excited and go overboard at the thought of a little dusting of the white stuff. I laid on the couch this morning and watched two hours of video footage of slag trucks on the roads and reporters warning people to stay in.

I needed to head for the shower but, I waited until 5:15 am, then told myself that our headmaster would call school by 5:30 am, then I said, "Okay - if he is going to call it , surely he will do it by 5:45." You see, all other surrounding counties were out - everyone in our neighborhood was out today, but not us. Now it was okay - mmmm.... let's see: A day off to clean or a great day in the classroom? Either one would be fine but I got the latter.

By the way, the roads were just slushy - they did a great job of salting down all of the local roads and bridges. (and we were thankful to make it safely)

I only had 12 kids this morning and they were MAD that they had to come. I said, "Don't grumble - grab a pencil and write about how you are feeling. They wrote things similar to this:

"I did not want to come to school today. I wanted to stay home and drink hot chocolate. I wanted to build a snowman. I am sad."

You have to love first graders and appreciate them for their honesty.

They were so cute and they got over it quickly when I told them that we would have a great time today. Work a little; play a little; work a little; play a little, etc. Tough conditions but we survived.

Whatever you did today, I pray that you got to play a little too!

Kim

Never Trust a Skinny Cook

2008-01-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

That old adage - Never Trust a Skinny Cook - is true. I am a huge fan of Paula Deen and one of the reasons is that I think that she represents the south so well. Most of my childhood memories of my grandmothers revolve around the kitchen.

My grandma lived her last several years alone but she cooked a southern spread for us each Sunday that would make Paula Deen proud. Her southern fried chicken was the best and she made the best fried pies - all from scratch - I well remember her draining the chicken and the fried pies on brown grocery bags across the kitchen counter. No wonder a stick of butter in almost every recipe I make...It is in my DNA...healthy eating is just no fun - although, I know that hubby and I need to make a better effort to do so.

Tonight, we are going to our last party of the season. The hostess intentionally held off planning this party so that everyone could be relaxed and free to attend. (with all the Christmas errands behind them) So today, I thought I would post the recipes of the appetizers that I made to take with us tonight. You may have seen some variation of all of these before but these are my favorites. Enjoy! (and if weight loss is your New Year's Resolution, I warn you to not even tempt yourself by reading them - just print them and hide in a drawer until your next bout of PMS strikes - you'll be glad you did!)

Like Crack Cheesecake Bars:
(Hey, I didn’t name them but once you taste them, you will see why someone selected this name for them.)

2 cans of croissant rolls
2 pkgs cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 stick melted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1.5 tsp vanilla
1.5 cups sugar

Roll out one can of croissant dough and press together the seams in a 13x9 pan. In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, one cup of sugar and the vanilla. Spread the mixture on top of the dough. Roll out the second can of croissant dough. Press the seams together and place on top of cream cheese mixture. Pour melted butter over the dough, drizzling some along the sides of the pan so it gets down to the bottom too. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top.Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm for breakfast or cold for dessert.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

2 bags of frozen meatballs
1 large jar of grape jelly
1 jar of Heinz chili sauce
1 tablespoon of mustard
1 cup of Heinz ketchup

Heat in crock pot – stirring occasionally. Cook on high until ingredients mix well and then turn back to low until meatballs are served.

Dried Beef Cream Cheese Ball

2 sticks of cream cheese
3 chopped green onions
1 jar of dried beef
Dash or two of seasoned salt
Tsp or two of Worcestershire sauce

Chop dried beef and set aside one fourth of it to roll cheese ball in before serving. Mix softened cream cheese, chopped dried beef, finely chopped green onions, seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and form large ball in wax paper. Chill at least an hour or longer. Roll in remaining chipped beef before serving. Serve with triscuits, wheat thins or Ritz crackers

In the words of Paula Deen - Eat up, y'all!

Kim

Counting My Blessings One by One....

2007-12-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Don’t you just love receiving those Christmas letters in the mail describing how little Johnny mastered the 10th level of TKD and how little Suzy performed the role of a butterfly in the year end dance recital? You may be one to compose such letters and if you are, I don’t mean to misinterpret your intentions. It is great to keep up with friends but what if we sent out a list of our blessings for the previous year instead?

So that is what I have decided to do in today’s post and I challenge you to do the same.

Here is just a small list of the many blessings we are thankful for at our house:

He allows us to continue our teaching ministries at HGBCS.
He has blessed us with good health.
He meets our daily needs and not always our wants – He does know best.
He blesses us with people who have taught us the value of true friendship.
He keeps our home safe.
He continues to keep our older cars running and even provided when one tried to give up the fight. J
He provides us loving extended family members.
He surrounds us with friends who have the courage and boldness to take giant leaps of faith.
He gives me the opportunity to do what I LOVE to do each day – teach!
He blesses us with family vacation at the beach every year – love soaking up sunshine in His creation!
He blessed me with a spouse who loves me unconditionally.
He gave us a fearfully and wonderfully made son who has a huge heart for his creator.
He continues to provide water….man, the drought this year has made me realize what a blessing indoor plumbing really is.
He blessed us with home filled with laughter and music and quality conversation.
He blessed us with a fridge and pantry that generally contains a meal or two and always a gallon of milk.
I am so thankful that for the blessing of freedom – we just don’t know what a blessing this is in our country. Lord, forgive us when we take it for granted.
He blessed all in our country with the freedom to worship – Lord, help us protect this right in our country.
He blessed us with a church that preaches the WORD and is not ashamed to take a bold stand in our community.
I am thankful that TWO of my very best friends EVER – have crossed paths with my family again. (We are more richly blessed because of it!)
Above all, through His son, Jesus, He provides us grace and mercy….so that we can begin each day with a fresh start.

May God bless you richly in the coming year and may you pause to count your blessings in the next few days.

Happy New Year!

Kim

Don't Miss It!

2007-12-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

Luke 2: 1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Don't you just love the Christmas story? Can you imagine being there in Bethlehem that night? I wonder how many busy townspeople missed out on God coming so near?

I have vowed to not do that in our home. I begin my shopping in September- sometimes earlier and I am always finished the day after Thanksgiving. For those of you who are retail professionals - we dub that day Black Friday.

I have the trees put up and the house decorated the weekend prior to Thanksgiving so that all of the extra stuff that can distract you is complete. That way we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas in our home. I really get disturbed to see how the prices escalate on the few HOT toys for the season or to see parents put so much emphasis on the items on their children's list. Don't get me wrong...we do Santa and we have fun with it but we keep it in perspective.

Christmas Day just comes too quickly....Don't you just love how for ONE day of the year it is as if EVERYONE worships? You see HIM in almost every face you see....and then after one reverent day - the world returns to its current state of "It's all about me!"

How about you? Will you be too busy to miss it?

Look for moments in the next few days when God will come near - reflect on them this season and savor them as we enter 2008.

Merry Christmas!

Kim

Mama, Do You Think.....

2007-12-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

"Mama, do you think...?" I have to confess to you that sometimes those words scare me. As moms, we do not like to be caught off guard. I never know what random thought is about to escape my analytical son's brain and better yet flow through his lips. However, he has shown so much spiritual growth this year that it is a blessing to watch him process things through his spiritual eyes and compassionate heart. It is amazing how my view of the world and situations are influenced by the way he processes things.

I was reminded of that today. After running errands, we pulled in to the parking lot at Walgreens. I saw a gentleman who was collecting money for an alcohol and drug rehab program in a similar fashion that the Salvation Army collects during the holidays. Now I am not one to carry cash - we are debit card addicts - but there I sat digging through the contents of my purse, pulling change from every nook and cranny - including the console of our car. I passed a handful of change to my son and instructed him to drop it in the bucket as we entered the store. He did and began asking how long we were going to be in the store.

As we walked up and down the aisles, he complained - no I will be honest - he WHINED about being thirsty. To which I replied in my best mom tone - "Don't you think that I am thirsty too? I said that we will get something on the way out - now come on...I have to finish collecting the items on my shopping list."

We hurried along completing my shopping list, grabbing a Coke for me and a chocolate milk for my son, checked out at the register....and then the thought hit me that perhaps the gentleman outside the store was thirsty as well. As my son reached for his milk, I said take my Coke and on our way to the car give it to the man outside the store and tell him that Jesus loves him. He said, "But Mom, aren't YOU thirsty? Don't YOU want it?" I said, "I can wait and get something at home."

We exited the store and the gentleman thanked us again for our donation and I said, "We took the liberty of getting you a Coke - God bless you!" He thanked us and my son and I proceeded to get in the car.

As we pulled away, my son said, "Mom I know you were really thirsty and you gave that man your Coke. Mom, do you think after he drinks it, he will thank God for it instead of us? Cause it was really God who wanted you to give it to him and I know that is why you did it. I love you mom!"

What amazed me was that through all of it, I said nothing about feeling the Holy Spirit nudging me to share - it was my son's observation and analysis of the situation that impressed me and that he wanted God to get the glory and honor for my random act of kindness. (and rightly so...)

What will your children see in you this Christmas season? I want to be more like Him in 2008. Don't you?

Have a blessed weekend!

Kim

Giving Thanks

2007-11-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

So have you spent anytime thinking about why you are thankful? I certainly have today. Our son fell (racing downhill in a wagon) at a friend's house yesterday and had to get stitches yesterday. While it was not nearly as bad as it could have been, he did have to get five stitches in the back of his noggin'. (and if you know anything about head injuries...they bleed profusely). It wasn't nearly as bad as it appeared when we first saw him at the ER. You know, I am one to savor the moment anyway, but it takes a jolt sometimes to remind you of just how precious life is. We are so thankful that it wasn't worse and we are also thankful for the support of friends. (like the one that comforted and prayed with my son yesterday and drove him to the ER with two other seven year olds and a toddler in tow).

I am so thankful for the time that I have had with my son. As a teacher, I have a wonderful schedule. Tonight, we parked outside a pet shop and stood peering into the windows - watching kittens play. We giggled together and laughed as they tumbled over one another. And then it happened: "Mom, when can we get one?" Response: "When you grow up and get your own place, I promise to buy you one of your own. It will be my grandkitty - until then just think about what kind you want!" (Now for all of you cat lovers out there....I am not unreasonable...I feed the neighbor's cat instead of owning one....which with the costs of owning a pet these days...I feel that is a sensible thing to do.)

Back to thanksgiving - I have so much to be grateful for: a wonderful Savior, a terrific spouse, a super seven year old, supportive and generous parents and MIL, great Christian friends, a fabulous job, the opportunity to share Jesus with His little ones everyday, fantastic bloggin' buddies like you, a warm bed to sleep in, a comfortable home, and choices. We live in a country where we don't have to worry about IF we will eat - but we have a gazillion choices as to WHAT we will eat each day - and what we will do to entertain ourselves and how we will spend our money and time. I am so thankful for what God has given me and I pray that tomorrow will be a day for you to bask in the glow of HIS goodness. Happy Thanksgiving.

Until next time.....

Kim

Hold Your Applause....It Is My 50th Post!

2007-11-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

50 Fascinating or Not so Fascinating Things About Me

1. I married my high school sweetheart after dating him for seven and a half years!

2. For years, I never thought I wanted to have a child. (If you are reading this and have a child in my classroom - don't panic) I was crazy!

3. I am the baby in the family.

4. I have never broken a bone! (not yet)

5. Although I love to laugh, I HATE being the center of attention on a stage in front of people.

6. The thought of speaking in public gives me the willies but I survive every time.

7. I am TERRIFIED of snakes!

8. I love to shop and go to a restaurant ALONE!

9. I enjoy leading Bible study but get nervous each time I have to do it.

10. I love to read Nicholas Sparks books.

11. I put a Christmas tree in every room at Christmas - even the bathrooms.

12. I still believe in Santa!

13. I gave my heart to Jesus when I was ten years old. Best decision I have ever made.

14. I LOVE my job!

15. My husband and I seldom argue - I have tried - but he won't argue!

16. I used to be a majorette! (I know - many pounds ago!)

17. I once cooked and served dinner to Two or More at my home.

18. I love me some good ole' southern gospel.

19. Thanks to a Godly grandmother, I was raised Pentecostal Baptist!

20. My husband and I relocated here to do youth ministry.

21. I almost never learned to ride a bike without training wheels.

22. I did not have a single cavity until I was 28 - then I had four - YIKES.

23.Despite my husband's efforts, I never learned to drive a straight drive.

24. I LOVE TO WATCH PEOPLE FALL! - I know that is evil but I cannot help myself.

25. I despise watching The Three Stooges.

26. I do not like to hear people smack, sniff or blow their noses.

27. I have a terrible habit of interrupting - I am just so passionate about my ideas I cannot bite my tongue.

28. I love to sleep on the couch.

29. I love sleeping on clean sheets with a high thread count and a sun dried quilt!

30. I cry easily at church - every week, my son says "Mom, are you crying again?"

31. I also cry every time I watch Extreme Home Makeovers.

32. I LOVE Clean House and What Not to Wear.

33. I HATE wearing a coat - if you see me in one, you know that it is VERY COLD outside.

34. If I am hot, I take off my socks to get cool. Weird I know!

35. DOVE chocolate is the best - especially the dark chocolate.

36. I could eat a salad and bread sticks with Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden everyday and never tire of it!

37. I love to redecorate and paint.

38. I don't like to wear anything between my toes.

39. I cannot stand to wear a necklace.

40. Although my ears are pierced, I wear clip ons.

41. I cannot stand kitchen clutter and gadgets.

42. I don't care about cars - never have been one to ohhh and ahhhh over them.

43. I treasure being a mom.

44. I love being 40 - it has been one of the most relaxed stages of my life.

45. I am a giver - I love selecting presents for others.

46. I am a LONG RANGE planner - I love knowing what is coming up.

47. I am addicted to scrap booking and taking pictures of my family.

48. I love traditions - I have so many Christmas traditions that it is hard to squeeze them all in.

49. Teaching is my passion - it is what I was born to do and it has never seemed like work to me.

50. I thrive on relationships and probably couldn't say a word if you tied my hands behind my back!

So there you have it - 50 things about me - whew - I have to come up with something more creative for the 100th......

Have a great evening!

Veteran's Day Remembrance

2007-11-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

My son and I experienced a real treat today since it is state law in NC that on this day, we are out of school to celebrate Veteran's Day. This morning we had breakfast with my almost 90 year old grandparents. Our conversation ranged from todays tv shows, to an upcoming cataract surgery for my grandfather to tales of his service during WWII to their childhood memories. My grandfather was a cook in the Army during his tour of duty - which included time in Africa and Italy.

While my grandfather was serving his country in Africa, my father was born. Can you imagine being drafted during your wife's first pregnancy and returning home when that child is almost 2.5 years old? Especially when communication was so limited. My father still has the telegram that my grandfather received in Africa announcing his birth. It reads: Son born. All well. (Seems that the message was brief due to the cost per letter to send the message.) Amazing, huh?

It is also amazing to me (especially since I have a gazillion pictures of my son) that my grandfather saw only one photo of my father prior to meeting him when he returned home. It was taken in my grandparent's backyard. My dad was sitting on the family piano stool and he was holding a pack of Camel cigarettes to keep him from crying. Boy, have times changed! Today, that photograph is proudly displayed in its original frame on my dining room wall.

Although my "Mema" grumbles EVERY TIME my Papa begins to share a WWII story, I think about how few opportunities my son will have to soak in the stories that I have heard throughout my lifetime. He told me today that she wasn't proud of him but he was glad that we were....which meant the world to me for him to know that we are - I know in Mema's heart of hearts that she is proud of him but after 60+ years of marriage, they don't always cherish each other as they should.

Be sure to teach your children to honor those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. We are so richly blessed in this country....be sure to thank those who have fought to defend her!

God bless you,

Update....

2007-11-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

Well, the Buick is being repaired so next week we will be back to a two car family. We are blessed to work together so it has really not been a problem for us. We have actually spent a lot more time together and communicated more about our daily plans. (Not that I desire to be a one car family, but we made it work well for the short period of time.)

Our child is being baptised tomorrow morning so we have a lot of family coming in today for the special event. At least the house is really clean and I can get busy planning how I am going to decorate for Christmas. Yes, I know , I get pressured to do it early when I see all of the decorative items in stores....I adore Christmas! I have been and always will be a kid at heart.

Well, enjoy your day and your worship tomorrow!

Kim

The Day the Buick Died....

2007-10-30T22:23:00.000-04:00

We have this conversation weekly at our house. "Mom, when are we going to get a new car?" Response, baby, you are our new car but you are so worth it that we don't mind sacrificing and being content driving older cars. That is until one DIES; really, I had to drive nearly 40 minutes to pick hubby up on the roadside this evening because our Buick DIED. Pray for us tomorrow as our mechanic diagnoses the problem but I have a feeling that it is not going to be good news - it left an oil puddle - more like an oil pool on the side of 485 this evening - poor thing has served us well and is the most comfortable car we have ever owned. I pray her days of service are not over but we will see....

I hear parents say often that they need to withdraw their child from our private Christian school because they need a new car....I always think - yes, so do we.....but it is so worth the financial sacrifice that we make to have our son in private Christian school that we are content to drive those older cars. We will do whatever it takes to have him in a school that teaches biblical worldview.

We have learned that when bad things happen - they could always be worse and we try to let that always be our focus in the midst of all circumstances. I was so proud of my hubby for having a positive outlook on the whole situation today. (not his normal reaction but he is still growing too)Even though we could use newer cars, a larger home and MORE money, we have learned to be content and trust that God will remain faithful to us because we have committed to be faithful to HIM. But in the meantime, say a prayer for the old Buick...my hubby loves that car and I do hope she survives her flood.....

I will keep you posted -

Kim

Candlelight Family Dinner, please....

2007-10-23T20:32:00.000-04:00

I have noticed lately that my seven year old appears to be setting a record for growth. I must admit when I look at him, I do have a tendency to forget that he has only been walking and talking for about 5 1/2 years. We expect so much of children today. We expect them to run the busy schedules of over taxed adults and rise to our ever-increasing demands to read and write ahead of others. Sadly, we feel that if we don't expose our children to as much extra-curricular activities as we can, then they are missing out on too many opportunities to learn. Trust me, I am just as guilty as the next parent but I must admit that I am really looking to scale back in the next year.

Our son would rather stay home than do anything else. When we returned from family vacation this summer, he said "Guys, it sure is good to be back home. I had fun but I missed this place." He LOVES staying home and would prefer to do so over a trip to Chuck E. Cheese - well, he would take a rain check on that one and cash it in at a later date. But for today, he would choose to stay at home.

I thought it was precious last night when I was just putting the finishing touches on my spaghetti sauce for dinner, he entered the kitchen and said, "Mom, may I set the table for a nice family dinner?" I said, "Sure." And then he added, "Is it okay with you, if I turn off the TV?" I said, "Sure," and then he added, "Can we light some candles?"

Now, I must admit by this time, I was thinking about how someday some lucky little princess is going to be so blessed to marry my little handsome prince - but you see, I was tired - my gut instinct was to say, "No, maybe next time, because I really didn't feel like digging out fresh candles." But then I was able to fast forward to a day not so far away that he will probably complain about having to eat dinner with us, and I savored the moment and said, "Let's do that....that would be nice."

As I reflected on this, I realize how secure he must feel knowing that his mom and dad really love one another and how secure he must feel to know that our home is built on the foundation of Christ. Not to mention, how secure he must have felt in helping put together a special moment for our family.

Folks, our children are only this age one time - no matter how tired or busy we are....we can't afford to not do it right. May we all be reminded of that today.

Praying for you and your family,

Kim

Finally, a day off....

2007-10-22T09:50:00.000-04:00

I can't complain. To have a full time job I have one of the best schedules out there...but I must tell you it was a LONG stretch to get to this break today. I have fought the urge to raise the windows to let the crisp fall air in and sleep on the sofa. Instead, I am about to sort through piles of fall and winter clothing.

I am determined to get something accomplished today. Why do we moms feel such a sense of urgency to complete things on the to do list? I guess that is just who we are, isn't it ladies? Well, I just wanted to check in with you - I promise to post something a little more on the spiritual side later I am in the middle of a FANTASTIC small group study that I can't wait to share with you. I promise to do so soon.

Have a great day!

Kim

Are you in touch?

2007-10-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

Today, we are more connected to the world than ever before....we call each other often due to cell phones, we record our favorite shows with Tivo to view at our convenience - I have even recently watched a few episodes of Dancing with the Stars on abc.com. Thanks to new laptops that our school staff received this year, I find myself checking my email five and six times a day at school. And here I am, blogging after a long day at school in order to stay connected with you. I have missed you.

Never before have we had such an opportunity to stay in touch...yet why are so many people lonely, so many spouses disconnected and so many families that spend so little time in meaningful conversation each day? And how is it that we can blog, chat on the cell phone, email one another, yet neglect to spend time each day with Him?

He's never too busy for us. But we drown Him out with or computers, ipods, tivos, DVRs and cell phones. He is still there - ready to provide direction, comfort and companionship. He promises in John 10:27: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me."

May you be reminded by this entry that you are precious to Him. Quiet your spirit and listen to Him today. He is waiting on you and me.

Seek Him first,

Kim

Life in the Fast Lane

2007-10-05T16:42:00.000-04:00

Boy, do I miss blogging but Life in the Fast Lane is not affording me a lot of time to sit , soak it in, reflect and write. With hubby and I both being teachers, we are fortunate to have a lot of seasonal downtime. However, when we are in the school mode - we are moving and grooving and there is just not a lot of time for extra stuff.

We stay on the go. Hubby is taking a few classes and is in school many evenings throughout the week. That leaves me to run the errands. Our child is involved in gymnastics, tae kwan do and swim club. Yes, I know that it is a lot but as on OC (only child) I do what I can to keep him on the go and interacting with other children. We are seriously cutting two of those activities next year in exchange for guitar lessons, which PTL can be given during the school day. But for now, I will continue to shuffle him form one activity to the other in my taxi.

He is growing so fast this year. He is really developing a fantastic sense of humor. It is a treasure to be able to slow down and listen to his second grade jokes and celebrate what he is learning about the Lord this year. We moms guilt ourselves out of so much; many days I feel that other peoples kids get the most from me and my baby draws from the leftovers. But I guess it is that way with all of us - we give so much at the "office" that it is hard to "muster up" enough energy for home. But we have too....that time passes by too quickly.

It was so touching to see hubby sit down at the table last night and play Monopoly with our child while I was away leading a small Bible study group in someone else's home. Our child treasures those moments - not to mention that he delighted in beating his father in the game.

Laundry, dishes, and the remnants of their game of Monopoly on my dining room table await me. (and since turning 40, I have truly accepted that they can wait until I have a moment to do something about them.) As for now, I am going to enjoy being with my family.

Have a great weekend. I will develop a more spiritual post soon...after reading other blogs today from busy moms, I was in the mood to share on a personal level today.

Not Even Giants of Faith Get Exactly What They Want

2007-09-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I am speaking to my mom's women's ministry on the topic of Faith. Please pray for me as I share with them. I have enjoyed researching Hebrew 11 in order to share with them. So I thought I would share a little of it with you.

Faith is an odd word. I thought I knew what it meant until I started thinking about how I was going to describe it to this group of ladies. We hear people say, "Keep the faith." or "You just gotta have faith." But what does it mean? The Bible uses the word faith more than 320 times. Then I thought, is faith the same as belief? So I looked them up and discovered that faith is defined as unquestioning belief and so then I looked up belief. Belief is defined as religious faith. So then I asked myself - Well, can you have one without the other?

A lot of people think that if you "muster up" enough faith - you will get rich, stay healthy and live a contented life....I think most of us are evidence that it just doesn't happen that way!

The faith described in Hebrews is not sugar coated. It is a tough faith - a constant commitment to hang on and believe God against all odds no matter what.

Faith most resembles a difficult race. Read Hebrews 12:1 and imagine yourself running a footrace with all of these "Faith Hall of Famers" watching from the sidelines - Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, Joseph, Noah and more. I wonder what Father Abraham would think about some of our unbelief? How must we look to those who have been stoned to death for their faith?

As I studied this passage, I realize how much I have been blessed. I am ashamed when I read about what the Old Testament Saints accomplished. But the writer of Hebrews assures us that God is a rewarder for those who are diligently seek Him. Faith is a simple confidence in our heavenly father. In this race Ladies, no one loses. If we finish, we will get the reward.

How do you define faith?

Have a great day in Him -

Kim

Sweet Moments from a First Grade Classroom

2007-09-20T20:57:00.000-04:00

I am blessed with a class of first graders this year that LOVE to be read to - they view me reading a book as a REWARD! Ladies, it is tough to teach in the age of electronic entertainment and to have a class that loves to sit and listen to me share stories - it is delightful! I try to end each day by sharing several books just for fun....it ends the day on a positive note and I always invite them to come back tomorrow to learn more. They answer me as if they have a choice in the matter. It is so cute.

Today, as we finished up, a little girl approached me and she said, "Teacher, I just want you to know that I asked Jesus to come in to my heart this morning and He said, "Yes!" Now I need to know what I can do to get baptized!" Folks, how sweet is that - that she told me that Jesus said Yes! What a way to end the day - and then I wondered how often do we say "Yes" to Jesus?

Have a great day in him and look for ways to say Yes to Him today,

Kim

Encourage One Another

2007-09-19T20:31:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is to try to encourage others. Whenever someone says something negative, I have always tried to counter it with a positive comment. Keeping on the sunny side....as my son said this morning as we were discussing the need to have a more positive attitude on the way to school. A positive attitude sets the tone for the day, you know.

Hubby received the following devotion in an email yesterday at work. It was too good to sit on so I decided to share it with all of you. It is the best explanation of why brothers and sisters need to encourage each other along the way. It is based on Deuteronomy 1:38. Here it is:

God employs his people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, “Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan—go, encourage him.” God never works needless miracles; if his purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, he will not use miraculous agency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work as Moses.

A brother’s sympathy is more precious than an angel’s embassy. The angel, swift of wing, had better known the Master’s bidding than the people’s temper. An angel had never experienced the hardness of the road, nor seen the fiery serpents, nor had he led the stiff-necked multitude in the wilderness as Moses had done. We should be glad that God usually works for man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutually dependent on one another, we are fused more completely into one family.

Brethren, take the text as God’s message to you. Labour to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. Talk cheerily to the young and anxious enquirer, lovingly try to remove stumbling blocks out of his way. When you find a spark of grace in the heart, kneel down and blow it into a flame. Leave the young believer to discover the roughness of the road by degrees, but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of the promise, and of the charms of communion with Christ.

Aim to comfort the sorrowful, and to animate the despondent. Speak a word in season to him that is weary, and encourage those who are fearful to go on their way with gladness. God encourages you by his promises; Christ encourages you as he points to the heaven he has won for you, and the spirit encourages you as he works in you to will and to do of his own will and pleasure. Imitate divine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of this evening.

Spurgeon, C. H.

What will you do or say to be an encouragement to those whom God allows to cross your path today?

Kim

What a Privilege!

2007-09-06T21:15:00.000-04:00

Jesus said:
Mark 10:14 Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.

What a great opportunity I have been given by God - the opportunity to teach his little ones! First graders are probably some of the greatest kids on Earth. They love school and they make you feel like you are a queen - just this week, I was at the front of the room hammering away at a math lesson - trying to explain to a classroom full of wide eyed first graders how many ways there are to make 8 -and I noticed that one of my students had her had raised - I sensed it wasn't urgent so I finished making my point and then I said, "Yes, Honey?" She whispered across the room - I just wanted to tell you that I love you teacher!" Now I ask you, how often does that happen to you are hammering away at your job? I am blessed - I am fully satisfied when it comes to my job!

Then this morning, while my little class is sitting at the feet of Jesus and I am sharing the story of the crucifixion - I was describing a little of what Jesus went through in his final hours. I told them that God could have made it stop - but He didn't - He did it for me and He did it for them and He did it for you too!

As I looked out into the faces of my little first graders, tears filled the eyes of one of my students. At that moment, I knew that she came to the realization that she needed a Savior - and she fell in love with Jesus right before my very eyes. As I watched the little tears pour from her eyes and trickle down her beautiful face, I couldn't help but share in her joy and you guessed it, I cried with her. But then we rejoiced with one another over her decision to follow Jesus. What an awesome day in the Lord!

Folks, it just doesn't get any better than that - I pray that you have a great Friday.

Do You Believe in Miracles?

2007-09-03T08:25:00.000-04:00

The Webster dictionary defines it as "something wonderful; a wonder, a marvelous thing, something which seems to go beyond the known laws of nature and is held to be the act of a supernatural being; a supernatural event." Observers of miracles knew they had seen or heard something out of the ordinary, something that may help them or in its greatness could even be threatening to them. But miracles, apart form God, can not occur. In fact, when you ask "are miracles possible" you are really asking "Is there a God?"

Yesterday, in our Sunday School class, we examined different miracles in the Bible. My group was asked to examine the miracle that occured with Elijah and the poor widow and her son. This is found in I Kings 17:13-16. Elijah instructed her to take the last of her provisions and make a small cake to bring to him and then afterward make some for herself and her son. Elijah told her that the bin flour and the jar of oil shall not be used up until the Lord brought rain and it was so. This was according to the word that God spoke to Elijah. So what would skeptics say about the miracles in the Bible?

Does God perform miracles today?

Yes, I do believe the Lord is doing and will continue to do miracles in our world. They are part of His great compassion of love towards us. They flow from Him without our permission and without our understanding. Miracles are not proofs of His power, but proof of His love. He simply loves us and gives us His miracles as He wills. It is truly amazing.

I witnessed a miracle when our son was born. Birth itself is a miracle but two years after my son was born God revealed a miracle to me that actually occurred at the time of my son's birth. My child comes from a long line of large heads - hubby and I have one, my father and grandfather have one - so it is only natural that my son would be born with a large one as well. Needless to say, after 18 hours of hard labor - we made a decision to have a c-section. Amazingly, even though I had to be put to sleep for it and miss my son's entrance into the world, I was at peace with it. Later, I would learn why.

Fast forward two years later - each time we went into the pediatrician's office, my precious baby was off the growth chart - yes, even his head. If you know us, this shouldn't come as a surprise. We are not petite people. But when our son was nearly two, his pediatrician grew concerned that he had hydrocephalus - but how could this be - my child was ahead developmentally and had talked in complete sentences since his first birthday. How could anything be wrong? A head CT scan would determine if everything was okay. So we complied.

The results came in and ALL that they found was a cyst or brain bleed on the left side of his brain. No problem, his pediatricians said, "We'll watch it for six months - do another scan in six months - and see if there is any change. WHAT? Sorry, doc, what first time mother is going to sit idly by and wait six months to see if something happens. I had asked to be referred to a neurologist but was told that it would be six months before we could get in to see a pediatric specialist since this was not urgent?

At the time, I was teaching Kindergarten in public schools and I had the son of a Nascar Driver whose wife was a former nurse. When I shared this with her, she told me to go to radiology at the hospital - sign out the xrays - and bring them to her. I did and she took them to Nascar's neurologist for him to examine. Two days later, the neurologist called me at school and without knowing the circumstances of our son's birth - named ALL of the conditions of our son's birth. And then he said words that I will never forget, "Had your son been born without a c-section, he would have been born with cerebral palsy."

You see, that day I learned of a miracle that God performed at the time of our son's birth. One that without our doctor's prompting for a CT scan - I would have never known about. If you know our son, it would be hard to imagine him any other way. Each time, I see him run, swim, play baseball, dance - I am reminded of what could have been and I am also reminded that my God still does miracles everyday.

If you or someone you love is eagerly awaiting a miracle of healing from God, remember that His answers may not come in a way that we can immediately recognize. After all, we weren't even aware this miracle had taken place until God allowed it to be revealed to us. But I BELIEVE in miracles - do you?

Have a great day in HIM!

Kim

War on the Bible

2007-08-28T23:29:00.000-04:00

In Sunday School last week, we have been talking about knowing why we believe in God. As hubby taught on Sunday, he said something that triggered deeper thought. He said - out of all the things that we read today - newspapers, internet, emails, other books, Oprah, Dr. Phil, etc. - that the Bible is the only thing that has to be proven to be true. And he is right!

Dr. Adrian Rogers was once asked by a fellow passenger what type of magazines he liked to read. He responded that he mostly read the Bible. The lawyer to whom he was talking said, "You mean in your profession you do not read any wider than that? How can you help people with their problems and needs? " Dr. Rogers responded with: "Man has only three problems: sin, sorrow and death. Every problem in the world is a subset of sin, sorrow or death and the BIBLE is the ONLY book on earth that has the answers to all three."

How wise! But why the war on the Bible? Because Satan hates it - he wants to see it destroyed. Some despise it - some destroy it - some distort it and MANY ignore it. Sadly, one of the greatest enemies of the Bible are those who call themselves Christians but only pay lip service to it.

Feelings are going to come and go, but the word of God never wavers. Is the BIBLE the word of God? Absolutely! Look at Jesus' view of the scriptures:

He acknowledged it as LAW.

He viewed it as the ultimate authority. When tempted, He said "It is written...."

He saw himself in the fulfillment of scripture.

He accepted it and ENDORSED it - Do we?

Get in the word today and spend some time with Him,

Kim

Contentment

2007-08-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

This summer I read Max Lucado's book: Cure for the Common Life and I was reminded of quite a few lessons that I have learned. Living a life on a teacher's salary has taught me a great deal about contentment. Yes, hubby and I have great schedules, plenty of time to spend with our child but, the bank account doesn't overflow with extra. Yet, our house is adequate and our cars do get us from point A to point B, we are able to educate our child in a Christian environment and we are able to live a moderate life with an occasional splurge. We obviously chose satisfaction over salary. But that is worth so much more.

One of my favorite Japanese proverbs is: "Even if you sleep in a thousand-mat room, you can only sleep on one mat." Rather that settling for the ancient Japanese proverb, if you turn to the scriptures, you find a similar warning: "It is better to have little with fear for the Lord than to have great treasure with turmoil." Proverbs 15:16

I would much rather be married to a man who is happy than one who is miserable working 70 hours a week in order to acquire more. The virtue of contentment is one to be pursued.

I am fortunate that I get to do what I love each day. Since I left public school and began teaching in a Christian school, I can't wait to get back to the classroom each day to teach my first grade babies about Jesus. Don't get me wrong, I adored all of the children that I taught in public school. However, you can have so much more of an impact when Jesus is welcome in your classroom.

I am blessed to have one of the sweetest classes that I have ever taught this year. I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to teach nineteen precious children to love reading, writing, to solve math problems and explore the world through the eyes of God. But more importantly, I have the opportunity to show them that God has a plan for their lives. He has filled them with skills and charming personalities and I count it a joy to serve my Lord in my first grade classroom.

Please pray for me each day as I lead these little ones to the cross -

Kim

It's All About Relationships

2007-08-12T23:03:00.000-04:00

" Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6;4-7

I love this passage of scripture. The principles mentioned in these few verses of scripture are the key principles that work in every relationship. How can we help others come to know and love God? I am glad you asked....

First of all - we have to love the Lord ourselves and have a great relationship with Him.

Then - according to this scripture - we are to take His word to heart - DAILY. If we are to lead others, we have to be close to Him.

And if we are to lead others, we can only so that if we have a close relationship with them too. We have to have a family like relationship with them.

We have to relate our life experiences to God's word as we share our life experiences with them so that they can come to know and love God if they sense His concern to the details of their lives.

Ladies, this passage has become so real to me since I left the public school system to teach in Christian Education. The whole reason I even entered the field of education was about relationships. With end of year testing pressure and the No Child Left Behind act, I felt as though the time that I should have been given to build and nurture relationships with parents was stolen from me. When I began teaching in a Christian school two years ago - that passion returned. I felt like a first year teacher all over again because the focus there was on- RELATIONSHIPS.

I was blessed this summer to run into a great friend that I once taught with - the Lord blessed us with an opportunity to reunite and continue to build a friendship that we shared several years earlier.I am just in awe of how God has worked to reconnect us in various ways. It just reminded me of how important our relationships with people are - it is how we witness.

Witnessing seems to be such a hard thing for so many. But it is really simple: Love God. Love on others around you. Talk to others about God as a friend as you live out your life daily. That kind of witnessing is more powerful than any sermon ever preached.

What do others see when they look at you? Are you helping others to know and love God?

In Him,

Kim

Lord, It's Hot!

2007-08-08T22:06:00.000-04:00

Lord, as you know, it is hot! But Lord, I also thank you for the comforts that you provide us to stay cool. There are many comforts: air conditioning in our home and cars, indoor jobs in air conditioned classrooms, ceiling fans, cool water to drink and so much more. Lord, help us to appreciate those comforts and remember those who are less fortunate.

Lord help us to focus on your blessings today,

Kim

Man of the Year Award

2007-08-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

Man of the Year Awards

I was challenged by a fellow blogger today to give my hubby - The Man of the Year Award. It seems that she was motivated ( Thanks Leigh!) to reevaluate how we in the blogging community speak of our spouses. So she created the Man of the Year Award - Congratulations Hubby! I can think of a thousand reasons that you deserve it!

To respond to this challenge today, I turned to a list of my hubby's traits that I keep in my Bible - at some point while praying for him, I made a list of reasons that I am drawn to him:

He provides me a sense of security, he is wise, sensitive, nurturing, has great morals, a strong sense of country - he loves conservative politics. He is devoted to family, quiet, and like a boy scout - he is loyal, kind and brave. He is a gentle giant - and handsome too! The amazing thing to me is that out of my list of 15 traits - only one of them was based on his outward appearance. Mama was right - it is what is on the inside that counts!

(Drum roll please....) But I give him the Man of the Year Award for his INTEGRITY!

Proverbs 10:9 says, "He who walks with integrity walks securely."

He understands that life is not about working countless hours just to have more. He understands the importance of his role as a husband and father and how important it is to be home with us as often as he can. And he goes about it in his own quiet, humble manner. Lord, thank you for blessing me with a loyal man of integrity. He is my Man of the Year!

If you were to bestow that honor upon your man today, what would you say? Click (on the centered title above) for Man of the Year Awards link and join me....your hubby will be glad you did.

In Him,
Kim

How to Renovate without Decking Your Mate

2007-07-29T01:11:00.000-04:00

The countdown continues but I must say that I have accomplished a lot. Why the title of today's blog? It is the title of my latest find at the Christian Bookstore. I must say though - I got quite overwhelmed painting the guest room today and hubby came to my rescue. I would love to tell you that he offered first, but real men just don't have the sensitivity to do so. (so I will go ahead and admit to you that I begged him to help and to my surprise he hung in there with me all day.) He painted, moved furniture, put up new window treatments and even went to pick up lunch.

So we did a guest room makeover all in one day. (and just in time - my MIL is coming tomorrow afternoon.) While we were putting the finishing touches on the room, hubby said, "So what's next? I know you are planning ahead.." He is right - I have a wish list....two bedrooms and one bath to go. Hurry up, fall weather....it is too hot to do my outside projects now.

I have missed blogging this week but with all my projects - I have had a lot of time to talk to Jesus about my upcoming school year. I will be back soon. I have missed you!

Have a great day of worship,

Kim

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, ........

2007-07-23T19:52:00.000-04:00

The countdown is on and I have much to do.....I report back to the classroom two weeks from tomorrow and I have about four weeks worth of projects to do prior to a new school year. So if you log on and you don't see a new post, please come back again. Pray for me as life goes in "overdrive" for a short time. Love you all -

Kim

Childhood Memories

2007-07-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

Mary at Owlhaven is hosting a fun meme today. Here's what she writes:I’d like you all to consider writing about your childhood home. It doesn’t matter how big or small it was. All the memories don’t have to be picture-perfect. If you moved a lot, it’s fine to pick one favorite house. What I want to hear are details that were important to you as a child......

Okay, Ms. Mary, here it goes.....When I think about the childhood homes that I lived in....it wasn't the houses that were important...it was the life that we built inside that mattered. My dad was in textile management at the time and we moved more than our share while Dad worked his way up in Industrial Management. What I do remember though is the character and charm of each small mill-run southern town that we lived in - life was the same day in and day out in each one.

I grew up in the 70's and I honestly believe we were the last generation to enjoy the freedom to play outside without the CONSTANT supervision of adults. We had two rules regarding unsupervised play - One - you'd better run when Mama called you for supper and Two - you had better be in the front yard when the street lights came on at dark. We spent our day hanging out in the woods with neighborhood kids - it seems there were always plenty of neighborhood kids no matter where we moved. We swung from kudzu vines, created fabulous designer gowns from thick green garbage bags and held a neighborhood beauty pageant - the boys were judges and I always got my brother's vote - not because he adored me - but because he knew he had to live with me afterwards.

We spent the day riding bikes - with banana seats and wide low handlebars - to the top of the hill, skateboarding down the drive way, creating terrific new routines with our batons. We grew up in the disco era - we danced the Hustle and the Bus Stop and yes, I had a disco bag that crossed over my shoulder and slung low on one hip. We recreated the stage set of the Donnie and Marie show with just a white sheet as our backdrop and a plastic portable 45 record player - I was "a little bit country" and my brother was - well, "a little bit rock and roll." We were delighted with new toys which we didn't get nearly as often as kids do today. Two of the greatest inventions were: The BIG wheel and the lemon twist - and oh, I could bounce on a pogo stick with the best of them. We played Charlie's Angels - I was always Jill although I favored Sabrina more - my brother enjoyed the bossy role of Charlie - I had a thing for Farrah back then - we all did - I also loved portraying Jamie on the Bionic Woman - and you guessed it, my brother was the Six Million Dollar Man.

(My husband was the rebel - he said that he and his friends used to take a Light Bright and make a stage sign advertising "KISS" and put fake blood on their faces and recreate the stage set of KISS - whew, glad God had a better plan for him!)

Oh, the Light Bright....board games like Gnip Gnop, Kerplunk, Life, Operation....and the Barbie Townhouse with the drawstring elevator. When my bother wasn't looking, Barbie dated Ken in the GI JOE Camper instead of the sissy Barbie car - did I mention I was a tomboy?

Metal swing sets were the standard and the slides were well known for providing blisters on a hot summer day - there was no such thing as safety requirements - we were TOUGH kids. We actually slid on large pieces of wax paper so that we could go faster - and to think I never broke a bone - we took our fondness of wax paper and applied the same theory to fall leaves - we took empty cloth bolts from a fabric store and wrapped them with wax paper to sled down leaf covered hills in the fall. We tested our inventions out on a younger cousin and if she fared well, we joined her.

Thinking about all of these memories makes me sad for children today - they live in a world that is unsafe. My child will never know what it is like to romp around freely in the neighborhood. He is having to grow up in a generation that requires well planned, supervised activities. I feel for him. The only thing that he will be able to poke fun at is how technology has progressed through the years - he will joke about CD's like we do records and 8 track tapes. We were fortunate to grow up during a time when we had respect for our leaders and when people genuinely cared for each other - I remember where I was and how I felt when Elvis died and when I learned that Ronald Reagan was shot. It mattered - the media had standards back them - I still remember the shock and embarrassment I felt in the early 80's when the first feminine hygiene commercial was aired on TV - the New Freedom lady danced around and sang on that TV set while I nearly passed out from embarrassment and mind you, I was in the know - I read "TigerBeat and Teen" magazines for Pete's sake!

Where have we gone wrong folks? We once lived in a nation then where people feared God and tried to avoid sin. And today, as Dr. Rummage says, we live in a nation that celebrates it. We need to turn back - better yet, we need to look up! I want things to be better for our children. Let's do that, okay?

Have a great day creating memories with your family,

Kim

How's Your Flavor?

2007-07-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

There was a time in our country when a man's word meant something. Many business deals were simply closed and sealed with a firm handshake. Giving someone your word meant something. Well, today, I began thinking about that after reading this scripture found in Luke 14:34 "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?"

So I did what any savvy Internet girl would do and I googled "salt". I was reminded of three things that salt does:

1. A little salt sets the flavor in food. Southern gals, have you ever tried to eat grits without adding a generous amount of salt?

2. Salt is a preservative. The pilgrims used salt to cure food to be used later. Oh, I do love my country cured ham to go with my grits!

3. Salt has healing properties. How many times do we tell our children how great the ocean will be for healing a freshly skinned knee 0r advise someone to soak a sore body part in salt water or rinse with salt water to heal a tender gum? Ever bought sea salt to smooth your elbows and heels, Ladies?

Committed Christians are similar to salt in the fact that:

1. We add a better flavor to the life around us.

2. We preserve the good of God's creation.

3. We bring healing to the hurting people around us.

Salt was a valued item in Jesus day. You often see where he used it in His illustrations to demonstrate the influence that Christians have on those around them. We are to be the salt of society- making positive contributions to society. We are called to be concerned and committed. When we are - Christ can use us to do a great deal of good.

How would you evaluate the strength of the flavor of your Christian life today?

Kim

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie..."

2007-07-17T18:05:00.000-04:00

I have always been drawn to children's books. I am always in search of a new one to introduce to my first graders but this morning as I began renovating the bathroom, I was reminded of one of my very favorite children's books: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

In case you haven't read it, it is about a hungry mouse who knocks on the door, and the little boy in the story gives him a cookie. But when he gives him a cookie, he wants a glass of milk. He gets a glass of milk, then he needs to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache . . . he then notices that he needs a trim . . . he has to borrow the scissors . . .
It's a cute story. Most of the funniest bits are in the illustrations, which show a little boy being run ragged by the escalating demands of the mouse.

Why this thought today? Because it describes how we are in the world. In renovating the bathroom, I want a new bronze towel bar (40.00) but then if I do that - I need a new shower rod to match the new shower curtain and I want a new bathroom vanity mirror to replace the standard one that was here when we bought the house, but then I will want new lighting to match the mirror ( and if I change that lighting - I need to replace the one over the shower and then I will want a faucet to match all the other hardware and then I will need new cabinet handles to coordinate - oh the cycle is vicious. (And to think it ALL started with a $20.00 gallon of paint!)

I can identify with that little mouse wanting and the little boy that is running around trying to keep up. I had to force my self to step back and remember that He will supply all of our NEEDS - not wants. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

Ladies, can't we easily convince ourselves that we NEED something? But whew, I can get carried away in a project. I am determined to stay grounded and do it one step at a time. In the meantime, I think I will enjoy a simple cookie and count all my other blessings!

Choosing to focus on the needs,

Kim

"Thumbs Rock, Mom!"

2007-07-16T08:57:00.000-04:00

I have missed you guys once again! While hubby was on a golf retreat, I had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with my mom, which is a rare treat. We also had the opportunity to visit my MIL while we were in town for the week - my child is thrilled at having the chance to spend time with Grandma and Mimi and Poppy. He is the only grandchild on both sides of the family - one blessed little fellow!

My travels are over for a while. I have about three weeks left before a new school year begins for me and I can assure you that I have at least three weeks worth of projects left to complete. (But I HAD to blog first!) You understand, right? If you are reading this, please go to www.leighgray.com and read her post today. She is right on with what she shared today - even if you are not a blogger, think of what she wrote about in terms of your conversations with friends.

Anyway...on to why I gave this entry the title "Thumbs Rock, Mom!" We are doing a series in SS on "Knowing Why You Believe." Yesterday's topic was...If you were asked, Is there a God? - How would you respond? What evidence do you have? Very challenging for all of us. We talked about the cause and effect relationship and I was reminded of how each time I teach the unit on creation in my classroom - one darling always raises their hand and says, "But Mrs. S - where did God come from?" and first graders don't like the standard "You have to just have faith that He was already there!" because they will follow with "But how did He get there? If you have children, you know where this conversation is going. (always back to the original question until they get an answer that they are satisfied with)

But the cause and effect relationship is a great way to explain it - the effect is in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The cause is the Creator - God caused it to happen - you have to have a cause to have an effect. Well, if you know me well enough, you know that I analyze things right down to the elementary level - always thinking about how I can share with both my child and my first graders. I want them to be so deeply rooted in their beliefs that when they encounter someone who expresses the theory of evolution - they recognize it to be baloney!

So as Mom, Sam and I went to the zoo on Friday - we talked about how God designed all of the animals. How He camouflaged the animals to protect them in the wild (He gave tigers stripes to allow them to hide easily in the bamboo stalks, he designed the bodies of penguins (one of our favorites) and sea lions to be excellent for swimming, He designed the giraffe to be able to eat from the tallest branches and gave them and 18 inch tongue to grasp a mouthful of leaves in one swipe, how He gave the elephant a little thumb at the end of his trunk to give him some fine motor ability to pick up an object as small as a peanut) Man, how can you go to the zoo and not marvel at His creation? We had a lot of fun admiring all of the animals.

Well, Sam is a thinker - the wheels are always turning and you never know what thought is going to pour out next. - He analyzes things like his Mom - he is going to be a great husband someday if he continues :) - On the way home, from the back seat of the van - some two hours later, he said, "You know Mom - THUMBS ROCK! - because if God hadn't given me these thumbs to grab things with, I would be just like some of those animals today - pawing at stuff!" Wow - he gets it! I pray that he will always marvel in awe at the world God created.

Do you?

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Kim

Because He first "dug" me.....

2007-07-10T16:03:00.000-04:00

I was tagged by Leigh(www.leighgray.com) earlier today. Thanks Leigh, for two reasons : one - it was the first time I had been tagged - YEAH! and two (most importantly - you really forced me to think today!

Leigh challenged me to list the five reasons that I "dig' Jesus. (and yes, Leigh, I was a little shy about using the some urban slang to talk about how I feel about my King of Kings - so I did what all good bloggers do and I googled the word "dig." Here is what I found:

"Literally asking someone if they enjoy something or if they are enjoying something at that moment. Asking another person if they are in favor of something. Asking if they approve."

So Leigh, we are okay, because we obviously enjoy our Jesus, we find great favor in Him and of course, we approve!

Then came my next challenge - HOW DO YOU LIST JUST FIVE REASONS FOR LOVING JESUS? But after two hours of pouring through scripture - I narrowed it down to my top five for this stage of my life - Here we go:

1. I "dig" Jesus because He first "dug" me. He is humble. He died a criminal death obediently on a cross for my sins. (Phil 2:8)

2. I "dig" Jesus because He is COMING AGAIN! (Titus 2:13)....we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Aren't you glad He is coming? Keep your eye on the sky!

3. I "dig" Jesus because He is the ONLY WAY! (John 14:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

4. I "dig" Jesus because He is the WORD. (John 1:14) "So the Word became human and lived on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness."

5. I "dig" Jesus because He is my PRINCE OF PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6) "These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

So there you have it - five reasons why I "dig" Him. He is everything to me: He is my God, my Savior, my Mediator, Atonement for my Sin, my Advocate, my redeemer and my comforter. What is He to you? (consider yourself tagged and if you are a lurker - one who reads but never comments - you are welcome here - but you are tagged as well)

Do you "dig"Him too?

Kim

Do You Operate on Auto-Pilot?

2007-07-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

Choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Whoa - Did Dr. Brown preach a great sermon today! He challenged us the choice that we have daily - choosing whom you will serve today. So all day, I have pondered on this message and then I thought of this scripture found in Joshua. You see, many people treat Christianity as if it were a ONE TIME decision. Too many believe that once they receive Christ as their Savior - they are safe! Many are born again and then go on auto pilot. They establish a routine and fly in the holding pattern for the remainder of their time on Earth.

Dr. Brown said today when speaking on restoration - Don't ask God to restore you to what you once were - ask him to help you become what he means for you to be today!

I thought about that and how different my role is today than what He called us to do ten years ago - to pack up our home and move to Charlotte for hubby to surrender to full time ministry. I said I would NEVER.......yet here we are. God spoke - we obeyed. And then I think about how I said I would NEVER abandon my ministry in the public school system to teach at a Christian school....yet here we are (yes, hubby is there too) God spoke - we obeyed. You see, He knows what is best for us and we trust Him. And oh, how He has blessed us with wonderful opportunities to minister in the current place that He has us! Where we would be had we not surrendered? ohhhh, the what ifs.....

The definition of born? (the beginning of a life long process NOT the end) What if hubby and I had chosen to stay in a holding pattern? Following Jesus started with a single choice BUT it is followed by a life time of choosing to live for Him DAILY.

I do not want my life to become such a routine that I make choices out of habit. Worse, I do not want to walk around on auto pilot. All the power of God is available and waiting for us to make a choice. What will you choose today?

Father, thank you that we do have a choice. Help us to see the opportunities that you have before us. Keep us off of auto pilot, Lord. Give us even more passion for what you called us to do so that you get the glory and honor for it ALL Lord.
Amen

Love, Honor and "Obey?"

2007-07-06T10:09:00.000-04:00

I am in the mood for love.....Don't you just love attending a wedding? Tonight, Hubby and I have the privilege of attending the wedding of two of our coworkers. Each time I attend a wedding, I reflect back on the day that we exchanged vows.

I had the honor of marrying my high school sweetheart after a seven and a half year courtship. We have now been married for 16 wonderful years. Shortly before we married, I remember us sitting down to talk to Rev. Peurifoy (a dear, sweet family friend) who performed our ceremony. He shared with us the secret to his successful marriage in the following verses in the 5th chapter of Ephesians:

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." vs. 22-24

(If you continue to read through verse 33, you will see what Christ intended for our roles in marriage to be.)

Now those words don't sit well with many today - but if you know who you are in Christ they are not offensive. Our world has made them this way - the world has imposed a selfish twist on this biblical passage. It has taken this to mean that the husband should be domineering, self centered, indulgent, demanding, etc. But actually in these verses it means caring, sensitive, devoted, serving and looking out for his wife's best interests.

Wives, God didn't intend for us to be inferior or second class in our homes. We are to be responsive, faithful, committed, loving, etc. What God created as our assets, man treats as liabilities in our relationships. How tragic it is when couples lose their roles in marriage because of worldly pressure. They rob themselves of having the kind of relationship that God calls them to enjoy. Where are you in your marriage today?

Pray about the kind of relationship God intended for the two of you to have and WORK on it -
You will be glad you did and your children will be too!

Kim

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!

2007-07-03T23:14:00.000-04:00

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

I will never forget my 30th birthday...three fellow teachers and I ventured to NYC to take in a Broadway show, tour the WTC, visit NBC studios, wave like the crazy people that you see outside the TODAY show each day and take in the sights and sounds of the BIG APPLE. But of all of the things I experienced during that trip - I will never forget the impact that Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty had on me. They had to drag me back to the ferry at closing time.

It was because I have always valued my freedom. And there I stood gazing up at the very symbol of freedom that greeted the millions that came to our country seeking that same freedom. Touring the museum at Ellis Island and viewing how immigrants sacrificed to come to our country in pursuit of the American Dream gave me such a deep appreciation for my freedoms in the USA.

As we pause from our regular schedules today to participate in patriotic celebrations, let us remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers - The vision that they had for religious freedom and independence. The way that they put their lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence. Teach your children about the sacrifices of those men that make America what she is today.

Give thanks for the brave men and women of our military who serve so that our freedoms are protected. Pray for continued success in Iraq and peace in their efforts. Pray for our nation and her leaders. And above all, praise God for the greatest freedom that we have in America - the freedom to worship and pray when and how we wish. God bless America!

Enjoy your freedom in Christ today -

Kim

Here is a great idea to do with your kids on this week to have them participate in an act of kindness for a soldier.Go to www.anysoldier.com Choose a soldier to adopt this week. He/She will have posted items that they are in need of if you wish to send a care package. If not, at least have your child write a letter or send a card thanking them for protecting our freedoms. Anyway, all the FAQ and info is there - get on board and thank a soldier!Once you select a soldier, you will receive an immediate email with the soldiers address. Encourage your children to pray for that serviceman/woman daily. Be a blessing to someone who sacrifices for you each day!Happy 4th!

Posted by Kim at 1:16 AM 2 comments

Small Things....

2007-07-02T16:32:00.000-04:00

I can tell you this much is true...there is no such thing as a "maintenance free" home. I am exhausted from painting but glad to have what I hope to be the most difficult part behind me. We had a great day in the Lord yesterday - hubby taught our Sunday School class and then Dr. Rummage preached a fantastic sermon on America sliding toward Sodom.

One of Dr. Rummage's key points was that we have a choice daily - do we choose Heaven or Earth? and that set me to thinking about how I manage my time. Don't get me wrong, blogging is a wonderful thing but I can quickly lose track of time in Blogland. That's my reason for this late post today - I tried to prioritize my day by the things I had to do first and then reward myself with blogging. So don't feel like you are last priority - you are my reward! :)

When is the last time you read a passage in Zechariah? Well, if you look at Chapter 4 verse 6 it says - "Lord, help me to remember it's not by my power, nor by my might, but by your Spirit that I accomplish anything worthwhile."

So many things seem little - a warm smile to a stranger, a kind word to someone visiting your church, cookies to welcome someone to the neighborhood, a call to say How are you? and you really WANT TO KNOW how they are, looking someone in the eye while they are talking to you....an extra moment to recall a favorite scripture, a prayer on behalf of a friend when they pop into our memory....

Discipline yourself to do the small things first. I challenge you to remember to do the"small things" - they are far more important than you think, and they open the door for you to have larger opportunities to minister in the future.

What "small things" would He have you do for someone today?

Kim

Chilled Wine and Sandington Beige

2007-06-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

Now don't get excited - those are just colors from the paint palette of the home improvement projects that I will be working on over the course of the next week. My hubby can build a computer from a box of spare parts but he does not delight in my home improvement projects. He doesn't try to talk me out of them either - so I guess you could say he is an enabler of sorts.

So tomorrow I venture into a new frontier - exterior painting! I will let you know how it goes - if you happen to be reading this blog - be sure to pray for me. My mama has always said that I am one to bite off more than I can chew - and then I have to drop back and punt til I get it right! We'll see.....

Enjoy your weekend!

Kim

I Love You , Mama!

2007-06-28T14:28:00.000-04:00

Right now, my son is at a friend's house playing for the afternoon and I should be....ummm....cleaning but isn't blogging more fun? When I dropped him off, he was so excited. Suddenly, I noticed how much he had grown this summer - how tan he looked standing on the outside of the car grinning at me through the fingerprint stained glass -and then he whispered,"I love you, Mom!" and I delighted in rolling down the window and whispering back, "I love you too - buddy!"

He turned to walk down the sidewalk to their front door and I watched as he walked to the door and knocked. I thought, "My, where have those seven years gone?" as I watched him enter their home - man, that tugs at a mama's heart strings doesn't it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I have no problem letting him experience things because I trust God to protect him - it is not a license to just let him go anywhere - he only goes where I know and trust he will be well supervised. But even so, I still get a "little lump in my throat" when he exercises that new found freedom of independence so confidently.

and then I thought - that's probably how God feels when He lets us experience something new too!

Have a great day in Him - I've got some cleaning to do!

Kim

All of Creation Praises Him

2007-06-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

I love praising the Lord for His creation, therefore, I love the book of Psalm.

Psalm 148:13 says, "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in the earth and sky."

Good ole' summertime! With the additional rains that we have had this week, don't you just love the green lushness of summer? I love standing in my kitchen window watching the birds flutter about in the backyard. I have really grown to love filling the feeders with bird seed to see what new varieties will stop by for a visit - and Sam loves interpreting what they are "Saying to us!" when we exit our home. They really have "fussed" when we have been in too much of a hurry to refill the feeders! :)

Last night my son and I had dinner on a friend's patio overlooking their pool. Their home is quaintly nestled in the woods. Cozy and charming - Despite hearing my seven year old say every few minutes - "Can I go swimming now? Can I go swimming now? Mama, Can I go swimming now? I somehow managed to listen to nature's symphony: the sound of birds and crickets chirping, dogs barking, cicadas, the buzzing of dragonflies - I adore it! Together, all of the sounds create a song of praise to our Creator - they were after all the first choir -

But as hot as it is today - I am looking forward to hearing a nice autumn symphony! Aren't you?

Get outside this evening and enjoy the symphony!

Praising Him for His creation -

Kim

Camp Cleanup

2007-06-26T08:35:00.000-04:00

For the past two weeks, I have transported Sam from one themed camp to another - so this week I decided to hold my own - Camp Cleanup. Martha Stewart I am not - Oh, don't get me wrong - I would love to live like that - to draw from a linen closet of ironed pristine 4000 thread count sheets - or a stack of white fluffy towels - but the truth is no matter how hard I try - God blessed me with two special men in my life that just don't share that vision.

Oh, I am tidy - I despise clutter in the kitchen and my hubby knows that if he doesn't read the paper or mail in 0.3 seconds it will be in the recycle bin. Tidying is one thing - but cleaning is another. It takes some REAL motivation to get me to scrub baseboards and mop a kitchen floor - and that motivation only comes from the Lord when I decide that it must be done.

Last night, in a moment of premenstrual frenzy, I decided it was time - I just couldn't stare at those dusty baseboards dusty carpet edges any longer and I got busy. I hate house cleaning so much that I have to pray my way through it. I thank God that he placed two healthy boys in my life that are active enough to generate messes - healthy feet to track the dirt in, a budget that allows us to purchase new shoes for the quickly growing feet of a seven year old. I thank him for the milk stains that I scrubbed from the stairs (put there by a boy on his way to bed) because it means that the Lord has always provided for us....You get the picture. I have to pray my way through it or I am NO FUN to be around and the attitude from PMS would take over if I did not look to the Lord for perseverance.

What a blessing to have a home to clean - (Nicki and Lisa) I prayed for both of you last night. I am thankful that He called me to be a wife and mommy - and when I count those blessings - I count it all joy! (Even when I am scrubbing away the dirt in our home.)

How will you view your blessings today?

Have a great day in Jesus!

Kim

Everyone is in a Patriotic Mood

2007-06-25T11:04:00.000-04:00

The "Celebrate America" Tribute yesterday was incredible. Our son enjoyed seeing all of the servicemen in uniform and he thought it was ultra-cool to see the men repel from the ceiling during the military tribute. Sam waved his little flag with such pride - it reminded me of a poem that copied for a 4th of July scrapbook page years ago - I will share it with you -

I want my boy to be the best,
I want him to be great;
I want him in Life's distant West,
Prepared for any fate.
I want him to be simple, too.
Though clever, ne'er to brag,
But Oh! I want him, through and through,
To love his country's flag.

When I was a little girl, my family lived in a small southern textile town. Each 4th of July brought on a special town-wide celebration - sack races, diving for dollars, climbing the greased pole (yes, seriously), chasing a greased pig (I promise I am not kidding), three legged race, watermelon eating contest - you get the picture. The highlight of the celebration was a bicycle decorating contest - Mom would take us to KMart to buy streamers, crepe paper, tissue, artificial flowers, and anything else we could use to decorate our bikes - my brother and I had a deal that which ever one of us won - we would split the money - a great deal for my brother since I was the most creative of the two - older siblings do take advantage of us younger ones - don't they? I usually placed and had to split the money with my brother.

Activities such are those are forever etched in my memory - and I remember almost every boy in my elementary class wanted to be "THE PRESIDENT" when they grew up - sad, our young b0ys don't say that anymore - the office of presidency now receives such criticism -

What are you doing to teach your children how to love their country? What activities will you participate in with your family to celebrate the 4th? You never know how it will touch their hearts!

Have a great day in Jesus and take some time to pray for our country and those who serve to protect it -

Kim

It's a Matter of Confidence

2007-06-23T07:37:00.000-04:00

"He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. " I John 5:10

My hubby has invested many hours in witnessing to a family member who is certain that he is saved. However, his lifestyle greatly reflects otherwise - not judging - just calling it as God's word indicates. Anyway, the situation has lead hubby and I to have some fantastic discussions. The once saved, always saved is a topic that has always stirred great debate in my own family when we compare denomination beliefs.

Anyway, this brought about a curiosity in me to learn more - and I have found it in this scripture. This scripture provides the greatest test - a test of confidence. You do not just believe ABOUT Jesus - You believe IN Jesus. Research on this verse reminded me that the verse in written in the present tense - not the past - It reads, "He who believes....not He who believed." Our confidence is to be in the present tense.

You often hear people talk about their testimony in terms of " I remember walking down the aisle when I was 10. I gave my heart to Jesus then -Oh, I may not be living for Him today - but I know that I am saved because I remember what I did when I was 10. I remember believing what Jesus did for me."

The Bible does not use an experience as proof of salvation. It never says that you will know that you are saved by an event in the past. Don't get me wrong - that is a necessary step to begin a personal relationship with Jesus. However, the focus is on the present tense - "He who BELIEVES" It is simple. If you are believing, you did believe.

Don't just rely on some prior experience. The question is "Are you believing in Jesus right now?"

Have a great Saturday and enjoy your worship experience tomorrow!

Kim

What do you wish for your children?

2007-06-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

At our Christian School, we are trying our best to help children develop a biblical worldview. God has called us to do it and it seems that everywhere I turn there are articles being published on it. I read a great article yesterday on how we, as Americans, view college. It described the two ways that we live our lives:

Do you live your life on the Biblical story? - the true story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation.

OR

Do you base your life on the world's story which goes like this - Life is about you. Life is about making a lot of money to have a lot of stuff?

Surely, we would all like to think that we live our lives from the Biblical story - but according to this article - part of the answer lies in how you view college.

According to the world's story - college is about getting a degree to get a higher paying job to make a lot of money. A college degree appears to be a ticket to a better life. A way of fulfilling the American Dream. I would agree with the article that most of us Christians do view college that way.

However, when we look at the Biblical story we know that we are created in His image, given mind's to think and gifts with which to serve Him. A person who bases his or her life on the Biblical story will understand college as a great opportunity to develop the mind and gifts that God has given him or her - and discern God's call. In other words, college is all about increasing our serviceability for God.

Think of those who serve our families and communities - policemen, fire fighters, teachers, and the many others. Many have to work several jobs just to support their families. It seems we have become too concerned with SUCCESS in this world rather than service. Jesus' life was marked by service. That should give dignity to the service that some feel too important to do. May the Lord give us more people with gifts of service - and our children the right view of this world.

What do you wish for your children?

Have a great day in Him -

Kim

Loving Gestures Even Though I Am Pooped

2007-06-20T22:04:00.000-04:00

After three LONG days of baseball camp and three evenings of VBS crafts, I will be honest with you - I am pooped! I so wanted to impart some Godly words of wisdom this evening - but I am pooped! I managed to accomplish a few things around the house today and spend some quality time alone with my hubby - but I am pooped! Went to visit a neighbor across the street when I came in from VBS tonight - even though I was pooped - she needed some encouragement. (and the neat thing was that I walked away encouraged instead!) Never too pooped to be blessed!

So tonight's message will be simple and shared from a devotion that I just read:

We have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real. 2 Corinthians 6:6

Never dismiss an act of loving kindness as being too small or insignificant. God will magnify even our smallest deeds as we reveal His love to others. Maybe it is that casserole that you baked for a sick friend, or that note of encouragement that you penned to a SS or school teacher, a thank you note to a minister at your church or to someone who performed something that spoke to you in a special way - or a genuine call to someone to say, "How are you?"

We may not consider them acts of witnessing but they are - Every act of loving kindness reflects God's loving kindness for His people. We give because Jesus Christ gave so freely to us.

Every act of loving kindness reveals loud and clear that "I love you - God loves you. I care - God cares."

To whom could you show your love today? Be creative - involve the kids and go be a blessing to someone in HIS precious name. :) You'll be glad you did!

Thanks for loving and praying for Lisa and Mike this week - @ http://www.proudmomof3boys.blogspot.com/

Kim

Angry Women

2007-06-18T14:16:00.000-04:00

This article really got my attention today. Click below to read it and post your thoughts.

http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56214

2007-06-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

My Sweet Sam

He Reigns

2007-06-17T13:40:00.000-04:00

"More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty. "
Psalm 93:4

Thanks to those of you who emailed to say you had missed me - you see, I was off to play at the beach with the family for a week. To put the pressures and stresses aside for a while and enjoy a glorious week filled with relaxing activities and precious time spent with my hubby and son. Seriously!

I have to share something that my son said that is precious - The first day we headed out on the beach, we reached the top of the stairs leading to the beach and when Sam spotted the ocean - he said, "Holy Smoke, I forgot how BIG God made the ocean Mom. WOW!"

That's one of the things I adore about my seven year old - that he is so awed by life. That started me thinking - Can you remember what it was like before you had so many responsibilities in life? How time seemed to move sooooo slowly?

You know, if you are able to take yourself back to the time where you had few responsibilities, you can return to your sense of wonder and awe that you experienced when you were younger. That's what I love about spending my day with a classroom full of first graders - and it's what I love about being a mother to a naturally curious boy as well.

The best way to experience a vacation or each day for that matter - is to shed our weariness and earthly
wisdom and begin to see the world through childlike eyes - Children do not have difficulty believing that God made all things. When do we lose the ability to do that in life? We get so task oriented that we abadon that sense of wonder.

I thought about that a lot this week as I watched Sam soak up his week on the beach - Hubby even surprised me with an evening walk on the beach alone - Yes, we had Mimi and Poppy in tow to entertain Sam in the evenings so that we could have some alone time :) - as we walked, Todd said, "You ever wonder how shells are made?" I said, "Nope, God made 'em!"

Look around today for all of the proof of God's greatness and majesty - the little birds in your yard that fly from branch to branch, the clouds as they dance in the sky today, the stars that appear tonight, the giggles of your children - they are everywhere - Praise HIM and get outside and enjoy His creation - after all - He made all those things for us so that we would in turn give Him the glory and honor for it all!

Enjoy your day admiring God's creation and treat the men in your life with extra kindness today!

I am glad to be back - I've missed you!

Kim

Our Happy Mission

2007-06-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise Your works to another.
And shall declare your mighty acts.

- Psalm 145 (vs. 1-4)

When we think of witnessing to our friends, neighbors, loved ones - we often limit our definition of witnessing as telling someone how to be saved. That view of witnessing puts a heavy burden on a believer - for if witnessing only means winning the souls of others - then each time we witness and that person does not respond - then in our eyes many Christians feel that we have failed.

But how different that view of witnessing becomes if we read the 145th Psalm. In this passage, David instructs us that witnessing is not just soul winning - but rather a form of praise. Our happy mission is to extol God and bless His name forever. David speaks of one generation praising God's work to the next -

We are called to rejoice in the Lord - and let me tell you this is exactly what God laid on my heart as I "prayed up" this morning to visit my former school. As I drove in to the parking lot this morning, Ol' Satan started throwing the "what if" darts. What will they think about the way you've grown closer to Jesus? He started jabbing me with the memories of the times I failed my sweet Jesus in the classroom - But I quickly rebuked him and started praying.......and a peace washed over me....and I ENJOYED MY VISIT!

I saw many former colleagues and many inquired about how things were going at "the Christian school" and I had to let that light shine - not in a boasting manner - but genuine. (Had to be cautious not to toot the ol' spiritual horn! I so didn't want it to be - "I have it better than you now.")

The holy spirit filled my mouth with such fragrant answers - What freedom! My joy just spilled over in words about His greatness - So that is what I discovered today about my Lord. I just pray that as we go about Our Happy Mission speaking of His wondrous works - that He will draw others to Him....and I trust that He will!

What a Great Day in the Lord!

Kim

Knowing the Will of God

2007-06-07T16:14:00.000-04:00

There have been many books written and many sermons preached on finding and knowing the will of God. How can we know the will of God? One of my favorite scriptures is John 15:7 - "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

If you ABIDE in Me and My words ABIDE in you - Whew! I love that word - do you know what it means? Have you ever pondered over it? To ABIDE is to lean on Jesus minute by minute - moment by moment - to look to Jesus and depend on Jesus. It also means that we are to stay in His word so much that it moves from the pages to our hearts. In all circumstances, if we seek the will of God, we will know the will of God. Why this thought today? - please read on.

Tomorrow morning, I am going back to visit the staff of the public school that God once called me to serve in prior to calling me to a wonderful Christian school in 2005. Each morning on the way to school, I pray for all the Christian teachers in the public schools that I pass along the way to "my school." I pray that their lights will continue to shine even when they are sidetracked by the rules and regulations of the system. I also pray that God will never let me lose the passion that He gave me for Christian education. I don't ever want to be a teacher with a negative attitude. I want those I serve to view me as a Christian Educator - not an educator that is a Christian. There is a huge difference!

Anyway, I told you all that to share this with you - I remember the day that I resigned from public school. I had mixed emotions - on one hand I was thrilled about the new path God had laid before me and on the other had I was sad to leave some of the friendships behind that I had formed in the ten years that I had worked there. I asked the principal - a non-Christian - if she had a view moments. She invited me to sit down and from the look in her eyes, she knew this was serious. I began to explain to her that God had called me to Christian education and that I would be leaving at the end of the school year. I shared with her that this was not a result of any unhappiness or isolated incidents - that this was something I had prayed about for several years and that God had revealed His plan for me for the next season of my life.

She tried to rationalize my decision. She said things like,"But, what about your state retirement? What about your health insurance? What about your 401K? What about your professional growth opportunities? You have worked so hard, Kim. Are you sure about this? I know that you are a smart woman - I know you have thought all this through - are you sure?"

Through her desperation and search for words, I realized how lost she was - how much in need of a savior she was because she had no idea of why I would surrender all of these earthly achievements for Jesus. I went on to explain how I knew it was right, how I put obedience to God over all other benefits and how I knew that this was His plan for me.

She closed with "You'll be back.....and then she hesitated and said, "You won't, will you?" I said, "Not unless God calls me..." The amazing thing took place on my last day there - the assistant principal (who lives an alternative lifestyle) stopped me and said - "You seem so certain about this decision - how did you know it's God's will?" I would like to talk to you about that sometime.

I would love to tell you that I had the opportunity to do so - but I did not - I tried to see her several times on my last day there but she had been appointed principal of another school and was in and out of meetings all day. But I at least know that God allowed me to plant a seed that I pray will be cultivated by others.

So pray for me as I visit that school tomorrow - that the light of Jesus will radiate all around me and that it won't be about me....but that what I say and do tomorrow will be for His honor and glory.

Shining for Him,

Kim

It is Up to Me!

2007-06-06T05:54:00.000-04:00

I love this passage in Psalm 51:

Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me....Restore to me the joy of your salvation..."

David had lost his joy. He had sinned with Bathsheba and this was part of his prayer of confession. He is not saying - Lord, restore my salvation - he still had his salvation, but he had lost the JOY of his salvation.

We have all known miserable people. The most miserable people that I have known were not lost - they were saved people out of fellowship with God. You see, your SIN is the ONLY thing that can take joy from your heart.

Notice I said YOUR sin - I once told my students to not rob me of my joy by complaining unnecessarily - (fancy lingo for PLEASE STOP TATTLING) - a common characteristic of darling first graders. But then it hit me, THEIR sin cannot rob me of MY joy - it is MY reaction to their sin that robs me of my joy! Wow - it is up to me! (I went back the next day and explained to them the difference - I think it is so important for them to know that God teaches me new things everyday too and that adults don't have all the answers)

When someone sins against me, it may hurt - it may take my happiness, but it CANNOT take my joy. However, if I react to them in the wrong way, it can take my joy. You see the difference is my response to it - it is up to me!

I have always heard that true character is not revealed in our actions - it is revealed in our reactions. Watch someone when they become upset - what spills out is what they are full of - is it honey or vinegar? Love or bitterness? Jesus or anger?

The key point I am trying to make is that JOY is supposed to be constant despite what anyone does to us. Christians aren't supposed to walk around being happy all the time - but even when the happiness is gone - we are to be joyful. Being joyful doesn't take away any pain, but it does help us bear the load. Misery is an option - but for me, I choose JOY! After all, it is up to me!

How will you react to your circumstances today? It's up to you -

Kim

She Remembered the Joy

2007-06-04T23:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I am 40 now....and I am still okay with it! I had a blast yesterday just feeling it - I must admit that I spent more time in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) renewing my license than I did at dinner with my hubby and son. The staff at the DMV was actually cordial and they all delighted in wishing me a Happy 40th!

As I sat there waiting for my number to light up on the board, I realized that I had to choose joy and come up with some way to pass the time - so I took out a pen and began to journal my observations. First of all, the DMV is one of the most interesting places in the world to "people watch." There were young, nervous teens there to try for a license for the first time and some even more anxious ones that were there to take the road test for the 2nd and 3rd time.

There were drivers with suspended license waiting for a second chance. Some there to get a commercial driver's license so they could seek employment. There were procrastinator's like me, there to get a license renewed at the last minute, there were some who did not speak English and relied on others for direction and help. And my favorite, the old men who had nothing else to do today but strike up conversation with anyone who appeared to be willing to talk. I loved eavesdropping and hearing them talk about "the old days."

As I entered the building to obtain a number for waiting, I thought I recognized the beautiful face of a young lady already seated in the room. I smiled at her and took a seat in the row behind her. I watched her as she graciously translated Spanish to English to some strangers in the room that sought direction and understanding. I sat there a while wondering how long this would take before reaching in my purse to take out a pen.

I noticed that the lady next to me had just started reading a Nicholas Sparks novel and I couldn't resist quizzing her about the other novels she had read by my favorite author. We chatted and as soon as I laughed the beautiful young lady in front of me, turned and said, "Mrs. Staples, I knew it was you as soon as I heard you laugh - I remember your laughter." At that moment, it clicked. She was Marilyn - a beautiful young lady that I taught back in 98 -99. We recalled our 5th grade year together and she shared with me that she was now a junior at Wingate University. But she ended out conversation with - I will always remember your laugh!

Now, ladies, that left an impression with me - at the time I taught her I was teaching public school. I was not allowed to verbally share my testimony with my students - but they saw me live it daily and what left a lasting mark on her was not just the sound of my laughter - it was my joy in Christ! Boy that made my hour and a half wait at the DMV worthwhile - I didn't pat myself on the back - it is so not about me - I prayed for Marilyn and I thanked God that He let our paths cross again....I count it a joy to have served Him as Marylin's 5th grade teacher - What a privilege He has given me to be important in the lives of His precious children!

Thank you Lord for allowing former students to cross my path to remind me of the awesome task that you have called me to do - You are awesome and you made my 40th birthday special with a gentle reminder of who I am in you!

Living Out the Joy That Can Only Be Found in You, Lord -

Kim

On Turning 40....

2007-06-04T00:15:00.000-04:00

Today I can stop worrying about turning 40 and begin to enjoy being 40....No, I am not down, depressed or distressed because I made the dreaded turn. Instead, I feel liberated. At 25, 30, 35...I just didn't get it but today I do.....If life really begins at 40, it's because women finally grasp who God created them to be. Bottom line: I am actually excited about being 40.

Some things I have noticed about turning 40, turning 40 means I have had to start using wrinkle cream around the eyes to reduce puffiness and wrinkles. Even though, those wrinkles around my eyes are proof that God has blessed me with such joy and laughter.

Turning 40 also means that I am probably going to have to start eating right and taking better care of myself. I have also notice that lately, I require more trips to the salon for pedicures and manicures....and more eyebrow and lip waxing and more frequent hi-lighting to blend in the gray. :)

Most excitedly, being 40 today means my hubby is finally married to an older woman and if he forgets to take out the garbage....I will no longer waste my energy on pouting about it.....I will just do it myself confidently in my silky jammies.

Being 40 means my parents are getting older. And while I am not a little girl anymore...I always will be in their hearts.

Being 40 means I have more wisdom to share with those younger than me for I have reached the point in my life where I have achieved a healthy balance in who I am as a child of God, wife, mother, daughter, co-worker, teacher, friend....etc.

So today, I am clinging to Jeremiah 29:11. Even though I am 40, I know that God still has great plans for me. I am looking forward to this decade....I plan on it being one of my favorites!

Walking with Jesus for years to come,
Kim

Funny Things Kids Do

2007-06-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child." I Corinthians 13:11

You know several of us have been blogging about what we plan to do to prevent our children from experiencing the summer blahs! But I have vowed to enjoy this summer with my child...I think it is easier for me to appreciate being home with our son since I teach during the school year. I know that soon we will be back in the classroom preparing for another school year.

Our seven year old Sam marked the first day of summer vacation by looking up the answers to two important questions: :What are the white bumps on my tongue? (and we knew it was coming) Where do babies come from?

I have vowed this summer that instead of getting annoyed, I will enjoy my child by laughing at whatever is possible to be laughed at and accept that this stage too will soon pass. I have noticed that lately - he kisses us on the cheek and no longer on the lips. He loves his independence and is so proud that he can spend the night with a close friend. He is attending a week long baseball day camp in a few weeks - I promised God last night that I will trust in him to protect Sam as he experiences new things.

Last night, the two of us laid on the couch giggling and telling jokes - and I couldn't help but think about how short this season will be - but for now, I will savor it!

Have a great day enjoying your children -

Kim

You Are Not Your Own

2007-05-31T09:31:00.000-04:00

Today I was inspired to dig deeper in the word concerning our view of ourselves and the discovery and acceptance of our gifts. In Romans, Paul writes about discovering spiritual gifts.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

What he is reminding us here is that we are not our own. That we have to be willing to be a living sacrifice - it amazes when I hear people talking about giving it to God - it was His anyway! It is taking off our hands what already belongs to Him.

If you continue to read the next two verses, "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, though the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."

When you make this sacrifice - your mind is transformed. You will have a new mind to think with - and you will be better able to recognize your gift. Don't insult your creator by saying that you don't have a gift - that is unbelief and rebellion.

Gift are best discovered in the fellowship of the church as referenced in verses 4 and 5. I love what the late Adriane Rogers wrote: "When you learn to accept yourself, be yourself, and give of yourself to the fellowship, you're going to discover your gift. You are naturally supernatural."

I am so tired of women wearing "busyness" as a badge of honor in our society- we need to just focus on what we were called to do. God gave us a natural bent towards what we were created to do - it should feel natural. And you know, when we do what feels natural - there is always a sense of fulfillment in our hearts and minds.

You are a gifted child of God - May He bless you with a great day in Him!

Kim

God Will Provide

2007-05-30T08:15:00.000-04:00

I have always had a "laid back" attitude about money. When my hubby complains about an extra bill, I always respond with "at least God provided the money for us to pay it." and for those time when we don't have the extra money to pay it - I stand on the promise that He will provide.

My hubby used to suffer from what I referred to as MMS - Mortgage Monthly Syndrome. He became so irritable when he paid the mortgage - but a mission trip to Nicaragua cured that - he realized how blessed we are to have a roof over our head - compared to the lean to's and primitive housing that those in third world countries reside in.

This morning God lead me to a passage in John 19:25-27. "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

You know the phrase "God will provide" can seem almost an overused promise at times - especially when spoken by someone who is anxious to dismiss our fear and anxiety. However, as I read this passage today, I realize just how profound this phrase can be.

Jesus suffering was intense. He had been weakened by a night of trials, tortured during a horrific beating by Roman soldiers - He had fallen on the way to the cross under the load He was forced to carry. Yet as He hung on the cross - each breath he took in agony because his lungs were filling with fluid - he was essentially drowning - He had to summon the energy to somehow lift himself up a little to breathe.

Yet the Bible tells us that in all of this suffering, when He saw Mary standing there, His thoughts were for her. He asked John to take care of her for the rest of her life - wow - If Jesus fought through excruciating pain when He was on the cross to provide for Mary, surely the glorified Christ who is now in heaven will provide for you and me.

Standing on His promises,

Kim

No You Can't Do It All

2007-05-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

You know, one of my downfalls is that I try to do too much - to be everything to everybody. As I read Max Lucado's Cure for the Common Life, I am reminded that I am not God's solution to society, but A solution IN society. Boy, that put things in perspective kind of quickly.

I am not a good listener because I am too busy trying to "Fix It" when I sould be quiet and listen. You know I want to help my friends solve all of their problems, I want to be a Daughter In Law that shows great compassion to my MIL, I want to be the best wife and mother in the history of the world, I want to be a great teacher, a loving neighbor, a loving daughter, a doer of HIS word.....but I fall so short in trying to do it all well.

God didn't call me to be everything to everybody. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Life in the "sweet spot" is all about putting your gifts/strengths to work for HIS kingdom.

In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul writes: "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands." or I love the way it is written in the NASB: "Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you." It all comes from Him - We exist for Him so that He receives the glory and honor for all that we do.

We are to use our uniqueness to make a big deal about God....and not promote self by being everything to everybody. God gives us gifts so that we can make Him known. He expects us to manage them well. What are you doing with the gifts He gave you?

You know, I once heard Cyndi Wood of the Frazzled Female say, "If you are busy doing something that God did not ask you to do - you are standing in the way of the one that He did call to do that task." She followed that up by saying, "and He will not bless you for it.

Wow - that stuck with me....and shortly after that I gave up a ministry in the church that I only did out of guilt because "no one else" would volunteer. And God blessed me in return by opening up a door to something He had really called me to do!

So what do you need to give up, reevaluate or commit to today? I encourage you to pray about it - I know that I am!

Kim

Lord, Help Me to Use My Time Wisely

2007-05-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

Lord, summer is here now and I do not want to throw away the opportunity to spend quality time with you. Help me to grow closer to you - to refill my spiritual bucket as only time with you can.

Thank you for another great year in the classroom. It humbles me so to see one of your little ones come to you in need of salvation - thank you for allowing me to have a small role in that! Now as I prepare for another year in a classroom filled with new students - equip me to serve you in a manner that only you can. Prepare their little hearts to learn more about you - to fall in love with you through the stories that we will share each day at your feet.

Thank you for a wonderful spouse and son. Protect our family time this summer from outside worldly influences - tv, video games, and anything else that draws us away from you. Please keep our family safe - and enable us to grow even closer to each other and ultimately you.

Lord, help me to love my neighbors even when we witness them make poor choices in life. Give us words of wisdom when they ask for advice - they are searching for something....they just haven't discovered that it's you that they are in need of -bring them to that realization.

Thank you for those soldiers who gave their lives fighting for our freedom - be with their families as they remember their loved ones today. Be with those who continue to fight for our freedom. Protect them today.

Thank you for impressing upon my heart the need to choose joy in all circumstances. I love you, Lord!

Kim

2007-05-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Okay, Nikki! I did it - I created a blog. We have a family web-site and I do enjoy posting on there but it will be great to post more about my spiritual journey. Thanks for encouraging me and for sharing your journey as well. I am excited about getting started. Have a great day in Jesus!

Kim