Christmas 2011

We all had a wonderful day at Cynthia and Earl's home today. This is my extended family and we had such a good time together. I have laughed more over the last 3 days than I have in this whole past year. Good times, food and fellowship. 

  (Back row: Kynn, Tripp, Jeb, Hope, Melanie, Esther,

Middle row: Spencer, Lorie, Beckie, Momma, Cynthia, Jim,

Front row: Christopher, Jamie, Jack, Earl, and James)

We were sad that Gene, Anne, McLean,  Ben, Mary Elizabeth, and Patty were not able to be with us. We missed them so much and talked about them a bunch. I did notice as I was looking at my pictures,  that in the far background of the above photo,  Gene and Patty did actually show up. :) 

I have many more pictures to post. I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas.

Boys can be funny!

This made me laugh today.

Jamie:" Mom! Can I have your credit card?"

Me:" Why?"

Jamie:" I want to go buy your gift". (I laughed),  to which Christopher added, "It's going to be a BIGGGG one!"

Silly boys! 

Merry Christmas everyone.

Oh, and just to let everyone know.............Jamie finished his shopping several days ago, and there is a present with my name on it under the tree from him. AND, I did not give them my credit card. LOL

I Cor. 13 Christmas Style

Cynthia shared this at Bible Study last night.


I Corinthians 13 Christmas Style


By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows,

strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do

not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.



If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas

cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a

beautiful adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love

To my family – it profits me nothing.



If I work at the soup kitchen carol I the nursing home, and give

All that I have to charity, but do not show love to my

Family – it profits me nothing.



If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted

snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the

Choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.



Love stops the cooking to hug the child.



Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.



Love is kind, though harried and tired.



Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated

Christmas china and table lines.



Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.



Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return,

But rejoices in giving to those who can’t.



Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all

things, and endures all things.



Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will

be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love

will endure.

Sweet and Juicy

It' that time of year again. Time to pick our satumas. Each spring we inspect our two trees to see if we have any fruit. We watch all summer long as the fruit begins to form and grow. Each year around this time, we have to watch the temp. to make sure it is not going to freeze. Satsumas just don't like cold weather. Watching the forecast this afternoon, seeing that it might freezer tonight and tomorrow night, I decided that I would go harvest the crop. I was able to get most of them. There are about 2 dozen left on the tree and Kynn will pick those tomorrow for us. Of all of our belongings at our home, this is one of my favorites. Delish!

Encouraging words

Today is actually my first real day of unemployment. I was given a two week notice and I worked those days. Since the time I heard the news, God has been so good to give me words of encouragement. If you have been one of his people to encourage me, I say thank you.

My immediate supervisor and sweet friend, Cindy Poole shared several devotionals that came her way. (Her hours were reduced). God's timing is always perfect. If you know someone who has been laid off, this is a good devotional to share with them.

God Can Provide Through Any Faucet
Rick Warren

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Deut. 8:18

The Bible teaches that God is the source of our finances. He is the one who provides for our needs.

What does this mean? It means that, instead of looking to my employer for financial security, I look to God. It means that, instead of looking at my savings account for financial security, I look to God. It means that I don't look to anyone or anything other than God to provide for my needs.

Let me illustrate it this way: When I turn on the water, I know the water doesn't actually come from the faucet. The water comes through the faucet. The water is actually from a reservoir, and the way I happen to receive it is trough the faucet.

In the same way, the income that God wants to give you may come through a job or though something or someone else.

But the source is always God.

We don't need to worry about which faucet God uses to supply our needs. In a sense he says, "If I turn off one faucet, I can just as easily turn on another. If you lose one job, I can give you another. I am your source, not your job. I am your source, not your bank account."

Worry reveals the places where you are not trusting God. Ask God to help you understand what causes you to not trust him, and ask him to teach you to start trusting him. Look for how he does that. In addition, when you start to worry, talk to God about your concerns.

Change!

My position with Healthy Learners was terminated today. We are a nonprofit and our funding is way down. Same story for so many nonprofits. Several of my coworker's hours were cut too. Hard times. Thanking God that he does not change and thanking him that he is dependable.

We're still having fun!

I was about to complete my day at work around 1:00 PM today when I received a text message from Kynn that asked, "Do you want to go on a picnic?" I smiled and replied, "Of course I do! Where are you?" "Outside your door" was his reply!.
How fun! I quickly headed out my office door to find him parked right outside waiting on me. He suggested we eat on the capital grounds.

He had lunch with him and off we went. The weather was outstanding and being with him for a surprise picnic was even better. After we ate we walked around the grounds and ended up inside the Capital Building. It has been YEARS since I have toured the Capital. I had forgotten about the beauty of this building. Nikki was not in her office today so we did not get to see her. (We asked) :)

I have no pictures to post, because it was a surprise! No camera!

It was a nice day. We're still having fun!

Hunting

I hope the above picture does not offend anyone. My men do love to hunt. They said it was a "good" day. :)

A dare!

A dare from my friend, Kim.
Rather than slipping into assuming the worst, let’s do an “I dare you” this week. I dare you to reject a negative thought when it enters your mind and speak (yes, aloud) something positive! I’m up for a more positive mindset. How about you?

“Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5

Please pray

click on the link below for an update. So happy they were able to remove more of the tumor. Please continue to pray for this sweet family.



Please pray for our friend, David Tucker. He is having surgery today, 9/29/11.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidthomastucker

Thank you so much.

Gabriella

Perhaps my biggest blessing in August was meeting precious Gabriella. I was given the wonderful invitation of being present in the delivery room when she arrived. Seeing the arrival of this precious baby girl, is a gift I will treasure for a lifetime. God's miracle of birth is truly amazing. He is good!!!

Her sweet parents were in our newlywed class several years ago and we are still very good friends with them. Kristi and I have begun hanging out several times a month and always have such a good time. One thing for sure, that girl can make me laugh. :)

Waiting on Gabby

She is here!

Daddy holding his baby girl for the first time.

Yes, those are the proud grandparents!




This past week, Gabby began having a little trouble with her stomach. You know, the baby gas thing. She was not sleeping well at night and sleep was hard to come by for her mom and dad. Kynn and I invited them to come spend the night with us this past Friday night. It was our hope that they could get some sleep and be refreshed for the weekend. They said, "OK!"

We had a great visit with them and baby Gabby slept in the room with us. When she woke for her middle of the night feeding, I took her to her sweet mom. After her feeding, back to our room for a good burp and another several hours of sleep. As you would predict, she was an angel baby. She did not fuss. Ah, babies. Who can understand them?

What do you mean? This baby does not cry!




Mac came with them too. Daisy was fine with Mac, until Kynn started playing ball with him. Daisy did not like that at all.







It was a sweet spend the night party. We hope to do it again soon.

Scripture

Be renewed!

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Ps. 16:5-6

Work!

I love how the Lord orchestrates certain devotionals reading or Bible Study lessons to speak specifically to a request or need in my life. No, it does not happen every day, but when it does, it is such a spiritual high. As Beth Moore says, "There is no "high" like the MOST HIGH!"

Speaking of Beth Moore, this past January she encouraged readers of her blog to memorize 24 scriptures during this year. On the 1st and 15th of the month, a new scripture of your choosing, would be added to your memory work. (I am joined by several special ladies, Beckie, Cynthia, Patty, Jennifer, Lisa and Debbie) It is great having the accountability of not only Beth's blog, but these ladies as well.

My scripture for March 15

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us, yes, establish the work of our hands. PS. 90:17

This morning before my feet hit the floor, I was praying this scripture. Kynn and I, along with Cynthia, teach a young couples class at the 8:45 am hour at Shandon Baptist Church. Yesterday we began a new class for this church year. I was specifically praying for our class and the direction that God may lead it. I was asking God to establish the work of our hands, the work that He has for us to do. We are open to his leading. We want to join him where he is at work.

I am currently working through a devotional book called, A 30 day walk with God in the Psalms by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Wouldn't you just know it! My lesson today was Psalm 90. Yep! That was the verse I was praying this morning.

Nancy DeMoss walks the reader through the whole Psalm. God is our dwelling place, we are frail and will return to dust, we are to number our days, and it ends with establish the work of our hands.

After working through this psalm, I felt an even more urgency to pray, Establish the work of our hands,.....MY hands. Verse 12 reads, "So teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Two questions that she asked in the application part of the devotional included,

1. Calculate approximately how many days you have already lived. If God gives you a lifespan of 70 years (25,550 days), how many days do you have left on earth? How do you want to live those remain days? (ok, I know for the young peeps (lol) out there, this does not mean much, but for older peeps like me, :) well..............) I DID the math! Gulp.

2. What practical difference would it make for you to live your life "in the light of eternity?"

2 Peter 3 says
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."

Our works really do matter here on earth. They will be exposed and judged one day by God.
Whatever your work is today, may it be for God's glory.

Father, I pray today, that you will establish the work of my hands, that it may make a difference for your kingdom, that I will not waste my time, but use it wisely. Help me to be mindful to number my days. Thank you for bringing your word to me. Amen.

(If anyone would like to join the scripture memory, it is not too late. Just let me know and we will add you to our email each 1st and 15th or join in on Beth Moore's blog)

Happy Birthday Spencer

A Birthday Celebration!

It was time to celebrate Spencer's birthday. We had one problem. Two of our favorite people were not at home. That would be Christopher and Jamie. So, this year, we decided to meet halfway between Columbia, Anderson, and Tigerville. We landed in Clinton, SC for our dinner celebration. The cool thing is that it was 1 hour for all of us. PERFECT! One more cool thing is that Bobby and Marlene joined us and then drove 20 minutes to spend the night with her mom.

We ate at the Blue Ocean Seafood Restaurant. After dinner, the party moved to the parking lot for more celebrating. It was a fun, fun night. It's hard to believe that Spencer is 24. He is currently working at Allstate Insurance Company and likes his job. We are so proud of him. Happy Birthday Spencer Lee. You are such a blessing to us.

Another free digital slideshow by Smilebox

A Special Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

SPENCER

Giving Thanks

Go read this and join in the Thanks giving.

Daddy

James Manville Patterson
June 10, 1026 - September 12, 2009

Daddy enjoyed cross stitching and made many beautiful pieces. He began cross stitching while he recovered from open heart surgery. It was his therapy. He was very good at it.

We miss his love of having fun. This was a shark's tooth that he found when we were at the beach. He taped it to his face and pretended that he had a nose piecing.

We especially miss him on his special days....Father's day, his birthday.

There is just something about not having your father here on earth with you.

For those of you have lost a parent, you know just what I am feeling today. It seems like it was yesterday that he died, but it also seems like a lifetime since I have talked to him. I am so thankful for our memories. I am thankful for the laughs my family can share when we talk about him. And, I can promise you one thing. If he was visiting me in my home today, there would be a new penny hidden in a very special place. That makes me smile.

WHAT???

Dear Aunt Cynthia,
You really caught me off guard today. As you know, my dad recently had surgery and can not lift anything over five pounds for six weeks. My mom can not bend over because she has a really bad back. All my brothers have gone somewhere. I get confused when they come home for a while and then disappear once again. So, I knew that baths would be few and far between. (Since mom and dad can't lift me. You know, I AM over five pounds.)
I got so excited today when you came over. I love seeing you. However, today you picked me up and put me down in the sink in the laundry room. WHAT? Did you and my mom plan this? How could you? I was so mad at you! Could you tell?
Tonight I realized that I was totally rude to you this afternoon. I know that refusing to look at you after you placed me in the sink was not kind. I got even madder when you and mom laughed at me. I just get embarrassed when I get wet. I can't help myself.
I would like to say I am sorry and that I do love you. Will you please forgive me? I love you.

Love,
Daisy

Worth the read!

My sister, Cynthia, shared this with me. I think you will like it too. Be encouraged.


Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps. 27:14

What a valuable asset we have to wait upon. The Lord God Almighty is worth waiting for. It is worth waiting for His joy, because it comes to uplift us when we are sad in heart. His joy brings a smile to our face. It is worth waiting for His peace that calms our soul when we are worried in mind. His peace allows us to sleep at night. It is worth waiting for His wisdom that provides discernment in our conflicting options. His wisdom sets our feet on the right path. It is worth waiting for His strength that propels us through our adversity. His strength gives us confidence and perseverance for life's journey. It is worth waiting for His hope that uplifts us from our despair and depression. His hope keeps the focus on our eternal reward in heaven. He is worth the wait.

Taken from Infusion by Boyd Bailey

Have a great day.
Cynthia

I LOVE a Surprise!

We have been shopping for a new car for Jamie over the past couple of weeks. His "ride" for the past 4 years has been the old red truck. This truck has been through Kynn, Spencer, and then Jamie so it has a lot of miles under it's wheels. Jamie is transferring to NGU this fall, (he leaves in about 2 weeks :( ) and we knew that it would not be safe for the truck to be on the interstate, thus a new vehicle for Jamie. He knew we were looking, but did not know any of the details. John Wise, (LOVE CHEVROLET) , agreed to help us look for a car.


The phone call came and John told me he had a car he thought we might be interested in test driving. Kynn and I went and picked up the Saturn Ion and drove it home. We had pretty much decided this was the car. We parked the car at our neighbors house and when Jamie went to take his shower, I brought it back to our yard. I wrapped the key and we gave him the gift.

I think he had an idea what might be in the box! When I handed him the box he said, "What is it?" I said, "Open it!" At that time he started grinning. :)







(I am sorry about all this space between the pictures. I don't know how to correct it) Would love someone to tutor me on this!

This was the smile right before he walked outside to see his new car.




His comment on first seeing the car..............NICE.



The very FIRST thing he did when he sat in the car was to check out the radio. It passed the test!

He likes it!! Sun in my eyes kinda picture!

Jamie took us on a test drive around the neighborhood and then we headed to Aunt Cynthia's house to show her. She liked it too. :)

On Thurs. we returned the car to John, at Love Chevrolet, and today we actually went and purchased the car. Jamie went with us to sign the papers and all. John congratulated Jamie on his nice new car.




It was such a blessing to have John help us. He is extremely knowledgeable about cars, after all it's his business. He went the extra mile in service and kindness to us. All his staff at Love are so kind and helpful. John took the time to talk with Jamie and tell him about every feature on his car. All three of us actually learned a lot about cars today.

This picture was taken right before he took off in his new car. I am sure he will travel many miles in this car. We are so thankful to John and to God for allowing us to purchase this for Jamie. He has blessed us.

Jamie, I pray that you will drive carefully and be protected as you travel the highways. May you continued to be blessed by our Lord and Savior.

Love covers a multitude of sins

"Love covers a multitude of sins."

Have you ever seen the verse, "Love covers a multitude of sins"? It is one of my favorites and I pull it up in my mind often. Jesus is so interested in love and wants us to love like He loves. Notice I did not say "loved" as if He was still dead...

I love it when the Holy Spirit helps me retrieve this verse so I can apply it to my life and extend mercy, cut someone some slack, or react differently than I would have years ago, before I began to zero in on this verse.

Today after work I stopped by a grocery store that I usually do not frequent. I ordered a pre-made raw salad and a nice young man saw me waiting at the deli counter, parked his broom, and offered to assist me. I wondered if he would wash his hands or put on gloves before he helped me. After all, he had been cleaning only God knows what.

He did neither...

He reached for a long-handled spoon to scoop out my broccoli-raisin salad and I thought, "Well, how easily can germs make it from his hands to the broccoli, down that long handle in just a few short seconds?" I let it slide instead of making a big issue out of it...

There was only one problem: some of the broccoli flopped out onto his hand and he just took that spoon and scooped it right back into my container! At that point I had to choose how I would respond.

Instead of giving him a big lecture on why he should wear gloves and how he should not sell food that has touched his hand, I just felt led show some grace and smile, thanking him for the friendly service.

I then had to decide if I was going to march to the manager, demand a free broccoli salad and report the young man...

So I paid for the salad and shared the story with the Lord's kindness, while emphasizing that the man was one of the nicest people I had ever met and his customer service was excellent. All he needed was some training about health codes. The manager said he was new and would explain their policy. I doubt he was ever told about the gloves...

This man didn't "sin" against me as the verse states, but in my quest to grow in love and become more and more like Jesus, I look for little everyday ways I can apply his grace and love to others. I wonder if this was a small, silly way to do this... I really don't know, but just wanted to write about it. Maybe my two sons will stumble upon it one day and use it to address another scenario.

Yesterday while I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office the person at the desk asked each person who checked in to have their picture taken so it appears on their chart. They do this at MD Anderson, too, so they can be assured that you are you. There was a woman who became unglued, verbally outraged, over this and I felt for her, that such a thing would set her off like that. I felt compassion, though, and wondered if a cancer diagnosis had just caused her to cave in.

I think God cares about the little things as well as the big things. He cares about how we treat people - all people. We can exhort people or "teach" them in love and humility. I want to be better at that! I can recall times when I was just like that woman. I want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord...

Today was a good day. I am thankful for another day. (Anne Buck, July 22, 11)

Blueberry pickin'

Today has been a fun day for us. Kynn and I set out early this morning to pick blueberries. (I have no pictures) :( Oh well.

As we were on our way to the blueberry patch, I called my mom to chat. We had decided to stop at a McDonalds right before we got to the field and I told mom that I was going to run in McDonalds and passed the phone to Kynn. I expected to get back on the phone when I returned, but the two of them had a conversation going that I did not want to interrupt. I wish the words I heard were recorded because I would love to hear them again.

Kynn said that as he was reading his Bible this morning he was thinking about the pretty new curtains that were hanging in our kitchen. (He hung them for me yesterday.) He pondered on the thought of how much time had been put into making the curtains, and also the time that is took to hang them. Then his thoughts went to wondering how much time does he actually put into hearing the voice of God. At that point, conviction of the Holy Spirit fell upon my heart. Truly, how much time do I concentrate on hearing the voice of God. How much time do I sit still and wait for him to speak to me? It has given me something to think about today.

What a precious phone call. I love the fact that my husband will take the time to have a relationship with my mom. I love the fact that when he hangs up he tells her that he loves her. I love the fact that he has a quiet time in the mornings. I love the fact that God will speak to me out of what He spoke to my husband during his quiet time. And, I love that we picked blueberries today. It was fun. It was hot. We picked 25 pounds. :)

A picture or two

That would be a bear!

Repairing a fence!

He is having a blast!

Kitty and Joel

www.joelandkitty.com

These are previous newlyweds that were in our Sunday School Class. Kitty has been having pain in her shoulder/arm for the past year. She had received physical therapy and injections with no relief, so a few weeks ago the doctor ordered a MRI. A tumor was found in her arm. Yesterday she had a biopsy. Please read the blog for an update at this time.

I am thanking God for his MERCY that he gave to this dear couple. We, along we many others, love them very much.

Our anniversary

We made it to 25 years on May 31st. Kynn blessed me with 25 pink roses and nice words on our message plate. It was a great day and we are hoping for many more years together. God has been so good to us.

Cowboys

These are the best looking cowboys I have ever seen!!! (Christopher's new friends and co-workers)

Christopher's pictures

A few of Christopher's pictures!