Go. Be. Do.

10 pm December 26th...Lego storage unit falls apart w/a bang...and I do mean with a bang! So, I've been looking at this storage unit, put together by yours truly over a year ago, slowly lean more and more. Telling myself, of course, each time, "I really need to tighten those screws." I walk by and make it lean less, promising to get around to it. This is also along with telling myself it's time to sort all those Legos and get some things rebuilt so that the storage units aren't as heavy for the poor unit trying to hold them all. Yes, some things have a way of taking care of themselves. December 26th...boys fall asleep watching a movie with me in the living room. At 10 pm, I proceed to carry Alex to his bed, kiss him goodnight and turn to go back for Tim. Leaving the room, I see the storage unit leaning excessively to the right toward the door. I chuckle to myself and utter those famous words I said above, all the while reaching to make it lean less. Not 2 sec...

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.-- Anonymous M y thoughts as of late have been on friendship. Thinking of those special people in my life whom hold the title "friend", I cannot help but smile. Friends come in many varieties...God knows whom we need in our lives and the reason why. I do not believe friends happen by chance. A true friend is a priceless gift. "Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure." -- Jewish saying. Sometimes circumstances are against us and miles may separate us, but friendship amazingly can remain. There's nothing like the moment two friends are reunited and they pick up right where they left off and it's as if no time has passed at all. I look forward to a moment like that... R emind me of a time with laughter and I will have most likely spent it with a friend. The sweetest memories are those that are shared. Remind me of a tim...

"We are like a candle that holds the flame, burning strong and bright the light of Christ. We softly give ourselves away in worship of Him and service for Him, that we might become less and less, and that He might become greater and brighter through us." Mary Fairchild "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." John 1:3-9 "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a...

"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way." Solomon (2 Chronicles 6:14) Looking ahead to summer of 2010...and loving just the thought of returning to Alaska! So excited to hear today that my dream is again a real possibility! Lord willing, July 17th-31st, I will be in Alaska on staff for two weeks with GraceWorks. How awesome is that?!! Different role this year, but still serving in Alaska...praise God for this great opportunity! Is my excitement evident yet or should I add a few more exclamation marks?!! :) Who knew my heart would be drawn to a specific place so much so that I would want to return again and again...and that God would provide the opportunity and finances to do so again and again. I thank God for His many blessings! May I continue to honor Him in all that I say and do so that others around me will see and experience the love of God in an...

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." Dale Evans Rogers Truly, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year...it's especially so since being blessed with Alex and Tim. The excitement they add to an already special season is pri celess. Asking Novem ber 1st when the tree is going up...wearing Santa hats just because...singing Christmas carols with all the gusto little boys can muster...enduring Christmas card picture day...telling me the best gift at Christmas is Jesus...getting up and dancing around every time we hear a favorite Christmas song on the radio...yes, we do enjoy Christmastime. This year two special memories thus far have been hearing Alex singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" in the shower and Tim proudly telling me, "I made the lights stop blinking and music-ing." (one strand of lights plays Christmas carols and blinks when you plug them in) However, they carry out the spi...

I was reminded tonight that on that silent night of Jesus' birth, He was giving up so much just to dwell with man, so that man might eternally dwell with Him. Third Day sings it so well in their song, "All the Heavens"..."All the angels exalt you on high; What a Kingdom to depart! But You left Your throne in the sky just to live inside my heart." What a gift of love, indeed, is Jesus for each and everyone one of us. Oh, that I would not take Him for granted...nor any of the blessings He showers me with on a daily basis. His mercies are new every morning. There is so much for which to be grateful. Thank You, my God and my Savior, for the greatest gift of Your Son. I have been reading "Revolution in World Missions" and thoroughly enjoying it! My purposes are to be about God and salvation provided by His Son's birth, life, death and resurrection. I am good to no one if in my own life I lack in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Wh...

December 1st...finally! November seemed to last an extra long time. The boys ma ke the whole Christmas season brighter. We sing along with the Christmas songs with a smile and we dance around the house alot, too...with such great tunes as "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree", "Feliz Navidad" and "I want a Hippopotomus for Christmas"...who can resist the tapping of ones toes? The big debate the past couple of days has been how many days of Christmas there actually are. One of the boys' favorite songs of course is "The 12 Days of Christmas"...but they also reason that the 25 days leading up to Christmas is "Christmas" as well, so that gives us, according to little boys' mindsets, 37 days of celebration. I am so okay with this...and proud to be their mama! Knowing the real meaning of Christmas has always been of utmost importance to teach the boys. I have never been an advocate of the whole S.C. scenario, so it's fun to just...

"If we were on the top of that mountain right now, we'd be in a cloud." me to Ryan, AK '09 Saw a show on Alaska "giants" tonight...Denali, sled dogs, mushing, bear, moose, bear eating moose...you name it, it was mentioned. This, on top of seeing updates from Traci and Heidi about the beloved frontier, only made me long to be there more...especially in the winter. Maybe one day... Until then, I remember and I smile. God is good and gracious. He gave me Alaska two times...and I am so thankful. If I never step foot there again, my heart will be happy with the memories.

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:18 As Thanksgiving approaches, I can't help but thank God for my Grandma and Grandpa Miller. I realize that my life is blessed and enriched by having them in my life...and for such a long time, too. Growing up with the farm as a second home was awesome. I might not have thought that all the time then, but now looking back I wouldn't change a thing. Grandpa always let us help with the chores and gather the eggs. My first experience driving was in his truck out by the pond while he was in the back picking up hay bales...or at least trying to as I jerked him around. Many a summer day was spent in the fields watching Grandpa and Uncle Mike work...and helping drive the tractor occasionally. A smile comes easily thinking on these times. Grandpa was always ready for an afternoon of fishing, too, if the day's work allowed. ...

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:3-9

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss Missing someone has to be the worst feeling to experience. Over the past several months, I've had to say goodbye to some pretty special people in my life. I would rather not have any more practice at saying goodbye, if you don't mind, please. There are two sides to goodbye...the one leaving and the one being left. I started thinking about this more the other day when I realized I've been saying goodbye more this past year than I like...and then further realized it's harder because I'm the one being left. Most of my adult life it's been reversed...I'm the one leaving after a time here or there. Being the one leaving, there's almost always something to look forward to ahead of you. No matter how much it hurts to leave those behind, there's an unknown awaiting that brings excitement. Being the one left, brings a void...and it seems unfillable. Normal isn't normal anymore. So...

Yes, my friends, it is time again for raking of leaves into piles for the sole purpose of jumping into them and scattering them hither to yonder all the while doing it. Gotta love it! And love it we do. In the three seasons of fall that we've lived here this day is looked forward to with great anticipation...and today was a perfect fall day for our annual leaf pile jump-a-thon. Our previous yard had no trees...it is quite a different story now. Trees, trees, and more trees who are more than willing to shed their leaves for our pleasure. I've been amazed since moving to GA that the trees down here are not like those in the Northern states. These are just plain stubborn and refuse to drop their leaves around the same time. We know fall is coming when the leaves of one certain tree turn red and proceed to all fall off before any others even think of changing color. It's hilarious to hear the boys refer to "the naked tree". Other trees don't ever lose their brown,...

So, it's time to "fall back" an hour again...time change is upon us. So, we are given this extra hour. What do we do with it? Most will sleep this hour away...some will watch the minutes tick by and wonder if it'll ever end, perhaps. Makes me think about the fact that one time each year, many of us get something we long for many days of our lives...more time. Spend it wisely. This weekend I had a chance to spend some time with my best friend from college and her son...aka: Baby J. Love having them come and visit...but always sad to see them go, too. Also had a chance to spend time with others singing in the rain today...that was fun. Gotta watch the "head back" verse while actually singing in the rain, however. :) Love you guys! Take time today and invest it in someone else...you never know what will happen.

Been thinking alot about what a Pastor said in a sermon not too long ago. Talking about the Holy Spirit and how one is able to discern how to make decisions according to how the Spirit leads us. Usually, it was brought out, that often one finds that it's a gentle nudge here and there throughout one's life that leads us exactly to the place of ministry where God wants us to be for His glory. We're nudged out of one place and into another, often without lightning bolts and sirens going off, directing the way. Sometimes I desire the lightning bolts and sirens...they would be helpful. :) Of course, even I know there are times when God makes it plainly clear how He desires us to move...but others, yeah, not so much. It's in those times, that I find myself in need of quietness so that I can hear how to choose the next step. Not quietness as in a total separation from everything around me, but quietness in that I'm diving into God's Word and spending adequate time in p...

Alex wanted a bowling birthday party this year, so we invited his friends to an afternoon of bowling on his birthday. Junction Lanes provided a great party....and I do mean provided - they did everything from set up to clean up. We even had our very own "Party Hero" at our service the entire two hours. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I know my two did. The pizza and ice cream cake came along with the party, too, and were good tasting to boot. Friends, fun, and food make for a great birthday party for a 7 year old. My life was blessed 7 years ago with my first little boy...and everyday since then I thank God for him and the joy he brings. Love you little man!

I do...two, to be exact! Alexander Henry and Timothy Steven are mine...and they are superheroes in my book. What qualifies one to be a superhero? Well, there are a number of things that come to mind, but for me it only takes a hug and a kiss followed by an "I love you." Pretty simple, isn't it? Who else can make me smile and be glad to wake up early every morning? They have a sweet way of waking up happy every morning. That to me is superhero stuff right there...my hero is a morning person. Period. And I have been blessed with two little ones who teach me how to get on with my day right from the start...with a good morning greeting to boot. They challenge me to start my morning off right..."Good morning, God!" is a common phrase you'll hear around our house. What other superhero qualifications do they hold? Consider with me, for a moment, unconditional love...endless admiration...and sincere loyalty. Yes, indeed, they exhibit those things everyday to me, th...

10.11.2009 I had a chance tonight to sit down and share with someone about my journey to Alaska. In doing so, I was able to remember myself some of the ways that God had moved to make that even possible in the first place. And, to remember how He spoke to my heart while there and moved in ways only possible of a God in control of all things. Simply amazing. Both times. I learned on my journey to Alaska that God allows us to have plans, but He is the true author and finisher of them. He makes things happen that we don't even think of...He lets us watch or sometimes take part to bless us. Blessings we sometimes do not deserve, but receive nonetheless. He also taught me along my journey to take myself out of the equation and let Him make it add up. He always does and gets it right...the first time. Along the way, some things changed...my perspective, my goals, my passion...and I'm so glad they did! God is doing something and it's bigger than me. But, He's allowing me to ta...

On Thursday, October 1st, I threw Anna a Tupperware Bridal Shower, inviting those from our Sunday school class and family members of Anna and Ken. Chrissy does a wonderful job hosting her Tupperware parties and made the night a great time for us all. Good food, great products, and wonderful friends...can't ask for anything more.

"I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." Psalm 119:145-148 Ask of the One who can answer. Hope in the One who is the Alpha and Omega. And expect to draw closer to the One who fulfills His promises.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Albert Einstein Questioning is one thing I don't think I'll ever stop doing. I've become quite an expert at questioning things...why? when? what? The list could go on and on. The important thing for me to remember to do along with all the questioning is to continue to learn, live and hope. Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind..."Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."...and even though I question alot of things, I know my answers are awaiting me someday. It might not be in the timeframe I'm thinking it should be, but the answers will come. And, I will understand...one day. Until then, I'm learning and living...hopefully. :)

This afternoon, I had a few minutes to myself and I picked up an old hymn book I have from my church in Indiana that I have out on the side table...most people have magazines, I have hymnals. (I think the old ones are pretty cool -the feel of the pages, the smell...antiques for sure one day). I was thumbing through it and humming along as I read the words on the pages until the title of a song I didn't know caught my eye. The song is called "Come Ye Apart" and no matter whether I ever hear it sung, the song will always be a special one to me from here on out. God used an old hymn to speak to His child's heart in a unique way and I am so glad He did. Before you judge a song by it's genre, make sure to read it first...it may just hold a message for your heart. "Come ye apart!" it is the Lord who calls us, and oh, what tenderness is in His tone! He bids us leave the busy world behind us and draw apart awhile with Him alone. Mid restless crowds with all thei...