Thoughts of the Day

This morning I had some thoughts running through my mind, so I felt the need to put them down.....


Recently, there was a challenge issued at our church regarding the topic of prayer, and it's been something that I've taken to heart.  The truth of the matter, it had been in my heart for quite some time before the sermon on prayer and the challenge, so it was kind of a confirmation of what I was already feeling. 


In dwelling on the topic, I had a "train" of thoughts that followed the topic and that is what flows freely through my thoughts this morning.....and if for no other reason, I write them that I may return and read them again for myself.  


I've recently read some of the writings of the great Smith Wigglesworth and it has challenged me beyond measure.  This particular quote on prayer follows along the lines of my thoughts (and is probably the trigger for them) so I'll include it.....


"Prayer is God working through us and from us, to pull out of heaven and into earth His desires, which He placed in us, and made alive and then activated by faith.  God and man, working together to get His will from heaven to earth, from the spirit to the physical." 


If you recall, God already knows our needs before we pray about them.....however, he says you have to ask before you receive.  


This morning while I was praying and thinking along these lines, two scriptures came to mind Psalm 37: 3-5....."trust in the Lord, and do good, so shall thou dwell in the Land and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."


Mark 11: 22-24...."Have faith in God...For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them. 


Now the second scripture is the words of Christ himself.  With promises like these.....I've sure got some pretty solid footing!!  A sure foundation!  I can pray my feeble prayers as much as I'd like, but when I begin to pray what God's word says, it changes everything.....I am prone to fail.....but God's word is sure and he keeps those promises - to those who will dare to believe and trust him!  And....I do believe I'll take Him at His word.....


So don't just pray.....pray believing.  In the meantime.....also remember Hebrews 10: 35-36...."Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."


See.....I told you it was a train......


Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances.  That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in His time, which is always the more convenient season.  God will work when He pleases, how He pleases, and by which means He pleases.  He is not bound to keep our time, but He will perform his word, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek Him........- Matthew Henry.  


Excuse me for a minute while I praise Him for his promises and His word.  He is ever forever faithful!!

New Blog Feature

I have added a blog component to Chaotic Lives that is a tribute to my dear little sis.  I've been working on this project for a couple days and hopefully by the time the sun goes down today, it will be in working order....


I'm sure many will not be interested in this feature, as it is a family heirloom.  There are things in life that are of not much value to others - but it's the memories that go along with it that make it priceless!  I'll not go into details about this feature...if interested, click on the links in the upper right under the title "Links for Laura" to hear some of the greatest music to influence our childhood!  I can still remember the big record player sitting next to the glass sliding doors in the back of the living room with the records / LP's stacked below that offered us most of the entertainment we enjoyed as kids....


The memories that this tribute offers is something I want Laura to be able to share with her two as I have shared with Addison.....These are not videos, by the way....only for listening.  They are private videos and the only link to them is found on my blog.  You are welcome to share with anyone you'd like, if you find something you want to share.....however, they are only available through the links.  No search will find them.  Also in case you care to listen, the first song skips for a couple seconds, but it gets better.  I'm surprised it's not worse as much as it was played!  


Happy Listening!  

"THE" Solo

Since distance separates from life's moments, I decided to capture one and allow you to see it for yourself.  This is Addison's first solo in church without her trusted little band of choir members she joins every Sunday night!  And the truth of the matter is, she actually thought they were going to be with her this time too.....she was tricked.....not by me tho.  I was nervous enough because I hadn't a clue what to expect!  Anyway, here goes.....

Comfort vs. Punishment - Didn't know that were THAT similar!!

A couple weeks ago, Addison was given the assignment to memorize the 23rd Psalm. It's due tomorrow.  In case you wondered....that's a bit lengthy, but she is doing quite well with it....or so I thought.  

Since it's due in the morning, I have been practicing it throughout the evening with her.  She's done great, and all of a sudden decided she wanted to recite it without my help at all.  I agreed to let her have at it!  I was so glad I did because it ended up being an unforgettable event!

With all the strength she could muster up, she took a deep breath and started her recitation with great confidence.  "The Lord is my Shepherd.....He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness......Yeah tho I walk through the valley......(here's where it gets good)....I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they PUNISH ME!" 

Have you ever felt punished by the rod vs. being comforted?  Just wondering if Mom and Aunt Lin were the only ones that felt that way!!  Just sayin.......  :-)  

Just couldn't resist telling about it!  

I Just Love Good Memories!

Anyone who knows me remotely, knows that I'm probably at the top of most of their lists when it comes to who is the most sentimental! Especially Jeremy....poor thing had never known the likes until he married me! It took some getting used to, but we're getting there!! LOL!!

Anyway, usually around PFYC time, I feel a little bit of my sentimental side grab ahold of me and jolt me to my core. It's especially easy to allow that to happen when someone bangs on your hotel door at the most in-opportune time...just to open it up to old friends and the kid you knew as a silly wide-eyed 2 year old standing before you all grown up and is, all of a sudden, one of the beautiful teenagers you ever did see. It's all a bit overwhelming. ...

Then you run into kids you used to babysit and now he and his little family are posing to take pictures with your own kid.........WOW~ am I really that old?!?! I guess so.....seems a bit impossible.

Then you run into your own childhood friends and your kids hit it off playing together as tho they were the ones who had been friends......you just have to love great memories.

Speaking of memories, I have some that I'm going to post shortly that will definitely bring back the memories. But, that'll be a couple days. I'm still putting that one together in my head. When it all comes together, I'll put it down permanently. I'm still "dwelling" on it.

Anyway, yesterday I spoke with a old friend (she's not old, by the way....just go WAY back!).....That was a great experience! There's nothing like touching base with not just acquaintances, but old friends! The memories for me are endless.... One thing I discovered and can appreciate in someone like her, boils down to the word that puts me up on my soapbox....Consistency! I cannot begin to express to you how wonderful it is to lose touch with someone for a period of a few years to relocate them and realize they were the same as when you had known them before. There's just too many that chase after the wind these days.....it's completely refreshing to see someone who's been steady as a rock. So, Missy, thank you for that! I'm sure we all have someone in our lives that fall into that consistent category that we are grateful we don't have to wonder what they're going to be like the next conversation!

A quote my dad used to say goes like this...."make a friend with a child, and you have a friend for life!" I'm proof....this is true!! I just love a good memory!!

The Trip to Visit the Grands

Just a few snapshots I caught on my phone.....as I forgot my camera at the hotel every stinkin' time!! These were a couple of my favorites. I was unable to capture one with Addison and Papa Ray. Oh well....maybe next time! We were able to visit Grandpa in the nursing home. He actually recognized me and remembered my name (which surprised me), but he hadn't a clue who Jeremy and Addison were. It was a riot of a visit! Many funny moments!

On Our Recent Trip to Space.....

....we were able to capture a couple pictures!! ;-)

It's About Time!

I guess after a near 9 month sabbatical, it's about time to resurface into the blogging world, heh? It seems that it's been just a few weeks ago that my little girl started school and here we are already at the end of the school year.....it's CRAZY!! I cannot believe it! Looking at the picture of almost 9 months ago, doesn't even look like her much any more! And before you know it, the next new school year will begin.....since we only have to do this 13 times, I'm projecting time will shoot by faster than I will or could appreciate! Jeremy keeps begging her to stay this size since she's so cuddle-able! However, the brick on the head trick hasn't worked so far, and I'm assuming no other tricks up the sleeve will work either!! It's kinda sad!

Anyway, we're enjoying the moments as much as possible. She's loving school and the growing experience, so I guess we might as well hitch on and enjoy the ride as much as we possibly can at this point - since options are pretty limited!!

I hope to post some recent pictures of some travels over the past couple of months! Our choir has had a few obligations, so the pics will be from those opportunities!

Hope everyone is well....as with us, I'm just assuming your life is as fast paced as ours!

She's Growing UP

My little girl is growing up! She started school today. I have never seen her more excited! She rambled non-stop all the way to the school today about how good she was going to be and what all she was going to learn today! I sure hope it meets her expectations, because she's got some pretty high ones! Here's a couple pictures of her first day of school. As the old saying goes, "she's happy as a coon-dog!"

The Newest Member of Our Family

This is a photo of the newest member of the Miles Family (although you can barely see him - he's in the top right hand corner of the tank). It's so peaceful and quiet. No getting up to take it outside to potty or anything else that goes along with pets that stay inside. Needless to say, the little talkative rascal that lives at my house already, thinks that we have handed her the moon with her new pet.

The truth is, it was an actual bribe game. In hopes to overcome her fears of standing in the front of the church to sing in the kid choir, we promised her a pet fish if she would go. She went and the moment she returned burst into tears......but she went.....and that was the goal. So now, she has a new pet beta fish named "Lightening." He's red with purple highlights on his sides and seems as happy to be in his new larger "cage" than in the little can he came in. This picture isn't great, but it's all I had. I'll have to get a better one soon.

Do You Remember Brother Claude?

My brother in law, Gregg, recently posted a post on his blog. I find it to be one of the most interesting and intriguing pieces I've read and heard in a while. What makes it so interesting is that it was actually recorded by NPR (National Public Radio) on the program "All Things Considered."

Since my reading audience consists of different readers than his blog, I wanted to share it as well. The entire piece takes approximately 13 minutes to listen to and is also written in a transcript - however - if listening is possible, the music is available to help give a more dramatic effect of the story.

I highly recommend that you read / listen to this piece. Because of the interest in the history of our faith - I find this very intriguing. Hopefully you will as well.

You can LISTEN HERE (click)

Easter Sunday

Here's Addison's favorite picture of herself. Taken Easter Sunday. She thought she was ALL that!!

Addison's First Go Cart Ride

GeoTagged, [N32.11090, E81.31345]

During our vacation, the kids got to ride go carts for the very first time. They loved it. Here's Addison buckled up looking half scared to death for the ride of her life! :)

Update.....

Well, it's been well over a month since I even opened up the blogger account - such a shame. It's been the craziest month......there's just so much that has happened, I'm not sure I can even tell it all.

To give you an update on our lives, here's what's happening.....

The first week of April, the choir was invited to sing again at the Pentecostal Youth Fire Conference. We went - and it was amazing. It's always great, but I thought this year was really awesome. The "classes" of the days were spent exploring the fundamental beliefs of the independent Pentecostal church and explaining why we believe what we believe. It was some great teaching.

In the middle of the month of April, Mama and Papa decided that for the moment they wanted to move back to their house in Sevierville - so that has been a great choice in our opinion. Mom has worked herself to no end to make that happen. After moving to Sevierville, they decided to take a little vacation to Atlanta with Mama's sister and the last I checked, they were still on "vacation" there. They seem to be having a ball. I saw them last Saturday along with my aunt and her son and Mama and Papa look happier and healthier than I have seen them in quite a few years. That's a nice change.

The week of the 24th (my anniversary) we took a trip up to the mountains with Jeremy's family. That turned out to be a great vacation. We had a blast with three eager little beavers who could hardly sleep because the next morning usually promised Dollywood! They had a blast. And by the end of the week - we were all completely and utterly exhausted. I really felt I needed another week of vacation to recover from that week. I think I'm still recovering! lol

While we were there, we stayed up on one of the highest mountains and Jeremy and his brave soul stayed out on the balcony a good portion of the night to watch the horrific storms that destroyed some areas around the Knoxville area come through. One evening before heading out to eat with his family, he called me out to show me the "wall cloud" that was forming into the tornado that would flatten the high school and destroy quite a bit of property in the nearby town of Newport - approximately 20 miles away from where we were staying. I was definitely thankful for the protection during that week. We were very blessed during our stay to not experience the most horrific parts of that storm. This particular night we had made a promise to the kids and with very watchful eyes, we kept that promise for a little bit of entertainment for them - and during our outing - we were evacuated to a safe block gym to be protected from a tornado that was approximately 5 miles away. We joked that of all the pleasant things they got to do on vacation - this particular evening of evacuation - sitting in a row next to a stable block wall on our laps - half scared out of their minds, would be the vacation moment that would dominate their memories. To be honest, they weren't alone. When we talk about vacation now, usually the biggest thing we talk about is the storms....

Anyway.....it's been a crazy ride the last month and now - as always - I'm so ready for life to slow down. Somehow I don't think that's going to happen. The next month promises to be just as busy as the last one was.

Hope everyone is well.......just wanted to drop by and say hello to everyone. Between the floods and storms that have occurred everywhere in the last few weeks, as far as I know, everyone that reads this has been pretty safe. For that I am grateful. Don't forget to count your blessing because there are a bunch of homeless and hurting people right now who need our prayers and our thoughts.

The Grandkids

Laura sent me a couple snapshots from Saturday night, which she took with her phone. For those of the family who take a gander - please take note.....I cannot recall anywhere in history where a child looked so much like her mother as dear Abby does!! Do you not agree?? You can just see the mischief in her eyes!

Mama and Papa seem to be doing well. I talked to Mama yesterday evening and she says that she and Abby had a "ball" yesterday. Abby fixed her hair and everything else Mama did, she wanted to be involved in. I hear that Abby is very dramatic with her tales......and I know exactly where she gets that from.

Papa, Dad, and Zach took a fishing trip yesterday after school as well. I haven't heard reports first hand on that, but what's not to enjoy.......well, maybe other than the cow pile that Zach stepped in. I only know about that because they were attempting to figure out how to deal with it on the shoe when the conversation ended. lol

Update from the South

I talked with Mom, Laura, and Mama this morning. Everyone is doing well. Mama spent the evening yesterday, reading books to Zach and Abby, while Papa spent his evening attempting to gain Abby's confidence. I hear that at the last minute, Abby decided to give Papa a goodbye hug.....

Papa and Dad have spent the morning outside pruning trees - Dad working while Papa directed. Mama and Mom were sitting on the front porch enjoying 70 degree weather a little while ago.

Everyone seems happy.....Papa has even mentioned selling the farm this morning. So, hopefully that will come to fruition.....sooner than later.

Mama has a doctor's appointment on Monday the 21st with a GI specialist that Laura used to work with. We are happy about this.

Right now, plans on what to do from here are going to be taken a day at the time....Mom keeps saying that Mama has to decide whether she likes her well enough to stay or not. lol

Laura and I keep reinterating the fact to Mama that having her here makes it so much easier for us because we know Mom isn't half the United States away worrying. Hopefully they will like the south enough that they want to stay forever! That would be a prayer answered.

Her Mother's Child

On Wednesday night, Addison was invited to her first slumber party - scheduled for Friday night. She was beside herself excited. The truth of the matter of is, the only clue she has about a slumber party is what knowledge she has gleaned from the Berenstain Bear's version of slumber parties. She smiles at the mention of them and has visions of the pictures of feathers flying everywhere with pillow fights and popcorn strewn all over the floor! That's the extent of her knowledge of a slumber party.

Anyway for the past 3 days, that's all she's talked about. As a matter of fact, she sat straight up in the bed on Friday morning with her eyes half closed and said, "I'm supposed to be at a slumber party!" I reminded her that was not until later in the day. She smiled, said "OK," and snuggled back into her pillow and passed back out for another hour and a half.

After she finally crawled out of bed, she was full speed ahead, trying to figure what needed to packed, and everything else there is to think about......

En Route to drop her off, she asked me the question....."Mommy, do you like slumber parties?" I was instantly taken back to my memories of slumber parties and had a very ready answer of "absolutely not - truth is - I hate them?" She replied with, "oh, I LOVE slumber parties!" I just smiled knowing that she hadn't a clue what she was in for. I especially knew that she didn't have a clue when she became completely and literally speechless when she walked into the meeting place and there was complete chaos and yelling and screaming going on by approximately 9 other little girls. She slid to the side of the wall and crawled up on the lap of an older girl and just sat watching wide-eyed, not sure if she wanted in on this or not.

I finally left and became instantly interested to see if her view of slumber parties had changed yet when I would pick her up the next morning. As I drove home, I began to recall the actual ONLY slumber party I ever went to. I fell asleep at 10 p.m. of complete exhaustion and was awakened multiple times during the night from noise and would be prank players. It was the most MISERABLE night of my life. I seriously vowed I'd never attend another.....and I didn't. Those reasons are also the same reasons that I absolutely hated every youth camp I ever attended. I try to be a pleasant personality most of the time, but when I am sleep -deprived, it is not going to be good!! I MUST have sleep - or else........!! lol

So.....I picked Addison up this morning. According to the present adult who hosted the party - God love her, she's a better one than me - she said they settled down at approximately 12:30 am this morning. I picked Addison back up at 10 just as I had planned.

I knew the minute I picked her up, it was going to be an interesting. She didn't speak, was in no wise pleasant - and only wanted to be put in her car seat with her pillow. Knowing that life would be no good if I didn't oblige, I gave in. On the way home, I ran into Wal-Mart. She cried......she was sleepy. So, I just put her sleeping bag in the bottom of the buggy with a little pillow she had carried with her and I was no more in the door and she was out cold! I picked up my few little things, headed out and picked her up like a lead balloon and put her in the car seat. She adjusted her pillow a little, and was out again. Less than 10 minutes later, I transferred her to my bed....again like a lead balloon. It's 12:40 p.m. in the afternoon on Saturday and she has yet to open her eyes.........She's been asleep almost 3 hours.

And I have yet to hear an opinion on slumber parties..........LOL

They Have Arrived

I don't have any details...as everyone is too caught up in the bustle to update me. Bitter...party of one! Lol.

Anyway, Mom, Mama, and Papa have arrived at home in Millry. From updates during the trip, it appears that it was a good one.

I'll let you know what I hear next. If anyone wants to join in and add information that I leave out, please feel free to share. I'll be more than thrilled.

Until later....

To Make You Smile

I shared this with my Aunt Linda this morning and she recommended that I share it with the rest of you to make you smile!

Her Favorite Game

Being that "Mama GG" was the topic of the last post, I thought I'd post it in her honor. For those who know her, you know that this is something that she loves! I think she slept with a fly swatter in her hands at times. lol

GG in the name is representative of great-grandmother - in case you are curious. Mama came up with it when Zach came to see her at one point.

Another Page Turned

Yesterday I was reminded that my blog would soon be "hot" again.... And she don't know just how right she is......

So, here we go.....it's been a crazy month and a half since I wrote anything, and every time I think about getting on to write, I think of something else more important I need to be doing. I can still come up with a list, but life is changing soon for all of us, hopefully, and maybe will cause the uprisings in our personal lives to all calm down.

When chaos is happening in the lives of my immediate family members, it affects me and my ability to concentrate well, and to be flat out honest, I don't have a great recollection of what all has transpired in the last few months....I just know it's been chaotic. Between the effects of every "blooming" thing (literally) there is in Georgia, and the chaos surrounding the dramatic lives of my mom's parents, it's just too much to think on. :-)

So, I'll start at the easiest point there is to bring us up to speed as quickly as possible. As most of you know, Mom has spent many weeks of the past year in Ohio seeing to the tending of her parents. Her siblings have offered her great moral and mental support and as much physical support as possible....and for this Dad, Laura and I are grateful. It's not been our favorite moments in life knowing she was up there with no surrounding support - because of the location of where my grandparents live. It has taken a little over a year.....as a matter of fact it's been since August of 2009....but after multiple uprisings, differing opinions, multiple medical events, Mom has finally insisted that my grandparents come south with her. They are not totally prepared mentally to give up their lives in Ohio just yet, but we're hoping to change that in the next few weeks. And then there's the subject of what to do with Ohio, but that's another subject for another moment!

At the present moment, we are hoping to find a place where Mama and Papa can be completely supported in every way, yet continue to maintain their independence for as long as possible, while everyone around them gets to continue to be active in the lives of their family and friends and continue with their obligations of life. We are looking into some exciting possibilities and this is where we will keep the blog "hot" with updates and hopefully a few pictures in the process of the progress. But first we have to convince them that this is what will be the best for them and give them a quality to their lives that they have been missing for quite some time.

So, at the moment, Mom and her two followers are enroute to the sticks of Red Creek and all it promises for them. Hopefully it holds great promise. And I am hoping that tomorrow offers even MORE promise. I know Zach and Abby will be tickled pink to have someone around that has nothing better to do than watch all of their little bicycle tricks and silly antics.....and Addison is itching to get in on the fun. I can just hear it now, "Hey Mama GG - watch me!" "Hey Papa Way (that's Abby and Addison) - watch this!" It just makes me smile thinking of their little eyes lighting up with excitement at the constant attention.

So, our journey goes from here.....hopefully it will be a better journey than anyone even anticipates. Whatever happens, I promise to keep you updated! As one of my favorite artists (Annie Chapman) would sing......."the pages turn, and the chapters close.....line by line, the story goes.....how quick it reads....as the candle burns.....the years go by and the pages turn......"

What's MY attitude today??

SCULPTOR'S ATTITUDE
- Author Unknown

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new
relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a GREAT DAY! Unless you have other plans.

A New Day by Dr. Heartsill Wilson

This is the beginning of a new day.

I have been given this day to use as I will.

I can waste it, or use it.

I can make it a day long to be remembered for its joy, its beauty and its achievements, or it can be filled with pettiness.

What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, but I shall hold something which I have
traded for it.

It may be no more than a memory, but if it is a worthy one I shall not regret the price.

I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil, success not failure.

Life Is......by Mother Theresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Success

For many years, I have had a square magnet hanging on my refrigerator. It serves as a reminder to me that the small things count. It contains a quote from the literary author, Ralph Waldo Emerson. I would have to say this is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Sometimes we get so caught up in the big stuff, we forget about the small things. And I'm at the top of the list of the guilty. Every time I walk past my refrigerator and read this, I smile because it reminds me of all the small things that I really love!

Success:

"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.This is to have succeeded."