Growing Up a PK

This Mother's Day I spent a lot of time reflecting for some reason. I don't know if it was because my heart was hurting for all those that had lost their Mother's this last year. Those that wanted to be Mother's but couldn't. I don't know. But, I spent a lot of time thinking about all the ladies in my life. As a Pastor's Kid you spend a lot of time growing up in the adult world. Where you have to mind your manners all the time, visit nursing homes, hospitals, shut in etc. As a kid I felt like this was a curse. I never understood why my Dad would MAKE me go. But, yesterday I spent a lot of time giving thanks for those times. I was given relationships with so many people from those times. As we lived in Artesia, Lubbock and Deer Park there have been MANY ladies that have played a huge roll in the person I am today. I am thankful for each on of them. I was blessed with a great mother, grandmother, and in-laws. But, I think God just knew it was going to take many to get me to where I am today. So, to those ladies. That taught my Sunday School classes, lead GA's spent time investing into my life thank you. There are so many...At times I think I will take my facebook down because of the time I spend there. Or un needed drama caused by it...but then I get a message from one of these ladies or see their picture that just reminds me that I am in charge of the drama I allow into my life and I just keep on enjoying all the messages and quotes from them. God is faith all the time. I was reminded by this yesterday. I NEVER dreamed I would be small town wife, with kids that raised animals and a husband that was in the farming business. But, as I told Susan (a sweet motherly lady) last night. I can't dream of living any other life. So, just like back in those days I thought it was so lame to go to the hospital with my Dad, to the nursing home and so on...I treasure those times more now than ever before.

Lord, I come to you now humbled for all the "unanswered" prayers. I remember as a teenager praying that you would NEVER allow me to be place in a "pastor" like home. But, God THANK YOU for choosing not to hear that prayer. Thank you for placing me in this life with these blessings from you with a Godly husband that leads each of us closer to you. Thank you for blessing my life with ladies from all over the world, Panama, Tiland, Lubbock, Deer Park, Artesia and further that have blessed me, taught me and molded me into the person I am today. Thank you for giving me such a great example of a mother in my own mother and Grandmother. God, I have learned so much about who you are and who I am suppose to be by these ladies. Thank you for that. Please allow me to be that person for these girls that are my kids age, the girls we have had in youth and so on. I so desire to share in their lives as many ladies have shared in mine. Thank you for loving me enough to tell me no, wait or just hold on my child...because the statement...the best is yet to come is so true. Amen!

Update on Aj

Here is a short update!

AJ is feeling pretty good. She is having some pain as they are "stretching" the skin but over all she is doing great. She is back at work and has been so blessed by such a wonderful, giving, loving company. That is for sure a God sent.

Aj would like to thank Karen Aton, Katie Lewis, and Mrs. Estep for your kindness and support. Aj and her family are still being blessed by so many wonderful people. Thank you all for your prayers as Aj is gaining strength each day, as she rejoins her everyday routines and as they continue in the process of reconstruction.

Thanks to all!

Looking Back At This Year

As this school year is coming to an end I am finding myself more and more reflecting on the past year. My kids have grown so very much and it just a great reminder about how every day counts and we should make the most of it. My children are not going to be little forever and things with them are ever changing. I was driving home from Plainview yesterday and it hit me like a ton of bricks that this is the last year Kalebh will come to the same school as Kaileigh and I. Now, most of you are laughing...thinking well yes that is how it works. But, for some reason it has really made me so sad. I love our talks on the way into school each day and seeing him before he leaves for classes and just randomly seeing him through out the day. And I am going to miss that. But, I am excited for him to start Jr. High and get to do school sports in 7th grade and have lunch at home and so on.

Kaileigh is growing and more and more she wants to do things on her own without help from anyone. It is fun watching them grow but kinda hard on a momma.

This school year has brought a lot of challenge to our family. We started out the school year finding out a few weeks into it that Aj and Cancer. Followed by the lose of Chad's sweet Grandmother in January. Then Aj's surgery. It has just brought about a lot of change and challenge for each of us. But, we have grown to trust God and each other that much more. I am so thankful for this small town we live it. People have been so great to ask about Aj, offer prayer and money. Such a blessing.

But, as I look over this school year I am reminded that God hears the cry of our hearts. My heart has cried out for many things this school year and he has heard every one of them. I am thankful for a Father that listens to the big things and the small.

Father, Thank you for being a God that listens, heals and helps. Thank you for loving us enough to send your only Son so that we might live this some times crazy but fun life. Thank you for loving me enough to lend me two of your most precious children as they are a gift from you. I love you Lord and I am so grateful for the good times as I am the hard time. It is in these hard times that I find myself listening to your voice more clearly. Thank you for all you have done.