The Olive Tree

I have been reading through Psalms this week and have found so much comfort in the words of David. David, a man who truly had a love relationship with the Father. Oh how I too want more of that! Not just to read his word and to pray to him, but to be crazy in love with my Lord.

In Psalm 52:8 David refers to himself as an olive tree. His comparison was to the strength and fruitfulness of the olive tree and how God was it's source. There is no true strength without God. We will only bear fruit if we have a relationship with him through Christ. Just as an olive tree is beautiful, so will be the fruits shown in our lives through serving him.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;

I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever;

I will praise you forever for what you have done;

in your name I will hope, for your name is good.

I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Psalm 52:8-9

Blessing to all,

Another Day at the Beach

Here we are at the beach! Leaving here for date night and a trip to my favorite restaurant Mikee's Seafood. It was wonderful as usual.

This is Kaleb and Brandon digging...



and digging. I think they were looking for China.


The were upset later in the day to see other kids playing in their hole and very disappointed when I told them that the tide would come in tonight and remove all their hard work.

We are having a great time. Hope to have more pics before we leave. Sure wish my the girls and Adam were here too. I miss them a lot.

Blessings to all,

Retreat at the Beach

Vacation! Oh how I love the word and the reality of it! We have been at Orange Beach since Saturday afternoon. There is no vacation I love more than being at the beach. God's power and awesomeness is so obvious here. I could sit all day and watch the ocean waves crashing on the shore.

I have left the condo property only twice. Once to eat out and one trip to the store. We aren't running all over town, just enjoying the beach and the water. I got too much sun the first day and stayed in and read yesterday. I was perfectly ok with that! As long as I can see the ocean I'm okay!

The porpoise are abundant, like I've never seen before. They have been jumping out of the water and really putting on a show. I have been going to the beach most of my life and have never seen them play like they have this week.

My father-in-law has led us in devotion every morning and it has been really special. Kaleb and his friend Brandon have been a big part in reading scripture and praying. I am thankful to have family that loves God!

Pictures. Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.

Blessing to all

Better Late Than Never

Sorry if you hate cliches, but this is really the best title for this post. As much as I love my new job I am still struggling with the change in schedule, which is crazy since it's such a great schedule. Go figure! I suppose it will all work out eventually.

Okay, to the post. Amanda, the youngest of the two most wonderful daughters in the world ( sorry ladies but my daughters totally rock and are the best LOL) had her 20th birthday on July 3rd. I can't believe it. I remember when I was pregnant with her, so many people were so sure I would have a boy. I knew better. No I didn't have an ultra sound with her, but in my heart I knew I would be blessed with another girl. She was a momma's girl from the start and is still.

We did some shopping on her birthday and celebrated with Eric's family on the fourth. We enjoyed the cake she made for herself. It was unbelievable. An Alabama football helmet. See for yourself at www.thedessertfairy.blogspot.com. I bet she will get some orders for that during football season.

So here is a BIG but belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my daughter Amanda Leanne. I love you!!

Blessings to all,

No I've Not Fallen of the End of the Earth!!

I'm sure many of you are tired of checking my blog only to find the very long ago written post. I can't believe it has been almost a month. Well I've never been real good at change, so when it shows itself in my life, I tend to struggle a while trying to adjust.

I started my new job at the Health Department on June 8th and I love it. I will be in training for a few more weeks. Although I've been a nurse for 10 years, the states charting and coding is so much different than anything I've ever done. They have a long orientation and I am thankful for that.

Bible School was also the same week I started work and as you can imagine my mind and body were exhausted by Friday. Amanda and I taught missions, which is what we love, and enjoyed it so much. Of course there were those very undisciplined children that we struggled with. I always said, " If I can make my children mind, why can't everyone else." Amanda was raised to mind and she also expects that from children. Well, sometimes you just have to suck it up and bear it.

This is just a catch up. I promise I will be back on a more routine basis again. I've missed this crazy form of communication we call Blogging!

Blessing to all,

The Dessert Fairy..."Crafty Fairy"

My girls have always amazed me with their craftiness. Christina has always been so neat and a perfectionist at whatever she does. She has a great knack for scrap booking and I hope she finds time soon to start back.

Amanda has tried to make something from almost nothing all her life. She was one of those kids who always wanted to invent something and always wanted to make money selling some little dooflachie she had made.

Well now she is at it again. Amanda is making the cutest gift tags and planning on other items such as cards and invitations. Check out her button to the left and you can see some of what she has on hand now.

If you would like to add Amanda's button to your blog leave a comment on her blog and she will email you the information.

Have a great June 1st and enjoy another beautiful day!

Blessings to all,

The End is Only the Beginning

While watching television last weekend, I briefly caught a commercial for one of those reality TV shows. What caught my attention was the statement of a contestant. She said, " The end is only the beginning." Now I don't have a clue what she was talking about, but I instantly thought of our life as a Christian.

We have been given so many wonderful blessings and promises from our loving Father. Knowing that the end of our life here only leads to the beginning of our life with Jesus forever almost makes my heart burst.

We have hope for so many things in our lives. We have hope for heeling's, hope for opportunities, and hope for new beginnings. The hope of an eternity with Christ is the best of all. Even if we may suffer on this earth, we find comfort in our hope for the future.

The end is only the beginning!! Thank you Lord!!


For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

The Verdict !!

The verdict is in and God has chosen for me....... Job # 1. Yeah!! I am so excited. This is the RN position at the health dept in our neighboring town. It will be about a 35 min drive, which is less than I have driven in years. Get this..... 8-4:30, no weekends, no holidays, and we get off for some of those federal holidays like the school system and post office.

I am so ready to go back to nursing and so glad it's not in the hospital. Working here at XMC has been a privilege and a real blessing. It has been fun to see how the Xerox world and my husband work. Being able to do Bible study in the mornings when I first get here has been great and one of the privileges of working for a manager who loves God.

While I won't be able to do bible study at the health department, I will have another Christian manager. Sherri goes to church with me and has become a good friend. She is our Judith and Sharlyn. LOL LOL She can keep those kids in line. ( You'll have to be one of my homies to understand that one.)

Waiting has never been one of my best qualities. I usually jump into things out of excitement. That's my Sanguine personality! This time I can say that I truly waited. I wanted God to handle things and not me. He knows what is best for me!

"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10

Talking to God

In my devotion this morning the author told the story of a boy who came home from college after his first semester. His mom asked, "Why have you not written or called us since you've been gone?" He replied," I haven't had time." His mother then said, "Then you are too busy."

Is that the way it is with our prayer life? Does God tell us if we can't find time to pray then we are too busy?

Just like this mother missed and desired to communicate with her son, God desires to communicate with us. Isn't it awesome ,that the God who created the universe, wants to talk with us and misses us when we don't pray.

Thank you Father for loving me and desiring communication with me. Help me to come to you with love and praises and not just an agenda of needs.

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Job Interview #2

I interviewed for another job today. This one is also with the health dept and is a state job. It is for a TB coordinator position. If I get this position I would be the coordinator for 6 counties. My office would be in my town. It is very interesting and I think I would like the challenge. I Should know something next week.

The other position is still out there. They are waiting for the state to process the other nurse from a county to state position.

I guess I will just keep praying, keep interviewing until God picks the right one for me.

Blessings to all,

Surgery

Eric's mom had to have surgery on her ankle this morning. When she followed up with the orthopaedic yesterday, he discovered that the break was bigger than they originally thought and would have to put in 2 screws. He did that this morning and it went well. She was really slow to wake up, but we knew to expect that with her.

Eric's dad is much better today. He is still having some difficulty with the cracked ribs but seems to feel a lot better.

We were so excited when we went back to Pre-Op to see Liz before surgery. Dr Thomas said he didn't like to go into surgery without praying. He led us all in pray. It was awesome. It made us all feel better.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the mercy and protection you have shown us this weekend. Thank you for Christian doctors who are not afraid to lift their patients up to you. Amen

A Scary Day and Crazy Weekend

Eric called me Friday at 2:15 and told me to get home (from Nashville). His mom and dad had been injured in a wreck while traveling through Tuscaloosa. His mom had called him from the car. All she could tell him was that she was hurt and his dad was bleeding bad.

We rushed home, threw some clothes in a suit case and left. There is no fast way to get there. We knew it would take several hours and it felt like an eternity knowing that we needed to be there and couldn't. Thankfully Eric's aunt lives in Cullman and was able to get there in about an hour and a half. They kept us posted as we traveled.

Liz has a broken ankle and a cracked sternum. She is in a lot of pain and it is very difficult for her to move because of the sternum. She is of course very sore all over. Kurt bit his tongue very bad and had to have it sutured. Thankfully that's where all the blood was coming from. The tongue is very vascular and bleeds like crazy. He has a cracked rib which is very painful and also is sore all over.

After two nights in the hospital we were able to get them back home last night. We had to get a hospital bed and wheel chair for Liz. Normally they would have taught her how to use crutches before living the hospital but because of the cracked sternum she can't use her upper body. It's going to be a very long recovery for her. This woman is almost 68 but looks much much younger and acts my age. She will be stir crazy in a couple of days. Kurt is an ER doc and is determined to be back at work for his shift on Thursday. We are worried about that. He works in Mississippi and has Liz to drive him back in forth. He gets sleepy very easily and we're not comfortable with him driving that far by himself. We have a lot to figure out. Eric's uncle, aunt, and grandmother are with them some this week and eventually I will be out of work some to stay with his mom.

We are so thankful to God that there are not injured worse. They usually drive their Toyota Avalon but the tires needed to be balanced. Thank God!! Instead they drove the Nissan Armada which is very big and very tough and it will surely be totalled. They would have been hurt a lot worse in that car.

Please keep them in your prayers as they recover.

Blessings,

Prayers of Praise

Father I approach your throne with praises! You are so worthy of more praise than I could ever give, but please accept what I am able to give and know that it is given in love and adoration for you.

You are the one true God. The creator of all and all that is good. You love like no other can. You sacrificed more than anyone could. Your love is boundless and your strength is mighty.

You made it possible for me to love even when I'm not loved. Your strong arms embrace me and provide comfort when I am hurting. Your wisdom is never ending and I desire to hold to it and live by it.

Thank you Father for who you are and all you have done and all you will do.

Interview Update

My interview on Wednesday went very well. Thanks to the prayers I was calm and felt a sense of confidence. For someone who is normally a very anxious person under pressure, it was pretty amazing.

The clinic has nurses whom are hired by the state and some hired by the county. The job itself is exactly the same, same pay only the state benefits are a little better. I was interviewing for the vacant state position.

I received a call from the hiring manager that night. She told me she had intended on hiring me, but that a nurse their in a county position decided she wanted the state one. Since she is internal they have to give it to her.

The good news is that now her county position is available. They will have to post the position and then interview again. I will not have to actually go for another interview. So if it's God's will I will get the county position.

I've done what I feel is my part and now it is up to God. I am thankful that I can leave it there and be at peace with it.

Blessings,

A New Job if it be God's Will

Let me start today by catching some of you up on my recent career changes and introducing them to some of my new friends.

I was very blessed ten years ago to receive a degree in nursing. I worked Labor and Delivery for a few years then went to Postpartum and Nursery with occasional shifts in L&D to help out. In September of 2006 I accepted a management position in L&D, not knowing that a few months later I would meet Eric and relocate.

I loved working as a nurse especially in the OB field. Management was quite an eye opener and a 24 hrs job. I don't know that I would do it again but I'm thankful for the great experience I received from it.

I moved to a Nashville hospital when we married. It was very similar to the unit I had worked on for years in Chattanooga. I became more and more unsettled in this job and was experiencing a lot of anxiety and panic attacks. This led to my decision to leave the hospital.

Before leaving I began online classes and soon received my state insurance license. It was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. The relief of not going to the hospital was amazing. Just after the first of the year when the economy worsened it became obvious that nobody was buying insurance.

In February I received a call from Eric saying that their Administrative Assistant had quit without a notice. My wheels were turning and I told him I would do it. Now I am no Administrative Assistant and I made that clear, but I can answer phones and do some computer work. His manager said be here after lunch and so I was. It was supposed to be for 2 weeks and well 10 weeks later I'm still here.

I believe with all my heart God placed me here. I have had the opportunity to work for a Christian man who delights in the fact that I do my Bible reading as soon as I get to work. I am also thankful that I have had that opportunity.

Now to get to the point. (I know it took a while) Tomorrow I have an interview at a local health department. It would be a great job with really good benefits and of course they are closed for every holiday and no weekends.

Please pray for me tomorrow at 10am as I interview. Please pray that I will get this job if it is God's will. I have tried too many times to do things in my will and I want this if it is in his will.
If it doesn't happen then I know for now I can continue doing what I'm doing .

Thank you for praying for me!

This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Happy Birthday Hayden!!

I can't believe Hayden Tilley is 14 years old today. I remember being at the hospital waiting on him to be born and thinking he would never get here. Sure enough the doc had to go get him.

We loved the little crazy haired fat baby boy. He was almost 10 lbs which is so funny if you know him now. One of my favorite memories is when he was laying on the changing table and almost pee'd (or may have no one knows for sure) in his paw paw's coffee cup. Of course the funniest was the look on his paw paw's face as he looked in his cup and then went to pour it out!

Hayden has entertained us often over the years, mostly with his preaching. He would stand on the hearth at his maw maw's house and preach away! The best of all is when we were at the lake house and he was outside preaching to Lillie:

Leslie: Lillie come on we've got to go.
Hayden: (preaching, never stopped his sermon, look at Leslie and said) She ain't going with ya "praise God". ..

...and went right back to preaching! It is one of the many things I wish we would have had on video. Unfortunately Hayden never would let us film the preaching.

He has grown up to be such a sweet guy. We praised God for his salvation only a short time ago and we know God will someday use his talents.

Hayden loves sports, hunting, and music and is good at them all. He is very gifted.

Hayden, I love you and I am very proud of you. Continue to follow God in all you do and always put him first.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Le-Le

Sister Where Art Thou???

Where oh where are you tonight? Why have you left me here all alone?
I searched the world over and thought I found true love, you met another
and (tongue thing) then you were gone!!

Okay if you didn't grow up on Hee Haw you will not understand the whole "tongue thing"

Where are all my long lost blogging sisters. I'm missing everybody!

Healing Words for the Depressed Soul

*We say, "it impossible, there's no way, I'm not equipped."
God says, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

*We say, "I'm too tired."
God says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28

*We say, "Nobody really loves me."
God says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

*We say, "I can't go on."
God says, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9

*We say, " I can't forgive myself."
God says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

*We say, "I feel all alone."
God says, "...never will I leave you: never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5


Depression is a terrible thing. It affects millions of Americans. It is so misunderstood by anyone who has never experienced it. The worst thing for me is when I am ask, " why are you depressed." You see the worst thing about being depressed is not having a reason.

When tragedy happens, depression is expected. But when your family is healthy and you are loved by your family and friends you should be happy. Right?

I have dealt with depression for many years. Thankfully it comes and goes and I now I have a lot more time without it than with it.

My heart goes out to anyone who suffers with this most misunderstood condition. It can be very debilitating and cause a lot trouble in one's personal life. I am however, thankful that I have a God who understands it and will love me through it. He has provided for me a great number of instructions in his word that gives me hope of overcoming each episode. I know it may never go away for good, but I do know that I won't go through it alone. God has promised me that!!

Thank you Father for your love, your strength, and your support!!

This post is dedicated to a very sweet lady at my church who is really suffering from depression.

Blessing to all,

Chemotherapy

Not long ago Donna Giles (new friend at church) was diagnosed with breast cancer. Last month she had a double Mastectomy and reconstruction. Today Donna takes her first chemotherapy treatment. Donna is a beautiful women with two teenagers. She is a wife,dedicated church member and believer. I know she must be very nervous about the treatment. Please remember her in your prayers today.

Lord I lift Donna up to you today. I pray she can feel your arms around her today as she takes her first chemo treatment. Father we know that you are in control of all things and for whatever reason you have allowed this, we pray that you will receive the glory.

Thank you for your prayers!

The Crown

I don't watch the news, except for the weather of course. Because of this fact I'm always way behind on issues others are discussing. (I get most of my current events from my sweet friend Deedra at Down on the Farm lol)

I've been hearing about this "Miss California" thing, so today I googled it and watched the now famous "question / answer".

All I can say is that girl may have lost the Miss USA crown, but there will be a more important crown waiting on her in Heaven!

I know the liberal world hates it, but I am glad to see that God and the good morals of his people got national coverage.

May someone make a change or have a new opinion because of her bold statement!!!

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22

Blessings,

Highway Entertainment

One of my favorite past times (while being chauffeured by my sweet husband) is reading church signs and bumper stickers. They can be very entertaining, educational, and yes sometimes just down right cheesy.

Some church signs have cute little sayings that will catch your eye or perhaps find you pondering it for meaning. While they are meant to stir your thoughts, I find that just giving the simple truth of scripture will suffice. I mean how much more clear is:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Or how about:

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

I'm quite sure I have never had a bumper sticker on one of my vehicles. I really don't like having things plastered on my car. I do, however, reap the benifits of those who decorate their car with them. Some are so funny that I laugh tears. There are a few on occasion which cause my claws to come out and I find myself wanting to scratch the thing off the car. ( sorry for the road rage)

My very favorite is:

Warning in case of the rapture, this vehicle will be unoccupied!!

Look out folks! My old ( and getting older) white Altima will be on its own and the last time I checked it doesn't have auto pilot! As for me I will be taken up with Jesus! Praise God!

Blessings,

The Window View

The view from the window is beautiful. The sun shines on what is now a land of vibrant color. The birds fly by and the squirrels jump along the ground giving more evidence of the season. Cars are in their usual rush and occasional walkers can be spotted enjoying their stroll through a park or down a sidewalk.

There are also faces, many faces. There is the woman who looks tired from whatever controls her time and the man who appears in a hurry to meet a deadline. A teen can be seen driving too fast and an elderly one who obviously needs a hand. Then there is a man, soiled and mismatched, holding a sign that pleas for help. Faces of joy, faces of pain, faces of grief and stress; if we take notice they can be seen all around.

The window has another view. This is the one that looks inside of you. What do the people around you see?

Is it Jesus that appears when they look in you? Do they see love and joy and gratitude? Is it there but sometimes hard to view, because of something that is bothering you. Whatever it is, give it to God, so that others will see him, too.


Lord help me to keep the window of my heart clean, so the others may have a clear view to see you.

Blessing to all,

Helping Others

Good Friday was a scary day for many in the southeast. Tornadoes ripped through the south leaving much devastation. I have always been so afraid of tornadoes. The older I get the more afraid I am.

Murfreesboro, Tn was hit very hard. Many homes and businesses destroyed. Many injuries and 2 deaths, a mother and 9 week old daughter. The surviving husband and father is in the hospital with a broken back.

A very sweet father/ son team who work with us are very blessed to be here today. There neighborhood was almost completely wiped out. Of the seven houses they have closest to them, five are being completely bull dozed down. The mother and child lost were a street behind them.

Thankfully they had no injuries. There house had some damage, but repairable. They lost almost all the trees in their yard and the son's truck was totalled.

The father told me today of the amazing generosity of volunteers who were there to help. Well known restaurants brought food to feed the residents and volunteers during their long days of cleanup.

Though it is hard to face destruction in our lives, it is always wonderful to see the outpouring of love and caring that others provide.

We never know what might come our way tomorrow. We may be a friend to one in need or we may need a friend. Thank you Lord for the kindness of others and for your love that we see in those who lend a hand.

Blessing to all,

What Day is it?

Today is Friday, right? No wait today is Thursday. But I thought tomorrow was Saturday. I don't have to work tomorrow so isn't it Saturday.

I have been so confused all day. Knowing I don't have to come back to work tomorrow makes me continually think it is Friday.

Well whatever day it is, I am thankful to have 3 days off. There is much to do and many miles to travel. We will get Kaleb tomorrow instead of picking him up on Saturday like the normal routine. Of course that means I will think tomorrow is Saturday when it is really just Friday!

Wow, we really get so set in our routine and something like a day off can really throw us for a loop!

Kaleb has his jamboree Saturday and I have some cooking to do for Sunday. After church Sunday we will make the 2 hrs trip back home to visit with the family for several hours before making the return 2 hr trip. Oh I get so tired, but it is worth every bit of it. I miss Christina, Adam and momma so much. I am excited to be having our annual Easter lunch at my Aunt Bobbie's house. I can't wait to see my cousins, and oh yeah, pinch Leslie really hard. LOL LOL

I wish you all a blessed Easter. Enjoy worshipping and praising our Risen Savior!

Blindness

It is dark, extreme darkness. At least that is what they tell me. I having nothing to compare. I don't know what light is like. They say it is very bright, but then I don't understand bright either......

I was trying this morning to imagine what it would be like to be completely blind. I have been in complete darkness before, but I knew it was darkness and I knew what to expect when it was over. I have never before really thought about the fact that a blind person can't imagine what light and brightness are like.

As a sinner we live in darkness. However, we only realize the darkness when God calls us to see the light. When we realize our sin and our need for a Savior, it is then we begin to see the light.

As the light gets brighter, the former darkness becomes more apparent. With each comparison we become more thankful for the light.

As I reflect on the darkness of my past, I am more than ever thankful for the present light.
I was blind but now I see. I was dead but now I live.

Thank you Father, you are the light of this world. You are the great physician and healer. You provid food for the hungry soul. You are awesome God!

".... one thing I do know, I was blind but now I see!" John 9:25

Blessing to all,

The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

This morning on our way to work we heard an advertisement for a local "community" church. The pastor stated, "when you leave our service we want you to feel good." I looked at my husband and said, "They must not be preaching sin at that church."

I know I touched on a similar topic a few weeks ago, but it just amazes me at the number of so called Christian Churches who preach the Bible the way they want to or should I say "don't preach the Bible."

Another popular thing being preached from many pulpits is the possibility of there being more than one way to enter heaven. Give me a break! You either believe the Bible or you don't. The Bible is not the J C Penny Catalog. You don't just look in it and pick out what you want in your favorite color and your own size.

As my Pastor so passionately preached Sunday, there is only one way to enter heaven and that is by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. It is so sad and scary to think of the great number of people who think they are ok and are going to heaven.

Back to feeling good after church. When you are a child of God you can't help but feel good after worshipping with fellow believers. But sometimes God reveals sin in our lives and that never feels good until you confess that sin and receive forgiveness.

I am so thankful for a Pastor who preaches the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

Thank you Bro. Paul!!

Jesus answered, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Taylor

Yesterday would have been Taylor's 20th birthday. It is still so hard to believe that he is not with us anymore. I still find myself looking for him at family events. There will always be a void there.

I loved Taylor like my own. In reality he was my third cousin, but because our family is so close and Leslie is like a sister to me, he was more like a nephew.

I loved playing golf with Taylor. He would get so mad because I could putt better than he could.

Its was always a lot of fun anytime Taylor was around. Taylor loved my Chess Bars and always ask me to make some. I haven't made them anymore. Just doesn't seem right for him not to be here to eat them.

My girls loved him like a brother. He was only 3 months older that Amanda and they really grew up together. We have some great home videos of them all when they were little.

That smile!! Taylor had the greatest smile. It was huge even when he was a baby. He literally grew into his mouth.

We talk about Taylor at any family get together. There are always sad tears for a moment as we miss him, then comes the laughter as we talk about about the funny times with him.

I love you Taylor and miss you so much!


Please see Bama Girl's Sunday blog for a great tribute to Taylor.

Fool Update

That Leslie got me really good today. It was so mean I'm not even going to share it.
I was so relieved to learn it was a joke. She is in so much trouble when I see her next.
Girls watch your back when she's around. LOL LOL I love her. She has a way of always getting you when you least expect it. I know it is April 1st, I should of been more prepared. Not to mention the fact that she's been getting me for about 37 years!

FOOL!!!!

We have been at the office for an hour and the fun has already begun. Eric tricked his boss first thing this morning with a fake customer complaint. He really fell for it. Our everyday office prankster will get a good dose of his own medicine today as our boss brought in his very fancy remote control whoopie cushion! We have already planted it in his office. The best part is the fact that our new employee ( first day)will be working with him and I will wait until they are in his office together before I set the explosion...... new employee is informed and ready to play along. We could probably predict word for word the pranks taking place around our elementary schools today. Mostly because we have already used them all at some time in our young lives. I would love to know what all my cousin Leslie will be up to today. She is queen of this funny day. Everyday is April's Fool Day to her. She has played more pranks, jumped out from behind more doors and told more funnies than anyone I know. She is a hoot!

Here are some "fool" statements that come to mind:

1. "Only fools fall in love." - Song- Elvis Presley
2. "I pity the fool." - Muhammad Ali
3. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me." - can't find the origin of this
quote
4. "Fortunes Fool" - Shakespeare
5. "The man with an idea is a fool, until the idea succeeds." - Mark Twain

Being foolish can be a lot of fun on a day like today or other days when we are just "fooling" around. But being thought of as a fool is another thing.

Definitions:
1. a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
2. a weak-minded or idiotic person.
( dictionary.com)

He who trust in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Proverbs 14: 9

Have a fun foolish day,

Leigh Anne

Happy Birthday Kaleb!!

Kaleb Matthew Jackson is 11 years old today. Kaleb is my step-son and is a great kid. After raising two girls, I wasn't sure how I would do with a son. It is very different, but Kaleb is really good and not as rowdy as a lot of boys.

Baseball is Kaleb's favorite sport to play. His team is practising and getting ready for the new season. Last year his 9 & 10 year old team won 1st place in their league. It was very exciting!

Kaleb loves the Tennessee Titans. He has been fortunate to go to several games when they have been playing here in Nashville. Professional wrestling is probably his favorite thing right now. This is the one thing we don't agree on. I hate it. He knows he has to watch that in his room.

Last night we had a birthday party at our local Mexican restaurant. All his family was there as well as some friends. He enjoyed opening his many presents and eating the baseball cupcakes Amanda made for him. His cake choice was white cake with white icing and the New York Yankees symbol. Amanda did a great job on that as usual.

This weekend he is having a friend over for the night. This is a first for me. I have had many, many little girls to spend the night over the years. I can handle the silly giggles. I'm not sure what to do with two boys. I quess I will find out! Pray for me!

Happy birthday Kaleb, love you!

Leigh Anne

P.S. I changed my back ground in honor of Kaleb. He would hate being on PINK!

Blessings Here, Treasures in Heaven!

It' s pretty bad when going to work on Monday is a relief! Sometimes the weekend is so busy it is kind of nice to get back into your routine.

I was very busy in the house Saturday. Eric and Amanda did the yard work,which to me was a fair trade. I had much rather be in the house working and they would much rather be outside. Amanda was so funny. She was actually excited to mow the yard. After years of helping her dad do landscaping, she said our small yard was just enough to enjoy without using up your whole day.

Sunday Amanda and I made a trip back home for a special occasion. Our bodies wanted to be home but our hearts led us to make the 2 hour one way trip. We wouldn't have missed seeing Hayden baptised for the world. It was also great to worship again at IBC. I love my new church, but every time I go back home my heart is pricked because I do miss it there so much. But we get back for church here on Sunday night and have that "there's no place like home" feeling. I think I am so blessed to have two churches that I love so much!

This morning I read Psalm 73. It speaks of how it seems so unfair that those who live such worldly lives often seem to live such carefree lives, so to speak. Many times in my life I would dwell on these things. But when I really grasp the fact that my treasures are not of this world it seems to not bother me anymore. Envy is never healthy anyway. It just works on you from the inside out.

It was great to get to see many of you this weekend. Some of you I saw at a distance but never got to speak to you. I love you all!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne


Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73: 27-28

Seasons Come and Seasons Go

One of the greatest things about living in the south is the opportunity to experience every season. I'm one of those people who are always ready for the next season. Spring is by far my favorite and the only reason I ever rush summer on is due to the excitement of a planned vacation.

Today being the first day of Spring makes me want to buy flowers, but wait, every time I do that it turns cold again. I think I will wait awhile longer and not risk a frost.

Spring is such a beautiful time. I love to see the new life it brings and how beautifully it paints our drab leftover winter canvas. It is like God is painting a picture and daily you can see the colors and textures he adds.

The warmer weather is wonderful, too! It is so much better for my 40ish bones and muscles. I have really hurt a lot this winter and look forward to a little relief. I think the warm weather makes me feel about 10 years younger. Now if it could just do something to make me look 10 years younger. LOL

Springtime, just another one of God's awesome blessings! As new life buds outside it makes me thankful also for the new life I have in Christ Jesus. My life before Christ was like constant winter, ugly and dead. Thanks to the saving power of Christ my life is made beautiful and alive!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1: 3-5

Heaven's Rejoicing!!!

And so are we!!!!

On May 4, 1995 Hayden Lewis Tilley was born. On March 18, 2009 he experienced his second birth. He was born again through the saving blood of Jesus Christ!

How awesome to know that another family member will be with me in heaven.

I am so proud of Hayden. He has always been such a sweet kid. I know God will use him and his talents.

I love you Hay-Hay!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

P.S. More to come on May 4th.

Remembering...

While others are celebrating St Patrick's Day, I am remembering my Maw Maw. Today would have been her 89 th Birthday.

Others know her as Robert Allie "Bob" Smith. Yes her first name was Robert. I don't think anyone has ever been sure why.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are of being at her house. Many weekends, holidays and summer weeks were spent there. So often I will see, smell, or hear something that will remind me her.

For some reason I had many, many nicknames growing up. The most popular was Le-Le. I think Kerri started this when she was little. My uncle Bill called me He-Le. I never new why but I loved it because I thought he was the greatest. ( miss him so much) There were other names but for the sake of this post the most important would be Squirtwater! My Maw Maw called me Squirtwater. I have absolutely no idea where she got that. Luckily she changed to
Le-Le when I got older.

Maw Maw's house was very old, but can I tell you it was always so clean. You could eat off her floors. Every time I smell Pine cleaner I think about her. She always cleaned with that stuff.
Sand mountain must have gotten it's name from her yard. We had our own huge sand box. One great memory is having to dust our feet off before going to bed. She would always remind us of that.

Everybody has an "ice box" in their frig, but my maw maw had a "ice box" room. This was the back bedroom that wasn't heated. If you slept in that room it was with about 5 quilts on top of you. You couldn't turn over; the cover was too heavy. The "ice box" room was also known as the "back room". It was referred to as this by any parent, usually my daddy or my Uncle Bill, who would threaten discipline. " Do you want to go to the back room?" If you think about that is at least a step up from the "wood shed". LOL

Maw Maw had more of her share of health problems. She felt bad a lot and dealt with depression. But when she was feeling good, she was so funny. I loved it when her sisters visited from Arkansas. You have never heard so much carrying on and giggling from three old women. It was just like they were a bunch of teenage girls.

My Maw Maw loved her children, grand children, and great grand children. More than anything I am so glad my girls new her and remember her. I do plan to someday have a granddaughter named "Allie". At least that has been a promise from Bama Girl.

Miss you Maw Maw!

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Through the Fire!

You know how you find a movie that you just love and can watch it over and over again and never get bored. Isn't that how it is with God's word? I love how I can read something that I have read many times before and always find a blessing. Sometimes the same blessing over and over and sometimes the blessing of " seeing " something in the passage I have never seen before.



I know I have read Daniel many times, but I love to read again the faithfulness of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Mostly I love the reminder of God's greatness and faithfulness that is revealed in the book of Daniel.



God doesn't just watch over us when we are in the fire but he walks with us in it. He is so awesome and so trust worthy. I praise him this morning for the love he shows me. I praise him for the fires he has walked through with me. I praise him for his faithfulness.



God you are almighty! The one true living God! I love you Lord! I praise you Lord! Thank you for all your blessings. Lead me Lord in your ways that I might always be what you want me to be.



Join me this day in praising our most awesome God!!



Leigh Anne

Prayer Request

Donna Giles is a new friend I have met at church. She is 39 and was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. She has been informed that the malignancy is contained to the one breast, which is a blessing. She has decided to have a bilateral mastectomy and will be in an all day surgery Weds the 11th. Please pray for her safety tomorrow during surgery and for her recovery.


Blessings to all,


Leigh Anne

Blessed!

We listened to Martina McBride this morning on our way into Nashville. Wow, I love to hear her sing. I don't think any one can compare to her. She also sings songs with such great lyrics. This morning I heard "Blessed". I should listen to it every morning as a reminder to how blessed I am.

I am so blessed with such a great family and not 1 but 2 great church families. More blessings than I could ever list.

Thank you Lord.

chorus:

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Our Personal Defender

Last Saturday we made a trip to the theater to see Madea Goes to Jail. I love Tyler Perry's movies, but this was probably my least favorite. Don't misunderstand, I did laugh, a lot. I think it's probably hard to make sequels and have them be as good as the first.

As usual, Madea is in trouble and back in court. Defending her is her sweet nephew lawyer. He goes before the judge for her or should I say he trys. Madea is not very good at being quiet and letting her defense speak for her. She is however very lucky to have a lawyer that cares about her and that she knows she can trust.

Although we are Christians and try to live holy lives we are not exempt from sin. There are many times we mess up. Daily for me. We are so blessed to have a defender who speaks for us to our judge. Not just any defender, but a holy spotless one. The very one who knew no sin and died for ours is our mediator. He loves us and he can always be trusted. He will always do what is best for us.

Thank you Father for sending your only son to die for me; that I may experience your love while here on earth and know that someday I will live with you forever.

....;But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
1 John 2: 1

Blessings,

Leigh Anne

Walking in the Light

Light? What is light? What do we gain from light? This mornings devotion brought these questions to my mind.

Light helps us find our way. It may be a small flashlight to help see down a dark trail or a candle used to see when there's no electricity. Thankfully the sun gives us light so we don't have to always be in the dark. For someone trapped in a cave or a mine, the smallest ray of light showing through gives hope of being found.

Light from the sun gives us warmth. Even on a cold winter day the sun on our face warms us. There is a comforting feeling when pulling up to your home at night and seeing that amber color glowing in a window.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1: 5

Light represents the honesty, goodness, and purity of God. There are no shadows or dark sides to God. He is light!!

Just like the light, God helps us find our way. Through his love we find hope in a dark world.

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Snow !!!

We had the most beautiful snow in Lewisburg on Sunday. The news said we had 8 inches at 6:30 am and it snowed 2 more hours after that.

This is a pic taken from my front door with my cell phone. No I did not venture outside. Kaleb and Eric enjoyed it, while The Dessert Fairly and I watched from the warmth of the house.

Kaleb is extremely happy to be out of school today and will probably enjoy the snow again.

Busy day at work this morning.

Blessing to all,

Leigh Anne

Blow Your Trumpet!

Are you a trumpet blower? Does your trumpet blow a tune of warning to the lost? I think my trumpet needs repairing. What?

I read in Ezekiel 33 this morning. Ezekiel is telling about the watchman, who should blow his horn to warn the people of the approaching enemy. In that day, if the watchman fell asleep and allowed the enemy to invade, he would be executed.

Are we not responsible for telling others about Christ? Shouldn't we be blowing our trumpet to warn the lost about hell. The enemy is not just approaching our camp. He is here and actively seeking to devour the citizens of this world.

Although we wont be executed for failing to tell others about Christ, we will stand someday before a holy God. We will be held accountable for those we should have told.

God has really convicted me this morning. I have failed to witness many times even when I felt the Holy Spirit moving me to do so. I also let fear keep me quiet; always afraid I will say the wrong thing or turn someone the other direction.

Lord,
Give me the courage to witness to the lost. Help me to remember that my strength comes from you. I want to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me and lead me to tell others about you and their need for salvation. Amen.


But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.
Ezekiel 33:6

Blessings to all,

Leigh Anne

Jesus is Coming!!!!!!

The IBC choir sings a great song arranged by Mike Speck called Jesus is Coming. Wow how I love to sing that song. I hope my new church choir will sing it as well. It has a powerful message and reminder that Jesus is coming back!

Peter also reminds us in 2 Peter chapter 3. He warns us to be ready for Christ return. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

I have often heard preachers say we should live everyday like it was the day of Christ return. Because it has been over 2,000 years we tend to not expect it when we should be looking for it.

I don't want to be caught off guard and living an unholy life when he comes back. It is my prayer that I will always live a life pleasing to him.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 3 Peter 3:14

Leigh Anne

False Teachers

I read this morning from 2 Peter chapter 2. In this chapter Peter gives warning against false teachers and their destruction.

My Bible notes that false teachers often camouflage their lies with truth, making it difficult to catch their errors. I think we are seeing this more and more today. Some religions claiming to be Christian are using common language of Christianity but underneath are teaching far from Biblical truths.

Sadly, many Christian churches are watering down the truth. They are not preaching sin and not preaching the consequences of sin. We see the New Age religion that teaches freedom in believing what is "right" for you. This belief is filtering into many denominations causing church and denominational splits.

How do we protect ourselves from false teachers? We must have a firm foundation. We need to walk daily with God and daily in his word. Being saved will get us to heaven, but we also need protection from the evil one who wars against us every day.

If we are not firmly planted in God's truths, we can be easily mislead by the false teachers of this world. Knowing His word and praying for wisdom will help us be prepared to recognize the lies presented to us even when camouflaged by familiar teachings.

Leigh Anne

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 2 Peter 2:1-2

Happy Birthday Christina

Twenty two years ago at this moment I was half way through a long labor which proved to be worth every minute. At 1:40 in the afternoon I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She weighed 8 lbs 13 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. She was given the name Christina Lynn Hayes. Christina was named after both her grandmothers. Marty's mom's middle name being Christine and my mom's middle name being Lynn. Needless to say the grandmothers were extremely happy with this decision.

Christina was the only girl in a nursery of six babies and she was biggest of all. She didn't have much hair, but what she had was obviously red like her dad's hair. And can I just say she also (and still does) had the temper to go with it. I could hear her coming down the hall when they would bring her to nurse. She was mad and ready to eat!

Since Christina was the first granddaughter and great granddaughter you can only imagine how spoiled she was right from the start. That K. Tilley was there everyday. She contributed often to her spoiling!!

While Christina was spoiled with much love, she still remained to be the sweetest child. She always had an eye for the best, but rarely ask for it. She never demanded name brand clothes but got them when possible on sale. I did splurge for prom. She always had the best and always looked beautiful.

Christina enjoyed school and always did very well. She was always very socialble, loved activities and loved her friends. I know a couple of guys (Greg J and Alan T) who would have never made it through school without her mothering them. She would bring home their pens at night so they would be sure to have one the next day. LOL LOL

My daughter has brought me so much joy over her lifetime. She has made me so proud. I know she will be a great wife and teacher. Being a mother has come natural to her since Amanda was born. Some day she will be an awesome mom to her own children.


Happy Birthday Bama Girl.

I love you very much,

Momma

Humble, I Need To Be

Please don't see me,
Don't see the things I do.
The words I speak ,don't listen,
Unless He speaks to you.

I don't want to be a distraction,
that you might fall away.
I want to be a vessel
filled by Him each day.

Call me if you need me.
I want to be a friend.
I need to show you love,
not mine, but what comes from Him.

Humble, I want to be,
so He will sure use me.
I want to do His will,
So others too will live.

I want you to see Him
in everything I do.
Please see the love of Christ
not the pride of man.


Leigh Anne

...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

What A Week!!!!!

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing goes right? Last night on our way home from Nashville my husband was feeling really bad and new he was getting sick. He wanted something nice and warm for supper. You know, comfort food!

Our local BBQ rest. has great Brunswick Stew. No problem except the drive-thru was about 8 cars long. Hubby feeling too bad decided to try Wendy's for some chili. Wendy's wasn't too busy so we got our order and headed home.

I suddenly remembered I had to make a cash deposit at the bank (already closed). No problem the bank is on the way home and we can deposit in the ATM. OK there were 3 cars waiting for the ATM so we pulled to the window to use the night deposit. Great, no envelopes. So back to the ATM line which now (you guessed it ) has 4 cars in line. Hubby waited patiently and finally had our turn only to see the message: ATM NOT ACCEPTING CASH DEPOSITS!!!!

We had to forget the whole banking thing and return home for our Wendy's supper .......
Of course NO CHILI in the bag. S C R E A M!!!!!

My husband was sick and needed some warm chili, so I went back to Wendy's and very, very christian like explained our incomplete order. It pays to be nice. They threw in an extra chili for our trouble.

After eating I did my nightly chores which now include nursing my sick dog and husband.

Didn't sleep well because hubby was up all night with a fever.

Clock didn't go off this morning! Nursed dog and hubby and still somehow managed to make it to Nashville by 8am. I later realized I only had mascara on one eye, but I made it.

I survived a very crazing and emotional week. It will get better as I get to see my son-in-law baptized this Sunday. An answered prayer!! Thank you Lord!


Have a blessed weekend,

Leigh Anne

We Love Our Dog

If you read The Dessert Fairy's last blog you know about our sweet Nala getting run over last Friday. She was doing well and getting around on three legs until Monday night. She got really sick and somewhat lifeless so we took her to the Pet ER. Unless you are a dog lover, you probably think we're crazy. Its seems the anti-inflammatory she was taking for her injuries really upset her stomach.

All day Tuesday I fed her water from a medicine dropper and gave her Pepto for her stomach. I was more concerned that she couldn't support herself when we tried to get her up. Eric called the Vet Tuesday night and reported her symptoms and he said he would see her Wednesday morning and it might be that we would have to put her to sleep. Of course that had already been on my mind all day. I have cried myself dry.

So I went to bed Tuesday realizing and accepting what would probably happen the next day. I wake up Wednesday morning to a dog who is lying down on her stomach, her head in the air, and panting like normal.(normal for her)

I scrambled her an egg (doctors orders, not her normal breakfast) and she ate it up quickly and drank from her water bowl. Yeah!! I left her at the Vets office and received a call about her a few hours later.

Okay I'll hurry. It seems she can't walk because of the inflammation around the nerve endings. The doc has put her on a lot of steroids to decrease the swelling and is optimistic that she will recover to her old self. So its like we are caring for a little old person. Surprisingly the cost is more in time and effort that dollars. So we are going to tough it out. The vet also found a heart problem that can be controlled with meds.

Unless you have met our sweet dog you probably can't understand why we would do all of this. She is absolutely the best natured and sweetest dog ever. We got her when she was 6 weeks old and she turned 14 on Feb. 11th. As long as the doc feels she has quality of life then I will do what needs to be done.

If you believe in praying for animals, say one for Nala!

Leigh Anne

( And a special thanks to my fellow nurses, Eric and The Dessert Fairy. I couldn't do it without them.)

Husbands, Gotta Love 'em

God's word is so awesome and so full of direction. There are some scripture that you just can't read and study enough and I think 1 Peter 3 is one of those kind. How appropriate that my reading schedule would fall around our "Love" holiday.

Now 1 Peter 3: 1- 7 may not be every one's favorite reading, but it speaks so much truth in just a few verses. God speaks to wives and husbands with a plan that leads to a successful marriage. I'm sure some of you will think it odd that I would write on this subject. But can I tell you that since I was a young child I have always seem to learn best through my mistakes. My Daddy always said I was hard headed and I'm sure he was right.

While denominations have different opinions on these verses, I like to think of it in the words of Aretha Franklin..... R-E-S-P-E-C-T ( and yes I had to sing it to spell it! LOL)

I try to make sure that I respect my husbands opinion even though it may be quite different from mine.
Here are some ways I am trying to respect my husband:

1. Although at times I may make suggestions about his attire I try to remember that it really doesn't matter what he wears.
2. I quit telling him to slow down when he's eating because he has done it for 39 years and he can't change. It doesn't hurt anybody.
3. I don't ask him to stop listening to his kind of music so that I can listen to mine. Its his truck and his radio.
When we are in my car we listen to my music.
4. I try not to fuss when he leaves a mess. Sometimes I just pick it up. ( I'm not completely cured here) LOL
5. I always attempt to laugh at his jokes even if they are not funny.
6. I try very hard to pay close attention when he tells me about his day.
7. I tell him how much I love his blue eyes, especially when he is wearing blue.
8. I thank him and brag on him when he helps me with chores even when I ask for the help.
9. I say "I love you" many, many times a day!

My husband is so sweet and loves me so much. He respects me for who I am. He loves me even though I am very far from perfect. It is my prayer that we will always love and be kind to each other even when we don't agree.

Leigh Anne

A Bitter Sweet Valentine Day

This holiday season is bitter sweet for the family and friends of Tammy Watkins. Bitter in the heartbreak felt of her not being here with us, but sweet in the great memories she left with us.

Please visit Christina's blog for her memorial to Tammy. http://www.cinawatkins.blogspot.com/

I would like to tell you of the Tammy I knew. I was privileged to work with Tammy at the hospital the first 2 years of my nursing career. She was the most awesome nurse ever! Tammy was the kind of nurse you were always glad to have around. Her intelligence and kind heart gave her the qualities to provide the most excellent care to her patients.
The doctors loved her, too. They always knew their patients were in the best of hands when Tammy was their nurse. In the world of Labor and Delivery, the nurse spends so much more time with the patient during their birth process than the doctor. Sometimes the doc doesn't make it in time and the nurse delivers. This happened to Tammy many times in her career!! She was indeed the best!!!

Later it became apparent to me that Tammy's son Adam would someday be my son-in-law. I often thought about how fun it would be to someday share grandchildren. Although it is sad to know that our grandchildren will not know her in this life, I will make sure they know all the memories I have of her.

Leigh Anne

Proud to be an ALIEN!!!!

I was at home for several years when my girls were younger. During this time I became very involved in church and spent more time in Bible study than I had previously. Once I returned to work outside the home I was in shock. I learned quickly what it was to be an "alien" in this world.

One day at work years ago, a man's comment about God literally made me sick at my stomach and brought me to cry right in front of him. I will never forget it as long as I live. I have to this day never experienced anything like it. I really felt like I was looking Satan in the face that day. I know these may seem like harsh words but it felt that bad.

Most of the time what we deal with in our everyday world is not as drastic as this experience. But we do have to love others and often hold our tongues to keep from being a bad witness. The pagans in our world are looking for us to slip up, mess up, or just completely fall.

I am so thankful for the Christian co-workers God has blessed me with over the years. How hard it would be to work each day without their support. Most of all I am thankful that at anytime I can approach the throne of my Lord and ask for his strength and grace.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2: 11-12

(Oh my goodness, just as I am writing I can hear my Manager and Sales Agent talking about scripture and the blessings of God. Praise the Lord for righteous conversation!)


Love,
Leigh Anne

Be Holy

Sunday morning my pastor ask for the lights to be turned off and the spotlight to be placed on him. This was a great visual as to how it will be when we stand before God. As he stated, there would be no one to hide behind. Comparing ourselves to others won't be an option. It will be totally about Me, You, etc... Each individual will be alone in the spotlight!

First Peter 1: 13-25 instructs us to live holy lives. For it is written: " Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

Living holy lives calls us to really examine ourselves. "Ouch"!! Verse 13 instructs us to be self-controlled. "BIGGER OUCH" !!! This is really where I struggle. Whether it's food, time, TV (anything fun) I really have a hard time controlling myself. Although my uncontrolled problems aren't "evil " they can interfere with my daily living and filter into other areas. God doesn't expect me to never have fun , but he does desire a deeper relationship with me and I believe being more self- controlled would bring me closer.

I desire more than anything to become closer to the Lord everyday. I am thankful that this is not a game of solitaire, but a team effort as I know God desires the same and will be with me throughout the journey.


Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1: 13


Leigh Anne

Hope

Sunday morning my pastor preached from 2nd Peter. At that time I realized from the clean pressed pages and lack of notes that I had not spent much time with Peter. So now I feel compelled to read and learn from the words God spoke through him.

This morning I spent time in 1 Peter chapter 1, focusing on verses 3-12.

My NIV subtitles this section "Praise to God for a Living Hope"

Peter is writing to believers who were scattered throughout the regions of Asia Minor (now Turkey). He was encouraging them through the trials and sufferings they encounterd for being Christians and reminding them of the great hope they have through knowing Christ.

Just like us, these Christians had not seen Christ, but knew Him through faith and experienced the joy that comes from knowing Him.

We may not be persecuted today in the way our Christian brothers of that time were, but we do face many trials in our lives. We never really understand why we have to suffer the things we do, but most can look back and see how during the trial we were refined and brought to a new place in our relationship with Christ.


"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Peter 1:6-7


It is my prayer that nothing said on this blog will ever in any way discourage or hinder the cause of Christ. It is my desire that through writing this blog I will become closer and obtain a deeper relationship with Christ and maybe write something that will encourage someone else.

Love,

Leigh Anne


( Excuse me ahead of time if I type " Christina" instead of "Christian". It is very hard for me to put that " a" before the "n"and not after. LOL LOL )

In Memory Of...

On Feb. 5, 2008 a killer tornado ripped through Macon County Tennessee. Two days later, on Feb. 7, 2008, another tragedy hit the town of Lafayette, Tn.


The Rev. Michael Welch, his wife Julie and two of their children Jesse and Hannah were killed in a car wreck during their attempt to minister to the victims of the tornado.

Michael was the pastor of Lafayette United Methodist Church. As you could imagine his congregation was devastated. As a church member I can't imagine losing my pastor much less his family.

As a family member I know the heartbreak. You see Michael was my first cousin. He was eleven years older than me. We hadn't seen each other much due to living far apart. We had recently kept in touch by email and I received my last email from him that morning only hours before his death.

I cherish the many funny stories I have heard all my life about Michael. Especially how my Daddy used to call him " Michael the Great the Bald Headed Ape".

His family was very sweet and I wish I could have known them better. They were indeed a unit. It is a blessing that God saw fit to take them all home together.

Please say a prayer for my family, especially my aunts Kitty and Pat and Julie's grown son Garrison.

Tragedy is not marked on your calendar. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. I can't imagine how people get through it without knowing the love of God.

I am thankful to know that my family had a relationship with Christ and I will see them again in heaven.


Leigh Anne


"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away". Revelations 21:4

When All Else Is Gone!!

It seems almost every thing we see on the news lately involves money. Either we are hearing about people not getting a pay check because their company is closing or we hear of the financial investors in this country who have swindled millions from their clients.

Some politicians are being impeached while others are withdrawing their names from nominations all in the name of money.

Athletes are making millions for playing a game they love and would have played for a lot less if the middle man ( their agent) wasn't making a percentage.

What good is it all when you are in prison for embezzling money or a professional career ends due to an injury?

Don't get me wrong. I am no Saint giving every penny I make to the needs of others. I love to shop with the best of 'em. Money is a necessity for us to live in our culture and can be a whole lot of fun when there is a little "fun money" left over.

I started thinking about all this today and decided that if I lost "everything" what would I still possess that could not be stripped away.

My salvation is sealed!! It has already been paid for by the blood of Jesus. No disaster or drop in the stock market can take that away.

I would still have my faith, though I'm sure it would be tested.

What else would I need?

Wisdom!!

I desire to gain wisdom from God and not to depend on my own understanding. Oh my that has gotten me in enough trouble. I could write a book on that!


I read Proverbs 3 today and was blown away by it's instruction. It is like it's own little book for success! Of course depending on your definition of success.

Read it today. I hope you find the blessing in it that I did!


Leigh Anne


"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". Proverbs 3: 5-6

Sleep!! Yeh! Ye Ha! Hallelujah!!!

Good Morning!

And a good morning it is. For sometime now (months and months or longer) I have not been sleeping well. Either I couldn't fall asleep or I would wake up multiple times a night. Of course at 43 nature is calling at LEAST once a night.

I didn't realize how bad it was until I got a whole night of uninterrupted sleep last night. I don't like to take alot of medicine, but last night I decided to take a sleep aid. Oh my goodness! It is possible to wake up feeling rested. It has been so long I had forgotten.

I have been blaming my poor husband for his tossing and turning but in fact I may be the " THIEF OF SLEEP"!

Well since I can't and won't take a sleep aid the rest of my life, I quess it is time for a little common sense action. I'm going to be more careful with my caffine intake. Just coffee in morning.

Any suggestions???


I am so thankful that though we may lose sleep at night or feel run down and tired during the day, we can depend on God for strength to get us through. He does provide the ultimate peace and rest for our lives.



"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls". Matthew 11: 28-29



Leigh Anne

Forgiveness

What!!!!!!

Forgiveness must be one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the life of Christians or I quess I should say some Christians. Why is it that we whom have experienced the greatest forgiveness of all, that being through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, can often harbor so much resentment toward others.

An infection in the body, left untreated, will eventually get into the bloodstream. Once this happens it is very hard to treat and often leads to death. Likewise, our hearts can be attacked by the nasty virus of "unforgiveness". Not treating this virus can lead to a bitterness that will consume us. While it may be deep inside us in the beginning, if left untreated it will someday surface and be obvious to others.

Pain and disappointment come to us any various ways in life. We must ask God to help us deal with our heartbreaks and let Him lead us toward forgiving those who hurt us.

There is nothing like the breath of fresh air you inhale when you find it in your heart to forgive someone. Whenever possible tell that person you forgive them and let the healing begin!


"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you" Matthew 6:14

Leigh Anne

My Heart Sings Because...

All my life I have loved music and especially singing. While I am not a "singer" I have been blessed over the years to be a church choir member. Many friends, especially my Chattanooga nurse friends , can testify to my ability to finish someone's statement with a familiar song. My oldest daughter often ....rolled her eyes....at the sound of my youngest daughter and me singing harmony with commercials on TV. Oh she did it too, just tried to be a little less obvious.

Through life circumstances I have found myself in many valleys especially over the last ten years. Though my song may have been less audible it was still there. There was nothing better than to feel that song begin to once again surface as God lifted me from the despair I was experiencing.

A more recent event in my life (not in the valley) was marrying my sweet husband Eric. Along with marriage and a new address also came a new church. I never realized how hard it would be to attend a new church. The church is awesome but I found this "shyness" I never new existed. ( ok I know that must shock some).

I so wanted to join the choir and knew that God wanted me to but I couldn't bring myself to talk to the choir director about it. There were many missed opportunities ( all my doings and excuses). I felt many tugs from the Holy Spirit and the last tug was entering the church a few Sunday night ago and hearing the choir practincing " I am on a Journey" from the same book my Ider Baptist Choir used. I was so exited. I attended choir practice the next Sunday afternoon and sang in the Choir for the first time Yesterday morning.

Now, once again, My Heart Sings .... and I can praise my Lord!!!!!

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual song. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord..." Ephensians 5:19

Leigh Anne