Ocean Waves

Life can be overwhelming

2008-10-19T22:26:00.002-04:00

I guess that's a dumb statement. God only gives us what we need for when we need it. I have experienced a very loooong year of testing and trying. Nothing hideous, just a period where we have been hanging on the garments of Christ hoping not to fall off, but rather to receive some of His power. When you get down to it, He can't work in a vessel already full or dirty. God has been emptying out our vessel, so he can fill it up again. My husband went to Kenya in 2005 and that started the worldview change that has been necessary for us to even get to this point. If you feel like you are under the thumb of God for some testing, you can be sure He can't wait for you to come out the other side, and you will, so he can show you great things.

I'm becoming what I'm reaching toward

2008-09-22T22:07:00.003-04:00

I saw a card once with an ocean of water and a hand sticking out grasping for something, anything. I assume it meant, "help, I'm over my head" or something. Well, I have been reaching for Someone for over 30 years now. It is a constant stretching. Once I reach the point I was meant to reach, I grab on, rest, then the hand moves further away. Again, I move toward it, always reaching in the same direction. If I waver, I can't see the hand I'm to grab. Just like Peter on the water, he started to sink when he looked away. No matter what the circumstance, we have to constantly reach in the correct direction. God's hand never goes too far, but he wants us to stretch. Our faith needs stretching or it never will be enough.

When I think I'm going under, part the waters Lord, when I feel the waves around me calm the sea. When I cry for help, oh hear me Lord, and hold out your hand.

Obama/Biden (or is it Obama/Bin Laden)

2008-08-27T00:28:00.001-04:00

HELP. Lord please remember your remnant. We want to be obedient.

My Book Club

2008-04-29T21:30:00.004-04:00

I am a reader. I come from a long line of pleasure readers. I remember seeing Louis L'Amour books when I was a little kid that belonged to my great grandma Trigg. My family and I go in and out of stages. We read about one thing for a while, then get onto the next thing or place. We find a favorite author, read it to death, then go on to something else.

I decided I wanted to know more about the area where there is so much trouble and unrest. The place where Christ spent time, where the Muslims are trying to keep God from returning by sealing up the wall, etc. God told us about all of it in scripture. We can see Abraham's disobedience causing long-reaching, continuous problems. My mother and I and a friend read some New York Times best sellers, Afghanistan books (novels) called The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. These are must reads. They are not written by a Christian, but you can see the gospel throughout the entire thing. I felt closer to the Lord reading these books than I thought I would. The mess we are in wasn't God's original plan!

I also just finished a non-fiction novel called The Bookseller of Kabul. It is a very intimate book about family life in Afghanistan. Again, not a Christian author, but a truth-teller. (Asne Seierstad) I am amazed how I can see Christ, these people are desperate for the truth!

Here is a list of books you should get and read. I like to buy books, but with our current financial situation, I've gotten most of them from the library. I don't like romance novels, so you won't find any of those listed. I do have reputable authors though, if you are interested in such books.

Moving World Events/Places Books
The Kite Runner--Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns--Khaled Hosseini
Bookseller of Kabul--Asne Seierstad
With Their backs to the world, Portraits from Serbia--A. Seierstad
Russka--Edward Rutherford
Anna Karenina--Leo Tolstoy
One Night with the King (story of Esther in novel form)--Tommy Tenney

Freaky Christian Thriller Reads (pretty much anything by Ted Dekker)
Adam--Ted Dekker
Skin--Ted Dekker
House--Ted Dekker/
Saint--Ted Dekker
Waking Lazarus--T.L. Hines
The Watchers--Mark Andrew Olsen
Expiration Date--Eric Wilson

Reputable Romance/Lifestyle/non-suspense Authors
Karen Kingsbury
Francine Rivers (her books are heavy hitting, some historical, not your average easy read. I recommend reading these if you aren't interested in suspense/thrillers)

My mother, grandmother, sister and I cut our teeth on Janette Oke books. They are movies now and are wonderful. Girls starting in upper junior high could read these books and watch these movies.

New Nephew

2008-03-16T22:04:00.002-04:00

Oh, by the way, I have a new nephew, Joshua Ryan (which is my brother's name, Ryan, that is.) Here is an angelic picture of him with his big brother, Jaybird, as I call him.

As the Dog Barks

2008-03-16T21:53:00.002-04:00

Anybody out there identify with a nuisance barker--a dog that barks nonstop while the owners sit and do NOTHING???? Even when you call them on the phone, write them notes, and call the authorities. Do you know anyone that can sit in their house while the cops ring their doorbell repeatedly and NEVER ANSWER THE DOOR? What about someone whose car alarm is going off in their driveway at night while they sleep. Their doorbell is rung multiple times, they don't come to the door. The neighbors on either side have to come out and UNPLUG their battery. What about not spaying your cat and it has 3 kittens that poop and potty in MY LANDSCAPING, which smells like POOP!!!!!!!!!!! What's wrong w/ these people?????????? Their our neighbors, of course! We've been dealing w/ this for 9 years. Be glad, be very glad you don't live by the Buchners! If' you'd like to send them a letter telling them what morons they are, we'd be glad to deliver it to them.

Jesus is my true Valentine, he gave his life for me

2008-02-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

" . . . I cannot tell, why he loved me so well, but he proved it on Calvary!" I sang this song as a kid. I don't know how many other people did, or maybe it was a local thing.

My mom has taught me to love Valentines Day. When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I'd hope for a secret admirer or just a friend to send me something. We always got something on Valentines Day growing up. I have continued the tradition with my kids. Nothing big, nothing super-fantastic, but something they can look forward to. They love it when we have our Valentine party at dinner time.

So, happy Valentine's Day from your secret admirer. Didn't we all want one?????????

Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry . . .

2008-02-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't been listening to CCM since I was in JR and H/S. I was really into it, just ask my family. I couldn't stand the evolution of the music into plain old worldly-sounding music, so I quit listening to it. Everyone that knows me can tell you I like all types of music. I would rather listen to rock and roll than Christian music trying to sound like worldly music. At least worldly music doesn't put on a false coat. They are what they say they are.

My husband has been listening to some Christian music in the car and told me that there was a station that wasn't too bad. I have listened to some wonderful music by several groups that cause me to want to worship, not take my thoughts elsewhere. I downloaded several songs and made another c.d. I love some songs by Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. Jars of Clay has a c.d. called Redemption Songs, old hymns they have updated. I love that. Most people try to throw out the old hymns. My favorite, and my kids favorite, is I'll Fly Away. It's toe-tapping so you know that when we do FLY AWAY, it's going to be good!

I still like Chicago, and can't we all quote all the words to the old songs??? Even if the message isn't that great. I guess that's why I tried CCM again.

I am the Lord, there is none other . . .

2008-01-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

I am so tired of hearing the Lord's name taken in vain! I'm outraged. My children were watching a cartoon and one of the character's took the Lord's name in vain. What are we doing?? Do we have such a low opinion of God that we toss his name around like garbage. Do we not understand the gravity of such carelessness towards the God of the universe, at whose name YOU WILL BOW, whether you think you will nor not.

Open your ears, don't tolerate it! Oh my gosh is the exact same thing!!! Don't tell me it isn't! What do you mean when you say it? Is gosh an actual word? No, it's sub for the real deal. I don't like crude language, I never had, my family never has. However, words directed towards Christ are the most offensive and the most damaging.

Let's clean up our language and don't tolerate it around you. Turn off the t.v., and if you feel you can, let others know you don't appreciate their language, especially around impressionable children. I'm impressionable, too! I will hear things in my brain if I hear them all the time around me. What we put in, comes out.

God will not share his glory with anyone. Isaiah 40:12-31 is an excellent passage if you need to remind yourself of just how holy and powerful God is. According to this passage, we are grasshoppers, drops in a bucket, and totally nothing in front of a powerful God. "Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the ways of understanding?" In obvious answer, "NO ONE"!

Clean up your language, or answer to God.

Santa Claus is definitely NOT coming to town

2007-12-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

I am always amazed as I grow older, to see people my age teaching their kids about Santa Claus. I hate Santa Claus, have always hated Santa Claus, will always hate Santa Claus. Why in the world would I want gifts from some nameless, meaningless person who has been given God-like qualities????

When I get a gift, I want to know who it is from. The gift means so little without a person behind it, wouldn't you agree? God's gift of His Son, was clearly marked. The Bible says, "GOD GAVE" His only Son.

I taught my kids from birth that there was no Santa. There isn't, so why would I teach them about it? It's not that I'm no fun, well, I guess I'm not. Lies aren't fun to me. No one believes that Cinderella is real. Why? Because we say it is a story, a FAIRY tale. So, if you are so fired up to talk about Santa in a season where we celebrate the ultimate extreme sacrifice, at least say it is a story. I'm hurt that Santa is taught to kids. I love the Christ who came as a baby because I WAS DEAD IN MY TRESPASSES AND SIN. DEAD, I tell you. Ain't no Santa takin' me to heaven.

And by the way, it's the minute stretcher that gets Santa to all the houses Christmas Eve. DUH!

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down!

2007-12-16T23:31:00.000-05:00

Well, my sister is gone, and it's rainy, and tomorrow is Monday. Actually, I feel pretty good! It's those little blue pills!! It's her birthday, so Happy Birthday Allyson.

I can't believe it's Christmas already. Every year it comes quicker. My new thing this year was making my own c.d from Rhapsody with new Christmas songs I didn't have. It was fun. My favorite song so far is .38 Special's Hallelujah it's Christmas. That is, if you like a little southern-fried rock-n-roll with your Christmas. I also recommend Jessica Simpson's Christmas album. It is wonderful, and it has the best version of Breath of Heaven I have ever heard. My last music plug is for Paul Potts, the winner of the British version of American Idol. He has a fab version of O Holy Night, my husband's (and mine) favorite Christmas song.

God the Father sent his Son into a cold, dying, unfriendly world. He knew he was born to die. It was his only reason for coming. Imagine it. It's hard to picture your child doing the same duty. How hard it was on the Father! Even harder to turn his back on him on the cross! Our only hope delivered in a tiny baby. Hallelujah, what a Savior! Let him be not only Savior, but Lord. Let him have the control so your life will be molded into his perfect thing. That's the only reason we were created. Forget all this other stuff! Our sole purpose is to honor Christ and commune with him. It gives him pleasure.

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Allyson!

I knew him when

2007-11-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

Going to a christian college can give you the privilege of having many friends. A lot of mine have stayed right on through the present. Though many of us joke and won't claim having gone to PCC, there is an underground of success stories. There are many who live right around here, and arguably are success stories for the Lord. Yes, our singles pastor, athletic director, and soccer coach are just a few of those.

I had a friend from college who is a free thinker and accomplished author. Winn Collier has penned two books offering insight and guidance on your spiritual journey. He is a 30something who was tired and disgusted by modern day church and faux spirituality. I felt the same way and had to find my own journey to a God who, as Winn puts it, is so much bigger than I. Take a look at http://www.winncollier.com/ and maybe he will send you a free tee shirt. Tell him I sent you. I hope he doesn't sue me for using his picture.

Let the little children come unto me

2007-10-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

A pastor in our church has a daughter who just lost her 20 week old in the womb baby. She has adopted one, had in vitro for another, had a miscarriage, and was very surprised to be pregnant this time. She is at least 39 years old. They went in for the anticipated ultrasound for the sex of the baby only to find out it was dead. I have been weepy since then. The graveside service was yesterday.

Each time there is a temptation to sin, remember the far-reaching effects. Look at the far-reaching effects of the sin of Adam and Eve! God never intended the world to be like this. It was NEVER his plan. If a person says something like "A God of love would never let something like this happen" or, "Why do bad things happen to good people", you can boldly say that we chose it! We would rather have our sin than obey. He weeps at the death of our sweet babies and holds us when we are sorry yet again for our own sin. His perfect plan was completely disrupted by us, not the other way around.

There is a movie I want to see, and I think you should see it too, if it is in your city. It's called "Bella" and it opens this weekend. It has been recommended for church groups and Christians to support. It is a wonderful pro-life movie. You can go to www.bellathemovie.com to see trailers and get information about the movie and the theatres where it is showing.

We are called God's children, what an appropriate name for our relationship. How fiercely he must love and try to protect us, as we love and protect our own children. We would die for our own children. He died for all of his children.

I know who you are, and I know what you've done!

2007-10-14T15:44:00.000-04:00

My daughter has a best friend. He has an uncanny ability to calm, refresh, encourage, and share by just existing. He is only a few ounces in weight, and is furry. Cowie has been with her since she was one. In times of crisis he just listens, he sleeps beside her head for suport, and never gets mad at her.

It is a privilege to have friends. Most people don't have more than 1 friend they could truly count on, and having more than one is very rare. We have old friends, casual friends, new acquaintances, phone-calls-two-times-a-year-friends, and deep, lasting, nourishing, constantly growing and changing friends. The latter is something so rare, that usually most people would consider their spouse their one and only true friend. While spouses should be that person, if you are blessed enough to have another friend or two like that, you know what I mean. It's rare.

There aren't limits to the relationship, hurts and fears only deepen the friendship. The Lord had friendship in his disciplines, he loved them very much. They were always together. He had Lazarus and his sisters. The Bible talks about friends a lot.

The Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful friends. My family is at the top of the list, of course. Going to a Christian college also expands my list. Our goals are similar as are our lives.

So, here's to you my dear ones, who continually are there for me, enrich me, encourage me, lift me up, and challenge me. You know who you are, and I know what you've done!

How much is in your savings account?

2007-10-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

When we hit hard times financially, we may have to dip into our reserves. If you lose a job for any length of time, you may almost deplete what you've saved.

What do soldiers do during peace time or when there is a lull in the shelling? They bolster themselves, get rest, repair things and fill up their storehouses with fresh weaponry and ammunition. The momentary rest does not mean it's over.

If our savings account is empty at the time of the next crisis, we are in even worse shape. My daughter has been memorizing Ephesians 6 in school. We have to fight against the tricks of the evil one consistently. When our faith is stretched and we feel broken, the time of rest following is for healing and refilling. I used to think that the verse about God not giving us more than we can bear meant God wouldn't let it get too bad. I've seen all around me it "getting really bad". The amazing thing that God does when times get rough cannot be explained in words. You have to have put enough in your savings account, and then God will display his power. Situations may not change, but you will survive and feel God's amazing, limitless storehouses of fresh weaponry and ammunition.

I had a friend who lost her baby of only 5 months old a few years ago. I am still reeling from it myself, I can hardly imagine what they feel like. Their savings account would have to have been stored up well to truly experience God, who holds us in his hands and cries with us.

Stuff happens to all kinds of people all of the time. It doesn't matter if you are godly or ungodly. But, you can save up and make a withdrawal. Plus, God does employee matching. He gives us extra deposits during times of suffering. Experience it for yourself.

McDonald's Monopoly, how I love thee

2007-10-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

Our family loves McDonald's Monopoly. Not to mention that I love McDonalds. It's all American, you always know what you are going to get, and you can just limit yourself if you are worried about the health risks.

We are even playing our pieces online, for a double chance at the big winnings!! I must admit that my favorite pieces are the free food pieces.

I don't mind that it is a ploy to get me to buy more McDonalds, in the words of Irving Berlin "God Bless America, Land that I love . . ."

The hospital is only fun when you are there having a baby . . .

2007-10-09T10:01:00.000-04:00

My oldest daughter was given Morphine and Zophran in the E.R.!!!!!! I had to wait until I was pregnant and throwing up to get Zophran (thanks for the tip Judy), and, thankfully, I've NEVER had Morphine.

She had abdominal pain off and on Saturday and we thought she better get checked out for appendicitis. It ended up being a kidney/uti infection, so they say. I've had great experiences with that area of the body, as well as my dad and my grandmother. And a certain family who shall remain nameless, where I strained my urine for a few days.

After being in the E.R. from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., she was then admitted to the pediatric unit. She had a cat scan which was negative. However, the drinking of the dye was the horrible part. Oh, and the fact that there was nothing on t.v. except football. She is recovering at home and is feeling much better. I am always impressed how the Lord enables us to step up to the plate. I am an anxious person when medical things come up. In case you DIDN'T know that, I felt I should mention it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For some reason, that is my hot button. The Lord allowed me to be there for my daughter, mentally and physically. I learned it from my mother how to be there for your child. I was emotionally drained and it felt good. I was able to pour myself into my daughter for her well being. It may seem pretty ridiculous to some, but I felt a major victory when I allowed the Lord to fill me up and spill me out onto her.

I also gained a new respect for the family members who had to sleep on those horrible chair/beds when I was having my babies. It took me a day to work out the hip and leg kinks.

My life is much richer for having denied myself. Funny how that works.

Let's take a moment to say Goodbye to the Summer

2007-09-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

Well, it's the last 10 minutes of my favorite season. Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox, better known as Fall. I took my pool down today and said goodbye to it. I always mourn the passing of Summer. I named my daughter with a middle name of Summer to commemorate the feeling I get from this season. I assume heaven is always in summertime. Well, Adam and Eve where naked weren't they? Wasn't it perfect in the garden? Couldn't have been too cold!

Sweet Summer, come again soon! The only way to survive the cold season is to think of your blissful return.

Cheaper healthcare????????

2007-09-14T23:29:00.000-04:00

I heard on 20/20 tonight that the price for Lasik surgery has gone down by 30%! They want to stay competitive! What a novel idea! While the price of medical care is going way way up, elective surgeries are going down. Plastic surgeons want repeat business, and they realize that they may be a 2nd or 3rd opinion for someone. If they are priced competitively, they get the business! You hear that doc, or should I say insurance company??? We want competitive pricing and more efficient ways of doing things.

What is catching on now are the quick clinics at grocery stores such as WalMart. They are usually run by a doctor or nurse practitioner (just as good as an m.d. in my opinion) and their prices are around $59 per visit or less. You can get checked out, get an R.X. and save a lot of money. If you don't have insurance, or have to pay for your own (like we all of the sudden do), check this option out! I bet my checkbook (with nothing in it) that your care will be better and more efficient. Why wouldn't you want to go back! It's how doctors can make money the right way.

Go ahead and think about that boob job, too. You might pay less than you think! Just don't go to Mexico, I've heard BAD things about that.

9/11

2007-09-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

I remember where I was on 9-11. Our parents remember where they were when JFK was shot or even older, like my grandpa, D-Day.

We remember because it helps us for the future. The Bible talks about remembering all through its pages. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth", or "Do this in remembrance of Me" are only a couple in a sea of commands to remember.

Bring to remembrance all that the Lord has done and fall before Him begging for his mercy on our pitiful attempts to be faithful.

Living on Less and Liking it More

2007-09-09T21:35:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed at how God works. Even though we are supposed to have a grasp on it if we know our Bible, it still amazes me. I look for God's total provision, whether or not I have the best faith in the world. God does not depend on me to be perfect in order to work.

Our income has been reduced by 3/4ths of what it was, and we are happier and more satisfied. We look through God's eyes to view what the world thinks is important. I was out with my husband last night at the Cheesecake Factory, and we were looking around the surrounding stores during our 60 minute wait. The world thinks this is all there is, so why not grab everything you can. Grab the stuff, get in debt, don't worry, you need it all. When God is removed from the pictures, life is rather bleak, and all of those stores look pretty great!

I did however love the ocean decor at Pottery Barn. I'm only made of dust, as I remind the Lord often.

It will all burn, so, don't collect what is unimportant. Collect what is everlasting.

"Why is everybody always pickin' on me?"

2007-09-07T00:25:00.000-04:00

My children are hanging all over me. They are whining and crying all the time! We have had some big changes in our life. Maybe that is the reason. Let's see Grandpa, our rock, was unceremoniously removed from school, Grandma has a new room, Dad has a new job/schedule, new teachers, and MOM USUALLY HAS A SCHOOL MELTDOWN this time of year.

I am trying to keep my mouth shut so the kids don't hear what we say about all of the changes, but, they know the differences. God always gets what he needs done, even when we don't see what's happening right away.

The Lord provided a truck for my husband, that's an answer to prayer. We need to sell our car now.

I have no illusions of an easy road, but, as the commercial says, "Life comes at you fast."

In remembrance of us in Tampa

2007-09-04T13:36:00.000-04:00

Well, I can see back a year ago to a shopping spree-cough session in Tampa. Someday, you will come here and see me, but I won't hold out hope.

Let's all just pause for a moment to hear the ocean breeze and smell the salty air.

Oh, and listen to the coughing, and the lady talking into her phone to the c.

Have a nice day, Jude!

1-800-Fools

2007-08-16T10:23:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know why the stupid people get praised and promoted and the excellent people get kicked like dogs? If all that you do all day is cover your own tail, why not try to CUT OFF THE TAIL!!!!!!!!!! Then you won't have to cover it!

Try living uprightly for a while. It would make life easier for the rest of us. Politics and games have no place in churches and schools. This isn't about you, it's about God.

Encourage someone you know that is an idiot to cut off the tail. If you don't know any idiots, I'll give you some phone numbers.

Lurping

2007-08-15T00:18:00.001-04:00

I just found out that "lurp" is not a word! So, whatever it is Kent was doing, it was not "lurping" around.

Our last fling before !@#%%%, I mean school

2007-08-14T19:25:00.000-04:00

Four wheeling and horses for the week. At grandma's house in TN. Silk and Biscuit are getting fat from the girls feeding them carrotts and apples. The girls are learning how to walk Biscuit nicely. She's only 1, so she's just a baby, yet.

We are shut out from the outside world up here on the mountain with the flies and mosquitoes. Don't even know when school starts. It's a dirty word. I may get into that later.

Going to light the bon fire for s'mores and hotdogs.

Livin' the good life, even if it's not at the beach.

Home Coming!

2007-08-11T01:57:00.000-04:00

Well, Russell is coming home today after a week out of the country with his dad and then Mark and Andrea Jones. Yahoo. I need you.

Dad said it was o.k.

2007-08-11T01:20:00.000-04:00

Well, Dad said it was o.k. to blog, so I'm blogging.

Mom also said that she loved wooden roller coasters.

Honey, I'm sorry I didn't ask you first. You were out of the country . See what happens when no one is watching. Well, like I said, Dad said it was o.k., so he was watching.

Al Nipper, I'm using your code name, please read my blog to keep updated as I know you have nothing better to do.

Rye Bread, I'm also using your non-existent code name, I know you'll want to keep abreast of the latest fashions, so stay tuned.

Jaybird and Ladybug, codenames, I'm the one who you want to be like when you grow up. I also like license plates. Oh, and I am 9.

Maybe you'll all finally get to know the real me.