Friday's Quote

I found this in a card that I bought to give to Andrea. I thought it hit right on target with all the changes in both of our lives.

"As one door is closed in your life, a new one opens before you. Take a moment to pause briefly at this threshold, and know that you are moving forward and that is for the best. Approach this new door with great confidence in your heart, for you have so much to offer and so much to look forward to. Open each new door with trust, holding your hopes and dreams very near...
knowing that the world is waiting for the goodness and the love you carry with you.
M.E. Miro'

A good blog friend Cheryl told me once that "When God closes a door ...He opens a window".
The door closing for me was a job that I really enjoy. Due to lack of funding the job was not open at the time. Right now I am sub-teaching at the same school. A job maybe open that doesn't have benefits ( I need insurance since my husband is self-employed). I have prayed for guidance and while the decision is not yet clear...I know that God will guide me in the right direction. Do I take the job with no benefits or do I wait for funding to come in for my old job to open that has benefits( while waiting keep sub-teaching)? Pray for God to give me clear direction in this.

For Andrea....the door that closed was high school. She is moving into a different phase in her life. A phase that I know she will excell in. While we miss her like crazy...I know that she is safe and learning to prepare for her future. Pray for her to stay strong in her faith and to stay focused on her studies.

Thanks for all your comments, encouragement and especially prayers!!
Have a Fabulous Weekend!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for:

Andrea

Joey

Cell Phones

Friends (including Blog friends)

Books

Chocolate

The Truth of God's Word

Prayer Warriors

Encouraging Words

Music (especially praise music)

Watermelon

Loren who fixed my computer

Not being scared to come in the house by myself at night

Alarm system on house that makes me feel safe

The peace that I have in my Savior...HE reminds me that I am never alone

For more thanks visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Andrea's Big Move

First...I would like to thank everyone that is praying for us during this time of change. Andrea is moved in at University of Alabama and doing great. Her classes start today...
Moving is not easy for anyone ...when you add that you are moving your one and only child to a huge University ...makes it seem so much worse.
Moving day was filled with all kinds of emotions. For Andrea, it was exciting..can't wait to get everything in place...independant, feeling all adult like.
When we arrived at the University it was mass of people everywhere trying to move their babies into a new place. I saw parents that had the "deer in the headlights look", parents that had their chest all puffed up with pride for their child, parents who where scared to death, parents who just wanted it over with, parents emotions on this day was WILD!
The dorm that Andrea moved into has 12 floors and 3 elevators. We had to sit in line just to pull up to the sidewalk. We unloaded my car first and then I moved to another parking lot. Joey stayed with Andrea's things while she checks in. When she returns she asks me to grab a load and stand in line for the elevator. The line for the elevator was through the parking lot!! I was so surprised!! We quickly realized this was not good. Andrea is on the 3rd floor so, we decided to take the stairs. 2 flights of stairs per floor.....which means 6 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS ...CARRYING ALL HER THINGS! Did I mention we had 2 cars loaded down? Let's just say after the 3rd or 4th trip...this overweight, out of shape, mom was huffing and puffing like you wouldn't believe! My arms were like jelly and my legs felt the same. I was so hot and needed to cool down so I skipped trip #5 and chatted with Andrea's roommate Rachel.
Everything was finally in the room and Joey was nice enough to help Andrea's other roommates carry their things in. Rachel was kind enough to give Andrea the bigger closet and we are so thankful...because Andrea needed the space. I think she carried about 50 pairs of shoes at the least! Andrea and I start working on putting her things away and decorating, Joey is in the living room talking to another Dad.
We go to a nice Mexican place to eat lunch and Joey talks to Andrea about how proud of her that we are and for her not to forget her raising. That she will see things she has never seen or been around and she will need to stand strong in her faith and walk away from these things. The whole time I am fighting the tears. I know once they start they want stop. Andrea then drives us around campus showing the places she will have class and etc. Joey and I both feel so proud and confident that Andrea is at the right place. She already knows her way around and feels good about it. Which helps us even more. We go back to the dorm and Andrea leans over and hugs her dad bye and I get out of the backseat and I give her a big hug and remind her to call. I kept my shades on because I didn't want her to see my huge tears. I get in the car to drive home and the emotions start to well up and I think I was going to loose it. Joey looks at me and tells me that she is going to be okay and not to cry...because he needs me to drive home. (Joey drove all night Thursday arrived home at 6:30 am on Friday and we left for Bama at 7:30). He was exhausted! So, I put my big girl panties on and only allowed a few tears. He slept all the way home! Andrea called twice that night and I was so excited to hear her voice. Thankfully, she has called everyday to let us know how she is doing. She is even calling Joey while he is on the road. We miss her like CRAZY!!!!
These next months will be an emotional roller coaster...I know that God will see us through each turn and curve and ups and downs. Continue to pray for us. Especially, Andrea ...she is already facing some of the things her Dad has talked to her about. Pray for her to stay strong in her faith and stayed focused.

Friday's Quote

I have two quotes :

"Sucess is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."
Booker T. Washington

"Show class, have pride and display character. If you do, winning will take care of itself."
Paul Bear Bryant

Today...Joey and I will be helping Andrea move into college at the University of Alabama. This is a new phase all three of us will be moving into.
She is so ready to move into this next phase of her life. Both cars are loaded down and ready to head for "T-Town"! We are Bama Bound!

When I read the quote by Booker T. Washington...it just seem to fit. In this last year our family has gone through so much. Alot of obstacles that I called storms. Thankfully, God saw us through each and every one!!
Paul "Bear" Bryant was a coach for the University of Alabama ...so I had to use one of his quotes. You can apply this to other things besides football. You can't hardly talk about University of Alabama without "Paul Bear Bryant's" name being mentioned at some point. I have a good story about Andrea's first visit to the University of Alabama that I will post on later.

Pray for us ....Andrea is thrilled and happy ....Joey and I while we are happy and proud of Andrea we are also sad.
Andrea is her Daddy's girl and My world!

Okay...it's your turn...do you have some advice for us or a favorite quote to share?

FYI: I have used Andrea's computer since Christmas ...our home computer was infected with what seems like a million viruses. It is being fixed...hopefully soon. So, I now don't have a computer at home... I guess that means I will be on a blog break. I hope by next week to post again. In the mean time.....when you think about us ....say a prayer.

When God Whispers Your Name

"When I kept things to myself, I felt weak deep inside me."
Psalm 32:3

Ask yourself two questions. Is there any un-confessed sin in my life?...
Whether it's too small to be mentioned or too big to be forgiven isn't yours to decide. Your task is to be honest...
Are there any unsurrendered worries in my heart? "Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you"(1Peter5:7) The German word for worry means "to strangle" The Greek word means "to divide the mind".... Worry is a noose on the neck and a distraction of the mind, neither of which is beffitting for joy.

There are so many times I wish I could be like the birds in the air...they don't worry about shelter, food or anything. I know I am not the only one who worries about different things...but, sometimes life is just hard. Life changes ...new phases....are not so easy to take sometimes. Parents getting older....daughter growing up and moving to college...job changes for honey...need of job...all these things going on cause me to worry. I am trying to cast my cares to my Savior ....I can tell him all about it...it is the giving it all to HIM that is the hard part. I know that I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful....I don't want the worries of life to strangle my joy. I am going to work on this today....till this too shall pass. I am the daughter of the KING....HE loves me just as I am....for this I am so thankful.

So how about you? If you are worrying about something ...remember to turn it over to the one who told the ocean it could only come so far....who told the stars to shine in the evening...
Also, remember when ....God shuts a door ....HE opens a window!
Are you ready for the window to be opened?

U.S.A.

Oh MY ! I am watching the Olympics tonight .....can I just say WOW! Team U.S.A gymnastics men's team is AWESOME! They are sticking their landing and making the other teams wonder what is going on.
Watching Michael Phelps swim is FABULOUS! I get tears in my eyes as I watch his mom cheer on her boy. I know she is just bursting with pride for her son. How sweet that he gives the flowers to his sisters.
I am so proud of our athletes. Listening and watching to their stories of injuries, training, how much time they spend in preparing for this time amazes me. They are dedicated!
I am glued to the tube! So glad they have commercial breaks.lol
I can almost feel the emotions all the way from Beijing!! Can you?

Talk to me...have you watched any of the Olympics this week?

Who rocks the house? U.S.A ROCKS THE HOUSE!!!!!

GO TEAM U.S.A!!!!

Friday's Quote

For Friday's Quote ...I decided to use Back to School Quotes since some school in Alabama started this past Thursday and some will be this coming Monday.

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.".
Malcom Forbes

"Education is when you read the find print. Experience is what you get if you don't."
Pete Seeger

"The important thing is to never stop questioning."
Albert Einstein

"I am always ready to learn although I don't always like being taught."
Winston Churchill

"As long as thre are tests, there will be prayer in school's."
Author Unknown

Do you have a favorite back to school quote?

Take a moment and prayer for our schools (teachers, administration, children, staff, traffic directors, lunch room staff, custodians, etc). Also, pray for our government leaders ...their budget decisions affect our schools. For the parents to be open to help their children when they are so tired from working all day. To give their children the attention they need.

HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND!!!!

When Christ Comes

As a man rejoices over his new wife, so your God will rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:5

Have you ever noticed the way a groom looks as his bride during the wedding? I have... If the light is just so...I can see a tiny reflection in his eyes. Her reflection. And the sight of her reminds him why he is here....
And such are precisely the feelings of Jesus. Look long enough into the eyes of our Savior and, there, too, you will see a bride.... And who is this bride for whom Jesus longs?
You are. You have captured the heart of God.

Brantley gave me this Inspirational Thought for Each Day of the Year and this thought is the one I turned to for today.. I was surprised at how it fit with what I have blogged about in the past several days. Of course I had to share.

What a great reminder that You and I have captured the heart of God! Is this AWESOME or what?

The Wedding!

The wedding was so beautiful! Brantley was absolute breath taking in her gown. I am sure that is how Jonathan felt when he saw her walking down to meet him. The church was packed and so was the reception.
I think I have told before that Brantley is very special to our family. Her mom (Candace) and I are good friends as far back as high school. Our husbands went to school together...we ususally take camping trips together, sometimes vacations( actually this year was the first time we have not been on vacation together in several years). My daugher, Andrea and Candace's #2 Brooke are the same age. Brooke is leaving on Wednesday for college. Anyway, because our families are so close I was honored to be the Wedding Coordinator. This was my first time and I was soooo nervous. I felt like I was being mean on Friday night at the rehersal. Trying to keep adults focused is hard work. LOL On Saturday (Wedding Day) everything was going great till the grandparents start lining up and I have to get all emotional. I started to tear up and I was trying to hold it in. I knew when Candace saw me that she would start so I was trying to hide it. I kept breathing and trying not to look at anyone. That is very hard when you are watching and listening so you can tell them when to walk in. Candace saw me and was immediatly concerned that something had happened to Joey who was traveling to Utah. She asked me what was wrong and all I could do was shake my head. She finally realized that it was nothing with Joey and I was just emotional because of sweet Brantley getting married.
Bro. Hal tried to joke with me and said "If you are doing this with Brantley what are you going to do when Andrea gets married". I don't even want to think about this! I finally got a hold of myself after a snort or two. I was as shocked as Mike when that snort came out. Then I had to laugh. I got to hug Brantley and tell her I love her before she went down to meet her groom. Such a precious time. Everything went wonderful....the singing, the bride's court and groomsmen...the ring boy was entertaining and adorable. I even got the honor of driving Brantley and Jonathan to the reception.
Several people came up to me and said they didn't know that I did wedding coordinator professionally. I was sooo surprised and so was they when I told them this was my first!!!
Will I do it again? Yes, I really had a great time and enjoyed it. Being emotionally attached to the bride was a challenge... we survived snort and all. LOL I was surprised at the emotions I had ... I thought I had everything under control...then the tears had to come. It is okay...we will laugh about it someday...actually we already have.
Brantley will always be special to us ... We are very proud of both Brantley and Jonathan.

Do you have a wedding funny or mishap to tell...if so I would love to hear it.

Thanks for all the comments on Friday's Quote and the encouragment... I really needed it and it felt good to read all the positive comments.

Pray for me...this week is a hard one. Andrea leaves next Friday for University of Alabama and I am still in need of a job.
When God closes a door HE opens a window. Someone told me this (I think Cheryl) and I keep reminding myself of this everyday.

Friday's Quote

Love....tomorrow my friend's oldest daughter is getting married. I am wedding coordinator...this is my first time to do this. I am was honored to be asked. Actually, I thought it was a joke at first. I laughed....she was serious.... there is no way I could say no to her.
Brantley is so precious to my family. In so many ways Brantley and Andrea are so a like.
We are very proud of Brantley!! Because of the wedding tomorrow I decided to do some quotes on love.

Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself.
Jean Anouilh
(1910-1987)

To Love is to receive a glimpse of Heaven.
Karen Sunde

Love doesn't make the world go around, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
source unknown

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, belives all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a
New American Standard Bible

Do you have a favorite quote on love?
Do you have any words of wisdom that I can pass on to Brantley tomorrow?

Pray for beautiful cooler weather, for the parents, bride and groom, wedding party, photographer, reception, safe travels....and especially the wedding coordinator (me).

Did I tell you this is my first wedding to coordinate? can you tell I am nervous?
I got a new to the ankles dress and strapy shoes... I am excited, nervous...and tonight about 7 pm I will be a wild woman ....wanting to please the bride. Did I tell you how precious she is to our family? We love Brantley like she was one of our own. I am going to stop now....before I really work my self into a frenzy!

Oh ...I almost forgot. This is actually my 100th post. I will post 100 things about me soon! I know you don't want to miss that!!