Back to School!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. As a child, I loved going "Back to School" because everything was NEW! I loved shopping for new crayons and a new lunchbox, making new friends and having a new classroom teacher. And of course, who doesn't look forward to that crisp air, football season (Geaux Tigers!), and the anticipation of holiday celebrations just around the corner?! My kids definitely share the same enthusiasm. They love the "Back to School" shopping for new clothes, tennis shoes, and supplies! We make a production out of it and have SO much fun shopping as a family. I get JUST as excited for them!

I loved school so much, that before I became a wife and mom, I became a teacher and taught at Bethany Christian in Louisiana. It was my PURE JOY to be there. I loved my teaching staff, my students, and all the parents. I had the privilege of coaching their varsity cheerleaders for many years. I developed even more of a passion to teach and learn as the years went by. School was my home and my sanctuary (Literally and Physically!! My classroom was the first room off the foyer of our main church auditorium!)

But after I begin having my own children, I didn't want to give up being with them, so I chose to stay at home. Instead of teaching other people's children, it was time to teach my own! Having a family was my PASSION. And by choice, I didn't want to give up my time with my children. Year after year, for 10 years now, I have been blessed to stay with them. Now, that my oldest is 5th grade and my youngest is Pre-K and they have all headed "back to school" I am left wondering what new beginnings I personally will have to look forward to this fall!

I can RELATE to all you moms out there that are feeling the need to DISCOVER what you should be doing with your time. You love your family and want to watch out for them, and yet you feel the need to be everywhere- all the time- meeting everyone's needs. And LORD HELP US!!! Facebook, social networking, the internet, emails, invites, and PINTEREST (I love that website!) can make us feel like we are less than the average woman. Maybe this fall, instead of tackling the to-do lists, you can give yourself permission to settle down on the outside so you can start to settle down on the INSIDE! Get yourself a brand new notebook, find a quiet spot, and begin to let the Lord lead you in HIS direction this season! Don't allow that busy world to influence the way you lead YOUR daily lives. You are a child of God- created in His image. He has something new for you to discover, and it will come when we spend more time WITH HIM, not with our check-lists! Go Back-to School- find out what God is saying to you, what things HE wants you to learn! I am challenging myself to refocus this fall on being a better student in the Word, and and definitely I hope to become a better listener!

Love and Prayers for you this Friday :)

This was my FAVORITE book as a child- Now it is one of my kids favorite too!

Daily Devotion: DREAM ON!

This fall, I've been challenged in my life to "Dream On!" There are times when it seems dreams are real and times they just seem to dwindle away. If you're like me, maybe you have been carrying a dream around for a long time? Let me encourage you today- Don't let it go. DREAM ON!

Begin to see yourself beyond just what you see in the mirror. You are more than a conquerer because of the power of Jesus who lives in you! Refuse to believe what the world says about you and counter those thoughts with what GOD's Word says.

When God puts a dream in your heart, there's no limit to what you can do! He placed those dreams inside you to IGNITE a passion so that you will PURSUE them. So don't give up on your dreams just because others have no clue how to do it- it's not their dream! Just because it seems impossible doesn't mean it can't be done.

Habakkuk 2:2 says:

"Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it."

When we take the time to write out what's in our hearts, then God can begin to do his part to see our dreams come true. (Just make certain they line up with God's Word!)

RUN with joy today! Maybe the joy on the inside of you will spark God's dream on the inside of someone else. DREAM ON!

Why do I Blog?

I read the other day a quote from a pastor I highly respect, that stated, "DILIGENCE: Is investing all your energy to complete the task assigned to you. The antonym is procrastination." So my guilt is catching up with me because I felt some time ago that I should begin blogging my daily devotions.

I have discovered in my own life that my days are FAR better when I start them with "God first." When I read my Bible, I journal and I LOVE IT. I guess that's why I majored in English- I love to read, write, and share! My hope is that each day, if you have time to read this blog, you will find some encouragement. Without God's Word, I am helpless. As I am navigating through my own life- managing family, household, relationships and all of life's interruptions, I need all the strength I can get! If you would like to join me on this journey, please feel free to let me know so that I may also keep up with you! I'm striving to become more DILIGENT to write and use this window to the world to promote God's love, goodness, and mercy. We ALL need it EVERY minute of EVERY day!

Much love,

Hayley

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for BUILDING OTHERS UP according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

RUN THE RACE!

RUN THE RACE!


Summer is approaching... FINALLY!!! I think instead of kids awards day, there should be a "Parents" awards day! Maybe like:

"My child was dressed for the day, head to toe without forgetting anything at home!"

"Healthiest Lunch Award goes to....."

"Kids overslept but made it to school in LESS THAN 20 minutes before the tardy bell rang and didn't get stopped by a Madison Cop Award!" (Troy and I could win this one!)

WHEW!!! Equipping your children for their day, knowing it will affect their future is a full time job! HATS OFF to all the moms and dads who labor to take care of their little ones EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! You all deserve an award! Many days Troy and I feel like we are in a race: a race of time, a race to get out the door and on to the next event, or a race to see everyone and do everything that comes up on the calendar. But we have learned that even though there are lots of things worth racing for, none of them matter as much as the RACE of LIFE that the Lord has set before us.

WIth summer approaching, I plan to STOP and just re-check my status in the Race of Life, so I don't wear myself out!!! If you are like me and feel the need for a re-check, here are 3 thoughts for the summer:

1. GET UP AND RUN!

(Acts 20:24)

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Get in the Race! The RACE we are to be running is to testify of the Good News of Jesus and tell of His grace. Some days, the hardest part for me is just getting started. In a given day, no matter what our occupation or specific talents and responsibilities are, everyone should have this goal in mind when they wake up and go to sleep. "If I can put my head on my pillow each night and KNOW that I have shared God's love and grace to my family or those in my reach, I have RUN the race of the day." REGARDLESS of how many other things there are on the "TO-DO" list, just GET UP AND RUN!

2. BREATHE!!!

I can't run fast and I am SO tired!! WHY?
I ask myself this question all the time. Check out the following scripture:

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Feeling weary and losing heart? The things that slow me down are things that I sometimes CARRY with me while I'm running! It's just like taking a lap around the track- when everybody running has those cool wind shorts that breathe air so they can glide faster, I have a backpack full of JUNK in it- imagine trying to win running like that?!!!

I have to learn to THROW IT OFF! It could be something as simple as over-committing to another calendar event, when I could just easily have said no. It could be that I have procrastinated and not given myself time to finish a job that has to get done. (I think women especially take on way more than they can handle because they want to prove they CAN do something! I know I've been there before.) But what really matters- man's opinion or God's? Say no to the things that weigh you down- especially if it is a sin you know has kept you heavy hearted. You have a choice to put it down and RUN!

Hebrews 12:2 Also says if we FIX our eyes on Jesus, it will help us get going in the right direction. Jesus ran hard to the finish line because of the JOY set before him- He was RUNNING FOR YOU AND ME AND HE DIDN'T QUIT! I can guarantee you our race is not as difficult as His was- Thank you Lord!


3. FINISH STRONG!!!!

Can I actually WIN this race??

(Philippians 3:14)

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I have a lot of friends who like to run for fun, and then there are those who run to WIN. Back at my home church in Baton Rouge, we had a whole group of Olympic athletes who competed in Track and Field- they are amazing!! Many of them from Jamaica-they had awesome physique and very cool accents! I knew that whatever they were competing, they were in it to win it!
I bet if you asked, they would tell you they spent hours and months and days and years preparing for that big day. It wouldn't be good enough to just "enter" the race. They were running as if to WIN the prize. I'm sure at the race, they set their eyes on the prize of an Olympic Medal!

The prize I want to win is the "WELL DONE!" award when I cross over to eternity!
If you ask me, training for my lane in the race has been awesome! I have been blessed by
getting to do what I LOVE to do- be a mom, a wife, serve in our local church, create, and dream and share life with friends! But there have been some hard parts of the training. Sometimes sore muscles and a fatigued body don't even compare to a crushed spirit, feeling grieved by hurt words, or just discouraged and lonely at times. We ALL experience those painful emotions on the journey that make us want to just quit.

Let me encourage you today- DON'T QUIT!!! You not only represent yourself, but a whole team! You have your family and those in your window that need your special touch. But beyond that, the entire team of believers needs you to do your part in the race. You are created unique and have a PLACE in this race of life. YOU ARE A VALUABLE TEAM PLAYER! When you start to feel like throwing in the towel, put your shoes back on: Get up and run, lay aside the weights, and FINISH STRONG. You will hear those words one day, "WELL DONE!" and it will have all been worth it.

I believe in you and I'm cheering you on!!!

Have a blessed day :)

HPC

Getting my four out the door today looked something like this:

7:00 Woke up- overslept.
7:15 Wake up Christopher, get him dressed for class pics- hope he didn't miss it!
7:45 Took him to school while the others stirred (Whew! He made it before class pic)
8:00 Checked him in school, went home to get everyone else dressed.
8:30 Made toast for breakfast, packed snacks and lunches and backpacks.
9:00 In the meantime, looking for everyone's socks and shoes. Thankful laundry was done.
9:15 Load up the car. Had to trace our hands for a parent project for school.
9:20 Kids off to school with Troy. BREATHE!
9:40 Troy calls- "Lauren can't go to school til lunch time- they are taking the OLSAT test
and they said she has to sit in the office, so I figured it was best to bring her home."
Lauren gets home, I get a shower. Get Dressed. Stare at the house wondering when I will get time to straighten?
11:00 Time to pack up- "Mom? Can we pick up Chick-fila? Dad said we could go" "Sure"
Loading up the car- "Oh, Christopher forgot his cello for after school! Oh, Room mom sent
an email- Jon Michael needs a shoe-box for Valentine's party! Oh! Lauren? Where is your
Picture order form? Money is due? IDK mom? OK, Let's just load up!"
11:10- Get in car, pick up Chickfila- inside of course because the line wraps around twice at this time.
11:30- great moment with Lauren in the car- just the girls. Lauren eats lunch on the road
since she is missing lunch time at school and has to carry her "Laura Ingalls" poster project to the room.
12:00- check Lauren in- drop off cello and lunch to Christopher, Shoebox to Jmac, and send Lauren down the hall with her project in tow. Give kisses, wave goodbye.
12:30- Home Alone. Look at the clock- I have to leave in one hour to pick everyone back up?

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COUNT IT ALL JOY!

“My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

Growing up in Louisiana, I was always surrounded by family, friends, and great food. The saying in the South, “Laissez Bon Temps Roulez!” or “Let the Good Times Roll!” was very true for me. I remember many nights with my family: laughing, listening to music, enjoying the sunset after a sail, and just having fun. It didn’t matter the reason, we were always looking for something to celebrate. Louisiana people are famous for that! Perhaps as a child, I was just plain unaware of the pressures of life. At that time, it was easy to “Count it all Joy!”

But somewhere, along the journey from childhood to adulthood, we quickly discover that the days of laughter and carefree living can sometimes be turned into various trials and difficult situations. Life no longer seems like a party and we find ourselves trying to navigate our way back to simpler times.

Have you ever wondered, “How did I get to this point?” I sure did! As a mom of four, my life was wonderful, but at times seemed overwhelming. I remember many sleepless nights and very exhausting days. I felt like I was just stumbling through, trying to survive! Perhaps to others, my world seemed just fine. But on the inside, I was feeling very tired and frustrated. With the enormous task of raising these precious children and managing my household, I found I could hardly take care of myself. It was becoming more and more difficult to “Count it ALL Joy!” It was in this season of my life that I quickly discovered I was not the only one experiencing these feelings. In attempt to understand why so many women, and especially moms, were having this same challenge, I made a decision to turn to the Bible for answers. I was amazed at what I found.

Check out this scripture: John 10:10 (NKJV) says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly!”

If Christ came so we could have an abundant life, then I have to believe He wants us to enjoy it. Could this mean that the enemy is trying to steal our joy? Yes, that is exactly what the scripture says. If we lose our joy, we become weary and tired. We begin to worry and life seems overwhelming. But there’s hope! In Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) we learn, “Do not grieve (worry) for the joy of the LORD is your strength." In my own life, I reached a point where I refused to let this happen anymore! I wanted to live my life filled with joy. God wanted me joyful, abundantly joyful! So I had to make a choice.

If you’re ready, like I was, to reclaim your joy, then you’re going to have to make a choice to trust God’s Word. He wants you to enjoy your life with Him, so come out of that dark tunnel and into His light. Here is a simple plan to help you navigate your way back:

REST. Enter into the Lord’s rest! Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When we don’t enter into His rest, we become restless! And that’s exactly what will happen. We will “rest less.” But when we enter His rest, His joy begins to fill our hearts, our strength is renewed and patience can begin its perfect work. Isn’t that good news? When we rest our hearts and minds, we are actually allowing God to be the one who works our problems out. James Chapter 1 teaches us to “let patience have its perfect work.” When we let go and trust God to handle our problems, we can finally sleep at night. Pretty soon, the weight of the day will be lifted off our shoulders. It’s like the Lord is saying, “I’ll take care of it; you just relax!” Take a moment to just breathe and rest in the Lord.

PRAY. Become a warrior, not a worrier! Philippians 4:6 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Grab hold of the scriptures that encourage you in your trial and pray through them. Let His Word be your weapon and it will bring joy, life and victory. When I am faced with a challenge, I like to get out my Bible and find a scripture that relates to my situation, even if it is just one scripture. As I pray and stand on His Word, He begins to move in my life. The problems don’t seem to be so big and God begins to work things out. You will be amazed what a difference a day makes when you spend time reading your Bible and praying.
PLAY! Enjoy the life God has given you. Choose to focus on the good of your day, not just the bad! Get back to the simple things of life. Take a walk, go to the park, have some ice cream and create a memory with those you love. Don’t forget to take a few pictures along the way!

A joy-filled life doesn’t mean that we won’t ever experience challenges. In fact, trials may be all around us, big and small. But it’s how we walk through those trials that will make the difference. We can make a decision to choose joy and let patience have its perfect work. Instead of allowing ourselves to get stressed and frustrated, We can choose to follow the scripture and let God be the one to see us through. It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it!

Perhaps you have been feeling sad, confused, or even just tired? Let me encourage you today to trust the Lord to lead you and fill you with His joy. Make a choice to enter into His rest today, pray through those circumstances, and go have some fun! “Count it all Joy” or should I say, “Let the Good Times Roll!”

Psalm 51

The other night before bed, I recalled singing this song as a little girl:

"Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.
And renew a right spirit within me..." (Psalm 51:10)

David was a worshiper. He was a skilled musician. He was a humble warrior known throughout Israel. He was a king! As he grew, he attracted people everywhere he went. Perhaps he was like an Old Testament ROCK STAR! He had been anointed as a child to replace King Saul on the throne and was celebrated for one of the most amazing defeats in all of the Israelite days in battle. No wonder Saul was so jealous of this guy! But David, being one of the most celebrated men of all the Old Testament, still messed up. Psalm 51 was his cry of repentance before God involving his secret sin with Bathsheba.

I think we all WANT to remember David for those celebrated accomplishments. I don't think any of us want to believe a Bible hero so great could have messed up so big. Surely when his sin was made known, he was disappointed in himself, or perhaps he regretted his compromising decision. But I happen to believe the saddest part for David was his knowing that his sin had made him FEEL separated him from God's presence- by his own choice and actions.

BUT, (I LOVE THIS PART!!) as his HEART began to turn towards repentance, true repentance, the only thing that mattered to him was to be close to the Lord again.

I kinda think this was a weepy song he cried out to God:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

What a beautiful heart cry. We know that God's Word promises He will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He is waiting for us to run to him when we need grace and forgiveness.

Hebrews 4:16 (New King James Version) says:

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Haven't we all been in need of his Grace? As a mom, I am WAITING for my kids to run to me and get it right when they mess up. I never stop loving them because they didn't obey the first time. How silly we forget God the Father loves us also in that way! I just love how God leaves His arms open and he immediately receives us, forgives and LOVES!! Don't camp out in the problems of your life or your mistakes. Just like David, God can use you when you turn your heart to Him.

I love this quote, borrowed from my friend Amy...Troy liked it so much he used it in his Sunday message!

"God is not distracted by style, personality,
appearance or achievement.
His gaze pierces the flesh and weighs the heart.
Then He places His hand upon sincere souls
and turns shepherds into kings."

SUMMER LIFE GROUP: UPDATE!

We are celebrating the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL and the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER! No more waking up at 6 am (well, at least for the kids!). For those of you interested in the summer life group, we have decided on a date and time!

EAT THE COOKIE, BUY THE SHOES!!!!

Wednesday, June 23 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, June 30 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, July 7 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, July 14 (10:00 am- 11:30 am)


* We will be meeting at Highland Chapel Church at the Township, located upstairs (directly behind Soulshine Pizza)
* Childcare will be provided. You may bring snacks/lunch with your kiddos if needed.
* Anyone is welcome!

At some point over the next two weeks, try to purchase your copy of Joyce Meyer's, "Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes"
new book release. There are many sites online and it is probably at the local stores. The purpose for this group is to
CONNECT, ENCOURAGE, and have FUN!!! So please feel free to invite a friend.

We will CELEBRATE our completion of the group by having some girl fun- SHOPPING AND DESSERT!!!! Time TBA

Please leave a comment if you plan attend. The only thing I ask is that you let me know ages of any children coming, so that we may provide enough help.

Looking forward to our time together!

NEW SUMMER LIFE GROUP FOR WOMEN!

I am so excited about the idea of hosting my first Life Group for "The Girls" since I have been here in Madison. I have ALWAYS grown from these times together- girls just need time to hang out, be real, talk and pray with one another- especially for encouragement and LAUGHTER!!! I am thinking to meet once a week for 4 weeks and study the new book by Joyce Meyer, EAT THE COOKIE, BUY THE SHOES! Here is a little sample:

"I didn’t know how to trust God with daily life. I was out
of balance in almost everything and I did not yet realize that
celebration and enjoyment are necessary in our lives and we
cannot be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physi-
cally without them. We must remember that we are not built
for guilt, and we should deal with it aggressively anytime we
experience it.
The best gift you can give your family and the world is a
healthy you and you cannot be healthy without celebration
being a regular part of your life. You can change the entire
atmosphere in your home simply by giving yourself permission
to lighten up."

Joyce Meyer

If you are interested, please let me know the best time and mid-week day that would work for you and we can get our plans rolling! We will provide childcare at our church facility, located in The Township.

Looking forward to a great summer together!

Hayley

New Day

Troy and I discovered this song by The Robby Seay Band.
We thought it summarized our journey in life right now, especially
the part about hope, coffee and a melody!!!

(You can scroll for it on my playlist at the bottom of the page.)


I'm gonna sing this song
To let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me
You need hope, coffee, and melody
So sit back down
Let the world keep spinning ‘round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face

It might not be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
But it’s a new day, oh baby, it’s a new day
And it might not look like
A beautiful sunrise
But it's a new day, oh baby, it’s a new day

I’m a pilgrim soul
I've traveled far and come back home
This land is hard and cold
For those who long to love
And I know it might seem
That the world is crumbling
But it’s me and you dancing in the kitchen at 2 am
And we're still alive

It’s the calm of the storm that comes blowing in
It’s the springtime saying I'm back again
The clouds that roll by
Crossing moonlight
Me and you love – everything's alright
Standing in the rain with nowhere to go
Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you
Remember this day
For the rest of your life
Me and you love – everything’s gonna be alright

And it just might be
The prettiest thing that you'll ever see
It’s a new day
Oh baby, it’s a new day
If you look outside
To see a beautiful sunrise
It’s a new day

Framing My World

Since it's the beginning of the year and most people set "goals", I decided to do something different. I realize that most people have dreams and ideas of what they want their lives to be like. When I was young, I used to daydream about what I thought my future would be like! I wanted my husband to be dark and tan, like John Travolta looked in Grease!, and I wanted to live in a big beautiful white house with a little land. I knew I wanted at least 3, no more than 4 children. I wanted to serve God and raise my family the same. I wanted to graduate college, be a cheerleader and a teacher, and I wanted to always be where God is moving! Other than the big white house, I discovered that I am living out my own dreams. But I don't think I am finished! I still have ideas of things I want to accomplish, places I want to go, health goals, ministry visions, helping others, etc... So why is it that some people get there at the end of their life and they are fulfilled, and some people only talk about it and never live it?

I recall in college continually dwelling on the scripture Moses spoke to the nation of Israel as they were in the desert, as the Lord had spoken through him, "I set before you life and death, THEREFORE, CHOOSE LIFE!" So the reality is that life IS a choice and as we grow older, we are living out the choices we have previously made. I always ask my children if their choices are life-giving!? Believe it or not, a 3,5, and 8 year old know the difference! So, for fun, I had my Bible study girls do a project...We are going to get a picture frame and inside, create anything that we want that describes the life we want to live, so that we can have something to reflect on when we are carrying out our daily lives. It should be fun and it should represent who you are. The most important thing is to dream big-remember your childhood dreams. What thoughts are you allowing that help you choose life and accomplish those goals, and which ones are hindering you from growing each day? Remember the choices we have been given. You can choose to finish the race of life that has been set before you! Don't give up, just choose to define the world you live in, based on God's Word and promises! HAVE FUN

Here is an example of how to get started:

1. Make a list of all your thoughts-dreams. Remember places, people, colors, etc.
2. Try to find a scripture or scriptures that applies to you and what you want to accomplish
3. Select a frame that looks like your style (size and designs depend on you)
4. Use the computer to print, use picture, or just use words (some girls use magazine clippings)
5. Arrange your ideas so that they fit into your frame

* It would be interesting to hold on to it so that you can see through the years how God is faithful to you!

Seacrest Beach

Troy and I started dating after a church beach trip to Sandestin. Because of our sentimental attachment and 7 years of revisiting that area, we just kept going back to the same beach location and loved every trip! God even blessed us for our honeymoon and a friend gave us their beachfront condo for nearly 2 weeks-completely paid for! We have brought the family back every summer. Needless to say, Sandestin holds a special place in our hearts. But lately, we have been feeling the need to venture a little farther down the coast and explore something new. WE WERE NOT LET DOWN! We discovered Seacrest Beach, which is a resort village only 20 minutes past Destin. It truly felt like a mini paradise!

Choose to Laugh!

I choose to Laugh!!

Would I choose to be normal? Sometimes- but that gets too boring around my house.
I love change and I love to laugh. My pastor's wife in Little Rock, and a mother of 4 as well,
told me there are always going to be moments where you have to choose to laugh or cry.
I have had to choose laughter these days because sometimes the hyper-activity of our household
would bring me to tears!! But really, it's awesome- here is a moment I chose to laugh:

Since we all were off celebrating the first day of the Christmas holidays yesterday, nobody got
to bed before 11 pm. Too bad we had to wake up for our Upward Baskeball/cheerleading game for
8 am. Everyone was happy, but Troy and I were racing to get in the car on time. We forgot Lauren's
pom-pom bag (thank God she didn't cry), I had to spoon-feed Joshua his breakfast (Troy's delicious eggs,
strawberries, and raisin toast); We forgot to charge the video camera so we had the power-converter plugged
into the car so we could charge it on the way. To top it off, everyone was thirsty, so Troy in his quick thinking
raced out the door with the entire jug of orange juice and plastic cups. 1/2 down the road, we were serving the
kids like a continental breakfast- Do you want more? Troy brought his electric razor so he is driving to the game holding
a jug of orange juice between his legs, and shaving- In the middle of his shave, he ran out of battery juice!!
LAUGH or CRY?? Pretty good moment to cave in! I asked him, "How many people do you know driving down the road
with a jug of juice!??? His reply, "MORE THAN YOU THINK!" I had to believe it is probably true, and laugh!!!

I learned that what makes the difference in your life is not the problems that come your way, but the way in which you
respond to them. We don't always get it right, but we can all learn to laugh a little bit more!

My dear friend Kelley moved to Heaven

My dear friend Kelley moved to Heaven. For those of you who don't know, Kelley Foret was one of my dearest friends and stood in my wedding. She was the first of my beautiful friends to walk down the isle!! Troy and Kelley knew one another since grade school back in New Orleans. Their families grew up together and Kelley and I met after Troy and I started dating. We shared many rooms on out trips to Destin. Kelley was (and still is) so full of life. She was a constant party. We used to have so much fun cutting up over our on "In Living Color" jokes-We frequently called each other at random parts of the day to talk about the things of God. When Troy and I were ever "on a break", she would be the first one to encourage me by saying "God has a plan and you are in it." Those words are always ringing inside." She developed a rare cancer and fought hard for her life. I cannot understand with my mind how this happened, but my faith is strong in the Lord and I am so glad she is not in pain anymore. Heaven is becoming a very clear reality for me. I know she is there and it won't be long until we are all back together! We love you Kelley.
You are a treasure...

Are You Dreaming of the Year 2009?

When Troy and I were dating, we always brought in the New Year at the night watch church service, and then went back to his
parents to celebrate and pray with family. But many years later when I was 8 months pregnant with Lauren, my second, I remember it was storming so we decided to stay home. Troy and I separated and we each had alone time with God to pray and get direction for the new year. When I was by myself upstairs, I finished reading the entire book written by Casey Treat (How To Fulfill Your God-Given Destiny). It changed me! Troy and I had frequently talked about committing ourselves to full-time ministry but never made a decision to do it. This night was very clear- All roads lead to Rome...If I ever doubted it before, everything in my life pointed me in the direction of this life-long calling that we were to pursue it for the year 2003. Troy and I met up together around the 12:00 mark. He confirmed to me that the Lord told him the very same thing. What an awesome revelation of truth and understanding we got that night about how to really bring in a New Years! From them on, we have done our best to spend our New Year time of celebration with each other and especially with the Lord.

I am excited about today, but I am also excited about the future and what is to come in the year 2009. I am steady in faith and not moved by what is going on in the world around us, even though it seems crazy at times. I am ready to receive a new word of revelation and learn about God's plans and visions for the Loveteam for the year 2009. Be encouraged. God will do the same for anyone who asks! I believe He has a plan and purpose and CLEAR direction for what each of us should be focussed on for the upcoming year. (Matthew 7:7)

Victoria

What a beautiful friendship! Victoria and I were roommates at LSU. She couldn't speak English yet and
I couldn't speak Spanish- Living together was so funny! Somehow this was a divine thing. Victoria and
I were like sisters and ALL our families felt the same way about each other. She eventually learned more English than I did
Spanish and we were able communicate- I had a chance to visit Venezuela and live with her precious family for 10 days.(When I got back, Troy and I finally got engaged!) I was so happy she got to walk through the wedding with me, but we have not seen
each other since Christopher was small, 7 years ago. Someday soon we will get back together! I know we are sisters for life though. One day Troy and I hope to do ministry work in the South American regions. Until next time Victoria, Happy birthday NOVEMBER 5! You are loved

The next Generation

Today we are celebrating the home-going of Ruth Stockstill, the co-founder Bethany. When I was younger in college and Troy and I were dating, I used to sit back and admire the 3 generations serving and worshiping together- Pastor Roy and Mrs. Ruth, Pastor Larry and Mrs. Melanie, and all their 6 children. To be able to witness the fruit of their labor is so encouraging as I am raising up my 4 children. It especially reminds me not to get discouraged if I don't see the whole picture. We are all co-laborers for the kingdom and we will not always see everything, but we will hear "well done my faithful servant." So, for the seeds she has planted in all of us, I praise God that I got to witness her life and it encourages me to be stronger in my walk with the Lord and strive to plant seeds into my own, the next generation.

Interesting, because last night I went to the Live the Dream conference at HPC and April S. spoke- Joel Osteen's sister. She had a powerful word about fighting the good fight of faith because it is teaching the next generation what to fight for- we are warriors for Christ. It was based on her experience when her mom (surely everyone has heard this story) was diagnosed with cancer and was given 3 weeks to live. She came home looking deathly, and April witnessed her parents praying and standing in faith for her healing. Of course, the end of the story is that she is still living and just celebrated a birthday last Wed.- She outlived her husband! God is so good. If anyone gets this update, Please pray for KELLEY, one of our best friends who is battling cancer in the hospital right now. I believe in the miracles of God for EVERYONE. I cannot let other people's circumstances change my faith in God's Word. By Jesus Christ's stripes we WERE healed and I will believe that for Kelley today. Please join your faith to ours. She needs a miracle in the next few days.

Check out the HPC conference live on the web. I think you can get there by healingplacechurch.org

Who is your "sauce"?

Really, it's who is your "source"- Dr. Cho from South Korea pronounces it "sauce"!
Just a thought question for me today. I have heard so many people raising the concern of what is going on in the economy. Definately it is a wake-up in our
spiritual lives, to know who our source really is-God or this world? Our pastor
said that the nation is experiencing a shaking- we understand that since we just lived through a hurricane season-but the shaking of our nation relates to the fall of all the things man has trusted in-Money, power, modern conviences, even people are falling from their high places! I guess I can now SEE how God is proving His goodness to us in these days. When you see a tree that has some brown leaves and broken limbs and something SHAKES it, all those parts of the tree that are disconnected fall and those that are healthy and connected to the main parts stay the attached. I think that is a true picture of this passage of scripture when Jesus says,

"I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2)

I believe in the LOVE of God first. If there is a wake up call for our nation to turn to God, God will do everything in His power to draw his family back to Him.
So I am not blaming God for every horrible thing that goes on in the world. But I do think He is needing the body of Christ who is connected to rise up and declare his GOODNESS- spread the good news of Jesus, love our neighbors as ourselves, forgive others, live a life of integrity, you know! I hope for all my friends and family that you trust God as your source, no matter what the gas prices are or what the stock market does! We have a promise that is GOOD and we need to let those around us see our confidence in the Lord in such a time as this.

"Think about what you are thinking about!"

I was reading a great book by Joyce Meyer that addressed how we are to be cautious not to let
our minds wander or wonder too much. Perhaps in a normal day, we get focussed and begin
working on something meaningful but our mind wanders down another thought path! Anyway,
it was an encouraging word to know that we do have the strength to take hold of our thoughts and
turn them over to God. Most of the time He is trying to give us the insight and direction that we
are really in search of for our day, but we won't get it we wander down 3rd Street and we are supposed
to be on Main! Just a thought!

R U a Real Tiger? Guess where this pic was taken!

Geaux Tigers!