Ok....I can't believe its been close to a month since I've written anything on here!! Not a recipe....not a verse....not a thought....NOTHING!!!! I'm thinking its probably because at this point, I'm feeling NOTHING!!!! and yet...I'm guessing I shouldn't be confessing this!!! However....I'm going to go against my "better" judgement and confess it now so I won't have to confess it LATER!!! anyway... life has been nothing but a blur..... when you run a retail shop, and get your Christmas decorations out at the end of October... it begins to take a toll on what you do for your family during the holidays... Thanksgiving came and went.... and one day, I was up in our attic closet and saw all of my gorgeous acorns that I used to sell in my shop and I realized I hadn't even put those in the bowl like I use to do !! So I got those out for about 2 weeks and put them in this gorgeous new bowl that we are carrying at the shop....we enjoyed those for a very short while! That didn't make any of it "better" either!!! Still frustrated!!! Then, I was blessed to have Lindsey Williamson ask if she could do some arrangements for the shop for advertisement for her floral design! What a blessing for me! It was a HUGE blessing and help for our Open House for Emily Ozier and her beautiful paintings!!! That was alot of fun!!! But still I had to gear up for my annual Christmas Party!!!! Thankfully, Lindsey was still in the picture and put her incredible floral talents to work and we were set!!!! However.... next year.... I hope she will cater as well!! Now we are pretty much settled into the exam/Christmas schedule, and , oh yeah..... Basketball!!! What fun!!!! I had forgotten to put that on my list of things to do while I fretted over the shop,etc.... We are very glad to be in the basketball routine again! This year its been hard to get back into it because we were in the State Playoffs and that puts basketball on the" backburner" so to speak ( much to Miller's dismay! ) I hate that.... I know its hard, but I don't know how to get around it! Now we have a child that is struggling to get back into that mode and feeling very frustrated!!! WE are working on that.... diligently!!! On top of that... we had our dreams dashed just a bit tonight... which I hate that I let myself fall victim!!! We thought Holly and Brad were moving to Anniston on Jan 1st and now that has been postponed for a short while.... I know that in all of this God is working for good... for HIS good!!! and ultimately, for our good even if we can't see it at the time! I hate that I talk about some of the things in my life that are so frustrating to me and I can't give details!!!! One day....pretty, pretty soon.... I'm just going to spill the beans!!!! but for now.... I can just say that I'm frustrated.... with the system, with the math, with the logistics.... and I can PrOUDLY say....it has NOTHING to do with any Church or any "group!" I'm just frustrated with God!which I'm not sure is ok to say!!!! I feel like Rick Burgess's kids when he told them they "were making God sad!" ha ha!!!! He was trying to get them all ready for church and they were not cooperating!!! so he decided to tell them that they were making God sad! One of them began to cry...." I don't want to make God sad!!!!" Well, I certainly understand what Rick was trying to convey and yet I also know that I am making God sad by not trusting in His every move in my live and in my children's lives! And really, it just means I'm VERY frustrated with myself for not trusting in God's perfect will that I so easily and readily tell other's about!! its just plain embarassing that I fell victim to it tonight!! I am truly ashamed! I have to ask your forgiveness in this, and ultimately, His forgiveness!!! He loves us so very much that He only wants the very best for us!!! Why can't I remember this??? Why can't I trust in this????
I really am very thankful for His unconditional love for me!!!! He loved me first!!!! Certainly, I can love Him and tell others about His love!!!!! and if you have something that you are troubled with or ashamed of...please don't hesistate to tell Him about it!!!! It doesn't matter if its lack of Trust like in my case with my own children and their future....or just simply a lack of trust that He loves You so much that He gave His life for you , that you might have life everlasting!!! He is always there for you!!!!!

I am officially becoming.... my mother!

Today, as Holly and I sat at Urban Standard.... one of our most favorite spots to eat lunch... I realized the blessing of having her home... for the one millionth time!!!! driving her around, me being in control of her life for just a day! What a day it was! buying her a few "necessary" clothing items!! LOL!!! trying to decide if Jim would mind! and then it hit me.... Jim wouldn't bat an eye!!! just to be with his baby girl! Of course he would've bought her that dress and those wonderful black shoes that were 40% off!! He would cut off his right arm to be there for her....as he would for both of our sons as well.... but there is a very special bond between Jim and Holly and I am forever grateful for that!!! I think its because SHE loves HIM so much... and always has and has always told him! I could learn alot from her in that area! I wish it was as easy for me to demonstrate my love for others like she does!!! It radiates from her and people truly desire to be around Holly because of that! She is a blessing like I can't describe! Shes everything I wish I had been.... and I am blessed to be her mother! Which leads me back to why I am becoming MY mother! Wow!! What more could I ask for? To be blessed with such a godly, loving, wonderful daughter as well as have the world's greatest mother in the whole world! Not to mention the world's best mother in law and daughter in law!!!! Ok.... I am a very blessed woman!
But.... as Holly and I split a half of a half a sandwich as well as a half of another sandwich.... and I asked for the knife to be the one doing the "splitting"...it hit me!!! I am not only becoming my mother.... i AM my mother!!!!! for those of you that know my mom and her sweet group of friends you will certainly get this!!! for those of you that don't.... use your imagination! They all go out alot together .... they split everything!!! we make fun of them!!! but guess what? They love to eat... they are not overweight.... they are all very fit and trim and gorgeous... and most of all, godly women that give of themselves like I've never experienced yet!!!! It wasn't my first clue that I'm becoming my mother.... I've had several, trust me! But it was my favorite!!! If I can split a half of half of a sandwich with my daughter.... shop with my daughter and buy her the things that she needs for important wedding events for her sweet roomate just as my mom did 20 or so years ago when we couldn't afford it.... if I can teach my daughter to trust in God for her livelihood... LITERALLY!!! If i can be excited about them living in Jackson, MS.... if I can sit patiently and not "fret" as much as I used to over where they will be next... if I can be thankful for the things that God has taught us over these last 4 months.... if I can trust God like never before for their safety and where they will live next.... then I AM MY MOTHER!!!! and i am forever grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am officially....becoming my mother!

Beautiful!

BEAUTIFUL ARRIVED AT THE DOOR......

five years ago as a group of girls that didn't even begin to know each other and are now lifelong friends!

in the form of an infant, so soft and cuddly, born with a cleft lip and palette...just the way God intended her to be!

in the life of a friend that was going through serious marriage issues....and thought it was over... and now, 16 years later.... they are more in love than ever!

in a warm pink blanket, monogrammed.... Layton....

in a long, white, flowing wedding dress! the dress of my dreams but the dress that Holly chose!

in a man that loves my daughter unconditionally! and yes, perhaps more than I do!

in a phone call, from my oldest son just two months into his freshman year at Auburn saying very excitedly..."Mom... you will never guess who I'm dating!" it was his future bride! the girl of my dreams that I had always wanted him to ask out!

in a "Surprise" package on January 18, 1994!!! A precious baby boy that has given us such joy! and helped us stay close to our friends, cousins... and is still bringing us inconceivable joy! and.... helping to keep us young!

in the cutest voice you've ever heard on your answering machine..." Hey Nonnie! I love you! Have a great day!"

BEAUTIFUL ARRIVES AT YOUR DOOR IN ALOT OF DIFFERENT WAYS.... EMBRACE IT... ENJOY IT AND WHATEVER YOU DO.... BE THANKFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simple Chicken Pot Pie!!!

OK.... so finally, night time is here and I can sit and reflect! Not for long, mind you!!!! Anyway... after being home all day... and I do mean ALL DAY!!!! I managed to drive myself crazy with thinking that I must cook! I always do that whenever I have time at home... I think its a coping mechanism in my brain to try to get myself organized... to "cook ahead" so to speak... I'm always talking about it so I guess I must do it! Anyway... as Miller, bless his sweet heart... snored away on the sofa... and then retired back to his chilly bedroom! ( i can hardly walk in there he keeps it so cold with his ceiling fan!) to sleep off his fever and let the Phenergan work its magic to make him stop ... well... stop being sick! I won't give you too many details! I began bringing out the cookbooks... the Paula Dean magazines.... the laptop... googling away.... I think I wasted about 3 hours devouring recipes, trying to figure out what ingredients I had on hand, etc.... trying to make the BEST dinner ever... and then even I started feeling not so good! My rational side said... "don't make something you will get sick on and never want to eat again! " ha ha!!! So.... I settled for something "bland"! Something that my great grandmother would have made.... in fact... its what I used to smell when I would walk into her kitchen each time we went back to visit in Memphis.... the memories are as vivid as the lights on this computer! The smells are still there!! How does that happen? how does it always stay the same and never grows dim,

never seems dull.... and I never embelish it to try and make it seem better? it is what it is... it is why I love antiques... why I have an antiques shop... why i love to cook... why i treasure the quilts that were handmade by my grandmother and great grandmother! its why i can say in all honesty.... it was in my blood... i just loved being in "Big Mamma's" attic! Its what started my love of all things family! of all things antique! of all things meaningful! and...my love of Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken and Dumplings! That smell!!!! THAT WONDERFUL SMELL.....

hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we just did!!!!

Simple Chicken Pot Pie

3 Cups cooked chicken, torn in chunks

1 small can tiny English Peas

2 eggs, hard boiled and sliced into quarters

layer chicken, peas, eggs, sprinkle with pepper in a greased medium sized casserole dish. ( smaller than a 9 x 13 )

Layer White sauce over:

3/4 stick light butter

3/4 C flour

melt and blend together in medium saucepan over medium heat: Slowly add 2 1/2 C chicken broth, 1 small can evaporated milk, 3 chicken bouillon cubes... wisk until completely blended and let simmer until thickened. Add more broth or milk if needed. Also sprinkle with 1 1/2 t tarragon.

Pour sauce over chicken mixture... make sure it "seeps" in and top with crust mixture.

Crust

1 C self rising flour

1 C buttermilk

3/4 stick melted margarine or light butter

Pour evenly over all and bake at 350-365 for 40- 45 minutes or until browned and bubbly!!!

So yummy!!! Serve with cranberry sauce on the side!!!

the 5 most important things about decorating!

So, my precious friend and neighbor stopped me today as Jim and I were walking our dog for a short break from planting flowers... all of this is to get ready for a shower for Holly's dear friend and college roomate, Carey Strawbridge! We are so excited for her and are having so much fun preparing for the shower on Saturday!. Anyway, Sandy (my friend!) is always the one that says yes to everything and then I feel extremely guilty!!! She is soooo good at it as well!! She leads a young mom's bible study, always helps with our church's Christmas outreach, The Caroline House.... and always looks like life is perfect!!!! Of course, I know them well enough to know their faults... and I will NOT go into them right now on the grounds that her husband is a lawyer.... and a very good one at that!!! In fact.... he bears a striking resemblance to my favorite actor.... oh gosh, whats his name??? Nicolas Cage!! anyway.... we won't go there!!! In all seriousness, Sandy is one of those people that you can't help but look up to and admire! Nothing seems to raddle her and her house is gorgeous and we all covet it and she always has on the cutest clothes and has the 3 most beautiful daughters!!!! Ok.... yes I am jealous... obviously!!!! However.... I'm not jealous for the reasons you might think! I'm jealous for the time that she spends serving the Kingdom! For working at Restoration Academy... for leading a Young Mom's Bible Study... For always being calm, cool and collected.... for being the wife that we would all strive to model. She stopped me today and asked for my 5 top decorating tips!!! WOW!!!! I was surprised... and yet I own an Antiques Shop and have for the past 11 years.... I had a decorating business with my best friend for several years before that!!!! So decorating has been in my blood for a long time! Hopefully, we are also cultivating relationships with our customers along the way... that is my goal for sure!!!! All of that to say.. here are the 5 tips she was asking for !!!! Hope they help!!!!!

1-NEVER, under any circumstance settle for anything less than what you truly want!!! In the end... if you buy something to make do... you won't like it in the end and you will end up spending more in the long run!!

2- If possible, meet with an experienced designer and make a "plan". Set your goals... draw out the furniture on your plan and literally, check them off as you get them! I promise... it works!!! I kept my plan with me for about 20 years and truly checked them off!!! One piece of furniture at a time!!!

3- Never turn down "hand me downs"! I know that sounds silly... but I can't tell you the times I wish I had "yes!" we want that! If you don't like it, you can always paint it! Plus it means something in the end to have a piece of furniture or a knick knack from your parents or grandparents! I went through my house tonight and literally....only 2 rooms in our house DON'T have something in them that we "aquired" from our parents or grandparents~ and I LOVE that!!!

4- Invest in special pieces.... if you love antiques... take the time and effort to research them and purchase just one special piece that you will remember! For me, its an English Armoire that I bought from Bridge's Antiques on layaway! And it was in her sale room!!! It is still my favorite piece we own today!!!!

5-NEVER, EVER.... hide purchases from your husband!!! I've truly never understood this... and Sandy may not want me to say this!! ha ha!! But I truly mean it... if you aren't on the same board in decorating or alotting your money for the things that you love as well.... then.... don't do it!!! Don't hide purchases!!!!! Nothing bothers me more than wives that come in with their "own" money! For the Love!!!!! Aren't we suppose to be one?? This is a very hard thing for me... my husband is an angel.... so forgive me if I sound self righteous! But the last thing a marriage needs to worry about is decorating a home!!!

6- Ok... If Sandy doesn't like that one.... don't fall for the "latest" trends! Old trends always come back! If you can't afford to keep up with "Jones" THEN DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!! Decorate the way YOU love!!! Its YOUR house and your family will grow up with precious memories of their mommy doing things the way she liked them!!! For me... its fresh flowers all the time in my kitchen!!!! It makes me happy!!! Therefore... it makes Jim happy!!! Need i say more?? ha ha!! Publix.... 3 bouquets for $12.oo? Hello!!! And I always just need 2 for my vase! Even better!!! Anyway, you get my drift... create your own special memories in decorating! From fresh flowers to fresh towels every day in your children's bathrooms! Turn the lamps on in each child's bedroom as well as in every room of your house in the afternoons! Thats the sort of thing that turns a house into a Home! And isn't that what we are striving for??? We want our kids to have memories of 'HOME!" To this day... I turn on every light in the living room, den, kitchen, sunroom... but especially in Miller's bedroom! I want him to feel welcome every afternoon when he walks in tired and worn out from football!!! He never comments on it.. and guess what!!! I"M GLAD!!! Its expected!!! He's used to it!!! It makes him feel like he is home!!! And you know what Dorothy says..... "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!" and she was and is so right!!!! That's my number one tip...... Make your family feel like your house is a home!!!!!

Persistence Pays Off!!!!!

You see these flowers? these Zinnias to be matter of fact!!! They are the work of... nothing I have done, thats for sure!!!! Its nothing but patience! All summer I lamented over the fact that at Sharon's house... Zinnia seeds can literally be tossed to the wind and they grow!!! Every year I try to grow them... to no avail! Finally, this year... I quit looking at them.. in fact, I ran out of time to even take care of them! I didn't cut the few measly ones that would sprout and I would think...let the butterflies enjoy them! let the bees do their thing! I don't care!!!! Then, I began noticing bright specks of color down in the garden... In fact, I even commented to Holly at least 5 times this week while she has been here... "did you see my flowers?" hey.... "did you see my flowers?" ... "No... really... did you go down to the garden and see my flowers?" of course she said she did... and that made me feel better for a while... because let me tell you... I DO look out there!!! even though I want to act like I don't care! in fact... after I get off the treadmill in the mornings... I go to the coldest place in the playroom which happens to have a vent that will blast you with cold air and its right above the double windows that overlook these flowers!! so I HAVE BEEN SPYING!!!! and then something hit me tonight as I sat here waiting for Holly and Brad to get home.... they haven't packed up their winter clothes, their dog is barking and looking for them in his own way!!! in fact he is wagging his tail in glorious revelation that he sees them walking up the sidewalk!!!! LOL!!!! And here I sit..................................................................................................................................................

realizing that for my whole life.... persistence has definitely paid off.... it's nothing that I've done... and its ALL that Christ has done to get my marriage to this point.. to get my children (and even their children!) to this point... I haven't done anything except trust..and let me tell you ... there were definitely times when Jim and I would have to pray that we COULD trust God!!!! Trust and Obey... For there's no other way.... to be happy in Jesus... than to Trust and obey!!!!! and now i WILL get back to why persistence pays off!!!!! its because... when you are tired... and you don't want to spank... you do! and when you are lazy and you don't want to "fertilize" (give guidance) you DO!!!! when you are tired... and you don't want to prune back the ugly leaves or the things that you know aren't right in your own life or in your child's.. YOU DO!!!! when you are tired and you don't want to walk down to that garden to see whats going on.... YOU REALLY DO !!!!!! because if YOU don't then WHO will???? I don't want to answer that!!! We all know the answer and its not good!!!!! But let me tell you .... when your children want to come home... thats the glorious answer to why persistence pays off... when your 16 year old son picks dinner at his 26 year old brother's house over (yes, I hate to say it!) BYG... when your daughter comes home with her husband for your 16 year old son's Homecoming Pictures..... Persistence has definitely paid off!!! And just like taking care of my Zinnias has had nothing to do with my gardening ability... which is null and void!!!! Taking care of our children has nothing to do with our ability in parenting on our own.... but in simply relying on God to help us be Persistent!!!! It is the hardest thing in the world to do.... but when done properly.... and totally under God's guidance... the rewards are spectacular!!! Don't get me wrong... PLEASE!!!! let no one misinterpret!!!! The road to raising children and cultivating a family were sometimes rocky over the years... our children didn't comply to our every whim! There were definitely thorns among those bouquets of roses or zinnias!!! it hasn't been easy!!! Tears were shed.... words were said... probably most of which I wish I could take back!!!! but the point is persistence.... relying on God's word and knowing that His grace enables us to do far more than we could ever imagine!!! Just like my measly garden of zinnias... after an entire summer of nothing..... all of a sudden... there was SOMETHING!!!! something to be proud of and to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and luckily, for me and Jim.... it was the last night of Holly and Brad being here for the week... in fact, as I carried them in... ( and I remember thinking, Hey Carolyn, you should've brought one of those baskets down here to look like you know what you are doing!!! yeah, right!!! ) anyway, Brad said..."did you just cut those from down there?" OH..... IF HE ONLY KNEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will end this with a verse from Deuteronomy... its so dear to my heart because I used to pray these verses for my children and certainly should not have quit!! In fact...this post... is nothing but a reminder... a wake up call to me to be diligent again!!! to be persistent... throughout Miller's last 2 years of high school, Mitch and Britney and Layton dealing with being a young family.... Holly and Brad dealing with being a young married couple.... and me and Jim, dealing with being persistent....

Deuteronomy 6:5-9" Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength! These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up!! Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and your gates!"

What powerful, powerful words!!! Humbling words... and yet very encouraging and very Hopeful!!!!! Thank You , Lord for being our Hope! thank you for enabling us to be persistent!!!

Homecoming and Pumpkin Muffins!

Homecoming is this weekend!!! Oh boy!!! Usually that means working on the float, powder puff football games, cool weather.... anything to make you think about fall!!! Well... this year, our homecoming consists of Briarwood's Homecoming Game... the Dance... ordering the lovely wrist corsage....making Miller MAKE fun dinner and picture taking plans, etc...because we want him to have all of the memories that a high schooler should have!!!!and.... besides all of that...we have another Homecoming!!! This is Brad's first time home since he was assigned his very own Chick Fil A !!! We've been to Jackson twice... Holly has been able to come home a couple of times... but this is truly Brad's "homecoming"!!! We are so excited for him!!!! We want him to rest... to enjoy his family and to enjoy... well just enjoy life!!! To remember that life is not all about how many pickles are left or how many tomatoes you should've ordered!!! or wait..... what???? we need another Strip's Platter???? Holly!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha!!! i hope he knows I am trying to make light of something really heavy~and yet... I'm trying to convey a very important point!!! Homecomings are Wonderful!!!!! and they involve memories....smells, tastes, feelings.... every emotion is involved!!! In fact... I was even concerned that he couldn't find his way home!!! i can drive it with my eyes closed!!! Jim and I have only been twice and his parents have been as well... in fact... they told us the short cut!!! but don't think for one minute that I didn't worry about him trying to find I 2o from 55!!! ha ha!!! So glad you are home , Brad!!! (even though we haven't seen you yet!!! we will tomorrow!!! sorry we couldn't wait up!!!!! I know your parents were thrilled to have you home!!!!!!)

here are some pumpkin muffins for you!!!! ( and of course, Miller as well!!)

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN MUFFINS

1 2/3 C flour

1 C sugar

1 T pumpkin pie spice

1 t baking soda

1/4 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 C canned pumpkin

1 stick butter, melted

1 C chocolate chips... optional!

mix dry ingredients, blend in pumpkin and butter then eggs.... stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 in greased muffin tins.... 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness!!!!

Briarwood was Green before its time!!!!!

Just think!!! Briarwood was green before being green was popular!!! Wow!!! That will make you stop and think!!!! When that church first started and they brought out those old green chairs... I bet that not one of those first members had an inkling as to what "going green" would mean!!! Let me just tell you... they didn't think about recycling or composting or anything that you and I might think of when we think of "going green". They thought of bringing out more chairs!!! It was that simple!!!! You bring out the green chairs to welcome more visitors, to make people feel welcome.... to minister to them and to meet them right where they were... in all walks of life! Tonight was definitely a celebration! A celebration of knowing that God was the one in charge of something wonderful, something Huge!!! something very special!! To think that four years before I was born God was preparing a special place that would minister to me and my family for years to come is very humbling to say the least!!!! This is just a simple Thank You to Briarwood for all that it has meant to me and my family!!! Nothing more, nothing less! I know alot of people have alot of "gripes" with Briarwood and I am not here to judge any of that! This is my blog and this is my place to say Thank You to God first of all.... and then Thank You to Briarwood for all that you have done for me!! The people that were the biggest influences in my life were either Briarwood Church members, Briarwood School teachers, Briarwood Sunday School teachers, Briarwood Youth Group leaders and so on and so on!!! Not to mention my parents, who had it not been for the grace of God leading them to visit Briarwood when I was in the 6th grade, none of us would even be Christians today!! It was Frank Barker that led them to the Lord which in turn led them to put me and my sister and brother in Briarwood Christian School, and that is where we were all taught the love of Jesus and at different points in our lives each gave our hearts to the Lord as well.

As I sat in church tonight for the ending ceremony... there was an open mike segment (which always makes me real nervous!!) I truly felt the magnitude of the impact that Briarwood has not only had on my life but also the lives of pretty much all of my family!!! One of my longest and dearest friends, Tammy Moore, stood and shared that the "generational" heritage was what was so special to her! I have felt that so much over this weekend myself! The parents of my friends were such an important part of my life and spiritual growth that you can't help but recognize that!

The most humbling and important thing that I have come away with from this weekend of celebrating 50 years in Briarwood's history is definitely the fact if not for the grace of God... none of this would even be taking place. We would not be celebrating the 50 years of Briarwood if not for the fact that Dr. Barker and Dr. Reeder have totally given all of the credit to God and none to themselves.... To God be the glory!!!! Great things He hath done!!!!!!!! It isn't about any of us, but its ALL about what God has done and what God is going to do through US!!! Me and You!!!! we need to tell our friends.... give them hope and lead them into fellowship... tell our children and our grandchildren about God's faithfulness through the years!!!! Its so exciting to think about being able to share these stories with the next generation!! Mostly, its extremely humbling and something that will keep me on my knees for sure! What a priviledge we have been given to be found faithful enough to tell our kids and their kids, and so and so on!!! Let's all agree to keep each other accountable and never let up! Who knows... maybe at the next 50 year celebration... at the 100 year mark... we can have a Purple chair or a Pink chair or an Orange and Blue chair!! ok... you get the point!!! What are we going to have as our marker for answered prayers? Prayers that fill a Sanctuary because we felt the need to seek and serve the lost??? What??? Hopefully, its a church, still standing tall because we were found faithful and God's grace abounded! Hopefully everyone will still know that the story behind the green chairs is one of faithful men praying to a faithful God! It is simply a symbol that God used to enlarge their faith and in turn... to enlarge their territory!!! Its a story, that even though I've heard a thousand times before... when I actually saw it in print as I read about Briarwood's history last night, had never, ever realized the magnitude of the faith of those men that prayed for people to come and fill their building... fill it to the point of having to bring out the green chairs!!!! To the point that it lead a disbelieving man to dedicate his life to the Lord right there on the spot!!!!! Do we have faith like that? Faith that will see us through the next 50 years? or even the next few weeks for that matter!!!! Oh, Lord.... find us faithful!!!! as stated in the book, may we anticipate in full confidence that..." He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ!" Philippians 1:6

The Best Cookies Ever!!!!!

1 C brown sugar

1 C granulated sugar

1/2 C butter-softened

1/2C crisco

cream all of the above together in mixer and add:

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

mix well......

sift together

2 1/4 C flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

mix well.....

Add the following ingredients and mix well by hand.....

2 C oatmeal

1 C chocolate chips

1 C butterscotch chips

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and Bake 325 for 12-15 minutes. I only did mine for about 12 minutes because I like them underdone!!!

So I brought out my "white" Bible!!!!

I always know when God is truly speaking to my heart and has a message that He wants me to hear when I am prompted to get my little white bible down from the very tip top shelf in my closet........ maninly because its my bible from high school and when I was a new Christian and everything was so relevant and amazing each time I read a new verse or a new passage....Almost every page is marked on... or highlighted or underlined.... I long for that "newness" sometimes!!! However.... I am even more grateful that He has allowed me to live this far... to experience life... to have children., to be married to my best friend and most loving, giving man on the face of the earth!!!! Its times like this that of course make me stop and realize EXACTLY all that Christ has done for me!!!!

Saturday night is the banquet to celebrate 50 years of Briarwood's life, ministry, growth, impact on the world... etc.... we are so looking forward to it ( I won't mention that we can't go to the Auburn game!!! :) but nonetheless... we can't wait!!! Growing up, I began moving when I had finished first grade.... after that, we traveled for my dad to do his residency training, etc... to Denver and then 2 places in California... When I was in 6th grade we had the choice of either moving to Los Angeles or Birmingham, AL! Praise the Lord my parents chose Birmingham!!! They chose it to be closer to family... we are all from Memphis and various places in MS ! Mississippi isn't real high on my list right now because it stole my daughter and son in law.... oh wait!!! thats not what this blog post is about!!! ha ha!!! We will save that for a later date!!! This blog post is to tell you exactly what Briarwood Presbyterian Church and Birmingham Alabama mean to me!!! All in about 4 or 5 paragraphs!!!! Once we got settled in Birmingham, I attended Brookwood Forrest Elementary for 6th grade. At that point, my parents had been visiting various churches because they new that in the South, people went to church. After a visit to Briarwood, Frank Barker came to see my parents and "happened" to leave a What Does it mean to Believe tract in their car... the rest is history!!! My parents prayed with Frank to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour and then promptly began trying to get me and my sister and brother enrolled in Briarwood Christian School. To say I wasn't happy is an understatement!! Therefor.... I was sent to Camp Briarwood so that I might meet other Briarwood students and "fall in Love" with the school, etc... which is exactly what happened!! I suppose God heard my parents prayers and from the moment I registered at Camp Briarwood.... and I AM NOT making this up!!!! I had made lifelong friends!!!! In fact.... I had 2 boyfriends by the time the line got to our turn to register!!!! Go figure!!! And they are still very close friends of ours today!!! (not to mention that they are the Byer's brothers!!!!)

All of that to get to the point.... at that camp.... sitting by myself in a pew in the chapel at Hargis... I gave my life to Christ... and I will NEVER forget it!!!! I can't say that I was the perfect role model as a teenager growing up.... but I can HONESTLY say that Jesus Christ never left my side and that He is the only reason I am able to write this today!!!!! 34 or so years later... 3 children, 1 grandchild... thats not something to take lightly!!!!! Which brings me back around to my point!!!! Saturday night is a night of Celebration!! A night of remembering exactly where God started this church and where He has led this church and led His people... its a night to remember how our church has grown and remember WHY it has grown!!!! Frank Barker and Harry Reeder will be the first people to tell you that it has NOTHING to do with them!!! and EVERYTHING to do with the Lord!!! WOW!!! I wish people could feel what I feel when I realize I am BLESSED beyond measure to be a part of this!!!! When I came to Briarwood in the 7th grade.... I remember being jealous of all of my friends that had never lived anywhere else and had always been right here at Briarwood... and guess what??? I STILL AM!!!! But now I'm jealous for the right reasons!!! And its those reasons that we sent our kids to Briarwood School from K4 thru 12th grade!!!! Nothing can take away the teachings they learned, the godly teachers and role models they had.... and more than that... it was where they became Christians.... yes, they prayed with us, but their teachers had such a huge impact on them.... there is nothing i could ever do to repay them for that!!! NOTHING!!!! so if you aren't planning to come to this celebration ..... I feel sorry for you!!! I didn't want to give up my Saturday night either at first!!! I admit it!!! But the thought of missing out on God's blessings and to be reminded of those blessings.....FOR once in my life!!!! I made the right decision!!! I know i'm being a bit dramatic about this .... but if you really get to know me... then you learn.... I'm really dramatic when it comes to people I love... and things that are the closest to my heart!!!! Of course Briarwood ranks about number 1!!!! ( not above God... not above Jim, not above my family... but YES!!!!! its right there neck and neck!!!) How can you not go celebrate a place that taught you about His love for you??? A place that showed you how to live in eternity with Christ?? a place that seeks out the lost and feeds the hungry??? I could go on and on and on.....

Does anyone even know that when I was in 6th grade, attending Brookwood Forrest Elementary that I took ballet with Barbara Barker and Peggy and Anita??? That I used to sit in the dressing room "wishing" that one day I could be friends with Peggy??? That I used to have to do LEAPS mind you along side of them in ballet and I was mortified!!! But God answered even the simplest of prayers and let me be "best friends" with Peggy my whole growing up life!!!! In fact.... I went on many a family vacation with them and "YES" I have even wrestled Frank Barker to the floor in a friendly game of spoons!!!!! Its a memory I will treasure forever.... just like the memory of being married by him 27 years ago and then getting the chance to see him marry our first son and precious daughter in law in he same church where he was baptized!!!! Shall I go on???? Surely you get my point as I have tears of joy streaming down my face and know in my heart of hearts.... Saturday night is not just a celebration of the past 50 years!!!! Its a celebration of the next 50 years to come and I PRAY that we will all be blessed to be a part of something so wonderful!!!!

Pork Tenderloin

Here is a wonderful recipe for grilled Pork Tenderloin that you can serve with either a Cherry Sauce or a White Bar-b-que Sauce! Both are delicious! If you are having a dinner party and need an easy pick up food... this makes a great entree if grilled ahead, sliced, and placed in Sister Schubert rolls served with the White Bar--que sauce on the side! Of course it doesn't hurt to have such a handsome guy grilling the pork tenderloins for you!

Marinade for 4 small pork tenderloins

1/2 C conala oil ( i use half olive oil and half canola!)

1/2 C soy sauce (low sodium)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 C red wine vinegar

1 T dry mustard

3 T lemon juice

1 1/2 t pepper

2-3 T worcestershire sauce

1/4 C pickapeppa sauce 

1/4 C terriaky sauce

2 big squirts of catsup

mix all ingredients well. Place 3-4 individual pork tenderloins, cleaned and ready to marinate in a large baggie. Pour marinade over and let sit in fridge for atleast 24 hours, turning to coat every now and then.

Grill over low heat until no longer pink!!!!

Serve with Cherry Sauce or White Bar-b-que Sauce

Cherry Sauce

12 oz jar cherry preserves

2 Tight corn syrup

1/4 C red wine vinegar

1/4 t salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves

1/4 C already toasted almonds (which you have toasted in a skillet or in the oven)

combine all ingredients except almonds... bring to a low boil. stir frequently, reduce heat and simmer 2-5 minutes. Add almonds. Keep at room temp or slightly warm and serve with sliced pork.

White Bar-B-Que Sauce

2/3 C mayo

1/3 C apple cider vinegar

1 t salt and pepper to taste

mix and heat over low.... Serve warm with Pork Tenderloin or with Grilled Chicken

Time Alone

today i had the wonderful opportunity to spend an entire day alone.... something i always dream about and yet it never happens... life is busy, i have a husband and kids to tend to. There are always demands from my shop... even if they are just in my mind! However.. football season is here and that means that Jim and Miller go to alot of the games (and wish that the rest of us could come along!!!) Auburn football is a highlight in our fall activities even though it still feels like summer here in Alabama. Today, as they drove off.... I literally watched the leaves rustling in the wind... hot wind mind you... and I noticed how my Zinnias are finally blooming.... and how the shadows are changing in our yard because the tree that we planted ourselves the year that we built our pool, a River Burch, is now shading the pool tremendously because it has grown so large.. and I began to get really sentimental... Miller is spending the night in Auburn, his first college trip so to speak. Well... he went to Alabama 2 weeks ago while we were in Jackson but I don't really count that if you know what i mean!!! My point being... we are about to be empty nesters... something we have longed for and now all of a sudden its making me real sad!!! Miller was our caboose child... the one we prayed for and couldn't have for 3 or 4 years until miraculously... we re-did a 106 year old farmhouse and got our minds off of what we couldn't have and then all of a sudden... God blessed us with Miller!!! He has been such a joy.... I'm scared that we havent enjoyed him like we should have now that he is almost grown.... all 6ft 3 or 4" of him!! with his sweet, tender heart and beautiful smile!!! He never talks back... always does what he is told... and i'm not making this up... sometimes its begrudgingly mind you, but its never disrespectful. Unlike me... i was not like this! I know Jim was though! So it must come from his side! I don't even know why I'm really feeling the urge to write this except that watching the Auburn game tonight and knowing that he is staying there... as are alot of his friends... watching the players struggle so... getting injured... just seeing how fragile life really is... it really did make me stop and think about all that we have been blessed with! and all that is about to leave us!!! Have we prepared them? Is Miller ready to head off to college in 2 years? Is anyone for that matter???

For that matter.... are Mitch and Britney ready to handle Layton and all of her 3 year old antics and illnesses, etc... Are Holly and Brad ready to be left alone in Jackson, MS? Where they know NO ONE mind you!!!! They are literally in a foreign land if you ask me!!!!

Have we done the job that God left us in charge of??? Raising all of our kids to walk with Him? to seek Him? to love Him above all else???? The things I can think of that immediately pop into my mind that we could've done differently are things like... not getting mad at stupid things... me not nagging Jim about stupid things... on and on... But I also wish I had done a better job at praising them for the things they did right!! I wish I had bragged on Jim in front of our children... not a "for show" kind of bragging... but a bragging on the fact that he works hard to provide for his family and that his family takes priority above all other matters.... that he stops everything to go their activities and events, etc.... Thats always been a pet peave of mine that people never tell you when you did a good job! They seem to focus on the bad! I wish I had praised Jim more in front of my children!! In fact... I wish I had praised Jim every hour of everyday!!! He certainly deserves it even though he would tell you he doesnt!!! Which leads me into the Bon Jovi song... (Laurin!) as the song says, Jim is " My Superman tonight....maybe I'm cynical....painfully

logical....who's gonna save me when the stars fall from your sky and whos gonna pull you in when the tide gets too high??? Who's going to fix you the next time that you break down??? Don't look back... let it go..... I won't lie.... I wish that I was that Superman tonight!" Jim has always been my Superman... and always will be.... I am forever grateful for the love that we share... for the time God has given us and for the friends and family that support us in all areas of life!!!!! Truth be told... we are all blessed beyond measure!!!!

Recipes

Tomato Pie # 1

Pillsbury all ready pie crust or homemade!

3-4 thinly sliced tomatoes

1 C shredded swiss chees

1 C shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 C onion, chopped finely

1/4 C mayo

fresh basil or dried if you don't have fresh

kosher salt and pepper

olive oil

Parmesean cheese

Place pie crust in pan and flute edges; spread thin layer of mayo on bottom of crust; top with onion, then cheeses, then tomato slices, fresh basil, salt and pepper ; brush tomato slices with a little olive oil, sprinkle generous portion of parmesean cheese on top. Bake 350 for 30 minutes or until crust is done. Can garnish with yellow pear tomatoes and bake with them on top.

Tomato Pie # 2

same pie crust as in #1

layer tomatoes on bottom of crust

sprinkle with salt and pepper

mix 1 C mayo with 1 C grated parmesean cheese

can add some swiss cheese too if desired,

Spread on top of tomatoes and Bake 350-375 for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly!!!

Yummy but more rich than the other recipe!!!

can also add onion if desired to the mayo mixture!

Decide for yourself which is better!!

Recipes

Chicken "Spectacular"

3-4 Cups chopped, cooked chicken

1 box Chicken flavored long grain wild rice cooked

1 can Cream of Celery soup ( i used the light)

1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained

1/2-3/4 Cup chopped onion

1 small jar pimentos, drained

1 1/2 Cup mayo (i used light)

1/2 Tablespoon dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together: put in greased casserole dish, Bake 300 for 40 minutes or till bubbly!!

So easy and so good!! It freezes great too!

Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Red leaf and butter lettuces mixed

sliced red grapes

small can of mandarin oranges, drained

toasted or candied almonds

green onions, optional

Dressing

3/4 Cup light mayo

6 T sugar

6 T half and half ( I used fat free)

3 T tarragon vinegar

1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of each: garlic powder, seasoning salt, pepper, dry mustard

1 1/2 t poppy seeds

1 T honey

put all in container with lid and shake till mixed well. Refrigerate

OK.... I'M SITTING HERE...

Seriously, I'm sitting here fighting the fact that I am missing Briarwood's game... The game of the week mind you!!! according to the paper!! and yet... I knew I shouldn't go!! if I don't go.... they will win!!! which is always my excuse when I don't want to go! This time, however... Miller is hurt... pulled back muscle.... and because it truly is "The game of the week" I realize that an injured player will not play much... therefore.. I can justify my not attending my 16 year old son's football game!!! (can you tell I'm feeling guilty?) On top of that... I'm so tired I just want to cry!!! We've had a big sale going and now Holly is here and I just want to sit and be quiet at home and I never get to do that! But.... The guilt that you feel over missing one of your children's sporting events is tremendous!!! Which is why I didn't fall apart today when I left my shop to an EXTREMELY DEAD CAR!!!!! For crying out loud!!!! Its still under warranty... thankfully.... and nothing had appeared to be wrong until I got in it to go home... well... I had complained of no gas but even I knew that wasn't it!!! My no gas rule is to be 1/4 tank full at all times!!! I called Jim immediately!!! (of course!!! he is my knight in shining armour at ALL times!!!!) and he sent me home in his car while he waited for triple A!! To no avail though... it was towed and deemed useless!!! the alarm system has gone awry and noone can do anything with it at this point!!! Of course... I then realized that I had the perfect opportunity to sit at home... quietly... eating left over pizza... reflecting on the week at the shop... thinking about and praying for my children and sweet friends... What more can a woman ask for on a Friday night??? Thank You, Lord!!! for dead cars!!!! I never thought I would say that!!! Jim had been telling me to stay home... to relax... to reflect... to enjoy Holly being here!!! and of course I was trying to make everyone happy!!! Well, everyone would have been happy except for me if I had been pushed once more over the limit and Jim knew that... more importantly, God knew that and He knew that I needed to sit here on my sofa and write about it!!! To get it out and to reflect on His promises and His goodness!!! In every situation!!! Sometimes I feel like we have so many "situations" going on in our lives I don't even know where to start!!!! I need to start categorizing them! Truthfully it would make it easier to write about them and especially easier

to pray about them !! And to remember how He deals with each situation as He sees fit!!! Not as I see fit, mind you!!!!!

Recently I've had the opportunity to share alot of my life's experiences with friends and relatives that are now going through very similar situations... it is Amazing to go back and see how far God has led us through the years and just how faithful He has been!!! There have been times when we were a young married couple that I would've said "We can never make it".... and yet.... I barely remember them because of God's faithfulness!! Because of His goodness!!!! Morning by morning... new mercies each day!!! All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided... Ok.... I know my mind is breaking out into song right now and I'm getting off track!!! But its so hard not too when you realize what God has really done for us!!!! I am forever grateful for every trial, every hard situation... every time we didn't have the money for this or that... every time we were discouraged.... it only made our marriage stronger and our family stronger!!! I cannot say that we immediately turned to God in each struggle.. but we knew we should have and no matter what... we eventually did turn to Him and He saw us through. Even when we didn't "feel" like reading the Bible, or praying, or talking about spiritual things... God was always there prompting our hearts to turn to Him and to trust Him! I am forever grateful!!!

Now I get the wonderful "opportunity" to pray for our married children as well as for our high school age son and 3 year old grandaughter!! That is so incredibly humbling I can't even begin to express it!! To say that it makes you feel "not worthy" is putting it lightly!!! When Satan steps in and reminds you of all of the mistakes you've made in the past and says, " How do you think you are going to continue to pray for your children!!!" I rejoice!!! It makes me thank God all the more that He stepped in to forgive us for all of our past mistakes and for the fact that He turns them around and uses them for His good!!! Thank you Lord that you love us THAT MUCH!!!!! ALL I HAVE NEEDED THY HAND HATH PROVIDED..... which leads me to one of my all time favorite passages!!! Lamentations 3:21-26 " Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail! They are new every morning!!! GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS!!!! I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one that seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord".

I have truly loved these verses since I was in high school and God has been faithful to all of His promises to me!!!! He has never left me, never let me down and NEVER forsaken me!!! I may not have always done my part.... but He has always done His!!! by that, I mean.... He has been there for me in my struggles and my triumphs.... He has showered me with blessings.... He has covered me with His love and therefore I have hope and I can face tomorrow with Hope!!!

So I decided to make a salad!!!

Ok.... so today started off relatively normal!!! However... I cannot define normal anymore!! When you have your own business, children, husband, etc.... normal no longer exists! I'm trying to bring it back, though!! I think it can be done if done with all of the right perspectives in place!! There... in lies the problem (for me, that is!) I think all of my perspectives have been out of whack for some time now!!! I've been telling my husband that I think I'm falling apart.... I can't sleep.... I can't make it like this!! what do I do??? If only this... If only that.... And then, I go to the Dr. today for a regular appointment and there is a new nurse!!! For crying out loud!!! Its hard enough to go to the Dr. anyway, but to have someone NEW there!! Well.... anyway... I'm making small talk and really just trying to see how long she is going to be taking the girls place that just had a baby... (because.... I don't want anyone else "knowing my business... if you know what I mean!) When I saw the look of concern... in fact... ALARM on her face as she is taking my blood pressure!!!!! So....I say, " is it ok?? " like I always do... and NO it is NOT ok!!! Well... I could've probably told everyone that!! With the way life seems to be progressing these days!!! But... as I asked questions, and fretted.... she wrote out my blood pressure "measurements" so to speak and at first I thought I was going to cry!!! Only because I was alarmed! And then, I realized that in fact.... maybe God was trying to tell me something!!! From February until today.... it has progressively gotten worse.... HELLO!!! so has my stress level!!! So... I have 2 options!!!! (my sweet father in law always has 2 points to everything so I will dedicate this to him!!) I either need to get rid of all of the stress in my life!!!! which sounds wonderful!!! OR>>>>> i need to allow God to give me the Peace that surpasses ALL understanding!!! Peace like a River.... Peace that compensates fear!!!! Peace... that when all else fails... will get you through to the next day!!!! There are so many places in the Bible that I want to turn to right now!!! The verses that come to mind dealing with peace (which is truthfully what I need to calm my spirit AND my blood pressure!) are Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.... plans for a future and a hope.....you will call upon me and I will answer you!

And then also in Is. 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you... I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand!. And my all time favorite! Phil. 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything!!! but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!!!!

Isn't that all we truthfully need!!! The peace that transcends ALL understanding!!! And yes, I know that high blood pressure is a very real issue!! And yes, I know that I have ALLOWED all of this stress in my life!!!! Sometimes I think its pride.... sometimes i think its a fighting spirit that wants to "do it all" so to speak!!! Well, I know I can't do it all!!! In fact... I can't do ANYTHING without Christ and I don't even want to try!!!! Which is why.... I decided to title this " So I decided to make a Salad!" I came home after my Dr's visit... and shopping and a pedicure to try to lower my blood pressure...ha ha!! and then I made a salad to take to my very dear, sweet, precious sister's house for dinner!!! In fact... you could say it was just what the Dr. ordered!! Standing there, tearing up the lettuce that I had frantically washed this morning.... (do you see a pattern leading to high blood pressure??!!!) and cutting up the strawberries and washing the blueberries and then photographing it just for this crazy blog!!!! I realized that it truly is the simple things in life that make me happy!!! I gave up a date night just to go to dinner at Andrea and Pat's house with my parents and nieces and nephew.... my youngest child came by after his football dinner... we all had fun and we laughed and talked and joked.... we shared with each other what was going on this weekend... football games, us going to Jackson to see Holly and Brad... talked about Mitch and Britney and Layton going to the beach for Labor day.... talked about the fact that my parents are having my grandparents and great Aunts for the entire Labor Day Weekend!!!! (bless their hearts!) etc..... etc.... etc....

Maybe high blood pressure is over-rated!!! Maybe we all just need to make a salad and chill!!! I will keep you posted for sure!!!

Can't believe summer is over!!!

Where did the time go??? It flew by as we all tried to catch up to it!!!! Thats what I feel like... it doesn't matter what you are going through... moving, kids going to college, change of jobs, death in the family.... just life!!!!! Its the night before Miller starts his junior year in high school.... Holly has been here all weekend for Jordan's wedding.... how can all of this be over??? I'm sad... and yet I'm glad... my body is aching its so tired. I guess i'm truly getting old! The fact is.... life is hard right now... but its also fun!!! Its tiring... but its also invigorating!!!!! I think this is how God intended it to be.... we are moving forth... and yet I'm trying to hang back!!! I don't want to grow old...(looking that is!!!) I don't want to be that couple that can't hear each other and keeps yelling...."What did you say??" and yet... that is what we are becoming!!!! Somebody needs to sign me up for Zumba or something!!!! I can't give into this feeling of giving up and becoming old!!! And yet it almost feels easy!!! Oh well... I know I have a wonderful loving husband and we are about to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! I couldn't ask for a better husband, friend, soul mate... etc... I am truly blessed!!!!

Finally!!! It's just recipes!!!!!

OVERNIGHT CARAMEL FRENCH TOAST WITH BANANAS FOSTER SAUCE

1 Cup brown sugar

1/2 C butter

2 T light corn syrup

12 slices bread

1/4 C white sugar

1 t cinnamon

6 eggs

1 1/2 C milk

1 t vanilla

1 t cinnamon

-bring first 3 ingredients to a boil, stirring and then turn off!!! Pour in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with 6 slices bread: sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon (save 1/2) top with other 6 slices bread and sprinkle with rest of cinnamon mix. I did double this part ( the cinn/sugar mixture) Beat eggs... (I used 8!) add milk.... and then I added 3/4 C fat free half and half!. add vanilla and cinnamon and pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Next morning... let sit out for 30 minutes and then bake, covered, at 350 for 45 minutes... uncover... bake 5 minutes more!!! Top with sauce!!!

SAUCE RECIPE

1 Cup brown sugar

1/2 t cinnamon

1/4 C banana liqueor

4 bananas sliced in chunks

1/4 C dark rum

combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon in skillet or flambe pan. over low heat... stir.... till disolved.. add liqueour, place bananas in pan stir till browned and softened, carefully add rum... ignite carefully to burn alcohol off... ( not easy!!! I had to have help!!) pour over individual servings of french toast!!!! YUMMY!!!!!

SUNDAY BRUNCH EGGS

12 slices canadian bacon

12 slices swiss cheese ( I used 1 C monterey jack instead and it was great!)

12 eggs

1 C whipping cream ( I used fat free half and half and it was great too!!)

1/3 C parmesean cheese

12 slices toast, optional.... we didn't do this only because we were having the french toast!!)

grease bottom of appropriately sized casserole dish so that canandian bacon fits up next to each other.... place canadian bacon down, sprinkle with monterey jack, bake for 5 minutes at 350... carefully break each egg over each canadian bacon round. Pour cream over all.... then I sprinkled very lightly... black pepper and tobasco sauce on top. Top with parmesean cheese. Bake at 375 till desired doneness for eggs..... 15-20 minutes is well done!!!

These were all very good!!!!!

I hope you enjoy!!!!!

don't ever be afraid to use fat free half and half in place of cream.... I do it all the time and its wonderful!!!! I wouldn't do it for company but its great on a day to day basis!!

Holly's Update!

Just a note to all of my dear friends that have been praying for Holly and Brad and all of us as we go through this "transition" time in their lives... Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, prayers, etc.... I am posting Holly's letter on here so that you can better understand what I've been talking about, ranting about(ha ha!!) and what God has been using in our lives to make us rely on Him for every detail!!! Thank you for your continued support and please do not stop praying for all of us!!! We need it more than ever!!!!!! Much love and many thanks!!!!!!!

carolyn

To such loving, praying, and faithful family & friends,

I would much rather prefer sharing with each of you in person about the current changes that are taking place in our lives. However, with emotions, energy, and time wearing thin, I realize that I am doing a poor job of keeping you all informed and updated - so I decided to start an email. Brad and I greatly need and appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your support during this next phase of our lives, so I am going to do my best to explain Brad's career with Chick-fil-A at this point to hopefully give you a better understanding of what's going on- - and to brag on the dedication and hard work of my sweet husband who I couldn't be more proud of!

Brad went through a series of interviews with business consultants and Human Resources (HR) in the Spring, and submitted his application to enter into the July 11-30 Interim Manager training class. After interviewing with about 30 guys at headquarters in Atlanta on June 23rd, Brad was one of 14 guys who got accepted. It has been re-iterated several times how great of an accomplishment this was. So Brad reported to Atlanta on July 11th- which was his birthday- to begin his Interim Manager (IM) class, and I moved to mom and dad's with Murphy and my clothes :) In the meantime, I was offered a 5-day K4 teaching job at Briarwood that I graciously declined. This was something extremely difficult for me, and my heart has transformed from anger, self-pity, and sorrow to gratefulness, joy, and contentment. I know full well that this is solely the power of the Holy Spirit working within me, and I have already learned SO much about submitting to the Lord's will for me. Through this process we have experienced a great deal of the unknown, waiting, anticipation, and just taking it one day at a time. My dear principal and friend, Liz Whatley, reminded me of something so true- that being in the unknown is exactly where the Lord wants me because my only option is to trust in His will and plan for us.

Week 1 of Brad's IM Class is complete- and let me tell you, it was a long week for me! I cleaned out my classroom, ate lunch with my wonderful K4 team, worked at Mulberry, and moved almost everything out of our apartment into our storage unit on 280! I am so very grateful for our amazing parents- mom, dad, Mark and Jennifer, Miller, Mitch, David, Wes, Arrington, Wes' friend Adam, and our sweet Samford friends Jessica and Josh. I don't know how else I would have gotten our furniture, washer and dryer, etc. down those stairs!! It has really bothered Brad that he isn't able to be here to help, and he is tremendously grateful for our family and friends as well! But Brad is so busy he barely has time to blink! A typical week for Brad includes getting up early to drive 45 minutes in 2 Chick-fil-A vans with all the guys to class which will last usually until 6:00 with a couple of short breaks. They take several tests, so nights include study sessions and sometimes homework. The wives (and children) are welcome to visit on the weekends, and I am SO grateful and glad I was able to go to Atlanta this past Saturday and Sunday. CFA took us to dinner in Stone Mountain, and then to a laser/light show on Saturday night. We all went to early church with Craig Carter (head of IM classes and the CFA IF Marketing Teams.... a.k.a. BIG WIG!) on Sunday, and then they took us to the Braves game where we sat up in Club Level and I didn't even break a sweat :) Then Sunday night Brad and I were able to go to Piedmont Park and eat dinner at Park Tavern together- we enjoyed this so very much! I was SO glad to be able to meet all of the great guys and some of their sweet wives, and to meet some of the CFA Corporates! It was tough leaving Monday morning- but thankfully Brad will be home Friday night to help finish packing up our apartment and spend time with me!

What you can be praying for this week is for strength, endurance, and rest for Brad as they have been told this is the longest week for them because every single day all they will be doing is food prep from 8:00 until 6:00. They will also be taking tests, and they are standing on their feet all day long. Also, Brad was told that they will be finding out their placements probably this week instead of next week. We have requested the South East, but it is still very up in the air. They will also be told whether or not they are going on August 1 or September 1. Once we go, they will give us a completely furnished apartment that they choose. During Brad's time as an Interim Manager (also known as a Temporary Operator), he could possibly move around a few times- all depending on where CFA needs him. The average stay for an IM is 1.5 years. We know guys who have gone for 6 months, and we know guys who have gone 2 years. It just all depends...

I realize this is lengthy, but I felt that it is important to share with those who are so important to me. I will let you know where the Lord is taking us as soon as I am able to. Again I thank you more than you know for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving us!

We sure love you!!!

Holly Nichols

Psalm 37:5

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act."

I want God's Best!!!!!!

As I'm sitting here after walking the dogs... we have Holly's dog with us while she is visiting Brad in Atlanta... after cleaning out yet another closet to begin making room for some of Holly and Brad's "things", after doing the treadmill, packing up Miller's toys from age two to 16!!!! I am finally sitting down and able to reflect on all of my emotions that have run amuck these past few weeks!!! I know I have said too much... I have probably sent many of you to a wonderful nights sleep after boring you with way too many details!!!! and yet, I also think I may have confused alot of you because I wasn't "allowed" to say anything about Holly and Brad moving, or her not being able to continue teaching, etc.... My heart was truly breaking in a million pieces and it was my only way of talking it out so to speak!! Thank you so much for listening, caring and especially praying during all of this!! As I sat in church today and looked around at so many people that have been influential in my life over the years.... I was so thankful!!! As I listened to George Shamblin teach a fabulous Sunday School lesson... I was humbled.... most of all.... I am so grateful that God is giving Holly and Brad an opportunity to move forward with their lives in ways that I can't control!!! I'm beginning to see how exciting this can be... that its not a bad thing for her to move away... its just very different from what I would have chosen!! However, as a dear friend so sweetly pointed out to me.... God loves Holly a whole lot more than I do!!! His best for her is so much better than my best for her!!!! Its a great and reassuring feeling to know that!!! Its comforting to me and and its exciting to me to see what God is going to do in their lives!!!! Hopefully, they will end up in Birmingham..... I'm just praying now that I will make the most of this new phase in life... that I will be available to help them when needed, that I will be available to my other 4 precious children!!!! Mitch, Britney, Layton and Miller!!! That I will focus on each one of them as well as Holly and Brad and that as a family we will all grow even closer because of this new chapter in our lives!!! Truth be known.... I'm praying that I won't cry when I talk to them in a minute because they just called and are on speaker phone to hear how Murphy's been (their dog!) and to hear us be excited about everything thats taken place this week for Brad in Atlanta!!!! I'm getting the tissues out now and splashing cold water on my face!!! I MUST sound excited!!! :) and I truly am!!!! but I will never lie and I will never hide my emotions..... except to spare them and for now.... I will not cry and I will listen and I will be excited.... and I really am excited since I havent heard Brad's voice in over a week!!! I know they've enjoyed this time together and I'm so glad Holly got to go stay with him for the weekend!! Went to the Brave's game with all of the other Chick fil A interim management guys, sat in Club Level seats and truly enjoyed themselves!!!

Thank you for listening and especially for all you that have prayed for us during these past few weeks!! Please don't stop!!! I truly believe it is the only reason I have peace in my heart and I am able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak!!!!!! These verses in Isaiah really spoke to me tonight so I will share them and then go get on speaker phone with a smile in my heart!!!! (and hopefully on my face as well!!!! :)

Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

All I have to say to that is HALLELUIAH!!!!!!

Thank You!

This is just a very quick note to all of you that have written me personal messages of encouragement... I truly appreciate it!! Words cannot express how much I appreciate it because it is hard to get on here and truly be yourself... however, it is honest to goodness therapy for me!!! Right now I am so tired.... just tired beyond belief... emotionally, physically and spiritually. For those of you that are excited for us.... keep praying for excitement for me!!! For those of you that want to be close to your children.... I will keep being honest with you about life!!! and I commit to praying for true closeness with you and your child... and with you and the Lord!!! For those of you anticipating change.... whether it be a child going to college, a child getting married, or children moving away... you are on my heart most of all!!!! Enjoy this new phase... embrace it and make the most of every new opportunity!!!! I'm praying for this for our family!!!! I'm praying for "stamina" for all of us!!! In more ways than you can ever imagine!!!!!

And for now, thanks be to God, the Author and Giver of Life... who has for now... blessed me with these!!!!!!

good night..

Another Season In Life

And here we sit.... me, jim, miller, holly...and the dogs!!! Laughing, talking, throwing the ball to the dogs.... trying to find out about miller's weekend at the lake... and it hits me... Holly is here!!! moved in, back home, took a long hot bath, which was always her favorite thing to do here!!!! and she had helped us clean out all of her dorm stuff from the attic today!!! in the 100 degree heat!!! I think we sweated off atleast.... 2 lbs?? maybe?? I sure hope so!! My back hurts, I'm exhausted beyond belief....and then I look over at my precious baby girl on her laptop in her pink Seaside t-shirt....and my heart is glad!!!!! Ok.... enough reminiscing!!!! I'm glad she still WANTS to come home and sit with us and that we are still as close as we are!!! I'm GLAD that Brad was chosen to go into the interim management program with Chik-fil-A... I'm glad that they are so in love and that they choose to move forward with their married lives!!!! I would be a fool to not want that for them!!!! Thank You, Lord for allowing them this opportunity!!!!! I have cried myself to sleep many a night while I couldn't talk about this opportunity for them.... I've felt sorry for myself... VERY sorry for myself!! But most of all.... I am so very proud of them and so thankful that God blessed Holly with Brad for a husband!! His birthday is today!! Which is making it harder for Holly!!! She made him the best breakfast this morning and instead of crying (like I would have done at her age!) she came over and we have truly moved a mountain!!!!! We packed them up yesterday... there is still much to do!!! We cleaned out our attic and some closets... and we anticipate them living here for a brief while before Brad is told where he will be.... I know it all seems strange and a bit CIAish.... it does to us atleast!!! But Brad has done a great job with this company and we are so proud of him for being chosen to move forward!!!! What my friends need to pray for is that my selfishness of wanting them to remain in Birmingham would be changed to my excitement of what lies ahead for them!!!! One of my main fears is that I am losing my best friend besides my husband!! The best friend of my youngest son.... the encourager of my husband, oldest son and family, etc..... basically, the core of our family!!! I'm sad that she had to give up her wonderful kindergarten teaching job at Briarwood... the dream job she truly lived for!!!! I'm just plain sad and I'm glad I can finally say it!!!! However... I learned a very long time ago that God turns sadness into singing.... sorrow into Joy and that no matter what we want.... HIS BEST IS ALWAYS BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!! i don't want anything in my life that isnt ordained by Him!!! its just not worth it!!!! Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Psalms 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You"

Lord, help us through these next few weeks, months, possibly even years!!! We want to glorify you!!!!

The House(s) that Built Me!!!

For a while now I have been in love with Miranda Lambert's song The House that Built Me. For some reason it just stirs something in my soul and makes me very nostalgic! Of course, it doesn't take that much to make me feel that way but for some reason, this song really does it!!! I'm sure alot of you think I'm over dramatizing the lyrics, etc.... but when you think about the words to this song.... it really does take you down memory lane!! Luckily, most of the memories are wonderful!!! I can't help but notice the comparisons to my every day life and the memories that are truly from the houses, cities, etc.... that I've lived in, or to the people that came into my life and made a lasting impact. I think about the dog's we buried, the rooms that I did my homework in... or listened to music in when I was suppose to be doing my homework!!! or the handprints left behind for another homeowner to wonder about!! I love it when she sings that if the lady of the house will just let her in for a minute... she won't take anything... just a memory!!! WOW!!! I sit here and wonder if my kids have memories worth taking from our houses.... is our home something that they will look back and say... This is the house that built me!!!! As the song progresses she begins to sing about how she got lost along the way.... she forgot who she was.... I have been there but thankfully, was drawn back Home! I got lost along the way and forgot "Whose" I was!! Haven't we all been rolling along life's path only to realize that we don't know where we are going or why??? I want so badly to change the lyrics and tell people that we need to realize Whose we are and not worry about "who" we are!!! Does that make since at all??? If we stray from God's path He is faithful to bring us back..... She also sings that if only "She could touch this place or feel it, This brokenness inside me might start healing" ... When we are broken, and tired.... praise God that He is there to pick us up and set us back on the right path... the one that He so carefully laid out for us from the beginning of time!!! We don't need to go back and touch some physical building... we just need to trust God and look to His word for comfort and guidance. Psalms 9:10 tells us "Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You!".

Looking back over some.. well, many... years!!!! The circumstances in my life and the people in my life have helped shape me and mold me into the person that God wants me to be.... I have tried to make my own paths way too many times and am by no means completely out of the woods, yet!!!! I don't suppose I will be until I see Him in all of His glory in Heaven!!! But.... I am realizing now that every circumstance that I tried to run from, hide from, etc... helped to strengthen my faith and that each "house" that I lived in... whether it be a literal house or a "house" of friends, or a "house" of trials... helped to build me and continues to do so. Now I want to press on and make our house a home that my children will look back and sing or say.... "If I could just come in I swear I'll leave.Won't take nothing but a memory... from the house that... built me!!!"

Lord, make our home a place where memories will be made... ones that will be cherished forever and passed down for generations to come!!! Thank You for Your promises in Joshua...Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness... but if serving the Lord seems undesireable to you... choose for yourselves whom you will serve... As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" vs. 14-15

It's All About Perspective!!!!

Way back when.... I was probably a freshman or a sophmore in high school.... we would sing this song in chapel or maybe at a youth retreat...not really sure!!! Shows my age, huh? anyway... its always been one of my all time favorites and its taken from Lamentations 3: 40 . "LET US SEARCH, AND TRY OUR WAYS... AND TURN AGAIN TO THE LORD... LET US LIFT UP OUR HEARTS WITH OUR HANDS.... LIFT OUR HEARTS, WITH OUR HANDS,UNTO GOD IN THE HEAVENS.... LET US TURN ... AGAIN TO THE LORD!!!!"
I thought of this song tonight as I read the verse in Psalms 139:23 "Search me O God and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!".
Thats a pretty humbling verse when you've been mad at your husband of almost 27 years!!! I'm not at liberty to go into all of the details... (Jim does like SOME privacy!!!) but I will tell you that we are both under ALOT of stress and need and covet your prayers!! Its times like these that Satan seeks to destroy and devour a marriage that is is devoted to Him and to each other!!! Why do we let the little things build up so much??? Why is it so hard to talk to the one you love more than your own life?? and yet, why?? why?? is it so easy to stay mad at each other for an entire day??? I'm EXHAUSTED!!!!! I've always heard the expression, "It takes alot more energy to frown than it does to smile!" Now I believe it!!!! I'm not even going to write much on this topic because I'm not sure I've totally forgiven and forgotten... I'm just going to say that its not worth harping on the petty stuff in life!!!! Life is way too short to not enjoy the one that God gave you and to treasure each moment that you have together!!!!
As we start a new phase of our life together, I look forward to growing closer to Jim BECAUSE of the new difficulties that will be arising!!! Even if I view change as negative... I know that God doesn't put anything in our path that He doesn't intend for our good!!! ITS ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE!!!!! I wish I had known this early on in our marriage!!!! but then, there wouldn't have been alot of makeup sessions as Jim calls them!!!! :)
Thank You, Lord.... "And to God Almighty, the Author of Life--- who has for now, blessed me with these" KKingsbury

A lonely black sheep!!!!

OK.... for all of us that play farmville... a lonely black sheep showing up on our virtual farm isn't such a rare occurance!! However,,,, suppose you had a lonely friend, or a lonely child, or even a lonely spouse!!! Would you know what to do? You can't just post it on facebook for some other farm crazy soul to take care of it!!! You have to seek them out... take care of them, pray for them and spend time with them!!!! These past several weeks I have come across alot of lonely people in my life... and I must say, I am one of them!!!! Only because some of us... those that don't want to really share our hearts and souls, tend to clam up and pretend that all is ok!!! Instead of telling others that our hearts are sad, our dreams aren't becoming realities... or heaven forbid.... that we aren't trusting God for the outcome!!!! And that my friend.... makes for a very lost, lonely sheep!!!!! On farmville it tells you that maybe this sheep is lost and lonely because it is different and it needs someone to take care of it!!!! Luckily, we don't live in farmville and we know that if we are a lost, lonely sheep (person) that we need to go to our Heavenly Father and tell Him why we are lost and lonely!!! Even if its trivial!!! Even its selfish!!!! Even if we think our friends will laugh at us!!!! In reality, I bet every one of our friends would understand and want to be there for us!!!!! Isaiah 53:6 tells us that "we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" it finishes by saying " the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all!!" What a humbling verse!!! And yet we are not alone!!! We all, in our own way.... are lead astray.... this time for me... its because of unmet expectations.... things that aren't going the way I had planned in my own mind.... reasons that for now... I can't give all of the details but can tell you that I am struggling with trusting God for the outcome. However.... because I am saved by Grace and through Faith in Jesus.... I know that He is in control of every situation that comes my way!!!!! and NOTHING..... can separate me from the love of Christ!!!! and truthfully... just because I might "feel" like that lost, lonely black sheep on farmville.... I KNOW that in Christ i have HOPE!!!!!! in fact... also in Isaiah... 40:11 it gives me a promise... " He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart: He gently leads those that have young!!!!"
For now.... I am trusting in my Shepherd to lead me gently, and help me to lead my "young"!!!! And I am so thankful for this opportunity!!!! As Karen says.... "And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has for now.... blessed me with these!!!!!
Thank you, Lord.... that I am a lamb in your flock!!!!!! Carry me... save me.... gently nudge me to follow your path.........