True Friends Make Surgeries A Little Easier!

We have been so very blessed throughout our lives with wonderful friends! They are always supportive, encouraging, prayerful, concerned and truly happy when good things happen and truly sorrowful when we've encountered difficulties or losses. Today, I witnessed what I want my group of friends to be like from now on! As we sat in the waiting room throughout my father in law's surgery we were surrounded by the most wonderful group of friends! I sat there like a kid in a candy store just savoring every minute of the conversation, the laughter and the prayers. And the encouragement! There was never a negative word…and the words that were being spoken pretty much moved me to tears! They were just simple words, mind you. But very powerful! 

We are grateful for friends! I am grateful for the words I heard today…the words of wisdom, the words of people that have experienced life and have lots to share with the next generation as well as the generation before them. It made me long for more! 

We are grateful for the prayer's for Tom…he is doing well. The surgery went well. We are extremely grateful for Tom and Mary Anne and their lives…we want to be as faithful to Him as they have been.

Thank you for loving them and for loving us!

It Definitely Takes A Village!

Have you ever stood during a baptism…you know, when the Pastor asks us if we are willing to assist in the bringing up of this child? I have….countless times…and I never thought that much about it, truthfully! Sometimes I remember being a bit squeamish and thinking…"Do I really mean this?" I don't even know you for crying out loud! But as a church, as a body of believers we make that commitment to help and assist the parents in the raising of that precious babe in a gown of white…sometimes smocked sometimes not…either way, we commit to help those parents….

But did we ever stop and picture that beautiful baby all grown…or worse, almost grown? Let's say…about age 16, 17, 18 maybe 19 or 20?

Recently our lives have been inundated with families going through real struggles, (some of them are our very close friends)…I'm talking life altering struggles that to them seem like will be for a lifetime but in reality are only for the moment. I know that quite well…because I was one of those children that had to endure being punished for underage drinking….I remember all too well those feelings of abandonment, embarrassment, loneliness, anger, helplessness, you name it! It was all there! I was one of the first and I'm not proud of it, trust me! But if it will help just one person, one child, one parent, anyone…I'm not afraid to admit it! And because of Miller's sweet friend going through this I was FORCED to admit this to Miller for the first time just last night…and it was hard, I'm not ashamed to tell you. I didn't want to tell him that and I especially didn't want Sarah to hear it but I knew it was time! I probably should've told him 3 or 4 years ago. I didn't…but what I learned from all of this is what ultimately brought me to a saving relationship with Christ way back when…that's why I knew it was important to tell him now and I also knew it was ok…he's a "big boy"! He can handle it! And Christ handled it along time ago when He ultimately paid the price for my sins on the cross…

But, today….TODAY…I also witnessed a miracle of love… a love for others no matter their sins, no matter their age, no matter the consequences…I witnessed first and foremost my child's heart melting to reach out to someone else. It's funny to me how guys can act so tough and act like nothing is really a big deal when in reality it's a HUGE deal! 

To think that I almost told my child, "Don't worry about coming to church since you have to be somewhere at noon. We actually gave him that "out" and yet he still wanted to come to church.

Now, I know why!  GOD wanted him there! As we peered into the balcony, there stood his precious friend from high school….someone that he truly loves and thinks the world of and yet, since Miller has gone to Auburn I doubt they've had much contact. Knowing that his friend has recently been expelled, Miller nudged me and made sure that I saw his sweet friend standing alone in the balcony…and the next thing we saw truly took my breath away…

The door to the right opened and out came Coach Bobby Kerley…I think Miller and I stood there with our mouths wide open…we saw the two people that Miller loves dearly shake hands… and then end up in such a big hug that I watched as Miller shook it off…tried not to cry…he couldn't look at me because huge, crocodile sized tears were streaming down my face…it was the sweetest sight I've ever seen. It was a teacher, their basketball Coach that they both respect immensely, coming to a student that he's known for most of this student's life and embracing him and telling him how much he loved him…all from a hand shake and huge hug! 

Next thing I know, another student comes to that same pew and shakes the hand of the student that had been expelled…and another…it kept happening…it was glorious! It was love in action! I looked at Miller and said, " Do you want to go up there?" Miller was gone…next thing I saw was this dear student literally leaping up to run out in the hall to hug Miller and talk to him. I haven't gotten to hear all of the details of their conversation….but I can tell you this, I haven't ever been as glad as I was today that we went to church and that my Miller sat right there beside me and together we got to see Christ's love in action…from a Coach, from some friends, and ultimately from Christ Himself!

Let's all commit to serving Him first and helping each other raise these precious children that God entrusted to us!

God is good!

All the time!

Old Friends, Lasting Relationships And Then Those That Truly Shape Us....

I guess with this title it pretty much sum's it all up! Lately, I've been getting quite sentimental as my youngest child is turning 18 next week....and headed off to Auburn in the Fall...

                                          "Where did the time go?"   
  

                                               
                                                      When Did I Blink??

As I try to not get sad...or teary, or dread that empty nest feeling, I've been able to reflect on those  people in his life that have had the most impact....and then sometimes I shudder to think of the negative impact I may have had! Gosh...parenting is really hard!

                                     ( there is nothing like family and close friends! )

                        His basketball friends have had such a big influence on his life!

 We are so thankful for ALL of our dear friends!

And Lacrosse has always been fun!!

 

I think of his family...his grandparents, so godly and wise....his aunts, uncles, cousins and especially his brother and sister! When I think of the things we've been through as a family, the hard times and the
good times...I'm quite humbled...God has been very good!!! We have been blessed beyond measure! Miller was able to grow up with the best brother and sister in the world! He was able to WATCH them grow up! And..

watch them be examples to him....and learn through their relationships with the spouses they are married to! What a treat for me and Jim! I can't imagine him learning any better "life lessons" than watching Mitch date Britney and have a special marriage and the most wonderful child! Layton has taught Miller a lot herself! In fact...when she was born...he was taught what it means to trust God in EVERYTHING!!! I will never forget the tears he shed as he watched Mitch and Britney go through the birth of a child with a bi-lateral cleft lip and palette. It certainly is not something anyone would want for their children...but I wouldn't take that growing experience away from him or those talks away for anything when Miller finally let his guard down and cried and cried because of the heaviness in his heart for his brother and his sister in law! And just look at them now! God is good! Layton is such a beautiful testament to His workmanship! Her beauty, inside and out is almost more than I can stand!!

And then, he watched Holly live her high school life...most of it great...some of it really hard! He watched Coach Walker "set up" Holly and Brad....He LOVED Coach Walker!! To say that we all cried and were heartbroken when he went Home is putting it lightly! I am forever grateful for the example that Holly and Brad have given Miller on how to live as a teenager, a young person dating, etc.... Examples of how to make the right choice even when you may be pulled to make a wrong one! Real life, living, breathing, true examples of what growing up as a Christian young man should be like!

 

I so want that to be a continuous thread in Miller's life...It's getting harder and harder because he isn't home much! And we are getting lazy sometimes...I admit it! We are tired! We started when we were 19 and 20!! Seriously...We've never NOT had children at home!!! I think that's why it's hitting home so hard right now that he's really turning 18 next week! He's really leaving for college!  All I know is that he in turn... is now teaching US!!!

 He comes home and doesn't complain about his day...about how he wishes things could have gone differently in several areas of his life...with several key people in his life at the moment. He doesn't complain!!! He encourages his friends! He tells me it's ok!!!! He rarely talks about how bad his back hurts...or which Coach yelled at him...or for that matter, which Coach encouraged him! I'm just praying now that he will be encouraged by Someone! If I've made mistakes raising him...if his brother and sister and grandparents and friends can't give him any more encouragement than they already have....then I pray that Someone can! That Someone will have to be the Lord, Jesus Christ! There isn't any teacher, any coach, any sibling, any friend that can encourage Miller or any of us more than He can...and that, my friend...is VERY encouraging to me!!! As his mother...I need to know that Miller is seeking His encouragement and NOT anyone else's!!!









As John 3:16 says...." For God So Loved The World That He Gave His Only Begotten Son, That Whosoever Believeth In Him Might Have Eternal Life"......

there is nothing more I can want for Miller or hope for Miller or pray for Miller....there is nothing else any friend, any teacher, any coach, any sibling or any parent can provide for Miller that compares to what Christ can give him.....even when it's hard to see it in the midst of life.......

Football and Fashionistas!

Definition of a "fashionista"

A term used to define a woman with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends

Ok...I've been trying to think of "reasons" that I need to keep going to the Briarwood football games now that my son is only playing Basketball his senior year....never, not ONCE did any of those reasons ever make me think that I would want to see the current fall fashions...or that seeing my friends...my BEST friends in their "football attire" would make me realize that I need to get out more!!! I mean, seriously!!! First off...we drive up to the tailgate party and I'm still in my "work clothes" because I chose to wear them so I wouldn't have to change for the game!!! I do usually try to dress up a little when I'm working at my shop but today I was actually proud of myself for thinking ahead! ha ha!!

One of the first things I noticed was that Sandy and Lisa Anne were both wearing scarves...that made me hot just looking at them! I don't wear scarves even when it's snowing so I let that one slide! Then....as I walk into the stadium I see a glowing, glistening, boot studded Sharon walking down the sidewalk and I really did do a double take! I mean, come on!!!! I didn't even know all of that glorious glistening was in!! I've only bought one shirt that is faintly tinted with sparkle so far! If that wasn't enough..I find the Reigning Queen of Fashionista standing at the foot of the stairs to the stadium all decked out in a slick, shiny jacket....and BOOTS!!! everyone had on boots and/or scarves! I on the other hand was still in my khaki's, navy shirt and sandals because I had been sweating all day while organizing the back room of my shop! At my choice...I do understand that! But Jean Anne....she looked beautiful! As I began to explain my attire to her (simply being funny) she then said to me, " Oh, I was dressed just like you right before I came here!" I thought that was hilarious! And her beautiful attire was only wasted in my opinion because she was stuck working the concession stand all night! I can only imagine how hot I would've been if I had been wearing boots and working with hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, etc.... Oh well!!! She sure looked good!!! And so did beautiful Sharon!!

Ok...and back to precious Lisa Ann and Sandy! They are always decked out and are sort of my role modesl! Well...I guess all of my friends are because I love their styles so much and each one is so unique and I love that about them! As I sit here reflecting on our tailgating party tonight....I'm realizing  just how blessed I am to have these women as my friends! I'm truly thankful! Lisa Ann is so beautiful and her clothes seem so effortless...as do Sandy's! One of my biggest frustrations in life is having to decide what to wear on any given day....it takes up way too much of my time and if I would have just a few "go to" outfits I would save myself alot of time and alot of wasted energy!

I'm just so very glad to know that now I can go to homecoming next week...and still not have to worry about a child getting hurt while playing...I can also brush up on my fashion tips!!! I guess I better go start trying on fall outfits so I won't feel so "matronly" or "dowdy" at the next game!! LOL!!! The best part was...it's ok! I didn't really care because I know they love me anyway!  And when Sandy joined us in the stands later in the game....I noticed that she too had on a sparkly shirt!!! I guess glitter is the rage right now and by golly I'm headed out to get me some this weekend!!! I think I will give Brenda a heads up as well since she was the only one of us not at the game!
Not sure when I will brush up on my football tips....but I sure am glad I know what to wear now!!!

The "First" of Many "Lasts"

Jim class of 1981; Carolyn class of 1982

ok....so I ventured into the hallways of not only mine and Jim's  alma matter....but also the alma matter of my oldest children and the soon to be alma matter of my youngest child for our Last "Back to School Night".....
Needless to say, there were many emotions at play! At first I thought I would just be glad to be done with my upteenth "Back to School Night"....but as usual, I got there and loved seeing friends old and new...loved getting to see Miller's teachers and love, love, love getting to see who all is my child's class!!!

Holly and Brad class of 2005

Mitch and Britney class of 2002

Chad, Roy and Miller class of 2012

 How shallow!!! But...fun!!!
 You have to admit you do want to know who your child sits by in English or Math... or who he has Sr. Lounge with!!! You know what I mean....it's a glimpse into their life that you don't get unless you GOOOO to "Back to School Night"!! You get to see their teachers in their own element...and to me, that is fun! It is special! I'm always overwhelmed at the love they have not only for Briarwood as a school, but for the students and for the subjects that they teach! Tonight I learned that Mr. Carter also meets with Samford students on the side! Students that have no ties to Briarwood but basically need a "biblical world view!" That's exciting stuff...I don't care who you are!! The fact that I actually heard him say that he realized that our students are getting to their University of Choice and not knowing how to handle what a professor throws out there because they've only been in a Christian School environment! Hey...I like that!!! I wish I had had that at their age!!! Our kids need to know how to handle other views that will be thrown upon them on a daily basis next year...and the next!!! They need to know why they believe WHAT they believe!!! I was also struck by how much Mr. Carter had grown up!!! LOL!!! I think Mitch had him his first year of teaching...or close to it!! I was so glad he didn't remember me or the fact that I cried alot back in those days!!!

I was also so very glad to see Coach Matthews and get to tell him what a positive impact the Senior Retreat had on our students!!! No matter if they snuck out or not!! ( I know NOTHING!!) But our kids truly love him and he is going to be such a great leader along with all of the faculty at Briarwood!!!
As we entered the AP Calculus room....I sat on the back row!!!! I barely passed Consumer Math my Senior year at Briarwood so I was a bit overwhelmed!!!! Until sweet Mrs. Martin began talking...then I remembered all of the years of knowing her and saw for myself that maybe even I could've been taught Math under her!!! Ok...that might be a stretch but I know for a fact that Miller will do great with Mrs. Martin! I'm so thankful that he is in her class this year!

"Friends" Class of 2012

As we were leaving...and I was truly turned around in the building because so many things have changed in that school over the years....I was still struck by the overwhelming fact that God has blessed Briarwood Christian School tremendously! And that will never change as long as we are faithful to pray for and support the school and it's administration. I know we all have our gripes at times...and sometimes I think I'm "entitled" to them in a way since I have truly lived them. However, had it not been for the loving, nurturing environment of Briarwood....there is truthfully no telling where I would be today...So....although this was my "Last" Back to School Night....It's definitely not the end....it's just the beginning...the first of many to come with our grandchildren and hopefully great grandchildren! In fact...our oldest son Mitch went to their daughter's First Back to School Night with his good friend Cameron Hogan!!!! If you had told me this would be happening back in Mitch and Cameron's Senior year of high school....I probably would've laughed till I cried!!! But it DID happen!!! and it's BECAUSE of God's faithfulness!!! Nothing else!!! God's faithfulness to His people....God's faithfulness to a school that seeks to honor and serve Him above all else.

Layton with Poppy....past and future generations!

Layton, Class of 2025!!!

Who knows??? Maybe I will go sit in on some of Layton's future Back to School Nights!! Or, if God sees fit to bless in this manner...to help sweet Holly have another Back to School Night of her own!! My only regret is that I didn't help her with her first one!!! She was a very good teacher!!! A chip off the old block from all of the teaching she received from such a wonderful school!!!