A little mishap

Meet Coal.  He is a great dog.  Given the opportunity, Coal doesn't mind taking the scenic route.

I was watering our flowers the other day.  Several hours later, I noticed Coal was not on the porch.  He is an outside dog.  As you know, it is about the temperature of Mercury around here lately.  I figured he was long gone since it had been so long.  The kids were all asleep for their naps and I couldn't go look for him.

I opened the garage door to call for him and I found him resting on the mat in the garage.  Too hot even for a dog to run away with a wide open gate!

A little over  a year ago, I got a call.  Very early.  Like something was wrong early.  A sweet little lady just wanted me to know that Coal was in her laundry room.  She complemented him and told me what a good dog he was.  I couldn't take it all in when she was telling me, as I was still in shock that she told me OUR dog was in HER laundry room.  Apparently, he went in through her doggie door.  Nice.

Faith

Last night, Benjamin asked me if he had faith now.

When he was in K4 he prayed to put his trust in Jesus.  We believe he sincerely understood his need for a Savior, truly childlike faith.

When he asked me this last night I reminded him of this verse,"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Heb 11:1

This morning I have been thinking a lot about faith.  I have put my trust in Jesus and am painfully aware of the GREAT need I have for a Savior.  My faith is not in myself for salvation, but in Christ alone.  God showed me that while my trust for salvation is in Him alone, am I relying on Him in the daily occurrences with that same trust?  Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe once saved, always saved.  I just think we often live a watered down life of faith.  That is NOT what God has for us...He has so much more.

All that said, there are those times that my flesh, struggles to trust.  I have found when situations arise that cause fear I can go back to my journals and see God's marvelous way of working.  Today, God showed me a chapter in Hebrews I have read numerous times, but today, it came alive.

Today, something really hit me.  In Hebrews 11:1-40 the author, instructed by the Holy Spirit, listed men and women of faith.  My heritage, my example, God's people-from so long ago that He knew would impact me, and you.  Keep in mind, these examples are humans, sinful by nature, but forgiven because of their FAITH and trust in a Savior.  The old  Testament Christians were saved by putting their trust and acknowledgement of their need of a Savior-by looking ahead to the Promised Coming Messiah.  The New Testament believers, were saved by placing their trust in the The Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.  

So, now let's look at God's Word and examine faith, trust me, it is chilling-in a very holy sense.  May God grant our eyes to be open and hearts to understand the promise He wants us to see.

"...And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.  By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.  By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.  By faith Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised...."Heb.11:6-11

****The next verse is AMAZING, please keep reading!

"All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Heb. 11:13

***Skip down to verse 16,

"But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."

Chapter 11 goes on to list numerous people of faith.  "By faith....", "By faith...", "By faith...".

I want to point out again in verse 13, it notes, they died without receiving the promise.

God desires more for us to grow in our love and faith in Him than He does for our earthly comfort.  Remember at the end of verse 13, it says, "having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."

Now, I'll be the first to say I like comfort.  I don't so much like the thought of exile life, but I am a pilgrim.  I am NOT of this world, my promise is in my eternal home.  Is my life reflecting that faith, is my faith full of grace and truth that shows the world a RADICAL difference? 

I can't get to that place of faith like the Hebrews 11 hall of fame on my own effort, but that is what I want to be in Him.  It is only by His grace and the equipping of the Holy Spirit that will shape my life to look like that.  I first have to be willing to trust and let go of what seems to be my earthly comfort, and trust Him to be the Perfecter of my faith.

Oh God, by Your grace, may my life be one that is full of faith.  Not in myself but in You, unshakable.  Not that any would see me, but that Christ would be glorified.  Perfect I am not, and never will be until heaven.  Forgiven, I am and free to trust You.  For You alone are trustworthy may my life say "By faith..." 

Tickling The Ivory

So our church was giving away a piano that was in the youth building.  You might be wondering what condition a piano that a church is giving away might be in, that is a wonderful question.

The only stipulation was for the recipient to move it.  Sounded GREAT to me.  Just moving the little piano out and we get a FREE piano!  Why NOT???

My husband, precious man that he is, was not so excited about my suggestion.

I do LOVE to play the piano and I hope I can teach my boys a couple of things on the right hand about playing too.  I don't know the left too well, so I'm sticking with what I know.   I don't really read the music that great, but like to make up songs.  You know reading music is difficult when you really only can read what one hand plays.  So, I just make up the songs.   Not that I am that good at it,  I just enjoy it.  Long story is getting longer as opposed to shorter.  Bottom line:  he said yes.  

Remember Gaucho Jorge?  Ben recruited him to help us move the little piano, which didn't turn out to be little.  It weighed a lot.  Like about 600 pounds.  I am not kidding.

They are strong.  There were veins popping out of necks and grunts and man, a lot of sweat!

But, do you see that SMILE on Ben's face???????  What a guy!

I thought a little of this would shine her right up!  It did.  Very nicely.  

This made me smile.  Doesn't it look pretty!!!  We think so.  Now to get it tuned and to fix...

THESE!  THEY ARE YELLOWISH DIRTY AND A BIT CHIPPED AT THE TIPS!!!

But I don't mind that, remember it is FREE!!!!!!!  I was just wondering if any of you folks out there could help me know what to clean the keys with in hopes to restore them to the lovely white of days gone by.  Locals, does anyone know of someone reasonable to tune it?

The Men

This is Daddy George.  He is so amazing.  He serves so many people.  He has tutored numerous adults and has taught them to read.  He is a successful businessman and a wonderful Granddad and Great Granddad.   He is married to Granny Hannie and even though she is not with us  anymore, his life reminds me of her.  Thank you for loving Granny and modeling a lasting, life-long marriage Daddy George.

 

These three men are the three men that I hope our boys turn out to be like.  Ben, you love people well.  I think you show Christ in so many ways to others through the humble life you lead.  You seek to glorify the Lord in all that you do and reflect Him beautifully.

Van, thank you for loving me like a daughter and training your son, Ben in the way of righteousness.  

Dad, thank you for modeling for me a loving marriage and what a loving husband looks like.  You are a great dad and I love you.

Dear boys,

Daddy loves you and mommy more than you will ever know.  He works for us and as unto the Lord.  He is a wise man.  He is a man of prayer.  He also desires to serve and lead our family.  I respect him greatly and pray that as you grow in "wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man," that you will watch Daddy and follow his example.  He is a good man, he fears and loves the Lord.

Daddy loves to spend time with you boys doing fun things~

Daddy is also a fisherman.  He loves to go to Colorado and fly fish.  He is a patient man.  He enjoys the challenge of the waters and the preparation it takes for a successful trip.  He can tie his own flies, a hobby that we hope you boys will enjoy together with Daddy.  Watching Daddy fly fish is truly beautiful, an art.

This is also beautiful to me.  The loving relationship between a father and his son.  Pop, we are thankful for your wisdom in raising Ben.

Ben, thank you for your love for our boys and me too.  You are teaching each of them what it means to love the Lord our God.  

"The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

Frederick Buechner

Ben, 

God has called you to be the Father for Benjamin, Luke and David.  It is with great joy that I participate as your helper and my great honor to watch you guiding them.  It is amazing to watch you lead them hand in hand into boyhood and eventually, manhood.  For I know the One that is leading you, is supernaturally using you as we prepare Men of God.  May His grace continue to abound in your life.  

You are loved.

"If we would endeavor, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, surely we would feel the favorable assistance of God from Heaven.  For he who giveth us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succor those that fight manfully, and do trust in his grace."

-Thomas A Kempis

We headed to the Farm:

We like to have school over the summer.  My boys love it.  They do.  I promise.  However, we like a LOT of fun in our summer too, so....

Our learning for the day went HANDS ON!!!!

A chic  flew the coop with her three boys!

We went to see some of these!

What fun it was to ride and play with our friends Jacob and Daniel!  They have really cool toys.

May I introduce farmer Jorge.  He is actually a gaucho.  He and Suzanne took us for a hay ride with popsicles!!!!  I mean who could beat that?

This is Jorge's wife, Suzanne.  She is a doll!  

Benjamin wanted to check out their amazing crops that put our vegetable garden, or should I say patch to shame!

They got to hold some of these.  Luke did not want to actually hold it (he knows what they do) but enjoyed petting it!

Then we went for a walk on their VERY OWN boardwalk.  Can you imagine?  It was truly amazing.

We saw a snapping turtle lay her eggs.

If you look closely, you can see the ALLIGATOR.  May I repeat, ALLIGATOR.  We were not far off the swampy water.  Like definitely in jaws reach.  Yep, in jaws reach.  But I had to get a picture.  That made Luke mad.  He was afraid that the Mama Gator would appear.  She didn't.

This just makes my heart melt.  Have you seen this little man sit so still and happy for a picture?  Like it just doesn't happen.

And my heart keeps right on melting,  

While my heart was melting, so was Luke's popsicle.  

Thank you Jorge, Suzanne, Daniel, and Jacob for a WONDERFUL memory and a fabulous time.  Here is proof we played hard:  Got Dirt?

WE DO!

Coupon and The Farmers Market!!!!

If you live where I do, chances are, you love this store!

The owner, Katie, is a friend of mine and is offering Coupon Monday!

That's right, Coupon Monday!  So, hurry over here(click) and print this little bad boy and have yourself a good ol' morning at Bellamia!  Then, come on back and report what you found!  We ALL love a good sale!

THANKS KATIE!!!!!!!  

Another local happening is taking place downtown.  Thanks to Lindsey, I found out about this(click here).  The local artists and the farmers are joining up for fun Saturdays downtown!  I mean how great!!!!!  

Can You Be Serious?!!?!

I am so disappointed.

I scheduled a massage that I had a gift certificate for on Tuesday.

I was going to lunch and then planned to get a nice, relaxing massage.

How much fun!

No, the gift certificate is expired.

I don't have many days that I can schedule something like a massage.

I am disappointed and well, angry.

My brother gave me the gift certificate and now I CAN'T USE IT!!!

The recording that came on while I was on hold (checking to see if they would honor the gift certificate) was calm and said that they hoped I was having a good day.  BUT if I wasn't, to meditate on why I wasn't having a good day.  Really, that is what it said.  Not good timing in my opinion.

I know it has something to do with the way that you pay people, but I am BUSY.  REALLY BUSY.  I simply didn't realize it expired as I kept it in a safe place waiting for the right day to use it.  In my opinion, she got paid for something she DID NOT DO!!!  Now I am in real need of a massage.  UGHHHH!  Bummer.

Sorry, I know one should not rant on the blog, but I HAD to share this disappointment with you.  Tell me you feel my pain...

Scone Saturday, Chantilly Cream, and the Garage

Don't you think that scones and the garage sound like they go hand in hand?

They don't.  However, we have a very handy Pop.  He is heading our way to help "us" organize the space that we affectionately refer to as the Pit.

Since he is so kind to volunteer his time and energy, I want to treat him well.  Thanks to Abby(click here for the recipe)  I have a new yummy scone recipe to try for a work break Saturday morning.

My dear friend and FABULOUS cook, Mary Lise has a wonderful compliment for scones.  It is called Southern Clotted Cream.  It might be that my Missouri raising steps in here, but there is something about the word "Clotted" that is not appetizing.   So, I believe I have heard of Chantilly Cream.  That I like.  Doesn't it sound fluffy and nice and not clotted?

I am posting the recipe below:

Southern Clotted Cream  OR Chantilly Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon almond flavoring

Put bowl and beaters in freezer for up to 30 minutes to cool.  Beat heavy cream and gradually add the powdered sugar.

Add the almond flavoring as the mixture begins to thicken.  Beat until mixture holds shapes and forms peak.

Will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serve in a crystal cordial glass.  Top with a dried or fresh flower.

I can't wait to share with you all about our Thursday~It is a bit lengthy and my battery on my camera is dead.  :(

We would LOVE for you to join us tonight at 6:30 for a concert with Paul Coleman(click here for more information)!!!!!  

Come by First Presbyterian to enjoy a free concert with this Grammy nominated singer/songwriter.

Happy Friday~

The Recipe and David

Thanks to Angie B. my beloved pediatrician and dear friend, we have a STREAKLESS cleaner that was recommended to her by the granite man she used.

Let me know what you think!

Here is the "secret recipe:"

1 part denatured alcohol (found in the paint section of Wal-Mart, etc.) to 16 parts water (found in your tap). The denatured alcohol is about $5 for a quart and lasts literally years! I got a spray bottle marked up to 18 oz so its easy at the dollar store. Love it! Works like a charm and cheap! 

So, we had a little rain last week.  One evening as we were about to sit down for a nice little family dinner, we noticed David was missing.  If you have been reading about this three ring circus long enough, you know that is NOT unusual.  We knew he was in the backyard or perhaps the play room.  I sent Ben to hunt down the child and this is what he found:

When Ben asked him what he was doing, he replied I just playing.  This is why I am graying earlier than I would like.  Between the child and his umm, let's see how to phrase it, uninhibited ways along with the time it takes to download the video onto Blogger- just look for me to be a full head of white by July.

Come On By Folks!

This Friday night we are getting together to enjoy music by the Grammy nominated Singer/Songwriter, Paul Colman(click here to go to his website)!  WE would love for you to join us for this FREE concert!  It will begin at 6:30 Join us at First Presbyterian Church Dothan.  There is a nursery for kids 3 and under.  I hope to see you there!

The Sale!

OH Wow!!!  What fun we had today!  Thanks Emily, Kristen and Ellen for a super fun morning.  :)

Well, now that the sale is over, my home is CRYING for attention.  Ben has the boys pickin' a little bit of this and a little bit of that today, so I am cleaning solo!  What fun I'll have!  You might just find me doing a little happy dance as I mop or dust!  We have a date night too with some friends!  What a FABULOUS Saturday!

Lord, may our home be one of laughter.

May it be a sweet haven from the world in which we and others focus on you while in its walls.

May it be a light for You on our street(even though we yell at our children AND occasionally each other and most DEFIANTLY the dog)...

Oh Lord, more than anything may it be a place where my boys become men of God. 

May we glorify You in all that we do and may we be refined to be more and more like Jesus.

Amen!

Ohhh yes!  I almost forgot, I am going to post a WONDERFUL recipe for homemade granite cleaner that my friend Angie is sending for ALL OF US!  IT IS STREAKLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Look for it Monday!

Garage Sale~

Did you know you needed a permit to have a garage sale?

You do!

So, to avoid a $10 to $500 fine or possibly jail, we got one thanks to some friends~!

I never knew that.

We'll be pricing tomorrow and getting ready for our sale!!!!

Come on by 307 Riveredge Parkway Saturday morning!

Summer Fun

I am relaxed.  

My house is not clean and the cleaning fairy is no where to be found.

VBS is EXHAUSTING but so fun!

It is summer.

My kids were up until almost 10:00 last night.  Just because.

We did things.  Fun things- like play baseball in the yard,

go to Waffle House for dinner(we can feed 5 there for $20 and we LOVE it), we just made fun summer memories.

My Favorite Person

Ben,

You are my favorite person.  You remind me of my Savior, Jesus.  You are so much fun to be around as well as being kind and loving.  You are a leader, a humble leader.  You don't demand to be in the center, but you are willing and glad to do things even when no one sees.  I admire you for your servant leadership both in and out of our home.  

I loved meeting you in Jamaica.  What fun it was to serve alongside you while we did missions there.  I loved our conversations about life and what it means to be sold out for Christ.  I loved watching you work!  You are SOOOOOO strong (and REALLY HOT) so it was REALLY hard for me to keep focused on my purpose in the Deaf Village.  I loved washing the Team's dinner dishes with you in the heat as we sang out a joyful noise.  Then, the airplane ride back- talking and talking.  I was SOOOOOOOOOOO hoping you would call me, but I DID not want to appear forward so I tried to act nonchalant.  I thought I would fly out of my car when you asked me to breakfast the next morning and the rest is history!  That was the beginning of August 2000, we were engaged that December and married in July!  What a whirlwind!  What a blessing to walk through the dark days of this life with one like you, strong and unwavering.  What fun times we have too!!!!

I am thankful for your life.  I pray that this next year will be one filled with growth spiritually as you lead our family. It is my desire that as you pour out your life, Christ through His Spirit will fill you. You are my best friend.  I love you.  Happy Birthday!  

Love, 

Andi

Yard Sale and The Winner

The winner is  KAT!!!!!

Congrats!!!!!  Kat gets to pick between a gift card to Starbucks or Atlanta Bread Company!  

Benjamin was eating ribs for lunch.  Hence the greasy name card!  :)  I wish I could give EACH of you something.  I appreciate when you comment so much and am thankful that I have you all in this little thing we call a bloggy family.  

So.....

There is a BIG garage sale this weekend.  Some of us Gals are pulling together and cleaning out in hopes of great returns for our effort.  We would LOVE for you to come "buy"  (I could NOT resist that pun)!!!!!! 

It's right off of John D. Odom----

307 Riveredge Parkway.

There are lots of things.  For any of you mamas that would like a double Schwinn Jog stroller, mine is leaving me and heading to the sale.  It actually makes me really sad.  Granny Hannie and Daddy George gave it to me as a baby gift when I had Luke.  I used it, A LOT.  We made lots of good memories while walking.  In fact, that is a post to come.

One Last Chance!

Today is the last day(post by noon) to put your name in for a gift card for Atlanta Bread Company or Starbucks.  Even if you don't do coffee, grab lunch or a coke on me.  Just my way of saying that I am thankful for you~I'll post the winner this afternoon and will mail the gift card of your choice!!!!  

Even if you don't have a blog, go ahead and comment to win, just click post a comment and go under anonymous.  Just put your name on the comment so I know who you are!!!

Happy Day to you~

Today is our first day of VBS!  I am teaching 2nd grade.  I taught 2 grade back in the day and I am looking forward to it.  

Hey, guess what!  Remember that class I took at Troy?  I got an A!  :)

Now, the BEST part of this post!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ben!!!!!!

More to come on my favorite person this afternoon.  I love you!e