I love every single ounce of you!

My heart is heavy this morning, friends. It's one of those Mom things when you hope you are saying and doing the right thing but I often wonder. This morning on the way to school, my oldest was telling us about running laps around the field in PE and how she had run eleven laps without stopping. I told her that was great and what good exercise running is. I explained how I am not a runner, I wish I were but it's just not my cup of tea. I only run if I'm being chased, ha ha! She went on to tell us how towards the end she started getting a cramp in her side from running so much. I encouraged her to keep at it and if she enjoys it, her body can be conditioned to work through the cramps and build up her endurance. Now, I tell you all this to set the stage as to how we began talking about exercise.

Next, I hear my six year old ask, "Mom, will you let me do a diet?" "Do a diet?" I say. My SIX year old is asking me if she can go on a diet! What is the world coming to when 1st graders are concerned about their body fat. Why is this starting already? I sort of expected to deal with this some when the become teenagers but not at SIX! Well, naturally I began telling her that she did not need to "do a diet" she is perfect just the way she is but she said..."but I'm fat and I need to lose weight". My heart began to ache and the tears filled my eyes! You see, this is not the first time she has mentioned her weight or her body type. She's actually made reference to it several times over the past month. We've talked about it and I've tried to reassure her that she is not fat. Even her sisters, cousin and friends have told her the same. I told her we all come in different shapes and sizes, different colored hair, eyes, skin, different weight and heights etc, and that it doesn't matter what people look like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts. But why doesn't she believe me?

Now, I know she's my kid and we all like to brag on our children....but this little girl is the sweetest, most precious little girl. Her heart is bigger than she is! She is so kind and thoughtful and nurturing and she has more friends than I can shake a stick at. So why doesn't she see that little girl in the mirror? What am I doing wrong? I know, I can certainly be a better example. I too, probably concern myself with my waistline far too much. Oh, how I wish I could fix everything but I can't. I've prayed for her but maybe now it is time to pray with her. I pray that I can be a good example to my girls and that God would give me the wisdom to teach them about their most precious attribute.....their heart!

AMW

Hannah Montana doesn't live here!

Hasn't TV just gotten pathetic!? Reality TV that is so far from reality yet we find it entertaining. I'm constantly surprised at what the networks show during prime time and even on commercials. Things I would prefer my kids not see or hear. And their shows are just as bad. I miss the good ole days of Little House on the Prairie, Leave it to Beaver, Happy Days, The Little Rascals....I mean, these were classics when I was a kid. Heck, I even watched Bonanza!
Today, the kids have shows like Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck, The Witches of Waverly Place and iCarly. And because of that... I have three little girls who love to be sassy, want to live in a Hotel, have magic powers and be the coolest kid in school.

I swear if you took the word "like" out of their vocabulary, I don't think they could express themselves. The girls will come home from school and I'll ask, "How was your day?" One will reply with, "Well, today we went to the playground and so and so was like....and I was like....and they were like.....and we were like". "Stop", I say. I know what you are like, I live with you 24/7....just tell me what you did or what happened. I feel like I'm living with valley girls, like!

They have also picked up a few other bad habits. For example, the other morning I said, "Girls, it's kinda chilly outside you might want to grab a light jacket." My oldest replied, "YA THINK?!" Now, fortunately for her the Holy Spirit has really been working in my heart lately. So instead of unleashing my wrath on her sharp tongue with a, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!"....I calmly said, "Sweetheart, when you say things like it is very disrespectful, especially to an adult. It is like saying, "Really Mom? Like I couldn't have figured that out on my own." Instead, I would rather you respond with, "Thanks Mom, I've got my coat." Because Hannah Montana doesn't live here.....SNAP, SNAP!

A blessing and a lesson...

Well, I arrived home Friday afternoon to a very warm welcome from my family. It was so good to be home and see the kids. The next several hours were filled with hugs and kisses and then more hugs and more kisses. After dinner, the girls entertained us with a talent show, a puppet show and several rounds of UNO. I missed them to pieces and didn’t want the night to end.

One by one, Saturday morning, the girls climbed in the bed with us until all five of us were snuggling and cuddling. We got up and ate a big breakfast and then went outside. It was absolutely beautiful! You couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. We sat by the pool and stared at the sky, trying to find objects in the clouds. It was a relaxing Spring day. We packed a picnic and piled on the golf cart for an adventure at the lake. We road all the way around the lake, stopping a few times to romp and play. After our picnic, the girls played in a nearby creek, building waterfalls and having marshmallow peep races. Jason grilled us a delicious steak for dinner and then as the night wore on the anxiety sank in. I tried not to think about it but there was the looming strike announcement scheduled for midnight. If a work stoppage was issued, I’d be catching a flight to Missouri on Sunday and have to stay for up to three weeks. Although often times I would selfishly pray that I wouldn’t be inconvenienced by this strike, I also prayed that my faith would be strengthened and so might my children’s. As I lay in bed reflecting on the absolutely perfect day I had had with my family, I realized just how much my faith was strengthened. Last week while in Atlanta, the Lord was good to me. He encouraged me with His word while others were discouraging. He protected me, He calmed me, He provided for me, He protected and provided for my family. He drew us closer to Him through this experience. He taught us to trust Him and have confidence in Him. He strengthened our faith in Him. And shortly after midnight, He blessed us. The announcement was made that although the union and AT&T haven’t come to an agreement there wouldn’t be a strike issued at this time. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! We are not out of the woods yet, the union is at liberty to strike at any time until a contract is signed, but I am learning to trust God’s plan and know that He will always be there for me.

Feeling blessed,
Anne Marie

Heading home tomorrow….

It’s Thursday night and the week has actually gone by pretty fast. Tuesday found me more comfortable in my environment and excited about my plans for after work. I met my mom, brother and sister-in-law for dinner. I even got to see my nephew, who is walking now. At the office I ran into a couple of ladies who I haven’t seen in years. They’re retired but were called back to work the strike. It was nice to see them and catch up on life. I also was able to have lunch today with a friend I used to work with. It’s so amazing how God provided friends at a time when I felt alone. The lady training us is from Texas, and quite a character. From day one, she spoke of God and prayed out loud (jokingly at times) but I knew she was a believer. In the mornings before we got started training, she and I would talk and came to know a lot about one another. I even found out that she’s Presbyterian.

Rumors are running rampant about the strike. Quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing about it. But at the same time it consumes my mind. I feel more optimistic today. I’m trying my best to trust in God. I don’t know why I fight it so often but I do.

Today when I left the office I went by the church that Jason and I got married. It brought back wonderful memories of our wedding day. I miss Jason and the girls like crazy! I can’t wait to see them tomorrow night.

I’m trying to decide if I want to order room service. Last night I ordered an Angus Steak Burger and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla bean raspberry ice cream! Mmmmm….doesn’t that sound good?

My verse of the day -
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7

Trusting in Him,
Anne Marie

Training for a job I don't want!

This week I’m in Atlanta, training for my strike assignment. I’ve really been dreading this trip. Mainly for having to leave my family for a week and travel by myself but also because of all the preparation. Sunday after church, I spent a couple of hours with the fam and left around 3:30. I wanted to get to Atlanta before dark so I could easily find my hotel and my way to the office. Well, I boo hoo’d until I got to Anniston. I’m such a cry baby and got so emotional. I guess it’s just been building up inside me – this threat of a strike and having to leave again has just been weighing on me. I’ll return home Friday night and find out Saturday night at midnight if the union issues a strike. If so, I’ll have 24 hours to report to Springfield, MO.

Sunday was a beautiful day and the drive over was a great time to admire all the dogwoods blooming in the meadows and mountains between Alabama and Georgia. I thanked God and was determined to cheer up. I arrived in Atlanta and just like my map said, I got off my exit, turned left and ½ mile NW would be my hotel. But when I made my left turn I found a large orange barricade flashing “Detour”. Great! ….so 45 minutes later after driving through the maze they call downtown Atlanta, I found the office and my hotel. Not the first Marriott hotel I stopped at, mind you, “No, you need to go a little further downtown”. Nonetheless, I found it and got checked in. I don’t like staying downtown by myself. I’m intimidated by its towering buildings and dark shadows. The streets are narrow and there are pedestrians everywhere and Marta buses, horse and carriage rides, valet parking and homeless people. From my room I hear buses and car alarms. I like home! I want to go home!

Today was better. I found my way to the office and actually reunited with a friend I haven’t seen in at least, 10 years. We’re planning on having lunch one day this week. Our first day of training wasn’t so bad. There are only three of us in our class, two men, me and the trainer. Being that we are in an AT&T corporate building, along with many other management employees and retirees training for their assignments, there was much talk about the strike. Most feel the union will strike, others say AT&T wants the union to strike because they stand to make millions by saving pay role, insurance and benefits cost on 125K employees. It was discouraging ….until…until I got back to my hotel, got settled, checked email and FB and began reading my daily Lent bible study. I began to feel at ease. I was quickly reminded that God is able! He is bigger than the CWA union, AT&T and corporate America! Jesus purposely waited to return to Judea until after Lazarus’ death so that his disciples and the Jews would believe in Him.

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
John 11: 40-42

I’m encouraged by God’s word. I know that He is sovereign, He hears my prayers. Now I must wait to see, what is his will?

Praying for home,
Anne Marie

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Today is March 1, 2009 and it snowed today! We were so excited. The kids had a great time building snowmen and women, sleding, making snow angels and having snowball fights. It was beautiful to look at too! Here are pics from our fun day. (Click on the slideshow to enlarge the pictures).

Thawing out,
Anne Marie

Lent is here!

Lent season seemed to sneak up on me this year but it's here! Ash Wednesday is Feb. 25th. Have you decided what you will "give up" for Lent? Last year I gave up chocolate!...a major feat for me. Maybe I should give up food for 40 days...crash diet, right....nahhhh!

Lent is a time for turning away from sin and a time to really focus on repentance. I was looking on the internet and found this website for the American Catholic. Regardless of your denomination, I think it has a great suggestion for a unique way to observe the Lenten season. I'm thinking of doing this or some version of it anyway. Take a look and let me know what you think. I like the idea of fasting from the clutter in my life....fasting from my personal habits, fasting from clutter in my home, fasting from the mental and spiritual clutter in my life.

Lent Season

I'm also looking for ways to share the Lenten season with my children. By Thanksgiving every year, they are so excited in anticipation for Christmas. I want them to share in the excitement and anticipation for Easter, as well. Do you have any interesting ways that you and your family have observed Lent?

Preparing for Lent,
Anne Marie

I want everyday to be like Sunday…

This weekend was awesome! Our church celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a weekend full of festivities. Saturday night, after a wonderful potluck dinner, we attended the church talent show. It was so much fun! I laughed and sat in awe of the many talented participants. Sunday, we had a combined worship service in the gym...we skipped Sunday school and had a 2 hr service with guest speakers and special music by more talented folks and our Children's choir. The music just warms my heart.

I was also honored to hear from CPC’s founding pastor, Craig Childs, Sr. I’ve heard many wonderful stories of him over the years. Now I see what everyone means, he is a very “talented” pastor....much like our current one. Through his sermon, Craig shared his testimony and spoke of God’s presence in his life, both during the good times and bad. Through it all, God was there for him, always inviting him closer and closer to Himself. It was encouraging to hear that we all struggle with our faith in Christ, even those in ministry for years.

I left the service feeling uplifted, as did everyone else. Everyone was talking about what a wonderful weekend they had, how they were encouraged and felt blessed to be a part of such a caring church family. We felt a common bond, a true love for Christ and such gratitude for His faithfulness to us. Craig facilitated the journey but it was a day that truly glorified God! I came home with a little pep in my step and feeling ALIVE! So, my question is how do we make everyday feel like Sunday?

Feeling blessed at CPC,
Anne Marie

PS. Here's a few pics for the non Facebook folks.

My Little Kingdom

Today, more than ever I realized how much I’m living for “My little Kingdom”. I am so wrapped up in me and my life that I don’t want to hear the gospel. I’ve been SO stressed at work, working 10 hour days and still not getting it all done. I’m mad about the strike my company is anticipating and the 100 hours of training that I’m forced to take so I can go and backfill a union employee’s job so they can have better health insurance than me. I mad because as management we receive salary pay and the only way we may earn extra comes in the form of an annual raise and bonus. Well, we were informed last Friday that we will not be receiving a merit increase and only a small percentage of our bonus. Man that stinks! Here I am giving so much of my time to this company and in return I’m getting nothing. I’m expected to do more but get less. It is very frustrating. I stay in conflict with myself because on one hand, I am so thankful to have a job but on the other hand, I must defend my little kingdom. My mind starts reeling about all the things that I need to do. The house is a perpetual disaster. I’m constantly washing clothes and straightening up but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. Jason really needs a new truck. Well, not a NEW truck but a newer or new to him, truck. We hoped to have more done on the pool house by this summer but that’s not going to happen……and then today after church I attempted to go purchase a new phone only to drive all the way to 280 to be told it must be handled online. I drove home mad and again started thinking about how everything was against me. Nothing is working for my little kingdom……but me!

When I arrived home…..still mad, my husband asked me, “Remember what Burt said in the sermon this morning?” My response was, “I heard what he said and I don’t need to hear it again from you!” Ouch! That hurts just typing it. So now I am home alone thinking of all the repenting I need to do. Why do I keep thinking that I am in control? That I am the one who can take care of everything. Why do I let my stinkin’ PRIDE rule my life? Why am I so self righteous and feel so self reliant?

Today, more than ever, I’m reminded that I am a needy sinner in pursuit of my little kingdom. When what I really need is to go to my savior and thank him for protecting and providing for my family. God has been so gracious to us. He protects us, even when we don’t know we need protection and He provides more than what we NEED yet we WANT more. Forgive me, Lord!

And now I’ll leave you with a quote from our church bulletin by John Mac Arthur –

Some people get so caught up in their own holiness that they look at the Trinity for a possible vacancy.

Needing to repent,
Anne Marie

New Year Resolutions

Have you made a New Years resolution? I haven't formally but I've been thinking about it. Top of my list should be to stop procrastinating! Of course, I would also have the perpetual resolution to lose weight. Oh, and how about putting myself back on the list; can't forget that one. Seriously though, I feel the need or pressure rather to make a list. A list of things I will resolve myself to do this year. Here's a few I came up with....

1. Read more books and less Facebook!
2. Hold my children in my lap more and my laptop less.
3. Be grateful for the healthy body God has provided me and take better care of it and be less critical of it.
4. Memorize more of God's word. I have favorite scripture but can rarely quote it. Even my attempts to paraphrase are weak.
5. Declutter my house....another perpetual resolution but one I'm serious about.
6. Have more appreciation and less of a sense of entitlement.

Did I forget anything? What are your resolutions or did you resolve not to make any stupid resolutions?!

Starting anew,
Anne Marie

Happy Birthday Wishes!

Happy Birthday to my dear husband, Jason! I thank God every night for blessing me with such a wonderful husband and terrific father to our girls. You are my rock! You are always there for me and I love you endlessly. Since you like lists, here is one in honor of you.....

Things I love about my husband -
1. I love your smile! It stole my heart many years ago on New Year's Eve.
2. I love hearing you sing. You singing to me at our wedding reception is a memory I will cherish forever.
3. I love your passion for music and how you pick out the harmony and bass line in every song.
4. I love your inner chef.
5. I love listening to you play guitar....what a turn on!
6. I love how you still tuck me in every night and give me the occassional back massage (ok, more than occassional).
7. I love riding the Vmax with you.
8. I love how careful you are on the Vmax!
9. I love how you yell at the TV when watching football.
10. I love your passion and excitement for Christ.
11. I love your pretty white teeth (goes with No. 1)
12. I love watching you with our girls.
13. I love how soft and smooth your feet are....I'm actually quite jealous.
14. I love how you take care of "all your girls".
15. I love your heart...so soft and genuine.
16. I love your devotion to our marriage.
17. I love how safe I feel in your arms.
18. I love how your hugs tower over me.
19. I love holding your hand in public or not.
20. I love you, Jason Webb! Happy Birthday, hunny bunny!!!


For always,
Anne Marie