Mickey Mouse pizza, rollerskating and God's teachings

Last Thursday night was "Skate Nite" for the elementary school. The girls have been doing really good in school, with both their grades and conduct, so we thought we'd take them as a reward for their hard work and good behavior. I used to loooovvvve going roller skating. Every Saturday, my mother would take my brother and I skating. When I was a young teen it was the cool place to hang out on Friday and Saturday nights. I remember getting "speed skates" for Christmas one year. They had purple wheels and stoppers. For those gals out there around my age, you can imagine how cool I thought I was! Anyway, back to the girls - so before they went skating they ate Mickey Mouse pizza. Isn't this cute, I found them at Piggly Wiggly. Parents beware - Mickey Mouse pizza may create a riot. Adult supervision is required. Our youngest started it, "I want him ear"! The next, "I want his head"! "Give me his other ear"!...until it was devoured.


Speaking of my mom, today is her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you (and thanks for taking me skating all those times)!

Today at church, Burt spoke about how God teaches us through our suffering. The sermon seemed to have been written directly for me. Although at the present, I am not suffering (it's actually the exact opposite, I've never been better) many around me are. The other day I was asked, "Why?...why is God allowing my loved one to hurt so much?". It was really a rhetorical question, they were just overcome with emotion, but I lacked a great response. I wanted so bad to comfort them...to have the right words at the right time. I have been bothered by it ever since. So why must we suffer? Today I realized that Burt is right, God does teach us through our suffering. He has taught me of His mercy, His grace, His glory, His sovereignty and of His providence and presence. Looking back at times of suffering in my life, I can see all of these things. I see them today with those around me suffering. So if asked again, I would share what Burt shared with our congregation this morning.
God may be taking you through years of difficulty, frustration and seeming defeat. Yet by faith we can be assured that Christ is with us as the One who endured even greater pain, humiliation, misery and even death so that we might never face it in the ultimate sense.
And from our church bulletin -
God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty. - Peter Marshall

Burt, today's sermon was just what the doctor ordered. Thank you! It is yet another example of God's providence in my life.

Feeling blessed at CPC,
Anne Marie

An Old Prayer

When I was a little girl (I'm guessing between 8 - 10 years old)I found this prayer hanging in the kitchen of my great-grandparents house, Big Mama and Papa Coffee. I loved it and copied it down on a sheet of paper. I've kept it all these years. I won't say exactly how many years but more than a couple of decades! Jason said he sees where McClain gets her, not-so-neat, handwriting from. I got this prayer out yesterday and emailed it to a loved one that's hurting. It reads -

I Said A Prayer For You Today - author unknown

I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind.
I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you, in all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care I prayed for most of all.

Labor Day weekend

This Labor Day weekend was spent in my hometown, Augusta GA. We went to visit my uncle, a double amputee who is under hospice care - due to a heart condition resulting from his diabetes. He has sustained several heart attacks but currently has only 10% blood flow to his heart. It has been a very difficult past few months for my uncle and his family.
Everyday while taking my daughters to school, I pass a church sign that reads, "God's grace comes with responsibility, it must be shared". It resonates in me. I guess when you have something that is so good, you want to share it. God has been so gracious to my uncle and his family. Not only has he lived years beyond what any doctor ever thought, he has seen all three of his children wed, start families of their own and watched his grandchildren start school. Several weeks ago, he watched as two of his grandchildren were baptised. The Holy Spirit was working in his heart and that Sunday my uncle rededicated his life to Christ. The following day he was rushed to the emergency room where his family received the following news.
All the small blood vessels surrounding his heart are 100% blocked. The main artery to his heart is 90% blocked. The same disease that attacked his legs is now attacking his heart. He has sustained a few heart attacks and has only 10% blood flow to his heart. There's not much the doctors can do - surgery is not an option.
Not easy to hear about someone you love. It's no coincidence, I don't think, that my uncle was moved to proclaim his love for Christ and the following day receive such prognosis. I believe God is gently taking care of my uncle and his family by letting them know that he is ready for eternity with Christ. There is great comfort in that. God has also revealed the severity of my uncle's health to his family. They now have time to speak through their hearts and share their love for him. Not everyone is given this.
Funny thing is, uncle Murray and aunt Carolyn are my God-parents who are basically tasked with helping lead me to Christ in the event that I were orphaned. Well, I graciously was not orphaned but they have led me to Christ, again and again. Scripture and faith brings peace and rest and allow us to enjoy every day that He gives us on this earth. Here are a couple of my new favs -
1 Cor. 2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

We had a wonderful visit with uncle Murray and his family this Labor Day weekend. He was in good spirits, had lots of energy and sat up all day talking with numerous visitors. It was a weekend full of reminecing, story telling, kids climbing trees and playing Red Rover, college football, fried chicken and God's grace.

After a busy weekend of visiting with family, Emma sums it up.


Thinking and praying for my uncle,
Anne Marie

Before the rain....

Well, for the past three days it has done nothing but rain and rain and rain! By Sunday afternoon, the girls and I were getting cabin fever. We had run out of things to do in the house (not really but, ya know)...they built forts, painted fingernails, played on the computer, made cookies and veg'd out watching TV. Finally, Sunday afternoon brought a short break from all the rain. After having a wonderful lunch with the Morgan family, we decided to go for a "Sunday drive". We headed down 174 towards Springville and on to Trussville until we came to Sonic, where we indulged in several Hot Fudge Sundaes and one Butterfinger Sonic Blast....mmmmmmmm! The rain resumed later that night and has continued (now Tuesday night).

Before the rain, we enjoyed a nice hike to the top of Microwave Towers Rd. Friday, Jason came home telling the girls about how he use to go up to the top of Microwave Towers Rd and overlook the beautiful mountains. He failed to explain how you used to be able to DRIVE to the top and park. Now there is a large gate blocking the entrance at the bottom of the road. You can park at the bottom of the road and walk through the gate, which is what we did. Can you say "Trespassing"? After seeing the breathtaking view, the hike down was my favorite part. The girls gathered souvenirs...pine needles (to make a broom), large pine cones (to decorate with glitter), a pocket full of muscodines and blueberry look-a-likes. Here's a few pictures from our adventure.

Thankful for the rain,
Anne Marie

Heaven

A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Here's how it works... You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says,..."I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth two points!"
"Two points, is that all?" the man says.

"Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St.Peter.. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!?!!" he says.

"I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," St. Peter says.
"Two points!?!! " he says.

"Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God."
"Bingo! 100 points !" says St. Peter, "Come on in!"

Emma's 1st day of school...

Yesterday was Emma's 1st day of K3. She had a good day and made a couple of new friends. She got in the car singing some new songs she learned. I love to hear her sing....five little monkeys swinging from a tree, teasing Mr. Alligator...you can't catch me. Along came Mr. Alligator quiet as can be and he snapped that monkey right out of that tree. Brings a smile to my face just typing it.

Check out these pics of our cat, Jessie as she terrorizes this poor chipmunk.

1st day of school!

Well, summer vacation is officially over and the new school year begins. Here are a few pics of McClain, Macy and Landy on their first day of school.
McClain is now in 3rd grade and known for being a "social butterfly". She's real excited to see all her friends.

Landy is starting 1st grade and is in the same class as Eric Nold. They can be best buds this year.

Today is Macy's first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe it. Time is just flying by. Before I know it I'll be walking Emma to class. They all did well and were very excited. No one cried....not even Mom. I did get a huge lump in my throat as I left the parking lot, which I can't really explain.
Macy was so excited to start school. The Kindergartens had the option of getting out at 11:30 today and tomorrow but she wants to stay all day. I know she do fine and have a wonderful day....but for some reason I feel weepy.

So....let me throw myself into my work today and forget about the fact that my little girls are growing up, like it or not!

(I like the way Burt closes each of his blogs with a fitting salutation and thought I'd steal his idea).

Feeling very blessed to have children,
Anne Marie