Perfect Harmony

I grew up in a house where music was part of our daily lives. My father played the trumpet and banjo; my mother, along with being an amazing pianist, can play tons of different instruments; my sisters and I used to get dressed up in matching outfits (some of which have scarred me for life) and would travel to different churches and events and sing three part harmony (Forrester Sisters didn't have nothing on us!); Carla was the violinist, I was the piano player and Kelly's instrument has always been her voice. Mom was patient with us and allowed us to try different things until we found our talent.

I never took to reading music. I just liked to hear it and then play it or sing it. I still do that. It's just easier for me that way. When I was very young, mom would stand beside me and sing the alto part to a song in my ear and that's how I learned to sing alto and that's when the beast was created! I harmonized with anything I heard from TV commercial jingles to opera, you name it and I was going to find that harmony.

But nothing has changed to this day. I love to put my earphones in, especially at the gym, and jam out to anything and everything. I just can't help myself...I will sing out loud, not thinking about who else is around me. Now, getting the words right to any song has always been a challenge for me-sometimes my lyrics are better than the original ;) but you can bet that whatever I'm listening to, I'm loud and proud...and singing just the harmony. Now for those people around me that can hear what I'm singing, they are hearing only the alto line (loudly). Yesterday...I got looks. Looks that said "Girl...not only are you being too loud but you can't sing" or "Honey...you need to give that mess up before you hurt yourself" Well, ya know what?! You don't know what's playing on the other end of my earphones so you don't know that right now, you're hearing a masterpiece! You're hearing a beautiful blend of harmony between me and Bruno Mars and me and Pink! I mean, I'm one alto line away from getting that call from Adele, asking me to go on the road with her...I just know it!

Ok, back to reality-you all just busted my daydream bubble! I actually got something out of that. Everyone sing/dances/lives to their own beat. We don't know what's causing people around us to act like they do sometimes because we can't hear what they're listening to. They may actually be making beautiful music and we judge them without having any idea what's on the other end of their life 'ipod'. (I almost typed walkman...geesh, I'm getting old!)

Don't judge-don't hate-just try to harmonize with them. (But try to be on key...nobody likes listening to flat harmony, OKAY?!!

"I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. A song of peace that echos on, and never goes away."

Random Acts of Amy

 

“The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.” 

Let me preface this blog by saying that in NO way do I mean this to be about me or do I mean it to sound boastful or prideful! I just simply set out to do things for others and to help put a smile on people's faces. I share this with you just to pass on one of the most wonderful experiences I've had in life and to maybe inspire someone else to pass on some kindness each day.

I met my friend Dollie, who graciously gave up her whole day just to help me, and we set off! Here's a list of some things that we accomplished:

• Cooked dinner for a friend
• Sent a care package to a military person
• Delivered groceries to some friends in need
• Delivered groceries to several homes. We just drove around and picked some places that we felt looked like they could benefit from some extra help.
• Bought donuts for a stranger
• Delivered donuts to Fox Ridge
• Coffee bought for a lady in line at Starbucks (and for me and Dollie!! DUH!)
• Helped an elderly man find his car in the Target parking lot. This man was so sweet and it was evident that he was confused about where he parked his car. I offered him a ride around until we found it for him. Made me think of my pappy and how much I loved that man.
• Handed out a sucker to a little boy who was walking around with his dad
• Passed out suckers to children in Wal-Mart
• Passed out quarters to children in Wal-Mart to use for gumball machines
• Left quarters at vending machines for children
• Passed out suckers and water bottles to the cart pushers at Wal-Mart
• Returned shopping carts into the store from the parking lot
• Passed out water to some workers on the road
• Passed out water bottles to construction workers at Benton Complex
• Left water bottles on car of someone walking the track
• Left a bag of food on the hood of a car for a random person in a parking lot. This one got me. Dollie suggested that particular car. I was trying to be gentle while laying the bag on the hood, when I saw someone out of the corner of my eye move. There was someone sleeping in the front, covered up with blankets. You could see clothes and belongings piled in the back seat. Broke my heart.
• Handed out water to a delivery truck man
• Gave a roll of quarters to a lady in need at the laundry mat
• Dropped off a bag of clothes at the Goodwill store
• Drove through the bank and sent suckers to the tellers through the machine
• Left notes on some cars with suckers
• Delivered water and suckers to the Bryant fire station. They were so grateful that they sang happy birthday to me! It was quite comical!
• Donated money to the Humane Society
• Handed out suckers to strangers and even got to give some suckers to Santa!! He assured me that because of this, I would get on the good list
• Delivered donuts to a young man in a trailer park
• Handed out water to some lawn workers
• Bought a gift for someone and delivered it to their house
• Volunteered at Fox Ridge and helped decorate for Christmas
• Left a note and some chocolate for the mailman

 

 

 

So humbled and so blessed to be able to do little things for people. The smiles I received were worth it. I try to give something of myself everyday but yesterday was a day I will never forget. This will be something that I will do every year now and just want to encourage others to do the same. Not just for one day but each and everyday you can.

“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water -it will make ripples throughout the entire pond...”

I'm not listening!

Tyler and I were having a conversation this morning and I didn’t hear something he said to me:

Me: “What?”

Tyler: “Clean your ears out”

M: “I can’t help it…you mutter too much”

T: “No, you just didn’t hear me and you get on to me all the time about not hearing you”

M: “No, I get on to you because you don’t LISTEN! For instance, I tell you to CLEAN. YOUR. ROOM. Very plain and clear. You just don’t LISTEN although I know you HEAR me”

T: “Oh, see, I thought you said ‘Lay on your bed for a little bit longer and clean it when you feel like it’”

Funny, Tyler, funny LOL! It did make me laugh when he said that but then I started thinking. How often am I guilty of that with God? How many times does He speak to me and I hear what He’s telling me but I don’t LISTEN because I feel that I can just do what I want THEN I’ll make time for what He is asking. See, when Tyler does that, I get frustrated and I end up repeating those instructions a few more times before I end up really getting on to him and have to punish him for not obeying. That’s when he knows I mean business and he gets his room clean. When it gets to that point, we both feel awful for what transpired and then he comes and apologizes for not listening.

I wonder if God feels like that with us sometimes. He patiently and calmly asks us to “go.” Or to “do.’ And we wait. We hear His instructions but it’s not “convenient” for us so we put it off…and put it off. And at times, it takes something drastic to happen before we finally obey. But at that point, we’ve had to go through something or experience something just to see that He means business with us; then we are on our knees asking for forgiveness. It would be so much easier if we just LISTEN the first time and follow His instructions right when He gives them.

Don’t ignore God! Hear His voice and listen to His calling. Our lives will be so much more blessed by LISTENING to Him!

Proverbs 16:20-Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Proverbs 8:33-Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

Dear Tyler-

A heart of reflection seems to be common for me these last few weeks. You can't really blame me with all that is going on. To think that you are graduating from high school seems a bit much for me to swallow. There are times when I look at you and I see this little boy running to me with his arms open, wanting me to hold you in my lap. Then there are times when I see this strong young man before me, arms open wanting to hold me.

As parents we train and rear our children for years, preparing them for the ultimate battle of life that will face them head on, weapons drawn, ready for war. My prayer for you, son, is that you will listen to God as He directs your path. Let Him lead you and be the center of your life. With God guiding you, you can't go wrong.

You know without a doubt I love you and I'm so proud of you. Whenever you need me, I'll be there. Don't ever forget that. May all your dreams stay big! This song is for you :) I won't quote the lyrics (lol) so listen to it ;)

The Love of my life

February 17, 2007 I was preparing to walk down the aisle of a small church in Cabot and marry my knight in shining armor. That day has changed my life for the better and I couldn't be happier.

I've made many mistakes in my life. Some I'm still learning from. I feel so undeserving of the love he shows me everyday. He's one of the few people in my life who have loved me undconditionally no matter how bad I've managed to mess up. That love is hard to come by and I'm so blessed to have found it. He is my best friend, my soulmate and my teammate. He loves God and leads our home the way God intended.

I want to grow old with you, Paul. I love you for so many reasons. Doing life with you has been an experience that I thank God for. I will always love you until I take my last breath.

This was one of the songs played at our wedding. I will stand next to you until death do us part.

Love you forever, AR

Karla Bonoff-Standing Right Next to Me

Love is like the wind,
Sometimes it blows your way,
And until now
It missed me somehow.

But when I turned around

I saw you standing there.
The sound of your voice -
I had no choice.

I used to have a wish
One day I'd feel like this.
Now I know love exists
Cause it's standing right next to me.

Beneath the moon tonight

I see it in your eyes -
No more false starts,
No more broken hearts.

I used to have a wish

One day I'd feel like this.

Now I know love exists

Cause it's standing right next to me.

Even in the dark,

Even when you're gone
I feel you in my heart.
I used to have a wish
One day I'd feel like this Now I know love exists
Cause it's standing right next to me.

JUST SMILE!!

When Paul and I grocery shop, I usually wander around while he does all the shopping. That way we avoid any unnecessary threats towards each other or food fights in the aisles. I don't know what it is about the grocery store but we seem to irritate each other more during that 2 hour process than any other time. This last occasion, however, I decided to just push the cart and try this without having any confrontations. Which basically means I kept my mouth shut the whole time and let him do his thing and it actually turned out great! Go figure!!

At one point, he had to go back for something so I wedged myself and the cart in between some of those big freezer bins and waited for him. As I waited, I watched people. I completely shut noise out and just looked into people's faces, wondering what their story was. The lady with the three kids who looked like they could use a bath and a good meal, picking up items and then putting them back on the shelf. Telling her kids "no, we can't afford that!" The guy with a list, looking up at the aisle markers while on the phone explaining to that other person that "I can't find where it is!" Then there's the lady with her fur vest, manicured nails and jeweled fingers strutting, and yes, she was workin' it in the grocery store, talking to her teenage daughter who was texting on her phone the whole time. Each passed by and I wondered what their life was like.
So many others with blank stares, some with smiles, some that just looked so sad and I couldn't help but wonder were they happy? Where was their smile? Did somebody, anybody, really care about these people? It put me in some what of a somber mood for the next few hours. Wondering if these people had Jesus, did they have someone who truly made them happy, are they experiencing heartache right now or hurt of any kind? And why did I care so passionately all of a sudden?

This really weighed on my for a few days ( I don't know why) and it caused me to start looking at people differently. Trying to figure out what their heart was saying by looking at their faces. Wondering if I could make a difference in their day or just in one little moment. So I started just simply smiling at everybody. I would catch someone's eye and I'd smile. I've been surprised at the response. People are smiling back. Most people, except for that guy that I accidentally cut off on the freeway the other day. I smiled, he waved with one finger :/ (can't win them all) ;) I want people to know that even if I don't know you that I do care. I have a passion for people and I want to make a difference as much as I can. Because I know that when I do, that Jesus is getting all the glory! He's using me in that small moment and I couldn't ask for anything more in life. It's just a smile, I know, but all day, everyday, I reflect Him and if I'm not smiling, people may wonder where my happiness is. People may look at my scouring face and wonder if I have true happiness and as a Christian, it should be evident at all times! I'm not going to tattoo I love Jesus on my forehead and my life isn't always rainbows and kittens but that shouldn't stop me from sharing my smile and my happiness with people that cross my path everyday.

There's not really any deep philosophical meaning to this blog. I just wanted to share my thoughts. Smile at someone! Even when you aren't feeling it, just smile. You could change not only your demeanor but someone elses attitude, heart, and/or mind with one small little gesture. And to me, it's completely worth it!

On Display

I have a few secret indulgences. Like...I love Eminem! I love watching drag races! I love to watch Real Housewives of New York and especially Real Housewives of New Jersey. I know, I know! I can't help myself.

One of the ladies on New Jersey recently put out a song titled 'On Display'. It talks about her life being on display every day and people waiting for her to fall, etc. I have to admit that I find the tune a little catchy. What can I say?? I'm a dork! HA!

However dorky the song might be to some, it sparked something in my brain and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I am on display! Everyone is on display. Young, old, poor, rich, each of us is on display whether we think we are or not. We are being watched by others all the time. Everything we say and do is being scrutinized by someone. As a Christian, this hits home with me. There are people watching and some are waiting for us to fall or trip up. There are going to be people who try to bring us down and slander our name. That's why it's so important for us to be strong and live our lives as Christ would want us to no matter what. We can't be perfect but we should display His love everyday. Eph 5:2 says "Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ" We are even on display for Christ to see!!! Job 34:21 "For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps" We need to keep in mind that we are living for Christ and we want others to see Him in us.

It's not easy at times but it is the most rewarding thing in life to know that I am a child of the King and I am living my life for Him so that others might see Him in me. I'm on display for Him and I want to make Him proud! When it gets tough and people are pushing you down, don't give up. Stand strong for Him and cling to His truth that's found in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".

Summer Fun!

Gosh...I've got so much to catch up on that I don't even know where to begin! Let's see..
A couple of weeks after school was out, Tyler, Paul, Sarah and I went to West Virginia. This is where I call home! People always say you can't go back home but apparently those people don't know how good my home is :) So many awesome memories that I don't have enough space to get them all on here so you're going to have to take my word for it. It's a routine that I can't get out of when we go home. We eat, then we eat again, then we eat some more! I mean, what do you expect...we're Italians! And my Aunt knows how to throw down some kick-a recipes on us. The food combined with the great family makes for a very memorable week for us.

After WV, Tyler and I went to Meeker, CO to be part of the mission trip we do with the youth group from our church. It was awesome! I love being a part of that experience and sharing God's love with people that have no clue! Some of the little kids there didn't even know what a Bible was and so the church got together and passed Bibles out to them. It made me realize that I sometimes take my relationship with God for granted. Loving on those kids and sharing in that experience with Midtowne youth was exactly the boost my relationship with Him needed.

Came back from Meeker and it was off to the beach! Tyler had been wanting to go to the beach since last time we went so I decided that for his birthday that's what we were doing. The first night we sat out on the beach, looking up at the stars and hearing the rush of the waves hitting the shore...it was perfect! We talked about things and about the future and I went away with one of the most perfect memories we've ever shared.

With all that travel over, school started back up. This year is going to be bittersweet. It's his last year of high school and I'm so proud of him and all that he's overcome but I don't know if I'm ready for this chapter. I don't want to let go yet! :(  Tuesday was the best day ever! After 14 years of being in and out of the hospital due to his leukemia, we were fully released with an excellent bill of health!!! THANK YOU GOD!!! That day was such a monumental day for us!! Then on Friday, he turned 18! Truly can't believe it. 18 and his senior year...(dramatic pause...insert tears) K, I'm done...like I was saying, Can't believe it! It's sad tho. I have some haters, a lot of people that think I'm one thing when I'm not, people who doubt me, people who chose not to be a part of my life. I hate that they are missing out. I can't describe the hurt this has caused. They can say what they want about me but one thing that will never be able to be said and that is that I'm not a good mother. When Tyler was born, I gave him to God. And everyday after that I've tried my best to help him understand how important his relationship with his Heavenly Father is. I love that boy and couldn't be prouder of him.


My husband has been a staple in my life and I'm so thankful that he's been there with me, by my side, through everything and has supported and loved me no matter what. I love that man!






This summer has been filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly but through all that one thing has kept me sane:  God is in control and He is the one who I give all the glory too. He is my Comforter and my Rock. I have been humbled and knocked down a few notches but I am finally at a place of peace with my life. I am looking forward to this year. Looking forward to experiencing all that God has ready for us!

DETOUR!

I'm a planner! I'm taking a road trip with Tyler in a couple of weeks and I have to have a map and follow the directions to a tee so that I will end up where we plan on going. This is pretty norm for most people. Planning on what stops and sites we are going to see along the way. By doing this, it allows us to get to our destination and not get lost. I am somewhat directionally challenged (i.e., I can get lost in my own back yard) so looking at the map and following it is a big help to me. However, there are times when we have headed out on a trip and get caught in road work and have to take a detour. Detours make me nervous because it was something we didn't prepare for and we aren't really sure where we are going to come out. Sometimes it could take us miles out of the way and not knowing what lies ahead is a little nerve racking. There have been a few times that we've detoured and there have been some things we were able to see that we wouldn't have otherwise seen because it wasn't on the map that we laid out for ourselves. And if we would have continued down that mapped course without following the detour, we might be in a ditch somewhere or the bridge could be out and we'll end up in the river! And although we can't see it from the car or on the map, there are people who can, so they detour us to keep us safe.

This reminds me of my life lately. I had my life mapped out including what I was going to do, when I was going to do it and who was going to be a part of it. Then out of nowhere, I come upon a DETOUR. I've lost my job, had things happen with my family, had friends leave, etc. This is not what I had planned on, I can guarantee you that. BUT...(this is a big but too, like a deep and spiritual one so hold on) God is my navigator. Surely He sees that I know what's best for me, right? He has to know that what I want is what I should get and nothing should get in the way of that, right? *BONG* wrong answer sunshine! Our lives are not ours to begin with. My life is not mine! I live for Him and Him only so He is going to know what's best for me and what route I should take. He sometimes sets out detours because He knows what lies ahead and He wants us to learn from something different or see other things that we normally wouldn't have seen if we would have stayed on that same "life path". I will admit that these detours can be scary at times because we don't know what's going to be waiting for us at the end. Sometimes we get angry and gripe the whole way through the detour. Sometimes we gripe so much that we actually miss the sites, the blessings. We are more focused on the fact that we have been detoured then on the things that are coming into play along the detoured route.
We still have the same goal in site! We are still going to end up where we are going! It may take us a little longer to get there but it's going to happen! I'm on a detour right now! And I keep going because I know that God's got this!! There are "sites" that I'm seeing that I would have overlooked if I would have continued on the same path that I had mapped out. And I thank Him for teaching me that once again, He's navigating my life and He knows what I need more than I do. You "sites"...you know who you are. Thank you for making this detour a "less bumpy ride" for me.

Don't let a detour ruin your trip! Go with it! Trust that God's got this and He will never fail you nor forsake you!!!  Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Tyler

 




    He is born and my life begins.
    He hungers and I nourish him.
    He grows and I am proud.
    He cries and I shed tears.
    He falls and I hold him.
    He hurts and I feel it.

    His heart breaks and Mine is ripped out.
    He laughs and I laugh with him.
    He smiles and my heart melts.
    He accepts Christ and my heart is overflowing!
    He is all grown up and it takes my breath away.
    He loves me and I love him more than he'll ever know.

   I love my son and am so honored and proud to be called Tyler's mom. God has blessed me with a young, healthy man and I can't thank Him enough for all He's done in my son's life. His healing touch to Tyler has extended over the years and my heart is overwhelmed with thanksgiving and praise. I love you Tyler Wayne!

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

My heart is hurting for a lot of my friends tonight who are going through trials right now. My Bible study today was on being courageous through these times of trouble and heartache. Our human nature kicks in and we get caught up in the moment sometimes and allow fear to plague our lives. But God is faithful and He will never leave us nor forsake us; He will be with us "unto the end of the earth"! We have nothing to fear. He will walk by our side or carry us, whichever we need.
When I start to fear that things won't work out, or fear the trial that I'm going through, I always recall a beautiful song that my dad loved dearly. He told me one time "Amy, I know it's hard right now but if God promises to watch over the sparrow, then I know He's going to watch over you through this." And he was so right. So for all my friends who need some encouragement, who feel that there is no end in sight, click the link below and watch this video. I'm praying for each of you and I love each of your dearly.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow
 

VROOM! VROOM!

Yesterday, thanks to my awesome neighbors, I was able to mark something off my bucket list!! I went on my very first motorcycle ride! We rode from our house to Lake Catherine State Park, went hiking there, then rode back. It was a great experience!! I've sat on the back of one before, but never went further than the road we lived on. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it! And I added another thing on my bucket list...to own a bike!

I'm not going to lie, I was so scared when we first took off. I had a death grip on his shoulder for most of the way and by the time I got off the bike, my knuckles were red and my hand was shaking! I didn't move the entire time I was on the motorcycle. As soon as we got on the freeway, I started praying and I didn't stop until we exited! BUT...that was the best time i spent talking to God!! I loved being in the open and just praising Him for everything! Of course, that was after I begged Him to to spare my life and not let me fall off! HA! 
The thing that got me was that while on the bike, I saw more than I usually do when I'm in the car. I felt more aware of everything around me. The wind felt so good on my face and I noticed more of the trees and scenery and just how beautiful God's creation is. By not being in the car, I was able to experience the ride better. It reminded me of how we as Christians are with God sometimes. We get in our "car" and are content with our blinders on and don't want to step out and see everything. We allow fear or anxiety to keep us from actually experiencing things that God has put before us. Once we get on to the "bike", where there is nothing but us and Him, WOW! We see things from a different perspective and actually enjoy this life trip that God has laid out for us.

Don't get stuck just driving around in the "car". Let God take control, get on the "bike", (it's ok if at first you have a death grip on His shoulder. I'm sure He won't mind) and see things in life the way God intended them to be seen.

Snow!

So, yeah...it snowed!! I love the snow! Seeing it snow makes me get all giddy inside and feel like a kid again! I spent most of my childhood in West Virginia so, each of the seasons played out like they were supposed to there. It was warm in the summer, cool in the fall and spring and cold in the winter just like it's supposed to be. I didn't know what humidity was until I moved to Arkansas. I was pretty sure that we were close to the gates of hell the first time I spent a summer here! Of course, you can just imagine my disappointment when November and December rolled around and there was NO snow!! Needless to say, I've continued to have a little bit of hope each year since I've moved here.

It does crack me up to see everyone here scramble around and go bonkers when the weathermen say it's going to snow. There is this insane mob at the grocery store and every egg carton, milk carton and bread bag is pretty much wiped out! I've always said that there must be a lot of people going to be living on french toast while they are snowed in. Why DOES everyone go for those three items every time there is a snow threat??? Why not chips and cokes and cookies?? Oh well, to each his own I guess!

Every once in a while, I get my wish of seeing snow and this weekend was another one of those times! My son and I and the neighbors all got out yesterday and went sledding and 4wheel riding. We had a lot of fun. It reminded me of when mom would get me all decked out in my lavender colored snow suit and I'd spend all day playing in the snow! It was a scene straight out the Christmas Story-we'd get 2 layers of clothes on, snow suit, scarf, gloves, hat and boots and you could barely get out of the front door because you couldn't move your arms or walk straight! But it was sooooo fun! Yesterday was great but it's nothing like back home. I could step off the side walk and would be waist deep in snow! We'd get the sleds or toboggans and slide through the powder or we'd run around until every inch of the yard had footsteps in it! And most definitely, there were snowmen! I mean, you can't NOT make a snowman when there's ready available snow!
Now I make memories with my son in the snow. He's not all about putting on a snow suit so he went sliding down the hill in his jeans...and ended up with a crack full of snow! After some of that and him pulling us around on his 4wheeler, we went inside to warm up. Nothing beats snuggling up with him and watching a movie! That was my favorite part of the day!

Not everyone loves the snow like I do and I offer my sincere condolences to those of you who are not enjoying this but I must admit that this, by far, is my favorite time of the year :)

Life is Precious

We hear all the time that "life is precious" but do we truly appreciate the meaning of that? Do you really stop and think about what that really means? Every minute we have with our loved ones should never be taken for granted. Life is not guaranteed to us. I personally feel that phrase has become so cliche that the meaning of it doesn't have as much impact on us anymore. Until we are personally touched with some disaster or tragedy, we tend to let those words go in one ear and out the other.
My husband and I have had the privilege of becoming good friends with our neighbors. And through that friendship they have shared with us why they take those words very seriously. Today, they will appear in court and face the man that tried to take a precious life from them. Today, they will hopefully have closure on a long chapter in their life. Their son, Jared, was just 17 in January when someone tried to take him from them. Their story is one that I feel needs to be told-even if it helps just one person realize how very precious life is.

Jared had just came into his house after helping his neighbor unload her groceries. He was sitting in the living room listening to music, unaware that a man and woman were backing their truck into the back of his yard. After living in this home for 17 years, being so trustworthy of the people around them, giving to anyone who was in need in their neighborhood, they felt comfortable in leaving the front door unlocked. They came through that same front door that had welcomed them many times before. Jared was startled and saw that the guy had a gun and got up to run. But the man shot him twice in the head. The shots hadn't killed him so they pushed him toward his bedroom. They made him get in the chair and while the man took anything and everything he wanted, the girl held the gun on Jared. The guy took stuff out of the house, hurrying to load up quickly, constantly asking Jared when his parents were coming home because he knew he didn't have a lot of time. After loading the truck up, the guy came back through Jareds room once more and Jared asked him to please not do this because they knew each other. That did nothing but seem to irritate him and he told Jared that he didn't know him and he shot him again in the chest. The girl was standing over Jared and yelled "he's not dead! Shoot him again!" Jared said he knew he had to do something and he got up to fight back. That scared the girl and she ran out of the house. Jared lunged at the guy and they wrestled on the kitchen floor. Once the guy got free, he jumped up and ran out of the house. Jared got up to go after them and at that moment he said he realized that he might die. He said all he could think of at the time was his family. He made it to his neighbors house and she called 911. Jared walked out of the hospital that same week with just bandages! If any of the bullets had been just a fraction to the left or right, Jared would not be with us today. The guy was eventually caught but the girl has not been apprehended as of yet. Today, Jared and his attacker will face each other again. Today justice will be served and he will pay for his crime. I hope that he will spend plenty of time in jail, thinking about what he did and asking God to forgive him for his actions.

I shared this story to say this: Jared's life was almost lost in just a  matter of minutes. Everyday is a day that God has blessed us with. We are to love others, in spite of what we think of them. Every life is precious, so don't let your life pass you by without loving your friends and family. You never know when they might be taken from you.

Below is a letter that Jared's mom wrote to his attacker. This explains how this terrible tragedy has impacted their entire family. Please pray for them today that God will give them peace and continue to bless them.

Being a victim of violent crime has affected our family in many ways and continues to disrupt our lives daily.

Because you continue to withhold the name of your accomplice, Jared has to walk around knowing that the other person who wanted him dead is still on the loose.  Our family will continue to feel unsafe until she is behind bars with you. 

We had to move out of our own neighborhood where we had lived for 17 years because there was no way to know that your accomplice would not return to try and finish the job.  This is the only home that our kids had ever known.  Jared was unable to come home to live with us after he got out of the hospital because we feared for his life. 

We had to leave our 83 year old neighbor and her 86 year old sister who were like grandmothers to our kids.   They watched our kids grow up and loved them like they were their own.  They are both widows and we helped care for them and made sure that they were taken care of daily.  Now they don’t have anyone close to help meet their needs and we are missing being able to show them the love we have for them.

Our home would have been paid for in 10 years and we would have been able to start thinking about retiring.  We had to move because we could no longer live in the house where you tried to kill our son.  We had to move out of town and start over and now have 30 years before we will have our new house paid off.  That means that we will be working for a long time and will not be able to retire and enjoy our lives like we would have been able to.

Our daughter arrived at home just after you shot her brother and had to see him taken away in an ambulance.  She was traumatized by that.  She had to change schools two times in a nine week period and leave behind friends, some of whom she had attended school with for 11 years.  She had to move away from friends in the area that she had known her whole life.  It was not fair to her and it was all because of your selfish act.  Jared had to move away from friends that he had known his whole life as well.  He has lost many relationships because he is unable to see his friends.    He has problems with trusting others and gets angry easily.  All of this has been caused by the attempt on his life.

Jared is a walking miracle inspite of the crime you committed.  We thank God daily that he was allowed to live even though you intended to kill him for “things”.  We worked hard for the items that you stole.  There is no TV or Xbox game in the world that is worth the life of another human.   We used to have a home where we welcomed almost anyone who wanted to visit.  We had many kids from the neighborhood spend time in our house, including you.  You have taken that from us.  We are very careful now about who is in our home.  You stole that blessing from us with your selfishness. 

We know that the sentence today is not the end of this ordeal for us.  We will be at every parole hearing to try our best to see that you stay behind bars.  We will do all we can to keep you locked up so that another family will never have to go through this at your hands. In the book of Genesis, when Joseph's brothers tried to kill him because they wanted what he had, God took care of him. Joseph said in Geneis 50:20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." Jared was saved and we have no way of knowing who else may have been saved by you going to prison.

Birthday Blog!!

So....it's my birthday! It's my birthday! I'm gonna party like it's my birthday!! Wut?! Wut?! Totally shocked that I'm turning ** but so glad I've made it another year! Kinda bitter/sweet these birthdays! Especially after you get past 30! Oi'! One of the coolest things about MY birthday is that I get to celebrate my mother's birthday too! She received one of her bestest birthday presents on her 19th birthday! :) It's really neat that we get to celebrate together. I mean, when I was younger I didn't think it was all that great but the older I've gotten, the more I've enjoyed it and appreciated that simple little life blessing.

Speaking of life blessings, I thought I'd take some time reflecting back on my last year's blessings. Hey, it's my birthday so humor me!


It's only by the grace of God that I can say that this past year has been full of blessings. I'm so thankful that God has allowed me and my family to go through some of the things that we have experienced because I feel it's through those unexpected trials in our life that our true character is revealed and God uses those times to teach us some of our most beautiful lessons. 

Where do I begin?? Well, I started out the year okay. I celebrated my 3rd year wedding anniversary in February. God has seen fit to have allowed me to marry the most wonderful man! He's been there with me through all of this junk and he has always stuck by my side when I have felt so alone. He has encouraged me and never looked down on me while I have been depressed, angry and confused. I hope to spend my very last breath with that man. I simply adore you Paul Richard Clark and love you like red on a rose! 

I met a great friend this year too. We've shared some great moments, not so great moments, laughs and tears but it's been worth it. And through that friendship, I've been introduced to another extension of family. I love you Kim, Mark, Sarah, and Caleb!

Lost my job this year. It wasn't the best job but it was income. I tolerated a lot of negativity, heartache, cruelty and abuse from that employer but God took that and helped me learn that I am a strong woman. I stood up for myself and stood up for honesty and truth, no matter the consequences. We hit some rock bottom patches after that. Tried to sell our house to ease some financial stress but it apparently wasn't in His plan for that to happen. But you know what? Despite the severe loss of income, we have been great! God has provided things for us and has taken such good care of us during this time that it's almost unbelievable. It has taught me that I must live by faith and when you truly live by faith, God can work miracles. I am almost overwhelmed with His goodness...it brings tears to my eyes thinking about how much He loves me!! His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches even me!

By us not selling our house, God brought a wonderful family in our lives! I can't begin to tell you how much of a blessing our new neighbors have been to us. It's been so awesome to share these past few months with them. The stamina, the courage, the intellect, the sweetness, the love, the heart that the Freemans have has touched my heart in so many ways. I love you Linda, Bobby, Jared, Tiana, and Brooke :)

My son turned 17 this August. Wow! I still can't believe I have a teen that old! Next year is his senior year in high school and I'm just in awe of how God has worked in his life. I couldn't be a prouder mom!! I love that boy so much! He is a wonderful friend, who has taught me so much. His smile touches my heart and melts me. This year, through all that we've been through, he has been so patient and doesn't complain. Such a strong young man who is growing up way too fast. I love you Tyler Wayne Michau. You are truly one of  The brightest spots in my life.

God has added a few other little bright spots in my life this year.The Kimballs have been such a blessing to me in so many ways!! Charlie and Jack filled a void in my heart that God knew needed to be filled. I can't tell you how awesome it's been to have two little ones in my life right now. With my son growing up, it's been nice to get to "relive" those sweet baby/toddler moments and share that special love with two amazing little boys! Thank you Heather and Brian for allowing me to be a part of your family. You have no idea how God is using you to bless our family. I love yall!!

I will eternally be thankful for my family, even through the rough spots that we've been through. With so many different personalities, it's easy to let things get the best of you but the true test comes in getting over those humps and coming through them closer. We must remain strong and we must not allow satan to break our bond. God designed our family and we must always remember that. I love you so much Mom, Carla, and Kelly. 

I am so thankful for my extended families and my so many other friends that God has brought into my life, like my amazing neighborhood group and my totally, funky, awesome, beautiful bunko girls! Thank you to each one of you who read this, for blessing me with your friendship. I love each of you! Here's to friends that I've had for years and to those who I'm just getting to know!! My cup runneth over...my heart is so full...life is good. Happy Birthday to me ;)

Full or Empty? Which are you?

I'm a very thankful person. I believe in being thankful for the smallest of gestures to the most amazing blessings! Over the last few months, though, I have to admit that there have been a few times that it's been hard for me to be thankful. I know that when we're faithful to God, He'll be faithful to us, and God HAS provided for us in so many different ways. It has been awesome to see how He has worked things out in our lives.

I had a conversation the other night with a young lady who is much wiser than her years. We were talking about the expression 'glass half full/half empty'. I try to look at my glass being half full. I just have a habit, not sure it's a good or bad habit, of being an optimist. I feel that there's always something good that can be found in every situation, hence my glass is half full. My husband, however, tends to be somewhat of a pessimist and  his half empty glass drives me nuts! We were discussing how pessimists get on my nerves and how optimists get on her nerves and then she said something that made me stop in my tracks. She said "You know, it really shouldn't be about the glass being half full OR half empty. I'm more worried about what's IN the glass." What a statement! I couldn't stop thinking about that. How many times do we worry about whether or not our glass if half full or half empty when what we need to be concerned about is what's IN the glass?

There have been a lot of changes in our house over the last few months and I got a little caught up in actually seeing my glass as half empty. Things I've wanted, I haven't been able to get because of these changes. BUT there have been things that I've needed that God has taken care of. My focus was on my glass being half empty and that almost caused me to miss out on enjoying what I even had in the glass! I've overlooked that I don't have to tolerate the extensive verbal abuse from my former boss, that I faced each day. I don't have to answer to someone who is unethical and demeaning. I don't have headaches anymore. I can actually rest each night. I get to spend more time at home with my husband and son. I can come and go as I please, and recently, God has allowed me to work at home watching two precious little boys who have helped fill a void in my heart. I almost robbed myself of God's blessing because I didn't even concern myself with what I had...It's not always about our glass being half full or empty...we sometimes need to just be happy with what's in our glass.

Friends

Haven't blogged in a while. A lot has happened since my last attempt at being "creative". Not even real sure where to start or what to say. One thing for certain, I've learned a whole lot in the last few weeks about people. Some have surprised me; some have just down right shocked me! Some have let me down; some have been a blessing; some a disappointment. I think my downfall is putting too much of myself into any relationship I get involved in. In most cases, the relationship itself is so rewarding to me that I get so wrapped up in the desire to have this bond that I don't see how a person truly is until it's too late. Maybe I'm naive or too trusting. Whatever my problem, I never seem to learn my lesson.

I love people and love forming friendships with people. My sister Carla told me once that I might be the only Jesus that some people ever see. So it's important to me that the connections I make in life count for something. God's son gave all of Himself for us, so why shouldn't I try and give 100% of myself? But people are changing. I think it's partly due to our society constantly changing. I mean, whatever happened to people having ethics and integrity as a part of their 'personal resume'? I thought that those things still existed in most people but lately I've learned that those characteristics aren't "popular" anymore. I'm just so surprised at the behavior that people exhibit. It's heartbreaking.

Lesson learned: We all have a longing for that physical relationship with someone; that's just our human nature. The one true friendship/relationship that will never fail us, is the one we have with God. He will never let us down. He will never fail us. You don't have to worry about Him ever breaking your heart or turning on you. And as for His 'personal resume', ethics and integrity are at the top in bold letters.

My Love

I'm so glad that I continue to be amazed by my husband. That just means that there's still that "thing" there..ya know, that "thing" that causes me to go "Awwww!!" or "WOW" or "I love that man!" And I don't want to ever lose that "thing" for him. He is my best friend, my mentor, my guide, my strength, my counselor...my heart beats for him like none other. He's there for me, when no one else is. He "gets" me and loves me in spite of my flaws. He made me fall in love with him all over again yesterday. I'm just so blessed to have him in my life.

We buy homes that need work, remodel them, and then sell them. We don't go for these extravagant 2,000 square foot homes that sell for $2 to $300 thousand. We like to find homes that the real working class can afford. He feels that everybody deserves a chance to have a nice home and he puts his heart and soul into each one. I love working with him on these. He's so passionate about his work and I enjoy watching him do the things he can do...and he does them so well! He's just so talented and I feel I don't give him enough credit for how good he is. There are times when we get frustrated with each other because I may not like his decision on where to put something or I didn't paint the wall fast enough for him but we make it through them just fine. He has actually taught me so much during these last few "flips", as we call them. We started this because the sale of these homes allows us to supplement our loss of income due to the railroad temporarily laying him off for 4-6 months at a time. God has been so good to us in allowing us to find homes during every time he's been laid off.

Yesterday he held an open house at the last one he just completed. He did this flip entirely by himself. Painted, laid the tile, repaired everything that needed repaired, installed everything that needed installed...you name it, he did it. He told me that there was a sweet couple with a 4 month old baby that came by and he said the woman fell in love with it instantly. She told him that this was her dream house and that she started crying! This is just a small 3 bedroom home that is not that fancy at all, but it was HER dream home! So different from the 1 bedroom, run-down apartment that they are in now. Paul said that she just went on and on about how beautiful it was and that she wanted it so badly and she wouldn't have to worry about her baby growing up in a bad neighborhood...they just didn't know if they cold get approved for the loan. Paul said that he just felt so overwhelmed with compassion for this couple. He gave them the lending company's information and explained that they wouldn't have to pay any closing costs and to see what they could get approved for first and he would see what he could do for them, even if it meant lowering the asking price. He told me that he didn't care if he made one dime off of this sale, he just really wanted them to have this home. They had never had anything like this to call their own before and it just made him feel so grateful for everything God has given us. People take so much of what they have for granted. And to see what they have, compared to what we have, just made him stop and think about how selfish some people tend to be. Then, he proceeded to tell me that he felt like God wanted him to help them. (that "thing" kicked in and I was like "WOW")

I'm so proud of my husband. I'm so proud to be called his wife. I'm just so in love with him and this last month we have grown so close to each other and it has just reinforced our commitment to one another. I know that our love for each other is true and that our love for each other has been blessed by God because when he brought me Paul, He gave me everything I needed and more.

In His Steps

He stops at the corner and rests. Obviously trying to catch his breath. I know he's been walking quite some distance to have already made it to the end of my road. Usually we see him under the overpass. He must have gotten up earlier than usual this morning. He looks up at us and waves, just as he does every morning he sees us. We wave back, just as we do every time we see him. The way the sun is coming through the trees and shining down behind him, he almost looks like an angel. I stop at the stop sign and watch him. I try to imagine on some days what he would look like if he were given a nice hot shower, hair cut and beard trim and some new clothes and shoes. Then my mind wanders further. Was he ever a father? Did he ever get married? Wonder where his family is?...things like that. I look in his eyes and they look so sad and tired...and lonely. I can tell the trash bag that he carries over his shoulder is heavy and weighing him down but probably contains his world. Surely he has some food in there. I mean, I know I'm not the only person who passes him every morning. That's how I justify not stopping. Somebody else had to have given him something to eat. Right? I don't think twice about it most mornings...until yesterday morning. I just completed the book "In His Steps" (great book by the way, if you haven't already read it). It's about a pastor who challenges his entire congregation to stop before they make a decision and ask themselves "What would Jesus do?" The whole town becomes affected by the new decision making process and lives are forever changed. So I asked myself..."What would Jesus do?" Would he drive off, assuming that this poor, homeless, elderly man has been given a hot meal by someone else? Would he just wave back at the man, say "awww, bless his heart", then continue on to work? Doubtful. He would have compassion on the man, stop and talk to him, offer him food, shelter, clothing, whatever he needed. So why was I being so selfish? (Yeah, it's selfish. I know it's a harsh word to use against oneself but it is what it is.) I don't have an excuse...My thoughts start racing..."I'll be late for work...what if he gets angry? What if he smells bad? What if he becomes clingy and expects this every time I see him? What if he needs more help than I'm able to give? Those thoughts and more keep going through my head until I finally realize that I'm almost to work. Another day wasted of me not helping him. I pulled into my parking space and broke down:

"God, I'm so blessed with things I don't deserve. Please forgive me for being selfish. I'm sorry for not listening to your Spirit and helping out someone in need. Please give me another chance to stop and give this man some food and offer him my help. I'm so thankful that you are a loving God and that one day, just as You promised, there will be no more suffering. Thank you for blessing me with home, health, food, and clothes. Help me never to take these things for granted." 

All day, that's all that was on my mind. I couldn't wait until the next morning. I was determined that I was going to leave early and go get breakfast and hot coffee for him. Except for this morning he was nowhere to be found. I looked everywhere I thought he might be and didn't see him anywhere. I gave up the search and headed to work. I then had a wave of sadness come over me. What if something happened to him? What if I don't see him again? That means I missed my chance. I missed my chance to help him. Then the worst thought yet...I felt I had basically ignored God asking me to help someone. I immediately felt like I did when I was a little girl and had heard my daddy say I disappointed him. 

There are some song lyrics in this book that I read: 'All for Jesus, all for Jesus, All my being's ransomed powers, All my thoughts, and all my doings, All my days, and all my hours...' A man asks the congregation if they know what that song even meant. He said "It seems to me there's an awful lot of trouble in the world that somehow wouldn't exist if all the people who sing such songs went and lived them out." Those words resounded in my mind over and over. What if people really would stop and ask themselves What would Jesus do before they did anything? What if we really gave ALL to Jesus? ALL our days and ALL our hours? Truly walked in His steps?

Don't miss your opportunity to do something that God is leading you to do. If you don't listen, you might not get another chance. 

"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked."