Butterflies In The Carline

Congnitive Behavior Therapy

2012-02-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm learning about the difference between thoughts, feelings and emotions. It can be so confusing. Apparently, emotions are stupid (read this actual sentence last night). "they have no intellect. Emotions cannot tell the difference between fact and fantasy, or between past, present, or the future, Our feelings will predictably respond to whatever we put in our minds" Bob George.
This explains a lot of my past behavior to me. Knowing this is such an eye opener. Now, when I feel a rise in anxiety over something, I ask myself if it is a thought that is triggering a false emotional reaction. Complicated but great stuff!
art owl by Cara

2012-01-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

Never wait for perfection, we all fall short.
Start doing something you love today!

Mind Colors

2012-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

My latest painting! I'm getting braver with paint and it is easier to paint what I feel. This was my "color" self portrait. This is a painting of my mind. lol My mom was concerned that the black heart meant something. It does not. I like the clack against the bold colors.

Correction

2012-01-10T12:53:00.001-08:00

The post below is a great post, I don't know how to get it to be normal size but please read it anyway. :) I'm still learning everyday about writing!
Love,
Christy

Blessing Bags!

2012-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

My friend Lisa Moore posted this list on her Facebook page. Whenever you pass someone who is homeless, hand them a blessing bag from you car. Let them know we see them as people. :)
hand it to them with a note of encouragement along with some scriptures including in the “blessing bag”

I thought it was a great idea so wanted to pass it along.

Put in Gallon size Ziplock bags

Items to go in the bags, such as:

Chap Stick

Packages of tissues

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Comb

Soap

Trail mix

Granola bars

Peanut butter or cheese crackers

Pack of gum

Band aids

Mouthwash

Hand wipes

A note of encouragement with scripture

Add extras:

Coins (could be used to make a phone call to a love one, or purchase a food item)

A warm pair of socks or gloves

McDonalds gift card for warm coffee

Congrats to Emma and Ed

2012-01-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I have happy news! Some of you will remember my post about my dear sweet friend from elementary school Emma Cadena who lost her beautiful daughter Isabella to epilepsy two years ago. Well, she and her husband Ed welcomed a new baby! Here is his facebook post--
Ok thankful to God and Isabella for helping with the arrival of Baby Nicolas . Both Emma and Nicolas are doing well . We are not home yet and busy recovering . I will post Nicolas pictures once we get home and slow down and settle.

Thank you for everyone's prayers through our family and friends battle the last two years since our true angel went to be with the Lord ! She is with us everyday and i...s a beacon of guidance in his direction . We are very Happy and Thankful for thru him all things are possible.

Nicolas arrived two years to the month from our angel going to heaven and Isabella was 7 at the time . Nicolas Eduardo Cadena was born 1-2-2012 and was the first baby born in Lebanon in 2012 8lbs 4.7 ounces and will be in the Lebanon Democrat soon when.I get time to send them a picture . I say praise god give thanks and love your family.

God Bless all of our family and all of our friends in the community and especially isabellas school friends from McClain Christian Academy who have been forced to grow up to soon. Please never forget what is important !!!!!!!!!

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

I love NEW beginnings! Happy 2012 to all my bloggy friends! <3

A New Rainbow

2011-12-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

Walking in the sunshine doesn't have to end because of one cloud.

Let's keep walking and get past the cloud and bask in the sun!

Getting Past Hurt

2011-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

There is no way to make people see you as you are
I learned this again today
I live from my heart
others don't see the value
as long as I can remember
I have wanted to help others
help them find their own peace path
it comes from the heart
it doesn't come from money
it comes from compassion
it comes from empathy
most of all it comes from Jesus
if a few people do not see my value
it is okay because
Jesus does and he gave me gifts
to use to help others

Favorite Photo

2011-12-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas memories occured when I was in high school. My daddy and I were driving around trying to find a Christmas tree for the house my mom and I lived in (my parents were divorced but good friends), it was a wintery night, snow was everywhere. My sweet Daddy never gave up. We looked everywhere for a tree but found nothing. We finally found a beautiful white live tree in Madison Square. It was perfect. We had to load it up in a snow storm and tie it in Daddy's station wagon. I had to right in the back holding the tree and the back had to be open so I was freezing. Daddy was trying to turn on the heater so that it would hit me. We were laughing all the way home. This is one of my best memories and it doesn't even involve a present.
Merry Christmas Friends!

www.pinterest.com

2011-12-10T07:13:00.001-08:00

My new favorite thing is http://www.pinterest.com/. I esp. like the do it yourself section. It has so many ideas for crafts for kids too!
Below is just a pic I love of Emma! She still does this face.

Kindness

2011-12-06T14:22:00.001-08:00

"If you want to be a rebel, be kind." ~Pancho Ramos Stierle
I love this quote. How true is that??

Speaking Peace

2011-11-29T17:28:00.001-08:00

When you are tired and weary
listen to your "God voice"
it is there in your heart
you will know when
it speaks
if you are careful
to listen
you will find peace
by following what God puts
on your heart

Nature and Peace

2011-11-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Love a peaceful day, to be outside and enjoy nature, with my family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

In a world where we can choose to look at the positive or the negative, I chose to love people, all people just like Jesus did! I'm thankful to be able to do that.
I'm blessed beyond measure to have a wonderful husband, wonderful children and the greatest friends and family ever.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

A Poem by poet David Griffith of Texas

2011-11-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

Old Man

What do you see nurses? .......What do you see?
What are you thinking......when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, ....not very wise,
Uncertain of habit ........with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice ....the things that you do.
And forever is losing .............. a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not...........lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding ....... the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me.

from Christy
This poem reminds me of the book "the Giving Tree", let's all respect the senior citizens. They are just like we are, only wiser.

2011-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Sharing

2011-11-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

Instead of looking back with shame, guilt or embarrassment

look back and see

all the glimmers of light

you gave to others

all the expressions of hope

someone learned from you

all the truth your journey can bring

to those going through the same

things now

Learning from other's journeys is a gift! Let's share and learn!

Just Some Writing

2011-11-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

writing keeps me sane, when I don't do it, I can feel it. It helps me sort out my feelings in a different way. I haven't had enough time to right lately. Not enough time to listen. Makes me feel like I need water but I have water.
Life should never be about running the race
It should be about how many people we can help
How many people we can hear
How many hurting hearts we can share our hearts with
Love God Love People

Artwork By My Friend Shane

2011-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have a friend I have recently reconneted with from high school. His name is Shane Pinkerton. I have a way of "knowing" who is going to be important in my life and in it for a reason, Shane is one of those people.
Without saying too much (I will write his story soon), here is a little about him. Shane worked in a business where looks are everything, these paintings are about how he felt about getting older and the unknown.
Today, I shared and old little crayon drawing I had that helped me begin to heal. He shared his art with me. Art heals. It takes time but sometimes, when you can't say it, you can paint it.
Thanks Shane!

2011-10-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Never allow the feeling of "stuckness" to dictate your life there are bad situations we all get in but there are answers Listen and decide to do one small thing to make yourself happy each day... this way you are getting ideas as to your favorite things Favorite things can lead to favorite jobs of hobbies Listen to your heart.

2011-10-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, when you think you are peaceful you are still blocking stress......I'm going to try try try to do better.

2011-10-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

2011-10-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

I guess God wanted me to take a breather and rest a few days, it is sometimes hard for me (as a mom) to rest without guilt. I'm trying and I am noticing the lovely sky again.

In the hospital

2011-10-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, I have been sick this past weekend and ended up in the hospital. If you read this, pls pray for me. I need the doctors to find out what is causing my symptoms. I want to feel great and live life! Thanks! Love, Christy

Last favorite post for a while

2011-10-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

I have two more favorite things/people before I end this week of favorites! The Sullivan Family! I love them all. Leslie is my soul sister, I don't know what I would do without her! DeeDee Vincion, I have only know her in the past as Debby's sister, but I am so thankful we are close friends now. I love her! Okay, a few more things I love, MY FAMILY (I wasn't going to included them because everyone knows they are my favorites but I have to mention them, my friends I have met through being on Supernanny (the other supernanny moms (kadi, brenda and Sara) , Jo and her big heart, my friends I still love from the JF message board, the Refuge (life changing group, New Life university, who has helped give me a new life, Mrs, Arnold,

(cara loves her so much), and Kathy Ward, who was my sponsor (I guess you still are Kathy) when I was difficult! This sounds like an award acceptance speech and maybe I have one because I am blessed by so many great, full hearted friends!

2011-10-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have to tell about one of my favorite pictures. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. My friend Leslie has a little girl, named, Bella. Bella is 17 months old. I love her so much, well, my entire family loves her so much (and her sis brookelynn). She is so funny. She has a little addiction. It is biting everything, people, dogs, kids at her preschool. Leslie talks about it on facebook a lot. ONe of Leslie's friends photoshopped one of Bella's pictures and put it on facebook. Here is is... Please know, this is a PHOTOSHOPPED pic (it freaked my mother out at first) Here is Hannibal Bella.

Fall Skies are so Peaceful

2011-09-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

Favorite thing for today

2011-09-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

All things fall, well, not spiders, but everything else.
Fall brings a time to enjoy nature, breathe in the crisp air, and hang out with friends and family. The changing of the leaves on the trees, reminds me of how much hidden beauty we all have, we have beauty for every season in our lives, sometimes it takes a look back to realize the beauty was there.
Fall is God's artwork!

Favorite thing for today (this will end tomorrow) lol

2011-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

A few favorite things for fall...I love apple cider, changing leaves, cool crisp air, kids playing outside, coffee, fall candles, being together with friends and family!

My favorite thing for today!

2011-09-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing for today is Kim Clevenger! I met her a few years ago, she was the casting producer for Supernanny. She was only around for 2 days, but we kept in touch and have had fun visits together since. I love her, she is one of my very best friends.
Kim has so much integrity and does her job with care. She really cares about people, no fakeness and this is not always easy in reality TV business..I'm blessed to know her!

the Field

2011-09-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

I see myself standing in a field
a few years ago the picture in my mind
seemed black and white
now is is color and I feel

free!

2011-09-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Loving God means Loving People, not just the people who look like you, but all people.

Monster High Dolls

2011-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hi! Happy Hump Day!
My favorite thing for today is Monster High dolls! My kids rarely take the time to play with "toys" anymore. These dolls have given Emma and Cara hours of enjoyments. They are monsters but they are pretty. They are not in pink like barbies, they are "cool" for the girls! WooHoo!
They are cheapest at Target so go buy a little girl a doll!

favorite thing for today!

2011-09-27T06:12:00.001-07:00

My favorite thing for today is Debby Bivins! She has been my friend for ever and has helped me so much. It is so cool watching how God uses Deb to help so many people! Love you Debby!

New Painting!

2011-09-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

Favorite Thing For Today! www.americanspcc.com

2011-09-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Live and learn
share experiences
make someone else feel less alone.
Help a teen get though a bullying situation..
Please visit www.americanspcc.com
Care and share!

Jenny

2011-09-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

I going to write about people and things I love!
I love Jenny Skeen! She has the same type of humor as me! We laugh a lot! She has done hard work on getting though some vices and is doing well! She has an amazing singing voice and we love her cd (pls make a new one jen) Most of all I know she loves me and accepts me as I am, quirkiness and all!

Friends Who Are Talented!

2011-09-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE having creative friends! the first painting is is a mixed media by Suzanne Ruben (and she is going to teach me how to do mixed media)!The second one is by my friend of 10 years, Kathy Ward!!! LOVE it!

Missing Peace

2011-09-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

My painting for my friend DeeDee who is going through a lot right now. I was praying for her and God gave me this picture. He is going to help her by giving her the "missing peaces" in her life. :)

A Little About Me

2011-09-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends! I have to type quickly because I have to cook dinner and go to class.
I written about part of this before. The past year has been so freeing for me. God is so good to free me of things that have haunted me for a while (although, I was totally ignoring it).
I can now admit to all my friends who read this blog (I have actually been able to tell this before but I say that the past two times I have told it are the first because I now BELIEVE it, which also made it so much easier to be free of it. I've blurted it out in the past and felt nothing, those did not count.
When I was 9 years old, I was molested by a 14 year old boy whom I trusted. I quickly pushed it aside and told myself "it could have been so much worse so I'm okay"...moved on and never dealt with it, just buried it.
Fast forward a few years, we did Supernanny in 2007, I met Jo Frost and her encouragement started a major healing in me. She knew that the problem was not our children, the problem was the parents and she talked with me and knew I needed to break free of some stuff. I'm forever grateful and thankful to have her as a friend.
I continued to heal over the past few years and parts of it have been hard, I have used writing and painting to help. :)
I am getting my masters in counseling and the classes have helped me so much. i have found a group of friends @ the Refuge who LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE. I was able to stand in front of this group of people and tell what happened to me without any shame. I"m so thankful for them.
Now, I feel free. I know one is never completed healed in life but I feel like I have been given a fresh start and I am so thankful. I know longer have a scared 9 year old girl hidden in my heart.
I'm only sharing this with you because I know there are others just like me, who live in shame for something you had no control over. Pray for freedom and take baby steps. It is possible to heal your heart.
Thanks to friends who has listened to me for years and I love them so much! First, my husband who didn't know about any of this until a few months ago, Debby, Kim, Jenny, Leslie, DeeDee, kadi, Judy and Kathy, I love ya'll.
Healing is possible. Like the song says "maybe blessings come through raindrops and your healing comes through tears"
God Loves You no matter who you are.

Miss Cara

2011-09-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

My Cara, she makes me laugh. One day last week I was going somewhere without makeup on and I said to myself "I look like monkey booty", Cara didn't even acknowledge she heard me. Fast forward to last Saturday, we were meeting a new friend of Ellie's who just moved here from Texas. The first thing Cara said was, "my mommy says she looks like monkey booty without makeup"....ah, they are always listening.

2011-09-12T09:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Day today! Count your blessings!

Remembering

2011-09-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

We remember Sept, 11, 2001. The bravery of people amazes me. We will never forget!

Being Quiet to Hear

2011-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Learning lots everyday. I wonder what it all means. Traveling down the road of noticing everything. I love the rustle of the leaves in the invisable wind. Just pay attention, we have to be quiet to hear.

Art by Emma Schrage

Clearness

2011-09-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a cool day to bring on writing!
Things become clearer when you turn off social media and sit on the porch and listen to the wind.
Thank you God!

Believe!!

2011-09-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Refreshed

2011-09-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

When everything is dry

a rain comes to refresh

everything comes back

to life

Prayer works the same way

it refreshes the soul

Post From the Past (2008)

2011-08-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Just like the clouds roll by so does life

some clouds cause storms that we want to pass

some clouds produce a much needed watering

this is how life is

we need to go through the storms

to know how to live in the light

to know how to drink in the refresher rain

feel the feeling

in order to move forward

2011, it took me years to "feel" my life. I had to go back and feel the feelings because I was very "shut down". Lots of walls...I've got most of them down but even now I have to remind myself not to put up walls and to be true to myself. It is an ongoing process. God is so good never to overwhelm me.

Thanks for reading!

Happy Birthday Ellie

2011-08-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our beautiful first born, Ellie Schrage!!! I am constantly amazed at your beautiful heart! I love you!

2011-08-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

Prayers for Melissa

2011-08-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my friend Melissa and her family. She unexpectantly lost her husband last week. Melissa is such a sweetheart and my heart breaks for them.
Here is a link to her blog www.ourfullcircle.com

Visual from God

2011-08-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Everytime I get up from sitting in my house, my dog, Macy, gets up with me and walks to the back door. Each time she does this, the same thing pops in my head. I wonder if I treat God like Macy treats me. Do I think every move God makes has to be about me. I admit, sometimes, I do.

I'm thankful that God uses things in my daily life to help me learn. God is for me always but, sometimes, things are not about me. Sometimes, I am called to sit back and pray while God does a big miracle in someone else's life, just like Macy has to wait for me to decide it is time to let her out.

Storms

2011-07-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Just like the clouds roll by

so does life

some clouds cause storms

that we want to pass

some clouds produce

a much needed watering

this is how life is

we need to go through the storms

to know how to live in the light

to know how to drink in the refresher rain

feel the feeling

in order

to move forward

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

Depression

2011-07-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Depression

Try to count your blessings
the things you feel are good
try to live each day
as you wish you could
try to take a step
toward fulfilling
your dreams
this will help
take away how
depression makes
things seem
It is okay to take babysteps toward a positive life! Depression makes us think we can't but we can!! I understand well.....

Quote of the Day

2011-07-22T16:26:00.001-07:00

Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you're still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself.- Frederick Terral -

wordless Wednesday

2011-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Trust

2011-07-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

I wonder what lies ahead. What God is teaching. I trust him to lead us! We will follow the path!

Happy Birthday to my sweet angel Emma Colleen!

2011-07-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Emma!! I can't believe you are double digits now. You are such a big blessing to me!!! I love you!

Happy Birthday to my sweet angel Caraline Rose!

2011-07-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

YAY! Happy Birthday Cara! I can't believe you are 8!!!!!!!

You make me laugh daily! What a blessing you are!

I love you!

Mama and Tootsie

2011-07-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

All of my life my mother has told stories about "Tootsie" her bestest friend when she was a teenager in Howenwald, TN. They did everything together and had so much fun.

Recently, I helped my mother set up a Facebook account. Through social media, she was able to find her old friend. Tootsie (who now goes by Janie) was so happy to find Mama!

Janie visited recently and took my mother to lunch.

It sure is cool how they were able to reconnect after 70 years!

Underlying Sadness

2011-07-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know to be healthy it is best to find the thing that makes you feel sad and try to deal with it. I can't figure out what it is. I also tend to feel sadness for/from others as my own but I do not think this is the case. I feel sad and do not know why.

Life goes on...prayer works and will reveal in time.

It is not a huge sadness, just underlying.

I'm still so thankful for all of my blessings. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T19:20:00.001-07:00

Being Real

2011-07-05T15:47:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, I feel totally inadequate. I have been feeling that pit feeling a lot lately. I don't know why. I know what I am meant to do. I guess the time it takes to get there gives me too much time to think.

I love to paint. I feel like an inadequate artist. I've never had any "real" lessons, all I can do it paint from the heart.

These feelings will pass. They always do. It is hard to be in the middle of it, but I want to be real with everyone. Sometimes, emotions get the best of me, sometimes, I try so hard to be "happy" that I forget to feel the moment. That's when I stop listening. I need to listen.

God Bless the USA

2011-07-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

We are blessed to have freedom!
Thanks to everyone in the armed forces for keeping us safe!

Lessons

2011-07-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

walk slowly, pay attention to the signs...everything has meaning, lessons are everywhere.

It is easy to miss something if we forget to look!

For me, I take in color...whatever I am praying for, whoever I meet, I see a color. In my mind, they are clear to me. I have to remember to see it,sometimes, if I am rushing. When I think back to it, it is there.

God speaks to us all in different ways, we just have to pay attention.

Cool Quotes

2011-07-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Being your own story means you can always choose the tone. It also means that you can invent the language to say who you are and what you mean.- Toni Morrison -

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

For A Moment

2011-06-28T14:20:00.001-07:00

I love to support writing by young writers. This is by my 17 year old friend LB Harbin...LOVE it.

For a moment

We have eyes yet don't see

Ears yet don't listen

Be still for a moment Look and see

Hear and listen

Be still for a moment

See the critters crawl And the creatures lurk the earth

The birds sing in the trees and soar the sky

The fish that swim the great blue

Witness their beauty and glory

Hear the song they each sing

Unique to their own identity

All so beautiful Yet not fully yet

They await something more...themselves to be restored

Unveiled for the original glory they were created

for Human kind,

look around As high as the tallest canopy of a tree

As far as the horizon of the sky

As deep as the ocean deep

Look and see

Hear and listen

Be still for a moment

Watch the clouds form

As they come an go

Feel the wind brush across your skin

Taste the sweetness of a honeysuckle

Smell the blossoms of flowers in a field

Hear the flutter of a butterfly

But you have to be still for a moment

Notice the value in each moment you live

Each breath you breathe in Grace abounds, it's all around Each human like the rest of creation...beautiful

Each singing their own song Unique to their own identity

Glorious yet not fully

yet Each awaiting restoration to be fully alive

If only we be still for a moment And see and listen to the beauty and glory of life

Grace abounds it's all around

Look and see Hear and listen

Be still for a moment You're created for something more

the past

2011-06-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Going back to a place of past importance

feeling different but

not uncomfortable

looking at everything

from a different angle

thinking

and happy about

the change but

not in a bitter way

Daddy

2011-06-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

I am blessed to still have my Daddy, blessed to spend Father's Day with him!

He turns 84 tomorrow! Love you Daddy!

Kids and Memories

2011-06-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

I wonder what they will remember
when they are my age
the fun of being together?
the fun of the pool in the summer?
knowing they are loved ?
knowing the are accepted?
fighting with each other?
giggling in the van?
Hopefully, all of the above

Summer

2011-06-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Day!

I am so enjoying this summer with our girls! Fun stuff. They keep me laughing.

I'm going to try to start posting some of the funny things that happen around here.

My youngest Cara, has a new name and it is, Lady Godiva. Since we have our above ground pool up, she is in and out of the water all day. She just doesn't see the need for clothing while she is inside, if she is going back outside. It is a funny sight and I have to step in and make her put on clothes.

I raised them to not be self concious about their bodies. I did this on purpose and now I realize I may have tried a little too hard

The Story of the Flower

2011-06-06T13:31:00.001-07:00

There is great beauty in a garden

there is a joy in dirty nails

the story of the flower is

for all of us

we start small

and

grow into great beauty

Thanking God

2011-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

the happy laughter of my kids

the eagerness to learn

feeling the answers

the chance to help others

living in the moment

sketching life

Thank you God!

emma and cara's baptism

2011-05-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Emma and her bestfriend, Kayla, who was there to watch Emma get baptized.

Video of Emma and Cara's baptism. LOVE it, so sweet.
http://youtu.be/q8vL0RFPIKo

1,000 Gifts part two..

2011-05-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Things I am thankful for today.

1) the laughter of kids enjoying field day today.

2) protection from the storms.

3) my silly dog trying to catch cicadas.

4) How happy my 13 year old has been today.

5) our funny little sheltie.

6) Jenny, who totally gets my randomness.

7) I am thankful to be on the "peace" path.

8) freshly brewed afternoon coffee.

Just a few of mine. It is hard to grumble when you are thinking of things to be thankful about!

Peace!

One Thousand Gifts

2011-05-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

I'm counting 1,000 things I am thankful for. I am reading Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 Gifts. Teaching the attitude of graditude. I'll write some of them later today. It is an amazing experience.

God is in Control

2011-05-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoy every single minute of each day!

God is in control

relax and let him take the wheel

If you try it for 21 days

it will become a habit

that is what I keep telling

myself lol

I found this pic on facebook, I think it speaks volumes, even if it is altered a little (I'm guessing on this one).

Mercy

2011-05-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

When is doubt, show mercy, you will not regret it..

Photo from my friend Judy Goldie

Listening

2011-05-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Being still is hard for me. I am trying to be still and listen.. :)

This photo was taken by my friend Debby, this tree is gone, the tornados knocked it down. This picture is a gift from God.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

I remember being so attached to my mother as a child. She would drop me off at my Mamaw's so she could run errands and I would stand at the door crying while Mamaw would say "what do you want for lunch"? I would say "I want my Mama" and she would say "now I can't put her on a sandwich"..

The main thing I remember about my Mom (from childhood)is, she was always my biggest supporter, my rock if I were sad and she was so funny! We laughed a LOT! We still laugh a LOT!

I love you, Clara May Richey!!

Big Empathetic Tears

2011-05-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

It is like a pair of eyes
walking along
not really speaking
just taking it all in
watching people
watching masks
wishing for hands
that can make
them see
but there are
none
the hands that fix
have to belong to
God
the eyes can
only love
and cry
big empathetic tears

Beauty in Nature

2011-04-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

God's design...we all need to take the time to looks at God's art. Let's all take time to look at his ispecially designed flowers today!

Simon Peter Song

2011-04-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is a song by Don Potter. Kyle sung it at our old church one year.
Many people have asked me about it. Here are the words.

I was the first disciple so I guess I knew him the best
I had more time to be with him much more than all the rest
I even tried to walk on water then I started down
till he said “oh you of little faith why did you doubt”?
My name is Simon Peter
A name I tried to hide
I just denied my closest friend and now he’s crucified
My name is Simon Peter and I’ll shout it to the sky
and I’ll regret the words I said until the day I die
He walked along so gently with great peace in his eyes
When he asked me to follow him my heart could not deny
his words fill my life with joy
I know he’s the son of man
but when it came time to stand and fight
I turned around and ran
My name is Simon Peter
a name I tried to hide
I’ve just denied my closest friend and now he’s crucified
My name is Simon Peter and I’ll shout it to the sky
I’ll regret the words I said until the day I die
Darkness turns to dawn again
I see people in the street
someone shouts “the tomb is empty”
Can it be the king still lives
Is it possible that he came back and rose from the dead
”I’ll arise on the third day” I REMEMBER WHAT HE SAID
OH MY NAME IS SIMON PETER
A NAME I’LL NEVER HIDE
AND I’LL NEVER DENY MY KING AGAIN AS HE SITS IN GRACE ON HIGH
MY NAME IS SIMON PETER AND I’LL SHOUT IT TO THE SKY
AND I’LL PREACH THE WORD OF THE LIVING GOD UNTIL THE DAY I DIE
the message this song offers is one of a loving God that loves us and can use us even after our mistakes… AMEN

Dumb Thing from My Past

2011-04-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

So, about 20 years ago. I was picking my big hair out and the pick scratched my eyeball. It left a line on my cornea that still bothers me a little to this day. I had to wear a patch for a while. Sigh, I can't help but laugh.
This is my forever friend, Leigh Ann, in the picture! Love her.

Thank you God, for the empty tomb!!

2011-04-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

It is Good Friday today, but on Sunday we celebrate the empty tomb!!!!!!!

Calming Peace

2011-04-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Calming spirits and breezy air

stay peaceful and breathe

You can feel God there

Light walking

2011-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Walk in the light and expect to see and feel BEAUTY!

God's Lessons Through Nature

2011-04-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

I sit and look at the Bradford Pear trees in the car line. I don't particularly like them, I am allergic to the blooms. I do look at them as a lesson. The one tree, that is usually closest to my car, looks like a lot of people going different ways, yet all together they hold the tree up. Can you see it in the picture? It is yet another reminder for me for everyone to use their gifts to help something to grow.

Kinda like the Refuge!

Snapshot Memories

2011-04-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about memories and how they appear in our minds. A friend taught me that children see life in "snapshots" until about age 12. This made me start to think about my own memories and how certain memories stand out and others do not.

I have one snapshot memory of being in the store Sears with my Daddy. He took me to different places each week and we would look at everything in the store. I loved it! This particular evening, I was about 5 years old and we were in the store late. They ended up looking all of the doors, Daddy and I were running around the store laughing like crazy while we tried to find a way out.

Finally, the security guard, who was laughing with us, finally let us out.

This memory has stayed with me all these years. A snapshot of a funny adventure with my dad.

Anyone want to share a "snapshot" of a childhood memory?

Spirit Brightening Sun

2011-04-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am thanking God for the sun! Love the sunshine after a good rain, brightens everyone's spirits and makes thing new!

A Story of a Blessing

2011-03-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hi, I wanted to share a little blessing God put in our path. Last week, when I was having a really hard time with being down, I took Emma and cara to chickfila for dinner. We were sitting there eating and an elderly couple walked in and sat down in the kids section to eat. They were cute and I noticed how nice the man was to his wife. We we finished eating, he walked over to our table, walking slow like an 80 year old man would. He came over and pulled out two little Bibles from his jacket. He said he is a Gideon and they are not allowed to pass out Bibles in school anymore so he was passing them out at Chickfila. He asked Emma and Cara their names and he wrote them in the front of the Bible. Then, he asked their birthdays and he wrote them in this little book. When I looked at the page, it had childrens names written all the way down with their birthdays. I know he uses that list to pray. He walked away and Emma and Cara were beaming. Even though they have Bibles at home, the kindness of this sweet man had touched them. I sat with tears in my eyes...some more kids came in and he got up and ordered ice cream for his wife, and went out to his truck, I know he was going to get more Bibles. This man made a difference in our lives. I don't think Emma and Cara will ever forget him. They read their Bibles out loud (taking turns) all the way home. I hope everyone has a wonderful week, look for all of the "angels" God puts in your paths. Love ya'll, Christy

New Painting

2011-03-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

My latest painting. I painted it for my sweet Mother in law, Janis.

Happy Bday to ME!!

2011-03-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! I'm thankful for all the loved everyone has given me today!!!!

Sweet Caraline

2011-03-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

My sweet Cara, her heart is so big. She wrote this during the Refuge Sat. night.

Today in the land of Bradford Pear trees

2011-03-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Enjoy today!

blast from the past

2011-03-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

I have had this song stuck in my head, on and off, for about 25 years. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmcA9LIIXWw