May 19, 2009 · 6:00 am

Where The Streets Have A Name.

When I spoke at Eagles Way Church on Mother’s Day, I boasted explained how Anna doesn’t put her fingers in her ears when we pray for her any more.  You see, I recognized this as a huge step forward in her walk with Christ. 

Well, she fell off the prayer wagon the other night when she did it again.  I do understand that this is somewhat of a bedtime stall tactic, so I have to explain the importance of prayer to her once again. 

However.  It could very well be the result of her new look. 

And attitude.

Anna - bandana trio wp

Another good reason why I better parent intentionally. 

A completely random sidebar:  Do not call Bigmama during Dancing With the Stars.  She will NOT talk to you.

Okay.  That’s all.

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May 18, 2009 · 6:00 am

Legacy.

Well, Bigmama’s 90th birthday did not go unnoticed.  I was sad to miss all the hoopla, although I did talk to Aunt Kate, Bigmama’s 94 year old sister, on the phone for the better part of my Friday evening. 

She enjoys talking on the phone.

Aunt Kate, who spent Friday evening at my parents’ house celebrating Bigmama , always makes me laugh.  And, she never fails to tell me or anyone else exactly what’s on her mind.

“Your daddy is drivin’ me crazy.  I understand now why you live so far way,” she told me.  If you’ll recall, Aunt Kate is the rebel of the family, and she’ll gladly give you a Dixie cup for your snuff.  Heck, she’ll even share her snuff. 

Here are the two sisters here. 

Bigmama - Kate wp

And, here they are laughing.  Really hard.  {Notice the Dixie cup.}

Bigmama - Kate 2 wp

I’m blessed to have the Godly heritage that I have.  I’m blessed that I can call Bigmama any time of day, and if I ask her, she’ll pray the most powerful prayer FULL of faith over my life.  My own heritage has me thinking about the legacy I will leave my children’s children.  This means I have to parent intentionally.  I think I’ll share a few of those thoughts over the next couple of days. 

Or, I might share on my new love for yard sales.  Or, how I spend the extra money for the real maple syrup, because it’s healthier, but also buy Pringles potato chips.  Or, how Anna likes to sleep in her swimsuit underneath her gown these days.  I could be wrong, but I think she’s ready for summer.

Happy Monday, Y’all.

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May 15, 2009 · 6:00 am

90 Never Looked So Good.

Sure, the Treaty of Versailles was a big deal, but this was bigger.

90 years ago tomorrow, Bigmama was born.

Bigmama 90

I’m glad she was.  And, I’m also glad for her salmon patties, biscuits and pecan-less pecan pies.  Oh, and for always pouring half of a can of evaporated milk into my coffee.

She has a faith like no other, virtues that have stood the test of time, and the deepest love for her family.

Happy Birthday Bigmama.  You always make me smile.

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May 14, 2009 · 6:00 am

What Do You Do With Your Loss?

First of all, I can hardly believe Danny Gokey is no longer a contender to be the next American Idol.  How-EVAH, it is certain that he will find success.  And, I guarantee that he will bring glory to God.  How do I know this? 

Because, he has already endured a much greater loss – losing his wife to complications from a surgery four weeks before he auditioned for Idol last year. 

Urged by his wife’s prodding, he not only went on to audition for Idol, but he also set up a foundation in his wife’s name which provides musical instruments to children.  My friend, Cindy Beall, would call this “turning his loss into a contribution.”

Danny’s favorite quote?  “Unshakable faith is faith that has been shaken.”

Some people become bitter.  Others become better.

I think we know which one Danny will become.

How do you handle loss?

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May 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Little Gratitude Goes A Long Way.

Yesterday, my husband bought me lunch. 

I told him, “Thank you for lunch, babe.”

It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for Kris to buy me lunch.  And, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for me to thank him.  I just think it’s important to always verbalize my gratitude to him. 

Whether he is taking the trash to the curb, washing Anna’s hair, or flying a trip to provide for our family, I want him to know I’m thankful. 

So, I tell him. 

And, an added bonus?  It keeps our hearts soft toward one another.

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May 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

He Makes All Things Good.

Good news.  I didn’t throw up. 

This past Saturday, I spoke at a Mother-Daughter Luncheon.  Anna participated in the annual fashion show revealing how she completely despises the spotlight.  I’ll see if I can get a video clip to post in the near future. 

I seriously enjoy that girl.  She’s a good balance for me and keeps any legalism I may exhibit from time to time in check. 

On Sunday, I spoke at Eagles Way Church.  I have to say I don’t take for granted the opportunity for God to use me from that pulpit.  My grandfather stood from that pulpit.  My dad stands from that pulpit every week.  My grandfather loved God’s Word more than anyone I’ve ever known.  My dad loves the Kingdom more than he loves himself.  They are both selfless men in that pulpit.  And, I had a heightened awareness that the pulpit is not about me.  Not.One.Bit.

I was nervous.  But, I had a calmness and peace that I knew could only come from God.  So, thanks to all of you who were praying.  Just another reason why I love the body of Christ.

Bigmama told me, “You did a real good job.  But, I was hopin’ you’d get happy in the end.”

“What do you mean by ‘happy’ Bigmama?”

“You know.  Where you get all excited and quote a bunch of scriptures,” she explained.

I love that woman.  She can say whatever she wants to me.  It was, after all, her husband who stood from the pulpit first.

I was pretty tired Sunday afternoon.  I spent the afternoon watching some cheesy Lifetime movie with my mom.  She loves cheesy Lifetime movies.  And, I love her.  I also apparently love cheesy Lifetime movies, because once I start watching one, I have to watch it play out.  Cra-zee.

After a delayed flight, we made it back to Oklahoma.  When I tucked Anna in, she told me, “God and Jesus make good things.”  It reminded me of this scripture in Romans 8:28:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

The verse that follows says, “For God knew his people in advance….” 

God loves you.  He knew you before you were ever conceived.  He was already on the other side of whatever you are going through right now long before you were thought of.  He has already made all things good.  Don’t lose heart.  Your victory is on its way.  And, if I need to get happy and quote a bunch of scriptures to remind you, just let me or Bigmama know.

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May 8, 2009 · 6:00 am

You Cannot Lose My Love

You Cannot Lose My Love
by Sara Groves

You will lose your baby teeth.
At times, you’ll lose your faith in me.
You will lose a lot of things,
But you cannot lose my love.

You may lose your appetite,
Your guiding sense of wrong and right.
You may lose your will to fight,
But you cannot lose my love.

You will lose your confidence.
In times of trial, your common sense.
You may lose your innocence,
But you cannot lose my love.

Many things can be misplaced;
Your very memories be erased.
No matter what the time or space,
You cannot lose my love.
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose my love.

md-wp-2

md-wp

John Henry & Anna Marie,

You cannot ever, ever, ever lose my love.

I love you,
Mom

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May 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Little Mommy Check-Up

Today, I’ll share one thing that’s been buggin’ me about me as Mom.

I nag.

Too much.

I didn’t really think of it as a nag.

But, it is.  Really, it is.

Here of late, I’ve realized that tend to expect too much out of my children.  I fail to choose my battles wisely.  I’m teetering on the edge….maybe, I’ve fallen over the edge of being a bit legalistic as a parent.  I so want them to make the right decisions, that I nag them when they make poor choices.

Do you really think they will want to come to me with their insecurities, their mistakes, and their problems if they are afraid I will nag them?  Or, even worse, make them feel less than the beautiful, child of God they are?

No.

So, I’ve made a commitment to change this.

It doesn’t mean that Anna will get away with cutting up my bedding or John Henry will get away with telling a lie.

But, it does mean that every once in a while, I’ll overlook those shoes left in the living room.  I’ll lighten up when they don’t handle a situation the way I think they should have. 

I will be more careful – more deliberate – in how I respond to them. 

 I want them to know I’m a safe place.  And, that they can come to me with anything.  Without fear.  Because, I love them so, so, so very much.

Anything buggin’ you moms or dads?

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May 6, 2009 · 7:03 am

He Has A Universe. I Don’t.

Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, was on the Lifechurch.tv stage yesterday shooting his message for the upcoming One Prayer event.  I could’ve gone to hear him live.

Could’ve.

But, my dear friend, Lance, didn’t tell me about it until it was pretty much over.  I’m not bitter.

Anyhoo, Lance posted a lot of Chan quotes on Twitter yesterday.  This one spoke loudly:

“God does things His way in His universe.  You may think you have a better way, but you don’t have a universe.”

Can you come to terms with the truth that God is God, and He does whatever He pleases? (Psalm 115:3)

And, can you trust that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them? (Romans 8:28)

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May 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Bit of Tuesday Randomness.

Outside my window…Is some very tall grass.  Where in the Sam Hill is my lawn man?

I am thinking… That God deserves my praise no matter what my circumstances are.

I am thankful for… My husband who works very hard to provide for us – and, let’s me hang out with our children and indulge in Junior Mints and chips and queso. 

From the kitchen… I cooking with organic beef I purchased from an itty bitty – and I do mean itty bitty – country meat store.  A big thank you to my friend, Cindy Beall, for leading me to that little gem.

I am reading… 1 Samuel over and over.  It’s the main text for my message this Sunday at Eagles Way Church.

I am hoping… I don’t leave my fly unzipped on stage when I speak on Sunday.  And, that I don’t throw up or do anything else equally disgusting.

I am hearing… My big, yellow lab snore.  I love my big, yellow lab.

Around the house… Is clean.  For the moment.  Oh, only for the moment.

One of my favorite things… Is spending time with my BSers.  That’s my Bible Study gals.  Since we’ve pretty much become experts familiar with the book of Galatians, we are rewarding ourselves this week some fellaship at a new local favorite where I will embarrass myself inhaling the Blessed Banana French Toast. 

Long live breakfast foods and Mexican food.

Feel free to play along.  You can answer one, all or none.

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