Here in the Shenandoah Valley, specifically Rockingham County,Virginia we raise some tough kids. On one hand, we like our girls sugary sweet, with bows in their hair and a little twinkle in their eyes. But on the other hand, we expect them to learn what being a Southern country girl is all about. We work on farms with the guys, we drive big trucks lifted so getting in and out can sometimes be a challenge. We can wrestle with the cows and calves like the rest of them. We teach our daughters how to hunt. And one of our favorite places to eat is at the Shenandoah Valley Livestock Sales. We also teach them how to make the best apple pie you've ever eaten and some mean fried chicken, mashed potatoes and home made gravy.
My Husband & I were joking one day about how he wouldn't mind seeing a picture of a pretty girl on the fridge (another story, another day). Instead of my daughters Barbie magnets. My daughter quickly told her Dad "Momma knows how to use a shot gun!" Wow, a girl after my own heart.
So where do we draw the line between throwing a bail of hay out for the cows and being called pumpkin, by your Daddy? Well let's start with the Momma and the Daddy's. As most of you know, Virginia has been clobbered with snow, snow, ice and more snow. Almost three months later the snow is still here. We live out in the country on back roads. And my Niece was leaving for school on a 2 hour delay, which after they finally got back to school after being off for a whole 2 weeks. 2 hour delays were very common. She left for school in her car. Hit ice, spun around and hit a snow bank and went into a ditch. She called her Dad, he came got her out and sent her to school. (You know, it's a guy thing). My Sister-In-Law who is sitting at home with a painful broken ankle calls my Niece to check on her. She's sitting down in Broadway crying. My Sister-In-Law tells her to come home (it's a girl thing). My Sister-In-Law and I got a kick out of my Brother-In-Law sending her to school. Why? Because this was devastating and scary to my Niece. To a guy, it's no big deal. To prove my point. Last summer my Son who is exactly 4 days younger then my Niece. Wrecked his Jeep. He was driving through the field, his tire blew, he hit a big rock (that's all we got out here) and flipped the Jeep. It messed up his Jeep real bad. He hurt his head, back, ribs, shoulder and legs. My Son other then hurting and being sore was okay with it. Hauled the Jeep closer to our house and went on with his friends. Me? I freaked out (its a girl thing). Is my Son okay, is he broken? Does he need a big hug from Momma? Oh no, he's fine. My husband (its a guy thing) laughed.
Oh yes he did. He laughed after he made sure he was okay. I still haven't laughed yet. We had to quickly take the Jeep to the junk yard to be crushed so I wouldn't have to look at it all the time.
We raise our kids in a Christ centered home, in church and surrounded by family. Not all of us turn out real good, but at least all the parents try. My Momma can weld just as good as any guy, maybe even better then some guys. And she can shoot a fox or deer whenever she wants to. But she'll turn around and get all dressed up in a pretty dress when need be. You gotta remember how, who and where we were raised. Especially who we were raised by; the Guys and the Girls. Sugary sweet and tough as nails.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Because They Know...
I was raised in a family that we hugged and we always said "I love you!" Even if at the time you didn't like that person very much, you still loved them. We were by far, the "perfect" family. Each individual has their bad things. But we always knew we loved each other. We always knew that no matter what we did wrong, who we hurt or who hurt us. The love was and is always there.
As I grew up and now that I'm older, I'm always shocked at families that never or very rarely say "I love you." I'm very close to a few families like that, but I know there's a lot more out in the world. And these are good families that are there for each other, help each other physically and mentally, the kids are good and they're for the most part well respected in their community. But they miss those three words.
I asked one of these people one time why they don't ever say "I love you." She told me "because they know." Now, I know that some people show their emotions and feelings differently. And if you weren't raised up hearing that all the time, that it is no big deal. But I know how I feel when someone tells me they love me. Don't get me wrong, I don't want everyone in the world, on Face book or off the street telling me they love me just so I can hear it. I know how I feel when my Husband, Kids, Parents or anyone dear to me tells me they love me. It gives me some type of reassurance that things in life will be okay. It gives me the sense of hey that person really cares about me. When we get off the phone with our loved ones or they're going somewhere or I am. We tell each other we love each other. A simple "love you", goes a long way. My Mom just left my house after visiting us for a short time, I made sure she knew I loved her. I simply said when she started to leave "love you Mom."
We don't know what will happen from day to day. We don't know if this will be the last time we see our loved ones, we don't know when Christ Jesus will come back, we don't know anything from moment to moment. So isn't it important to let your friends and family know how much you love them and how much they mean to you? If I die today, I don't want my Husband, Kids or loved ones to question whether I loved them or not. I want them to know 300% without a doubt that I love them.
Don't assume they know. Because they might not. Don't go another day without them knowing.
As I grew up and now that I'm older, I'm always shocked at families that never or very rarely say "I love you." I'm very close to a few families like that, but I know there's a lot more out in the world. And these are good families that are there for each other, help each other physically and mentally, the kids are good and they're for the most part well respected in their community. But they miss those three words.
I asked one of these people one time why they don't ever say "I love you." She told me "because they know." Now, I know that some people show their emotions and feelings differently. And if you weren't raised up hearing that all the time, that it is no big deal. But I know how I feel when someone tells me they love me. Don't get me wrong, I don't want everyone in the world, on Face book or off the street telling me they love me just so I can hear it. I know how I feel when my Husband, Kids, Parents or anyone dear to me tells me they love me. It gives me some type of reassurance that things in life will be okay. It gives me the sense of hey that person really cares about me. When we get off the phone with our loved ones or they're going somewhere or I am. We tell each other we love each other. A simple "love you", goes a long way. My Mom just left my house after visiting us for a short time, I made sure she knew I loved her. I simply said when she started to leave "love you Mom."
We don't know what will happen from day to day. We don't know if this will be the last time we see our loved ones, we don't know when Christ Jesus will come back, we don't know anything from moment to moment. So isn't it important to let your friends and family know how much you love them and how much they mean to you? If I die today, I don't want my Husband, Kids or loved ones to question whether I loved them or not. I want them to know 300% without a doubt that I love them.
Don't assume they know. Because they might not. Don't go another day without them knowing.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ghosts Of The Past
I put myself in their position. I try to see what it was like being in that situation, at that time, at that moment and with the circumstances they were dealing with. You know what happen to them, you know the outcome. But it's still hard to let go and to not put yourself in their shoes. You want to be able to feel how they felt, to see what they saw and to ask them questions.
I remember sitting by their side, thinking what went wrong? What happen so bad, that the outcome resulted in this? But than others, I sat by their side thinking wow what a great life you had. How did you manage to pack so much into a lifetime? I wish I could have had more time with you or I wish I could have met you in person. I was told stories by family members of the type of person you were, the funny things you said and did as a child and as you grew up. I remember praying that some part of you was still in me. Some trait that would definitely define who I am today.
My career is to research family history. It's not only my career, but it's also deep in my heart. I close my eyes and imagine being with you at that moment in time. I grieve with you, when you lost your loved one in the Civil War. I remember tears quickly filled my eyes when I imagined you crying when they told you your son was killed in a war. I pictured you holding the American Flag so tight to your chest. I grieved with you when you lost your loved one in the fire. I felt your joy when your wife gave you a new baby boy or baby girl. I felt your pain when your wife died during labor. I felt your uneasiness while traveling from Virginia to Kentucky in the early 1800's. I felt how scary and sad it was to leave your family behind and to move on with your husband and children.
I remember tears flowing down my cheeks when you couldn't travel back home to attend your parents funeral. I feel the pain you felt during different trials in your life, I remember wishing I could have been there to comfort you.
I wonder if you were here today if you would think I look like you, I wonder if you would be proud of me? I wonder if you would say "wow, I used to do the same thing."
I research and my heart sinks in to every aspect of your life. Whether you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, I still wonder about you and the life you lived. Sometimes it breaks my heart when I try to be apart of your life and I know the torture you went through. Or the tragic death you had or the tragic death of a loved one that you had to witness, or grieve for. When I sit by your headstone at the cemetery, I want you to know that although I may have never met you or you left my life too soon, my heart is still apart of you. I carry the same pain, the same happiness, the same moments you carried. That's why I continue to research about your life. So I can share it with others. So they too, can take a walk through a history that they may or may not have been a part of. So they can share the heart of a family member that shaped and formed the path that their lives have taken. Did a choice you made in the past, affect our family history? Did it affect the choices we make?
You're in my heart and always a part of who I am today!
I remember sitting by their side, thinking what went wrong? What happen so bad, that the outcome resulted in this? But than others, I sat by their side thinking wow what a great life you had. How did you manage to pack so much into a lifetime? I wish I could have had more time with you or I wish I could have met you in person. I was told stories by family members of the type of person you were, the funny things you said and did as a child and as you grew up. I remember praying that some part of you was still in me. Some trait that would definitely define who I am today.
My career is to research family history. It's not only my career, but it's also deep in my heart. I close my eyes and imagine being with you at that moment in time. I grieve with you, when you lost your loved one in the Civil War. I remember tears quickly filled my eyes when I imagined you crying when they told you your son was killed in a war. I pictured you holding the American Flag so tight to your chest. I grieved with you when you lost your loved one in the fire. I felt your joy when your wife gave you a new baby boy or baby girl. I felt your pain when your wife died during labor. I felt your uneasiness while traveling from Virginia to Kentucky in the early 1800's. I felt how scary and sad it was to leave your family behind and to move on with your husband and children.
I remember tears flowing down my cheeks when you couldn't travel back home to attend your parents funeral. I feel the pain you felt during different trials in your life, I remember wishing I could have been there to comfort you.
I wonder if you were here today if you would think I look like you, I wonder if you would be proud of me? I wonder if you would say "wow, I used to do the same thing."
I research and my heart sinks in to every aspect of your life. Whether you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, I still wonder about you and the life you lived. Sometimes it breaks my heart when I try to be apart of your life and I know the torture you went through. Or the tragic death you had or the tragic death of a loved one that you had to witness, or grieve for. When I sit by your headstone at the cemetery, I want you to know that although I may have never met you or you left my life too soon, my heart is still apart of you. I carry the same pain, the same happiness, the same moments you carried. That's why I continue to research about your life. So I can share it with others. So they too, can take a walk through a history that they may or may not have been a part of. So they can share the heart of a family member that shaped and formed the path that their lives have taken. Did a choice you made in the past, affect our family history? Did it affect the choices we make?
You're in my heart and always a part of who I am today!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Prayer...
As ya'll know I work with the teens at our church. Each morning, I'll take their prayer requests and their praise reports, than we'll start our lesson. I absolutely love working with the Teens because there's never a dull moment and I learn so much from them. When telling us what their prayer requests are, they're very open and honest with us. And in the years I've been doing this, you would be amazed at the very open and honest prayer requests we get.
These Teens take their prayer request, share with them with us and they give them to God. You listen to the prayer request and if you're a stranger to these Teens you might say "well, good grief that ain't no prayer request, there's nothing to it." But my Teens have learned that no matter what the prayer request, no matter how big or small. They know that God does hear their requests and in His will, will take care of them.
The Teens have also learned that it doesn't have to be about health issues, prayers for others all the time. They learned that it can be about events happening in their lives, things in school (grades, problems w/ classmates, teachers), things at home or just things. They know that whatever is in their heart that they feel the need for prayers for, they can come to God with the requests.
The prayer requests are different for guys and ladies. I found that alot of the time, the ladies will request prayers for sport events and health. Like several of the Teen ladies are participating in track and soccer. Their requests are usually to do good in their games/meets. One of the ladies requested that she get her resume done so she can find a job for this summer, she'll start college in the Fall. The Teen guys usually have requests for vehicles. Like one requested that his truck pass inspection this week, the other's requested that their derby cars get done in time for the derby this weekend.
To us these may be small and unusual requests. But to these teenagers, this is what's in their lives right now. That's what they need help with most. You have to understand...these teenagers are putting their full faith in God, they're taking every part of their lives and trusting that God will be there and God will have His will in their lives. They're not expecting God to zap a magical wand down and say your wish is granted. They know, it's God's will, not theirs.
What I've learned from them is God doesn't judge our prayers. He listens and has His will for them. I used to only pray about "important" things. Now I pray for about the tiniest things and huge things. They're belief and faith in prayer is so incredible to me. They know that their God is an Awesome God. They know that He is there for them 24/7. Whether it's a prayer about their family, friends, car, truck, homework, track meet, health needs or a date. They know He's there listening and guiding them. What an incredible testimony all these teens have.
Alot of people don't give teens enough credit. What more could you want? A teen with a big heart and the faith to match! I have such a big heart for teens and their willingness to put all their hopes, dreams, faults and everything about them on the line just to show God how much they love and trust Him. That is incredible in itself.
These Teens take their prayer request, share with them with us and they give them to God. You listen to the prayer request and if you're a stranger to these Teens you might say "well, good grief that ain't no prayer request, there's nothing to it." But my Teens have learned that no matter what the prayer request, no matter how big or small. They know that God does hear their requests and in His will, will take care of them.
The Teens have also learned that it doesn't have to be about health issues, prayers for others all the time. They learned that it can be about events happening in their lives, things in school (grades, problems w/ classmates, teachers), things at home or just things. They know that whatever is in their heart that they feel the need for prayers for, they can come to God with the requests.
The prayer requests are different for guys and ladies. I found that alot of the time, the ladies will request prayers for sport events and health. Like several of the Teen ladies are participating in track and soccer. Their requests are usually to do good in their games/meets. One of the ladies requested that she get her resume done so she can find a job for this summer, she'll start college in the Fall. The Teen guys usually have requests for vehicles. Like one requested that his truck pass inspection this week, the other's requested that their derby cars get done in time for the derby this weekend.
To us these may be small and unusual requests. But to these teenagers, this is what's in their lives right now. That's what they need help with most. You have to understand...these teenagers are putting their full faith in God, they're taking every part of their lives and trusting that God will be there and God will have His will in their lives. They're not expecting God to zap a magical wand down and say your wish is granted. They know, it's God's will, not theirs.
What I've learned from them is God doesn't judge our prayers. He listens and has His will for them. I used to only pray about "important" things. Now I pray for about the tiniest things and huge things. They're belief and faith in prayer is so incredible to me. They know that their God is an Awesome God. They know that He is there for them 24/7. Whether it's a prayer about their family, friends, car, truck, homework, track meet, health needs or a date. They know He's there listening and guiding them. What an incredible testimony all these teens have.
Alot of people don't give teens enough credit. What more could you want? A teen with a big heart and the faith to match! I have such a big heart for teens and their willingness to put all their hopes, dreams, faults and everything about them on the line just to show God how much they love and trust Him. That is incredible in itself.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Psalm 118:24, 28
Today, well actually these past two weeks have been a few weeks that I'd like to forget. You know that kind of day or week when you just want to run in your bathroom, lock the door, sit in the tub and cry. I haven't done that yet, but I sure want to. Since I'm always on the go....my "crying place" is my van. It seems in every one's life when it rains, it pours. And if you ask anyone in this area...it sure ain't the rain that's pouring.
There's too much sickness to deal with, there's money issues to deal with, there's irate family members to deal with and kids just doing odd things. I must say my kids are pushing every button I have and I don't have many left to push. My daughter and I pick on each other all the time because she never stops talking and I never stop singing. When I'm doing stuff....I sing constantly. And she likes to come up to me and pretend like she's pushing a button on my arm. She calls it the "off button". I jokingly tell her I don't have an off button. Sometimes I wish life had an off button or atleast a "pause" button so you can collect your thoughts.
The past few weeks I've repeatedly (and regretfully) said "I hate this day". I even said it today and I text my husband and told him. All the while having tears running down my face. I've tried the psychological approach of "well others have it much worse, look at the people with cancer, those who just lost loved ones, etc" and that helps a little for a little bit. But selfish me....it all comes back to why I hate this day.
What happens every time I say that? Well, I get a little "nudge" or "feeling" from God. And God tells me "Hey, I made this day, I made everything, you should be happy in this day." Oh yes, He's right, Psalm 118:24 tells us "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it". What more could you want? I know, I know, I'm very selfish when I say that and I would hate to hear my kids say that. Because it is a beautiful day. It can be snow on the ground, thundering & lightning, hotter than a blue blaze or colder than Greenland...but its still a beautiful day and I should be happy in it. Whatever's going wrong in my life in any moment. I should still rejoice and praise God. Psalm 118:28 says "Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee." We have to remember these trials we're going through will only make us stronger (as my Pastor says).
Sometimes I just want to leave and run away from the world. Praising God in hard times isn't the easiest thing to do. You'd rather sit and feel sorry for yourself. But He always, always, always deserves our praises. Everything we do is to glorify God, not ourselves. If we're sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves...then we're putting the glory God deserves, on us. And honestly, do we want to steal God's glory? I sure don't. So for today, I rest my case of how insane my life is right now. Today, I will praise God for all He's done in my life, my families lives and my friends lives. Tomorrow I will wake up refreshed, praising God in a way that He deserves. And I will be glad and rejoice in another day He has given me.
There's too much sickness to deal with, there's money issues to deal with, there's irate family members to deal with and kids just doing odd things. I must say my kids are pushing every button I have and I don't have many left to push. My daughter and I pick on each other all the time because she never stops talking and I never stop singing. When I'm doing stuff....I sing constantly. And she likes to come up to me and pretend like she's pushing a button on my arm. She calls it the "off button". I jokingly tell her I don't have an off button. Sometimes I wish life had an off button or atleast a "pause" button so you can collect your thoughts.
The past few weeks I've repeatedly (and regretfully) said "I hate this day". I even said it today and I text my husband and told him. All the while having tears running down my face. I've tried the psychological approach of "well others have it much worse, look at the people with cancer, those who just lost loved ones, etc" and that helps a little for a little bit. But selfish me....it all comes back to why I hate this day.
What happens every time I say that? Well, I get a little "nudge" or "feeling" from God. And God tells me "Hey, I made this day, I made everything, you should be happy in this day." Oh yes, He's right, Psalm 118:24 tells us "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it". What more could you want? I know, I know, I'm very selfish when I say that and I would hate to hear my kids say that. Because it is a beautiful day. It can be snow on the ground, thundering & lightning, hotter than a blue blaze or colder than Greenland...but its still a beautiful day and I should be happy in it. Whatever's going wrong in my life in any moment. I should still rejoice and praise God. Psalm 118:28 says "Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee." We have to remember these trials we're going through will only make us stronger (as my Pastor says).
Sometimes I just want to leave and run away from the world. Praising God in hard times isn't the easiest thing to do. You'd rather sit and feel sorry for yourself. But He always, always, always deserves our praises. Everything we do is to glorify God, not ourselves. If we're sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves...then we're putting the glory God deserves, on us. And honestly, do we want to steal God's glory? I sure don't. So for today, I rest my case of how insane my life is right now. Today, I will praise God for all He's done in my life, my families lives and my friends lives. Tomorrow I will wake up refreshed, praising God in a way that He deserves. And I will be glad and rejoice in another day He has given me.
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