Tell Them Tuesday

Jamie, Gina and Amanda and Becky

2011-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

So I really love my friends and lately they have REALLY been depositing into my love bank! Amanda and Becky recently came over and just hung out, drank coffee and spent time with me. I really needed that. And Amanda brought muffins from Fresh Market...does it get any better? Friends, coffee and Fresh Market Muffins?

Then I got to spend a couple days with my besty Gina. She makes me smile and I love the friendship that God has given to us.

Now these are some beautiful towels, are they not? My wonderful friend, neighbor and sister in Christ made these for me. And she loaded my girls down with gifts. I love you Jamie! She is so dear to me and I KNOW I don't tell her enough. So thank you to all these ladies who have made my 2011 the bomb so far!

Child Like Faith. (between you and me)

2011-01-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

I look at you and the picture of Grace is so Beautiful.
The woman I see floating 3" off the ground is nothing of the one she used to be.
A Story of Mercy so profound, that I am compelled to Worship the Savior who wrote it.
This Mother, Sister, Friend, who's learned the art of Talking with the Father in the wee hours of the morning- reminds me to love Him more.
Her children look on with aw. Her husband calls himself blessed. Her friends can't imagine life without her.
And yet.
She humbly stands and says "Who?", "Me?".
"I am but a child in my faith"
and I say.
"And that is what makes your story so perfect. For you ARE the Kingdom of God.

My Family

2011-01-02T17:34:00.001-08:00

I love my family. What a great Christmas Season I had with all of them. Each of them blessed me in so many ways and I always feel like it rushes by and I can't express to them how much their gifts mean to me.

We know it's not all about the gifts...not even close. But when I do sit and reflect on them, and see the love and thought behind the gifts, it does continue to bless me. Long beyond the shine of the silver, or linger of the smell of perfume. Or the newness of the clothes or sparkle on the ring. When all that fades and no longer shines....the love that my family put into their gifts to me will continue.

I know there are so many who have to really question if they are loved by family. I am not one of them.

Content

2010-12-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

So there's a lot of power in that word, Content. I am. But not in a passive, don't care what's going on way, but in a "Wow, God is so good to me" way. I think a lot of times we have to see something bad, or experience something bad, or hurt with a friend, before we remember to be grateful. But this Christmas Season, I have had this overwhelming sense of contentment. I am so happy, so blessed. To a point where I know I must remember my Father and give Him all the glory. Life is hard. People around me are hurting. God is still Good. I wish everyone could know Him in His fullness and truly say this with me. I know there will come days for me to hurt. To suffer. Because life is hard and unpredictable and different around every turn.

I don't want anything. I don't need anything. I have an amazing network of friends, from every walk of life. I have a Godly Family that seeks after the Kingdom in every part of their lives. I have a husband that puts his Love for the Savior above all else and loves me as he loves himself, just as God commands. He loves his Children. Deeply. I have a home. I get to stay in that home and raise my children. I worship freely in a church that loves this World and every hurting heart in it. I have a Pastor who preaches lovingly yet strongly from the Word of God and does not hide behind Political correctness or fear. He leads us to passionately follow after Christ and Him Crucified.... and leads by example in a transparent and real way.

I want to say on this Tell Them Tuesday, that every one of you that touches my life, I am so grateful for you. I could never love you enough to fully express that to you. And in a world of people that "keep to themselves" I am so blessed with more friends than any one person should be allowed to have!

God has done all this.

Fun with Friends

2010-11-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Julie and her family for hosting such a fun time with friends. She fed us and filled us up with sugar and let us trash her house! It was great and the kids were so pleased. I am blessed with really good friends and I hope they know that.

Reminded today...

2010-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded why I started this blog. A mom wrote about her last days with her daughter before she was unexpectedly taken from this earth and into the arms of Jesus. If you have a little one saying, read to me, dance with me, paint my toe nails...then do it. And cherish the moment, every moment with those you love. Not living in dread or doom, but in joy over the Life God has given and the Eternal Life through his Son...

Go and visit, meet this little girl. Pray for her mom and the twins who will arrive on this earth and never know their big sister....at least in this life.

http://rachelsuzking.blogspot.com/

Tiffany and Jamie and so many others

2010-10-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

I have the best neighbors in the world. but this past week one of them blessed me twice. My neighbor Tiffany kept my kids so I could run off to a Thirty-One Gifts show. My hubby was working late and she took on a house full of kids for me. 2nd, she invited my E to an amazing birthday party, over at Cookies and Tea for Me. I am not sure she has ever had so much fun. She pranced around for days after that party.

Thank you Tiffany for loving on my kids a little.....

My other neighbor Jamie is supportive of EVERYTHING I do. From buying from my company to showing up at all my fundraisers! She is there for it all. I really do have the best neighbors.

Saturday we were able to raise a lot of money for Child Evangelism Fellowship. Because of a lot of people like Kristina and her sister and her friends, Martha Pam and other ladies who served pancakes. Running on their feet for 2 hours. To all the guys who cooked and let us boss them around. And especially to Lindi who set the whole thing up over at Applebees.

I am truly blessed by so many in my life. Thank you.

Still Tell Them Tuesday!

2010-10-12T06:27:00.001-07:00

I have not forgotten Tell them Tuesday. I have just let my busy life, my full plate and my ever running over cup to keep me distracted. But this weekend a mother lost her 4 year old daughter, her only child, in a terrible accident and it reminded me about the shortness and preciousness of this life.

Appreciate and love those God has given you. Drink in the special, fleeting moments with those you love. Don't waste your time. But continue to set your hope on Christ. You must, because this life is such a vapor.

So today I thank my mother in law. She helped me out of a tight spot last night at the doctors office. And made going to the doctor with 2 little ones a special time. My girls were blessed with time with Grandma and even spoiled with some new toys!

Thank you Sandra for showing up in more ways than one.

My Hubby with his daughters, and a weekend without his wife.

2010-08-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

I have to say thank you to my husband. He sent me on my way to a 4 day MOPS retreat with 17 other amazing mommies. With my kids safe and home and in his great care, I was able to be refreshed, renewed and reminded how great my calling is.

I love him for giving me that gift. For letting me have a moment to hit the refresh button and come back ready and equipped to be a better mom. The worship and study of God's word, the fellowship with my MOPS sisters and the time to be silly with some friends was worth more than words can say.

Thank you Brian for giving me this past weekend. I love you.

Angel Mommies

2010-08-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

This past week a few of my mom friends have been real angels. Stepping in with me to help another mom. Reaching out to a stranger in the Love of Christ and the bond of motherhood is such a sweet thing. So I want to thank Jaime, Lorna, Shara and Lindi for helping me out. Loving people is a gift that gives back in unseen ways.

Thank you for the memories Mesa!

2010-07-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Please show your love and support by visiting Mesa's new company at www.mesacolephotography.com she gave her time and love by doing these photos for me. This means so much to me. My parents loved the photos and will cherish the memories for life.

Kristina...what would I do without her?

2010-06-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you that you help me out with the girls anytime I scream help. Thank you for reminding me that young ladies can be cool and still love Jesus very much. Thank you for being such a sweetheart...and by the way, Happy late Birthday!

Andrea

2010-06-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of you. From your drive in education to your passion for Christ. You are a great example of Godly womanhood and I hope my girls grow very close to you as they grow up. Thank you for your selfless love for all of us. For your giving spirit. You desire to think outside the box in gift giving and time spending. For your obedient spirit and gently care for others. You are so loved and will be missed. BUT I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE GOING TO BE NEAR MY BIG SIS!

so many that I love and appreciate....GREAT FRIENDS WHO DO GREAT THINGS

2010-06-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

My friend Lindi- far left is so great about helping me in a pinch. If I need to drop the girls off and run to do an errand she is so gracious to open her home. I don't know if she realizes how amazing that is to me.

My friends Sherri and Sarah are wonderful at throwing creative parties. Just the best fun!

And I have to say a special thank you to Sarah, She put attention on me and Sherri at her last party and really blessed me. She told everyone about events Sherri and I were going to be a part of, that are near and dear to our hearts. She is giving and creative and loving...I know Sherri would agree. She made sure everyone knew what we were doing and gave to both of our causes.

Amanda is my friend there at the very bottom, she knows she is awesome. I told you about Amanda recently.....I have really good friends. I wish I could share them with the world!

Thank you to ALL WHO SERVE! past and present....

2010-05-31T14:38:00.001-07:00

Special Thanks and Happy 8 years baby

2010-05-25T13:19:00.001-07:00

This day has been great. I got a chance to run around and finish up some time sensitive issues without the kids! A dear young lady came over and kept the kids. Then I met my wonderful friend Julie for a pedicure...one that left me with the lack of ability to keep from drooling all over myself. It was heavenly! And then we had lunch....this gift was from Mesa and Julie for my birthday and it was just the sweetest gesture of love to me!

And tonight I will be celebrating 8 years of wonderful marriage with my best friend and hubby- Brian! I love you BP! Thanks for taking care of me and blessing our family with love and joy. Thanks for being such a great daddy....I love you.

Two Special things....

2010-05-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

On May 15 I was able to celebrate with friends and family the 35th birthday of Brian, my brother in law Bobby and myself! We had a Birthday Bowl and just a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who came out or sent in money to support my favorite ministry-Child Evangelism Fellowship

And of course, I have to thank Joshi for changing me and so many THOUSANDS of people. I love you Joshi. Thank you Nadene for sharing him with us...we love you so very much.

Birthday Thanks!

2010-05-04T10:45:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday before my birthday some great friends of mine joined me for a girls night out and blessed me with a great gift and CAKE! They were the first ones to celebrate my birthday with me!

Thank you to my friends and my Hubby for making me have a special birthday! On May 1 I turned 35 years old! I wanted to tell my friend Gina thank you for spoiling me on our retreat with Four Oaks. She just took really great care of me.

My friend Amanda came over and took care of my girls so Brian and I could go on a date. I returned to happy children, gifts, balloons, flowers and even a Birthday sign in my front yard. It's nice to feel loved.

My hubby gave me a beautiful ring for my birthday. LOVE IT!
On Sunday night I ended my birthday weekend with a great cake from our Bible Study leaders Mike and Pru- it was super yummy.

Thanks for my great Birthday!

So Many to Pray for....reminds me to love more...

2010-04-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

Joshua still needs much prayer.... And little Braden is in the hospital with an undiagnosed pain and fever. Going through test and hoping to go home tomorrow.

And little Kyle is very sick as well. Bad infection and in the ER today.....

Remember my friends today in prayer-

A much needed break

2010-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

I want to thank my dear family-Shara and Bobby Bankston for opening their beach house up to me last week. I went just for the day, but I did a lot of nothing and it was nice. Nice to chill, have no place to be, and have no one calling my phone!

They cooked me food and cleaned up after me and it was wonderful!

Margo

2010-03-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

At 12:00am this morning Ben lost his amazing wife, 3 yr. old Tahiri lost
her beautiful mother and Gina lost an incredible friend to Cancer. My
heart is hurt. This is Bens last post ----> Beloved at 12 a.m. this
morning Margo went home to be with Jesus. -She is in God's arms as we speak. Thank you so much for your prayers and your support. Margo left a message for all before she left this place. She told my pastor to not let her death affect people in a way that would push them away from God. She lived her life loving and serving the Lord and desired for there to be healing in other's lives. ... See MoreShe desired for there to be salvation for those who needed it as well. This was her desire and her last wish, that all would continue to develop their relationships with God and make that relationship stronger, and for those who do not know the Lord to come to know him and trust him. Let us continue to honor her life and her wishes by spreading the love of Christ and by striving to grow in our relationships with the Lord so that we too may be a spring of healing water that God can use to bless others and meet their needs. Much love and thanks,Benjamin
27 minutes ago

This Song is why I have Tell Them Tuesday...Don't wait until it's too long. Love who you Love.

2010-03-15T17:29:00.003-07:00

Gina

2010-03-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you Gina, I could not have taken that trip without you. It made the driving a pleasure and the visit a memory that will stay in my heart forever. Thank you for bravely stepping into Joshua's world with me and loving him and Nadene as much as I do!

Happy Anniversary Jeff and Amy

2010-02-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

I love my sister and her hubby, their love story is worth sitting down and hearing. They have been married for 5 years and I want to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. They are just the best Aunt and Uncle to my girls and Amy is the best big sister that Julie and I could ask for. Jeff and Amy are extremely giving both spiritually and physically and I just love them like crazy.

THANK YOU! to Sandra, Annette, Andrea and my wonderful Hubby!

2010-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

Because all of my family pulled together to help with the kids, and even during stressful change at work, my husband and family helped me with the kids and allowed me to get away with some girl friends for a beach trip! It was such a great refreshing time for me, WITH NO KIDS! I just had a fantastic time and it would not have happened without them....

Thank You

2010-01-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

To all the men and women who serve, to all the moms and wives that stay home. To all parents who let them go....WE THANK YOU for keeping AMERICA free.

The Cross

2009-12-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

I thank you Father for the Cross

For the perfect sacrifice.

for the gift of Love only you could give

the gift of Eternal Life.

As so many hurt and feel such pain,

your hope is all that I can share.

So Merry Christmas to this aching world,

May you know your Savior cares.

My Stranger

2009-12-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

To the lady at the check out who gave me the $1. Thank you for not waiting for me to awkwardly look for a candy bar to add to my total or scrounge for change at the bottom of my purse. For not making me feel stupid for not having $1 and for actually saying MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Thank you for being kind. For not being a stranger. I hope it comes back a 1,000 fold.

Thank you Jaime and happy birthday.big sis!

2009-12-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

I want to tell my neighbor, Jaime, just how special she is. If there is a moment or opportunity for her to serve and love on people, she is the first in line. I have a friend, that Jaime does not know, that just had a baby. And when Jaime found out, she asked me if she could make a meal for her! She is a full time mom and teacher and yet still seeks out ways to serve other people. I want her to know that she is appreciated and loved very dearly!
My sister Amy's birthday is today! I love this photo of us. This was over 4 years ago and such a great day for our family. She looks so pretty here. Happy Birthday big sis!

It's Not Tuesday...

2009-11-21T20:58:00.001-08:00

It's not Tuesday, but I am praising God...these two sweet babies came home this week. Born so small and so precious. Momma is home safe, taking care of her babies and I just want to tell God thank you, thank you for these little Angels and their sweet momma who is loving them right now.

My Hubby

2009-11-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

I love my husband...he is so good to me. I was in a horrible amount of pain yesterday (this coming from the mom who gave birth twice with NO MEDS and I gave this pain a 6.5 out of 10) and without me even asking, he stayed home from work and let me hide the day away under my covers with a heating pad. I am happy to report that my sinus infection is getting better and my pain is very little at this point, but Iwanted to let him know how much I appreciated that response of love for me!

Thank you Times Two

2009-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

This past week has been very busy. First, I made it through my first CEF Christmas Market. And for set up on Friday, I could have not gotten it done without my Mother in Law, Sandra. She came over to my house and stayed with my girls for the whole day so I could help with the set up and have no distractions. She has had a lot on her plate lately and I truly appreciate her coming and helping and spending time with my girls. It was nice to know they were having a good day while I was away from them for the afternoon. As soon as the market was over I became sick with the rest of the family. So on Monday afternoon, my good friend Amanda came over with a huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and an upside down pineapple cake! Yummy! It was nice to not cook and to enjoy such a great example of love. I love my friends and family and everything they do for me.

Gina

2009-11-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

This photo makes me laugh, I was taking a self portrait and Gina jumped in the back ground...classic Gina. Recently we lost a family member to a very short battle to cancer. Gina did something for us that we did not realize was so great until we got to the funeral..she kept Elizabeth! It was my first time leaving her, over night and out of town! But I was totally as ease and completely confident in Brent and Gina's care. She had such a good time that she did not want to leave Mrs. Gina's house. This care was priceless and allowed Brian and I to enjoy time with our family. Thank you Gina.

My Pastor

2009-10-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

I truly love and appreciate my Pastor and his wife. They are great examples to us as a godly family. And I cannot imagine being under any other teacher but Pastor Erik. In a world that calls for a PC God and watered down gospel, I appreciate his zeal for truth and passion for Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't underestimate their calling and I thank God that He sent us the Braun's. I know that serving the church is hard and requires a lot. I thank them for the commitment and love they have for the Body of Christ.

www.fouroakschurch.com

My MOPS Family

2009-09-29T06:13:00.003-07:00

I have been a part of MOPS since 2006. I can honestly say I am a better mom because of this ministry. With 2 important factors: Christ and other moms. They have blessed me and taught me so much. They have made me feel important to my divine calling as a SAHM. This weekend at MOPS Convention, they showed me even more how much I am loved. Our leaders, Beth and Yolande did a great job in getting us there. And I know that so many of the ladies had a hand in making this weekend so powerful. I love my "family" and I love the ministry of MOPS. http://www.mops.com/

MOPS

2009-09-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have been a part of MOPS International for almost 3 years now. This is my first year on the steering team, and this is the first time I have realized how much goes into the MOPS ministry.

I have been so blessed by so many ladies involved and I am so grateful. Our leaders, Beth and Yolande are such inspirations and amazing influences in our lives. I am so thankful for them and the MOPS ministry.

Tell Them Tuesday

2009-08-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted on here. Not on purpose, it's just been LIFE. A good but busy life. I still want to continue honoring the friends, family and day to day people in my life that bless me, serve others and do what they can go Honor God. So make sure you tell someone on Tell Them Tuesday just how much you love and appreciate them....

I love you all.

The Riggs Family

2009-08-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

I love and appriate this family so much. A family I have never met. I hope you will visit them and just encourage them in all that they are doing for the Lord. Their family is unique and wonderful. Join me today in thanking them, and if you don't know them then here is your chance-
http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/

Mesa

2009-07-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

I can't NOT tell her today...she took amazing photos of my girls last week and I am so blessed every time I look at them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. thank you Mesa for being such a great friend... See Mesa here- http://tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com/2009/06/will-and-mesa.html

And here are my photos!

Leah and Amanda and Gina

2009-07-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

I really appreciate Leah and Amanda, I can count on them for anything. We had fun spending time together and watching Gina's boys. They made the day fun, cuddled with the boys and played hard with all the kids. We even enjoyed some Fried Chicken. It's so great to have friends you can count on. We miss Gina and would do anything for her. God has really gifted me with some great friends.

Bobby

2009-07-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

I just want to tell Bobby, my brother in law, how much I appreciate him. I invited myself over for the 4th of July, along with about 20 friends, and he took it upon himself to put on an incredible evening. Food and fireworks! I appreciate him always, he ALWAYS gives 100% to the people in his life and I truly love and appreciate his family.

Megan Grace

2009-06-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today I am remembering Megan, her mommy has not updated the blog yet, but she has gone to be with Jesus...pray for mom, Amber today.

http://piratesandbutterflies.blogspot.com/

more of her story at http://formegangrace.blogspot.com/

My Aliya

2009-06-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

This is my dear and long time friend Aliya. It was so great to see her this weekend. It has been way too long. She drove a long ways to see me! Aliya has been a good friend for over 10 years now and I really thank God for her.

E fell in love with her and as we prayed that night and we thanked God for Aliya, she said "No, Aunt Li-Li". We love you Aunt Li-Li

Lindie's Ladies

2009-06-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

This is my friend Lindi, she has always been a great friend, but recently has really had a hand in speaking into my life. She coordinated a Titus group for younger moms in our church. We get together once a month and "sit at the feet" of seasoned moms/wives in our church. It has become a safe place for us to confess, cry, pray and support each other. A place where are hearts are challenged to love and serve God more, to be better parents and to support and love our husbands the way that God has designed. I just want to thank Lindi for doing this. It has become a very important part of my life and I am so grateful that she obeyed God's prompting in her heart to pull this together. Thank you Lindi, You are loved and appreciated.

Will and Mesa

2009-06-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

These are my new-ish friends, Will and Mesa. The first time I got to really spend time with them was last Christmas for a sleigh ride. I really enjoyed my time with them.

Over the past few months I have spent more and more time getting to know Mesa. And what I have discovered is a giving, loving and faithful friend. She is one of those people who make you feel like you are the most important friend that they have. Then the longer you are around them, you realize how many friends they really have and that they are great at making each person freel special and loved. That is an amazing quality to have. And I cannot help but think that this really honors God.

Beyond being a great mom and wife and friend. She is so talented in many ways. If you have the honor of knowing Mesa, then you know just how blessed I am.

Thank you Mesa for loving me. And thank you Will for not keeping her all to yourself!

My Sister Julie

2009-05-26T06:20:00.001-07:00

My sisters are a great blessing to me. I mentioned Amy a while back.... http://tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-sister-amy-and-her-hubby-jeff.html But I cannot leave out my sister Julie..and Steve of course. But I think I will talk about him and Jeff more, later on!

Julie has been very active in Elizabeth's life. And now that she is a mommy herself, she is an even better Aunt. Can you believe that is Elizabeth in her arms? (in the first photo) Her little Sydney is so sweet. I miss seeing her more!

Julie has always been a great example to me. Always wanting to live her life in honor to God. She is a great wife, mommy and sister.

Here we are, very pregnant together in 2008. Somehow I got her to help me decorate both of my nurserys! They are both beautiful, if you have ever seen them, it's because of my two sisters that I have the coolest nurserys in the South! (btw, she made the outfit Sydney is wearing with her daddy)

Here we are at her baby shower here in Tally. It was fun getting to see her with her old friends again. It's so weird to think our little girls are in the photo with us, you just can't see them!

And she has become so talented. Staying home with her daughter, she has learned how to do so many things, sewing and decorating amazing cakes! she is so talented and blessed.

So I love my sister. I wanted you to know that today. Tell someone you love, how much you love and appreciate them today. Remember, we are not promised tomorrow, so don't wait too long!

Go and Visit Kayleigh today

2009-05-19T08:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Details on Kayliegh's memorial.

Good Bye Sweet Girl

2009-05-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

To Kayleigh- http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/content/Kayleigh

It was this little girl that inspired my Tell Them Tuesday. I am sitting here weeping, as I know that kayleigh's mom and dad said goodbye to her yesterday. You need to know her story. You need to go and read and see what God did in this little girl. How many millions of people, literally millions, who have been touched by her life. Pray for her mom and dad. Saying goodbye to a child should never be a part of our life. But it is. It does not make God any less God. Any less loving. Any less amazing. They would say, look what God HAS done. She is my Tell Them Tuesday.

Thank you Kayleigh. We will see you in Heaven. Until then, worship at His Throne. And be among the cloud of Witnesses that says..."How Great is Our God".

http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

My Sister Amy and her hubby Jeff

2009-05-05T06:29:00.001-07:00

The way I feel about my sister Amy is almost impossible to put into words. I feel that way about both my sisters (Julie, your next) Amy has given more and loved me more than I have ever heard of a sister doing. And I love the way she loves my girls as well. She has been a great Aunt along with her husband Jeff, who is a great Uncle as well. They love, love, love on us all the time.

They pray for my family and Amy is always encouraging me to further and deepen my walk with Christ. To seek him fully and to be used daily. They are so much fun and I look forward to every time that I get to go visit them. I just love my sister and Jeff. I cannot imagine my life without them. And I feel sorry for people who don't have sisters like I do. My life is fuller and more blessed than anyone can understand. Especially if you don't have an Amy of your own.

Gina- My Girl

2009-04-28T05:22:00.001-07:00

This is my buddy Sawyer. He is Gina's little boy and he is just my sweetie. I love him, and I love my friend Gina. As I mentioned last week and told you about Lesley, friends are important to me. After Lesley moved, it was so hard to find someone to fill that gap missing in a friend. I am so glad that Lesley and I are still in touch. And I was just so happy when God sent me Gina.

I love this picture, it looks like Sawyer got stuck between us and he can't get out! This is my Gina. What a friend. Let me tell you about Gina. Her world can be falling apart but you can be sure of 2 things" One, she will have a smile on her face, because she won't get beat! And two, she will ask YOU if you are okay and do you need anything. I was pregnant, and here she was, after her c-section, hurting and taking care of a newborn, and what does she do? Checks on me, brings me food.... Her son is in the hospital at 11 weeks...she looks after ME. She brought me a beautiful necklace after Anna was born because she said "The mother does not need to be overlooked when the baby arrives." One thing after another, and even in times of trial, she looks after me and loves me. I have NEVER had someone love me more sacrificially (besides my Savior, my parents and my hubby!) And boy, can she make some banana bread! Just ask Brian.

She loves my E. I love how she cares for her, brings her gifts, watches her (so I can teach Good News Club), hugs her, disciplines her, reads to her, is silly with her, is a mom to her. She is so special to Elizabeth and I love the bond that is forming between them.

Our friends. I love the time we spend together. It is rare to have a friend who seeks you out. In these times, often you have to really work to be close to friends. But just like my friendship with Lesley, it is effortless! Gina, Memphis and Sawyer mean the world to us.

We pray together...

We love to eat

together...lol

And we definately love to play! I love our friendship. I thank God that He loves the bond of friendship as well. I thank him for giving Gina to my family. And I pray that you are blessed with a friend in your life who means even half as much!

My Lesley

2009-04-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

I just miss my friend Lesley. And I want you to know how great she is. Lesley and I got to know each other when she lived here in Tallahassee. We went to Four Oaks Church together and it feels like she has always been in my life. She is family in every sense of the word. Her hubby got a new job up north. And at the time, I was not happy. But soon saw God's amazing plan in so many places.

From the adoption of her Son Angel, to her introduction of my sister to her now husband, Steve. There were so many blessings that came from her families move. We don't see each other much. But our friendship is one that never needs re-introductions. We are always a phone call or facebook message away from each other. Her family serves God faithfully. They are an inspiration to me and I love them very much. I hope Lesley will always know this.

Our Fearless Leader

2009-04-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is Mike, he is wonderful. Mike and his wife, Pru, are our Bible study leaders. We are so blesssed by them every week. They have make a group that is loving, encouraging, trust worthy, prayerful, open.... We have grown in their group and under their leadership. I hope they know how much we love them.

I love these photos. Mike built a boat. We love this boat. It is "Sea Worthy" and quite the crowd pleaser. At our last cook out, many brave souls went for a ride and enjoyed it rather well. I know Elizabeth and her daddy had a great time!

We love you Mike and Pru! Thank you for all that you do for us.

My Sista's

2009-04-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

This is me, very pregnant with Elizabeth!

I don't know if I can explain to you, just how much these ladies mean to me. I used to work at a school called Evangel Christian Academy. It was the single most important turning point of my life. Not just great memories, but the influence of Godly women who changed the course of my life.

To say we had fun together is an understatement. The Joy of the Lord and anything silly could make us laugh!

This was a season for all of us. But one we will never forget. I love these ladies with my life. Some of us have stayed in very close contact. Some of us are hard to find....eh-hem...Debra? How 'bout you call the sista's some time?

We love each other with a Christ-likeness. We had a work place that was unlike any other. 5 years, and never a bad tounge against one another. We have experienced sorrows and joys together that are hard to express. From losing Pam to watching Bethany go off to the mission field, seeing our kids take 1st at competitions and watching our first 6th grade class graduate. These are times I can never forget.

So to all my sista's, I love you dearly. You ushered me into maturity, walked me into a Godly marriage, and you saw me become a first time mother. I love you, I love you, I love you all.

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tracy and her blonde friend

2009-03-31T05:54:00.001-07:00

Tracy and I have a long history together. When I moved back to the states, after living in England for many years, she became my first friend at Tennessee Temple High.

I was quite the odd ball and we fit right in together. We definately had our share of laughs. Tracy and I have known each other now for many years...help me Tracy. How long has it been?

I love this girl. She has been a picture of faith, loyalty, love, encouragement,

joy, friendship....not a little, but a lot of everything. She has quite a good family and I miss not seeing them more. She kept in touch with me when I moved back to England. She wrote the longest letters that made me feel closer to home. She stayed in touch during Bible College and just over the last few years, we have stayed in better touch and try and see each other more.

I love you Tracy. You were priceless in my teenage years, you are priceless still. I love you so much. And I truly hope you realize this.

Dave and Sandra Pulsifer- Mom and Dad

2009-03-24T08:12:00.001-07:00

This great pictures are from Joyce at http://www.segoviastudio.com/

So I could not do another Tell Them Tuesday without saying something about My mother and father in law, Dave and Sandra. They have been really good to their kids, the sons and daughter in law, and their Grandkids. This has been a hard year for them and they still look for ways to give back to their kids. We just had fun going to the coast with them and eating at Angelos. (got my fix of shrimp!) I appreciate everything they do. Thinking of me in the small and big ways. For instance, I just recieved a cute Raggedy Ann and Andy Christmas ornament from them. They know how much I love those characters and thought enough of me when they saw it, to get it for me. Sandra is willing at any moment to stop what she is doing and help us. From coming over at the drop of a hat because I am flipping out over Elizabeth's high fever, or keeping the kids so I can run into Wal-mart and not go crazy! Dave is always wanting to take us out to eat and bless us however he can. He loves time with his family. So thank you Dave and Sandra, and if I fail to say it enough, we love and appreciate you very much!

Happy Birthday Brian

2009-03-17T06:20:00.001-07:00

I get to tell the most important person in my life, on his BIRTHDAY, how much he means to me. Brian is a wonderful husband, father and friend to me and my family. Brian has always made me feel relevant to this family and has supported me in everything I do. He is proud of me and shows it.

I love him for always taking care of us. For never allowing fear to have any place in our home. Be it finances, health or any other issue, when I look to Brian, it calms me. For he walks his life in knowledge, never doing anything without looking for answers. He is not afraid to search and learn. And he always wants to share what he knows and makes me smarter for it.

He is the leader of our home. And he has always done it in love. I have been married for almost 7 years, and my husband has NEVER yelled at me. He is so in love with his girls and they know it. (Anna will know is soon anyways, a little oblivious right now!)

So happy birthday Brian. If you would like to wish him a happy birthday, give him a call!

Now tell someone you love that you appreciate and love them this Tuesday~

I Love My Husband- Happy Birthday Brian

2009-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

My First Tuesday

2009-03-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start my new tradition with telling the most important influince in my life first, that I appreciate them. My parents have served in ministry and misssions for over 30 years. They have shown such an example of perseverance in faith. Mom and dad love their grandkids, but are faithful to continue serving where they are, even though it means sacrificing the chance to see their 3 granddaughters grow up.

Their ministries have never been mega and never had the 1,000 come to the Lord in one huge swell...but it has been the day to day, minute by minute witness that has always blessed me as their daughter. My mom and dad take every chance..the hitchhiker on the side of the road, the fumbling waitress who needs an ear, the grumpy gas station attendant..knocking on a strangers door and saying "You don't have to come to my church, but I willingly serve and minister to you either way." They continue to share, and continue to call in excitement when just one recieves Christ.

I want them to know that I love them and I love that after so many years, the salvation of a lost person is still the most exciting thing in the world to them. www.donandhelenhughes.blogspot.com

Tell Them Tuesday

2009-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

So here is what you do....

How often do you not tell the most important people in your life that you love and appreciate them. Every Tuesday, pick a different person to tell that you love, appreciate or respect them. It can be family, friends or just the coffee lady at the local cafe.

Don't wait until it's too late. Tell them Tuesday.