Brief Update

So, lots has happened since the last post in June. So, will try to update as briefly as possible!

Savannah has applied for, been accepted and sent in her letter of intent to Salem College for the Fall of 2010!!! Can you say PROUD?? Yes, I am!! Very! She also applied for and became inducted into NC 4-H Honor Club, the highest honor a 4-Her can receive! And once the school year started, was nominated to be on the Homecoming Court for Davie County High School. And, she has also been selected as the Special Olympics of North Carolina Spotlight Coach for November 2009 on their ENewsletter, which will also be posted to their website!! So many accomplishments!

Not much else has really happened in our lives except for, well, living! We had a great summer and are hoping to have an equally wonderful "school year". Our Special Olympics cheerleading has started back, once again, and we have 12 cheerleaders, so far! That is after losing two of our cheerleaders from last year... so, we lost two and gained THREE new ones!!!

I am so thankful to have spent the last 17 years of my life raising my best friend. Savannah has been such a blessing from God, and although I am sad to see this part of our journey together end, once she graduates, I am so excited to see who she will become! I hope I am half the person she is now, when I grow up!!!

God is good, and is ever present and moving! We have had our struggles the past few weeks, with new relationship, growing pains, etc. Savannah is at the stage in life where she does not want to part from me, quite yet, but also wants to exert her independence. Would not trade places with her for anything. She only has a few days of school as a junior left, and is ready to declare herself a senior! Hard to believe that I only have one more year with her before she is off to college. God has surely blessed me by choosing me to be her mom, would not take anything for it! She is the second best thing that has ever happened in my life, of course, my relationship with Jesus is the first! She is a teenager, and tests the limits, but she has a strong faith, will, love for the Lord, love for self and self respect, and loves to help others. With her dad not being present in her life, and the presence that he has made known not being the most positive one for her, she has really done well and tried to adapt. I am very proud of her, and could not ask for more in a daughter! I can not wait to watch the continued journey of her life, seeing how she will develop into adulthood, career, wife, motherhood, and woman of faith. To know that this life, that you mothered and cared for, will someday mother and care for her own, is a feeling so surreal. It is not the destination in our child's life, it is the joy of watching every step of the journey they take to reach it!

To God be the glory... in all things. With everything we experience in life, there is an opportunity to see God in every turn. He is ever present, even in the hard times. He is there to bring you through, so that you can share with others how His love and mercy brought you through, so that they may know Him and the power of His love! And when there are no struggles, know that God is there and has blessed you with every good thing you have received... God is SO GOOD!!!

New Life and New Beginnings!

Wow, so much has happened since my last post, and for some reason it went back to my dashboard, so I have restored it, but it does have the April 29th date upon it, but it is from the weekend of April 3rd.
Okay, where to start....

Easter Sunday 2009 will live FOREVER in my memory as the best Easter ever! Savannah was baptized in the Yadkin River, and it was beautiful. Almost the entire church was in attendance. It was a warm sunny day, the water was very muddy, the background was perfect... Pastor Chuck took her in the water, spoke of how they had already discussed the meaning of Baptism, and her desire to do so. He then, dipped my baby girl into the river, then drew out of it a Savannah with new life, a new beginning. She had her time with God and has since been changed. "Nothing can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus!!!" The church members began singing the most beautiful hymns, and clapping and praying, Pastor Brandon prayed over us and we were flooded by warm hugs and I love you's.... The acceptance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is an unmatched feeling like none felt before. To be made whole in His name, that is what life is about!

I always know that when asking for something, to ask in His name and you will receive. I also know that when I need guidance and comfort, I look to the Word of God. It says in Matthew 6:33- "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.": this verse has given me strength over the last few years... And I tell you this, no matter who comes into our lives that we love and care about, we are to always seek God's love first. His love is the greatest gift we have been given and there is none above it, and it is with pure humility that I give thanks to the one that loved me so much, that He died for my sins, so that I could live eternally with the first love of my life.. my God in Heaven. And it is by His grace that He has sent me the one that I know He intended for me to be with. Thank you God, for all the trials that you have given to me in my life, for they have led me here, to your love .... To you, all the honor, glory and praise. I will honor you!

April 3rd Weekend Recap!

It has been an emotional weekend for me... to a certain extent. I went with my baby girl to visit the college that she is intent upon attending! It is a beautiful and historical campus with so much charm and prestige... Salem College. It is so hard to believe that this journey of her childhood that God has entrusted me to lead her upon is soon coming to an end, well, not an end, but to a new beginning. I am so excited for her and also sad to see her growing up. She is a remarkable young lady, that gives so much, and still has so much yet to give to this world. I am inspired by her in so many ways. God knew what He was doing when He sent her to take care of me... she is and always has been my little angel, right here on this precious earth. It is amazing to see what God can accomplish in someone. She is a true child of Christ and He lives in her. I see this every day, and it drives me to become a better mom, Christian, friend, daughter and all around person. My life was saved by my daughter, who, in her way, brought me back to God, who, many years ago saved my soul....Thank you, Savannah, I love you!

I look at all the flowers and trees blooming and it gets me excited that Easter is coming, all things are coming alive, just as Jesus did after His crucifixion for my sins, He arose and joined God the Father in Heaven where I know He makes a place for me... He said it was true, and how excited I am to one day meet the great I Am....
.... I am a sinner and it is the by the grace of God and the blood of His son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ that I am saved. I am not perfect, far from it, and don't try to be. I make mistakes, I make bad decisions, I just want to be a better Christian and let God live in me... I can not imagine sending my son to die on the cross for ones who spat on him and loathed him, all to save those exact ones... What kind of love is this, and how do I get that in my heart? I can not begin to imagine how big my God's heart is.... I just know that I am warm and safe there. I am more than excited to be taking part in my first ever Passover Seder this Wednesday... I understand that it is a life and faith changing experience.... let me tell you, it can not get here soon enough!!!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.... Phil 4:13
God's love and mercy to you all... and have a blessed Easter! He is ALIVE!!!

Update in a nutshell!

So, it has been a while since a post... Savannah did well on her SAT's... I will not post those, as she would kill me, and rightly so! We have been working a lot around the house, cleaning out and trying to do some improvements that I have not been able to do since I bought the place!

I have also started selling Thirty One products. Thirty One is a Christian based company based on the Bible verse Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman. This company seeks to encourage and reward women. Something that is almost unheard of these days.

Not just women, but seems like society is so quick to place judgment on others so quickly. Just last week, the media was all over Jessica Simpson about a supposed weight gain, give me a break! She is beautiful and tiny, as I just saw her a month ago in concert! We tend to look so analytically at others, as well as ourselves, placing emphasis on flaws and not looking at the good in people. Why is it that we are such a pessimistic society? And I will be the first to admit, I do this, too! Always looking for something wrong with someone, as apposed to finding their good qualities, first. This is something that I am consciously working on. We tend to watch news and entertainment news that only reports the bad things, leaving that one heart tugging good story til right at the end... like that is the only good thing that happened that day in the whole world!


I say, enough... I am ready to be the beacon that God wants me to be. To shine a light that will let others know through both action and word, that I am a child of God. He is my Savior, and I am thankful to have such a loving and gracious God... who daily shows mercy to me. I am as imperfect as they come, and He loves me anyway, and all of my humanistic imperfections. He loves me just the way I am, although I am sure at times I really disappoint Him, as I disappoint myself. I want to surround myself with those that choose consciously to live a more pleasing life for the glory of God... for without Him, we just exist. I want a purpose, I want to know HIM... not just know of Him... Everything we do, we need to do with Him and His glory in mind. Whether or not we get the intended outcome in everything we do, we need to give Him the glory and the praise.


The Davie Eagles will be competing in their first competition of the year this Saturday in Greensboro. Not everyone will be able to attend, but they will still have a blast just going and being around other cheer squads! Go EAGLES!
I have been approached to help with a new all star cheer gym that will be built in Davie County. Can't give out too much info yet, but please watch for updates in the near future. The great thing about this gym, is that is already Christ centered, with the inspiration Bible verse being:

Isaiah 40:31

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Savannah and I are also going to the Winter Jam Christian Concert Tour after the competition Saturday in Greensboro. The doors open at 5 and the show starts at 6. It is $10 at the door to get in and is well worth it! There will be Toby Mac, Brandon Heath and others, as well as a speaker. This concert tour is second in the nation of attendees... don't hear that in the news, do you? This is a great testimony time for these artists, and will bring many to Christ! God is good!!!

You know us, we are Crazy in Carolina! God Bless!

Rascal Flatts and SAT

Rascal Flatts is going to be in concert tonight at the LJVM Coliseum and I wanted to go since I first learned that they were coming. So, I looked online back before Christmas about ticket prices and dates. I was disappointed because, at the time, I was planning on taking Savannah and a group of girls to the Revolve Tour, a Christian event for teen girls for pure living... but all of that was out the window when I learned that Savannah's date to take the SAT was Saturday morning January 24th. This totally threw us out of the running for the Revolve Tour, as this is an event that lasts Friday evening and all day Saturday. So, up until last night, our plans were Fridays as usual. Work/ school, belly dancing, Special Olympics practice and then chill out at home... then I got a call from one of my best friends. Her son who works for a radio station had a couple of tix to see Rascal Flatts concert Friday night and wanted to know if I wanted them... do I even need to say what my reply was? So, my conversation with Savannah went along these lines.
Me: Savannah, what time do you need to go to bed for the SAT?
Savannah: I don't know, why?
Me: Well, we have an opportunity to go somewhere we were wanting to go... but I need to know what time you think you need to go to bed.
Savannah: Moooooommmmmm, just teeeellll mmmmeeee!!!!!
When I told her where it was, she was thrilled. She usually doesn't go to sleep before 11pm anyway, so I am thinking that she will be fine.
So, now I have gotten practice covered, sent the routine to one of my Assistants and a couple of parents, belly dancing will be there next week, and I can chill out tomorrow!!
Rascal Flatts, here we come! The saving grace in this scenario is that the concert is in Winston-Salem, and not Charlotte or Greensboro!

That still puts Savannah getting up early in the morning to take her SAT. She has to be at the school at 7:45am. Please put her in your prayers. Actuallly, I am hoping the concert will take her mind off the stress of the test, itself. We all know there is no way to study for this test, and she is like me and has serious test anxiety.

So, as for tonight, we are Rascal Flatts bound... tomorrow, it's SAT city!

God bless!

Childhood

One of my favorite movies is "Hope Floats" and at the end of the movie, they are commenting on the effect your childhood has on you... my favorite line in that is "childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome".... and there are parts of my childhood that I can say I feel that way about... but there are other times that were so fun. My cousin Jennifer recalled a time when we went tubing down her front yard during the snow, which dug up other memories... fun and simple, and sometimes sad memories of a childhood long past. My first memory was of my mom coming into my room and helping me out of a baby doll stroller that my friend had decided that I should climb into, I think I was three... I distinctly remember that stroller pinching my fingers... I can still recall the throbbing! I also remember the hardest day of my life was when my Aunt Phyll was with my sister and I, and she bought us ice cream and we went down to the courthouse. Not too long before that, I remember being with my mom in an apartment in Kernersville and playing with my Silly Putty and my dad coming to pick us up. I also remember my dad not taking us back like he was supposed to a few days later. Phyll was buying us ice cream that day to help with the hurt of my dad ripping us from our mother, my Aunt Phyll and my mom were the only angels that I had that day and many other times back then.... that is the part of my childhood I am still trying to overcome... the time of a baby girl without her mother and the longing feeling I always had for her and the way my dad, until the day I left his home, tried to keep me from my mother, all just to hurt her. He even told my stepmother that he did it just to spite my mom and that my mom was a good mom, he just wanted her to hurt because he knew that my sister and I were my mom's life and that without us, she would be heart broken, I wonder why some people are so sadistic...Now, my life and my mother's life was forever changed... all because a grown man only thought of himself, and thought of himself as God. So, thanks for the memories on that one PeeWee... there is a good explanation if one was wondering why I don't want to have anything to do with my father.

But some of the BEST memories I have of my childhood are playing with my sister, and my cousins and being in the UMYF at Morris Chapel UMC, which saved my life so many times, and of course spending time with my mom. Although while living on the farm we had to work, my sister, Vicki and my cousins Sherry and Jenn and I had lots of fun, too... one summer while packing tobacco, I recall the toy of choice was a box that some type of appliance came in... oh, that became our little playhouse. We drew in everything from curtains to a rug in that little house! We cut out windows that opened and closed and had the best time! We would also take walks down into the woods behind "the old house", which was an old homeplace behind the fields where corn, tobacco and other crops were planted. We would trek down there and nose around the house, hoping to find treasure. We did find a trophy one day beside the pack house, I think it was someone's bowling trophy.. why it was there, I don't know!
I also loved being a part of the UMYF at Morris Chapel, my church family was so important to me then, they did indeed help to fill a void. As a part of UMYF, we did so many fun things, we had Rock-a-thons, car washes, impromptu volleyball and tag football games. What is a rock-a-thon, you ask? Well, one sits in a rocking chair for 12 hours to raise money... okay, we never sat in them the whole time, but we had to keep the chair rocking for that amount of time, except for when we took bathroom and stretch breaks! I have laid on the floor and rocked my chair with my fingers!! We would pack snacks, sleeping bags, Atari and Beta tapes of movies!!! It was a great time! I also remember a time when we had a mock wedding.. the whole church turned out! I think one of my favorite times was when we did the live Nativity scene annually. We would have live animals and greenery, as well as the "stable"... our angels would be on ladders and the roof behind the "stable"... and the music was beautiful. We always had hot chocolate awaiting us after our shift was over... but the best thing I got from being a part of that group, was my relationship with Jesus... He is my rock and my salvation!
And I will tell you, I have the most beautiful mom! She had the longest and prettiest blonde hair! And you talk about spoiling someone rotten... I loved to be sick in her care! She would wait on me hand and foot and was so accomodating, and still is! I would even fake being sick sometimes just to get her undivided attention! But she was always sweet... granted we had our times, but those were mostly because of me... I was a teenager at one time, do I need to say anything else? I am so thankful for my mom and for the time that I have with her... she is the strongest and kindest woman I know and I am so proud of her... and I depend on her now with advice on how to help Savannah to become the strong and independent young lady that she will need to be to survive in today's society. What a great role model Savannah and I both have in her... I have always been and always will be my mom's baby, her "punkin"!

Thank you God for all of my childhood, even the hard times, I give thanks!

Well, it tried to snow!

I awoke this morning to utter disappointment, very little snow. I was so hoping for a day of snuggling in bed or on the couch, watching TV and aggravating Savannah... didn't happen. I guess the last time we had a really good snow, and I mean really good, Savannah was maybe two and we lived in an apartment on Jonestown Rd. in Winston-Salem... Oh it was so fun. My cousin Sherri and I put her little tail on a sled and just pulled her everywhere... she loved it! And talk about cute, she had this little pink hat with white fur trim and she would say "it's cold outside, the frost will bite your toes off"... or should I say, she sang it! I do remember when she got a little older, we went with Papa Steve to Steve Keener's house, a friend of the family. At the time, he lived in a little house that was right on a pond and there was hill on the other side. Oh the fun we had going down that hill and praying the sled didn't venture toward the pond! Great fun! Now I also remember when I was little, going sledding down Beeson Dairy Rd. and my cousin, Annie B. pulling us back up the hill in a vehicle... I think it was her dad's Bronco. Wouldn't dream of doing that now... but it was so much fun! And how can I forget the time when I was in my teen years and went with my sister and a bunch of her friends sledding down Rural Hall Elementary's side hill on the greatest aluminum signs... you talk about flying! I felt like Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation!!! Too fun! I wish that my child could experience just a little bit of the snow that we used to have, not that it was a lot or that frequent, but we did get at least one little snow every year. I have a friend that lives in Canada and it is averaging -12 there with so much snow, they can't keep it shoveled. I have requested just a little of it for down here, but so far, no luck!
Well, I will keep wishing for snow at least as long as it is cold... I figure if we must suffer, at least we should have something pretty to look at and play in! I just hope that those that are without shelter during these really cold times are able to find warmth and a place to stay... thank you God for all the many blessings you have given me and my family... and for even the littlest bit of snow... God is good...

Frustrated and blessed

Okay, someone please explain to me how to lose weight. I am eating right, or better than before... still low fat and fewer calories... and exercising, both cardio and strength for at least 3 times a week. Do you just lose any sight of a metabolism after 35? Is this a cruel joke? I kickbox until I can hardly breathe and Zumba until I am sore... what is the secret? I look back at how little I used to be and wonder how to get there again. Now, I know, I will never be a size 5 again, and I am not so sure I need to be, but size 9 would be nice.. 7, just a dream. I do know that stress can make you hold onto weight like nobody's business, so I am trying to keep stress to a minimum, well at least what I can control. I do have a 16 year old! I am trying to stay motivated, and I actually enjoy going to the Y... I would just like to see some results. Am I too impatient? I know this needs to be a slow process in order for it to be a lifestyle change, but everytime those results are not there, it is a little discouraging. I know this is a problem that many women have, I just wish I knew something that could not only help myself, but others get out of the perverbial rut that we seem to get ourselves into.... I don't know, I am just going to keep on plugging away and keep exercising, surely there has to be some visible results to come soon.

Savannah will be taking the SAT next Saturday, please keep her in your thoughts! She is nervous about this test, as she is with any test. So much rides on this, the good thing, they can take it again and they will go with your best score. Hard to believe she is as old as she is. I know it is cliche, but they really do grow so fast. Seems like just yesterday she was playing tea party wanting everyone to sit down on her little chair and playing dress up. How I miss those days. I thank God for my gift of being a mother to a young lady whom I think will surely do great things in her life, heck, she already has. God is good!

Exercising Mind and Body, Again!

I am extremely sore today, as the last two nights of Zumba and Kickboxing have kicked my butt, not to mention lifting weights after each class. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying these activities and am a willing participant. I can't believe I used to dance and be a dancing boot in school... did I get sore then? I don't remember if I did... I am trying madly to get back into shape, as the last two years have been physically hard for me. I was unable to do any type of exercise, as I had back issues so severe that I was placed on Epilepsy meds to help with the nerve pain. I had surgery in July and I am pleased to report that I have no more pain and am on no more meds, other than the Advil or Alleve for minor aches and pains. And I am thinking that most of those are a part of the normal aging process, yep, this looks like fun!
So, the Y is one of my new favorite places to be! It really has lifted my spirits to be able to exercise again... not only was I not physically able to do so before, I was in a relationship with someone that was so jealous and controlling, that he made me cancel my membership to the Y in the past because there were men there. Then I had to cancel my Curves membership because getting into shape meant that I wanted other men to look at me.... NEVER AGAIN, I will say it again, NEVER AGAIN will I allow myself to be controlled or posessed by another individual. Ironically enough, I worked in domestic violence for years while we were dating and I can't tell you how relieved he was when I left there. That is when things really started to get worse. I am trying to be empowered and learn from all the bad relationships that I have been in and hope and pray that my daughter does not fall into the same pattern. I don't think she will, as she lays it on the line before she will even get to know a boy. She tells them that they will not mistreat her in any way, or they will hit the road. She is also not shy at all about announcing her decision to remain a virgin until marriage, and if that is on their mind, she tells them again, that she is not the one for them... I don't know, but I think I may have done one thing right..... thank you Lord for the wonderful Savannah blessing that you have given me to watch over...
Well, I am off to Kickboxing and weights tonight, and then tomorrow, Bellydancing and cheerleading... God is good!

Catching up!!!

Wow, long time since I have posted.... a lot has changed! No longer in a relationship! Yippee! Never stay in something that doesn't make you feel good, loved and safe. I have a tendency to do that, well no more... New Year, New ME!!!!!!
Anyway, Savannah is now 16 and is precious! She is a great student, leader and volunteer! She started a Special Olympics cheer squad in November 2007 and we went to our first competition in March 2008. This was a state competition and the girls won Bronze! Awesome for first year competing! We started with 4 last year and are now up to 13 cheerleaders! Great job Savvy!
She is also the President of the Davie County 4-H Teen Association for the 3rd time! She loves 4-H, and it is an awesome way for kids to learn about leadership, citizenship, community service and record keeping! I highly recommend it!
She also serves on the Davie County NC Cooperative Extension and Davie County 4-H Advisory Leadership Committees. Very busy young lady, can you tell I am proud?
She is also a Sports Medicine Trainer for the Davie County High School football teams... she loves doing that, and it has sparked a new interest in her!
She is hoping to go to Salem College.... wow, she is growing up! I, too, am thinking about going back to school... who knows, the sky is the limit...
We are tackling after holiday hustle at our house! We are cleaning out and organizing! Love it! Have recently joined the Y and my new favorite thing is Zumba!!! Lots of fun and a great workout! Want to lose weight and get healthy this new year!