Nine Months Old...

Well, she's almost grown....not really but it feels like it. SC was 9 months old yesterday. I still can't believe how fast time travels the older you get. She's pulling up and trying to walk holding on to things. I had forgotten how scary this stage is for Mom's. Since we now have hard floors, it's even more scary. She waves bye bye very well too. I've heard mama I think but not sure she really knows what she's saying...although, it's usually when she's ready to get out of her bed...she may know exactly what she's saying!

We had another episode with and ear infection this week. Not terrible but enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. We are on medicine so she should be as good as new shortly. Life is simple these days. Not much going on except for VBS at church and getting ready to travel next weekend. This will be our first family of four trip via airplane. I'm excited and ready for some down time.

I'm still grieving over the tragedy in the Chapman family. Please remember to pray for them during the weeks, months and years ahead. Guilt, what if, why....all those thoughts remain in their minds. Memories...those will sustain. However, it's the worry that people will FORGET that haunts them. Life will go on for them but never be the same. I especially ask that you pray for Maria's brother. I cannot imagine the pain he is experiencing. Pray that God will heal him. Pray for a hedge of protection around him from the enemy who desires to destroy him. I ask these things because my family has experienced this grief. I have been where they are. I've been the one left behind. I've thought why her and not me. I've also felt the peace of God and know that I'll see my sister again. I'll meet Maria too. God is good...all the time!

Until next time..

A Broken Heart...

I weep as I write tonight....my heart is broken.....I just don't understand. Scripture tells me when I don't understand, God does and I must trust in Him. I'm helpless. And as a human being, that makes me vulnerable and to be honest, angry. Dear God help me to realize You are never surprised and all your ways are perfect. I have no words that could ever comfort the Chapman family at this time in their lives. Struggles in my life and even tragedies that I've experienced seem to pale in comparison to the grief they feel today. As I sit and ponder the days ahead for this family, I recall the words to so many songs that Steven has written that are so appropriate for a time such as this. God truly has blessed him with the ability to communicate God's love and grace. He has ministered to me in so many difficult times in my life. This family needs our prayers and support more than ever before. It's time for me to be diligent in prayer and beseech the Father on their behalf. Lord, help me to pray....constantly....for this family.

To the Chapman Family: Our family loves you! We've never met you yet we feel as if we know you. You have been so open and honest in your ministry. Our daughter Shaohannah would not be ours had it not been for you. Yes, we named her after your daughter...we prayed you wouldn't mind. Only the safe and loving arms of Jesus can minister to you during the days ahead. We will "carry you to Him on our knees". Your precious Maria has now met my sister, Kelley. She was called home to be with Jesus at 18. I know they are having sweet communion with each other in the presence of Jesus.

Oh, how I long for heaven...........

Jailhouse Rock....

My little SCP is about to break out....you'll notice she's standing up holding on to the rails in her crib....uh oh! She's also trying to walk....even letting go of my fingers to stand alone for a few seconds...it looks like she might be a little fearless...that scares me. How like children we all are sometimes, needing to spread our wings and fly. I've decided to tackle writing a book, after some encouragement from CDP. My title would go something like....A Fish Bowl...the Life of a Minister's Wife. Not that I mind, I don't. I love what God has called me to do. I could not be fulfilled if I were not living in His will. I just think it might be good reading for other wives of Pastor's out there. I would take a humorous approach...after all, if you can't laugh at yourself, you've got problems.



Anyway, I'm just rambling today. I've just begun reading a great book though...KS told me I wouldn't be able to put it down. I was up 'til 2am last night.....it's a great book! I'll give you all details later. Gotta run and check on my jailbird! Later

Mother's Day 2008

Can anyone say Kleenex? Well, I've been carrying around a Kleenex all day. Allergy season has arrived in North MS and it has pounded the ladies living at St Ives Lane in Hernando! Most everyone at church thought I was just emotional...well, that was part of it too..but some was from the weeping of my eyes due to Honeysuckle and privet hedge! It seems to be getting some better this afternoon...I hope all is better tomorrow.

I pride myself in being aware of most things going on in my household and am really some what of a nosey posey (as SJ puts it). I usually figure out "surprises" before they are ever sprung. However, I was totally taken by surprise today and yet, I almost missed it. Our 2nd service at church boasts mostly young and middle age families and since it was Mother's Day, CDP delivered a message on the subject. Also, this past week I took on the responsibility of photographing Mom's and their children to play in a slide show for the Worship Service and was aware of the song that would be played during the show. I was NOT planning on hearing CDP sing, very well I might add, and be reminded of wonderful memories of my first Mother's Day and subsequent miracles namely, SCP.
CDP's message challenged me as a Mother to nurture my children and teach them about Christ and His WORD. He also challenged Husbands to be ready to present their wives before God as trophies for His Glory and to be servants not only to their wives but to the Lord. He illustrated the last point by washing my feet....on stage....in public....and I never saw it coming. How humbling for me...Oh, how undeserving I am of this wonderful man! I can truly say I would follow him anywhere. I trust him completely. He is my best friend and I love him with all my heart! I love being his wife and the mother of his children. God help me to be the mom who can live out the love of Christ to my babies.

It's always easier to imitate something you've seen many times....right? I've been privileged to see the love of Christ lived out in my Mom for the past 35 years. I have never been disappointed in her and can only hope I am half the mom she is to me. Happy Mother's Day, CJH. I love you more than you will ever know.....thank you for your sincere love for Christ, my Dad and me. You taught me how to be a lady...you also taught me how to cook...and for that, CDP thanks you!

I love you Mom!

Night Night!

Just an Ordinary Monday...

Well, today was just an ordinary day. Ordinary in that the girls and I stayed at home and just enjoyed NOT having to go anywhere. Laundry, Ironing and kitchen duty were the tasks laid out before me. Most of them have been completed as I type. However, the highlight of the day came as I was ironing...SJP came downstairs after her nap and after only a few minutes, SCP awakened and immediately, SJP informs me that her sissy is up. I asked her if she checked on her before she came downstairs and she replied, "No Ma'am". I then said that I would go up and check on her...SJP then replied...."That's ok Mom. I'll go check on her. You finish your ironing."



Now, how sweet is that! I am so unbelievably proud of my girls and so honored that God has allowed me to be at home with them to experience such profound moments. That scenario may not sound like much to many of you, but for me......priceless. There were times in my life when I thought I would never hear the cry of a baby who needed a bottle or witness tender heart of a 3 year old wanting to help out her Mom.

Thank you, Father, for blessing me as You have. I am so undeserving....

By the way....bath time was special tonight....pics have been posted...enjoy!

Heading to Nicaragua...

It has been my desire for several years to go with CDP on his Mission to Nicaragua. Things have never worked out until now. I was glad to hear on Thursday that a spot was open and I would be able to go. I have made arrangements for our girls and I am confident God has just worked things out so he and I can minister together. I'll be helping with Children's Church and to follow is a description of how it will work and the items needed.

"One of the ways the Nicaragua Mission Team ministers to the community is by providing a children's church during the adult worship service. Everyone must attend worship before they can be seen by a doctor or receive clothes, etc. We are collecting supplies to help with Children's Church activities where sharing a Bible story, related crafts and activities will take place. We can use any of the following: bubbles, face paint, q-tips, small paintbrushes, sidewalk chalk, baby wipes, fabric to make Biblical costumes, fingernail polish (any color)."

The items needed can be left at Ridgecrest Baptist or at Hernando Baptist. I will gladly accept any donations of these items myself personally if anyone would like to donate. Just let me know via email or phone.

I'm excited about what God is going to do in ME while in Nicaragua.....Please pray for us as we prepare spiritually and physically for this trip. Pray for our families who will be left behind as well as those who take care of them.