Color Me Happy ...

If you know me at all

you'll understand that I'm really, REALLY thinking

outside of the box (well, MY box anyway)

I generally don't do color.

I like color & can appreciate it in the

homes of others but I stick to the basics in mine.

Neutrals reign supreme in my home.

I like it like that, well I did, until recently ...

but things are about to change around here.

I've made an executive decision.

Color is coming ... slowly at first ...

I have a plan. A colorful plan.

I can't wait to get started

and share it with you ...

:)



Growing up Bellflower ...

I was an adult, working with the youth
before I ever realized the effort & love these people
had invested in my young life.

Diana Hancher (she's my cousin as well as a huge influence!), Millie Benefield & Sonjia Milner.

I balanced toddlers on my hips as I taught
because I had seen it done.


I've had patience with teenagers when others
simply thought of them as lost causes
but I'd already seen it done.

Bill & Sharon Cox, I loved to listen to them sing & play music.  In additional to their musical talent they were always fun, loving, patient & kind. Our trips to Magic Mountain with the Sunday School class are part of my most treasured childhood memories.

Bill & Alice Chamberlain were my best friend's parents. Hospitality reigned supreme in the Chamberlain home and I loved them both  very much. Their influence was monumental although I didn't come to realized most of it until I was a grown woman with children of my own.  Bro. Chamberlain has gone home to be with Jesus.

E.W. & Nancy Farr, when I think of them I think of stability and love. He had a heart for missions like nobody I've ever met. She was the Sunday School Superintendent for the Jr./Sr. High Dept. when I was a teen.  Always the same, loving but firm and kind. I loved and respected them both. Bro. Farr has gone on to be with Jesus too.

Sis. Johnnie Plyburn's words to a teary-eyed girl (me) outside a nursing home have stuck with me all these years. I couldn't have been any older than eleven. The smiling faces of the home's residents was too much for my young heart to bear. As tears filled my eyes, she gently explained how happy our visit and singing would make them and that I should try to focus on that instead of how sad it made me feel. Teary eyes dried, I was able to go on singing. I've never forgotten.

Of course there are many others ...

Bro. Bobby Benefield,

Joe Hancher,

Jim & Bonnie Flores,

Chuck Milner,

Terry Alongi,

(who has also gone on to be with the Lord)

Clara Llewellyn

(& Thomas Chai, who has gone on & I hope to see in Heaven)

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".

Philippians 1:3-6



February Lay - zzzzzz - day



It's the first weekend of February,

better known as Super Bowl Weekend

(can I get a woohoo? WooHoo! :)

The weather has been grey, dreary, damp ...

Perfect for:

 laying around and

catching some zzzzzzzzz

The hubs has been home this weekend

(which I love!)

and we've had grandgirlies #1 & #3

 while their daddy & momma went away for a few days

(before the birth of grandgirlie #4).

The littlest Miss Dial, scheduled to arrive in April ...

We've watched movies ...

quite a few of them ...

(I'm not even sure if this is all of them. I'm sure I'm leaving a few out)

Sisters snuggling ...

'Trinka' snuggled up & watched movies today too ...

The hubs relaxing in the mancave ....

My Cookie Monster ... Anna Elisabeth

All this snuggling has made me miss

our sweet Floridian, grandgirlie #2 ...

My sweet Kylie Jo, doing some shopping with
her cousins, December 2011

If she'd been here with us this weekend,

as cozy & wonderful as it's been,

it would have been perfect.

Wherever you are, I hope this finds you

having a wonderful weekend with those you love.



The Irony & The Ecstasy

Irony: An outcome of events contrary to what was or might have been, expected.

I made myself a promise before the season began ... I was NOT going to spend the Winter of 2012 whining, complaining and anticipating misery.  I mean really, I was sick of listening to myself.

 I can't even imagine what those closest to me thought about my constant murmuring.

It probably went something like this:  

"Awww, enough already. UNCLE. It's Winter. It's cold. We get it. SHUT UP!" ...

(Let me be clear. No one actually spoke those words to me. Those were things I thought to myself - about myself -during my"Winter Whinery" of 2011 ;)

But, believe me, the irony of this winter's weather (thus far) and my decision to embrace all things snow and ice has not been lost on me. If I'd known embracing the wintry climate would make it go away I would've done it years ago. (I'm just kidding. I know my acceptance has nothing to do with it's disappearance. Duh! I mean, that's just silly, right? Of course, that's ridiculous. Right?  ;)

Today's temps were so awesome that Emily & I went for a long walk here on the creek before church. It was heavenly.  It's February 1st for goodness sake. This just doesn't happen.

We both loved it :)

 Looking for the horses ...

Country girl!

Nana's biggest girlie :)

This was Trinka's (chihuahua) first walk up the holler.

She didn't know what to do with herself! :)

The Retrievers, Jackson & Rosie,

loved the company and were in their glory ...

The daffodils are trying to bloom ...

I had a hard time keeping her out of the creek.

It was warm ... but not that warm.

The hills are still barren but, it's warm so I don't care  ...

I can't even express how happy the warmth makes me ...

Sooooo happy ...

Unfortunately, the unseasonably warm temperatures also bring about  things that do not make me happy. SNAKES! While I've not seen one, I have heard several reports that they are out & enjoying the warmth as well.

See that? It's a hole, in the hill, next to a tree ...

Yep, if I was a snake, I'd live there.

Very cozy and CREEPY!

Jackson walking on water ...

See that look?

I'd recognize it anywhere.

That's pure ....

Ecstasy: A state of exalted delight, joy; delight, bliss, elation.

Perfect Peace.

~Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.~

Isaiah 26:3

Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Such a small price to pay for peace.

Not just peace.

Perfect.

Peace.

Perfect peace.

If I'm to believe the scriptures (and I do) then

this perfect peace, is within my grasp

(and yours!)

Philippians 4:13 says

~ I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me ~

All I have to do to obtain this perfect peace is to keep my mind on the Lord & trust Him ...

I know that I CAN do this because I can do ALL things

through Christ ...

Not only can I do it but He'll strengthen me in the process.

It's a win-win.

All right Lord, I'm in.

Roger Lee ... aka 'Bozo' ... aka 'The Hubs'
 ... the love of my life for over 33 years ...

Joshua Isaiah, my oldest son & favorite Sailor ...

USS Farragut

Philip Andrew, my youngest son ...

My precious giggling grandgirlies ... Kylie Jo, Anna Elisabeth, Emily Rae and ...

The new girl ... scheduled to arrive April 2012
(Unofficially "Miss Vivian Leigh")


Here they are Lord ...
They are my life ...
my joy ...
I give them all to You ...

I will:
~ Trust in the LORD with all my heart; and lean not unto my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) ~

Goliath ...





 Meet Goliath.

I know what you're thinking.

It looks like an ordinary piano.

It's not.

Not to me.

It's a giant.



It taunts me.

Daily.

That's okay.

I've read the story.

If I don't give up ...

I win!

Besides, if it was easy everyone would do it.

Right? ;)

Twenty Twelve

A brand spankin' new year is here.

Full of potential and opportunity ...

Crisp ...

Fresh ...

Untouched ...

Like freshly washed laundry drying in the wind ...

(I love it!)

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!



Lord Have Mercy ...

Mercy. I try to err on the side of it. I'm not always successful.  Jesus extended it. Often.  

 
Blind Bartimaeus asked for it. Specifically. In Mark 10:46-52, an awesome visual comes to my mind as I read. I see a blind beggar, who has heard that Jesus is coming & he begins to cry out for mercy ... literally. "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me" (can you see it?)

I love this next part, because in spite of being shushed by many, he cried all the more ... "Thou son of David, have mercy on me" ...  Lesson here?

Hmm, let me think ... when you find yourself in need of mercy, it's a good idea to cry out to the Lord for it. It's also a good idea to ignore the naysayers who tell you to be quiet (i.e. "you're making a fool out of yourself") & cry out. Louder.  (BTW,  when I read this passage, I also 'hear' The Flores Family in my head singing "Jesus Is Passing By" but unless you went to the Bellflower COG, in the mid-70's, you're not likely to have the same experience ;).

In Luke 23:40-43, another visual of love & mercy is painted in my mind. Another perfect example of mercy extended (& just in the nick of time) to the thief on the cross. What did this man do to receive mercy? Let's see ....

And he said unto Jesus "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" .... Jesus' response? ... "Verily I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in paradise".

He. just. asked. Again, when in need of mercy, what should you do?  Ask. Cry out. Cry. out. loud. LOUDER!  (While I don't advocate waiting until death is imminent because let's face it, not everyone is granted the opportunity, this passage also makes a case for deathbed repentance. No matter what you've done, where you've been, where you're at. If you've never known Him or are in a backslidden condition, if you find yourself in such a predicament, cry out to Jesus. Please. :)

John Chapter 8:3-11, paints another picture of mercy. "Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act".  Her accusers came quoting scripture ... "Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?" (you get the sense that they're trying to trip him up, huh? Silly Pharisees!) His answer was simple (& brilliant), first (with his finger) He wrote on the ground as though he heard them not (v.6) and then He said "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" ... then he wrote something else & when He looked up they were gone.  "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?"  "No man, Lord".  (On another note, when I get to Heaven, I'm soooo asking Him what it was that He wrote!).

"Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" ... Mercy.  She didn't even ask for it but, she was in desperate need of it. Quickly. And she received it.  Isn't that just like Jesus? :)

Defined as: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy or other person in one's power; compassion, pity or benevolence: the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment; an act of kindness, compassion or favor; something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing.

(My family &) I have been the recipient(s) of mercy more times than I can count; I'm certain, more times than I'm even aware & remain in need of it. 

 

It is my intention plan hope prayer that I extend it whenever possible with the words of my mouth, my actions, my attitudes, when it's within my power - when I feel like it but especially when I don't (which begs the question: Is it really mercy if it's easily granted? I don't know. The thought just came to me.).

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth, will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, " (Psalm 89:1)

Lord have mercy ;)

Arach-NO!-phobia ...

Arachnophobia ...

Just typing the word gives me goosebumps.

I've never seen the movie of the same name.

Why, I ask, would anyone (in their right mind) want to view such a thing?  I haven't the slightest idea.

Okay, so you get the idea.

I HATE spiders.

With that said, I know that spiders are part of the whole feel of Fall (at least here in Appalachia) & I get it but

I don't have to like it

and believe me, I don't!

This year it seems to be worse so ...

 I have called in the big guns.

I've lived in my home for 27 years & have never felt the need to seek professional help (and no, I'm not calling in a mental health professional! ;) but this year, I have sought the help of  an

(dun,dun,dun)....

 TERMINATOR

EXTERMINATOR ....

Well, that still may be a bit of an exaggeration ...

I've called in a guy to come & spray in & around the house for spiders (& all things creepy crawly in general) ...

So beware all you eight-legged creatures,

you are not welcome here,

you received no invitation ...

you are going down ...

You have been warned ....

Awww, October ....

October.

Can you keep a secret?

Don't tell the others.

;)

Drink Fancy Coffee Drinks ... Check

Well, wouldn't know it ...

The first item checked off my

was the next to the last thing on it ...

drink fancy coffee drinks

The DIL & I each enjoyed a

Pumpkin Spice Latte @ Starbucks,

venti, nonfat, with whipped cream ...

pure Autumn deliciousness!

And yes, I always get the whipped cream

even though I get the nonfat 'cause

well, a gal's got to cut back somewhere,

right? ;)

One down.

Fifteen to go.

Becky & I enjoying my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season
& her first one ever!  (My eyes are so weird & wide open for dramatic effect &
because Pumpkin Spice lattes make me soooooo happy! ;)



Happy Fall Y'all!

Myself, the grandgirlies & anyone else intested in participating

will spend Autumn 2011 checking off items on

"The Fall Bucket List"

Exciting huh?

Well, I sure think so and

I'm VERY excited!

I'm be sure to keep you updated on all the fun

'cause it's gonna be great ...

So my friends,

 I leave you with these words ...

Happy Fall Y'all!



A decade ago ...

I'm certain that if you ask any American

what they were doing the moment they heard the

news of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001

they could tell you exactly.

I can actually give you an account of what I did

the entire day ...

I'll spare you the details because I feel

certain you have your own account of the day that changed Americans forever.

It's the only time in my adult life I went to bed afraid.

The skies were eerily quiet.

As I lay there, I remember praying quietly for America

and the for safety of loved ones scattered across the country,

most of them in or near major Metropolitan areas.

Not that you could tell anything was wrong by my surroundings.

I live in a small community in rural Appalachia so it appeared

as though all was right in the world.

Of course the events of the morning had proven differently.

Today I honor the memory of those killed on that day

and I pray for the hearts of those who experienced loss of ...

a loved one,

a friend,

 a neighbor,

 a co-worker,

 an aquaintance.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7)

That is my prayer for you because,

even a decade later,

it's hard to understand.

Isn't it?

I think so.

September 11, 2001.

It taught me something.

God is in control.

He is in control

even when,

no,

 especially when

 everything in us and

surrounding us

appears to be

spiraling out of control.

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God,

 that I may declare all thy works" (Psalms 73:28)



50 .... Fifty ....

Fifty ...

25 x 2 ... (ouch!)

Yep, August 31, 2011,

it came & went

and (guess what)

I wanted to dig a hole in the backyard, crawl in it and cry

I survived!

(and I managed to do it

with a smile on my face all day most of the day).

It's a day I'm not likely to forget ...

 for a few reasons.

I saw my fourth grandbaby via ultrasound.

I already knew this precious blessing was on the way,

but seeing him up there on the big screen

(in the safest place he'll ever be - his momma's womb)

made me feel happy & reminded me of the magnificence of God ...

how mindful He is of our needs, longings and

yes, even our shortcomings, mistakes, frailities,

and oh His mercies ...

I so appreciate them ...

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness" (Lam. 3:22,23)

"Hi Nana! See you in April!"

(BTW, I'm referring to 'him' as a him because I believe that's what 'he' is

and Nana is ready for some blue! :)

My momma is another reason the day will be forever etched in my mind.

I could tell she was a little tender about my 50th birthday and

I understand it. My goodness, when your oldest child turns 50 that's gotta do

something to a momma's heart, doesn't it? Yep, I think so ...

I really didn't want to do anything in celebration of the day but

because I knew that wouldn't be tolerated I decided to make my own

celebratory dinner. What a great idea! Why hadn't I thought of it earlier?

Maybe because I'm OLD! 

I'd begin my 50th year of life by giving! Brilliant!

So a family fave was on the menu ...

yep, I made chicken enchiladas!

My family loves them & they're easy enough to make in mass quantities

(which is necessary because that is how they are consumed! ;)

I also made carrot cake (from scratch) with homemade cream cheese icing...

(my all-time favorite in the whole world!)

So, as you may have already guessed,

the family, my family,

they are the reason I'll remember this day fondly.

While they weren't all here with me (sniff, sniff)

the hubs,

my oldest son,

my sweet Kylie Jo ...

weren't here and if they had been I feel certain you wouldn't have been able to wipe the smile off my face :)

But it was still a very good day.

A day to think about & look back on my life and

see His hand actively leading and guiding me ...

Blessing me sometimes in spite of myself ...

So, my family came in celebration of all things 'Kimberly' ...

they came because of what they mean to me

and because of what I mean to them ...

It doesn't get any better than that.

Em, Anna & Cait ... precious giggling girlies ...

(so happy there was cake & a reason to party!)

'Abby Cadabby' ... the new girl ...

my momma and my daddy ...

my youngest son & the (preggo) DIL ...

my brother & my SIL and

my Pastor & his wife, who I lovingly refer to as Sis. Pastor,

were all here ...

(Em & Anna made me cupcakes)

I received countless phone calls,

a few text messages,

> 100 'happy birthday' wishes on Facebook,

an e-mail from my Sailor son (who was underway)

and even a couple of cards via 'snail mail' ....

So I stand corrected ...

50

fifty

25 x 2

it wasn't so bad

it was a good day :)

I promise will try not to complain about my age for another ten days years ...

and with said I'll 'quote' King David ... cause I simply couldn't resist ...

"Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until

I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come"

(Psalm 71:18)

(BTW, regardless how old I get I will NEVER be grey! ;)



Eleven ...

I'll be 50 in eleven days :*(

I gotta tell ya,

I'm not thrilled about it.

Yes, yes, I know ....

"It beats the alternative" ...

yada, yada, yada

I am a blessed woman.

The Lord has been good to me all the days of my life.

Really good.

30 was hard for me too.

It's been 20 years since I was 30.

That was quick :/

If the next 20 years go by as quickly,

I'll be 70 before I know it!

Okay, I'm not that pessimistic ....

(I actually just made myself giggle:)

Well, that's a start ...

Thank you ...

I just want to take a moment and 'voice' a sincere

"Thank you" to all those who have served or are serving our country.

I appreciate your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your family.

I do not take it for granted.

My son, Joshua,

fresh out of boot camp in August 2007,

my favorite sailor!

Today we decorate the graves of those fallen for our freedom ...

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation! 

~Thomas William Parsons