This crazy world

I have said this before...I didn't start this blog to be a political statement, it's my therapy. And it just so happens that what I am going to vent about today has much to do with politics.

What is up with this crazy market and economy? What is up with all this media hype surrounding it? What in the world is the right answer to all these problems?

Well, I just don't really know. I am not paid to do that job, and can I honestly say that I do not want to do it. I actually think (no matter what the political party is) that it is a hard time to be in Washington these days. So, I will definitely be praying for wisdom and for God's will to be accomplished through each of our country's leaders.

But, let's get real here.....what is all happening in this world today WILL be used in God's plan, but this is NOT God's will. Satan has had a real hay day in this world. Greed, selfishness, ignorance and pride have taken over this whole country. Our wants for more and more and to become richer and richer are just out of control. Our pastor once said "we spend money we don't have to impress people we don't really like!" We (the American people, MYSELF included) buy houses we can't afford, drive cars we can't afford and spend money we don't have because credit is so easily available (or it WAS!). And then when we get caught we want to blame someone else for it!

But I think there is more to it than that. I think we are a world where we all believe we have this sense of ENTITLEMENT. We think we are OWED these things and the positions of power and comfort we have. And you know what, Satan couldn't be happier with our thoughts.

So, last night I truly was having a moment of panic after watching the news and I really started to get scared. And then I heard God's voice say to me "don't be afraid, I am in control. Focus on having your family ready for the day they meet me and don't worry about the rest". And then I also realized that I am so guilty too of thinking that I deserve what I have because we work so hard for it. And I immediately prayed for forgiveness at those thoughts and asked God to heal me of my way of thinking.

This song gently brings me back to where I need. It's NOT because of who I AM, but because of who HE IS.

Doesn't take much...

To make this man happy.....
Remember I said Jay does NOT sleep naked? Well, take a look at this shirt, he will probably be sleeping in for the rest of the football season and basketball season. I won't be able to get him to take it off! This is one happy man. The coaches at Liberty have blessed him with the honor of allowing him to lead them in Bible study once a week. He truly loves his coaches, in fact, I have never seen him quite so excited about leading anything since he left the frat house. The man loves everything about football and basketball. The coaches gave him this shirt today to let him know that he is officially "part of the team" and they couldn't have made him a happier man. Just goes to show you that when you say "yes" to God's calling, He will always provide a blessing.

Thanks a bunch to all the Coaches for blessing my husband. He truly has enjoyed spending time with you, off AND on the field!

Some football pictures

Here are some football pictures. I finally remember to take the camera!

Jayson had a few fans too...check out the girls' faces

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The things a child will say

So we have all heard the embarrassing things our children say. I remember when Jayson went to Kindergarten, his teacher told the parents, "don't believe everything they say about me and I won't believe everything they say about you." Well, today I am hoping that Katie's teacher has the same motto.

Hunter came running to the car today after school to tell on her little sister (of course). She just had to tell me what Katie said today. "Well, spit it out Hunter, what did Katie say?" Hunter has such a way of dragging out her moment in the spotlight. So, finally she tells me "Katie told Mrs. Johnson that daddy sleeps naked!" WHAT????? OH MY GOLLY! Surely she did NOT say that? But, Hunter heard her, and being the proper child she is, covered her sister's mouth and said "we will be talking to mommy about this when we get to the car." In fairness to Katie, she did go back and say "well, I think maybe he sleeps in his underwear really!"

I know that teacher is thinking TMI! TMI!

The funny thing is, Jay does NOT sleep naked. Even if I beg him to, it's not his style. In the winter, we can't find him under all the layers. I think he said it stems from his days of sleeping in the sub-zero fraternity house in college. But, every time Mrs. Johnson sees him now, she will be thinking "that man sleeps naked!"

You know, I really needed this comic relief today, and I am so glad that for once, it's Jay who is the brunt of the joke and not me!

Love you honey =)

Pictures of the accident scene

Thought you all might want to see exactly where she crashed her bike.

My poor baby

My poor little Katie has had a rough week this past week. Starting a new school has been a bit difficult for her. She is a bit like her brother in the fact that she doesn't like change. So, knowing this about her, we have tried to be very patient and love on her lots. Her teachers have been amazing at giving her lots of love and ME lots of reassurance.

So, yesterday was a better day and not too many tears. Sissy Tara, Brookie and I went to have lunch with her and stayed for recess. We left with smiles and the promise I would call her friend's mother to ask about a playdate.

So, when I went to pick her up we were very excited to get on our bikes and ride home (our first day ever of bike riding to school) for a great weekend. Well, don't you know on the way home she had a crash. Not just a little crash, a roll down the hill, through the brush, into a concrete drain area. Before I could get to her she came running out screaming and afraid that a snake was going to get her. Poor girl had scratches from her armpit to her hip bone AND her helmet had cracked. Hunter and I were as scared as she was. It was a terrifying moment trying to figure out if she had seriously hurt herself.

When I looked at the position of her bike and, knowing her helmet was cracked, I just had to stop and thank God that HE protected her. It could have been so much worse.

We managed to get close to home with her back on the bike. Asked Hunter to run ahead and get Daddy. I pushed her on my bike for a few minutes and the calvary arrived!!!!! That little girl was so happy to see her daddy.

Poor baby, she had a rough week. I can only think.....next week has to be better!

My God IS an awesome God

And I just have to share with you all about it.

Okay, so tonight was our first night of football. Jayson was really nervous because his positions have changed a bit. Daddy could tell you all about that, I just watch and cheer. Who cares what they are called....lineman, linebacker, receiver...yada yada yada

Anyway, I was praying on the way to the game for Jayson's safety above all else, and then I remembered something Jay had said about Nehemiah. Jay has been leading the high school coaches in the study of Nehemiah and it says that we can pray for specifics like Nehemiah did (even if that means asking God to allow a win for our team). So, I said "God, first and foremost I ask you to keep Jayson safe. And, I specifically request that tonight you give him something to feel good about when he leaves that game. I am asking you to give Jayson something to hold onto that makes him proud of his performance and proud to be playing on the team."

I knew I would have to watch out for Jayson because this year his number changed. I didn't know what it was going to be, so I needed to look for him without his helmet on to spot him. He didn't request his good ole number 18 this year (it's been his number for 4 years) and his coaches were randomly (RANDOMLY) assigning numbers today so he couldn't tell me what his number was going to be this morning.

I spotted him, called Jay (who is missing the first game ever and it is killing him) and said "well, Jayson is number 35 this year instead of 18." And do you know what Jay said? He said "Kristy, that was my Dad's number when he played football."

Okay, so I lost it right there in the bleachers. God was giving me what I had asked for. You see, Papaw was Jayson's biggest cheerleader. He went to every football game weather would permit him to see. I have pictures of him with a purple streak in his hair for one of our championship games. He LIVED to see Jayson play ball. He told me he had prayed and asked God to allow him to live to watch Jayson play football. VT loved football and he was so proud of Jayson when he played.

Jayson had a great game. He DID come off that field very proud of himself. I did stop our celebration long enough to ask "did you pick that number or did you just randomly get it". He said "they just gave it to me, why?" And, through my tears, I told him that this number was the exact same one his grandfather wore when he played football so many years ago. Jayson replied, this time with a very quiet pride, "so my papaw was with me tonight."

Yes, my God is an awesome God!

Retreat

Just a quick check in.....we are hosting the 8th graders in their youth retreat! Yippee! 23 boys and girls are here at the house with the opportunity to grow closer to God.

I ask that you pray for them all as they learn this weekend.

Uh, and if you don't mind, will you pray for the adults too? We are going on very little sleep around here!

Mothers....working or not

Okay, so far I have refrained from anything political posted out here on the web. I do that because I have friends and family of all different thoughts/viewpoints and political affiliations. So, here's the warning: if you don't want to know my view, please don't read further. It is not my intent to offend anyone. However, I must make a few comments regarding the VP candidate, Sarah Palin.

As a stay at home mom, I have always thought that the fight between stay at home moms and working moms is just ridiculous. Everyone has to do what they think is right for their family.
So, when I watch the news and I hear a FEMALE reporter asking a panel of mothers if they think the Governor's daughter is pregnant because Mrs. Palin has been working so hard on her political career it makes me very angry on so many different levels.

First, why start that age old fight about working mothers vs. stay at home moms? Aren't we all moms trying to do the best we can for our family? Then, I have to wonder, would this have been asked if it were her husband running for office? Or would they have asked the same question if one of Obama's children turned up pregnant (I know they are too young, but speaking hypothetically here). Would they say something like this: "do you think his daughter ended up pregnant because he was too busy persuing his political career?" Uh, I don't think so. Case in point, did anyone blame VP Cheney when it was made known his daughter was gay? Hmmmm?

We live in a world where women need to stick together and the fact that a woman reporter asked this question just struck the wrong chord in me. And, even though I am sure she didn't hear me, I did ask 2 questions to the TV that day (well, screamed them, but no one was around). 1) Do YOU have children?
2) Most importantly, are they teens?

You see, throwing stones at a person before you have had a chance to walk in their shoes is a big mistake. We must be careful to say "my child will never...." because more than likely, my child will. And pitting mothers against each other is not the answer. We should be there to support each other and help each other through difficult times so when OUR difficult time as a mother rolls around, someone is there for us. Believe me, we all get a time when our child is doing something we wish they weren't.

I think we should spend our time praying for Sarah Palin and her family. Especially her daughter who is about to have her life change forever. The impact on having a baby so young will be with her for the rest of her life.

But one thing is for certain, God does not create mistakes. His plans for this baby are already formed and whether his/her grandmother is working or not, VP of the US or not, does not matter. What matters is that this child of God is going to be born and given a purpose in life.

I am proud of Sarah Palin for standing behind her daughter. She could have done the unthinkable to try to hide the pregnancy to better her chances of winning this election, but she didn't. And I don't think a decision to encourage a teen at a point like this in her life is a decision that is better made by a stay at home mom or a working mom. It is best made by a mom who loves her child! And isn't that what we all are?