Happy Halloween!

It seems like more and more, Halloween celebrations are changing. My feelings about today have certainly changed over the years. But, I can look back and remember a lot of fun times as I was growing up. The church I grew up in would take the kids around (in the church bus) to members' houses for safe trick-or-treating. When Justin was little and I wasn't too old, we'd go trick-or-treating together. In seventh grade, there was a class skating/costume party. I went to a haunted house with a group of friends while I was in college. Those are some of my really good Halloween memories.

What was your favorite or most memorable costume? What was your favorite candy to get in your bucket?

Family Fall-Fest

The three of us went to the Family Fall-Fest sponsored by the church's Children's Ministry. The Fall-Fest was out at the home of one of our deacons. We got our picture made, which we'll share later. Shelby had her first experience in a moon bounce that was just the right size for toddlers. She took a minute or two to get the hang of it, but then found it to be a lot more fun that jumping on the bed at home! Then we enjoyed grilled hot dogs, brownies, lemonade, and of course fellowship. Just after sunset, we all gathered around the fire for a short devotional. It was a blessing to be there this evening!

Homecoming Weekend

This weekend was Homecoming at Harding. My parents came in town to visit. Friday night the four of us saw "Fiddler on the Roof," the musical. It was really good! We laughed quite a bit. Saturday afternoon we went to some of the football game. Harding played Henderson State, and won in overtime. Channing had been told by a coworker that Harding was ranked No. 2 in the Gulf South Conference; Henderson State, No. 1. So yesterday's win was definitely a big deal! This morning we were a little late to early service...by only a few minutes. The Family Life Center was packed, so we went to the auditorium service instead. Kregg Hood was in town and spoke at all three of Downtown's services. We were blessed by a message encouraging us to be good stewards on what God has given us.

Lots Going On

Please be praying for a few members of my family. First, my aunt JoAnn is in the hospital. They thought she'd had a stroke, but now aren't certain what's wrong. They have been running all sorts of tests. Aunt JoAnn is my mom's older sister. Second, my cousin Amber has had a fever on and off for about three weeks. They're running tests. I got an email from her today, and she's been without fever for a couple days now. Amber is going to school at HU and her parents are in Georgia. I know they are concerned about her, so be praying for them too. And, last but not least, Justin is now in Iraq. Read the first comment on this post (my sister made it)for more information.

Communion Thoughts

This past Sunday morning at Downtown, Ken Neller did something a little different during communion. First, he reminded us that communion is to be joyful time of remembering that Jesus did not stay in the tomb. Secondly, it is to be a time of remembering Christ's body that hung on the cross. But it doesn't end there. Communion is also about sharing with the body of Christ...other believers. Then he asked all of us to form groups of about 5 or 6, circling our chairs together, to take the Supper together. Ken asked that each of us to share in our groups a sin that God has forgiven us for, and then pray together before taking the bread. As the cup was being passed, we were to share with one another spiritual blessings we had received because of Christ's sacrifice, followed with a prayer. It was a very special time of remembering and sharing. I had never experienced anything like it, and was very blessed by connecting with other believers in such an intimate way.

In and Not Of

This Avalon song has always been a favorite. Lately it's been running through my head...A LOT! I find myself struggling at times to be a part of the world, but not be "of the world." Or sometimes I want to stay inside my bubble...but what kind of influence do I have then? These are just a couple thoughts I wanted to share, as well as the words to this great song. Be blessed!

I hide away, far away from trouble
The world outside me grows darker by the day
So I promise to stay here close beside Him
Surely God would want His children safe
Then reading, how my eyes were opened
I find that He is leading us out into the world
Into the middle of fallen saints and sinners
Where a little grace is needed most

Come take the light to darker parts
Share His truth with hardened hearts
We are not like the world, but we can love it
Come bring His hope to hopeless men
‘Till the lost are found in Him
He came to save the world
So let us be
In and not of it

Wait a minute,
If we say we love it
Why are we not in it
Why we run and hide
Entertain a stranger,
Maybe entertain an angel
The danger is if our worlds don’t collide

We’ve cursed the darkness far too long
We need to hold the candle high
We have to go and right the wrong
We need to touch the world
With love, with His love

More Pictures from Gillam Farms

Lily and Shelby

Aren't they so cute?!

Gillam Farms

We went to Gillam Farms today with our friends John, Maggie, and Lily Hendrix. The girls had a great time playing with the pumkins and climbing on the hay mountain. Maggie and Deidre went through the hay maze. We all rode the hay ride. The scenery was beautiful! We had so much fun and look forward to making this a yearly tradition.

She can sure scream!

Shelby just threw the biggest fit ever. It lasted anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes and included screaming and thrashing! I have no clue what caused it. She was about to go to sleep and then just started hollerin'. Whew, glad that's over! I have a headache now. Since she's fast asleep (finally), I think I'm going to try to sleep some myself.

No More Fever

Well, today Shelby doesn't have a fever. It may or may not have been teething. She is drooling more than she has in a LONG time! Thanks for the prayers. Hopefully she will stay well!!

Poor Baby!

Shelby has been running a fever today, ranging from 100-102 whenever I've checked it. She hates having her temperature taken, whether I use the ear thermometer or put the digital thermometer under her arm. It's a fight, no matter what. Thankfully, though, she hasn't been that grumpy at all. I've given her some acetaminophen a few times. She fell asleep around 8:00 and hasn't slept well since then. I'll be heading to bed when I finish this post. (Channing went to bed about an hour ago.) Hopefully we'll all get plenty of sleep tonight.

Please pray that Shelby's fever breaks soon. Pray also that neither Channing nor I get sick. Thanks!

Real Thirst

Friday night we hung out with Sean and Sarah Tappe. Over our Starbuck's coffee, Sean shared something he'd discovered in class last Sunday morning. His discovery really blessed us. I hope that, as I share it, you'll be blessed too. During the class discussion of John 19, Jesus' words, "I am thirsty," really struck Sean. Jesus said that after feeling the separation from God. The soldiers gave him the wine vinegar, but that wasn't what Jesus wanted. He experienced thirst when the Father turned away. He wanted the living water that only God can provide. I never really thought of it like that before, but doesn't it make sense? We all need to be thirsty for God.

Thanks, Sean, for your thoughts. Thanks for being open to what the Spirit wanted to show you, and for sharing them with us.

Channing and I have been reading Hebrews together each night. Earlier this week, as we were getting ready for bed, I thought about how we'd gotten out of the habit of reading together and decided to get it going again. My next thought was, "What should we read?" Instantly, the book of Hebrews came to mind. No reason at all, it just popped in my head. So, I walk out of the bathroom to find Channing grabbing his Bible off the nightstand. He wanted to start reading together again too. When I asked him if he had anything in mind, his reply was, "I was thinking Hebrews." Wow! When I told him my thoughts, we agreed that Hebrews was the book we needed to be reading!

It's been a blessing, reading God's Word together. The confidence we as believers are to have in our salvation keeps popping out of the pages. And tonight, after reading chapter 9, I just keep thinking, once again, how thankful I am for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross...once and for all.

If you haven't read Hebrews lately, let me encourage you to do so. You'll be blessed.

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother-in-law, John. We hope you have a great birthday, and are able to relax at home or spend some time hunting this weekend.

Yesterday Shelby and I had lunch with my friend Susan. Susan and I worked together at Beebe Junior High for a couple of years. Neither of us teach anymore. It was so good to see her and catch up. Shelby liked Susan's beans and tomatoes. When she first ate a bite of tomato, it was obvious she knew she hadn't tried one of those before! It was funny. As usual, Shelby was a big hit with the other diners. She kept looking back at a table of ladies behind us, who were paying her a lot of attention!

On the way back from Little Rock, we stopped in at Beebe to visit the teachers in my old building. It was good to see Torrey, Mackye, Ginger, and Liz! Those ladies, as well as a few others, really made my years at Beebe special. I miss seeing them on a regular basis.

It was really cold in Searcy last night. Not sure how cold it was, but we broke out the flannel sheets!! I don't know that it will be cold enough for them any other night this week, but it sure was fun sleeping in the flannel last night.

Tonight, my cousin Nina is babysitting Shelby while we go on a double date with Sean and Sarah Tappe. We are planning to eat at Red Lobster...yummy!! I'm looking forward to a night out.

Hope you all have had a good week. Have a blessed weekend too.

Revised Prayer Request

Well, my sister called a little bit ago. For some reason, Justin left for Kuwait tonight. So please go ahead and start those prayers for safety!

Calling all prayer warriors!

This Thursday, October 12, my nephew Justin will be deployed. Justin's unit will be spending a couple weeks in Kuwait, and will then go to Iraq. They are saying he'll be gone for a year.

Please pray for Justin this week as he prepares to leave. Pray for his safety while he is away. And pray also for our family while Justin is gone.

Justin, if you're reading this, we love you and will pray for you every day.

Congratulations!

Just wanted to congratulate my cousin Amber on her engagement. She and Kevin got engaged a week ago. We are so excited! Amber and Kevin are some of our favorite people. Shelby especially likes them.

Amber and Kevin, we love you and thank God for the friendship we share. We'll be praying for you as you make preparations for the big day!

Zoo pics

Shelby didn't know what to think of this pig the zoo keepers were walking around the zoo!

Sorry about the glare!

Shelby loves elephants! She tries to make the noises like they do. It's REALLY cute!!

A Day at the Memphis Zoo

We went to Memphis on Friday and got up early Saturday morning to spend the day at the zoo. The Memphis Zoo is amazing! Shelby had a ball watching the baby bengal tigers wrestling. The famous howling monkeys were also among the favorites...for a while at least. The animals were very active, more than I've seen before. The tiger was actually roaring! Probably the best thing about the day was our time in the Northwest Passage. The polar bears were incredible! Shelby loved being so close to them as they swam all over. (We were only separated by glass.) Channing wants to go back again before it gets too cold. Wonder if we should buy a membership! (Surely not...)

Pictures from Thursday

See the post "A Day Full of Blessings" to read more about the pictures below:

Shelby and I had a great visit with Laura and Nathan Bull on Thursday!

Here we are with Lauren's puppy Bentley. Shelby doesn't look like it, but she really loved playing with Lauren's puppies!!

Pictures with family

Here are some pictures that were taken while visiting family after Grandmother's funeral.

Left: Shelby & Uncle Ron (my dad's brother)

Right: Deidre with cousins Denise, Donna, & Gail

Fun In the Sun

Today has been such a beautiful day here in Searcy! This morning Shelby and I joined Maggie and Lily Hendrix at Yancey Park. Lily and Shelby are only a month apart and play well together. Maggie and I enjoyed visiting and going down the slides with our girls.

Shelby and I just returned from Berryhill Park a little bit ago. Kacey Killebrew and her baby Angela, who is only 10 weeks old, met us there. We had a great walk! Shelby loves Angela and is always so excited to see her. Angela fell asleep quickly, so after a few rounds of walking, we stopped so that Shelby could swing for a little while. Shelby loves to swing! She giggles and squeals in delight almost the entire time! I wish you could hear her!! Too bad we don't have any good trees in our yard for a toddler swing. Shelby would love that!

A Day Full of Blessings

Yesterday was a full day! My friend, Laura Bull, and her son, Nathan, came by for a couple hours. The Bulls are missionaries in Bolivia. Laura and Nathan are in the States visiting family, friends, and sponsoring congregations for a few weeks. They were on their way to see her grandmother, and it was such a blessing to catch up! Shelby and Nathan played pretty well together, although I think Shelby was a bit dramatic for Nathan. She kept crying when I left the room and he didn't know what to think! (She has been pretty clingy this week after being away from me last weekend.) As they were leaving, Laura told Shelby to kiss Nathan good-bye. Shelby made a face and said, "No, no, no!" Ha! Guess it will be a while before she's ready for the boys.

After Shelby's nap, she and I went to visit Lauren Orbison and her new beagle puppies. Shelby loved Bentley and Buster, who are only about four months old. She did really well when they were trying to lick her and get all over her. Buster, the boy, jumped up on Shelby from behind and knocked her down. She didn't like that very much, but was pretty calm about it. It is so fun to see Shelby interact with puppies! We will definitely be getting one, but not until we have a fence.

Last night after supper, the three of us went up to the church building. Channing's friend Alex wanted to accept Christ and get baptized. It was a blessing to witness that new birth. Alex was so excited!

Before it was time for bed, we went to Sonic and then visited our friends Sean and Sarah Tappe. They have a dog named Buff. Shelby likes Buff, but not when he barks. She really didn't like it at all!

Our Thursday was full of blessings as we were able to spend a lot of time with friends. I took some pictures throughout the day and will post them once we get them developed. (I hope to get a digital camera for Christmas!)

The Sun Stood Still

Wednesday night at church, I watched the ninth video in the Believing God Bible study series. Beth Moore made this point: "Our Father delights in God-exalting, ambitious praying." She pointed out a story that I know I've probably heard before, but it just never hit me like it did in that room I guess. In Joshua 10, during a battle between the Israelites and the Amorites, Joshua looked up and asked the sun to stand still, just a bit longer so that they could continue fighting with daylight (vs. 12). And you know what? The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down almost a whole day (vs. 13). WOW!! Nothing is too hard for God. He can do anything, more than we can imagine. All I have to do is ask. He is just waiting! At times I guess I think, "Nope, God won't do that!" And I bet God is up in Heaven, saying, "Are you talking about ME??" My prayer is that I will be more faithful, and believe He is who He says He is!

For all you moms out there!

If You Give a Mom a Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she'll pour herself some.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
She'll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find some dirty socks.
She'll remember she has to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With a Pound ofHamburger.)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
She will look for the checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old the phone will ring. (Of course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.

She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are,
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Written by Kathy Fictorie
Based on If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Retreat

We had planned on going to Texas this weekend to visit Channing's family. All last week I really felt the need to stay home, while Channing and Shelby went on as planned. Not because I didn't want to be with the in-laws or anything like that, but because I just needed some time to myself. I haven't had that in a long time, not since I was pregnant - which I don't count as rest because it was at the end of May and I was VERY uncomfortable! Thankfully, Channing understood and was willing to let me have some "me time" the whole weekend.

I've had a ball!! I have cleaned the whole house, except for the garage as it's too hot this weekend. While doing that, I cranked the stereo way up, singing along at the top of my lungs. I started reading a book by Mary Higgins Clark, one of my favorite authors. I must admit that I watched a silly chick flick starring Katie Holmes. What a wonderfully mindless thing to do on a Friday night! Yesterday, I slept until nearly 11 a.m. My good friend Paige and I went to Little Rock for the afternoon, eating lunch at McAlister's and shopping at Target and Park Plaza Mall. I seriously cannot remember the last time we did that. It was so wonderful to reconnect and have that time with Paige! This afternoon I've been able to get caught up on Beth Moore's Believing God Bible study. It's been such a good weekend, and I feel very energized.

As far as Channing and Shelby's weekend in Texas, I'll have him tell you about it tonight or later on this week. It hasn't been bad, though. (However, he didn't get to have lunch with his dad like he hoped, in effort to prevent a meltdown from Shelby! Next visit, we will definitely make it happen!) Shelby has done well with just Daddy. That's an answer to prayer, let me tell you!

I am very blessed that Channing feels comfortable taking care of Shelby on his own. I'm thankful for a husband who understands my need to be alone and have time doing things I like to do so that I don't lose the sense of who I am, besides a wife and a mother. What a gift from God he is!

Anybody Out There?

I told myself I'd never do this but....I have recently learned that several people read our blog pretty regularly, yet they are not leaving comments. (Thanks to Denise and Gail, my cousins who do leave comments from time to time!) It is easy to leave a comment. When you see a cute picture of Shelby, or just want to let us know that you've been on our blog, please tell us. It makes us smile! Here's how to do it. First, click on the "comment" link at the bottom of the post. Second, type your comment in the box provided. Third, choose an identity. (You don't have to be a blogger to leave a comment on our site!) Finally, click on "publish" and you're done!

Thanks! :)