Leaving a Legacy...

Kindred Spirit (as Anne of Green Gables calls it)

Hearts that Beat with ours... (as Hal and I call it)

Rare gems of this life...(as it truly is)

Seriously, there are few people who come into our lives like this. Few.

In March of 1989, we moved our family to a new place. It was a hard move for me... but then, all moves are hard for me. As a woman I put down roots... and I had roots that were 7 years old.

But God doesn't make mistakes. I spent some time encouraging our children that our lives would be "richer" because of the people that God had waiting for us in our new place of service. As I encouraged them... the words became truth to me. I had to believe what I was trying to teach them.

Today, over twenty years later, I am so thankful for the fulfillment of those words that I spoke to my children... and to my heart.

Clint and Diana are kindred spirits. Their hearts beat with ours. They are rare gems. Certainly our lives are richer for having known them.

This past week, Diana left this old life, and entered into the joy of her salvation. I am still in shock. She had been battling cancer. I did not know.

They have 11 children. The first three were born when we met them. I was allowed to be the mid-wife's helper for the fourth (and first son). Diana called me when she had the good news of another "blessing" on the way. I was always so ready to rejoice with her!

Just recently (January I think)... one of the older daughters and I connected on FaceBook. But did not ever talk. I looked at pictures. I was glad to have connection again. Then I saw where this daughter was leaving college to go back home. The comment explained that her Mother needed her. I searched the wall /page... to see why. Since I could not find any reason, I assumed that she had given birth to baby # 11. I even said to Hal, "that Diana has had a baby and did not call me!" I was anxiously awaiting for pics to be posted -- and was so glad that I now had the re-connection of Facebook.

So, you can imagine the shock when I opened the message sent to me Wednesday morning. "Mom went home to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. We are looking at having the funeral this friday afternoon at 2:30. "

I just stared at the computer screen. I told Hal. I wept.

Diana encouraged me in my life.... especially those first years of homeschooling. Diana has encouraged me in her death. Her funeral service was a testimony and celebration of the life she lived.

But I have to be honest and say that I have struggled. I am still struggling. Hal and I discussed it again today. He asked me this morning why I was having such a hard time.

I am still trying to figure that out myself. See, I know where she is. I know that this world was not her home... and that she believed/lived that too. Maybe just the sheer fact that I was expecting the announcement of a birth - and I was faced with the pronouncement of her death. Maybe because I did not get to tell her good-bye. Maybe because I would like to tell her how much she meant to me... And Hal and I decided this morning - that just maybe I was living vicariously through her with all of her babies. My biggest regret for my life is that I had my tubes tied and limited the number of children that I could have. So... I loved her life. I loved her children. I loved the ministry and witness that she lived.

But that is not all. As I sat at the funeral service... I was reminded of many things that I know are true:
Life (on this earth) is short.
Only what is done for Christ Jesus matters.
Life is also full of distractions - to keep us from what God has called us to do.
The woman that fears the Lord - she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Legacy...

Yes, I spoke truth to my children. Our lives are richer because of the people that God had waiting on us in our new place of service. And Clint and Diana really are kindred spirits/heart beats/rare gems in our lives. Now, heaven is sweeter... and memories are priceless!

Thank you Father for the life and legacy of Diana. Thank you Father for the continued friendship of Clint and their beautiful family.

Not as I Planned...

A beach get-away...

It is a little bit of heaven to this gal.

Well, usually.

However, this year, my trip made a WRONG turn.

I thought I would not bore you all with all the details. But I do not know any other way to tell this story.


Day One:
Wonderful trip down to Destin. Laughter does good like medicine.

Lunch before we unload and go to the beach. - We think this was where the food poison decided to vacation with me.... and my overall excitement began it's journey down...

Supper - to be honest I do not even remember where we went or what I ordered. I was just ready to get back to the room and go to bed. This is when the AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL headache decided to join me. I thought I was having an aneurysm. Seriously. Not.Much.Sleep.



Day Two:
Started the day by going to get some supplements to help with my YUK. Surely this would help. Spent a little time with my toes in the sand - and decided to go to the room to get a nap / and I just knew I would feel better when I woke up. WRONG. I spent most of the afternoon in the bed. For those of you who know me - that tells you how sick I was. DeeDee is at the beach and I am in the room in the bed and not on the beach. I still can not believe it.



Regardless, I got dressed to go to supper. And then I FELL in the kitchen. One minute I am on my way to the refridgerator to get some more tea. The next minute I am on the floor. I have slipped and fallen on my knee. I was able to get up ... I was ok. I was ok. I could walk. I could.



I still felt YUK. But it had to get better soon.

Have I mentioned yet how much I also LOVE seafood?

So, as I sat at the table and ordered my food, I began to wonder where I would run if I did not think I could make it to the restroom. After about two bites of my SHRIMP, I excused myself. QUICKLY. Very Quickly. I did make it to the bathroom. There were three stalls. THANKFULLY. But it is hard to hide the reality that you are throwing-up everything that you have eaten for two days.



As soon as I could... I washed my hands, I splashed my face, I wet some paper towels to hold on my head and I HURRIED to the car. I did get some funny looks as I passed by. Oh well....



Back at the room, I went to bed. Not to the balcony to listen to the waves roll in. Not on the couch with a throw covering me as we watched a "chick-flick". NOPE, DeeDee went to bed.



Now, the knee starts hurting. BAD. I got up to go to the bathroom. I dug through my clothes and found some soft cotton pajama pants that I could roll up and wrap around my knee and give it some support. I was being quiet so I would not interupt the girls watching a movie. Then I realized that I was about to pass out. I broke out in a sweat...and the eyes were losing sight.



Think quick.



What do you do?



If I lay down and pass out - they will not know. That would not be good.



If I go to the door and tell them that I am not feeling so well.... I will certainly pass out and fall. That would not be good.



So.... I took a couple of quick steps and BANGED on the door - and dove for the bed.



Of course they came running. I scared them to death. Whatever - I scared me to death.



"Get me something to drink. Quick!" Orange juice. Something to get my sugar levels up. NOW.

I think I was dehydrated. Does it sound like I am having a vacation yet?



They offered to take me home. I WANTED TO BE AT HOME. But seriously, I do not think I could have made the ride. And I really kept thinking that I just had to feel better for the last day. I had to...



Day three:

I think I am going to live. I do feel some better. I ate some almond butter on a cracker. YUM. That stayed down. Then they asked what I thought I could eat. An egg/cheese omelet and a Starbucks Vanilla Latte. Yep, that was it. And finally something tasted good. But the knee was still not co-operating.



So, my girls went downstairs and got a wheel-chair for this crippled momma. Wheeled me to the beach. Helped me walk to the beach chair. And catered to my every whim. Yep. Vacation had arrived. I was finally soaking up some SunShine. And my toes were in the sand.



I did get some good seafood. I did get to go to the outlet mall. But I will never again say that I think it would be fun to be pushed around in a wheel-chair. Nope. It is only fun when you don't need it.

So, I come away with a few thoughts.
(1) Friends are a treasure.
(2) Laughter really does good like medicine.
(3) When the body functions as it was designed, it will not receive food poison and keep it. (whether you like it or not)
(4) Our physical bodies are subject to change in a moment. (the time it takes to go from standing in an upright position to the floor!)
(5) Having a Dr. J who lets me call her on her cell phone is a blessing.
(6) Sitting on the beach is still therapy for what ever ails you. (if you can get to get to the beach)
(7) Riding in a wheel chair is not as much fun as it looks like.
(8) There is no place like home.

I am thankful for the opportunity to go to the beach - but this year it was not as I had planned.

Is Facebook an Addiction?

I am still having trouble getting back into the routine of blogging on a consistent basis.

It is not that I do not have things to blog about. I have several going on in this head of mine.

I think the truth of the matter is that I have spent entirely too much time on Facebook.

Now, I am not saying that I am against it or that I plan to take a break from it. No, I really am so thankful for my FB connections. It has given me the opportunity to re-connect with long lost friends. It is a wonderful way to connect with those in our present day "world." ie - church family. It is such a good way to stay connected with our REAL (flesh and blood) family.

It is simply a way to know and be known. Does that make any sense?

While I might not have the time (or actually take the time) to write a letter. I may not even have/take the time to write an email. But when I sign on my Facebook page, I can quickly see an update on the people in my life. Then I have the opportunity to respond or not. It only takes a minute. The connection is made.

Today is a good example. I had just talked to my Jonathan by IM. My heart was aching. I posted about it on my status:

once again... time with my soldier this morning on IM... makes me happy and sad... I just hate it when he says "my time is up... I have to go"

I sit and stare at the screen... and pray...

And the support/connections began. Such sweet manna to this Mother's heart. Support. Love. Prayers. None of which took much time - from me or from my fb world. But it was real. And it blessed me more than can be expressed.

So, I have no intentions to give up my Facebook.

But... I may need to limit my time there.

WW # 19 Joyful Noise

(the little one in the purple is our Aubrey... with her friends, Piper and Ainslee)

I love the house being filled with praise... and joyful noise :)

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands...

Welcome...(# 10)

to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Remember our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning.

This week our reading (posted on the side bar) was from Psalms 13- 15, and Acts 23- 28.

I want to focus on this passage:

"But I have trusted in Your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."

Psalms 13:5

Years ago while going through a very tough time in ministry, I read the book, "God Works the Night Shift" by Ron Mehl. The Lord used it greatly in my life at that time, and I have been reminded of it again... this time - not ministry related. This time it is personal.

So, I say with the Psalmist... BUT I have - I AM trusting in Your steadfast love. Even when it is dark. Even when I can't see the reason. This walk this week with my mom is a road that we have not traveled. But I trust Him. Even when I can't see Him. I am also reminded of an old song - "When You Can't Trace His Hand... Trust His Heart."

I am trusting in His Steadfast Love....

Also, I thank you for the love and support that we have received. I agree with a post that my daughter wrote last week. She worded it so well. You can read the whole post here. But I want to say a special thank you to those of you have been there for us. You will never know how much it means when you reach out to us in times like these. We will forever be grateful for people that God puts in our lives who are not afraid to get close to the Pastor/Wife/Family, and who will be there with and for us when we are hurting and have needs.

I am trusting in His Steadfast Love...

Now, your turn. Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

A night with boomama and Trent Monk

Tonight was the night...

Went to Sophie's house.

Met with other Birmingham Bloggers.

Had wonderful entertainment by Trent Monk...

WOW - what a musician!

Sweet fellowship. (Gayle, Sophie, and Me)

Thank you Sophie - for opening your home and inviting us in. And for letting us sit and enjoy listening to Trent.

I told you when I walked in that you were a brave soul - but I change that... you are a precious soul!

And we are blessed by having spent some time with you in your home. That is what hospitality is all about.

Sweet Blessings to you!

Blogging Friends Following...

Hey Friends,

Blogger has added a new feature... Look to the right sidebar.
Click on the *Follow this blog* and add your name. Then if you want it too, add the widget to your blog and leave me a comment and I will come and "follow" your blog.....

I like this idea.

I want to see your pretty faces when I sign on :) (and if you do not have a pic - at least I will have your name)

Friends

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to go and visit with some "long-time" friends. They are from our first "full-time" church out of Seminary. (We moved there in 1982.)

We had such a wonderful time.... It is amazing how real friendships last. It has been FOREVER since we were all together...and we just seemed to pick up where we were last. I love it.

Kindred Spirits. I think that is what Anne of Green Gables calls it.

Blessed. That was how I felt as we drove home on that Friday night. Blessed years ago to have them a part of our every day life. Blessed all these years to call them friends. Real friends. We do not see each other often...but I have no doubt that if I called any one of them with a need... they would be there in an instant. Same for us.

I love you guys... Our lives are richer because of you!

Our Visit with Jonathan

Just the facts....


We (Hal, DeeDee and Brantley) left immediately following the morning worship service to go to Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.


About 5 miles from Camp Shelby, and immediately after talking to Jonathan - for him to let us know where to park and wait for him to be released - our car stopped. It just quit running! We were able to coast to a service road. After talking to Lee (our mechanic) he determined it was our timing belt.


Lee and Anita loaded Anita's Toyota Highlander on the tow truck - and began their journey to Hattiesburg. Thank the Lord that Lee is not only our mechanic - but Lee and Anita are WONDERFUL FRIENDS!


Then a wonderful Hattiesburg Police officer came to our rescue - and drove us to the base. (Note - Hal and DeeDee in the back seat - Brantley in the front seat) No, I did not take a picture of this... LOL. He even turned the lights on for a short time!






We arrived at the base before Jonathan was released... but we were not far from where he was unloading and he spotted us.




(He did not see us getting out of the police car though).

When we realized that it was him coming our way - I had to hurry to throw down all of my stuff in order to get the camera out - but I was able to capture the run to each other - and Brantley jumping into his arms!
























What a precious moment!

Then after a few phone calls - Mark Windham's twin brother (who lives in Hattiesburg) - came to the base and let us use his car. What a special blessing to us! We were able to go out to eat (at Copeland's ummmm) and visit with Jonathan until Lee and Anita arrived.





We unloaded Anita's Highlander... drove to where the car was parked... Lee loaded the Camry on the tow truck and headed back to Alabama. We were able to stay and visit a little while longer before we drove back.

It was not as hard leaving him there this time. For we know that this time - he is home. He will be back in Alabama in a few days. The deployment is over. He is safe.

If I am able to figure out how to post a clip from my husband's message - I will do so soon. Which by the way - was a wonderful message to our graduating seniors - but also to all of us - about living a life that matters - and not wasting your life. So... go to the website http://www.calerabaptist.org/ and listen to it all... but for this particular blog... you really need to hear a clip. I will let you know if I am able to add it later. It is priceless considering our day!

But let me end by telling you all this: It was worth it all.

A broken down car
A blessed policeman who focused on serving
A friend coming to our aid and lending us his car

A wonderful friend/mechanic (and wife) who went far beyond the call of duty

Worth it all - to see our son.

To put our arms around him and get a wonderful hug.

To talk to him face to face.

To see him with Brantley.

To soak in the reality that our Loving Savior and Lord - protected our Son in the midst of war.

IT WAS WORTH IT ALL.

What a wonderful day! We are blessed beyond measure!

I still do not know how to load a video from youtube... so I will just end with this link.. go listen if you have time. It Has Always Been the Soldier.

Blessings!

Friends

We took a trip to South Florida to visit some very special friends this past weekend. Mark and Toni are people that walked into our lives in 1989... and it was the beginning of a life-long friendship. We were comfortable with each other from the start...and now, even when it has been a long time since we have been together - we just pick up where we left off. That is a blessing!

It was 80 degrees in the day time - and we even had the opportunity to go out on the boat in Port Charlotte Harbor. IN FEBRUARY! Now that is my kind of weather. LOL Eldon (the owner of the boat and driver for us) hunted until he found dolphins for us. We "chased" them for quite a while trying to get a good picture. We had such a good time.

It was good to visit with people that we love so much... and it was good to rest. (Now, Hal may not consider it to be much rest - since he drives and it was an 11 hour trip. And he did have to preach 3 times on Sunday morning. LOL) Maybe I should say I got some rest! Regardless, we are blessed.

Thank you Lord for precious friends.

(If any of the pics of the dolphins are good.... I will post them later)

Through the Fire

Not really ready to blog....

Was SO hoping to talk to Jonathan in person first...

But today... for you Terry... and for you family....

Psalms 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Remember that is the scripture that I claimed on the day that Jonathan was on the way to Iraq.

From my blog posted on that day : "That was it - my rock to hold on to for the day. I quickly wrote the verse on a small piece of paper - and put it in my pocket. And literally all day, when someone would ask how I was doing - I would put my hand in my pocket and squeeze the piece of paper - and tell them, "I am holding on". Holding on. That even when my flesh (I was so physically exhausted) and my heart (hurting so bad) may fail - God Is the strength of my heart and He is my portion forever. Holding on.Thank you Father."

So, really all that I can say today is, "Hold on". Our Savior has promised to never leave you or forsake you. Hold on.

I wanted to add a video from Youtube...but could not get it to post. So for now, just go to this address and listen to this song. Through the Fire (I know how you like Southern Gospel...so this is for you!!!)
Go to this link and listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCIvTVIFvTY
.
Love to you, Terry... We want to be here for you and your family. Not with answers...just with love and support.

We Need Each Other

Women need women. (Men need Men too) That is a fact. I have just had a wonderful Women's Ministry Leadership Team meeting. It was long - but I think that we accomplished a lot. However, the main thought on my mind tonight after all of our planning....is how much we need each other. Let me explain a little if I can...

Sometimes, the need is for counsel. We need Godly counsel. Oh that we would always surround ourselves with Godly people to point us to the Word. People who are not afraid to warn us. People who truly love us - warts and all. Oh yes, we need Godly counsel.

Then there are times that we need teaching. We can study on our own...but we need to learn from others too. We need people/teachers who will take us with them to the feet of Jesus.

Other times, we just need fellowship. Fun, Food, Fellowship - filled with love and laughter! We need to "let our hair down" without fear of rejection. Some time to just be me! No masks, no fear, no worry. Oh, doesn't that sound good?

Often we need someone to listen. Listen to all of our details. Women like details. And we often need someone who cares enough to listen to them. That will sometimes lead us back to the first need - of Godly counsel... but not always. Sometimes - just listen.

Prayer. Oh, what a need. Someone who will tell you that they will pray for you...and they actually do it. Or better yet....they pray with you now. We may not always be able to give an answer...we may not always be able to give counsel... but we can always pray.

Oh, and we need accountability. What more can I say? Accountable. Would that one thing keep so many of our present day troubles away? When we begin to isolate ourselves from the people who know us well, and love us.... trouble is lurking around the corner.

I am sure that there are many more....but my tired mind tells me to quit here...and see if you have any to add.

We need each other....

Blessings,
DeeDee

My Various Blog Rolls

I wanted a way to post all of the blogs that I enjoy/recommend. The side-bar was not big enough :) So, I have divided them up. (and might I just add that this is a LONG process - so if you are not listed yet in one of the catagories - please email me (halanddd (at) charter (dot) net) and let me know - it would certainly help in the process. I am not intentionally leaving out any of you - my blogging buds. And of course, for any new readers out there - please let me know if you would like to be added to one of my blogrolls.

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My Family Blogging

Julia @ Walking Backwards

Jonathan @ Thoughts of a Little Boy Trapt in a Soldier's Body - Walk with Me

Jenifer @ A Day in the Life of Jenifer

Jenifer's Photography @ Reflections Photography

Hal @ Gripped by Grace

Hal and DeeDee @ Helping Homes

DeeDee's Devotions @ Holding On

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My Friends Blogging

(the ones I REALLY know) :)

Alison @ Alison's Blessed Life

Meredith @ Bear Feet for Thee

Darlene @ Everything to Me AKA Puff's Pocket

Tricia @ It's All About Him

Jessica @ Just Jessie

Leisl @ Just Me 'n Mine

Krista @ Krista's Kronicles & Coffee Talk

Michelle @ Michelle's Mementos

Krista @ Much Ablog about Nothing

Natalie @ Tandem Mommy Lifestyle

Melissa @ Splashes of Joy

Gayle @ The Westie Crew

Mitzi @ This is the Day

Michelle J. @ Wearing the Inside Out

Kelly @ Where's the Beef?

Shannon @ The Vines Family

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My dotcom Friends Blogging

(the ones I have met face -to - face) :)

Rachel

Kim @ Reformed Grits

Robyn @ 3 Girls MOM

Sophie @ boomama

Katherine @ Grass Stains

Lora Lynn @ vitafamiliae

Bethany @ Bethany and Brad

Cathy @ Voice of Truth

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My dotcom Friends Blogging

(following)

Amy @ Mom of 4-Saved By Grace

Amy @ Split Decisionz

Angie @ The Knightly News

Chickadee@ A Familiar Path

Christi @ Blah Blah Blog

Connorcolesmom

Debra @ Clothed With Scarlet

Emily @ The Learning Never Stops

God's Girl @ heaven's journey

Jen @ Be Thou Exalted

Jenifer @ By His Grace

Jill @ Forever 'n ever 'n Always

Karla @ Empowering Christian Women

Kelly @ The Beauty of Sufficient Grace

Leah @ The Point

Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heartbeat

Mrs. N @ All that NAZ

Paula @ His Ways...are not our ways

Rebekah @ Mundane Musings

Sharon @ By His Grace

Tammy @ Greek GRITS

Tara @ Tara's View of the World

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Ministry Wives Blogging

email me @ deedee@calerabaptist.org to add you to this list

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Amy @ I'm Free from South Carolina

DeeDee@ No Greater Joy from Alabama

Lisa @ The Preachers-Wife

Tara @ Tara's view of the World

Susanne @ Truly Captivating from South Carolina

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