Distance

I must apologize for my lack of writing lately...juggling a newborn and busy 4 year old, well, it's enough to wipe ya right out! I have written and thought about so many things in my head while resting or washing bottles or feeding, and with some time this morning, I figured I would finally get my words out.
I was thinking about distance and the old addage that the distance between two points is a straight line, and although on paper that might be true, it isn't always the case in real life. I often imagine the image of a path God is leading us on and the twists and turns it takes to get to the destination...I must admit I don't always like the twists and turns, but if I keep pressing on, moving forward, the destination is coming. I think I know what the destination is going to look like, but it sometimes turns out to be something completely different. Am I okay with that? Depends...depends where my eyesight is. Am I focused on the destination or the Deliverer who go us to the destination? Am I only focused on getting there or the road that leads up to getting there??? Come on, admit it, no one likes the twists, the turns, the bumps, but isn't that part of getting to the destination? What if we changed our focus and learned to ride through the obstacles? Whether together or by yourself, you have to come to a point at some time where you choose to kick and scream and pout at the obstacles or embrace it. I am not saying your shouldn't sometimes question the obstacles...for instance, I received an email this morning from a friend of mine who is stuck in a destination that she doesn't want to be at, physically. She would prefer to be closer to home, to family, but God moved them some years ago and has proceeded not to move them back just yet. I, personally, think she has done her time and have pleaded to God to grant their hearts desires to return closer to home. With that being said, God may not be finished with them in that place yet...she knows that, she is wise beyond her years, but it's still hard to swallow.
So, in light of all that, I have been pondering my own response while on this journey to the bumps, bruises, twists and turns of life...I need to be better about it, my husband needs to be better at it, we, as a couple, need to be better about it. It's a long journey, and the ultimate destination with the Lord is better than any small destination of church or city or anything else.

Peanut's Good Looks...

So many people say how Peanut looks like me or looks like Jeremy...this past weekend, they all thought he looks like him. He really looks like my dad...seriously! So, we named him appropriately.


And he wanted everyone to know...Good Looks Run in the Family! :)

Consignment Weekend and Grandma's

Last Friday was consignment weekend and though I didn't do as well as I thought I would, I bought Boo big 5 year old clothes!!! He had NOTHING for Fall...not a one shirt, so I racked up some of those and some nice pants as well. He had 5 pair of jeans already, so I think he will be okay through Fall and Winter. Unless of course he gains 10 pounds and grows 5 inches, then, my friends, we are in TROUBLE! :)
At least Peanut will be able to wear some of the clothes in a few years...ahh the joys of hand me downs...never experienced that as a child.

Here is Boo wearing his "new" favorite shirt that I got him at the sale...it was my best find, seeing as we are going to the Magical Place next year...

Here is Peanut chillin' on Grandma's couch...

Enjoy!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I love birthdays...if you have read this blog for more than a year, you will know that, because at the turn of August each year I declare it's birthday month! I begin to accept gifts, money, cards, emails, love and adoration on the first of August and despite the fact my birthday is today, the 24th, I will accept all of those things and more till the 31st. :) I used to circle and highlight things I wanted to receive for my birthday in all of the sale papers, but I have given that up...although I taught my child to do it, so it's not all lost on me getting older. :)
I enjoy birthdays for several reasons...I am an only child, so every day was "about me" so to speak, not in the actual literal sense, but in the sense that I didn't have to share every other day with anyone else, but birthdays were just extra special. I had 2 major birthday parties in my childhood...my 8th birthday and my 16th birthday. My 21st birthday was celebrated by a huge amount of friends at my one my favorite restaurants, Provino's, and since then I haven't really had a party. Sad, huh? I was hoping for a huge party last year for my 30th, but that didn't happen, but none the less, it's not really about the party so much...although I would love one again! :)
It's more about reflection these days...taking the time to look back and see all that has happened in the last year, all that God has done for me, and all the things He blew my mind with. This time last year was crazy crazy. I changed jobs to work at our church preschool - 4 days of 2 year olds, God help me - and my son was still in the midst of potty training at 3 1/4 years old. To top all that, we wanted another child. God's hand was all over it (duh!) and just months after we found out we were indeed pregnant. In the same month, we purchased a house and through the holidays remodeled it, then moved into it in January of this past year. Spring approached, my belly got bigger, and we ventured to the beach on vacation. As school ended, I spent my time playing and sleeping - both necessities - finished up teaching 2-year old choir and delivered Peanut last month.
God has been most gracious during this time...working through our finances; the love and support of people from our church and our neighborhood; giving me strength to endure sleepless nights and focus on what in hindsight is most important...loving Him.

Lord, thank you for the last year and the days, months and years to come...you have blessed me so much and there really aren't words to express my gratitude. You have been faithful when I haven't. You have been merciful and gracefilled when I didn't deserve it and you have given us life...life IN you, new life in Peanut, and life eternally WITH you. Thank you Lord...how could I ask for more?

Random shots from the past...

Here are some shots from the past week...

Tummy Time

Daddy and his snuggler...

My two boys...aren't they cute??

And the Peanut...I love him

Days gone by...

The days seem to pass quickly...guess that's because the clock is my solace in feeding and doing things. All things considered, the transition has been good. Jeremy was home last week and we have had people over the past few days. There is no such thing as staying inside...it's boring and the walls start closing in - Boo needs activity and playmates!

Life hasn't really changed much honestly...Boo wants to look and touch Peanut and talks so sweet to him, but other than that he doesn't really bother him. He doesn't like it when he cries, so he lets me know "he's crying mom!" He's my big helper and fetches anything he thinks Peanut or I might need.

Peanut is curious about his world...loves looking around and keeps a solid schedule. He has a fussy time, which he managed to move to the late evening time, which suits me fine, since it was in the middle of the night!!! He is cuddly and snuggly and we are enjoying that!

I am back in normal clothes (please do not be jealous) and I am enjoying that. I am not enjoying my lower belly, however, until I can get back to working out, it will just have to remain.



Next Monday is a significant day in our life...Jeremy and I will celebrate 7 years of marriage! WAAAHOOO! I don't know where the last 2 years went personally...consumed with working, ministry, juggling, teaching, and getting pregnant! Craziness abounds I suppose. I am working on the tribute to my husband...it will be up on Monday.



And last...a few pics of the kiddos...
still loving being a big brother!

is it too early to be sucking his thumb??? this disturbs me...he does NOT take a paci...he's so like his momma...

Boo reading to Peanut...(I LOVE THIS SHOT!)

My boys enjoying their new sofa...

Boo and best buddy Jackson, who leaves for Africa on Monday!

--Karen

Feeling Accomplished...

Ahh, it's the end of June and I am feeling pretty accomplished, if I must brag on myself... :) And I ask, what 37 week pregnant woman wouldn't want to feel accomplished the last day of month before she is due??

So, we survived VBS, swim lessons (last pictures and video below), a trip to the dentist and I managed to sneak in a playdate and birthday party for my friend's 1 year old little girl! I also managed to clean the house...and I must say my swiffer wetjet has been put to good use on my wood floors and I venture to say it will clean my bathroom later this week. :) Ahhh...yes, I am nesting and my mom is coming on Thursday to help me finish my nesting...I am thankful.

Boo finished his swim lessons last week and he tested well and then got to play in the indoor play area, which has a cool slide and lots of dumping water. It was a blast to watch him be so comfortable in the water. We topped that last day off with a playdate at our friend's pool - 3 adults, 7 kids...it was a sight! Totally fun though! Here is the video of him swimming and a few shots of the slide he enjoyed...

jumping in...The cool slide...

Countdown is on till Baby Greer arrives!

First year gone by...

It seems like so much time has passed and then at the same time it seems like it was yesterday that I received the phone call from my Dad. "He's gone, Karen." This day a year ago was a sad day for our family. My grandfather's battle with cancer ended and in the same second he was present with our Almighty God. I ponder what that moment was like for him, knowing I won't know fully till I arrive there myself. It was sad telling my little man, who was just shy of 3 then...it was still sad praying and talking with him tonight as we both cried and remembered how much Pepaw loved him. Oh, boy, was I ever grateful for those trips that we took to see him...Boo...his only great grandson. Pepaw certainly loved that little man. I asked Boo if he would tell his little brother about his Pepaw...he agreed he would.
The pain isn't there any longer, but the memories and the loss still grow. From experience I know the loss will get less difficult as the years pass and I pray the memories grow by leaps and bounds.
God proved Himself faithful through those days leading up to his memorial service. It was a beautiful ceremony, with family and baseball friends speaking about what kind of man and baseball player he was. The video tribute was incredible! I just watched it and I still love all the pictures that were chosen for it.
It's probably a hard day for my family still, so at this time I pray for God's all-surpassing peace to overwhelm them all. God's perfect plan is still in order and effect and we need to continue to turn to Him during the rough patches that still lie ahead.

If you would like to read my tribute to him, please read My Grandfather.
Love,
Karen

Internet Connection - Check, Check

HELLO!!!!
We finally got our Internet connection hooked up at the new house...whew...I was going through some withdrawl!
We are settled in the house and loving every minute of it...even the bills that come with it. When you have waited as long as I have to own a home, at this point, you revel and thank God for everything! :)
Boo is loving his room and his bonus room - notice I said it was his bonus room! My mom made us some drapes for the dining room, and they are cuteness. The kitchen looks great and most nights I feel like Rachel Ray in my gourmet kitchen! It's a dream come true. The nursery is the only room really uncompleted, with items and furniture in no order and the walls haven't been painted yet...but we do know what color they will be painted.....drum roll please...

BLUE! We are having another boy and we are excited. Boo was thrilled and said that was what he always wanted...and God heard his prayer. Isn't that sweet? Yeah, at that moment I felt horrible that I had been calling it "she" for the last 6 weeks. My blood pressure is staying down and the specialist is thrilled with that. I even got a 3-D sonogram and it was pretty cool too...they said the 20 week appointment will be so much more clear. Can't wait!

I hope everyone is doing well and I hope to get around to visit you all soon...I miss my bloggy friends!

Love,
Karen

Time for Reflection...

I think it's good and healthy to reflect on the places, phases, and points in your life where the greatest impact of change has taken place. Let me be clear that this is not a point in time to worship the place, phase or point or wish you were back in that spot...I have done that and that is NOT healthy. Let me be clear when I say this is a time to reflect on Him.
This very day two years ago I was resting uncomfortably in a hospital bed. I was sick. I just had gallbladder surgery five days ago and was unable to keep anything in my system. Although I didn't feel too bad, the on call doctor said no fluid down, must come back to the hospital...the last thing I wanted to hear. With that said, I arrived there and they made me comfortable and the doctor met me before I got to my room. He said it will most likely be overnight and then see how it goes. Bad turned to worse when they would give me food and I would not be able to hold it down. For three days I had no food, not even ice chips...it was horrible. My in-laws came to visit and helped take care of Boo...Jeremy had only been at the church about 2 months when all this started...my two very best friends came to visit me in the hospital, which was so great...it was a trying time. I didn't see Boo all week! It was hard. By Day 3 end, I was irritable, and my angel arrived for the night shift. She was a member of our previous church and I had worked with her daughter in the college ministry. She took me on and got me the help I needed. I practically diagnosed myself and by the next morning I was waiting for the doctor for his 6 AM rounds. I demanded a new nausea medicine...one that didn't make me sleepy and sick, and I got it...and that made me turn a new corner. You could only have the medicine every 12 hours! So, I got my dose at 8 PM that night, loved it, and expected it the next AM at 8. Yeah...right.
It wasn't ordered, so at 8 AM, they had to order it. The lab, being backed up in the morning, was running a bit slow...this is exactly the moment the Lord stepped in. He was always there, but now more evident than ever. For the next hour and a half I waited. I was hungry and my breakfast had arrived and I couldn't eat it, because I was so nauseaus, because I was waiting for my medicine! Vicious cycle...
And that's exactly where the Lord chose to meet me at. I had no one. I had no one else to turn to...but HIM! I prayed for what seemed like hours, at 10 AM, I was dosed up and was able to eat my first meal in weeks! It was only liquid, but it was still oh so good. By the next day the moved me to soft foods and I was able to keep those down all day and then got to go home. It was the longest 6 days of my life and yet it seemed like just the beginning.
My life drastically changed after those days. I never felt more free in my whole life.
I got a lot more bold after those days in the hospital. I also found my true calling in the Lord.
It's good to reflect and see where I have been...nothing happens coincidentally and although it was hard and painful, and I missed my boys and my family worried, it was all for the sake of knowing Him more.

In Christ-
Karen

Lacking in Thought

Is it possible that I have become lacking in thought process, enough to not write for a week??? Or, my gracious, have we been that busy?! I caught up on so many peoples blogs last night and am still catching up. It has been a long, slow week, one filled with lots of discipline. We are still very much trying to learn how to use our ears around here...and yes, I am referring to the little angel in our house, who has recently chosen to not listen and obey. It's okay. We are okay, and we are learning...nothing wrong with that. It's just a tad frustrating. God is prevailing, I am joyful to say.

This would be a good time to plug the Pink Lids on the Yoplait yogurt cups for the next 5-6 weeks in honor of Breast Cancer month; because, let's face it, EVERY LID MATTERS. I made a pink box to stick at our preschool desk for all of us to participate in. We have one teacher battling it right now and another battled it a few years ago. It reminds me so much of Marla and that's why I chose to spearhead the campaign this year for the pink lids. She lost her battle earlier this year, leaving behind a sweet husband and two incredible boys. She served her last few years in the church's preschool and I felt like her service had come full circle. Eat up the yogurt, for the ones we have lost and the ones behind yet to be diagnosed yet.

One more week of September and then it's officially the Fall/Holiday season. I was just telling my kids yesterday at school what a busy October we have. It's picture day, Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival, oh my. It's gonna be awesome!

Whew...maybe I wasn't lacking in thought...
My boys are gone to breakfast though, so I need to get some small cleaning tasks done before they return...

In Love,
Karen :)

Ahh, September

I felt as if August was long, but that's okay, because it was birthday month, so it can be as long as I want....
Alas, it's over. The last birthday celebration was fittingly on the last day of the month, in which Jeremy and I enjoyed dinner at a plush place near the night life part of Atlanta. We had a gift card that my old company gave us for Assistant Day, so we enjoyed ourselves, ala no Boo, who was living up life at Nana and Papa's house...yes, again. It was technically his last week of Summer! He enjoyed Nana and Papa's house, and Aunt Laura's house while I met with all my students and parents during last week. I was exhausted by Thursday afternoon...and I will have you know that I took a nap every day last week...couldn't explain the level of exhaustion, it was surreal.
Jeremy preached today while the pastor was out of town...it was on struggles and he used the life of Jacob as his example. It was good and we got out early! I know, that's not really the point. :) Just a sidenote.
Because it's September, that means College Football has begun...can I get a Sting Em for the Jackets whomping on the Irish??? Oh yeah baby! We proudly wore our White and Gold yesterday and what a game! We are hoping to take Boo to a game this year...we will let you know how that goes.

For all my Siesta friends out there, the Siesta party has been set - click the words Siesta friends back there (<-) to see what the big deal is...can't wait to see you all there...if you are planning on it, please let me know, I want to meet up! :) I know Preacher's Wife is going!

Oh my gracious! Y'all! I have not even begun to tell you about my little preschoolers. Oh how cute and enjoyable they are!! Classes begin on Tuesday! I am excited and Boo is just as excited! I have already re-thought about this several times, but know without a doubt God called me to this purpose. Let's see if I feel the same after the first week! :) hee hee...just teasing. Oh! And Jeremy's job is going well too...lots to learn and deal with, but we are both chugging along.
And, I hate to do this, but if you would say a little prayer for Boo...he is having some trouble with the potty skill, and I really don't want to have to leave my free day to come change him on Wednesdays. It's bad enough if he does the deed in his pants and I am working that day, then they will come bring him to my room for me to change him.
Okay, that's all.

Love,
Karen

Birthday Weekend

Thanks to everyone who emailed me well wishes for my birthday and condolenses for my grandmother's passing. I appreciated all of them.
My 30th birthday was indeed incredible, and isn't actually over yet...y'all know I have until the end of the month!!!!! Seriously, my two best girlfriends are having dinner with me on Thursday night at our favorite place, Cheesecake Factory. I am looking forward to that, as we are going out with no kids. They are the same two who met me on Friday at the local deli, with all our kids in tow (we are outnumberd 7 kids to 3 adults) and we actually had my mom there and one of the other girl's mom there...so, 7 to 5, not all bad. :) We let the kids play in the Pottery Barn kids for a little bit that day too...
My wonderfully, terrific, outstanding, godly husband made me an appointment for that evening at my salon to have my hair highlighted. Oh, it is indeed highlighted alright...looks a lot more blonde now.....ahhh...I have been wanting to do that for a while now. I will have to post pictures soon. After that, my boys took me to Macaroni Grill (my choice) and we had a wonderful dinner and dessert for my birthday! It was awesome!
Saturday was filled with wonderful memories as we honored my grandmother at a memorial service. I spoke and so did my husband and we played lots of her favorite music. My husband's family came and so we all had lunch together at Chili's...another favorite of mine. We spent the afternoon with my mom, uncle, aunt and cousin. It was extremely nice.

Full week ahead, with parent and child meetings this week...we are allowing the little boo man to go to his Nana and Papa's the week and will spend some last summer vacation time with them before school starts. We will be wrapping up birthday month too...in style.

--Karen

Tribute

God's plan for my week hit one of those life altering moments when my mom called yesterday morning to let me know my grandmother, my last living grandparent, passed away. Totally unexpected. I have been emotionally dealing with that aspect for the past day and a half as well as supposed to be working on my preschool room, and if that wasn't enough, now I have a cold. I am in a miserable state right now, but, on the bright side, I have a blessing of a son who knows how to play by himself and for that I am grateful.

Let me introduce you to my grandma, Josephine, Gigi:
Boo and GiGi - I actually named her GG, for Great Grandma, but she signed everything GiGi, so it stuck.

Here we are a year ago.

This is Boo, Grandma (my mom) and GiGi at Christmas time last year and the last one is me, Boo, my cousin Patrick, and GiGi. Last picture of us together.

Grandma (GiGi) was a special lady! She loved the Lord and first introduced me to church as a little girl. She prayed for 20 years for my grandfather to stop drinking and saw it come to fruition. She was loyal, almost to a fault. She was devastated when my grandfather passed away 6 years ago, but managed to place her faith in God and move to an assisted living with my mom and uncle's urging. It seemed like that prolonged her life some...she met friends there and enjoyed some special moments with those ladies. I will miss her greatly. Lord, I already know she is enjoying time with You.

--Karen

Today is the DAY!

I am foregoing my usual Thankful Thursday, not because I am not thankful, but because I have about 789 things to do before Noon! :) My dad is on his way here, and poor Boo couldn't even sleep last night knowing the fact that Papaw would be here in just hours!!! We have grocery shopping to do, laundry to finish, and cleaning to get done.
We will be busy bees this weekend with the Braves Hall of Fame lunch and game tomorrow and then hanging with Papaw the rest of the weekend. Jeremy's birthday is on Sunday, too...so we are slammed this weekend!

Love,
Karen :)

THE News...

I know you all have been waiting, holding your breath, for THE News. I wanted to respect the procedures and wait till it was announced in church this past Sunday....so without further ado...
After talking, much prayer, and a unanimous recommendation from the Personnel committe, next Sunday Jeremy will be voted on for the Minister of Administration position! It all started the few days after Jeremy got back from Africa, and I referred to it vaguely here in this Thankful Thursday from July 5th.
This is completely God's dream/plan come true. I can honestly say I was floored. I felt while Jeremy was gone to Africa that the Lord was going to keep us here, which I felt much peace about, but didn't know how He would actually do it...and then all this came down.

There were many things happening around us during this time...we had a few churches calling and we were really at a vulnerable time, but oh my gracious, I could not have imagined that this would be His plan.
After Jeremy met with the committee Wednesday night, they called about 25 minutes after he got home with their unanimous decision to recommend him. I cried, I am not going to lie, I cried! I was just so overwhelmed about God's grace and goodness during this time. It was totally worth working the past year and a half to pay off our stuff and get things in order to serve Him more fully. I look forward to sharing with you more about all of this, but you can be in prayer for the vote this Sunday, which is also Jeremy's birthday!!!!!! How exciting!

Have a great Monday, and start of school for so many kids today!

--Karen

Almost the last day...

Today is the second to the last day of work...I could have done that for days upon weeks, but I spared you the details. Be thankful, cause this girl loves a countdown. And while we are on it, my birthday is...

less than 17 days away!

If you recall, it IS Birthday Month!

After tomorrow, I won't have to think about change orders, construction of a project, invoicing, warranties, or architect plans. I will however be able to spot a river birch, magnolia, red maple, holly, and some various other trees, and I can tell you the difference between certain hollies, because gracious, I got me an edumacation working here. Seriously, I am wiser in the landscape department and about life too. I have worked for some great people in my short years, and I can tell you that these people rank highly on my list. I will miss them.

As I move on to begin the next adventure God has planned, my excitement builds. I am nervous too, but more excited than anything. I have been telling Boo recently how Momma and him get to spend more time together, in which he loudly proclaims, "YEAH!" and claps his hands. We are gonna have some fun, that's for sure. I will be working at our church preschool 4 days a week, but it's only 5 hours a day!! Boo will attend 5 days a week and I have Wednesday off and Jeremy normally has Fridays off, so we are hoping to get back to having more family time and not being exhausted all.the.time.

And, since i have been raving about my working out, it's probably time I fess up about my arms being sore. Like going on 2 days sore. The lady trainer worked me over on Monday, and thankfully my next training session with Sorin isn't until Friday. I still have about 42 hours to recover, and so help me if he says "Let's work Arms" in his best Ukrainian voice. I am already starting to feel better and have more energy, maybe it's just psychological. :)

Have a great day!!

--Karen

Newlyweds Again

AHHHHHH!
Did you hear that?
Yeah, me too.
Nothing. You could hear a pin drop in this place! No little man...you hear ME??? NO LITTLE MAN!
Boo is enrolled at Camp Nana and Papa this week. I said goobye to him last night really when I put him to bed, but managed to sneak into his room this morning (early!) and kiss him and tell him I loved him. He will be there till Saturday. Nana and Papa will take such good care of him - I know this, because my in-laws raised 5 kids. I wasn't sure who was more excited - Boo or Nana! He will get to see his cousins and auntie too, I think. Praise God for family.

How am I? I doing okay, but like I said you could hear a pin drop! Jeremy is at a meeting and I am home just relaxing, cathing up with old friends and all of their kids and family. So, we are newlyweds this week...and did I mention, this weekend will mark SIX YEARS for this Greer family. Hard to believe that much time has passed and that we used to live in Texas for a brief stint of our marriage. We are taking some time off later in the week to spend with each other and get away from the grind of life. The Do Not Disturb sign will be up come Thursday. :)

On another note, my replacement at work started today. Hip Hip Hooray!!! I love her dearly and pray that she stays a long time there...I have three weeks to take my brain out, dump all the work info and put it in her brain. Wish my luck! :)

Resting in Him-
Karen

THE week

It's THE week.

You know the one...the one that you kindly refer to 6 months from now as "that week." I know that's what this week will turn into for me. Although, it just occured to me that's a great header for a chapter in my book. Hm...see THE week can be curse or blessing, however you are choosing to view it.
I currently am choosing to view THE week as a blessing...life happens, ministry does as well, and so, we press on.

Yesterday Jeremy left for Africa. I will tell you which country after he gets home. He's there. It's exciting and Boo and I got to take him to the airport. Big planes, a trip by Grandma's office (she was bored!) and two slushies later, we were home chillin' out. Now, Boo is incredible. One on one that kid is the total polar opposite of the kid who plays his mom and dad against each other every moment of every other day. It's night and day. He obeys. He talks nice. He loves on me. He takes a bath. He goes to bed on time. It's glorious. The same thing happens when I am out for a night or at meetings or the boys are having quality bonding time...he thrives on one on one time. So, I suffice to say, although Jeremy is gone for the next 16 days, I will be enjoying the little man in my house.

This is just the first part.

Wednesday my grandmother passed away. She was the wife of my grandfather, who passed away in February. My Mema was some woman. She told me the story of how they met all those years ago and it seemed she hadn't lost that love for my grandfather. She birthed my father and his three sisters, all three years apart from each other, and managed to run a fort (with a nanny) while my grandfather played professional baseball. A lot can be said of her, but none more valuable than how great her cooking was. In fact, the first thing I did when we arrived for my grandfather's memorial in February was go to the cabinet where I believed the recipe box was held. I was right on the first try and spent a few minutes just thumbing through it...remembering all the hours of the day she would spend in the kitchen. I said before that's where the heart of our family is. The last several years have been rough, as we watched this strong woman's body begin to deteriorate. My last incredible memory with her was in July of 2000. Jeremy and I took a trip to FL to meet my family, as he was about to head off to seminary. As we were getting ready to have our meal, my family asked Jeremy to pray. We all held hands and he prayed. After we said Amen, my Mema let go of my hand and walked to Jeremy and kissed him on the cheek. I got teary and my other family stood there in awe. It was the most incredible sight. I know she liked him...and that told all of us that she approved.
Alzheimer's began to take it's toll on her and her manageable life began to slip away. My family placed her in a nursing care facility when my grandfather could not longer take care of her fully. It has been the saddest years watching those things take place, and in this moment, I will choose to not remember those times. I choose to remember her the way she was so many years ago and I hope that my cousins will be able to do the same. They aren't as old and didn't get the days to see her in her prime...but I tell you something, it doesn't matter if she wasn't always nice, she took care of her family the only way she knew how. I have already missed her for so long now. I hate that she doesn't know I married an incredible man and that I was so blessed to give her a great-grandson. I know she would have just ate him up!!

All of the emotion of that is starting to get to me.

I am having some issues with some things, so I made an appointment to see my doctor. As I arrive this morning, I am feeling joyful, which is nothing out of the ordinary, and the nurse proceeds to be tell me my blood pressure is 140/100. Now, I know what you are thinking...how in the world have I not had a heart attack. Yeah, I know. When she said those numbers, I was a little nervous too...so I finished my appt and went to the lab to give them my blood. I spoke to my friend, Alicia, and my mom before coming to work. I am really not stressed out....although, if you made it this far in my blog today, you might be second guessing that. But seriously, I don't feel stressed out. For real! I am not having anxiety or any feelings of being overly stressed. So, I am going to take it easy tonight and the weekend and see what the future holds. Please don't worry, just pray.

That was the last part.

Here I am in THE week. The week I will look back on and say, "whew, I made it through...look at all that God did." God's hand has never been more gracious than in the last 48 hours.
"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him..." (Exodus 15:2)

In His Hands-
Karen

Let it Rain!

Open the flood gates of Heaven...Let it Rain!

In a literal sense...let it rain! The grass, flowers and trees need it. The rivers and streams need it. The people in South GA/North FL need it.

In a spiritual sense...let itpour down! I need it. My husband and son need it. My family needs it. My friends needs it. My church needs it. Oh, how we need it to pour down at church.

Soaking it up,
Karen