Robin's Random Ramblings

Life, in Spite of Me

2011-11-21T14:58:00.000-05:00

I read Life, In Spite of Me, in 2 days! Kristen's story was very inspiring, but unfortunately, I could relate to how she felt as a 17 year old when I was that age. I know there are many teenagers that feel this same way. I would highly recommend this book to any teenager that you know. The way the story was written made it a quick read. I loved hearing the miracles God performed in Kristen's life, even as she was trying to commit suicide! Hearing of Kristen's thoughts during this time and throughout the book was great and I really enjoyed this inspiring story! To get to see how broken she was to where she is now is a wonderful testimony of Christ's love! Even if you are not a christian, this book brings hope to those that are in the darkness of depression.

Heaven is for Real

2011-10-26T17:31:00.000-04:00

Heaven is for Real

A Little Boys Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Heaven is for Real is the story of Colton's visit to Heaven and back. The story is written by Colton's dad. Colton had to undergo an emergency appendectomy, and was near the point of death. After his recovery, and over the next year or so, Colton spoke of his experience in heaven and of the loved ones he met. There were people in Heaven that met Colton who he had never met on Earth.

This book is very well written and flows easily for a very quick read. I could hardly put the book down until I got to the end. I absolutely love the part where Colton would look at each picture of Jesus and tell his parents that the picture did not look like Jesus. One day, however, Colton's dad learned of another little girl who had also experienced visions of heaven and had drawn a picture of the Jesus she met. When Colton sees it he says that it is the way Jesus looks! I think that is so precious that this little boy was able to meet Jesus and was able to describe things he saw that his parents had never mentioned to him. Each description can be verified in the Bible.

This is a must read for everyone! I still think of Heaven every day, but in a whole new way thanks to reading this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

update

2011-04-29T21:02:00.002-04:00

I have to be the worse blog writer there is. I have done such a poor job of keeping this blog updated. Each time I wanted to post an update either something kept coming up that kept me too busy, or the post was just too personal to let the world read.
I do want to start updating this blog again. I am considering starting a new one that only discusses Chronic Pain and all information and stories related to chronic pain. We will see. I will let you know if I create a blog just for this or if I just use this blog to discuss it.
Please check back soon as this blog will be updated!!!!!!

Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

2010-10-13T14:07:00.001-04:00

In this book, Max Lucado is asking us to look beyond ourselves and to reach out to others in our world. What would this world be like if we all did that? It would change history!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very inspirational! Max Lucado starts each chapter with a story and then relates the story back to Christ and how we can reach out to help others. Each of these stories show how God takes the ordinary and will cause them to do something extraordinary for him, if they are willing. The 12 followers of Jesus were not the rich men of their day or the most religious leaders of their day. They were just ordinary men who decided to follow Jesus and change the world for him!

That is the challenge in this book. Let God use you to "Out Live Your Life." I would encourage all of us to get this book and read it and let's change our world for Christ!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Trust in Him ...

2010-08-05T12:46:00.000-04:00

I have realized recently that I am having a difficult time trusting some pastors that I used to trust. I know I have to put my trust in Christ, and I try to do that ... the problem is that I am not sure where God wants me in His kingdom. I feel there has to be more to this life that what I am currently experiencing.

There seems to be a lot of information available on how you "should" live and what you "should" do to grow closer to God. But there just seems to be something missing for me. Where is the Power??? The God I serve is ALMIGHTY and POWERFUL and LOVES us so much! Why are we not seeing the same things those in the early church saw like miracles in our presence? In the Bible there were many who had visits with Angels ... but it seems that the "norm" in the Bible is the exception today. (At least what I have been seeing lately).

Back to the trust issue -- I can not determine if the pastors are genuinely seeking God to do His will or if they are really just trying to "grow" their church. How do you know??? How do I truly know that the leadership is sincere in doing God's work no matter what? Or ... How do I tell they are really only looking out for themselves and trying to "grow" their church by numbers (and $).

Thoughts???

check out my other blog

2010-07-25T15:17:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of creating a new blog (although I have not really made up my mind yet.) Anyway you can check it out at http://princessporter.wordpress.com.

Be Sensitive to His Voice

2010-07-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

I am not sure what triggered this thought today, but I have been thinking of an experience I had right after my youngest daughter was born. I suffered postpartum depression after M was born. It was a very difficult time for me and I didn’t want to accept I was experiencing this. I mean, what kind of mom is depressed after having a beautiful baby? (Or at least that was my thinking). Let me just say that God did change my thinking and helped me through this time in my life. I highly recommend that if you know someone experiencing postpartum depression, that you encourage that person to seek help and that you listen to how God would use you to minister to her.

So, on to my story …

After M was born my husband was able to take a week off from his job to help me. When he went back to work, it became difficult for me to leave the house with the 2 girls. It seems silly now, but at the time it was a huge undertaking for me to leave the house and take both girls with me. My husband worked shifts and was not able to go with me to church every weekend. Prior to M being born, I was teaching the 3 yr old class and really enjoyed it. I stopped teaching a couple of months before M was due. As I was trying to get back into a regular routine, I thought I would see about assisting with the preschool ministry again. I knew I did not want to teach again, at that time, but remembered there were other jobs that volunteers could help with behind the scenes. I thought it may be best to sign up for one of those jobs for a little bit until I was better able to handle things. (I know you may be wondering why I would even try to serve at church during this time. I really enjoyed teaching prior to M being born and wanted to get back into that as soon as possible. I really wanted to give back — what I didn’t understand, at the time, is that I can’t give away what I do not have.)

I filled out the response card indicating I would like to serve in the preschool ministry. Someone from church called me within the week. The lady on the phone began asking me what I wanted to do in the preschool ministry. I explained that at the time my husband was working day and night shifts and that some weekends it was just too much for me to get both of the girls ready and get to church. I explained that I remembered there used to be volunteer opportunities during the week for making copies and getting the lessons and supplies ready for the weekends. I explained I would like to do something like that.

The lady began to inform me that there were not any opportunities like this. She let me know that she had 4 or 5 children (I can not remember now) and that her husband was on the worship team so they had to attend all of the weekend services, which at that time may have been 3 or 4 services. She let me k now that I need to just “do” it. To just suck it up and get the girls ready and get to church. That there are days she doesn’t feel like getting everyone ready but she just does it and basically that is what I needed to do.

I remember being so upset and so hurt after this phone call. I prayed and asked God to help me. He knew my heart and knew I wanted to serve, but He also knew I needed to be loved on and filled up before I could give anything to others. I remember right after that phone call thinking that I would not be going back to the church we were currently attending. Due to my husbands schedule at the time, he was not able to join us for church much during the month. I knew that if I went back to the church I used to attend, as soon as I walked in the door there would be ladies there to love on me and help me with the girls, if I needed help. I was right — the very first Sunday I went back to my “old” church, someone took my oldest daughter to her class, walked me to the nursery to check in my youngest, and all the while hugging me and pouring love into me. I really believe God knew what I needed and sent me to the place He knew I would get it. I reflect back on that time and know I would not have come out of my depression w/o the love of God being poured into me.

I am not upset over the lady who called me. I know she did not know what was going on in my life at the time. However, I think we can all use this as a lesson to remind us that we don’t know what someone else is experiencing or going through. We need to ask God to help us reach out to those who are hurting and to pour His love into them. However, please never forget that God wants to fill you up first so that you will have something to give away to others!

I did end up going back to the church where I served in the preschool area. I even went back to teaching the 3 yr old class and loved every single minute of it!

Note: There is lots of help for postpartum depression. Please reach out if you think you may be experiencing this!

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums

2010-02-07T13:30:00.007-05:00

Can you imagine yourself being hogtied, forced to wear a ski-mask backwards so you can not see anything, being confined to living quarters so small you can't stand up even if you wanted to, and not being fed or given water daily? Not to mention the many beatings you would have to endure if you were kidnapped by a group of Iraqis?

"Buried Alive" by Roy Hallums is the true story of Roy's 311 days of being held captive by Iraqis. Once I started reading this book I did not want to put it down! Roy gives vivid details of his horrifying kidnapping and describes what each day was like until his amazing rescue by the US Army Special Forces! Roy's faith and the faith of his family helped him get through this unbelievable ordeal. This is a great book for anyone to read and I highly recommend you get a copy and read it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of The Language of Love & Respect by Dr. Emrson Eggerichse

2009-12-23T16:23:00.010-05:00

I just finished reading The Language of Love & Respect Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. You may recognize the name as this is the same author of the Best-Selling Love & Respect book.

I have also read the Love and Respect book, but you really don't have to read it first before you read this. A lot of what is included in The Language of Love & Respect is a review of what is in the Love & Respect Book.

I thought The Language of Love & Respect was a great book and I highly recommend everyone who is married or who is thinking of getting married to read this. Dr. Enerson does an excellent job of explaining what the Crazy Cycle is and how to get off of it. How to get to the Energizing Cycle and how to get to the Reward Cycle. At some point all marriages will be on one of these cycles!

Did you know that you should show your husband unconditional respect even if he is not showing you unconditional love? That concept is easy to say but very hard to do. However, we show our husbands unconditional respect because that is what God tells us to do and we want to please God and do what He asks. God will bless you for doing this and will cause positive changes to happen in your marriage.

Even if you feel you have a great marriage, there is always room for improvement. Dr. Emerson shows how our marriage relationship is actually not about our spouse but more about our relationship with Christ!

This book is more of a step by step guide to get you started communicating with your spouse in ways that show the wife unconditional love and in ways that shows the husband unconditional respect! Dr. Emerson also offers helpful hints on what to do if things are not going in the direction you thought they would.

Our spouse is a good-willed person and doesn't set out to intentionally hurt the other one. By reading this book you will better understand this and learn how to put specific communication skills to use to help make for a better marriage. God desires the absolute best for your marriage and longs to see husband and wife enjoying each other like He planned. The enemy tries to get in between the 2 that have become 1. This book is a valuable tool to keep to reference back to if the marriage is heading back to the Crazy Cycle!

I learned so much from this book and I highly recommend it to anyone!

I a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Breaking Free Week 4

2009-12-20T21:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I am not doing a very good job at posting to this blog while doing the Breaking Free study by Beth Moore.

However, I just finished listening to Session 4 and it was really good and I wanted to just post a few things that Beth Moore said that I feel are worth sharing:

The first thing that stood out to me is that a prayerless life = a powerLESS life. A prayerful life = a powerFUL life.

That is so true! I really needed to hear that tonight.

The other thing that stood out to me is that when the enemy tries to make me feel as if I will never be free -- I need to put confidence in my Jesus who can do anything! He also lives inside me! I know sometimes I forget how big my God is and I tend to look at the circumstance as being bigger. Father, help me not to do this any more. Please remind me how Big and Powerful and loving you are!

The homework for week 4 has been pretty hard to get through, but God is showing me so much! I pray that I can continue on with this study and continue to know God more!

If you are interested in joining the Bible Study, stop on by at The Women's Bible Cafe. http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/

Breaking Free

2009-11-28T22:37:00.002-05:00

I am in Week 2 of the Bible Study by Beth Moore called "Breaking Free". I am joining many other woman at http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/ with this study.

I have learned a very powerful definition of captivity: "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her." God has extended the following benefits to His Children:

1. To know God and believe Him
2. To glorify God
3. To find satisfaction in God
4. To experience God's peace
5. To enjoy God's presence

I know one thing that God keeps bringing to my attention is the fact that I do not spend much time with him on a daily basis. I pray constantly, but as far as just being quiet and letting God love on me and minister to me - I do not do that as often as I want to. No, it isn't a 'requirement' or a rule or regulation I must follow. It is a want. I want to spend more quiet and intimate time with God. Over this past year He has really shown me and helped me to understand just how much He loves all of us. and it isn't because of anything we have or have not done -- He loves us so much just because we are 'us'. The same way we love our children just because of who they are - our God loves us because we are his children.

I pray that you all had a great Thanksgiving! I will try to post often during this Bible Study. There is never enough time to do all I want to do. I'm sure everyone can relate to that.

I encourage you to join the Bible Study at http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/. you will surely be blessed!

Let Go by Sheila Walsh

2009-09-27T13:24:00.003-04:00

I had the priveledge of reading "Let Go" by Sheila Walsh. This was an awesome book in my opinion. Below is my review of the book:

Let Go is an awesome book and I know God lead me to this book at just the right time in my life. Sheila Walsh is an incredible author and this book draws the reader in so much that you will not want to put the book down. Sheila takes the reader on her journey of how God helped her to let go of all of the things in her life that were weighing her down. As women we can relate with each example the author describes. As women, we are always so busy taking care of everything and everyone else that we often forget to take care of ourselves. We usually are not walking in God's rest that He has provided for us. Sheila helps us to let go of all the things that weigh us down and to walk in complete freedom of Christ's love. So many of us get into routines and then feel that we have to do certain tasks to be a "good" Christian, when the truth is, our Father in heaven just wants to love us and spend time with us. Sheila helps the reader learn how to walk in complete freedom of God's love and to let go of all the other things that entangle us and stress us, even those things we may perceive as "good" Christian duties. Sheila lets the reader know that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than he already does or any less. Sheila does a great job of teaching the reader to let go and to live in God's peace and rest and freedom! I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

2009-06-06T18:58:00.005-04:00

I am praying about something God has put on my heart. I asked him to please let the desire become greater if it was from him and to let the desire die if not from him. Needless to say this vision is on my mind/heart all day/night every day/night.

I was driving home from work one day and heard a lady call into the radio station I was listening to. She spoke about her adopted children. She didn't adopt them as infants but rather as older children. She called them "hard to adopt" kids. Meaning it is harder for them to be adopted since a lot of families are looking for infants and toddlers to adopt. For some reason that statement broke my heart. I thought of all the children in foster care who may be older and have no "home". I wonder if they know how much God loves them and cares about them? My desire is that every child knows this and especially those who have lost their parents at a young age or those who are in foster care for whatever reason.

I do not think foster care is a bad thing. I think there are children that have been provided homes that were better for them than they may have had if they were raised with the person who gave birth to them. I praise God they did not choose the alternative -- abortion. I know God has blessed many families with children through adoption. I believe our foster care system is something that God put in place and He uses to bless both families as well as the children/young adults who are in foster care.

I pray that God makes his love very real for the children/young adults that may be in the foster care system w/o being adopted yet. I want to reach out and help in any way that I can to let them know that God loves them and that there are people who care about them.

I read some statistics online about children who turn 18 and have not been adopted. I do not believe that anyone has to be a statistic. God can turn anyone's life around. He desires for us to have hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 -- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)

I do not feel like God is calling me to adopt or be a foster parent but there is something else I feel He is doing. I know there are several ministries that reach out to children in other countries. I think it is great that they do. However, I have not found anything in the US that ministers to children in the US.

Please join me in praying for all the children/young adults that are in our foster care system. Pray that they know God loves them and cares deeply about them. I am also praying that they find loving homes where they can grow and be all that God intended them to be.

If you are aware of any childrens homes that are local to the Raleigh NC area, please let me know.

I thank God that he has and is blessing children and families by bringing them together.

2009-04-13T09:37:00.002-04:00

I am so thankful for the man who gave his life so that I can live mine! Our God loves us so much!

Think about it ----

God loves us so much and wants to have a relationship with us that He sent His ONLY son, Jesus, to this earth to die for our sins once and for all. So all we have to do is accept Jesus and we have such an incredible relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! We have abundant life on this side of Heaven and then Eternal Life with them after our work here is done!

Jesus left all that he had in Heaven, with the Father, and came to Earth to be born a human so he could go through all that we would go through. Most of us will never go through all he went through. But He did it because He loves us and He wanted to be able to comfort us and how could he if he never knew what it was like to go through it? So he willingly came to this Earth and knew that He would have to die. But He did it anyway! He willingly laid down His life so we can have ours! He could have quit at anytime but He didn't! He showed us so much while He was here and loves us so much that when He went to be with the Father, He sent us a comforter to live in us to help us!

In the Bible, God's word tells us to not worry or be anxious for anything. He tells us that He takes care of the birds and the flowers and How much more will He take care of us! So we aren't to worry about our lives.

Then he tell us if we do have worries, anxieties, and burdens to lay them at his feet. His burden is light and His yoke is easy. We can lay it all down at His feet so we don't have to worry about it anymore! He will help us and take care of it according to His will. But while we are going through things He is right here with us helping us and giving us His joy to help us get through. He gives us peace in the storm!

God is love. The relationship we have with Him is all about love! The Bible is full of GOOD NEWS for us! He has a plan for us and it isn't to harm us but to give us a future and to prosper us!

Thank you God for loving us! I pray we can tell the world about this amazing love so they can see how good God is.

Our whole lives all we want is to be accepted and loved -- we have that in Christ. We want someone to help us and to take care of us -- we have that in Christ. We are stressed and tired of worrying -- give that to Christ.

The enemy IS defeated! Not going to be defeated --- he IS already defeated! He knows it but he tries to make us forget it and to forget all the great things we have with our God!

God isn't our enemy -- He loves us!

2009-03-03T08:40:00.001-05:00

Just want to say that God is so good and His Love is AMAZING!

Please keep our troops and those that are working over in war zones in your prayers that God has his angels surrounding them. I pray when they feel they can't go on, that God will open their eyes, and when they look around, they will see all the angels surrounding them and helping them in the fight!

Have a blessed week everyone!

Random Thoughts

2009-02-04T21:43:00.008-05:00

Wow! I had not realized it has been so long since I last posted. Not that I think anyone reads these anyway :-)

I have so much on my mind and heart lately. It is hard for me to put it in writing. I continue to ask God to give me a clear mind, wisdom and guidance.

I know what the word of God says regarding worry and how God will take care of us. According to the word it says that God will provide for us and we should not worry about tomorrow. When we go through trials we shouldn't get bummed out we should count it joy b/c it is teaching us something. Why is it so hard to actually do this?

All over the news and web are stories of how bad the economy is doing and stories of how Christianity is no longer the leading religion. It breaks my heart. Hearing of all the layoffs and financial trouble people are facing really does break my heart. (Just an FYI there will be a book published soon on this topic with devotions and other great info to read if you or someone you know has lost their job recently. I will be sure to let you know as soon as it is out. It is being written by a dear friend of mine). So how are we not to worry? I pray for those who have lost their jobs that God will give them something way better than they had.

It also upsets me to hear how other religions have supposedly out-numbered Christianity. I am not sure how people know that as I doubt they have interviewed everyone in the US, but it does bring up a lot of thoughts. How do we as Christians show the world how Great and Awesome and Loving our God is during these times? How do we pass on the hope that is in Jesus to those who are suffering? It is great to talk about these things at church but what about all of those that do not attend church? What if they attend a different religion's church (or wherever they meet)? How will they hear the truth of Christ's love?

I know that through the ages people have been hurt by the "church". It breaks my heart that they were not able to see Jesus and meet him while attending. I want the world to know how much He loves us and the freedom we have in him.

I am confused as to why we do not witness more miracles in the church today. When Jesus was on the earth I can only imagine how awesome it was! He would touch someone or speak a word or someone would touch his robe and they were instantly healed! When we pray for someone today are we expecting an instant miracle or are we just hoping God might do a small something just to make it a little better? Are we really experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give us or are we just trying to hold on until we get to Heaven or Christ comes back?

I have so many questions but not enough answers and I am not sure where to get my answers. It seems that each person, web site, or church has a different answer. Why is that? Why are there different beliefs even among Christ's followers? I do not understand it. Which one is right?

I pray God will give me these answers and that He would heal my hurts and make me whole. I want to be able to represent Him everyday in my life. I want to live my life each and every day to make my father in heaven famous! I want the love of Jesus to overflow out of me so that people around me can feel it and want more of it.

I do want to Thank God for all He has done in my life. I think about my life 10 years ago and I thank God for where He has brought me. I love Him so much and I just want more of Him. I don't want to just hear about him, I want to Know Him personally. There is a song that Jesus Culture sings and it says -- I don't want to sing about you like your not in the room, I want to look right at you, want to sing right to you --- that is how I feel. I don't want to just sit in church and hear about him. I want to know him face to face. I want to experience His love and His presence every day of my life! I want more than what I currently have in Him!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T01:57:00.005-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I thank God for sending his son to this earth to live as a human and then to die for our sins. I also thank God that Jesus did not stay in the grave! He conquered the grave!!!! PRAISE GOD!

Did you know you are MORE than a conqueror? That is what God says in the Bible. He also says we are a chosen generation. How cool is that --- God chose us!

Do you know how very much He loves you? Yes, He loves you just as you are. He made you in your mothers womb and He loves every part of you. I pray that if there is anyone who does not know Jesus loves them, that God would put someone in their path this Christmas that can tell them of the love of Christ! The Father loves us so much!

Have you heard the song "A Baby Changes Everything?" I have fallen in love with this song. I will post the link below to Faith Hill's video of the song from CMT.

http://www.cmt.com/videos/faith-hill/291605/a-baby-changes-everything.jhtml

Random Thoughts

2008-12-15T08:55:00.011-05:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking and praying and reading lately. I have read a few things that has really broken my heart and at the same time made me very angry. I have read several posts by people where they are "searching" for which religion to follow. That isn't the part that makes me angry. What makes me angry is that in some of these posts the writer feels as if they can't follow the rules or expectations that "Christianity" has. When I read things like this I think of how we, the body of Christ, has failed people. We have put rules and regulations on the love of Christ!

What I want to do is go hug those people and let them know that Christ loves them just as they are! There are no rules or regulations to following Christ! He loves us so much and His love is what will change us. But I promise He is a gentleman and will not do anything you do not want him to. He loves us all so very much. He loves the homeless man who may have gambled his money away and may be using drugs just as much as he loves the person who serves at church every week. God loves us all!

Growing up I had the wrong image of Christ. I grew up when pastors preached hellfire and brimstone and how if I did a, b, c I was going to hell. There were all these "rules" that I knew I could not live up to. When my parents quit going to church, I basically wrote it off for a long time. I know that God did not give up on me during those years and I am sure it broke his heart the bondage that the church had put me in. Oh, how I pray we do not continue to do that! Why does man have to taint the beauty of Christ's love?

I got involved in a really bad relationship in high school. It is funny how at the time I didn't think it was that bad, but it was during this time period that I went back to church. I basically went because my boyfriend/finance at the time went due to having a drug problem and he was looking for help to get off drugs. The church we visited changed the way I viewed God. When I walked into this church I was greeted with nothing but hugs from all these people I didn't know. I could feel the genuine love these people had through these hugs. I could see the amazing joy and peace that they had. I wanted whatever it was they had! I was finally able to truly worship God and feel his presence in that place! Wow!

The whole point of this post is to ask the church to please pray and ask God to fill us up to overflowing with his love, peace, mercy, and joy. That others who do not know him will see us in our daily lives and want what we have! Please don't add a bunch of rules and regulations to Christ's love! He died for all of us while we were still sinners! He loves us just as we are. We do not have to wear certain types of clothing to church in order for him to love us. He loves us whether we wear makeup or not. He loves us regardless of how much money we can give to the church. He loves us period! I know that once we are in a relationship with Christ He leads us and guides us and lets us know of things we are doing that aren't good for us and He also helps us give those things ups and He replaces them with Him! But I do not feel that it is the churches place to say who can and can not come. I pray that the church would accept everyone just the way they are! I pray that the church will not get caught up in their buildings and programs, no matter how great, and forget the reason Christ died and rose again!

I am reading a book by Kris Vallotton called "Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle" and in it he says, "The death of Christ paid for our sins, but it was His resurrection that gave life to our mortal bodies."

I think it is a reminder to us to live in the life Christ gave us! We always talk about how Christ died for our sins, but we also need to let people know he didn't stay in the grave, he conquered it! We need people to know just how Awesome and Big our God is! Just how POWERFUL He is! He isn't a small god that can only do what we ask him to do. He is a Holy God and will do more than we can ever think or imagine! How cool is that?

I pray that we all just fall head over heels in love with Jesus! That we wouldn't worry about "religion" and the rules/regulations that usually come with that. I pray we just love Jesus with all that we are and we let him love us back! I pray that we never forget what an awesome and powerful God he is! and that He loves us so much!

Wells of Peru

2008-12-07T21:26:00.008-05:00

God has worked a miracle in my life! I would have never thought my husband would end up going over to Peru to do mission work and, in the process, also dig wells for the people of Peru! Wow! Our God is awesome! I am in Awe of my powerful and loving God!

I am attaching a few pictures from Peru. It saddens me that we are living in 2009 and have not done a better job of making sure other countries have the basic necessities such as water. The body can not live w/o water and the lack of water causes many problems. In Peru, there are moms having to give their babies alcohol to drink because they do not have water to give them. I know it is difficult to believe and I feel that God wants us to show his love and to help take care of his people, both here in America as well as other countries. We have been so blessed in America by God and I believe He is wanting us to take what He has given us and to help others. Some of these people walk anywhere from 4-20 hours a day to get water. Once they get the water it is still unsuitable to drink. They have to take it home and prepare it to be able to drink it. Can you even imagine not having the basic necessity that sustains life? In some of these pictures you will also see that they do not have enough water to sustain their livestock!

We are in the process of setting up/updating the website for this mission. We have an awesome video that I will post within the next few days that will give you more information about the people of Peru and what they have to do just to get water.

I pray that if you see these pictures that you would please join us in praying for God to provide all that is needed to dig 9 wells (or beyond) by the end of 2009. There is water in the ground to be accessed but currently, the people of Peru do not have a way to get to this water. We have that ability and the equipment to do this. Please pray for the people of Peru. I have not personally been to Peru, but my husband tells me how happy everyone is and they are so grateful for what they have. They are also amazed that people in another country would care enough about them to come and help them! What a great opportunity to share the Love of Christ with them! We are praying to not only provide the water they need to sustain life, but also give them Jesus and tell them of His Amazing Love! Please click on the link below to view the photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=svheog8.8g4tcdoc&x=0&y=-8d160s&localeid=en_US

Thanks for your prayers!

Family Visit

2008-11-25T22:49:00.020-05:00

My husbands family from Oklahoma came into town for a visit. We have not seen them in about 2 years. We had such a great time and I am thankful to God for healing and restoring these relationships.

My SIL works as a nurse and has been in the newborn ICU for several years. About 6 or 7 years ago, she was a foster home for an infant whose mom was on drugs and did not want her baby. My BIL/SIL ended up adopting this precious little girl and I am so thankful to God for bringing her into our family. She was a premie but, Praise God she did not have any permanent problems to overcome. She is from a tribe of Indians but I can not remember which one. She is absolutely beautiful!

This visit they brought the newest member of the family, Makayla. She is 2 years old and they are in the process of adopting her. She is also from a tribe of Indians, but I can't remember which one. Her mom used drugs while pregnant with Makayla and recently signed her rights away. It appears that the mom was also beaten up by the father while she was pregnant and due to injuries suffered during this attack, Makayla was born several weeks early. She is such a blessing from above! She does have CP and is blind, but she has such a personality! She is currently an infant in developmental stages. I already love her so very much. My daughters love her also and love interacting with her and seeing her laugh at them. I pray that God would continue to heal little Makayla and that she would serve him all the days of her life and continue to be a blessing that brings others to Christ. She is so much further in her abilities than the therapists ever thought she would be. I PRAISE GOD for that!

During our visit with the family we were able to go see the Dead Sea Scrolls. That was really cool! To think that the writings I was seeing on leather were God inspired writings and were translated into the Bible that I read today. It was so cool! The kids really liked that!

We had such a great time! Thank you Lord for giving us this time to spend with our family! I miss them already and they haven't even been gone 12 hours! Below are some pictures of the family. Enjoy! Please help me pray that they get home safely!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=svheog8.bdqm6q3g&x=0&y=-6oavpu&localeid=en_US

2008-11-02T10:26:00.005-05:00

I read an awesome post this morning that got me thinking. You can check it out here -- http://www.jonmcclarnon.com/?p=705 and look at the "A Simple Invitation" post. I wonder how many are just waiting to make the decision to ask Christ into their lives? Are they waiting until they are on their death bed to give their life to Christ?

I know when I was younger I used to believe a lie -- that being a Christian wasn't fun. There were too many rules and regulations that I couldn't live up to. I did not understand the Love of the Father. I thought he was waiting to hit me over the head with a Bible the first time I screwed up. It breaks my heart today to think that I actually believed this for a long time. Or that I wouldn't be "cool" if I loved Jesus! I could cry right now thinking about it.

I also used to think that once I received Christ as my Lord and Saviour I just had to 'hang on' and 'do the right things' until Christ called me home or came back to get us. Then I would get to experience His Love and all that He is. What I have learned is that Christ died to give us abundant life TODAY! Yes, it will carry into eternity and we will get to see our wonderful Jesus face to face. However, he also gave us this life as a gift to enjoy this side of heaven. We can see miracles happen TODAY! We can see the sick healed, the blind see, the deaf hear -- right here on Earth! How I pray that those that are waiting to ask Christ into their lives would wait no longer. It is not about rules or regulations. Not about what you can and can't do. Christ loves us all so very much! Both the ones that have already asked Christ into their lives as well as those that have yet to ask him.

It is hard to comprehend this Love our Father has for us. We do not have this kind of Love here on Earth, unless Christ lives in you and you experience His love. If you do not know His Love please ask someone to tell you about it or read the Bible and see how much He loved the ones He gave us as examples. Or better yet, ask God to show you just How much He Loves YOU! Not someone else, but just You. Sometimes it is easy for us to think that he can love someone else, but listen my friend, the FATHER LOVES YOU! Jesus died just for you!

I pray that I can know Him more and Love him more and love others like He does. I just want more of Him! I am not contempt with what I know of Him so far, I want MORE!

I am praying for each person today that does not know the Father's love, that you would invite him to show you just how much he loves and cares about you!

Visit to the NC State Fair

2008-10-30T10:26:00.012-04:00

What a great time we had at the fair this year! We bought advanced tickets so we really did not spend much money (Thank you Jesus!).

My hubbie and I went by ourselves one night to the fair to see Toby Mac! I love his music and his concert was Rockin! Then we took the kids back one afternoon to let them ride some rides and see the exhibits.

One thing that was funny -- we were in the exhibit hall where the giant pumpkins were at. They had a small table toward the back that had bones and other items from different animals. They had a stomach from a pig, a dog's brain, a skeleton of a dog and a few other items I can't remember. Although sort of gross it was really cool to get to see what each of those items looked like. What was funny was a group of teenage girls walked by this little table and said, "Oh Look! Dinosaurs!" I thought my husband was going to fall out laughing. It was sort of funny though.

Below are a few pictures from the fair. Mason was the loudest one on the roller coasters. I could hear her screaming over everyone else! But she loved it! She was upset that she was too short to ride many of the rides she wanted to get on. She has no fear! Megan has finally gotten to the point that she likes the bigger rides and isn't scared of any of them either. I hope we get to take them down to Disney soon. I think they would have a great time!

These crazy kids are in the bus riding to the fair.

Here is a link to more photos from the fair:

http:/ /picasaweb.google.com/rporter64/NCStateFair

2008-10-25T21:27:00.002-04:00

A couple of updates:

The merger is complete and I still have a job. Thank You Jesus!

My husband and I are still waiting on answers from God regarding his job.

I am still praying regarding what God is wanting me to do.

It has been a crazy busy last couple of months. My aunt has been in the hospital twice. I still am not sure what is wrong with her. I think she is feeling better though. Please continue to pray for her healing.

We had a family reunion last week. It was a lot of fun. All of the family came, even those from out of town. I am so glad everyone got to hang out. I really want our kids to know one another just like we all knew one another growing up. It did bring back memories of daddy and Denise. That was one of the last things we did when daddy was here was to have a family reunion. I still miss him so much.

I can not believe that next week is Halloween. That means that the holidays will be here before we know it. I am excited because my husband's family from Oklahoma will be coming to visit next month. I look forward to seeing them.

Well, there you go some more ramblings by me. I still have a lot on my mind and in my heart so please just continue to lift me up in prayer!

2008-09-23T14:33:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted anything in a while I know. However, there is a lot of thoughts/worries bottled up inside right now. I really need to put everything down on paper. I pray God will give me the words to help me get everything out :-)

Just a couple things on my mind:

-- We are going through a merger at work. Trying not to be worried about any 'lay-offs' however that is a big thing on my mind. I really need to give this over to God.

-- My husband and I are praying about a Huge Job Change that God may be calling him to take. More on this later.

-- My aunt has been in the hospital and a wonderful man that I used to work with has passed away. Makes me realize how fragile and short life is. Makes me hurt b/c there are so many in the world that do not know Jesus.

-- Thinking about churches and how so many are becoming too commercialized. Where is the true hunger and fire for God?

-- Wanting to visit New Beginnings Church so I can just sit in the presence of God. Last time I was there, His presence was so thick you really couldn't stand. Everyone had their shoes off because we all knew we were standing on Holy Ground! I want this every day.

-- I have such a desire to do something (work related) for God but I have no idea what. I keep praying to find out what my purpose is.

-- There is a school I was so excited about attending, but even if God provides the money to go, depending on the decision made regarding my husband's job situation would determine if I could actually attend this school. I don't think we will know the answer by the 26th of Sept. which is the deadline to get the application in.

-- I feel like things have changed at the church I am currently attending and it is breaking my heart!!!!

There are tons more that are on my mind. I really need to go get on my knees and seek God.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-06T22:08:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Megan! My oldest daughter just turned 7! I can hardly believe it. I know all of you moms and dads can relate. Where does the time go? I can remember being in the delivery room with her and then it seems life just fast forwarded to today. I am so very proud of her! I pray that she will serve and love God all the days of her life! I pray that even at such a young age that she will do amazing things for God and to lead others to him.

I thank God for my 2 daughters. I love them so much. There was a time in my life when I didn't think I would ever have kids. I wanted them so much but the situation that I was going through would not have been a healthy environment to bring a child into. God is so awesome and sweet! He gave me my heart's desire! I didn't deserve it but by his grace He gave it to me! Having children has opened my eyes to how incredibly much our Father loves us all. It is hard to comprehend that He would love us so much! The enemy lies to us and has us thinking that we have to be perfect or do this or not do that in order for God to love us. I am so thankful that God's love is UNCONDITIONAL! Thank you Lord for loving us all!

2008-07-30T10:02:00.006-04:00

I have been feeling in my heart, for some time now, that I need to write down my 'testimony' or the story of my life and how God saved me from all the mess. I have been trying my best to avoid this because, you see, I don't want to have to feel some of the pain all over again. I am very good at just pushing emotions and hurts down and hope they never surface again. However, God loves us too much for that. He wants to heal all of our hurts. and one thing I have found is that no matter how much it hurts -- God's love and healing is the most precious thing I have ever experienced.

So I will try to put my thoughts down over the next several days. I know not many read this blog, so it is mainly for myself. To just get it out of me and let God heal the hurts that are still there and to help me forgive others that I have not yet forgiven entirely. I have been forgiving over the years, but just when I think I have forgiven someone, God shows me another area that I need to forgive them in.

Our Pastor says the following --- 'Hurting People Hurt People'. How true that is. So when I stop to think about those that have hurt me, I realize that they never meant to. They are hurt themselves and need the Love of the Father. When I look at it that way, my heart breaks for those that have hurt me in the past and I can truly forgive them. But then there is that enemy of ours who would want to bring 'junk' back up to try to get our flesh to rise up. Lord, I pray that I can continue to see people through your eyes and through the Love you have for them.

I do not want my hurts to hurt anyone else. I do not want my children or my husband or anyone else that I love to be hurt (unintentionally) by me. For those that I have hurt I pray you can/will forgive me and please continue to pray for me.

Our God is so good! He loves us so much! There is a song that we sang at New Beginnings Church that says -- 'All I want to do is lose myself in you ... Just lean back in your arms and Just Let Go!' How I want to do that today. To let go of me and just lean back in daddy's arms and let him embrace me and wipe away the tears!

Prayers Needed

2008-07-12T12:50:00.003-04:00

Please keep Katie in your prayers. Our God can do ANYTHING! Please don't put him in a box or think He is too small to handle this!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katiegilstrap

First Camping Trip

2008-07-05T17:21:00.006-04:00

Last weekend we went to the Lake to hang out with my sister and her family. They were camping at the lake for my sister's birthday. well .. not camping like you would first imagine, but they have an RV so we were camping with luxury :-)

We had a great time! My husband had elbow surgery last wednesday, but he was able to come hang out with us as well. I am so glad that we were able to do this. This was my sisters big 3-0 birthday celebration! The 'baby' in the family has actually 'finally' turned 30! Isn't it funny that when we are teenagers 30 seems so old, however, when you actually turn 30 you don't feel any older :-) I have actually enjoyed my 30's more so than my 20's.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from last weekend and my very first camping trip ever! I can not remember the last time that we have all hung out together away from home and the worries of cleaning the house, cooking, laundry, etc. I wish there were more days like this!

We both have 2 kids and they are about the same age, so they enjoyed playing with each other. My girls actually were nice to each other and not fighting the whole weekend! Woo Hoo!!!!

Silly kids in the 'camper'

2 other silly kids

the 'camper' (I think my sister should name the RV like in the movie 'RV')

Chillin on the boat

We all had such a great time! I hope we are able to do this several more times this summer.

2008-07-05T12:19:00.001-04:00

Father, please give me Wisdom and a MIRACLE!

Help me to enjoy this life you have given me. I really do love you and thank you for all you have done in my life.

Pulling My Hair Out

2008-06-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

I had to go to a baby shower today with both of my girls!!!! I thought, what is the worse that could happen?

NEVER take a 3 yr old who has NOT had a nap to a baby shower!

She was into everything, bouncing off the walls! I am sure everyone was tired of hearing me call her name! Then, when she and her sister were eating the refreshments, my 3yr old decides it would be cute to pick up food off of her sister's plate with her toes!!!!! YUCK!

So, needless to say I was a little embarassed! There were plenty of women there that have little ones about her age and they were so nice, telling me not to worry about it. But then there were others who do not have kids and I am sure she gave them yet another reason why they don't want to!

I love both of my girls soooo much and thank God everyday for them. But I hope I don't have to take them both to a baby shower any time soon :-)

2008-06-02T11:07:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of my oldest daughter -- Megan. She has been wanting to get baptized for a long time and this Wednesday, June 4, she will be baptized! She is so sweet and has always just known Jesus:-) It is amazing to see the faith that a child has!

During the winter months we visited a friend's house and they have a hot tub. Megan got in it and started holding her breath and going underwater and told me that she was practicing for when she got baptized! I thought that was sooo sweet:-)

I pray that both of my girls, Megan and Mason, will always have such a love for Jesus and will want to serve him all the days of their lives!

2008-05-13T11:14:00.003-04:00

My heart feels heavy. I feel like we haven't even scratched the surface of what God wants us to know about him and to experience about him. Yes we love him and know that he loves us, but how many of us pray for healings and really believe with everything we are that God is going to heal? Or do we just keep taking medicine and going to the doctor. I know so many of us go through the motions of what we think we 'should' do as Christians. not that all of it is wrong, I just feel that God is calling us deeper. Into a deeper understanding of who He really is and how AWESOME and POWERFUL he really is. In the Bible it says that we would do GREATER things than Jesus did while he was on the earth. I don't know about you, but I really haven't seen this happen yet. and please know that I am speaking to myself more than anyone with this post. Just my thoughts and what I know God is dealing with me on.

I just want to be on my face seeking God. I want to know ALL of him, not just a small part. I want to experience all he has for me and all he wants me to do for others.

I listen to so many people who have all of these rules and regulations that they have learned from the church -- but all of that is just religion bondage. God loves us so much! He loves us just as we are! Broken and hurt and everything else we are. We need to let people know how much God loves them! We need to tell the world! It has to break God's heart that we just keep what we have learned to ourselves and expect others to carry the torch of reaching the lost. We get so caught up in our personal selves that we have no idea how many are lost and have never had a chance to hear of our Jesus!

I know for me -- living in the US -- it blows my mind to see how other countries have to live. The bondage that so many are under. How they must ache to know that someone cares about them. What if they learned of God and his powerful love for them? He doesn't love the people in the US any more than he loves those in 3rd world countries.

How sad that people all over the world including the US are hungry and in need of clothes. The poor children who are sick and the parents that can't take care of them. Not because they don't want to. Every mother wants to take good care of her children.

I just feel so burdened -- that God wants us to know him more. I feel so strongly that the end is nearing and there are so many that we need to reach out to.

Father -- help me to know you more. Help me to reach the lost. Use me however you can. Please lead and guide me and teach me all you have for me!

Our Wonderful Saviour!

2008-04-01T09:31:00.002-04:00

This morning I listened to this song by Hillsong. I think it is such a beautiful picture of Christ's love for us. What a wonderful saviour He is. He loves us so very much!

At The Cross

Verse 1:
Oh Lord You’ve searched me,
You know my way;
Even when I fail You,
I know You love me.
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

Chorus:
At the cross I bow my knee,
Where Your blood was shed for me,
There’s no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave,
Your glory fills the highest place,
What can separate me now?

Verse 2:
You go before me,
You shield my way,
Your hand upholds me;
I know You love me.
And when the earth fades,
Falls from my eyes,
And You stand before me,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

Bridge:
You tore the veil, You made a way
When You said that it is done.

Update on Jack

2008-03-14T10:52:00.002-04:00

Thank you for all your prayers regarding Jack. He was put down last night, March 13, 2008. I know it was the right decision. I know he is in heaven with my dad, Denise, Sassy and Baxter and they are all having a great time! Of course my dad is telling the dogs ... "You aren't going to rush me now!" :-)

What a great blessing it has been to raise both Jack and Baxter. I miss them more than words can say. I pray that God will provide us with another wonderful dog to add to our family at some point.

K9 Jack

2008-03-12T09:44:00.002-04:00

We have a German Shepherd named Jack who was Porter's partner on the PD for many years. They worked in Smithfield together and also transferred to Clayton together. Jack has had hip dysplasia for a couple of years now and on Saturday his back legs stopped working. So he is unable to walk:-(

We took him to the vet on Monday really expecting we would have to put him down. The vet gave us a medicine to try in hopes that it would help. I think it may be helping some b/c he tries to get up more (even though he can only get up on his front legs) but it is not helping the way we need it to.

Jack has had a great life and because he was a working dog I know it took a toll on his body. I am praying that God heals him or gives us wisdom on what to do. Please keep us in your prayers.

Just thoughts

2008-03-03T16:19:00.003-05:00

Life is funny sometimes. Some days are good, some are horrible. Through it all I know God is still God. Some days I am so ready for him to come back and then others I just want to continue enjoying things the way they are.

I would like to ask for prayer. Prayer for me that I can continue to give God all of my troubles and seek His face. Porter and I are praying about whether God wants us to sell this house. You know this is my dream home. Not that I am materialistic -- I find this home such a blessing from God. I NEVER thought I would ever have any children or a big house. I thank God for all he has done in my life! I should probably just write it all out one day. But I don't want to do anything w/o knowing 100% that it is what God wants us to do. The place we are looking at is a great neighborhood and we already know several people who live there. The house is just the perfect size for us (less to clean woo hoo) and I do like the floor plan. But I just dont know. One minute I feel peace and then the next I don't. I really thought when we moved in this house that this would be the last house I ever lived in. I thought this would be the house the girls grew up in. I know it all sounds silly I mean it is just a 'house'. But we designed this house. ok well, modified it greatly from the original plan. we picked out everything in this house. we made is ours. Just the thought of someone else living here seems weird. Ok so maybe I could look at it like God could bring a family here who finds Christ at C3 b/c they are close. I don't know. I am rambling. Please pray with us for wisdom on what to do.

Thanks!

2008-02-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers! Today is a MUCH better day:-) God is working my miracle!

Prayer

2008-02-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Just some personal stuff going on that I don't feel comfortable writing about at this time. Please just keep me in your prayers. I need a miracle.

2008-01-28T09:39:00.001-05:00

Porter returned home from Peru yesterday. I think they had a really good trip. He took lots of pictures, and I must say there are many that have broken my heart. I will post some at some point, but just be prepared that some are very sad.

It is so hard to believe that there are actually places in this world, in 2008, that do not have the basic necessity for life -- water. can you imagine what that must be like? They do not have enough water to feed their livestock or to feed their children. Some babies are given alcohol to drink because it is the only thing that doesn't have bacteria in it. That breaks my heart. I know God wants this brought to light. I never knew there were people in this world that didn't have water. I pray that God will lead us to where we need to go and who we need to talk to so that everyone can be made aware of this. The community that doesn't have water and needs it the most has a well that can be dug, but it will have to be 300 ft. and no one has the equipment to do that over there. I will hopefully get Porter to either Post his story of the trip or put the photos in a scrapbook where he can journal what they are about.

There was something pretty neat that happened though. He got to meet several Presidents over in Peru! Can you image -- Porter meeting a President :-) how cool is that! He said that the people in Peru treated them like Kings! I think that is so awesome! and he even said that the people in Peru were so happy and always had a smile. Even though they lack water and their houses are literally made from straw and their floors are the dirt on the ground! We take so much for granted! We are so truly blessed and most fortunate to live where we do.

God please lead us and give us wisdom on what to do with the information we now have!

Prayer Needed

2008-01-08T09:44:00.001-05:00

Please go to this blog: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/ and keep this family in your prayers!

Mission Trip to Peru

2008-01-04T13:09:00.000-05:00

I would like to ask that everyone please pray for a trip to Peru that Porter will be taking shortly. He will be going to Peru with a friend of ours to help dig wells to provide clean, drinking water for the people of Peru. You can check out the ministry here -- http://wellsforperu.com/.

Please be in prayer for the ones that will be traveling over there -- for their safety as well as wisdom from God and that they will be able to show Jesus' love to the ones they meet. Please pray for the hearts of the people in Peru that they will be open to hearing about Jesus and that they would receive His love for them!

My baby 'Baxter'

2008-01-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Meet Baxter! He is a 15 yr old Yorkie. (This picture was taken probably 7 years ago.) I am posting this picture of him to show everyone my first baby! Those with pets will understand how attached you can get and how they are like your own children! I love this dog more than I know how to describe! Unfortunately, on October 5, 2007 he wandered away from home. I have not been able to find him. He could have only had about a 15 minute lead time before I knew he was gone. He had gone outside and he never leaves the yard w/ me! For some reason he walked away. It was raining that night, but as soon as he didn't come to the door to be let in and didn't come when I called I immediately went looking for him. I searched everywhere for him. My subdivision isn't very large and I searched all the roads near my house. I put up flyers and ads in the papers and online. Nothing. Several have mentioned that sometimes animals know when it is their time to depart from the world and they leave home to do that. I'm not sure if this is what happened or not. I had a search crew for a weekend looking for him also! Bless his heart, he was so old. He couldn't see well or hear well, and he didn't like to walk around much. It is so weird that he has just vanished and I can't find him.

My heart breaks daily because he is gone. I miss him so much. I wish so much to have him back. I can't describe how bad my heart hurts over him being gone.

Anyway, this wasn't suppose to be a sad post. I just wanted to put a picture of him out here so everyone would know how wonderful he was! he was the best 'baby' anyone could ask for :-)

Newbie

2007-12-29T17:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I thought I would give blogging a try. Seems like everyone I know is doing it .... so I thought I'd give it a try :-) Not sure really what to say right now. So I'll start with this post and see how it goes.