Our Story

2011-01-01T11:59:00.001-06:00

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2010-08-28T08:18:00.003-05:00

Just want to begin by saying how good it is to be in the hands of a God who knows all....and sees all. A God who knows everything about me and has a perfect path laid out for me. Who orchastrates every detail and only wants whats best for me. At times I wonder how could a God so great...could even look upon such a sinner? And He reminds me that He loves me just the way I am...and refines me everyday. I just have to be willing to surrender those sinful ways and let Him lead me. As I sit here...listening to the noises of nature all around me...the gentle morning breeze blowing throw my open windows...I sit in awe of a Lord who surrounds me with such splendor! I serve a God who is greater...stronger...higher than any other! Who turned water to wine...opened the eyes of the blind...there is No God like My God! (just a few lyrics from one of my favorite choruses) I pondered this morning the line...opened the eyes of the blind. Jesus literally did open the eyes of the blind...but as I sat and thought about how awesome this miracle was...how even more awesome that He is still in the business of opening the eyes of the blind today. We don't see..as those before us did...blind men seeing...or do we? I am convinced that even though we read about this miracle in the Bible...God knew that today we would be seeing this miracle performed in a very different way. We are living in a world where there are those walking blind in a fleshly way. People who have no morals....no standards....no respect for each other and who live with situational ethics. They are in desparate need of a healing that only comes from the Lord. A opening the eyes of the blind kind of miracle. The kind of miracle that only God can perform and it begins in the heart. I pray for our country...and those all over the world who need the Lord. Who need His direction...and to see why it is important to live by HIS standards! Every single day we pass by people who are hurting...who are lost...and need the Lord. It is our duty to share His love...it's what we are called to do. To share Jesus in a world where the wrong seems right...an empty generation that needs to be filled with God's love. Remember the old song...It only takes a spark to get a fire going....I pray for the Lord to ignite a fire in His people that cannot be put out! Join me in praying for God's Holy fire to ignite a nation!

Preparing Him for the other woman.....

2010-06-08T17:13:00.005-05:00

You know there are so many days in my life where I seems to be running circles trying to get everyone where they need to go...and getting everything they need so they are fully prepared. I asked myself the other day after reading one of my favorites authors on raising boys. She reminded me that I am not the only the mother of these three little boys...but I am raising someones future husband. Wham....now that is SERIOUS! As I stopped and pondered this thought it soon occurred to me that to make my boys the best husbands...I need to remember that making them responsible for the things they need...for having them make their plates...clean their clothes...put away their dishes...I helping them learn how to be great husbands. Tate seems to be the easiest to convince at this point in time. He was born wanting to take care of things...to look nice...and to help out, from the start. Jake and Drew, however, don't see why living this way would be so important. They have so many other important things they don't need to be bothered with this sort of thing right now. You know baseball is something that a young boy should not be expected to put away just to clean up their room....or brush their teeth...it is summer for goodness sake! All I know is that I have an enormous task ahead of me and God does promise me that he will not give me more than I can handle....though at times I feel a little overwhelmed! He has me mother these three little gentlemen and I don't take my responsibilities lightly. I thank the Lord for trusting me...but for never leaving me when I am such an inadequate individual. So many times I fail...still his goodness and mercy remain. Thank you Lord for my boys....I pray for them so hard...and I know you began a good work in them and it will not be complete until the day of Christs return. Help me remember that they are just little boys...who need gentle reminders every now and again...and that they will be just fine! I pray for those young ladies out there whom you have chosen to be a part of our family someday....those you are preparing perfectly for my little guys to love and cherish! How great is our God...who is the same yesterday today and forever! Who knows every intricate detail of our lives and orchestrates it perfectly!

God is Love....

2010-04-24T10:04:00.005-05:00

Just want to say that I am so blessed in my life that I have a God who sees a bigger picture than I can even imagine. I put my full trust in Him...and pray that I am always doing my best to glorify Him...and lift up those around me. To remember that it is not about me....but about the one who gave this life to me. And when life seems to take me down a path that seems out of the loop with the rest of the world....to remember that I am not like the world. I am called to something higher and God deserves my best...and my complete trust. My life is in His hands and I am safe in His arms. Know today that you are too! Was listening to the radio yesterday about and a woman who struggled with alcholism and thought that she wasn't worthy of what she called "a good life." She had searched for peace...for joy...for love...and felt she had no way of finding it. She found temporary comfort in alcohol. As she began to spiral downward in her addiction...heading down a path that lead to destruction in her life...she felt something pulling her to the church she had attended as a child. She said she found herself there one evening...and the only one in the church at the time was the janitor. He was working trying to get things ready for Sunday worship when this strange woman came up and began asking him questions. She said His first question to her was "Do you know Jesus?" Though she knew who He was....she didn't "know" Him. That night in that little church she asked Jesus into her heart and has never been the same. She said at the moment she asked Him to be the Lord of her life...she was immediatley delivered from her addiction. That when she put her full trust in Him...she was so filled with His spirit she had no desire to be filled any other way. She has lived an alcohol free life since that moment and now talks about her struggles to help those seeking that same peace...joy....and love she sought so long ago. Her comment was that there is no other way to have the peace, love, and joy she has without knowing Jesus Christ. He is the only way! God has us go through certain struggles...trials in life to help us connect with each other. It is our job to uplift each other...to love each other. We serve a jealous God who wants our time and our attention...and if we are putting anything before Him...He dosen't completely have us...and cannot fully use us! I pray today that I am a vessel that puts my whole life in His hands...that He can use me to glorify His kingdom! Even though I don't struggle with alcohol or anything of that nature, I have my own addictions....we all do...and they need to be given to God so He has our complete life! We never know who God is going to put in our path....just like the janitor in the story. We have to be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ...and how He works in our ordinary lives. That He is the one who takes our life and makes it something special...something unique! We are all sinners in need of a Savior...I am so thankful I know Him...and that He set me free! God Bless you today wherever you are....and know that you can experience His love....His Joy....and His Peace...it is there for you! If you are reading this today....hug the person/persons you are with and tell them how much you love them...everyone needs to hear they are loved! God is love!

Let the games begin....

2010-04-19T21:11:00.002-05:00

Well baseball season is here...and we are off and running! Our family as you all know LOVES baseball...and have been so excited for the games to begin. This last weekend the boys played in a tournament and as I was walking from field to field watching all of the games that had Stockton kids playing...I couldn't help but take in all of the sights and sounds and smells all around me. There were siblings playing a pick up games....mommies laughing and sharing stories with each other...dads talking baseball....and of course 7 fields of baseball boys and girls going head to head trying to come out on top and in the end play the championship game! I love it! And I can't forget the smells.... hot dogs....popcorn....nachos....three of the main staples at a ball field. My kids of course think I'm the meanest mom in the world not letting them spend a dime in the concession stand. I might like the nostalgic smells the field has to offer...but not the health and money hazzards they provide. They will just have to get used to the idea of grapes, apples, string cheese, licorice whips, Slim Jims and cheez its hitting the spot for years to come! As I was taking all of this in, I couldn't help but see what wonderful opportunities the Lord presents at ballgames to share His goodness with those around us. I see Him everywhere. In people...in the beauty of the Earth He blesses us with....in words spoken in public or private...God is alive in a world seeking to find hope. I believe that the Lord places us right where we are supposed to be and it is our job to take hold of every opportunity to share His love with those we meet. His good news is what the world needs. His hope...His love....His peace. It is our job to be His hands and His feet here on Earth. God is so good...and His love is endures forever!

2010-02-13T09:26:00.002-06:00

My shot....

2010-02-02T09:09:00.004-06:00

I am sitting in my living room watching little snow flurries fall to the ground, the sound of my dishwasher starting the rinse cycle, and my dryer buzzing telling my it's time to start another load of laundry. Not to much going on this afternoon, my mom took the boys to the gymnasium to shoot some hoops so I am sitting here all alone enjoying the sounds of my home. I love days where the only thing I have on my agenda is laundry and running the dishwasher. I am positive there are probably other things I need on my list ....but I will feel good if I just have these two things done for today. There are things that run through my mind from time to time that just make me stop and think about the difference I am making in this life. There was a song on the radio today and I have heard it so many times before but today the lyrics have stayed in my head and I have meditated on them throughout the day. The words were "you only have just one time around...you only get one shot at this." Wow, did those words make me stop and think about my life and how I am here to make a difference for Christ and what am I doing with this "shot" I have. The Lord calls us to be a light in this world that has so much darkness. As the scripture says "no one lights a lamp to cover it up...they put it on a stand to light the house...so we should let our light shine before men...so they see our good deeds and glorify the Father in Heaven." I ask myself...does the world look at me...and see me? Or do they look at me and see my Father? I pray that this shot I have in this life is lived well. That even through my faults and failures...God works good so that He is glorified in everything I do. I have recently been challenged to take my walk with my God to a new level. To step out and do some things that in my own flesh I would fall on my face...but through my Lord I can stand and walk tall knowing He is in control, not me. I am so thankful today that I have a God who can take me, this weak individual, and make me a strong vessel. He is my strong tower, a fortress when I'm weak, beautiful and mighty, my everlasting King! Praise Him today! Let the Lord be your guide and show you great and mighty things! Be challenged today.....ask yourself what you are doing with this shot at life....I know I have been challenged in a mighty way and I pray that I live a life that glorifies my God!

I love You!

2010-01-19T14:50:00.006-06:00

Welcome Home.....

2010-01-04T09:50:00.004-06:00

I was so excited yesterday knowing David, my love, my best friend, my parenting partner, was coming home from hunting the great outdoors in Kansas. You would have thought that he had been gone for weeks, but in all actuality he had only been gone 4 nights. I know what you're thinking...and yes you're right....the trip is short and I should just deal with it. There are so many women who's husbands leave for months at a time, so my 4 nights alone, when I'm not actually alone isn't much to have a pity party over. My boys keep me company and we have a great time, but it's just not the same when David's away. After church yesterday the texting began...he started with how are the roads?....and from then on it was back and forth until the last text came in saying he was eight minutes from home!! The countdown began...the boys watched the clock and would give a minute by minute update on when the truck would pull into the circle drive out front! When we saw the first sign of headlights pulling into the drive, Drew threw open the window in the livingroom and all three boys and I shouted "Hi Daddy!" The race was on for Jake to see how fast he could put on his boots, coat, gloves, and ear muffs and help his daddy in the door. I love to see them run to their dad, put their arms around him and squeeze with all they have. It warms my heart, and gets him ready for the big hug and kiss coming from me! As David took off his coat and boots and settled in next to me on the couch, the first thing out of his mouth was, "I had a great time, but I'm so happy to be sitting here, on this couch, next to you, listening to the boys. It feels so good." This morning as I thought about David's homecoming I began to think about how the Lord must feel when one of His children comes home. There are so many reasons a child of God leaves home for a while. All the time they are gone, He misses the conversations, He misses the relationship that is gone. He longs for them to come home. He anxiously awaits their arrival, and greets them when the day finally arrives. It dosen't matter how long or how short the trip, He is equally as excited for the lost to make it home to Him. I am so comforted knowing that when I stumble and fall, or I get off course for a while, He is there to pick me up and steer me back on the path He has so perfectly laid out for me. He is there to greet me and say "Welcome Home." He loves us...oh How He loves us...oh how He loves us...How He loves us so! Remember everyday how much the Lord loves you, and how He wants us to have a deep relationship with Him, but it doesn't stop there. We have to know His word, and meditate on it so that we know just what He expects from us, and in knowing that, the relationship we can have with Him is that much sweeter. Just like we as parents want our children to know what we expect out of them, when they do and obey our relationship is that much sweeter with them too! I learn so much about God's love as I parent my boys. Thank you Lord for welcoming me home time and time again and for never giving up on me!

Perfect God.....

2010-01-02T23:36:00.003-06:00

I love music, and one of my favorite artists is Natalie Grant. She has a new single out called Perfect People, and I would have to say that the words of this song are so good. It talks about how in life we never want people to see us when were down and things aren't going so good. We want the world to see that we have it all together. I am not ashamed of the imperfections that are so evident in my life. I am a work in progress, with such a steep hill ahead, but I'm chugging along! As I was looking at some of the posts I had over the past year, I realize that even when things haven't been the easiest in my life, the Lord is right there making it okay. He's awesome like that! In this song Natalie sings there's no such thing as perfect people, there's no such thing as a perfect life, so come as you are, broken and scarred, lift up your heart, be amazed, be changed by a Perfect God. I am so far from perfect but when I rely on my God, a weight is lifted and I am amazed at how He can take my imperfect life, and give me perfect life through Him. When the world says you have to have it all together I am reminded that He lived and died to heal my imperfections.... and I don't have to come to Him in a perfect little package. He is an awesome God, and wants me just the way I am. As I was thinking about some of my New Year's Resolutions today....I would say the one that is at the top of my list is spending more time with my nose in the word of God. There are so many things I know He wants to teach me and I know that to be close to Him I have to meditate on His word so it is living and breathing in me. I have to take each step following His lead. I pray that as you begin your 2010, you are reminded that the Lord doesn't ask us to be perfect....He asks us to come as we are broken and scarred to Him our Perfect God and He is there to mend what needs mending. To take our imperfect life, and help us turn it into something that glorifies Him. This life is not about us....It is about the one who gave us this life--our PERFECT GOD! Happy New Year to you and God Bless! Love, David, Steph, Jake, Drew, and Tate

What a beautiful sight....

2009-12-30T09:11:00.005-06:00

Looking out my bedroom window this morning, the beauty of God's wonderful snow tipped creation is all I see. We were blessed with a touch of snow last night, and the boys couldn't wait to get their gear on and go out and play in it! I love to listen to them get ready, and hear the excitement in their voices when they plan out their sledding adventures together. The snow is wonderful, but the most beautiful sight to a mother is watching her three little boys play and have so much fun together! The Lord knows just how to warm my heart and he has blessed my family with love, laughter, and lots of fun. I know the sledding won't last long since temperatures this morning are extremely chilly...so I'm off downstairs to fix three little boys some yummy hot cocoa! Hope today finds you cuddling with the ones you love, I know I will be!

Jesus...the light of the world

2009-12-26T12:55:00.005-06:00

The view from my diningroom window at this moment makes me happy I am inside today watching the boys enjoy the new things they recieved yesterday. They are playing with their new legos given to them by their Nana and being so creative in their constructions. David is still sleeping due to his early morning sick stomach that resulted in him losing all of the delicious fixings that He so gloriously enjoyed at my grandmother's house at dinner yesterday afternoon. After talking to Kay I hear that he is not the only one in the family this morning battling an uneasy stomach. It must be a little bug that hopefully will not rear it's ugly little head again. I am at this moment trying to decide if I want to clean up the aftermath of Christmas morning or bake some chocolate chip and sugar cookies. I am leaning toward the cookies telling myself that "it's the holidays," but I will probably remind myself that if I would just clean up the mess--I could really enjoy the baking later. I love the holidays! The smells, the sights, the cuddles, and for me the one of the best parts is spending uninterrepted time with family. For the last week leading up to the holidays, I have watched and cherished each moment. We have had nowhere we had to go...and so we have had the opportunity to just be together! Life seems to stand still during this holiday and having David and the boys home with me during Christmas break is such a joy. Dave and I love watching them share, and laugh, wrestle and fight. You know what I mean--at one moment the are hugging each other and the next minute they want to take the other down for the count. We have learned that in raising them that even in the wrestling and fighting, they truly are loving. It is a strange and interesting thing but the love they share as brothers runs so deep. I remind them daily that with brothers they have friends for life! I pray for their relationship to continually grow stronger and deeper as they get older. I am so thankful we are blessed in raising such special little boys. I feel so blessed that I get to parent with such an amazing man, who shows them how to let the Lord lead his life, so he can lead this family. As I stop and ponder what this season is all about...I recognize that it is about Jesus and his amazing love for us. It is about sharing that love with our families and those around us. Letting our light of His love shine so the world will see Jesus! God bless your family this coming year and years to come. Bundle up.....it's cold outside in Stockton, Missouri! Love, The Wheeler's!

Christmas Day....

2009-12-25T21:44:00.002-06:00

I have had such a wonderful day!! This morning the boys woke us up about 7 a.m. and were ready to get downstairs to see if Santa had come, and as always he had left them something special under the tree. As we made our way into the livingroom and the gifts were passed out, Jake said, "I know were ready to open presents, but can we say a little prayer for Chad? He is out this morning working on the icy roads and he isn't going to be able to spend time with his family." David and I were quick to say of course we could pray for Chad and we were filled with awe in thinking that he had his mind on our dear friend. It made the beginning for such a special morning seeing our children so thankful for the special gifts they were recieving, and we could tell their focus wasn't on the gifts. Our tree was not exploding with presents, but our boys were so excited to see what their few packages held. There is nothing like the excitement small children bring to Christmas. We have so much fun listening to their conversations about the anticipation of this special day, and seeing their eyes light up when they open a package marked with their name on top. David and I have always tried to make Christmas special, but we have always stressed to the boys that Christmas is not about the getting it is more about the giving. That it feels so good to give something special to someone you love-or to even a stranger. We have spent the day loving, laughing, giving and recieving, eating, and sleeping. It has been great. As I am sitting here I am so thankful for my warm home, with family all around. I am truly blessed beyond measure and I am so thankful for my Savior who was born this day, whom we celebrate above all--Jesus. He is the one and only reason for all seasons! He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords--Almighty God, the Everlasing Father! He is! I want to wish you a Merry Christmas evening and a blessed 2010!

2009-12-21T02:38:00.007-06:00

I am not sure how long I have been blogging. It has been maybe a year or so, and I can still remember the day I decided to start my account. I was at work, reading my niece Rachel's blog and thought I might enjoy the idea of journaling the events in my family's life. I sat trying to think first...about the name I would give my blog. My husband, my mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were all there listening to me think of a title for this new journaling experience I was about to embark upon. I would think of one, and quickly say...no...that's not it. They would chime in with an idea or two, and still nothing seemed to fit, nothing seemed to say just what I was wanting to say. Then David said, "honey, how about "Our Story?" With no hesitation I said, "That's it!" I began thinking about what was the most important thing in OUR STORY. The one thing that I would want to center my blog around? I remember saying to myself that if I was going to begin journaling, I was going to tell the world exactly what the most important detail of our story is, and that's the love of Jesus in our life. Since I began this blogging journey, I have had the opportunity to read about so many families stories. I can keep up with the many things that go on in their life, and how their stories unfold. This evening I was looking at some videos my niece posted on her site and ran across a couple of videos of our sweet Grandma Marie on her 100th birthday in July. This wonderful amazing woman with a heart of God had such a special story, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of that story. I am mentioning her not only because I love her, but because her story had only one focus, to share the love of Jesus with everyone she came in contact with. She taught me, so many things, but one of the most important things she taught me was to let my light shine for Jesus in every way. My family knows I am such a work in progress. I fail so many times, and my story has its mountains and valleys. It is a flawed story with all kinds of twists and turns, but my story does have an amazing ending. As Jesus as my guide, my story will have a happy ending, but I had to give my life...my story... to Him first. At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus. His story began so long ago, and changed the lives of everyone in this world, and He is still changing lives today. His story is more than words on a page that we read about in history. There's a song that I love that says...He is the air that I breath, the water I thirst for, and the ground beneath my feet, He is everything to me. As we live in times that are so uncertain, I want to say that everyone has a story, and at some point every story will come to an end, and an extremely sad ending without Jesus. As a Christian, I want to say that with Jesus... there is no greater, happier ending. He is the center of our story, and the story of our extended family. I am so thankful for the love of Christ that we share in our entire family, and I am in awe of how He knows every detail of our story from start to finish. I pray that as you read this He is the center of your story too. That your story rests in His hands, and He is at the heart of your Christmas. If you do not know Him, and are searching for peace in your life, I pray that you find Him. The Savior of the world is waiting to be in center of your story. He can give you peace like you've never known before, and wants to be a the narrator of your story. The more you seek Him, the more you will find Him! God Bless you and your story~Have a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the ultimate gift...Jesus!

Jeremiah 33:3

2009-12-11T21:53:00.002-06:00

Today my little boy Tate was home from school with a stomach bug. Even though it was not so much fun for him--I, as always, enjoy it when the boys are home with me. I know that the Lord has a plan set out for each of them, and that His mighty hand protects and directs their paths, and that at this moment in time He has them in this school for a purpose. I just don't like the fact that the time they had at home with me went so quickly. I was sharing a scripture with my sister the other day from Jeremiah 33:3. In my Bible it reads, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." This scripture has always been one of my favorites because it reminds me that when I call on the Lord He will answer me in a way that only He knows is best. It may not seem that way to me at the moment, but I know He knows the future and He knows what is best. This particular day I was sharing it with her about a particular situation she has gone through for a long time. She read it and immediately answered me back with the translation in her Bible which read: "Ask me, and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come." God is so good. He knows all the amazing secrets that are in our future. Remarkable things we cannot even imagine! Wow! I am so blown away thinking about how the Lord knows all this about me, and about each one of us. It is so hard to think that He has enough love for each of us, and His love for us never runs out. I am comforted this evening knowing that our God knows all of the secrets that are in the future for my boys, and for David and I as well. That His plan for them is far greater than the one I have played out in my finite brain. That He watches each move and when we falter-He takes His mighty hand and steers us back on track.

Thanksgiving Blessings.....

2009-11-26T13:07:00.003-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving Day and I am just relaxing with my family here at home. We normally run here and there and everywhere on Thanksgiving Day so relaxing doesn't seem to fit into the picture. This year however, things have occurred that were out of our control, so we have had the opportunity to just be at home for a little while. Though it is hard for us to not be with all of our family today--we have tried to count our blessings instead of thinking on the things we are missing. We are such a blessed family and I have been overwhelmed with emotions of thankfulness all morning. David and I were talking about how the Lord takes care of us and how His hand is continually covering us. In Psalm 91 the Lord tells us that those who live in the shelter of the Most High, can rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He is our refuge and our place of safety; He is our God, and we trust Him. He rescues us from every trap and protects us from deadly disease. He covers us with his feathers. He shelters us with His wings. His faithful promises are our armor and protection. We do not have to fear the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. We do not have to dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at our side, and ten thousand are dying around us, these evils do not touch us. If we make the Lord our refuge, and our shelter, no evil can conquer us; no plague will come near our home. The Lord orders His angels to protect us wherever we go. They will hold us up with their hands so we won't even hurt our foot against a stone. The Lord says He will rescue those who love Him and protect those who trust in Him. When we call on His name He answers, He is with us in times of trouble. I am so thankful today and everyday that my God is a Mighty God who cares for me and my family. Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving--we are focusing on the one who truly deserves our "thanks", the Lord Jesus Christ-who deserves our thanks in everything!

It's Cookout Time.....

2009-11-07T15:26:00.003-06:00

What a beautiful November weekend! The weather is so perfect. It is just what the doctor order for a bonfire and cookout! I am so in the mood for some family fun this evening and what better way to spend it. I love fall--have I mentioned that before? Those who know me well know that this kind of day puts me in such a wonderful mood. I feel like I have had a smile on my face all day! LOVE IT. Thank you Lord for such a blessing in today! I better get off here and get to calling everyone and tell them the party is at my place tonight!

Playing ball like a girl.....

2009-11-04T16:24:00.008-06:00

When the kids and I got home today, we all decided that we couldn't let a beautiful day like today go by, without a walk around our property. The air was warm, the sky was clear, and the neighborhood was quiet. I am pretty sure we were the only ones home. We walked down to Jeff and Michelle's to look for Rachel's new little kittens, and to give a shout out to Bud. It was so much fun. Just the boys and I. It got me thinking about how as the boys get older they spend more and more time with their daddy, and less and less interested in the things a girl might like. I can see that if I am going to spend time with them I am going to have to become more interested in things like hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activites. The boys think that as far as they know the only girls in the family that play sports are Rachel and Caitlyn. The other day I did however, surprise Drew when he asked me to play catch with the football. I said sure, and off we went. He had the ball so the first throw was to me. As he was throwing it he said, Mom do you think you can throw a spiral to me out here or do I need to scoot up?" I replied, "Well I'm not sure, but I'll try." As I began to throw the football Drew could see that in fact I could throw a football, and a spiral at that. His eyes were as big as saucers, and he said and I quote, "WOW Mom that is the best spiral I have ever seen, Dad did you know Mom could throw a spiral?" Smiling, I asked him if he had ever watched his aunt Heather throw a football, or watch his Nana play softball (she was quite the ball player in the late 70's early 80's! I asked him if he remembered Michelle hitting grounders to Alex and Rachel, or know that Memaw used to be the one who played baseball with Daddy and Jeff? Do you remember all of the times I hit grounders and threw pop flies to you and your brothers when you were little? I guess I do hold some of those not so distant memories for the boys and still have a few surprises up my sleeve. Even some hidden talents my boys have not discovered yet. I am glad I can keep them guessing about me. One thing I do now for sure. I am going to keep myslelf active in the things my boys love. I want to stick as close as I can for as long as I can! They may not always want me right in the middle of things, but I know they will always want me around. They'll always need a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen when life gets tough. I just want to be exactly what they need when they need it. Isn't that what's so wonderful about the Lord, He is ALWAYS exactly what we need when we need it. He never changes and never will. He is the same today, yesterday and forever!

Seasons Change.....

2009-10-15T21:08:00.004-05:00

Why does time seem to go so fast? I was driving by our old house the other day, the house we brought all three of our littles boys home to. I was admiring how tall the trees had gotten in the yard that we planted together and how beautiful they were. I drove by slowly remembering those special times we had there. How the boys would play in the yard and try to climb to the tip top of the dogwood tree on the north side of the house, or playing a pick up baseball game in the yard. That particular day was cloudy, chilly, and it seemed to sprinkle all day. Those were the days I loved the most as a stay-at-home mom. The boys and I would bake homeade cinnamon rolls (or some other baked goodies), drink hot chocolate, and watch The Tales of Peter Rabbit or the Velveteen Rabbit together cuddled under a blanket on the sofa. As I arrived home that day before picking up the kids I had decided I would bake an apple pie for David to enjoy on his lunch break. I enjoy baking so preparing the pie was fun but not near as much fun as having my boys home to help me add all of the ingredients. I miss them being home, and I miss being at home full time as well. I miss them under foot needing me to help them reach for a drink of water, tie their shoes, or zip their coats. To all those stay-at-home moms out there who feel like they are living in a world of sippy cups and diapers. Who feel like their living rooms have been taken over by building blocks, or baby dolls. Who feel like the only thing they do all day is wipe little bottoms or little noses. Your not alone. I have been there and I tried so hard to heed the advice of wise mentoring mothers who had told me time and time again to enjoy every minute. They were right. Every minute is precious and is gone in a flash. I do miss those days, but I am loving where my boys are at right now too. I guess the secret is enjoying each stage of life as it comes. Being content in every season, because seasons change. To remember that with each passing season there is so much beauty to see as our children grow and change and mature. To everything there is a season.

The Heart of a little town.....

2009-09-24T10:52:00.008-05:00

I am overwhelmed at times at how the Lord blesses me with so much family so close to me in my life. David and I have both sides of the family living in the same home town, and it is so great. It is something that we feel so many people in life miss out on when children move away and start life in a new place. When I was younger--just married and before children--I used to think that life in our little town was not big enough for me. I needed to see the world and see what it had to offer. As I age--I am so thankful that the Lord planted me right where I am. I get to see my entire family grow and we get to age together--I don't have to miss a minute. As I am writing this I can honestly say that I have had so much fun every moment on this vacation--and I will be sad to leave. But family is where my heart is. I will be glad to get back to the beautiful trees turning color--and the crisp feeling in the air. Pulling out my jeans and my fall sweaters and all of the fun that comes with the seasons to come. Hot dog roasts with my family-softball games, football games, and cuddles on our couch at home. I love vacations but I truly love my family. Our little town may be small--but the heart that lives there beats so strong. It is a very unique and special place to live and I am so thankful to the Lord for placing me right where I am.

Fishing on the Shamrock.....

2009-09-22T08:19:00.004-05:00

There are a few things in life that David gets really excited about and fishing is one that tops the list. He has been so busy with work that fishing has become some what of a lost love in his life. Dave surprised the men with a fishing trip Monday on a ship called the Shamrock. David and the boys were going out on a four hour guided fishing excursion and they were so excited! They left the house around 10 and were scheduled to be home around 4:00 and we had decided that we would plan dinner around their successes. We made a call to check up and see how they had done, and they had caught 11! They had a great time out on the open sea, spending some guy time together (David did get seasick so that was not a highlight). They fixed red snapper, King mackerel, and Spanish mackerel and it tasted so good! God blessed them with a beautiful day out on the water, kept them safe, and also blessed them with a fishing trip they will never forget! Our God is an awesome God!

Our Florida Vacation.....

2009-09-20T20:41:00.009-05:00

Here are just a few pictures of our first day on the beach. We are having a memorable time laughing, playing, sharing, and relaxing. Thought I would post these pics so you could see what we did all day.....play in the Gulf of Mexico!!!

Autumn Life in the Country.....

2009-09-16T11:07:00.005-05:00

As I am sitting here, the autumnal breeze blowing through my house, I am sure this is my favorite time of year. I love this season-the leaves gently making their way to the ground creating a blanket of yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. It is so beautiful. Looking around I see just how amazing my God is. He gives us so much. It seems that my life at this moment has taken on a slower pace, and I love it. Though it doesn't last long I am going to cherish every second. The boys are playing together, and it is quiet. I can hear the wind filled trees chatting back and forth. I see squirrels picking through my walnuts in the front yard sifting out just the right ones to store for the winter. My St. Bernard relaxing in her pin her fur moving back and forth with the breeze. Max and Sammy cuddled together on the back deck catching up on some needed sleep tired from their night prowling. I love it in the country. I thank you Lord for allowing my family to live here. To reside in a such special place. I was sharing with my family the other day that it is not the home I live in that I love--but the life that is lived here. I pray that our home is filled with love, encouragement, laughter, family, and friends. Most importantly I pray that our home is a refuge for those who need to feel the love of God. That we never get to busy to share God's love and connect with those God puts into our path. That I am never to busy to remember who gives me this life. God deserves my best and I am ashamed to say that I am someone who lets busy life take control. Lord help me in the busyness of life to rest in You. To rest in the shelter of Your wings and remember You are my Strong Tower. My God is amazing and I am in awe of His marvelous creation!

2009-08-12T12:23:00.004-05:00

Well, school is starting tomorrow and I am singing the mamma blues. It is so hard for me to let my little guys go after summer break. I guess I just want moments to last longer, for hugs to be just a little tighter, and for my little boys to stay little boys. Each new school year brings a close to a little more of our past, but it also starts new things to come. As I am writing this it is hard to fight back tears. (I am not being very successful) At the moment I am watching Drew and Tate collect some stones outside our house, getting ready to paint on them. Their little fingers picking just the perfect stone that will become their masterpiece. Listening to their conversations with each other, so young and so precious yet so detailed and interesting. They are more than brothers, they are friends. Where does the time go. I know it sounds like a mom to say this, but I am in love with each and every little part of my three little guys. The way they smile at me, the way they hug me, and the way they play with my hair when we are reading or watching a movie. They are such a gift, and I want each of these moments to never change. Alas, I know that dream can never come true. I know they have to grow up and become the men God wants them to be. I also know our special moments will change and grow as they do in a very special way. There is nothing like the bond between a mother and her little boy and I am so blessed to have three very special, unique little boys of my very own. I just pray that sending them to school gets a little easier, I am like that story your hear about children crying everyday, not wanting to go--only I am the opposite--I am the mom not wanting to let them go. Pray for me!

5 weeks and counting.....

2009-08-08T15:24:00.007-05:00

As you can see I am ready for a vacation!!!

I can't believe that in 5 weeks my family will be sitting on the white sandy beaches of Destin, Florida! My husbands brothers family just got back and I can't wait to see the pictures from their trip. Just listening to their stories of the beach and seeing some of the pictures creates such excitement inside of me. Vacations are essential. You can spend quality time together as a family and create lasting memories without all the distractions of everyday life. I can't wait. I am counting the days until my eyes see those beautiful sunsets and my feet hit the soft white sand. It's going to be great!

Intentional Walk.....

2009-07-19T07:07:00.004-05:00

As I was sitting here this morning reading my devotion for today, I ran across a scipture that has been such a daily meditation for me over this last week, and a reminder of how the Lord is watching over me and a constant promise for our family. It is Psalm 32:8 and it has been sort of my end of the school year summer time scripture I have referenced so many times in the last three months, and it is great how the Lord puts it right in my path just when I need it. It reads, The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." The intentions for our USSSA World Series trip were for us to make this week something more than a plethera of ballgames. The Lord has set us most definatly on the pathway we are traveling and that path includes lots and lots of ballgames. I feel it is our job to make the most of every opportunity He sets in that path to make a difference in the lives of those around us. He says in Psalm 32:8 that as we travel this path He will guide us along, advise us and watch over us. I believe that wholeheartedly! He brought in our path so many opportunities to minister the love of Jesus to so many people this week, and to truely love even when it's not easy. (which I am still learning to do, and do not do it very well) I believe that the Lord sets in that pathway some very difficult situations, some that are very close to home and heart. He wants to make us better people through those difficult situations and if we are walking that intentional walk it makes it easier to see how He is refining us. I have thanked the Lord for such a special week to be with some wonderful people, and to watch my son and the young men on his team play some great baseball. I have watched them grow and mature and learn some wonderful life lessons through this wonderful, exciting game. I pray that each day of my life I am walking intentionally. That people see that though I am so flawed, the Lord looks at my heart and sees my potential, and He wants me to just be the best I can be. I know that is how I look at my sons and the way they play the game of baseball. They are not perfect, and they may have those many flawed days, but I see their potential, and I want them to be the best they can be. How great is our God. He can take a simple game of baseball, and turn it into the best learning and growing experience--as long as I am focused on what Him and listening to what He wants to say to me and taking that INTENTIONAL WALK! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Baseball, Birthday, and Baby.....

2009-07-18T06:42:00.004-05:00

Whew! What a week! Here are just a few pics of the Stockton Cardinals at the USSSA World Series, Tate's Birthday, and The Brown's new baby boy.....Cannon Brinnton! Will post more later as we are headed to the Sac River All Star game to watch Drew!

Take Me Out to the Ballgames.....

2009-06-27T06:39:00.004-05:00

Well as you can see from the pics I placed on my blog page baseball mania has hit and America's favorite pastime has consumed our home, our car, and our lives. I have been the worst about complaining that we have not had enough time at home lately. It seems that as soon as we get up in the morning I am washing baseball uniforms, planning the evenings dinner to pack in the cooler for the nights big game wherever the road leads. As I was praying about my attitude the other day the Lord impressed upon me that no matter where the Lord has me I need to be content. I need to have the attitude of Christ wherever I may be. If the Lord has ballgames in my life at the moment, I need to make sure that I am a light for Him at those games keeping a good attitude. He reminded me that as the mother of three little boys who love sports, I am going to be attending oodles and oodles of ballgames over their lifetime and I need to prepare my heart and my mind now because I have been called at this moment in time to minister to them most importantly. They see my attitude behind the scenes (scary) and they look at me as an example of what it should be like to have the mind, heart, and attitude of Christ. I know I have so much to learn and God is refining and reminding me each day that He has a bigger plan in store for me. He will guide me on the path that is fit just right for me, and as long as I follow His lead, I will never be alone. Isn't God's grace good. He sees my rough edges, all my faults and failures, and covers them with that grace. I have been challenged the past few days to check my attitude at the door. To lift my eyes to the hills and realize where my help comes from. It comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth. I know I am not the perfect wife or mother and I know I never will be, (just ask my husband and my children). I guess I just want my husband and my children to know that each day I want to do my best to let them know how much I love them. How thankful I am that God chose me to be one who gets to experience those car rides to the games and who gets to cheer my boys to victory or comfort them in defeat. To know that is how God thinks of us as His children. He cheers us when we are victorious in situations when we have trusted Him, and he picks us up and comforts us when we feel defeated. So Lord, take me out to the ballgames, take me out to that crowd, use me where I am planted right now, and help me to live your love out loud!

I miss Mayberry.....

2009-06-07T09:03:00.004-05:00

I just want to say for the record that I am trying to raise my boys to be thoughtful, considerate, kind, compassionate, and caring. I know at times they probably struggle with these things, but I know in their hearts they are trying. I guess I am writing this because I feel our society is witnessing a generation of ungrateful, expectant young people who have never take the time or care to learn the appropriate behavior that will benefit them in their life and more importantly those who share the planet with them. I was in the grocery store the other day and I actually witnessed a young man, looked to be around 23 years old or so, take some peanuts out of the barrel and proceed to eat them while he was walking through the store. Instead of throwing the shells in the trash, he walked over to a display and threw the shells inside leaving the trash for someone else to pick up. I will have to say that at times he would actually throw the shells on the floor leaving that mess as well. I was livid. My sister happened to be with me and we are two girls who have a hard time being quiet when we see someone doing something they shouldn't. Our comments to this young man and his girlfriend were to the point, trying ever so hard to keep a Christian tone. I mean who in their right mind thinks this behavior is ok. Even if this man's parents didn't teach him not to steal food from others and leave your trashy mess behind--it dosen't take a rocket scientist to figure out after 23 years that you don't behave that way. I want to take the time in this blog to thank the older generation. The generation of men and women who taught me through example how to make good commen sense decisions. How to be respectful, and considerate of others possessions and their feelings. To treat someone the way I want to be treated, and to strive to have an attitude of gratefulness for what I have. The Mayberry generation that stops to talk to you on the street, and is genuinely concerned about your well-being. The relationship based generation that doesn't think that you have to cram a million things into one hour, but instead likes to sit on the back porch and drink sweet tea just taking in God's beautiful masterpiece. I am so thankful for this generation that instilled in me values that I am trying ever so hard to teach my boys. I want them to open doors for people, to offer a helping hand when needed. Boys who still open the car door for their sweetheart, and who have a conscience when it comes to making decisions. Getting back to the basics of life.....that's what I want to strive for. No matter where I go, or what I am doing...I want to live my life unselfishly. To love my neighbor and seek God's direction for my life. To those of you out there who are on my side....let's strive to raise a new grateful generation of kids....it starts with us. They will follow our example, and it is our job to follow the Lord's!

Lazy Days of Summer..........

2009-05-24T23:21:00.003-05:00

I will have to say that for the last few weeks of school I have been anxiously waiting for the first official day of summer vacation to arrive. I think I am worse than the kids at times. I love summer when the kids are home and we can just spend the lazy days of summer together-or is it crazy days? It seems that for the last four years of my life I have been running here and there and everywhere to get the kids where they need to go, and all of my errands done before dinner and bedtime. I miss the lazy days where we would just pack a picnic basket and head for the lake and enjoy an afternoon together as a family. Nowhere to go and freedom to stay out until dark with nothing on the agenda. Now it's (as Rachel's blog pointed out) gotta eat, change, and head to a ballgame! Don't get me wrong, I love watching my boys play ball, I guess I just miss the pick up game in the yard too. The boys using one of my vacuum sweeper attachments as a bat, and a ball made out of rolled up duct tape. Organized sports are great, but nothing beats watching while Jake, Drew, Tate, Rachel and Alex play until sundown in the front yard, listening to them make the game come alive with all of their play by plays announced at the top of their lungs. I love family time. I love family. I try to cherish each moment because time flies so quickly. I never want to be to busy and tired from the day to go outside on a hot summer night and catch fire flies with my boys. I have high expectations for this summer. Get ready Heather, Michelle, Rachel, Jill, Connie and any other Phase 10 lover--this summer..... card nights at my house! BYFS (Bring your favorite snack) and I will provide the sweet tea! I am bound and determined to bring back those lazy days. Those memory making days that our families will cherish for a lifetime.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-10T05:25:00.013-05:00

To all of you mothers out there. I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day! Being a mother isn't always easy. Sometimes I wish there was a Mother's How to Guide to raising a family! If you follow this step-your child will behave just the way you want them too! Right! I guess if there was, God couldn't use the situations I find myself in to make me a better mom, and it would take all of the humor out of my parenting. I know the Lord has to get a good laugh at me as He watches me try to raise my little monkeys! As I was sitting at my son Jake's baseball game yesterday, and began looking around at all of the mothers who were there cheering their son to victory, or lovingly lifting their son after a hard loss. It soon hit me that in my family I am surrounded by some amazing women, who were all present at Jake's game. (all but 2 whom were probably at home fixing something good to eat for dinner today) God created all of these women in such unique ways, and none of them think or act alike. They all bring such a wonderful, perfect mix to our family. Each personality was given by God to fit perfectly so that our family can operate and function the way He wants it to. I am constantly learning from these ladies, and I know I am a better woman today because of the example they are in front of me. I wish I had the time to describe each of them in detail just to let you know how amazing they are--but my time blogging is short this morning. I will just say that for all of the differences they possess, there is one thing they all share and that is the Love of God in their hearts. They all serve Him and follow His lead. They are all humble servants who not only serve the Lord above all, but they are women who serve and love their families with every ounce of breath and energy they have. Thank you Lord for these women. Women who teach me, who love me, who shock me, who make me laugh, and who spur me on to be a better person. I love you all, and want to wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!

Drew's celebration cookout.....

2009-04-26T07:13:00.007-05:00

Last night we had a cookout with our family to celebrate that our son Drew asked Jesus into his heart and to be the Lord of his life. After everyone had gone, and we were getting the boys ready for bed, I had taken the last check on the house, making sure all candles had been blown out, lights had been turned off, and doors had been locked. As I was heading upstairs I could hear David reading Where the Red Fern Grows to the boys as they were settling down to sleep. It was so quiet and as I made my way to our bedroom, I was consumed with warm fuzzies. Tears started to well up in my eyes as I thanked the Lord for these special moments. Not just the moments that I hear my husband reading, playing, or just having a sweet conversation with the boys about life and making good choices. I mean all of the special moments you have raising children. The good, the bad, and the ugly. They all seem to have a very special place in my heart because through them all I have become a better wife, mother, and overall person. Don't get me wrong I would love for our life to be nothing but easy street. But that's not what makes us grow and mature and love each other in a deeper more intimate way. That's not what makes a family. What makes a family are all of the good, bad, and ugly intertwined so that unconditional love is formed. I looked around at our family circle last night and could not ask for a better place to be. I went to bed last night asking the Lord to help me remember that I don't know exactly when the Lord will call me or anyone else home. To help me be conscious of my words and actions because they may be the last thing someone remembers about me. He set me here in this life for a mission and higher calling. I just pray that I don't do more harm than good here on Earth, my track record is so far from mediocre. I am a work in progress, a servant in training who needs some sanding around the edges. I am just so thankful the Lord above wants to take a sinner like me, and give me the blessings of partnering with Him to raise such a sweet family.

My charmed Life.....

2009-04-13T09:12:00.004-05:00

I have to admit I am a very spoiled woman. I have a wonderful family, wonderful in-laws, a wonderful church family and some wonderful friends. Everywhere I look, there is someone who is there for me. Someone I can lean on, and go to when things get rough and I need to unload. Yesterday as I was settling down after a wonderful Easter, I starting thinking about how charmed my life is. How I have everything I need in this life. I may not have all of the things the world would consider everything, but I have more than I could possibly ask for. Jesus is the King of my heart, and if everything in this life were taken from me, I still would have everything I need and that begins and ends with the Lord above. Easter is a time where we remember how Jesus, an innocent man, God in human flesh, took the weight of my sins, and died on the cross for me. I am so loved by Him that He would give His life for me, so that I could have eternal life through Him. I can celebrate His resurrection, and know that He is sitting at the right hand of God, pleading and interceding for me when I fail. I pray that I don't just settle for remembering what Jesus did for me on Easter, but I pray that everyday of my life I remember the gift that He has given me, and not get so wrapped up in my charmed life that I take my focus off of the one who gave me this life. I feel like I have many things to be thankful for, but I am most thankful for my Lord and Savior, He is truly the one that is there for me. I can always lean on Him when things get rough, and I can unload on Him--which I do frequently--and He will give me peace. If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or don't know the peace and hope that comes from knowing and leaning on Him, look for Him, and you will find Him. Believe me when I say that if He can take a sinner like me and all of my faults and failures, and still want to do something with me, He is standing at the door of your heart too, wanting you to open the door, and let Him come in. This life is a hard one, and I can't imagine living it without Him.

Oh how time flies.......

2009-03-31T08:27:00.006-05:00

We went to Rachel's track meet yesterday, and had such a good time watching our niece run, and do long jump. This sweet young lady has literally grown-up so fast. I remember the days she used to dress up in her sweet little dresses, and have tea parties with her dolls--Begeggcka, and Sessa (not sure about the spelling on these names, but I remember them like it was yesterday) I used to watch her make the BEST mud pies--and play in her playhouse all day long. Where does the time go? This little girl--is now heading into the fourth quarter of her eighth grade year, and next stop..... High School. As a mother I am seeing that my children are growing at the same rate, and time keeps moving faster and faster each passing day. I am realizing just how short our time here on Earth is. The Lord impressed on me that as each day passes, am I giving my time and efforts to the things that are lasting? The last year of my life I have reevaluated so many things. I don't want to get to the end of my life and say I wish I would have spent more time in the word, or spent more time playing in the yard with my children. I am so thankful that the Lord continually reminds me that when the world heads one direction, I need to keep my eyes on the eternal goal. Not get so wrapped up in the things of this world that I miss the important things in life. When my children are grown, and heading in the direction the Lord has for them, I want them to reflect on their time in our home as being filled with sweet memories. That their Daddy and I were never to busy for them, and that we filled their life with the firm foundation of God's promises. That true success in life means that you are following God's lead and going where He wants you to go.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY.....

2009-03-22T14:28:00.004-05:00

Today after church I had to run a few errands, so David brought the boys home to change clothes and get ready for lunch. When I walked in the door, the kids were jumping up and down so excited that their Daddy was taking them fishing. It is such a beautiful day, the perfect day to set up a lawn chair, cast a pole in the water, and relax hoping to catch few fish. Just being together makes for a wonderful day. I think this is the first weekend in a long time that we have had no prior plans for at least on day in the weekend. We had no plans on Friday, nothing on Saturday, and church on Sunday. The weather has been great, the family time has been uninterrupted, even the phone has not been ringing off the hook. Thank you Lord for this beautiful weekend full of family time. You deliver just what we need at just the right time! Here are a few pics before the guys left for their fishing trip. Hope your weekend has been filled with beautiful moments.

Sweet Surprise......

2009-03-21T18:46:00.002-05:00

Today has been such a wonderful day. Since March Madness hit we have been watching games and rooting for our favorite teams. It has been so relaxing being at home with my family, cuddling on the couch watching basketball together. Saturday with nowhere to go.......one of my favorite things! About ten minutes ago the boys came in with a special surprise for me. Most of my surprises consist of a collection of pretty rocks they seem to find, or the occasional buckeye. I have always been so touched when the boys bring me my special treasure, because they have truly been excited from the bottom of their hearts. Today however, they brought me something unexpected.....a beautiful bouquet of flowers (sorry Christy I am afraid they found these spectacular flowers in your garden) I was so touched, and reminded of how blessed I am to mother these wonderful boys. Even when I feel a little grouchy, they are there with their sweet smiles, forgetting all of the times I seem to fail, picking me up with a sweet surprise! Thank you Lord for letting me be the one who gets to mother these little boys, and thank you for being there with me every step of the way!

Basketball

2009-03-19T16:34:00.006-05:00

Just a few pics from Jake and Drew's ballgames -They did so great!

Kite Strings.....

2009-03-12T08:05:00.007-05:00

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday I was bringing my baby boys home from the hospital. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and now Jake is 9, Drew is 7, and Tate is 5. I have always felt so blessed to have had the blessing of being a stay at home mom, and this past week I was reminded just how precious my time at home was raising my three little boys. Tate has had a cough for quite some time, and last Friday I decided to let him stay home and rest. He had not slept well the evening before, and so I decided we could cuddle and read together all day long. Throughout the day, though, my daily duties did take some of my time, but not from him. Tate is my little helper. He used to shadow me all day long, and if I needed help with anything, from laundry to dishes, he was there eager to help. Friday, however, since he was not feeling well, he would just follow me from room to room wanting to be right where I was all day, and right under my feet. I had remembered that he was just like that last year, and I recall saying numerous times throughout the day, for him to find something to play because I would trip over him constantly. Friday was no different. He was right under my feet, but this time I didn't say a word. I realized how much I missed him being right there with me, and I relished the moments we had together that day. I know your not supposed to thank the Lord when your child is not feeling well--but Friday, I did. I thanked Him that He had given me the opportunity to stay at home with my boys. To all those working moms out there--I don't know how you do it! You are amazing!!! As a friend of mine said..."The working mom gig is tough!" I thanked Him for all of the moments that I could "trip" over my boys because they wanted to be so close to me. My boys are growing so fast, and this morning I heard James Dobson on the radio talking about how our children are like kites. They want to soar high, but as parents we want to hang on to the kite strings as long as we can. He talked about how as parents we need to be able to let the string out ever so slowly and let the Lord guide them in their flight. I shed so many tears Friday thinking about how hard it is to let them grow up, and let out the strings little by little. I am so thankful that I don't have to let go, I just need to pass the strings to the Lord, and let Him guide them, as I set back and watch their beautiful flight, encouraging and teaching them along the way.

Today's scripture meditation.........

2009-03-06T08:34:00.006-06:00

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; THEY WILL SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.

The Truth about Love and Little Boys..........

2009-02-14T11:22:00.007-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you out there! It has been a great morning in the Wheeler house! Valentine's Day seems to bring that extra added touch of LOVE in our home. We had our special pancakes, made Valentine treats for our family and Aunt Heather, Nana, and Michelle and Rachel brought over some goodies. All things we ladies want to add to the day, giving everyone a little extra I love you! When it comes to boys though, it seems that LOVE is shown not so much in the hugging, or exchanging goodies--but is shown in a knock down wrestle match to the ground. It has always amazed me that a quick wrestle match can bring brothers so much closer. I can always tell when the boys need a good match--they get fussy, they want to tattle--and they can't seem to find one nice word to say about each other. When I see these attitudes arising--I simply have to bring them all in the living room--and declare the borders of the ring and let them go at it. Sounds aggressive and somewhat brutal--but it works. They start giggling, and before you know it they are saying the nicest things about each other. Things like--hey nice pin, or man your getting stronger. All words of affirmation to a little boy (especially when it comes from your big brother). Boys want to feel tough, and empowered. As a mother of three and never having brothers of my own, I have searched for books to give me insight in helping me raise these three wonderful boys. Books to help me understand how they think and how I can raise them to be Godly men who fight for their families, and who can take charge and lead households of their own. It is an interesting life being the mother of three boys. I can honestly say that my thinking has changed so much over the last nine years of my life. I never thought I would say that seeing my boys duke it out would be something I would encourage, but watching what happens after they have gotten their knocks in is amazing. They seem to learn respect, love, and how to encourage amidst all the battle. I will never convince my mother or grandmother that wrestling is a good thing--but I have a mother-in-law and some great friends on my side. (All mothers of boys--no daughters) There's a different mentality in a house full of testosterone!

The best things in life.......

2009-02-13T22:12:00.005-06:00

The house is quiet, and I have been getting the table set to surprise my Valentine's. Heart shaped pancakes homemade just for the loves of my life. It is so much fun going the extra mile to show my family just how much they mean to me. This Valentine's Day however, the Lord reminded me that it is not the gifts that I give to my husband or my children that leave the lasting impressions. It is however, the gift of love and time that mean the most. I am so thankful this Valentine's Day for the family that the Lord has blessed me with. I asked David last night if he could believe we were the ones God chose to raise these fine, wonderful boys. I am grateful the Lord chose me to be their mother, and I feel so blessed to have David right by my side. He is such a loving caring husband, and I don't deserve him. He is a great Dad, and when I watch him with the boys, I fall in love with him even more, he is incredible. I love you David, Jake, Drew, and Tate with all of my heart! You are so special to me. You can be sure that I will be praying for you, and asking the Lord to show you His way for your lives. I am so grateful to Him, that He included me in your journey! On this Valentine's Day, do something special and unexpected with your family. I read somewhere, "The best things in life, aren't things." That saying is so true. The best thing in life is God's everlasting love, and sharing that love with our families, and those God puts in our path. Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy loving each other today and everyday!

A Love without end.....

2009-01-27T11:18:00.004-06:00

I will have to say that as Valentine's Day is quickly approaching I am excited about the little secrets I have hidden away for my family. This holiday is one of my favorites due to the fact that Love is why we celebrate. I particularly enjoy the days leading up to Valentine's Day. I always surprise my family with a special breakfast, but this year I have a few more things up my sleeve. I am like a child awaiting Christmas--I cannot wait for this day to arrive. I have been so blessed with such love in my life. I have a Savior who loves me more than I can imagine, and He has blessed me with such a loving family. Throughout my life, I have always seemed to reap a harvest of love from everyone around me, even when I am unlovable, my family seems to overlook my flaws and loves me just for who I am. What amazes me most is that my Heavenly Father does the same. He is patient and kind. His love is not boastful or proud or rude. He does not demand His own way. He is not irritable, and He keeps no record of when I have wronged Him. He is never glad for injustice, but rejoices when the truth wins out. He never gives up on me, and never loses faith in me, He is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. His love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) This kind of love is hard for me to even comprehend. It is utterly unselfish. It seems to go against all my natural inclinations. I know it is impossible to have this kind of love unless God helps me set aside my own selfish and natural desires, so that I can love, not expecting anything in return. Wow, when I think of how the God of the Universe loves me, how can I not strive to love in the same way. To Love is the greatest commandment. We are to Love God above all else. Above our spouse, our children, our families, our friends, our possessions--above everything. David and I have always told our children that we love them, but we could never love them as much as God loves them. Knowing how much we love our boys, I am blown away at how much God must love us. Be encouraged today, as I have been, knowing that the Lord above loves us. He is there to comfort us, to cheer us on, and encourage us. He is there to hold us when we are weak, and rejoice with us when we are strong. I am challenging myself to love with God's love more than I ever have before. To love more today than yesterday. To let Him be my guide, and not let my pride or selfishness get in the way. To let go of expectations, and just love expecting nothing in return.

In Awe.....

2009-01-25T12:36:00.004-06:00

Dear Most Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father,
I stand in awe of You Lord. You are my great and mighty fortress. You are my Everlasting God, my gracious Redeemer. You are my High Tower, and my buckler. You are God, who walks with me, talks to me, sings with me, and weeps with me. You are my comforter and my refuge, my strength in times of weakness, and my shelter in the storms of my life. I thank you that you never let go of me. You hold tight to me and I don't need to be afraid. You are patient with me, and kind. You always expect the best of me, and are so proud of me when right wins out., rejoicing with me. I thank You for keeping me in the shelter of your wings, and loving me when I am unlovable. You are Jehovah Jirah, my provider, and Jehovah Nissi reigning in victory. I can have power of the evil schemes of this world when I put my trust in You. You alone are God. Of whom shall I be afraid? Nothing this world has to offer compares to the greatness you have set before me. I thank You that my steps are orchestrated by You. You have left out no detail in the plan You have for me. You are my God. I put my whole life and trust in You alone. With a grateful heart I pray, Amen

Goodbye Kingston "Cuddles" Wheeler.....

2009-01-24T08:22:00.008-06:00

Last night we lost a dear sweet family member, our Irish Setter, Kingston. What a faithful friend he has been over the past seven years. Last night was such a cold evening so we had decided that it was the perfect night to cuddle under the covers, eat popcorn, and watch a movie. I had gone to the movie store, and when I arrived home David informed me that something was wrong with King. He knew that things looked grim, but he was determined to get him to a doctor as quickly as possible. He made a few phone calls and discovered that all of the veterinarians in town and in the surrounding areas were attending a clinic in Lake of the Ozarks. So David and his dad packed Kingston up and headed off to Springfield to see the only vet he could find. Kingston barely survived the trip and when they arrived the doctor let David know that King needed surgery, stat. They took some x-rays of Kings stomach and realized that even with surgery King would only have a 30% survival rate. Weighing the options, David knew what he had to do. We will miss you King. Through this the boys have had numerous questions in the last few hours about death. Death is so hard. My children were extremely close to King, and my son Drew asked, why does my heart hurt mommy. Why do I want to cry. I told him, your heart hurts because you let King have a piece of it. You loved him, and you are going to miss him. That's why you feel like crying, you know you will never see King again, and that is sad. I looked at all of them and said, "We have to look at this as a time we can give thanks for all of the good times we have had with King. You have been blessed to have such a wonderful friend. God works everything out for our good, if we set our minds on Him. Let's pray that He will mend our hearts, and help us to remember all of the good times." Drew looked at me with his big hazel eyes and said, "I think I will always remember Kings cuddles, maybe we should have named him that. No I liked the name Kingston. I know he can be Kingston Cuddles Wheeler."

Momma Bear

2009-01-21T21:35:00.004-06:00

Calling all you mothers out there...I have a question for you. Have you ever experienced a time when you overhear a conversation and someone, not knowing you were there within listening distance, is criticizing your child? Then suddenly...out of nowhere...the mommy claws start to appear. Well, through recent years I have experienced this strange phenomenon. An unfamiliar sensation comes over me, and I feel like an out of control momma bear protecting her cubs. Now don't get me wrong...if I feel the need to be critical, there is no hesitation, but if someone else steps in and wants to give their two cents...I don't seem to fair well, why is that? I guess the Lord puts such a love in our mother's hearts that we feel the need to protect our young. That is our job...or is it? Of course parents are to protect their children, but the Lord has shown me, that it is He who protects. It is He who keeps them from harm, and teaches them lessons through difficult situations. I am here to say that He has given me such a love for my boys...that at times I guess I am blinded to the truth of some situations. That is why He is in control, and I am not. I am sure that I would step in and try to make things "better"....but in all reality, making things worse. He knows a persons motive, and He knows my motives as well. (scary thought) In the book Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian helped me see that being a praying parent doesn't mean that nothing will ever happen to my boys, or that they will never experience the pain that comes from being hurt by someone they love. They will, because pain is a part of life in a fallen world. The Bible assures me that my prayers are vital in keeping trouble from them. I just have to remember that when hurt comes to one of them, I can be there to comfort them, but the Lord is the ultimate comforter. I am here to help them stand on the promises of God. To help them endure and learn from every situation they are faced with. Parenting isn't easy on the heart. I am sure you mothers, who are reading this can attest to the fact that when our children are hurting it seems that we are hurting just as much, or more for them. We know the pains of growing up--it's a hard world out there and we want to protect them. If we could, we would take all that pain away, but God has bigger plans for them. He has plans to prosper them, and not to harm them. He gives them a future and a hope. That is the promise I stand on when my boys are faced with something difficult. The Lord reminds me that He has plans for them, I am just here to help guide them into the life He has already set in motion. I just have to remember to get out of the way!

Home.....

2009-01-17T17:18:00.003-06:00

I was talking with a friend today and we were discussing how good it feels, when you have been away (for a long or short period of time) to come home. Home should be a refuge for our children to run to at the end of the day. When everything around them feels lost--home is a place where they are found again. A place where laughter rings, and someone with a smile is there to greet you at the door. A place where pleasant words are spoken in tenderness and love. In Proverbs 16:26 the Bible says that "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." The Lord brings this scripture to my mind frequently when I have just opened my mouth and said something I really want to take back. I want my words to be life-giving. I want when our children are grown and leaving home to remember our home as a place where they felt the Lord's peace, and the arms of His love. David said something last Sunday morning that I have since thought about a lot. We were talking about taming the tongue and he said that in James 3:8, it states that, "It is impossible to tame the tongue" and that in Matthew 12:34, the Lord says, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." He then said that it all depends on what our hearts are filled with. If our hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Word of God we will produce godly speech that brings life to the people we speak to and also to ourselves. He said that we cannot tame our tongue, but the Lord can. He can fill us so much that when we open our mouths to speak we are speaking His truth. I pray that I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grand-daughter and friend that speaks with the Holy Spirit's leading. Help me Lord to fill my heart daily with the Word of God, so that when I open my mouth my words are encouraging, uplifting, honest and loving.

Conversations.....

2009-01-17T08:40:00.004-06:00

I have a funny story for you... Last night David decided to talk to the boys about the danger of talking to strangers, and to give them some scenarios to see how they would react when faced with what to do if a stranger approached them. David began by asking Tate (5) what he would do if a someone he did not know wanted him to come with them. He replied, "I would smack their face and walk away." David said, "Well what if they grabbed you and you couldn't get away?" Tate said, "I would just scream, Daddy, and you would come and get me." Dave said, "That is a good thinking, Tate, I would come and get you as fast as I could." Then the conversation turned a little more serious. Dave let the boys know that when a stranger is asking them to come with them, they are wanting to do things to them to harm them. Drew had been taking all of this conversation in, not saying to much. Then he spoke up and said in all seriousness, "You mean they might try to feed us a poison apple?" David said, "Well I mean they want to hurt you, and in most cases children never come home, those strangers decide to kill them so they won't tell anyone what happened." Jake (9) asked how a stranger might decide to kill a child. I said well sometimes they use a gun, or they might try to strangle a child, because they are so little they can't fight back. (I know what your thinking--a pretty heavy conversation--but we did want them to know, and have a fear in them about strangers) Then Drew spoke up again, after thinking about I had told them, and he said "I know how a stranger would try to kill a child",they would just give them a cigarette!" David and I just looked at each other and started rolling! To explain our children to you, in our home, Jake is the logical thinker. He takes everything to heart, and is pretty quiet. He is trustworthy, and very territorial. He is good at anything he sets his mind to do. Tate is our child who is extremely particular. He likes his toys, clothes, books, ect....to have their own place. He is my laundry sorter, he empties the dishwasher for me everyday, and loves that I purchased a new 10 slot silverware organizer for the kitchen. He is a boy after my own heart! The there's Drew--Oh Drew--how we need him in this home. He is our comedian, our lover, our complimentor--the list can go on, and on. He is like a warm cuddly blanket on a cold day. I love that the Lord has given us such different personalities in our boys. I know He knows exactly what Dave and I need in our life. I have said to David at times--"Can you believe that we are the lucky ones, who get to raise these three wonderful boys!" As you know there are times when I am pulling my hair out---asking Calgone (sp?) to take me away. It is a crazy life, but it is our life, and I am so thankful for it. I have learned over the years that when raising boys, you have to have a patient spirit (which I am working on) and lots of understanding. (Oh and LOTS of food) I'm pretty sure that I will need to get a job, just to feed these crazy wonderful boys! Well I need to go--Drew just informed me that his brothers were out skating on the pond--he said "you know it's freezing out there!"

Battle On...

2009-01-14T17:27:00.005-06:00

I want to say how blessed I feel to have a Lord that takes me under His wing and shelters me from all harm. I can run to Him and He is my high tower, my place of refuge. My prayers to Him are never lost or meaningless. If I am praying, something is happening, whether I see it or not. All that needs to happen in my life and the lives of those around me cannot happen without the presence and power of God. Our prayers invite and ignite both. In James 5:16 the Bible says that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (woman in my case), avails much. It's not enough to pray only for the concerns of the moment; we need to pray for the future, and we need to pray against the effects of past events. God is the only one who truly knows what each of my boys need and what challenges they will face in the future. When I place God's word in prayer, I am laying hold of the promises He gives me and appropriating them into the lives of my boys. The battle for my boy's lives are waged on my knees. When I pray, I am in battle alongside them, seeking God's power on their behalf. When I declare the Word of God in my prayers, I hold a powerful weapon against the enemy, and God's word promises that the enemy will not prevail! God's word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). When I pray for my children, I need to stand on scripture. I know that when I do---mighty things will happen! I am so blessed with some amazing people in my life. It seems that when I am faced with a difficult situation, the Lord sends someone or something my way to encourage me, and life me up, and give me just the right scripture to pray. Scripture that they have stood on for years, and continue to stand on. Thank you Lord for prayer warriors in my life. Who teach me that we need to "do our fighting on our knees." (excerpt from one of David' songs, "Battle On") I am such a blessed woman to know that wherever I am, I am right where God wants me to be!

Friends.....

2009-01-06T18:05:00.002-06:00

I just have to say that in the last nine years of my life I have prayed more about "friends" than any other time in my life. After I had Jake, the Lord impressed upon me through a wonderful mentor, and one of my closest friends, just how important it is to pray for my children's' friends, or who their potential friends may be. I started praying that the Lord would bring Godly friends and role models into my boy's lives. That He would give them the wisdom they need to choose friends who are Godly, and help them never compromise their walk with Him in order to gain acceptance. I continue to pray this over them and will continue throughout their lifetime. Today, Jake and I were having a conversation on the way home and he asked me if I ever get a song stuck in my head and just can't quit singing it all day. I said yes, that happens to me all the time. He then said you know, a girl in my class today (I am not going to mention names just to keep things confidential) heard me singing a Christian song and she started singing one too. She told me she was a Christian, and that she went to church. I am glad I sit by her, now we can sing everyday about the Lord. My heart was so full. Just as the Lord promises, He hears our prayers, and He answers them! Friends may not come in the wrapping we anticipate them to come in, but when they come from Him, they are perfectly packaged. Delivered just at the right time. I thank you Lord for this little girl, for my son's new friend. Some of the greatest influences in our children's lives will be their friends and role models. How can we not pray for them? I am so thankful for the great family and friends in my life who teach me everyday through their example how to have a closer walk with the Lord. How to truly put our boys in the Lord's hands and let Him be their guide. I just feel so blessed that David and I are the ones right beside them throughout this incredible journey.

How sweet it is to be loved by you.....

2009-01-03T23:52:00.004-06:00

Wow, what a beautiful day! The sun was shining so bright, and the weather was just right. I love days like today. There is such a familiar feeling in the air. I was telling my sister that it felt like early October at times, and then would soon change to the feeling you have early Spring, like the beginning of May. Whether early Fall, or early Spring-today was wonderful! I am sure all of your reading this who live in my neck of the woods would agree that a day like today is such a blessing. My sister and I had made plans today to have a girls night out because all my boys had made plans elsewhere. Jake, his daddy, Uncle Bub, and Chad B. had made plans to go see old friends in Bolivar for some "guy time", and Drew and Tate had made special Saturday plans with their Nana. (now that school is back in session, Nana will become an endangered species again, for a few months anyway!) So here I was all alone today, so my sister came to the rescue! She is so awesome and thoughtful. All those who know my family, know I am the only lady in the house, so doing girly things doesn't usually happen for me. I love hearing stories about how my sister-in-law Michelle and my niece Rachel have their awesome shopping days- but secretly I am a little envious! Today though my sister gave me a day I will never forget. We laughed, we cried (because we laughed so hard), and we were able to just talk with no interruptions. We had gift certificates for pedicures, we ate out at a fancy restaurant, and we also went and had our hair done.(all with money I had been saving since my birthday in November!) I could not have asked for a better "girl's day/night out". Thank you Heather, I had a wonderful time today, how sweet it is to be loved by you! And thank you Lord for the a beautiful day you blessed us with. You are an AWESOME GOD!

I'm Gonna Sing.....

2009-01-01T08:49:00.014-06:00

Happy New Year to all! Last night I was traveling to a friends house for dinner and the song I'm gonna sing when the Spirit says sing came on. It moved my Spirit so, that I began to think about what I want for this next year in my walk with Christ. I want to do just what the Lord wants me to do. I don't want to question what I know He is telling me in fear that someone won't approve. I answer to a Most High God, not people here on Earth. I want the courage to SING when the Spirit says SING, I want to SHOUT when the Spirit says SHOUT, I want to PREACH when the Spirit says PREACH, and PRAY when the Spirit say PRAY, and obey the Spirit of the Lord(as the song goes). It is so easy to get caught up in wondering what others around me will think when I burst out in song, or shout out loud in an unexpected place or time. The Lord will never ask me to do something that is inappropriate. He is a God who has perfect placement and timing. I am just a vessel to be used by an amazing God. 2008 revealed to me that when I put my trust in the Lord, (things I have know all my life) and call to Him, He will show me great and mighty things. He confirmed in me, that when others have an idea about what I am capable, or what I limit myself to, He has greater things for me. It is when I am at my weakest, that He makes me strong. I thank you Lord for making me Your special treasure. (Deuteronomy 7:6) In the old testament, How did Israel deserve to be chosen above all other nations? It was not a matter of Israel's merit, but of God keeping His promise to their ancestors. Just as God chose the nation of Israel, He has chosen all believers today to be a part of His special treasure. It is not because of our merit that we have come to faith in Christ, God chose us out of His own goodness and grace. I thank you Lord, for filling me with so much love, and for your grace, and I pray that Your love would overflow onto those I come in contact with. I pray that I would have the courage to do as this special litte gospel song says..."Sing when the Spirit says Sing, and obey the Spirit of the Lord," because YOU ask me to.

Proverbs 22:6

2008-12-31T15:15:00.005-06:00

In just a few short hours 2009 will quickly be upon us. I have always felt like the coming of the new year is bittersweet. There are so many things to look forward to in 2009, but when I think about how fast 2008 went by, my heart aches. It seems that the older I get the faster time flys. I am looking into the faces of my little boys and seeing that all of the time I thought would be there to teach and nurture them has quickly gone. I have been doing a lot of thinking about the coming year, and what things I want to accomplish. I need to always remember that I am in full partnership with God. He can shoulder the heaviness I feel, and the burden I feel to teach my sons what they need to know. He will provide wisdom, power, protection, and ability far beyond myself. My job is to discipline, teach, nurture, and "train up my children in the way they should go," knowing that "when they are older they will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). I am to depend on Him to enable me to raise my boys properly, and He will see to it that our boys lives are blessed. One thing I have learned is that I should not try to force my own will on my boys in prayer. Instead, I try to pray along the lines of, "Lord, show me how to pray for my boys. Help me to raise them in Your way, and may Your will be done in their life. David and I realize that the hand of God is on our own lives, our boys readily acknowlege that as well. For it's the power of God that penetrates our boys lives when we pray. As my family ventures into 2009, I pray that through my walk with the Lord, I remember that my prayer life is acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting Him into my everyday life and circumstances. It's seeking the presence of my God and releasing His POWER that gives me what I need to overcome any problem, and having Him there to rejoice with me through every triumph.

My noisy house.......

2008-12-24T16:38:00.004-06:00

Well, as Christmas is rapidly approaching...I can honestly say that I am ready. I have all the packages wrapped, the goodies baked for all our family and friends, and I at this moment have all three of my boys down for a nap. I don't think that my house has been this quiet for at least 7 years! Isn't funny that before you have children-you never really appreciate the quiet times you had. I am the mother of three very energetic boys, so finding that quiet zone in my life is hard. My youngest Tate has a voice that could shake the mountains. Even when he is trying to be quiet-you could still hear him a mile away. My son Jake on the other hand is quiet spoken--but he has the energy of 10 children. He is always moving. He makes me tired just watching him sleep! And last but certainly not least, my middle child Drew. He is pretty easy going most of the time--but when he gets his feathers ruffled--LOOK OUT. Today, I think he has made a new Wheeler household record of crying about being hurt at least 12 times. I am not kidding. There are days that I think...why did God choose me to raise these three wonderfully crazy boys? Me a person who loves quiet. Who enjoys a good book, and the occasional nap. God promises us that He will not give us more than we can handle....right. So why do I at times feel like I am just barely making it. It's because on my own, I could never make it. But with God's help, I can be victorious! So bring on the muddy shoes, the grass stained knees, the energetic 9 year old, the whiny 7 year old, and the not so quiet 5 year old! I am armed and ready. You know all of the things that seem hard now in my life...will be the things that I most certainly will miss the most when my boys are grown, my house is quiet again, and they are out on their own living the life God has planned. Thank you lord for my noisy house!

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

2008-12-23T07:40:00.003-06:00

Christmas time is here. I was driving to work yesterday, and my children requested for me to put in our Charlie Brown Christmas cd. They love hearing track 4. I however love track 6. It brings back memories of my childhood, and gives me such a warm feeling inside when I hear it, and yesterday it even brought tears to my eyes. As I am typing this post I am still overwhelmed with this emotion, not because of the cd , but because of the feeling Christmas brings. (It was a good cry) As we were listening, the Lord brought to my mind a question. "What am I instilling in my children about Christmas?" When they are older and become parents, what will give them that warm fuzzy feeling inside when they think of home? I pray that when my children are grown, they will not think that Christmas is about receiving gifts under the tree. I pray that they remember that the Lord Jesus came to this Earth to give us eternal life, and that their parents loved the Lord Jesus with all of their hearts. That this little baby changed everything when He was born so long ago, and He is still changing this today in their life. When we have children they do change everything. Our world is forever different. Our thoughts and actions change, and things we hold as important, change. I am so thankful at this time of year for the gift that God sent to us, Jesus. It is the greatest gift we could ever receive. He is in the business of changing everything in our life if we let Him. He wants us to walk with Him and talk with him. To have a personal relationship with Him and to receive the gifts He has to offer us, and be forever changed. As I look around at all of the people in my community alone, I see people who need Him. I see an emptiness in their life that only He can fill. I pray that as the new year approaches, that I would continue to remember those around me, and not get so caught up in my own life, that I miss an opportunity to share the most precious gift I have. David just walked in to kiss me goodbye and head off to work, and he asked why I had tears in my eyes. I said, "I guess I just feel so blessed." I love watching my children get so excited about Christmas. I myself get so excited for what this season brings. It is a season of giving, and loving. It's the most wonderful time of the year, not because of the gifts we give, but because of the gift we received so long ago, JESUS.

God is in control

2008-12-20T08:21:00.005-06:00

When things go wrong in Jake, Drew, and Tate's life, I want to blame myself, or I want to fix it. But I have discovered that it is not being a perfect parent that makes the difference their life. It is being a praying parent that makes the difference. When my children go through learning a hard lesson, (which my eldest son has had to do lately) I want to run to the rescue and make it all better. My parent heart is hurting. I want to fight their battles for them. But in fighting those battles what am I teaching them? I want my boys to know that the Lord has the power to fight their battles and they will have victory through Him. He has the power to change the situation they face, or change them and strengthen them through the process. He wants to reveal Himself to them in a mighty way--so that they are forever changed. In submitting myself to God and asking Him to help me be the parent and intercessor He wants me to be--the authority shifts. I am no longer in control--God is. The Holy Spirit will now lead me as I listen to His prompting in my heart for my boys. My boys are a gift from God and no matter how much I love them, He loves and cares for them even more than I do. I am facing a hard and hurtful situation in my life as well, so in writing this post, I am reminded that I am the Lord's child, and he wants to fight this battle for me too! All I need to do is Cast...all my cares upon Him, because He cares for me. (1Peter 5:7) and He cares for you too! I pray that you are encouraged today.

It's a bird, It's a plane, It's SUPERMOMMY! (well sort of).....

2008-12-18T23:26:00.006-06:00

Well, I am getting ready to head up to my room for some needed sleep. Before I do, I just thought I would let you in on a little secret. I have, for a little while, tapped into a brilliant discovery. How to successfully do some last minute Christmas shopping with two little boys, and actually come home sane. Are you ready, got a pen and paper handy--here it goes. I decided this year to begin a new family tradition--the twelve days before Christmas gifts. Little did I know these small gifts could easily become one the best ways to get my children to become tiny little angels. Why did I not think of this before. I for the last few days have held in my hand the keys to unlocking Christmas sanity!!! I was so excited when this revelation would come into full focus. Little did I know that something as small as a roll of smarties could mean so much to a child. When the boys begin to fuss, I simply say--Oh I am so sad you won't be getting your gift this evening, better be careful with those words. This is the only sentence I have to say. It is as if I were in a room all to myself. I could here a pin drop. I guess I better enjoy this time while I can. Who knows how long a tootsie roll will be my best friend. Just thought I might pass this along to those of you who still have little ones under the age of 9. Yes, this does work with my 9 year old surprisingly enough. I love the 12 days before Christmas!!! My sons are also convinced that I most definitely have eyes on the back of my head--and that I can see through walls. I love being a mom with super powers! (What they don't know won't hurt them!) I just wish these super powers worked on laundry, dishes, and keeping the house clean! I'm off to bed now--talk to you tomorrow!-------Steph

Galatians 6:9-10

2008-12-18T08:19:00.005-06:00

"And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) The power you have as a praying parent is God's power. Your prayers release a power to do God's will. It's always available, it is never limited in supply and the only restrictions are due to a lack of faith that God will answer. And even then, God's grace is is such that when we don't feel we have much faith, the faith we do have is like a mustard seed---enough to grow into something big! I could not sleep last night so as I was catching up on reading some of my old emails. I ran across one that a friend sent to me back in October. (I am terrible at reading my emails daily) I thought that mothers could identify with the author of the Invisible Mother. The text is in my sidebar--I was having some problems getting it to just come up as a link so I just copied and pasted it there for you to read. I want to encourage you today moms to not lose heart, for in due season, our families shall reap great things from God, if we set our mind on things above. Who knows what BIG things God has in store for us! I want to say right now that I am so grateful for all of the mothers that the Lord has placed in my life. Those who are such a wonderful example to me. I am so blessed to have so many great women in my life who teach me so much.

Proverbs 3:5-6

2008-12-17T18:38:00.006-06:00

This morning as I was posting my blog-the question came to me-"What do I want to use this blog for." I want everyone who reads my blog to know just how much I love the life that the Lord above has given me. It is amazing just how wonderful the Lord is, and how intricate his master plan is. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord promises me that He has a plan for me. Plans to prosper me, and not to bring me harm, plans to give me hope and a future. I cannot imagine my life without Him. He set my plan in motion, and He will be with me (even when I think I cannot pick up one more coat off the entry floor) to the end. Through this blog I want to share the trials and triumphs of parenting my three boys and how the Lord is in control of it all. Just this morning my son Drew was reading one of the prayers I have been praying over my boys for years. ( I feel that I need to always be persistent in my prayers) It read: Lord, I pray that YOU would give the gifts of wisdom, discernment, and revelation to my boys. Help them to trust YOU with all of their heart, not depending on their own understanding, but acknowledging YOU in all their ways so that they may hear YOUR clear direction in their life and know which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Drew said, "Wow mom, that's a long prayer." I replied to him, "It is, and you know what, that prayer I don't just pray over you, I pray that over myself as well." It seems that every time I think about the way I want my boys to act, or the decisions I want them to make--the Lord reminds me that, I need to listen just as closely to His voice, and continue to grow and learn as well! I am convinced that the Lord gives us children, so that we understand just how much He loves us and wants what is best for us. Isn't that what we want for our children? We want them to understand just how much we love them, and that we want what is best for them too. Talk to you tomorrow.-----Steph

2008-12-17T08:36:00.002-06:00

Good morning! Well the boys are home from school again today. We get so excited when we see STOCKTON on the school cancellation list!! We decided last night that if in fact school was not in session today, we were going to craft all day long. I am so thankful that my boys love crafts as much as I do. Jake is planning to work on a gift box for his class, Drew is designing something special using my scrapbook materials--(excited to see what he comes up with), and Tate has decided that he will begin a coloring project. Look out Memaw--you will probably be adding another work of art to your gallery at the carpet store. It is still a bitterly cold day today. Weather conditions are similar to yesterday, only I think that temperature predictions claimed that it may get a little warmer this afternoon. (high 30's and possibly into the low 40's) I guess we'll see. Maybe Mr. Sunshine will peek out and tease us little today.
Last night my sister came over and we had so much fun creating her " bloggin jargon" (only my sister will think this is funny) last night. She is so are dear to me. Thank you Heather for making me laugh, and for always being there for me and my family. You and Bub are so special to us, and we love you both.
Well I cannot end without saying just how thankful I am for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My boys were singing Emmanuel the other day. They shared with me that it is one of their aunt Michelle's favorites, (it happens to be one of my moms, my sister's, and my fav's as well). When I hear this song I am reminded that He is the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, LORD OF LIFE & LORD OF ALL, He is the PRINCE OF PEACE, MIGHTY GOD, HOLY ONE, EMMANUEL (God with US). Wow! I serve such an amazing God! He is everything to me, and He is always with me. I am loved by the King, and you are too!
-----Steph

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2008-12-16T07:53:00.004-06:00

Hello all-
Just to let everyone know there's a whole lot of excitement in the Wheeler home today. Just got word that there's NO SCHOOL TODAY!!! Wintery mix outside, temperatures below freezing, so it's cold, cold, cold. The boys and I decided to just stay in bed this morning and watch movies. I love it when they're home! I am going to make some cookies a little later, and the boys have requested monkey bread.(perfect snack for my little monkeys) I love to bake on a cold winter day. The boys have also requested some hot chocolate, so after I post this blog I am going to go stir up a few cups, topped with marshmellows! We're in hopes that when daddy reads this blog today--he will suddenly feel a cold coming on, and hurry home. We wish he didn't have to work today-but we thank the Lord for such a hard working daddy, who takes such good care of us. We also thank the Lord Jehovah Jirah, our provider, for above and beyond what we need, or ask for. You are so good to us! The boys are in need of a chocolate fix, so I am off to the kitchen! Talk to you later-----Steph

And so our story begins.....

2008-12-15T13:25:00.000-06:00

Well-today we begin blogging. My niece Rachel has been blogging for a while now, and I have been bitten by the blogging bug. Thank you Rachel! This is going to be fun!

Tis the Christmas season, and I just want to say how blessed we are to have a Savior who loves us so much, and takes such wonderful care of us. We are a family who cannot praise you enough Lord.

Jake and Drew are both playing basketball, and having so much fun. Tate is only a spectator at the moment, but I am positive that he will have some killer basketball moves in the near future! Just like everyone else who has children, we are eagerly anticipating Christmas. The boys have been counting down the days. I love our boys!! They can bring such a warm smile to my face everyday-even when they are hanging from the chandeliers.(literally) I am convinced that to raise boys today you have to posses patience and be ready to give lots of hugs and kisses even when they have just "accidentely" dropped one of the pieces to the nativity scene on to the floor. We now have a one armed Joseph and a single eared lamb, pieces I will cherish when the boys are grown and out on their own. I know some of you parents out there are smiling because you have the same pieces in your own nativity scene. Thank you Lord, for boys!