Coincidence or God's Plan.

Do you ever just stop and think about your life?   Do you wonder how people cross your path?   Could it be coincidence or is it God's plan?   Do you just happen to meet someone from another state or another country or did God put them in your path for a specific reason?  These are the things that wandered through my mind as I was waking up this morning.   My husband is in south Alabama hunting for wild pigs.  So, Sophie (the dog) and I are home alone, and God woke me up with these thoughts running through my mind.   

I don't know that I believe in coincidence.   It all to perfectly falls into place to be coincidence.  Romans 11:36 "For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever! Amen"  Take for example, my life with Greg.   I wasn't looking for a husband or even a boyfriend for that matter when he came along, but I was praying if God wanted me to have another man in my life to send me a Godly man.   But...God knew that I needed him.  The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11-13, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and FUTURE.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will LISTEN to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."   So, God hears us when we speak and we will find him when we seek him.  

What are the chances that a guy from Canton, Ohio and a girl from Pell City, Alabama would "coincidentally" end up meeting and falling in love.  If it were just people swirling around in this big world, I would say that the chance were very, very, very, very, very, VERY slim!!!!  There are millions of people roaming around millions of miles of ground.  It would be like an ant from Florida meeting up with an ant from Alaska - probably not going to happen easily.   However, it happens everyday for people around this planet. 

I don't believe that my life story is a coincidence.  I believe that things fell into place just the way that they were supposed to.   How else could you explain a divorced guy from Canton, Ohio moving to Birmingham, AL for a job.  He lost that job, but didn't return to Ohio, but found another job in Mobile, Alabama (but commuted from Birmingham to work).   Could it be coincidence that a company that he purchased from in Brompton, Alabama invited him to come and tour the plant and before he headed up he just happened to throw some resumes on the motorcycle?   While at the plant, they just happened asked him if he was looking for a job, and he just happened to have his resumes and interviewed while there?   A few weeks later, he is offered the job.   Could it be coincidence that the same guy moves his camper, truck and motorcycle to a small campground in Riverside, Alabama to be closer to new work?  While driving down 231, his truck breaks down in front of Jacks Restaurant on a Thursday evening (Bike Night), and some Christian Motorcycle Association guys helped to push his bike out of the road.  While talking to the guys, he learns that one of them was from Ohio and lived in the same small campground.   They became friends and started to ride a little together.  The new Ohio friend is seeing a lady named Faye.   She decides that she needs to help Greg find a lady friend to go out to dinner with or ride the motorcycle with (because Greg wasn't looking for a relationship - just a friend).   Faye just happens to live across the street from a younger widow lady (ME!!).   She approached me about the possibility of giving Greg my number.  I said yes, but really wanted to throw up (read the previous posts!  LOL!).  On 7/16/15, we met for a soda and to talk.   A month and a half later, we were engaged, and 3 months and 6 days from our first meeting, we were married.  The rest of the story is pretty awesome too.  It all just fell into place too perfectly for it to be just coincidence.  It had to be JUST GOD!!

I believe that God brings people into our lives for a reason.  Some are for the long haul and some are for short seasons.   Some people are there to teach us to be weak and some are to teach us to be strong.  Some are there to teach us to be accepting and some people are there to teach us to guard our hearts.   God loves us so much more than we can comprehend. He wants us to be holy (more than happy), but he also gave us free will which means that many times we disappoint him, but he loves us anyway.
John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him".
Stop thinking of things as coincidental.  Start thinking of them as God directed!  I can't understand how he loves me so much...but I am so thankful for it!
  
SIDE NOTE:  If you have a good husband (or wife) who supports and loves you (good and bad), don't take them for granted.  Love and appreciate them for the man (or woman) that they are and the love and support that they give you.  
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,  it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  
Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 
I often fail at the true meaning of love, but I am thankful that my husband has a forgiving heart. 

I know of several people that are getting divorces right now.  Satan is working to breaking up marriages and families.  I'm blessed with a husband that supports my in anything that I want to do.  He tells me I'm beautiful daily and he loves me through the good and bad.   I try and do the same for him, but if we don't work at these things daily, the Devil will find a weakness in that marriage and he will work to make it crumble. We all need to work to keep Christ the center of our marriages and families.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three is not quickly broken."

I pray that God uses this post to make you reflect on the "coincidences" in your life.   Maybe thinking about the small things that brought everything perfectly in place will help you see how God had a hand in every small thing in your life.  He isn't just interested in our big and bad issues.  He loves us so much he is interested and involved in even the smallest issues.   THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF BRENDAK's Blessed life!  God Bless You all!

The story of the RINGS!!

       I'm going to start back with this blog going back to August 29, 2015 and the proposal.   I've already told you about the proposal at Cheaha Mountain State Park with the "Fabulous" view.   I mentioned that the proposal included a ring that had been special ordered, so it wouldn't be in for a couple of weeks.  So, he ordered me another ring that got lost in the mail.   Maybe I should have taken the fact that he proposed without a ring as a sign...OH WELL, I didn't.   

      As we were leaving Cheaha State Park, we stopped at the gift shop to look around and get some water for the road.   While in the gift shop, Greg spots a mood ring.  As he held it for me to see, we both laughed and bought the ring for me to wear.  RING #1.   Now, maybe I should mention that the ring didn't fit, but we thought it would be fun to wear for a little bit.  I'm pretty sure that it is lost now, but it did serve its purpose at the time. 

     On the way down the mountain, we were talking about how crazy this whole whirlwind romance had been.   I started laughing and mentioned to Greg that we should go and buy a ring pop.  You know, the suckers that are shaped like big diamond rings.   So, yep....as we passed through Oxford, we stopped at Target on a search for ring pops.  They don't sell just one ring pop.  NO, you have to buy a package of ring pops.  So, we had a selection of flavors and colors.   WOW!!   RING#2.

     We finished the drive back to my house,and decided to go and tell my parents that we were engaged.  I just knew that they were going to tell us that we were crazy.  So, Greg placed the ring pop on my finger and over we went.    As we sat on the couch and talked to my parents, I mentioned that we have something to tell them.    Once we told them that we were going to get married, they weren't surprised at all.  They had been waiting to hear this.  They love Greg like he was their own son!   When I showed my mom my ring (pop), she started laughing.  We all had a good giggle over the ring pop and the mood ring episodes.  However, you can't wear a ring pop for very long without attracting ants, and the mood ring was too big. 

     Over the next several days, every time I would swing my hand, the mood ring would fall off.   So, we decided that this wasn't a solutions.     So, as we are cooking dinner one night, Greg fashioned me a very lovely bread tie ring. RING#3. Now, it takes a special person to wear a bread tie ring.   I managed to wear it for about 3 days before it broke in half. 

   Luckily, by the time the wire tie ring broke, my horseshoe nail ring had arrived. RING#4.  The story of the horseshoe nail ring is as follows:   While crossing the plains, there were very little luxuries along the way.  There’s a story of a young couple who wanted to get married but her father hope to dissuade the young man by insisting he first provide her with a diamond ring.  While thinking of ways to get the ring to marry the girl he stumbled upon a horseshoe nail with a head shaped like a diamond.  He took it to the blacksmith and had him bend it into a ring.  The father was very impressed with the young man’s resolve and they were soon married.  I'm not sure how Greg knew about Horseshoe Rings, but it was a nice thought.

     I wore the horseshoe nail ring until my "official" engagement ring was ready to be picked up from the Jewelry store.   I went with Greg to pick up my ring, and make sure it fit...which it did not.   He guessed at my size, but it was wrong.  Nothing that a ring guard wouldn't fix.  Greg worked with the Jeweler and designed my ring especially for me.  It is BEAUTIFUL and I love it (and him) so much!!! 

Greg told me what the ring represents.  He said that he thought about this while designing the ring.    Greg wanted to get me something blue because I have blue eyes.   So, he settled on a square blue Sapphire.   The one blue sapphire represent God (3 stones also represent the trinity).  The two diamonds on the side represent the two of us.   They only thing between us is God.   He said that he wanted a simple band to represent that all we need was Christ and each other.   I've never had someone put so much thought into a ring for me before.  Every time I see this ring,  it reminds me of how much Greg loves me and how thankful I am to have him. 

      So, now you know the story of our engagement and the 5 rings.   If you've known me for any time and you know about the loss in my life, then you'll understand that I never thought I'd marry again.  I never thought that I'd find true love again.  BUT, thanks to God and his blessings on my life, he brought me Greg.  The story is fun, but the love is real.   Thanks for reading.  
 

Exciting changes in my future!!

          Since, Mark died in 2012, I have been humming along on auto-pilot.   I've become very involved in the Love Your Neighbor Clothes Closet Ministry.  I have helped with the Cub Scout Pack as the Committee Chairman.  There have been numerous bible studies that I have attended.  I spent time with my son, and I thought that I was happy.   That was until something changed that pointed me back to true happiness!

          In the Spring of 2013, I started praying for the man that God had for me.  I prayed that he be a Christian, but not just a Christian.  I wanted him to love Jesus so much, that the priorities in his life would always #1 God and #2 me.    Well, those guys are hard to find, so I wasn't holding my breath!  However, I was praying and waiting for God to reveal this person to me.   I talk very frankly with God, and he knew that I wasn't looking for a man to be in my life.  If he wanted me to find this man, then he would have to bring him to me.  My exact prayer to GOD was basically "God, you know I'm stubborn and I'm not looking, so if the right man comes along, you will probably have to hit me in the head with him to get my attention.  Also, I want to know that he is sent from you and not just a random guy, so can you please make us so drawn to each other that there is no mistaking this is meant to be."    Well...  That's not going to happen.  RIGHT?!?   Wrong!

           My neighbor, Faye, came to my house for a visit.   She started asking me questions about if I was in a place in my life where I could see myself dating someone new.  I'm pretty sure that I was in shock, and I believe I said yes and no.   Well, she goes on to tell me about this nice Christian Guy (Greg), who not only goes to church but talks about his faith.  She then begins to give me his stats...   He rides a Harley, he's divorced, he has a son, he's a nice guy, he has a good job, he was just looking for someone to hang out with, etc.  Of course my mind is screaming in my head...You don't do Motorcycles, Do you want to go out with someone that has a crazy ex wife (it didn't matter if she was crazy or not...in my head - she is) (or for that matter, do you want to go out with anyone at all),  he has a son (drama).     Well, she talked and I listened and thought I don't want to do this.   Well, I remembered all of those days that I prayed for God to send me a guy and for him to hit me upside the head with him because I wasn't looking.   This man was brought to my living room...I didn't go looking for him, I didn't run into him at the grocery store.  So, I felt that I had to give her my number so that I could see where this went.  Before she had walked back across the street, I was thinking to myself that I had lost my mind and I didn't want to do this.

        About 2 or 3 hours later, my phone rings.  I didn't recognize the number and I was in a bible study, so I sent it to voicemail.    After the bible study, I listened to the message...it was the Guy.    UGH!!    I immediately wanted to throw up!!  I visited with Jenny for a while which I usually do after bible study, then I went home and decided that 9 was too late to return his call.  I'll call him back tomorrow.  I was hoping that by then, I would have talked myself out of this, and it would be back to life as "normal".

        I texted him the next day that I would be available to chat if he wanted to call me between 6:45 and 7.   All the while I was hoping that he would be a jerk and I would have an excuse to squash this whole thing.    Well...at 6:45 on the dot, my phone rang.   UGH!!   Don't throw up, and answer the phone.    One of the first things he heard was my theory that motorcycles were death traps and I don't ride them.  He was ok with that.   Then we both talked about how we were NOT looking for spouses or a serious relationship, just someone to go to dinner with every once in a while.  We talked for a while.  Ok more than a while, more like an hour and a half.  He was very easy to talk to and a lot of fun.  We covered all the basis from our love of GOD, to our kids and jobs.   We laughed and told stories.   Now, if you know me at all, you know that I don't like to talk on the phone.   I'm a call, say what needs to be said, and get off the phone sort of girl.   So, I was shocked at how easy it was to talk to him for over an hour.  I immediately hung up the phone and texted my friend, Jenny.  The text said "CRAP, he's a nice guy!"  LOL!

        We texted for a couple of days and decided to meet at Jack in Lincoln.  Now, remember...my last first date was November 1997 (YEP...nearly 18 years ago).  The main reason we picked Lincoln  because the thought of a date with someone new made me want to throw up and I didn't want to have to explain to anyone that I was on a date-type-thing or whatever that was!!   So, go where you don't know anyone.  We met up at the Jack's parking lot.  He brought me two roses (one white and one Pink).  He said that he wanted to bring me something to show that he appreciated my willingness to meet him, and that he thought pink roses meant friendship and white was for purity.  He had no idea that Pink roses were my absolute favorite.   We sat inside for a little over 3 hours and talked (until they started to turn out the lights).  I nursed a coke (because I still had to overwhelming urge to throw up), and he drank about 5 cokes (probably because he was equally nervous).  Well, we had a good time after all, and we decided to see each other again.

        On Sunday, 3 days after we met at Jacks.  I went to my parents for lunch after church.  Greg went to Cheaha after his church service.   He called me that afternoon and we were talking.  He told me that he was sitting in a swing at the top of the Mountain.  During the conversation, he said that he wanted to take me to Cheaha and sit and talk in that swing because "it had our name on it".   I agreed that we would go one day.   Well, I don't know about you, but when I picture Cheaha and a swing, I picture a very lovely view and a very serene place.  Keep that vision in mind...you'll see why later.

        Fast forward through a lot of dinners, many many church services, a lot of going out, a Tim McGraw concert, many nights to cooking and hanging out at my house, several dozen roses, a few motorcycle rides (yes, his patience finally got me on the bike & I like it), a hike at Noccalula Falls, hanging out with Jenny and Larry, and several dinners with Jeremy and my parents, meeting a couple of family members, and much more, and you get to the reason for this post.

        On Saturday, August 29, 2015,  Greg had planned for us to go to Cheaha.  We were going to ride the Harley, but it was raining.   So, I thought we might cancel, but he said he was really looking forward to taking me up there to "our" swing.   Ok.   We load in the car and drive to Cheaha.   Once we reach the top of the mountain, it's misting rain, and we pull over into a broken up gravel parking area off the side of the road.    We get out and go sit in the swing.  He said "this is the swing I sat in and talked to you a couple of days after we me."   REALLY?!?   Let me set the scene for you.  Brace yourselves!!   The swing looks at several rotten or broken trees (No view at all off of the mountain).  To the right of the swing is a water tower.  The other things in your sight directly in front of you are a big rock, a power pole, and a broken concrete picnic table.  Not at all the lovely view that I had pictured.   Oh, and don't forget that we are sitting in the swing and it is misting rain.   Well, as we are swinging, Greg slides off of the swing and gets down on one knee.   He tells me that he loves me and that he wants me to marry him and spend the rest of my life with him.  I laughed and told him that he was crazy.  He just stayed there.   I asked if he was serious and he said yes.  It suddenly hits me that this man was serious.    Oh my...I didn't want to throw up, but I wasn't sure what to say either.   He proceeds to tell me that he ordered me a ring, but it won't be in for a few weeks.  So, he ordered me a Horseshoe nail ring (and was lost in the mail and hadn't been delivered yet either).   So, I said yes, and we sat and talked in the drizzly rain for a while about out future and our hopes and dreams.   We both talked about God and marriage.   He told me that he had been praying for his future wife for several months before meeting me.   I told him about my prayers for a companion.  GOD is good!!!  He also told me that when he was sitting in the swing 3 days after we met, he thought to himself that if he ever proposed to me...that would be the spot.   AWE!!

        I'll tell you about the rings...all 5 of them...later!!

        So, Greg Brown and I are getting married!!!!!  I love this man, and I'm so incredibly blessed that God saw fit to put him in my life.   God answers our prayers according to his plan, and I'm just thankful that I prayed for this man for all those years.    We have been doing bible studies and devotions together since we first started dating.    He is the first person I text every morning and the last person I text every night.  He has quickly became my best male friend...Jenny will always be my best female friend!   He gives the best hugs and makes me feel loved and protected.  He encourages me to be a better person and Christian.  I'm so excited to be able to do life with him everyday.  God will always be our #1, but I'm so glad that I am his #2!

Stepping out of Comfort My Zone

      As I sit here writing this at 5:20 in the morning, I realize that I should wait until I'm more awake to post it.   I should probably check for clearness of thought and spelling since I am not a morning person.  So, after a couple of corrections, here you go.  

      I was awakened around 4 a.m. with so many people on my mind.   So, God and I chatted for a while [actually, I talked and God listened].  In case someone doesn't know, God is a great listener.  He is always there and never too busy for me (or you).  I prayed for friends who were hurting over lost loved ones.  I prayed for friends who were sick, battle leukemia and kidney stones.  I talked to God about Jeremy and myself for protection of our hearts, soul, mind and body.  I asked for protection and health for my family.  Finally, I prayed for my friends both old and new.   All of these people are God-loving, bible reading people, and I'm thankful to have them in my life.  

      I often get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that I don't stop to adequately evaluate my life and where I am in it.  I often just drift through from day to day without much thought.  Since Mark died, I have submersed myself into church and ministry work, but sometimes God wants us to be still and listen!  God knows that I am not good at that!!!   But, I try.  God knows that I'm not good at being still and listening because he made me and knows all my quirks.  I believe by listening to him, we learn that he wants us to take steps out of our comfort zones.

      He expects us to help others, speak to a stranger, or meet new friends.   In the last week or so, I have done all of these things and people that know me, know that this is HUGE!!  I'm normally content to stay in my box.  However, situations have come and I have acted on them.  It was completely uncomfortable and I was afraid, but I took a shot and talked to strangers.  Ive had a week where I have been so nervous and tied in knots that I have wanted to throw up more days than not, BUT GOD is with me.  I don't have to deal with fear often and this has been a pretty eye opening week.   I have a new sympathy for my friends that do struggle with worry on a regular basis.  I'm thankful for the reminder in 2 Timothy 1:7 that says

                           God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 

      My life has had several twists and turns in it.   Most of those twists and turns brought great enjoyment to my life, but some have been heart breaking.  I think sometimes that I wish I could had done without the hard twists, but without them I wouldn't be the person that I am today.  Romans 8:28 says

                            We know that to them that love God all things work together for good, 
                                       even to them that are called according to his purpose.

I'm so thankful that God is in control of my life and knows my path because I would just mess everything up.  So now at 5:47 a.m., when I should be sleeping, I'm sitting here on my bed talking to God, writing this post and watching the blinds begin to have a blue hue that let's me know that another day is beginning to wake up, and is well with me because of GOD.  

      I hope that everyone knows for certain that GOD loves them.  I am thankful for my friends and family.  I am honored to know that people care enough about me to pray for me and look out for me.  I'm thankful for contentment in my life and that GOD directs my path.  I'm also glad that GOD helps me fight through the moments in life when I want to throw up because of nerves or fear.  Trusting him is the only way to truly be able to step out of our comfort zone and see what will come!!!  GOD BLESS!!!

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Let me start by saying that even when things don't go as planned, we have so much to be thankful for.    I have a GOD that loves me enough to send his son to die for my sins so that I may have everlasting life.  I woke up this morning in my warm cozy house after sleeping in a comfy bed.  I had food that I could make for breakfast and I have a son that makes me so proud.   I have friends and family that love and support me no matter what.  That in itself is enough.

Jeremy and I were going to meet some friends from church to help deliver food to some less fortunate families.  Once we made it to the facility, we were the only ones there.   After doing some investigating, we found out that they weren't delivering today due to a family emergency.   So, we went on to plan B.  So, we headed off to breakfast with Greg and Fisher Williams at Cracker Barrel. I am thankful for the ability to enjoy a breakfast with good friends.   We all mentioned several times how we felt bad for the families that needed the meals.  I am thankful that I have people in my life that care for others.


Once we returned home, Jeremy and I decided to put up our Christmas tree.  Last year, we didn't put up our big tree because we have a family tree.  Every year, we would all get an ornament to remind us of something from the year.   So, we knew that it would be hard to put up the tree and have to go through all of the ornaments that belongs to Mark.   Well, we were not wrong.   We boths she a few tears, but the majority of Mark's ornaments were packed away so that we don't have to go through them every year, but we will have them.   So, our Christmas tree is up and beautiful.  We then proceeded to straighten up our storage room at the house, and pulled a few things to donate to the Cub Scouts and the clothes closet.   So, I'm also thankful for a day off work to be able to get something's cleaned out.



Jeremy and I cooked a ham, macaroni and cheese, cranberry relish, and snicker salad for dinner.   So, I'm thankful for the food that we have been blessed enough to be able to buy.   Now, we are sitting here watching Whose Line is It Anyway and enjoying a good laugh.   So, all in all, our Thankgiving has included friends, family, food, laughter and tears -AND through it all we have been blessed.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17


give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Day After...

Ok.  I planned to write a blog yesterday, but between work, picking up Cub Scout Popcorn, and a Cub Committee Meeting - I ran out of time.   So, I will write this blog about THE DAY AFTER.   Yesterday marked 2 years since my husband, Mark, passed away.   No one should have to bury their husband at 40 years old, but I'm not sure that I would have been ready to do it at 90 years old either.   Mark was more than just my husband.  He was my best friend, secret keeper, encourager, lover, shoulder to cry on, supporter, and so much more.   We were equally happy hanging out at the house watching TV or traveling.   He left a huge hole in my life, and I miss him daily.  However, I wouldn't wish him back for all the money on the earth.   

Jeremy and I made it through yesterday with grace and dignity.  We both talked about how well we had done, and how the day wasn't as hard as we expected it to be.  We did talk a little bit about Mark and laughed at some stories, but we both know that he is in a much better place.   It is just our selfish "human" nature that misses him.   

I can remember the day after Mark died just like it was yesterday.   I woke up around 7 because I had too much on my mind for my body to let me sleep late.   I got up, got dressed and opened my blinds on the front of my house.  I sat and watched out the window as the world went by.   The sun was shining and across the street, I saw my dad come out and raise the flag in front of his house, like he did every day at that time.   Only this time, he didn't raise it all the way, he left it at half mass...and I cried!   I watched the flag blow in the breeze in tribute to Mark.  My dad told me that he knew it wasn't protocol to lower the flag to half mass for just anyone, but that Mark had deserved the tribute.  He was all about serving and helping people.   

After a couple of hours trying to pull myself together, my best friend, Jenny - came over to sit at the house while my sister-in-law, Sally, and I went to the funeral home to make the arrangements.   I remember thinking how well the two of us handled making the arrangements - and even laughed a few times.   Mark had already planned out his memorial and wishes.   So, that wasn't left for me to have to decide (Thank Goodness!).  I remember how exhausted I was that day and how my friends and parents were there to support Jeremy and I.  The day after brought tears, smiles, laughs, rest, several food deliveries, a couple of deliveries of flowers (a small arrangement from Jeremy's homeroom teacher, and a beautiful dozen red roses from my boss and his wife), visits from several friends, and a lot of peace.  I was at peace with Mark's passing.   I was prepared for him to go, but not in any hurry for it to happen.  

Over the last 2 years, many things have changed.   Jeremy and I  have made some changes to the house.   Jeremy planted some trees in the yard in memory of Mark (and just because we wanted them).  We planted a Camellia bush that a friend gave us, because when I called to tell her that Mark has passed away, her's was in full bloom.  I have set the patio up just the way I wanted it.   We went back to having friends over again.  We have worked to find our new normal.   But, what does that mean? Our new normal!   Hmmm.   My new normal is to not waste time.  Both Jeremy and I have a desire to help others when we can.  So, our new normal includes helping with a clothes closet, volunteering with the Cub Scouts, being active in church, being sure that we don't take our faithful family and friends for granted.  I have stepped out of my comfort zone (actually been called out by GOD) and talked to a couple of widows because you can't really understand what they are going through until you walk that path.  

I try to read uplifting blogs and participate in bible studies that encourage and strengthen me and my walk.  I get a blog from The Christian Working Woman daily.   Her blog today was about -"My question has been: When your cup runs over, what spills out? During the times when we are jostled on life's roller-coaster seas, what's inside of us will come spilling out. If it's faith and trust and joy in the Lord, that will come out. If it's bitterness or worry or self-centeredness, that will come spilling out."    

I know that I am not always in a positive uplifting kind of mood.  Some days I'm down right grumpy, and somedays I feel a little sorry for myself.  But I hope that others can see God through me.   I hope that people that are watching me can be inspired (not by me - because it isn't me, but God carrying me).  I hope that they can see that you can survive losing loved ones in your life.   When Mark was sick, I had no trouble being positive because I had to believe that he would beat cancer. When it was evident that he wouldn't beat it, I had to be positive for Mark and Jeremy.  Once he passed away, I felt that I had to be positive for Jeremy, my parents, my friends, and myself.  Now I am TRULY positive because I know that GOD can handle this and he won't leave me in my time of need.  I know that God loves me, and his heart breaks when my heart breaks, but I also know that he has a plan.  So, I just have to patient while his plan falls into place.  I can't wait to see what my future holds...I hope it's something AWESOME!

Jeremy 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

What's not to love about Fall.

If you know my at all, you know that I don't really like the hot temperatures of summer or the cold temperatures of winter.  Since I live in Alabama, there isn't a lot of middle ground, but I love fall and spring.    How can you  not love fall?   The weather is cooler...it is football season...Halloween is just around the bend...and the leaves are changing color.

We typically go to the PCHS football games in the fall (both at home and away).   This year, I have only been to one home game, and that might be my only home game.   Going to the games just aren't the same when you don't have a spouse to go with.   At the away games, I have Jenny to sit with, but at the home games, she works the concession stands, so that leaves me to sit alone.  I sat half of the last game with Jenny's son.   The games are no fun when you are there alone.  I didn't have any friends to sit with at the game, so it was just me and the crowd of strangers.  So, for the rest of the season, I will be skipping the home games because I can listen to them at home alone and be more comfortable than sitting on the bleachers.  


Last Saturday, Jeremy and I made the drive down to Auburn to see some college football.  My family has always cheered for the Auburn Tigers, and I decided to surprise Jeremy with a trip to see them play.  This was his first Auburn game, and I think he had a good time.    We only live about 2 hours from Auburn, so it wasn't too bad of a drive.   We did all of the "College Football Must do" things.   We walked around the campus unsure of where we were really headed, but the crowds got us to all of the places that we needed to be.    We were able to line up to see the Tiger Walk (where the team unloads the buses and walk their way into the stadium to the cheers of MANY fans).   We climbed up to our seats.  We were in the upper deck (second from the top row).  Let me tell you...those seats were high!!!!  

We got to see the eagle, NOVA, do his flight around the stadium and land in the middle of the field.    Then we got to sit and cheer our team to victory!   After the game, we made the walk back to Toomer's Corner.    On the way, we bought two rolls of toilet paper.  After an Auburn win, it is tradition to roll Toomer's Corner.  So, we tossed a roll at the trees, and picked up a Toomer's lemonade.  Both were great fun!    Then we made the 2 hour drive home.    I was one tired girl, but I would do it again in a minute.  

On Monday, I got a call that a dear friend of mine (for nearly 20 years) passed away.   He was a great guy and will be missed by so many people.   I'm so glad that he didn't suffer, but I feel such pain for his wife.  I know the long road that she is walking right now.  It is long, grueling, and oh so lonely.  I pray daily for her.   Michael, you will be missed by so many.  I like to believe that our loved ones that have passed can stop by and check on us from time to time.  


My best friend has sold her house and looking for a new house.    I'm so thankful that they are staying in our small town.  I would be so lost without her around all the time.    She and her family have helped us out so much when Mark was sick (and since).   We have a sisterly relationship, we can get away with telling each other things that others would get in trouble for saying to us.   LOL!    

I'm sitting her at work looking out the window at the leaves that are beginning to change color.  They are blowing in the breeze.  I realize that in a month, we will be leaving Daylight Savings Time.  So, about now, it will be getting dark (that is one downfall to fall).  I have a cute little ghost sitting on my desk.  Mark had one of these little ghosts on his bedside table for his Halloween decoration the October before he passed away.

I love this little ghost.  It makes me think of him (more than usual).   It's like he is smiling and saying "boo", but not in a scary way!   LOL!    So, I'm ready for fall and all the days that I have before me.

I'm thankful for the cooler weather and all the many blessings in my life.  I'm thankful to be able to jump in the car and drive 2 hours for a football game.  I'm thankful to be able to get together with friends to help pack.  I'm thankful for my health.  I'm thankful for my family and friends.   I'm thankful for memories and tomorrows.