Off we go...

We're heading off in the morning - oh wait, it is morning. We're heading off in a few hours. We had at first planned on taking the computer, but have since changed our mind. Will I really have time to blog, check e-mail and download the pictures we will have taken for the day? Probably not. We're just going to - in the words of Anna Gracen - chill -lax. You know, chill and relax! As much as you can at Disney World anyway.

Check back September 9th for pictures and Disney stories (I'm sure there will be many). We may check out Night of Joy on Saturday night. TobyMac, Casting Crowns and Aaron Shust are among the performers. I'm so excited!!! Gotta get some sleep.

Have a blessed week! Take time to chill -lax yourself. Hey, go out and buy The Shack and start reading or re-reading, whichever the case may be.

Wildcats win again!!!

Coach Daddy and his Little Wildcat! Way to go Wildcats!! They played at the home of county rival, South Johnston. It was a great game. Those boys can play some football.

Here is Mama and Bennett before the game.

Here they come, ready to rumble!!!
"T" (my Daddy) and Sydney had a great time cheering on the Wildcats. Sydney wouldn't talk to any of us until she was fed a hot dog and popcorn. After she ate she was a lot of fun!!
Behind every good man is a good woman (woman in training anyway). She so reminds me of the little girl in "Remember the Titans". You see who is holding the playbook, don't you?
The best quote of the night - All the players, parents, administrators, fans and coaches met in the end zone for an after-game talk. Bennett congratulated the players on a job well done and encouraged them. After he finished speaking a girl standing beside me said to her friend, "Coach reminds me of that coach in the movie we watched. What's the name of it?" I figured she was going to say "Remember the Titans" or "We are Marshall". Then she said, "He reminds me of the coach in 'Facing the Giants'". I had to walk away - I started tearing up. Last year after I saw that movie I sent it to Bennett for his birthday. To hear that he reminded this young girl of the coach in that movie warmed my heart.

Congratulations Bennett on a job well done!!

Morning Glories

When I went for a bicycle ride on Saturday, I was struck by the beauty of these flowers. They immediately "spoke" to me. What struck me was how the dried corn (symbol of harvest increase and blessing) was being overtaken by the beauty of the morning glories (morning: symbol of a new day and glory: symbol of presence of God). We can be dried up spiritually, but have new life in Jesus. We need to let Him overtake every part of our lives. The purple speaks of royalty - the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Among all the colorful flowers were these 3 white ones. 3 - symbol of number of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. White stands for purity, righteousness, and holiness of God. Notice the inside of the flower is a star shape. Star means morning light - Christ.
The morning glories started growing in front of the corn. They took over the front row and then spread to the other rows of corn - the harvest. As we submit to God - letting Him be in control - others see and are affected. His glory spreads - it is contagious.
Let us keep growing up unto Him!

So when you see something that speaks to you - really look at it and hear it all.

(Symbols from Kevin J. Connor's Interpreting the Symbols and Types)

To make you smile...

Here's Wooten enjoying the ribs Tom cooked on the grill and dripping (the ribs and Wooten) with my homemade BBQ sauce.
Meatetarian: Wooten came up with this word (which can be found in the Urban Dictionary and recent Wendy's commercial) describing his eating preferences. He said he just doesn't understand the whole vegetarian thing. Speaking of meatetarians - check out what we feasted on Saturday night. Friends of ours from church were gracious enough to invite the whole church out for a pig pickin'. We had lots of great food, great fun and great fellowship. The following pics were taken there.
Christian, along with all the other kids, decided to see what it's like to be a monkey. He looks at home up there,doesn't he? He's so brave! He was too busy playing that he didn't stop to eat. Wooten, of course, helped himself to the grill! Boy, did Christian miss out on some delicious treats. There was a Mounds (like the candy bar) cake that was awesome!
Then there's Anna Gracen. Didn't anyone ever tell her that you aren't supposed to drink and drive? That was the first thing I said when I saw this picture. She said that as she was driving around she said the same thing to her friend, Lindsey. That girl is too much like her momma (and I love it!)

WEST WILDCATS WIN!!!!!!!

West Johnston 41, Athens Drive 14

"Bennett Jones' debut as head coach of the Wildcats was a smashing success." (Clay Best, News & Observer). Check out more here and here.

Way to go, Bennett - way to go, Wildcats!!!

The count down is on

School has just started and we're ready for a vacation. No, seriously, one of the main reasons for starting school this week was to be able to take off Labor Day week for the much planned Disney trip. The kids are excited!

Christian is thrilled to be able to ride more rides this trip. He is psyched to try out Space Mountain, Test Track, Soarin' and all the other rides he was too small to ride our last trip. Anna Gracen and I have decided to try some rides we didn't ride last time like Space Mountain, Star Tours (the Star Wars ride), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tower of Terror. We all get to check out Expedition Everest this time around. Yeah, I'm just as excited as the kids!

In The Marketplace (Part 2)

The conversation started out easy enough. Right off the bat, I explained to the tattoo artist that I wanted the body of the butterfly to be a cross - to represent Jesus. I wanted it on my back because Jesus has my back. He did not respond, but the conversation continued. I talked about what he knew – tattoos. I told him how I watch the shows on television. He had all kinds of opinions about them. He saw that I appreciated tattooing as an art form.

His wife called prompting him to start talking about her. I learned that she is several years younger than him and is insecure and unhappy. I asked, “Do you want me to tell you why?” I told him that as little girls, we ladies have the image of the “perfect” life, the “perfect” prince who rescues us and we live “happily ever after”. Then we get older and watch the teen chick flicks that reiterate those beliefs. Then reality slaps us in the face and we find out it is not as we expected. (No man except for One can be our Prince. There IS a perfect Prince - his name is Jesus and He does rescue us and we can live happily ever after with Him.) The artist said his wife did not have any friends. I asked if they went to church. That made him laugh, but it also opened the door to see where he was spiritually. God is good!

The artist went on to share that he had grown up in church and found church goers to be hypocrites (holier than thou). I told him I related to that and that was not what God intended for us to become - He wants us to love each other unconditionally. He shared that his mother is a lady of faith. Over the next hour or so I listened to his interesting ideas of God (some where pretty far out there). He said, “There may not even be a God” and then got quiet. I said with all confidence, “Do you know what your problem is?” Remember I am asking this of a man as he has a needle on my back. He asked, “What?” “Your problem is you think too much. It is all based on faith.” At that exact moment, the young guy from the counter came in to ask the artist a question about an unrelated subject. As soon as the guy left the room the artist said, “You are right, it is based on faith.” Then he said, “I’m on the fence, I‘m not on one side or the other yet.” I asked him did he know why he was not totally convinced that God is not real. He said he didn’t. “Let me tell you why,” I boldly said. “It’s because your Momma is praying for you.” He thought a minute and said, “She probably does.” “No! I know she does. That is why you haven’t turned your back on God. Your Momma is praying for you,” I replied boldly.

The tattoo turned out beautiful. Tom enjoyed his dinner and returned to the shop just as the artist was finishing up. I thanked the artist, acknowledged his talent and left to go wait for my friend. It sunk in what God had done when I walked out the shop door; bandaged up and heading to the store for some A&D ointment. I immediately filled Tom in on the conversation I had with the artist and then we prayed. There was a skip in my step because I knew God had used me at that moment to impart to this man. I did not “try” to do anything when I was in there or be anybody I was not – I just was.


When my friend arrived with my car we showed each other our tattoos. The artist that inked her was a nicer guy than the artist I talked to. He was a Christian and she was able to talk with him about the Lord also. God used us both that night – divine appointments. He knew who would connect.


I have not been back to the tattoo shop. I do continue to thank God for the work He is doing in the artist. I praise Him for giving me the opportunity to be used. As far as I know there are no more tattoos in my future. I will see what God has planned. I do know He will continue to send us out in the marketplace.

School starts

Tomorrow marks the first day of school here at the Dougherty home. Today was going to be the day (ah, the beauty of homeschooling). Wooten went to a sleepover last night and my house is not quite the way I want it. To start school off on a clean slate - I need the clean slate. The classroom/playroom is a mess - toys all over the floor. So today is a teacher/student workday. The work to be done - cleaning the slate, getting lesson plans together, laundry and cleaning a couple of toilets and bathrooms. Where is that janitor when you need him? Oh, yeah, the beauty of homeschooling - that janitor is ME! LOL!!!

Oh, me, let me get to the cleaning and refereeing. Christian just came in and asked the following, "When Anna is like 30 and I go to her house can she call the police and tell them that a maniac is there and they'll come and get me?" (I know that is a run-on sentence, but he asked the question without taking a breath and without a pause.) Boy, they keep me busy and laughing!!!

The rest of the story...

The rest of the story...."In the Marketplace" coming soon. I would love some feedback. I can't believe I'm actually asking for critiques, but I am. You can do so anonymously. I would like to know where you're from and how you stumbled upon Doughertys' Digest (those who don't know me personally). Enjoy your Saturday!!

You ARE blessed!

In the Marketplace (Part 1)

Here's the first part of the story behind my tattoo. I wrote this over a year ago. I entitled it "In the Marketplace". Enjoy and let me know what you think. Please feel free to leave comments I would like to know who is reading.

In the Marketplace
Confession time – oow I just got your attention, didn’t I? Well it is known in my family that for my 30th birthday I did something I always wanted to do – I got a tattoo; a small moon and two stars inside a sun. It only took fifteen minutes to get it. It is located on my right thigh. I had it put there so it can only be seen by others when I wear a bathing suit or purposely show it. My husband, Tom, wasn’t sure about me getting one. Once I got it he liked it. I thought that would be my one and only tattoo. I was wrong!
I enjoy watching the television shows that feature tattoo shops. I like the stories of why people get them and what they are getting. I believe tattoos are works of art (that is my opinion, if yours differs that is okay). Well, Tom started talking to me about getting another tattoo. A friend of mine at church and I had talked about going together to get another one. Yes, people at church can and do have tattoos. Do not judge a book by its cover.
I remember my pastor saying one Sunday in particular, that we need to get out of the four walls of the church and get out in the marketplace. Little did I know what that meant for me at that time. Here is the confession: there are family members that do not know about this tattoo. Well, I guess if they are reading this – they know now (update: I think all the family has seen it now thanks to our beach trip this past June & the family cookout last weekend.) Two days later I, at the last minute, decided that day was the day for me to go get a new tattoo. I had looked on-line at some shops located in towns near where I live. I decided to go back to the same town where I got my other one, but to a different artist. I had read about this artist on the shop’s website. I knew that my cousin had gotten “inked” by him. I called my friend from church and took my kids to my in-laws. I headed off with a picture of what I wanted, Tom and my friend in tow. I had chosen a colorful butterfly. I wanted a cross as the body of the butterfly which makes it a custom tattoo.
We walked into the tattoo parlor (that conjures up all kinds of images, doesn’t it?) Well, contrary to popular belief, it was a bright, cheerful place; not dark and dirty. The young guy at the counter was nice. He had some great tattoos. The lyrics to “Amazing Grace” were on his left arm. He took my butterfly picture and headed to a back room to see the artist.
When the artist emerged we found him to be dark and bruiting; the epitome of temperamental artist. My friend asked him a question; he was not exactly friendly. I remember the look my friend gave me. The artist was positioning the tattoo stencil on my left shoulder blade when I mouthed to her, “Am I making a mistake? Please pray!” The artist had told her that he would not have time to do a tattoo for her; mine would take at least an hour and a half (Whoa!) My friend decided to take our car and go to another shop down the road for her tat.
As I sat on the table I started wondering if I was supposed to do this. The wondering turned to praying. There was a peace, God’s peace. I talked Tom into going to the Italian restaurant next door to get something to eat as I was inked. God wanted to use me there. Okay, religious people out there – you need to know that this man was not about to enter a church. He would turn and walk the other way if you were to approach him in a restaurant or mall to witness to him. God knew someone would have to go to him. I did not think about how I was going to talk to him or what I was going to say. I did not come up with a speech in my head and try to get “religious”. I was just me. I knew the Holy Spirit was flowing because I had a confident way about me. There is a difference in talking with someone and connecting with them. There was a spiritual connection there.

Guess who?

Guess who I met today? Okay, I can't wait to tell you. I met Paul Young. No, not Paul Young the singer ("Everytime You Go Away" and "Don't Dream It's Over"). William P. "Paul" Young, the author of The Shack. SCREAM!!!!

Laura called me this morning to tell me he would be in Greenville, NC at Barnes & Noble signing books. God is so good! Cameron, Laura's hubby, "just happened" to go to Barnes & Noble in Greenville yesterday and saw the advertisement. If it hadn't been for that "chance" encounter, we never would have known.

Paul was very humble and describes himself as an accidental author. He wrote the first manuscript for his six children, not for publication. Hearing him speak was great. He spoke with each person who came through the line and signed multiple copies for each of us. One of the Barnes & Noble employees talked about how nice it was to see an author so friendly. She said they usually just sign the books and keep the line moving.

Here is Paul when he first arrived.

He took time to give us some background on the book and the adventure of getting it published. He then took some questions from the group which gave some further background on the characters. Laura presented something (can't tell what without spoiling some of the plot) that Paul said he hadn't heard anyone present before. Funny thing is, Laura and I both had the same thought when we read the book. He said, "You are the only two - that's brilliant." Okay, let me explain the look on my face in the first picture. I asked Paul if I could have a picture for my blog. He immediately said yes and jumped up beside me. Then he asked if I was one of those angry bloggers. I replied, "No, I'm a happy blogger." I think the picture was taken as he asked me the question which explains the surprised/weird look on my face. Whatever, I got to met him.

I enjoyed talking to him - very personable. Those who know me know that I love details - I will be typing out the conversation so I won't forget any detail. I told him about me putting a link to his blog on mine. He gave me this link to another blog. Have you read the book yet? What are you waiting for? Read the book and check out the blog. You will be blessed!!!!

YUK!!!!

I do not like opossums. YUK! I was chased by one when I was in high school. Yes, I said chased. I came home to surprise him under our carport. He was eating the garbage. These guys do not like to be cornered - he came out hissing. I jumped, screamed, cried and ran into our nearby laundry room. I haven't liked them ever since. So why the post about opossums. Because just awhile ago I had another encounter - too close if you ask me. I heard a noise on the back porch. I figured it was the worrisome cat from down the street. The one who likes to come by, eat my cats' food and spray his ever so lovely scent. I turned on the light and saw the worrisome cat eating the cat food, Smokey sitting (scared stiff) in the chair and an opossum on the inside ledge of the porch. He was oddly enough watching the worrisome cat eat. I guess he was waiting his turn at the free grub.

I ran back to Wooten's room to find his airsoft gun. It shoots soft BB's - just enough to sting and cause whatever is around to leave. After getting a quick lesson on how it works from a sleepy Wooten (he probably won't even remember in the morning), I ran back to the porch. I scared the worrisome cat off the porch and quickly grabbed Smokey and brought him in the house. Then I ran to the door under the carport to rescue the other two cats, Cane & Major. They didn't know what was going on, but were excited that I was letting them in the house. Then I watched the opossum make his way off the porch. It was happening way too slow for my liking. He finally made it to his exit and just sat there. I guess he needed incentive to jump, so I obliged. Thank you, Wooten, for the lesson. He not only jumped, but he took off running in the backyard - I hope never to return. I'll keep my fingers crossed and the airsoft gun nearby.

Disclaimer: No animals were injured prior to or during this post. They may have been scared but not injured. This is not a picture of the actual opossum. I didn't shoot any pictures, only the airsoft gun.

Family cookout

We had a family cookout Sunday afternoon at my aunt and uncle's house. We had tons of food and laughs. Here's a pic of my granddaddy (Papa) sharing words of wisdom (or talking sports). Jennifer, Carson, Aunt Vicky and Mammy saying good bye. In the background, Tom and Nana talking about our upcoming Disney trip.
Christian and Uncle Paul playing some b-ball in the pool.

Here's Anna Gracen and Nana (my Mama) making homemade ice cream. I guess it churns faster if you watch it, LOL. Christian and Sydney are tough, little fish. The water was COLDDDDDDDDD! They stayed in longer than anyone else. I did brave the cold water with them for awhile. The only reason they got out was to eat. I caught Wooten and Chandler as they walked out of the house. Wooten said I was like the paparazzi. Think this shot is worth any money?
Here are my two younger brothers. Hard to believe they are younger than me, isn't it? When I took this picture they said, "It takes two." It doesn't take two to make you laugh, but the two of them together is hilarious.

Wild Thang

Okay, I could not resist putting that song on here. Here is a picture of my sister-in-law on stage with none other than Tone Loc himself singing that very song. Bennett and Jennifer went to a 2nd Chance Prom held by G-105. They were able to see Tone Loc, Rob Base and others (I don't remember their names, but I know their music). Bennett got Rob Base's CD for Brad. Brad was thrilled (he loves 80's music thanks to Bennett and me). Too cool! They hold the event every year with different acts. I want to go next year. What fun!!

Music to my ears

As you can see, uh, I mean hear, I've added music to the blog. Of course "Girls Wanna Have Fun" because that goes with the post. "7 Things" by Miley Cyrus because I have a daughter who loves Miley/Hannah Montana. "Pocket Full of Sunshine" because I heard that song on another blog and I like it (so does Anna Gracen - the boys not so much). The Aaron Shust songs because as I've mentioned before I love his music. "Leather & Lace" by Stevie Nicks because Tom loves her music - and this is one of my favorites. I feel I need to explain "Slow Ride". I became addicted to Guitar Heroes when we went to the Outer Banks (thank you, Bennett). "Slow Ride" was my favorite song to play (it has a good beat and is one of the easier songs - as Wooten & Christian's buddy, Charlie, let me know). I was just thrilled to make it through the entire song without getting booed off the stage - that was quite the feat for me. Hope you enjoy the music. If there's a song you haven't heard before, check it out. If there is a song you don't like skip it. Either way I hope at least one makes you smile or laugh.

Girls just wanna have fun

Anna Gracen bought some clay yesterday and decided to make Tinkerbell. Isn't she cute?
Here we are having some fun on a Friday night.
Check out my puppy dog.
One of Anna Gracen's masterpieces she made this morning & took the pic. She's good!
Another Anna Gracen original.

The Shack

I have just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. May God give me the words to say to express how this book has impacted me. As I read this book, I laughed (out loud), I cried, I reflected and I received revelation. A deeper revelation and understanding of God, of Jesus and of The Holy Spirit. As my sister in Christ, Laura, put it "your religion will be blown out of the water (in a good way)." I truly believe this book to be inspired by God. He wants us to know Him, in His fullness, as intimately as He knows us. He knows our every thought. He knows every hair on our heads (or lack of - whichever the case may be). This isn't just a book that I've read - it's a life changing look at God's truth through His heart. I borrowed this book from Laura, but I will be buying my own copy today. I want to read it again and I want to share it with my children and others. I believe that when I read the Bible that I will "see" things more clearly. I believe that lives are being changed and God will use different means to see that happens. He uses His Word, His Truth, his children, music, books and yes, even movies. There is talk that The Shack will be made into a movie. I say, YES, Lord, let it be!


So there - my two cents. I hope you are intrigued, but more than that, I pray that you are drawn to ALL God has given you; ALL that Jesus has provided for you; and ALL that The Holy Spirit shares with you. Remember as Papa (God in the book) says of His children, "I'm especially fond of him/her". You ARE blessed and highly favored!

Still reading...

I'm still reading The Shack. It is very good. Check out the website here. Gotta go... gotta keep reading.. must finish.

Whatcha reading?

Whatcha reading this summer? Here's the place to post your recommendations. I'm currently reading The Shack by William P. Young. I'm enjoying it and will post more about it when I finish. Check out what my friend, Laura, had to say about it here. Let me get back to reading...

My baby brother

Here's a picture of my baby brother, Brad. He wouldn't let Tom take a picture of him, so I got this off of his myspace page. I think it is so sweet that he stopped by to visit with us today. Brad is a character. He makes me laugh. No wonder he has so many friends. I can't wait for him to find Ms. Right. Here's your shout out, Brad! I love you little brother!!

Priceless

Dinner out: $9.00
Sitter for the kids: FREE (thank you, Mimi)
Catching up with a friend: Priceless!

Home sweet home!

Wooten is home!!! We are so glad! He had a fantastic time and wants to go back next year. What a great thing to hear. Wooten was very talkative about his trip (which is also a great thing to hear). He told us about the games they played; the food they ate; what some of the speakers talked about; the worship and the kids praying one for another, and how when the leaders talked about Jesus they cried. He was touched and wanted us to know. We were blessed by hearing about him being blessed. It reminds me of a song we sang at VBS - "I Want the World to Know". Romans 10:17 (New King James Version) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.